Bark Radio

Heroes. Terry and Dee love people who stand up for animals’ rights. There is a whole pack of ’em showing up Friday nights at 10 pm EST on the National Geographic channel. Rescue Ink is about “a bunch of tattooed, motorcycle-riding tough guys who have joined together to fight animal cruelty, educate abusers and help resolve situations other rescue groups can’t – or won’t – handle themselves.”  Next, the conversation turned to a CCI Coldstone Creamery fundraising update and finally, the “Find It” game for you and your dog.

Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary in Ohio takes in special needs animals, especially dogs. Don’t miss this very special interview with Deborah Parker. This wonderful woman is an inspiration to all animal lovers. Learn more at www.saintfrancisanimalsanctuary.org and donate generously to this worthy cause.

Terry and Dee talked recently with Shanna from Bully Paws rescue in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Like so many people in the rescue community, Shanna and her team of volunteers are overwhelmed with the number of dogs who need homes. Yes, the economy has made it worse. There are not enough foster homes. Volunteer today. Adopt today. Give generously to this and all rescue groups. They are all bursting at the seams.

Keep your dogs safe this winter with Dee and Terry’s cold weather tips. If your dog spends a lot of time outside, bring him in more during cold winter months. Is your dog getting up there in years?  Just like people, older dogs’ joints hurt more in cold weather, so make Fido comfortable with a cushy dog bed. The discussion continues with the top ten poisons that can harm or even kill your dog. Listen up. Beware. Keep your pets safe! For more information on toxic substances, use keyword “poison” on Bark Radio’s site. For a complete list of toxic plants, go to the ASPCA’s site. The ASPCA’s poison control center is at 888.426.4435.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Terry and Dee visited Kat Simons recently in her studio at Lite 98. These three animal lovers talked about working dogs, homeless animals, upcoming events, and much more. Murphy the therapy dog was along to provide chocolate therapy to one and all.

Today’s episode is a little good, a little bad, a little ugly as Terry and Dee rant a bit about Michael Vick and BET and what’s this – Jay Leno? Breed specific legislation (BSL) is back in the news.  The good news: books about dogs. Terry ran across Recycled Love: Foster Dogs Have Tales Too. And Dee is listening to the audio book of The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski. Reviews of both to come.

What is Dogs Deserve Better? To find out, Dee and Terry interviewed DDB founder Tami Thayne, who you may know better as Tammy Grimes, animal activist. Tami is passionate about her mission – that all dogs deserve to be part of the family, not to be chained or penned outside, removed from their pack. If you know of an abused or neglected dog who is chained or penned, you can go to the Dogs Deserve Better website to report it anonymously. Do it today. Because you can make a difference. Because dogs DO deserve better.

“Would you for one second choose to live the life of these dogs?

No matter what reason is given, the bottom line is that it is NOT ok to chain a dog for life
Dogs should not have to live chained or penned as prisoners, yearning for a place in a family,
craving acknowledgment, respect, and love. They DESERVE BETTER,
and we as caretakers have the obligation to provide it for them.”
– from the Dogs Deserve website

Terry and Dee talk about the fundraiser at Cold Stone Creamery to benefit Canine Companions for Independence. Hear about the latest Nutro recall. Beware of hard hats in dog food! And dog jobs: dogs diagnosing cancer. And sniffing out bed bugs. Wow! Are doggy unions coming next? And, finally, listen up insurance companies: service dogs are part of preventative health care.

Terry and Dee discuss service dogs for veterans with post-traumatic stress syndrome. Dogs are also being trained for individuals with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. Awesome successes! Next, Terry shares his experience with putting his dogs on raw diets. Check out Dr. Tracy Lord’s site for more information about homemade diets and suggested vitamin supplements.

Robin Starr, CEO of the Richmond SPCA, sat down recently with Dee and Terry to talk about the many this amazing no-kill facility. Robin shares with our listeners the details of Project Safety Net – a group of programs designed to improve the lives of pets in our community and keep them in loving homes.

• Wellness clinics take place at the Richmond SPCA’s Robins-Starr Humane Center, located at 2519 Hermitage Road. The fee is $20 per animal and includes a wellness exam. Low-cost preventative vaccinations and medications may also be purchased at the time of your appointment. Starting Monday, October 5, 2009 hours are every Monday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Appointments are required. 
• The Pet Pantry is for Greater Richmond area individuals and families (residents of the City of Richmond or the counties of Hanover, Henrico, Chesterfield and Goochland) who are unable to feed their pets. The Richmond SPCA will assist by providing temporary pet food assistance. This service is being offered to households in need of short-term help with the cost of food (for their owned animals) .
• Share-a-Pet.Volunteers bring the love and warmth of animals from the Robins-Starr Humane Center to residents of retirement and convalescent homes.
• Paws for Health. Richmond SPCA volunteers and their carefully screened pets visit local hospitals, nursing homes and retirement communities.
• Pets on Wheels. Elderly and/or disabled clients of the local Meals on Wheels program are provided adult cats as companion animals. They pay no adoption fee. They are asked only to love and care for the animal as long as they are able. Meals on Wheels delivers the pet’s food. Litter and other supplies are provided by the Richmond SPCA. Necessary shots, any required medications and other veterinary care are administered by Richmond SPCA staff. Generous contributions make it possible for the Richmond SPCA to take care of all these services at no charge to the client. It is well known that people with pets live happier and longer lives. This program is a wonderful opportunity to give a loving home to a pet who needs one and in return receive the love and companionship that a treasured pet can provide.
• Sheltering Animals for Abused Families (SAAF). Often a fear of leaving a pet behind in an abusive situation keeps abused women and families from seeking help. In collaboration with the Richmond YWCA and Safe Harbor, the Richmond SPCA shelters pets of women and families who leave situations of domestic abuse. The acronym stands for “Sheltering Animals for Abused Families.”
• Seniors for Seniors is a cat adoption program that unites seniors living in pet-friendly retirement communities with senior cats who will provide them with years of wonderful companionship. Adults living in Richmond-area, pet-friendly retirement communities may contact the Richmond SPCA’s adoption manager at 804-521-1315 to learn more about this program.