The Toronto Pet Daily

An Open Letter To Storm's Animal Allies And Give A Dog A Second Chance

2012-01-28T15:59:00.000-05:00

Earlier today, an individual posted on the Storm's Animal Allies Facebook page that they would be willing to cover the cost of vet care for these dogs. Your response? You banned that individual from your Facebook page and deleted all of her posts. I am wondering what it is you have to hide. Here you have one tremendous woman who has offered to pay the veterinary costs, until such time that she can be reimbursed (and I'm sure this will be a hefty amount) to get these dogs the care they so desperately need NOW.

Here is what I propose. Take these dogs to the vet today. Do not offer the excuse that "they are too scared". All you need is a vehicle. Don't even bother with an excuse on this one. That means that all four of these dogs that you desperately want to help will be receiving medical care in a matter of HOURS.

Yes, IT IS THAT SIMPLE, and if you refuse to act on this suggestion, you will have only yourselves to blame for anything that happens to those poor dogs.

It is now time to do the right thing.

The woman who has so kindly offered to help has already been in contact with the vet willing to receive these dogs. You will be able to reimburse her through the donations you have already received on your donation page. Your page displays that you have so far received $310...that's a wonderful start to helping this woman who has, out of the kindness of her heart, taken it upon herself to front the funds necessary so these dogs have a chance.

Rescue Groups "Storm's Animal Allies" And "Give A Dog A Second Chance" Facing Accusations Of Deceiving Donors

2012-01-28T14:10:00.004-05:00

This is what I was talking about last week folks....questionable "rescues" on Facebook. In the past two days, two groups are under the microscope. Here is what we know :

On it's Facebook page, a group going by Storm's Animal Allies is requesting donations to assist four dogs they claim to have rescued from a Peterborough home. In addition, the group states it is working together with Give A Dog A Second Chance Rescue. The second group has faced accusations for quite some time, and you can read the facts here (I recommend a thorough read, as the blog demonstrates how these "rescues" change their stories, and even their names, all in the hopes of deceiving donors).

Here is where I draw the line : DO NOT DONATE DIRECTLY TO ANY RESCUE GROUPS UNTIL YOU HAVE DONE YOUR HOMEWORK!!! A couple days ago, people began questioning Storm's Animal Allies. When they requested information as to which vet is supposedly looking after the animals, they were told the information was confidential. It was not until today when some serious backlash began that the group posted the vet's information and said that people could donate directly to the vet (they had previously only accepted donations to their own account). By the way, when concerned individuals called the vet this morning the vet informed these people that Storm's Animal Allies had never even contacted them. It wasn't until this fact came to light that the group frantically called the vet about the dogs.

When a group solicits YOUR money with a panicked request, as Storm's Animal Allies did on their Facebook page...."PLEASE HELP...THEY NEED EMERGENCY ARE (sic) IMMEDIATELY...We have no funds left" a giant red flag needs to go up. Let me see, the group supposedly rescued these four dogs, who are in deplorable condition, and they haven't seen a vet yet? The group itself says that the dogs were eating their own leashes and drywall out of starvation. GET THESE DOGS TO A VETERINARIAN NOW! How dare you use the excuse that you don't have the funds. If you don't have the funds, contact other rescue groups that do. You know, the ones who actually have the foresight to have a bank account with reserved funds for when something like this arises? You could even try one that's actually a registered charity!

If this is all true (I am simply reporting the facts as relayed to me), then to Storm's Animal Allies and Give A Dog A Second Chance Rescue I say this : "Your days are numbered." I know from experience, true animal lovers will not stop until all the facts are uncovered, and will go to the highest authorities in doing so.

If none of this is true, I welcome any representative from either of these two rescue groups to contact The Toronto Pet Daily and give their side of the story. I simply want the following information :

1. What is your registered charity number?
2. Why haven't these dogs been taken to a vet? If they have eaten what you say they have, one or all four of these dogs face imminent danger, and could die any minute.
3. Why did you inform the vet this morning (when you FINALLY called), that the dogs were "too scared" to bring them, and you would wait until Monday?
4. Do you offer charitable receipts for individuals who turn over their hard earned money to help these animals?
5. Do you have DOCUMENTED proof of all the dogs that you reportedly "saved", as listed on your website success stories? Which vets have you taken them to? I'm sure these wonderful vets would be more than proud to share your limelight.

In case some of you are wondering why I haven't afforded these two groups the opportunity to comment yet, it's because I have seen first hand through Facebook the information changing and changing. Once these groups can get their stories straight, I welcome any such response. I would really like to give the two groups the benefit of the doubt, but unfortunately I can not do that while four sick dogs lie on the floor & the group says they can't do anything until they get donations. That my friends turns these dogs into hostages, waiting for you to pay the ransom.

Feel free to comment and ask any questions you'd like answered by these two groups, and I'll be sure to forward them along. In addition, if you have ever donated to any organization and feel that you have been scammed, report it to the OPP fraud department.

You can read my previous post on this issue on this page, and you can read Sheenagh Murphy's take on her blog. I highly recommend Sheenagh's blog, it's always thought provoking.

Lost Grey Cat - Sheppard/Bathurst

2012-01-27T13:33:00.000-05:00

My cat has been missing since wed Jan 25th at night near Bogert ave (Sheppard and Bathurst). He's 7 months old, male, grey with some white lines around his face and paws. I am offering a $100 reward if a tip leads to his rescue or if found. Thank you for your help.

sharifpour464@hotmail.com

Contributor Ingrid Castro From Leash & Paws Speaks About The Benefits Of Raw Food

2012-01-27T13:28:00.001-05:00

Recently I have received many inquiries regarding raw food. Overall, we have had Chino on raw dog food for almost a year and have been extremely delighted with it some of the benefits that we have experienced from doing so are as follows:

Less shedding
Clean teeth (no need for brushing or dental vet visits)
Smaller stools
We have visited the vet once for a routine visit and shots (whereas before we were constantly there because he was scratching excessively until he bled from allergic reactions)
Regulated his weight gain as a puppy he did not get big rapidly – gradual weight increase
Helped with muscle development because he is chewing through bones etc.
Shiny coat

Feeding a raw food diet also gives your dog a large variety that kibble does not. You can feed a wide range of different proteins such as:

Fish (rich in omega which helps with shiny coats, mackerel and salmon are good)
Pork
Beef
Chicken
Turkey
Duck
Lamb
Venison
Eggs

Raw food is fed depending on your dog’s weight and activity level there are various raw food calculators online that will calculate the amount of food you should be feeding your dog, usually it is between 2-3% of their weight. At first it is recommended that you stick to one protein source before introducing the vast variety.

