This is the first episode ever of Bark Radio that does not deal with dogs. So why Wild Mustangs? Because at this very moment there are more Wild Mustangs in government holding pens than in the wild. Because the Bureau of Land Management is “managing” the herds to extinction. The story of these beautiful horses and their family units – now being ripped apart – is way too reminiscent of the history of Native Americans. Don’t miss this informative interview with Maureen from Grassroots Horse.
In today’s episode learn about Grace, the beautiful dog who was shot with a 12-gauge shotgun and survived. Check out Richmond Pet Lovers’ for more information. And what’s this about bird food for dogs? On a very serious note, our friend Luke Robinson’s Great Pyrenees, Murphy, has been diagnosed with cancer. After a grueling 2000+ mile walk from Austin to Boston over the last two years to put the spotlight on canine cancer, Murphy’s diagnosis was absolutely heart wrenching. Please consider donating to Murphy’s treatment. We love you Murphy!
Why are so many people considering their dogs disposable? Get a dog, dump a dog? Millions of dogs are surrendered to rescues annually with up to 4 million being euthanized EVERY SINGLE YEAR. Why does this epidemic exist? Part of it is the economy. Is there help for folks who are struggling financially? In many communities, yes. Check with your local shelter to see if a program exists that can help with vaccinations and even food. Behavior problems? Enlist a trainer. Considering bringing a dog into your home? Think carefully about the long-term commitment required.
Bark Radio salutes two canine heroes in today’s episode. First there is Chief, a Pit Bull in the Philippines, who saved a grandmother and granddaughter from a Cobra. Then it’s back to the U.S. and another Pit Bull named Thor who saved his family from a fire that engulfed their home. Next, four paws way up to the State of Delaware for passing groundbreaking legislation: “The Delaware Companion Animal Protection Act mandates collaboration between shelters and rescue groups. A shelter cannot kill an animal if a rescue group is willing to save that animal’s life. But that is just the beginning. It also makes convenience killing illegal—shelters can no longer kill an animal when there are available cages or the animals can share a cage or kennel with another one.” And, last but definitely not least, Kentucky bikers teamed up with the humane society for a “2 Wheels 4 Paws” fundraiser.
Did you know that Mary Tyler Moore has a diabetic alert dog? And he’s is a pitbull. How cool is that? Next, Terry tells us about a natural cedar treatment for pests including fleas and ticks. The version for yards even turns snakes around and sends them scurrying the other way. And today’s vent is about Terry’s run-in with an idiot and a big lesson about how NOT to train a dog. Argh! And finally a tip of the hat to the Dingo, Australia’s wild dog.
Search and rescue dog handler Susannah Charleson has written a real page turner – Scent of the Missing: Love and Partnership with a Search and Rescue Dog. Susannah talked with us recently about her Dallas-based SAR team and her partner, six-year-old Golden Retriever, Puzzle. Susannah’s insight about dogs in general and SAR dogs in particular makes this a great read. Here she is … describing puppy Puzzle after an early “find” in training: “She flops down in the green grass, snitzes once and tosses her head, with a grin so wide it eclipses the rest of her face. She looks like a little blond Halloween pumpkin laughing there, full of merry confidence and more than a little mischief.”
http://www.scentofthemissing.com/
A big shout out in today’s episode to Bark Radio pals Paul and Andrea and their wonderful world of Newfoundlands. That’s Gina and her puppies in the photo below. And our Bark Radio hats are off to another friend, Debbie, who is working as a volunteer with German Shepherd rescue. She has her very first foster dog, Max, a handsome 7-year-old GSD. Also, hear about Dee’s foster dog, Nani, a 5-year-old Lab.
Are you looking for a natural way to calm your dog? Does your dog have itchy skin or suffer from car sickness? If the answer is yes, be sure to listen to today’s interview with Patty from Zen Paws. It’s all about aromatherapy for dogs. Patty also tells us about her aromatherapy buckwheat pet bed.
Rather than protecting and serving, Richmond cop David Robinson was busted recently for dog fighting. What’s up with that? The good news is he lost his job and got 14 months in jail. Sadly many of the dogs this horrible man had on his property were not lucky enough to survive. This story leads to a discussion of Breed Specific Legislation and a reminder to judge the deed not the breed. The conversation ends on a positive note: good people doing great things for dogs, including Rescue Ink and Best Friends Animal Society.
Eric Bellows is a man on a mission. His mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and find forever homes for dogs. Many of Eric’s dogs are what he refers to as “power” breeds. Eric lives with and loves his dogs on 25 acres in upstate New York. He tells us there are no kennels or crates there. Eric’s dogs live as a pack – eating, sleeping and playing together with their humans. Visit Pack Ethic’s website and Eric’s YouTube channel. You will be inspired. And if his name sounds familiar, Eric is one of the great guys from Rescue Ink.