Many people believe that raw food is very pricey but dependent on how much of it you are feeding it can cost as low as $1.50 a day depending on the protein you are feeding and weather you are buying bulk from a butcher or commercial packaged at your local pet store. Feeding raw does not mean that you are buying your dog a New York T-bone steak all the time sometimes organ meats and bones with a bit of meat are sufficient enough for a meal depending on the weight and at your local butcher these are the meats that no one wants therefore they are discounted.

Unlike changing your dog’s dry kibble food which is recommended you do it gradually over a period of time the switch from dry to raw can be done cold turkey without the huge side effects that come from switching from one dry food to another.

Various myths surround the feeding of raw food ranging from bones being dangerous for your dogs (when raw they are not dangerous, chicken bones are soft and bendable when raw when a chicken bone is cooked it when it becomes an issue and can splinter and become a choking hazard).

Another common myth is that dogs become aggressive after eating raw food because they get a taste for blood this is completely FALSE. Think about it when you eat sushi or a steak do you become an aggressive blood sucking vampire? Exactly.

If you are thinking of feeding your dog raw keep in mind that dogs do not NEED vegetables and fruit but if you’d like to incorporate them into their diet be sure to puree them (think baby food) so that they are able to digest them properly and they should also be raw not cooked as they lose nutritional value. You can also add raw eggs to your dogs food and it’s an added treat for them.

Also keep in mind that cats can also be on a raw food diet, for those of you who own both – having one source of food for both animals could be easier.
If you have any questions or comments feel free to comment on our blog directly or email

info@leashandpaws.com
www.leashandpaws.com

Editor's Note : For Dr. Cliff's recent opinions on the raw food debate, click here.

New Dog Walking And RUNNING Business Serving Toronto

2012-01-26T16:08:00.002-05:00

There's a new dog walking business in town. But that's not all.....they also do dog RUNNING! Toronto Dog Runners is ready to take your energetic pups on some great runs. I can say from years of experience, some dogs really do need a good run, above and beyond fun play time in the park. For next month, Toronto Dog Runners is offering the following special :

"We're new on the scene and very excited so we've decided to offer a 1-month only deal at $15/day (reg $20) for all runs this coming February! Just in time for the weather you might not want to deal with and a good time to start getting your pup more active!!"

Head on over to the Toronto Dog Runners Facebook page and help them off to a running start (like I could resist that). Share your tips and stories of running with your doggies!

Mysteries Of The Animal Mind - Tonight On The Nature Of Things

2012-01-26T14:05:00.000-05:00

Any pet owner knows their cat, dog or budgie has feelings. But many scientists considered it absurd to entertain questions about how animals might feel or that they might be thinking—it was unacceptable to ascribe experiences like delight, boredom or self-awareness to non-humans. Now scientists are exploring the complex mysteries of the animal consciousness.

Tonight The Nature of Things with David Suzuki is featuring a special episode for animal lovers. Mysteries of the Animal Mind is airing Thursday January 26, 8 p.m. (8:30 NT), on CBC Television. Here we will meet the researchers who are finding growing evidence of compassion, cooperation, altruism, empathy, intelligence and communication in all sorts of different species. We’ll meet Diana Reiss of Hunter College who takes viewers underwater at the Baltimore Aquarium. She discovers that dolphins can recognize themselves—joining a select group known to have this ability.

I'll be watching this....it looks pretty cool!

So Touching - Watch One Very Scared Shelter Puppy Turn Into A Bundle Of Love!

2012-01-25T15:17:00.002-05:00

The First Photo Contest Of 2012 Is Here.....MEOW Your Way To 100 Bucks!!

2012-01-23T15:45:00.001-05:00

That's right, it's time we paid attention to those kool kitties. So many of you comment that there's not enough love for cats on the TPD, and while you may be right, there's a good reason : Dogs are simply cooler than cats. Don't agree? Then prove me wrong by sharing the best pic you've got of your cat(s) with all of us! For the record I kinda love cats, even though my 21 year old girl Lucy did spend most of her life plotting against me, using the jump/scamper tactic on me countless times throughout the nights.

Here's what to do :

1. Share your photo on either the petbusinesses.ca Facebook page or the Toronto Pet Daily Facebook page. Please include cats' names as well! You've only got 10 days to do so.

2. On February 2, the top 10 entries will be posted on the site. These will be determined by myself, Illona from Scruffy Dog Photography, and Erin from Pet Care And The City. There will then be three days of voting by the TPD readers.

3. The top three will be announced on February 6.

Here's what you can win :

1. The first place prize is $100.00 cash, as well as $100.00 donated to the shelter or rescue organization of the winner's choice.

2. The second & third place finishers will each win $50.00.

Good luck kitties!

Introducing The PooTrap....The Best Video/Worst Product For Pets You Will Ever Come Across!

2012-01-19T20:20:00.000-05:00

Things That Make Me Go Grrrrr.....GTA Puppy Mills - It's Time For YOUR Input

2012-01-19T17:52:00.001-05:00

Two angry posts in the same day? I can't help it...today I'm off my meds (every day I'm supposed to take three dog hugs and two cuddles.....and one 50mg Effexor pill). Fortunately, I've never had to personally deal with a puppy mill, but I have had so many people tell me about their own horror stories. It's time for you to share your past adoption nightmares , and hopefully save others from having to deal with one more "Breeder" who is lying to those poor people who simply want to give an animal a loving home.

Feel free to use the comment section in this post to share your story, and there are two disclaimers :

1. Comments posted are the opinion of the comment writer, and not necessarily shared by The Toronto Pet Daily author.

2. Posts with offensive terms or derogatory language will be removed. Keep your comments clean people!

It's your turn to share your story, so let's get at it and help put an end to these disreputable individuals!

Must See : New Volkswagen Doggy Commercial - Star Wars Fans Rejoice!

2012-01-19T15:16:00.000-05:00

Things That Make Me Go Grrrrr.....Facebook Imposters Who STEAL From Kind Hearted Folks Who Donate To What They Believe Are "Animal Rescues"

2012-01-19T15:05:00.000-05:00

Today, a friend sent me a very interesting article titled "When is a rescue not a rescue?" I urge all of you to quickly read this fascinating investigation into greedy people who take advantage of others by exploiting needy animals for their own personal bank accounts. Do some have no morals?

The biggest perpetrators of this heinous act are found on Facebook. Every day I get a new posting from someone, often one I've never actually met or conversed with online, pleading for financial donations to help an animal in need. When people post such requests on the Toronto Pet Daily Facebook page, I usually remove the postings, unless I know the individual first hand. I plead with you all to investigate such postings before blindly forking over your donation.

If the article above shows us anything it's that criminals come in many forms, and the ones who usually get away with it are those who tear at your heartstrings and pose as individuals who assist helpless animals. It's a disgusting act, and one that needs to stop. I usually don't ask my readers to like or share my posts (and thanks to all of you who do so!), but on this issue I will. Please take the time to spread this post so the following helpful tips can help deter such abhorrent behaviour :

1. ChipIn pages and Paypal accounts aren't necessarily legitimate

While both of these avenues provide an easy way to send and collect donations, just because someone is soliciting donations through either method DOES NOT mean that the cause is legitimate. Having a ChipIn page asking for donations does not make the cause any more real than if someone were to stop you on the street and ask you for twenty bucks to go buy "groceries".

2. Do your homework!

Look at the person asking for donations. Have you ever had any interaction with them whatsoever? If not, a giant red flag should be appearing right about now. Is the individual open with you? Ask the following questions :

"Where EXACTLY is the money going?"

"What organization are you representing?"

"Is there any other way I can help?" For example, ask the individual if you can donate directly to a veterinarian who is caring for an animal. If you are told the information is confidential, close your wallet.

"Do you have a website that clearly lists where past donations have gone?" Today I was forwarded to a site of an organization that claims several "success stories". The problem is that I was personally involved in one of the particular cases. I wrote about it on the blog, and had direct contact with the individuals affected. I did what I could to assist in any way, and guess what? I didn't ask to be compensated in any way. I certainly didn't ask for donations on a ChipIn page! You all need to be very wary.

3. Only donate to people representing registered charities

The person or organization should be able to link you to their website which will proudly display a charitable business number. In addition, do not donate unless you are able to get a charitable receipt for your records. There are so many noble people involved in animal rescue, and when I say involved, I mean they are registered volunteers with registered charities. No one individual should be asking you for donations if they are not a member of a registered charity. Period.

4. Follow up

Don't be afraid to inquire as to the status of the individual's cause. While it may be too late in that you have already donated to one with questionable motives (hopefully the above tips will prevent this), if you are not getting any answers, it's time to report the individual to either Facebook or the authorities.

Facebook really can be an incredible outlet for helping animals in need, IF it is used properly. Unfortunately there are literally thousands who use social networking for no other purpose than to steal. The more we raise awareness this problem will start go away, thief by thief.

The Most Popular Pet Names Of 2011

2012-01-18T14:15:00.000-05:00

2011's Most Popular Adoptable-Dog Names
1. Buddy
2. Max
3. Daisy
4. Bella
5. Lucy
6. Molly
7. Charlie
8. Jack
9. Sadie
10. Rocky

2011's Most Popular Adoptable-Cat Names

1. Lucy
2. Smokey
3. Bella
4. Charlie
5. Tiger
6. Oreo
7. Daisy
8. Molly
9. Max
10. Midnight

www.petfinder.com

The First Contests Of The Year are Here!

2012-01-17T14:34:00.002-05:00

We've got three $50.00 Petsmart gist cards to give away, and here's how you can win one of them :

1. Head on over to the TPD Facebook page & post a caption for this photo. Then get your friends to "like" your caption. The caption with the most likes by 6:00 PM on Saturday will be the winner.

2. For the second gift card, all you have to do is sign up for the Toronto Pet Daily newsletter. You can do so at the bottom right of the blog. Again, on Saturday at 6:00 PM, a draw will be held & one of you will win. The newsletter comes out roughly once a month, and it features a recap of the latest news & contests. The next issue will come out on Saturday after the draw, so look for your name! If you are a Toronto pet business and would like some more exposure, you can offer an item or service as a prize in one of our upcoming contests. Email torontopetdaily@gmail.com

3. For card #3, head on over to the petbusinesses.ca Facebook page and there's a post you need to share. That's it...you're entered. I started petbusinesses.ca last year to help increase donations to pet rescues across the country, and it keeps growing, which is grrreat news. By sharing the page, you'll be helping too!

Cheers & high paws to all of you for an amazing upcoming year.

2 Year Old Beagle/Rotti Needs A New Home

2012-01-17T08:36:00.000-05:00

Hi, we are trying to find a good home for our Beagle/Rotti mix. She is almost 2 years old, and we have had her since she was 8 weeks old. We live in an apartment and we are no longer able to provide for her needs because of our busy lives. This is not her fault, and its not fair to her. She needs someone who can spend time with her and is able to provide space for her to run around. She is not spayed, her shots are up to date and she is crate trained and house trained. My contact info is my email or you can also reach me at 416-453-4839. Thank you
shutterbug990105@gmail.com

Did You Know There Are 100 000 Stray Cats In The City? Yikes!

2012-01-16T13:59:00.000-05:00

Feral cat populations have increased significantly across Canada.

The kitties gather around train yards, back-alley trash bins, under porches and other urban haunts, looking to score a meal.

In Toronto, it's estimated there are as many as 100,000 of the scrappy animals on the loose, and the numbers are similar in Montreal. Populations have bred to 44,000 in Edmonton, 25,000 in Windsor, Ont., and the cats are abound in Ottawa, as well.

Their rising numbers are cause for concern, experts say, since they can carry disease transferable to humans and household pets, such as rabies, cat scratch disease, tapeworm and hookworm infection and are a threat to local wildlife.

Last summer, a Winnipeg woman's hand was severely disfigured by bacterial infection after being bit by a feral cat she had attempted to take in.

"There's a serious problem in most municipalities," says Mike Cohen, a city councillor in Montreal's Cote Saint-Luc borough, "but many cities have shut their eyes to it."

Check Out These Two Cute Puppies Up For Adoption

2012-01-16T13:31:00.002-05:00

Things That Make Me Go Grrrrr.....One Year Later, And No Charges Laid In BC Dog Murders

2012-01-13T14:17:00.000-05:00

It's been one year since the investigation into the mass culling of 100 sled dogs in British Columbia, (though that number has now been placed at 50) and nearly two years since the event itself took place. Now, according to an article, it seems unlikely that any charges will be laid.

So let me get this straight. Both "Outdoor Adventures Whistler", the sledding responsible for the dogs, and Bob Fawcett, the individual assumedly responsible for the killings (in the aftermath of the event Fawcett filed a PTSD claim), have claimed responsibility. Yet the Crown Counsel is still working on this "complicated file"?

What exactly is so complicated? The BC SPCA conducted a $250 000 investigation, with the recommendation that the individual responsible for the culling be charged. That has still not happened. Meanwhile, "Outdoor Adventures Whistler" continues to receive "healthy" bookings.

One outcome of the event was stronger animal cruelty laws being enacted in BC, with punishments raised from up to $10 000 and six months in jail to up to $75 000 and two years in jail for serious offenders. Here's the problem, and I've said this before in a previous post : you can raise the punishments all you want, but THESE PUNISHMENTS MEAN ABSOLUTELY NOTHING IF THEY ARE NOT ENFORCED! If the courts are not going to follow through on said punishments, the whole point is moot.

In the meantime animal abusers will continue to get away with literal and figurative murder, with only the warning of a slap on the wrist and not, heaven forbid, an actual slap.

Feel free to express your thoughts in the comments below.

Lost Cat - Patrick (Dundas/Dufferin)

2012-01-12T13:13:00.000-05:00

Just before Christmas cat run avvay from the house in Toronto Dundas /Dufferin area. Patrick is grey (tiger type) 3-4 years old cat, wearing collar with blue tag, he also has microchip. If you see him or know anything, please call to owners 416-533 7947

Found Cat - Oriole Pkwy/Hillsdale

2012-01-11T18:35:00.000-05:00

Oriole Parkway and Hillsdale area

Please call Laurie

416 484 0909

Animal Groups Aim To End Culling Of Dogs In Northern Ontario

2012-01-11T16:15:00.002-05:00

Every year in the northern Ontario region of Kashechewan, the same method is used to help control pet overpopulation : dogs are shot. I'm sure that many are unaware that such a practice is commonplace. I won't bother to offer my take on this situation because in all honesty, I don't know nearly enough about the circumstances. From what I am told, the stray dogs often pose a threat to community safety, as many are simply lacking the social skills that we are so accustomed to seeing in our own dogs. In addition, the region lacks basic veterinary equipment and other medical infrastructure. What I do know is that two animal welfare organizations are teaming up to ensure that in the future, these animals are dealt with in a more humane manner.

The Grey Bruce Aboriginal Qimmiq Team (GBAQT) is a concerned group of veterinarians working alongside the Northern Ontario Animal Welfare Society (NOAWS) to establish a spay/neuter program that will help keep the animal population of Kashechewan in check. Just this week major progress was made as the Kashechewan band council approved the plan.

The spay/neuter program will take place from February 13 - 17, and the hope is that all of the approximate 100 dogs that need to be fixed will receive the procedure. This is fantastic news, and as I wrote in an earlier post, great things happen when animal welfare groups work together!

Now it's time for us to assist these two great organizations, and here's how. If you can help in any of the ways listed below, please email adoptions@noaws.com. :

1. These animals are going to need homes.

Of the 100 or so dogs to be fixed, it's estimated that 20 - 30 are strays. If you are an individual who would be interested in adoption (and what a great way to help out a needy pooch) or a rescue organization who would be willing to foster and adopt out any of these dogs, that would be spectacular!

2. Transport

The doggies are going to have to find a way to get to their loving new homes aren't they?

3. Supplies

Currently the biggest need is for collars for the dogs, so if you have any old collars, recycle them for these pooches!

4. Financial donations

After speaking with Carla Davidson from NOAWS, it turns out there's great news on this front. All of the medical costs have already been met! There is still a need for donations however. These funds will be put toward supplies (such as the dog collars if not enough are acquired in time) and transportation funds (gas). In fact, Carla has informed me that as of now, there is a surplus of donations (how often does that happen!), though that surplus may soon dwindle as further expenses arise. Here is the page if you wish to donate, as well as see updates with regard to the project.

The Toronto Pet Daily wants to express thanks to these two groups, and wish them both well in fulfilling their goal. I'll be posting an update in February. Good luck all!

Things That Make Me Go Grrrrr.....Asinine Excuses For "Returning" Pets After The Holidays

2012-01-10T16:06:00.000-05:00

Now that the holidays are over you've had some time to think, it turns out that the three and a half minutes you spent making a calculated decision to buy a pet as a present wasn't the best decision after all. In fact you'll probably now put more thought and effort into coming up with an excuse to tell the breeder or rescue organization, hopefully one that won't make you come off as an insensitive moron. Before you do, keep in mind that the following excuses for returning a new four legged friend have been used time and time again, along with some appropriate responses :

Excuse : It turns out I'm allergic.
Response : I too am allergic to some things. For instance, it turns out I'm allergic to lack of foresight. Guess what? I'm also allergic to the way my mother still refers to me as the 36 year old "Baby" of the family, and when I ask what she's up to, I'm allergic to her giving me a detailed, day to day schedule of her plans for the next week ("Well I've got bridge tomorrow at two, then on Wednesday morning I'm going shopping for tomatoes that I need for dinner, and on Thursday....."). You know what mom? Just tell me you're doing "stuff" and we're good. The point I'm trying to make? I've never done an online search looking for businesses that specialize in "Mom returns". YOU took it upon yourself to add a loving companion to your family, and YOU should put some serious thought into making it work. How you've made it this far in life without realizing you're allergic is beyond me, though there are things you can do to help with the allergies. Here's a tip : you ARE NOT allergic to pet fur! You are most likely allergic to the dander, so take some pills and try wiping off your pet each day with a damp cloth. Again while this will help the problem, I'm afraid solving your lack of knowledge when it comes to your own health is a whole other issue.

Excuse : I'm just too busy
Response : Of course you are, seeing as on December 26 you got that promotion at work which now requires you to put in an extra 12 hours a day. Seriously.....too busy? Let me help you with a simple truth. You are not that busy. If you can't find one or two hours a day for walks (I'm not including feeding as it shouldn't take you more than 180 seconds twice a day to prepare meals), you are spending too much time at Starbucks. Pets don't really seem to mind the quantity of time you spend with them (if they did they wouldn't sleep so darn much!), but they sure do care about the quality of time you spend together. A couple walks, a couple cuddles, a couple kisses, a couple pats....it doesn't add up to much time, though it amounts to a tremendous bond.

Excuse : I'm moving and the new place doesn't allow pets.
Response : Find another place. I'll start looking now for you. There's one....oh and another.....wow that took me 12 minutes to find 37 locations in your new neighbourhood that allow pets! You're welcome.

Excuse : The new pet doesn't get along with my current pet.
Response : Be patient! There will be an adjustment period, but in no time they will be best of friends.

Excuse : The new pet is bonkers!
Response : This can often be the case with not only puppies and kittens (let's face it, they're all crazy), but especially with rescue pets. My one word solution? PATIENCE. With time, your new friend will become accustomed to your routine. When I adopted my second dog from the THS two years ago, he kept peeing on my fridge each night, as he was used to simply relieving himself when he needed to. With a few weeks of training (I crated him at night) he quickly got used to the fact that he needed to pee when we were on his walks or in the yard. Remember, a dog can learn new things no matter the age, so look into some local training classes!

Excuse : We're having a baby
Response : Well that's easy, go get an abortion. What's that you say? It would be inhumane to make the life altering decision of having a child to then go back on your plans? I agree whole heartedly.

My advice? Exhaust every option you have before returning a pet. Talk to vets, trainers, family & friends who can help reassure you that things will be just fine. You may have to make some concessions and changes, but when things settle down you will find yourself rewarded more times than you can count, and proud that you are able to provide such a loving environment for your newest family member.

Feel free to comment below....are there any times returning a pet is acceptable? I think so, and I'll be adding my comment about my own experience with returning an adopted pet (I think you'll agree I did the right thing, and my excuse was far from asinine, though I still think of that dog to this day).

The Importance Of Dental Care For Cats

2012-01-09T14:23:00.001-05:00

DENTAL CARE FOR YOUR CAT AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT

Dental care is much more than a pretty smile or good breath, it is about quality of life and optimal health. Dental care is necessary to prevent pain and infection to other organs. Do you need to worry about your cat’s teeth? Absolutely! Dental disease is the most common health problem in cats, with 70% of cats 3 years and older affected with periodontal disease. And it is often a “silent disease,” with most owners unaware the disease is happening.

The good news about dental disease is that it can be prevented or treated. This includes both home and veterinary dental care. Veterinarians are committed to educate you about the dental care your cat needs, which can include home teeth brushing, dental diets proven to prevent tartar, in-clinic dental care, including x-rays of the teeth, and oral surgery.

Check for reddened gums–this may not look terrible, but this is disease. Periodontal disease starts when plaque and tartar build up on the teeth. The plaque harbors bacteria, which causes gum inflammation and can lead to infection. Dental disease can be very painful.

Although some teeth lesions are very obvious, many are not seen in cats without dental x-rays.

The crown of the tooth is excellent, but dental x-rays show severe disease of the tooth root which is painful.

Common signs of oral disease include:

- tartar buildup red and swollen gums

- bad breath

- changes in eating or chewing habits

- pawing at the face

- generalized depression

- drooling

- eating to one side or dropping food out of the mouth

WHO SHOULD PERFORM DENTAL SURGERY ON YOUR CAT?

Please ask your veterinarian if they have dental x-rays. Inquire about the dental procedures performed and who will be performing the procedures. If your veterinarian is not trained or does not have the proper equipment for dental extractions please be asked to be referred to a veterinary dentist or another veterinarian who has more extensive training in dentistry.

You may call around for dental quotes and you may find that the price may range but so does the quality of dental care.

Please check that your veterinarian has a modern veterinary dental machine, dental x-ray machine and has kept current with dental courses to be qualified to perform dental surgery on your cat. Ask your veterinarian if they perform dental nerve blocks this is important for pain control for your cat when the tooth is extracted.

Tooth Resorption “ Cat Cavities”

Feline tooth resorption is a common and painful condition in domestic cats. Studies have shown well over 50% of adult cats develop tooth resorption. The teeth become functionally destroyed as a result of tooth
resorption. These lesions were called cat cavities. In some cases, there appears to be a "hole in the tooth" (also shown in photos below).

An exact cause or set of circumstances that result in tooth resorption has not been established. It is
therefore not possible to effectively prevent tooth resorption. Cats are very careful not to demonstrate pain. Signs of pain can be very subtle with these cats. The best treatment for tooth resorption is dental extraction. Unfortunately this is easier stated than performed. These teeth are fragile and usually fracture during extraction. Dental radiographs are essential for extracting these teeth because they help the operator find fractured root fragments. The entire tooth should be removed to avoid infection or other problems.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is one of the most common oral problems identified in cats. Periodontal disease in cats, just like in humans and dogs is caused by the bacteria in plaque. Left on the tooth surface plaque becomes mineralized by calcium salts in saliva. This mineralized debris called calculus or tartar, provides a rough surface for more plaque to adhere. The bacteria in the plaque begin to change to a more virulent form and infect the gums and connective tissue around the teeth.

- The infection eventually invades the bone holding the tooth in the mouth.

- Eventually the tooth will become loose and fall out, the body’s way of healing the disease.

- This process may take weeks to months causing severe pain and discomfort to the cat.

In addition, bacteria may enter the blood stream and cause damage to heart valves, liver and kidneys. Cats with periodontal disease may also have concurrent problems like tooth resorption and tooth fractures. Full mouth dental x-rays are indicated for every cat with periodontal disease.

Please have your cats teeth checked yearly by your veterinarian and discuss the options to keep your cat’s mouth healthy!

Dr. Melanie Bonder is the owner and veterinarian at the Downtown Toronto Cat Clinic.

Cat cavities

Root disease/decay

Lost Cat - Lukie (Queen/Pape)

2012-01-07T14:36:00.000-05:00

Lukie – lost Jan. 5, 2012. Pape and Queen Street around 6:30 p.m. See photo. Please contact Maureen at 416 275 3163.

Jesse The Cat Has Been Back And Forth...Can We Please Find Him A PERMANENT Home?

2012-01-06T17:24:00.000-05:00

Do you remember Jesse? This sweet boy was our featured cat in 2010, and we were thrilled when he finally got a home last Spring. Sadly Jesse is now being returned for a third time to TCR and he is in desperate need of a new foster home or adoptive family by January 31^st. Please share Jesse’s story with all potential adopters/foster families that you know.

Jesse has been through a lot in his short life and the stress has gotten the better of him. Someone declawed him at some point in his life, and then dumped him at a shelter. Since then he has been bounced around from home to home and this has only made his stress and anxiety worse. What Jesse needs is a secure home to feel stable in but his current family leaves him alone for long periods of time – sometimes over weekends. When Jesse feels anxious he urinates outside of the litter box. This behaviour actually started back when Jesse was diagnosed with kidney disease. Although his disease is under control, the behaviour has continued. We believe that in a home where he can be given a tonne of attention and TLC, this behaviour will improve. He may never be “perfect” though, and so he needs a very patient, loving family.

Jesse’s health is in a good state but he should remain on a low-protein veterinary diet for the rest of his life. He is also on an affordable pill called Fortekor, which helps prevent further kidney or heart problems (he has a very minor heart mumour). TCR would also like to try him on anxiety meds and bach flower remedies, in his new home, in the hopes that this will alleviate some of the stress that we believe leads him to urinate inappropriately.

An ideal home for Jesse would be someone who is home for most of the day and who can give him a lot of love and attention. He absolutely loves to be loved and is very sweet. He should not go to a home with young children, or with multiple animals. One or two quiet companion cats would be okay for Jesse, but generally he needs a home where all attention is on him and where he can feel like king of the castle. He has been neutered, vaccinated, declawed and was born April 2005.

Please, please help us find Jessie a foster or adoptive family! He has been given a month in his current home to find a new placement and none of TCR’s current foster homes are free or able to take him on!

To Adopt: Because we understand it takes an extra special family to adopt Jesse, a donation of your choice is appreciated in lieu of our standard adoption fee. To adopt, call us 416-538-8592, press #1 / email us: tcr.adoptions@hotmail.com / fill in our adoption online form on our Adopt A Cat page.

To Foster: Please fill in our Foster Application.

Online Group Deals Are Going To The Dogs With mybarkyard.com!

2012-01-05T18:36:00.002-05:00

Move over Groupon, there's a brand new site offering spectacular savings to pet owners in North America, and it's been established right here in the GTA! Best of all, mybarkyard.com offers deals for pets only, so you won't have to keep waiting for that deal for your four-legged friend to come along, as each and every deal is for them!

Of course, such a launch would be incomplete without a contest (and you all know how much we at the Toronto Pet Daily love contests), so here goes :

Become a fan of the mybarkyard.com Facebook page, and share any post you want (just hit "Share" under any of the posts). Once the page reaches 1000 fans there will be a draw, and three lucky individuals will each get a $100.00 credit to use toward any purchases on the site! The new deals will be posted soon on the website, Facebook, and Twitter......so stay tuned!

Make sure to visit mybarkyard.com and register so you can be sure to get news of the latest grrreat deals!

If you are a business owner anywhere in North America and would like to list a deal, contact merchant-services@mybarkyard.com and one of our representatives will get back to you shortly.

Things That Make Me Go Grrrrr.....Animal Rescues Not Working Together

2012-01-05T12:13:00.001-05:00

Finally more proof that in order to improve animal welfare, organizations need to WORK TOGETHER! The Toronto Feral Cat Coalition is comprised of municipal animal control, rescue groups, welfare organizations, and individuals concerned for the care of homeless and feral cats throughout the GTA. So far, the group's work has been outstanding, as evidenced by over 750 cats being fixed in a little over a year.

Can you imagine such a result if all of the groups uniting in the coalition went about this project in their separate ways with their own agendas? In particular, it's wonderful to see the Toronto Humane Society and the OSPCA putting past differences aside (though of course there are still issues between the two) to work together toward a common goal.

There are always going to be personal agendas when determining how best to go about improving animal welfare in the city. As a result, there will always be differing opinions on methods to be used in achieving this goal. Thankfully, the Toronto Feral Cat Coalition provides an outstanding example of what can happen when differences are put aside for the greater good.

I urge you to visit the following links to learn more about this amazing organization :

Toronto Feral Cat Coalition website
Toronto Street Cats - a volunteer program through the Toronto Humane Society
Regent Park Spay Strays Project - recently awarded a grant from Petsmart to spay/neuter all roaming cats in Regent Park, an area known for its feline overpopulation (on the website, you can request an appointment).

Lost Siamese Cat - Missy (Lawrence/Orton Park In Scarborough)

2012-01-04T18:00:00.000-05:00

5 yr old female Siamese mix lost Jan 2nd near Orton Park & Lawrence in Scarborough.
She is blue eyed (slightly cross eyed), wearing a pink glittery collar, she is very shy.
Her name is Missy & we miss her.

Anyone seen her? please call 416-431-4401

Thanks

5 Year Old Cat Available To Good Home

2012-01-04T12:03:00.000-05:00

Hello,

I want to give away a cat because my allergy was giving me some trouble lately. The cat is well behaved and is very smart. Big, 5 years old. Vaccinated, fixed, has claws but never scratches or bites anybody. The cat is very cute and beautiful.

Thank you,

Mikhail Shemet

shemet1989@yahoo.ca

Lost Orange Tabby - Morris (Dufferin/Lawrence)

2012-01-02T19:14:00.000-05:00

A friend of a friend has lost his cat. If anyone is in the area of BENTWORTH and PAUL DAVID, which is near Yorkdale Mall in the Dufferin and Lawrence area, please be on the lookout for this poor lost kitty cat. He was visiting and so is not familiar with his surroundings. Here are the details:

Morris was visiting for Christmas and was let out when his owner Dan was not there.

He is a light orange male tabby, unneutered, 6 - 7 years old. He has an old wound on his back and so may not let anyone pick him up. He is used to being outside since he was born in the wild in Midland, Ontario. But Toronto is not his home, so he does not know where he is!

If you see Morris, please contact Edna Gullins @ 416-781-6541 (this is Dan's mom who lives in the area) as quickly as you can.

Please share and crosspost so that Morris can be reunited with his owner who missed him deeply.

Thank you so much! Let’s start the New Year on a happy note by reuniting Morris with his dad!

Lost Wire Fox Terrier - Dexter (Broadview/Gerrard) $500 REWARD UPDATED - BACK AT HOME

2012-01-01T17:00:00.003-05:00

Please help us find Dexter!
He escaped from our backyard in Riverdale on New Year's eve when he was spooked by fireworks.
His tag has our home address and phone number on it.
PLEASE return him to us if you find him! Thank you!

Date Lost: December 31, 2011 at midnight
Name: Dexter
Breed: Wire Fox Terrier
Age: 5 month(s)
Gender: Male
Weight: 5 lbs
Description: White with black and brown markings. Wearing blue collar with union jack flags on it. Also has name tag and rabies vaccination tag.
Nearest Intersection: Howland Ave & Langley Ave (near Broadview & Gerrard)
patrick.hopewell@gmail.com

A New Year's Message For The Animals

2012-01-01T16:55:00.002-05:00

Another Christmas has passed and a new year is upon us. Many may be nursing the after effects of a New Year’s Eve celebration. Some will spend a little time reflecting on what has taken place in their lives over the last year. While some plan 2012 with determined resolutions.

If you are an animal lover reflecting on changes that were made for our animals in 2011, you don’t have much to reflect on. You see there haven’t been as many concrete changes in animal welfare in 2012 as we would like to have seen. Not in the province. Not in the country, Not in the world. That is not because efforts weren’t made. Incredible efforts right across the globe.

I am increasingly encouraged every time I see a news article or t.v. coverage of a story of any species of animal. How about the elephants being moved from the Toronto Zoo to a warmer climate. A fight taken up by the incredible Bob Barker who not only fought for this change, but is financing it as well.

http://www.thestar.com/news/crime/article/1103997--bob-barker-to-pay-for-elephants-move

Let us not forget the ban on circus animals in China? That is no small coup.

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/travel-outdoors/china-bans-animal-circuses-how-about-the-rest-of-the-world.html

So lest you feel a little defeated about the present situation revolving around animal welfare – don’t be!

These may seem like small steps but they really are gigantic. They show us, not only are animal welfare issues being taken seriously throughout the world, they are also receiving media coverage. I do not ever remember seeing as much attention being given to animal related stories as I have in the last year. Three or four years ago we did not have that kind of recognition or media interest. There was not one protest, vigil or incident involving OSPCA which did not get some kind of coverage. The reporters did not hesitate when called upon. They were there for us and kept the stories going as long as they were able to. We owe them a lot, in particular Amanda Persico of the Newmarket Era Banner, Terry Davidson of the Toronto Sun and of course old dependable Peter Worthington of the Toronto Sun and Huffington Post. I encourage you to let them know how much they are appreciated:

Amanda Persico: APersico@yrmg.com

Terry Davidson: Terry.Davidson@sunmedia.ca

Peter Worthington: Peter does not make his email public. You can however send one to the Sun`s general mailbox. I suggest you put Peter Worthington in the subject line: torsun.citydesk@sunmedia.ca

We are evolving slowly but surely. These changes came as a result of people not giving up their fight for animals. People just like you. One by one, individual by individual anyone who has sent a letter, made a phone call, adopted from a rescue, given a home to a stray, made a donation, volunteered to help at a rescue, humane society or shelter, discussed an animal issue with neighbours or fellow workers to raise awareness, signed a petition, fed a feral, spoken to their representative at any level of government or said prayer and wept for an animal, has made a difference. You are making these changes happen.

We are starting to see changes to bring a life to animals which they deserve. Whether it is in the ocean, in the sky or on the earth, animals as we all know, deserve respect, consideration and preservation. Please continue to do your part. Eventually it will be reflected across the planet. You are a part of a very huge revolution. Let`s bring it to a higher level.

I would like you to think about what one change you would like to see for animals. What one thing can you suggest, small or large, that would improve the life of an animal. Is there something you would like to see the general public do? Is there something your municipality could change? What about provincial laws and bi-laws? Any action you would like to see Mr. Harper take? Or is there something you want to do yourself which you haven’t had an opportunity to before now?

Post your suggestions on RAAW's FB page and then let’s see if we can make 2012 the year of change. Let’s each make a New Year’s resolution to work towards at least one new change for our animals.

Happy New Year’s to you and your animal family.

Lynn Perrier

RAAW

Reform Advocates for Animal Welfare

http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/RAAWmembers/

Editors note : Feel free to share your ideas in the comment section.

What Pets Write In Their Diary

2012-01-01T02:52:00.000-05:00

Excerpt from a Dog's Diary.....
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!

9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!

9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!

10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!

12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!

1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!

3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!

5:00 pm - Milk Bones! My favorite thing!

7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!

8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!

11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpt from a Cat's Diary...

Day 983 of my captivity...

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously intellectually challenged.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now …

Cosmopawlitan Pet Boutique & Spa Sale - Up To 70% Off!

2011-12-30T18:38:00.000-05:00

Top 10 Reasons To Adopt An Older Cat

2011-12-29T15:02:00.000-05:00

1. What you see is what you get. When you adopt an adult cat, you know what you are getting. Sure, kittens are cute, but you never know what the future holds. An adorable kitten could grow up to be a really ugly puss. This is a big risk. Go for the sure thing. Take a sweet-faced old Tabby.

2. High mileage cats still run great. Used cats aren’t like used cars. They aren’t at a shelter because they are defective or worn out. They may have simply outlived their former owners or been unable to join them at a hospital, nursing home, or new apartment. Some cats get lost and end up at a shelter. And many are brought to a shelter after a family member develops allergies, or an aversion to the family cat. (In those cases, it is the previous owner that is defective, not the cat.)

3. Adult cats aren’t as “chewsy”. Kittens are like human children: everything goes in their mouths. Whether teething or just exploring bits of the world around them, kittens can be very destructive little bundles of fur. Kittens chew on shoes, the corners of books, ear lobes, carpet tassels, electrical cords, drapery strings, plants, and much, much more. Adult cats typically chew less, if at all. They tend to save their energy for more important activities, like tormenting the neighbour’s Terrier.

4. Kittens stumble in blindly, where adult cats fear to tread. Two well-known clichés about cats are: “curiosity killed the cat” and “cats have nine lives.” And curiosity usually leads to the loss of about eight of a kitten’s lives in its first year. Kittens tend to get into much more trouble resulting in accidents and injuries (see, for example, the reference to “chewing electrical cords” above). Kittens eat things they shouldn’t, fall from high places, unsuccessfully attempt to make friends with the neighbor’s tormented Terrier, and generally worry you half to death.

5. Kittens are lacking when it comes to licking. Few kittens have mastered the fine art of self-grooming. While adult cats may spend up to half their waking hours licking fur, kittens are just too busy enjoying life to clean themselves properly. When you consider that kittens are really just dust-mops with legs, and that they generally display marginal litter box etiquette, you might want to master the somewhat dangerous art of cat-bathing.

6. Einstein knew the truth about cats. The genius scientist Albert Einstein discovered an important relationship between mass and energy. He described it using the mathematical equation E=(MC) 2. This equation means that your Energy level (E) is proportional to the Mass (M) of your Cat ©, twice over. The equation basically shows that if you adopt a cat with more Mass, like an adult cat, your Energy level will be much higher than if you adopt a cat with a low Mass, such as a kitten. This is true because adult cats sleep more, play less, require less supervision, break fewer lamps, and don’t try to bite your toes through the blankets in the middle of the night. With an adult cat, you will sleep better, relax more, make fewer claims on your homeowner’s policy, and enjoy more Energy. There you have it. Are you going to argue with Albert Einstein?

7. Kittens and children don’t mix. Children can be rough on both cats and kittens, even when they mean no real harm. It can’t be helped. It’s just how kids are. When you tell a child that “cats always land on their feet,” the first thing the child will do is drop one from your rooftop to see if it’s true. Adult cats are better equipped to deal with pesky kids. They can generally escape from them, hide, and then contemplate revenge by moonlight.

8. You don’t need to teach an old cat new tricks. Actually, you don’t need to teach a kitten tricks either, because the truth is that neither cats nor kittens allow you to teach them anything anyway. But new parents usually feel the need to try. Inevitably, they end up feeling guilt or failure when the kitten disregards them, jumps on the counters, unrolls the toilet paper, and engages in other acts of feline mayhem. If you adopt an older cat, you avoid all this emotional turmoil. Since you didn’t raise the cat, you don’t have to take responsibility for the cat’s shortcomings. Instead, you can blame the former owner and play the role of victim and saint for tolerating it all.

9. Adult cats don’t “litter” as much. Kittens play, sunbathe, build sandcastles, and even sleep in their litter boxes. And then there’s a game called “poo-hockey,” where a piece of dried waste is removed from the box and batted around the floor until it disappears under a major appliance or piece of furniture. People who adopt older cats happily miss this stage of feline development. Adult cats understand the purpose of a litter box and will usually cooperate with your efforts to keep theirs tidy. But the most important reason to adopt an older cat is:

10. It might be their last chance. Many adult cats end up in shelters due to no fault of their own. Separated from their loved ones, surrounded by other strange cats, confined, confused, and sometimes frightened, many are emotionally devastated by their misfortune. Sadly for adult cats, most people who adopt gravitate toward the adorable, bouncy, big-eyed kittens. Older cats sit by and watch, as one loving family after another passes them over for a cute kitten from this season’s litter.

Kittens will always be popular, and most have no trouble attracting admirers. But for the abandoned, forgotten, and heartbroken adult cats, you just might be their last chance to have the love and warmth of a home where they can live out their years in comfort. Please consider adopting an older cat. When cared for properly, cats can live well into their late teens, and sometimes into their early twenties. Typically, they will remain active and playful throughout most of their lives. Some may need a little extra patience while adjusting to a new home, but once they feel safe and secure again, most will give you years of faithful companionship and unconditional love.

Taken from www.catsontheweb.org.

Top 10 Animal Movies Of All Time

2011-12-28T18:59:00.001-05:00

From Animal Planet, here are their choices. At the bottom, I've added some distinguished ones that I think deserve attention :

10. Dr. Dolittle (1998)

In this family-friendly remake, Eddie Murphy plays a doctor who can talk to animals — and, boy, do they talk back! From rats to racehorses, the good doctor is called upon for more medical advice than he can handle. Featuring an all-star chorus of voice talent (including Chris Rock, John Leguizamo, Norm MacDonald, Albert Brooks, Gary Shandling and Ellen DeGeneres), The New York Timessays, "This wild and woolly free-for-all is your prescription for hilarious hijinks and mischievous fun!" We couldn’t agree more.

9. That Darn Cat! (1965)

Cat lovers, this one is for you. This kitschy classic stars a mischievous Siamese whose new collar unwittingly makes her the prime informant in a kidnapping case. Hayley Mills plays the kitty's dedicated owner, and proves to be a charming would-be sleuth who aims to help the FBI agent on the case. Wouldn't you know it, he's allergic to cats. Complete with jealous boyfriends and nosy neighbors, it';s screwball hilarity at its best. Fun like this never goes out of style.

8. Free Willy (1993)

The tagline says it all: "A 12-year-old street kid. A three-ton Orca whale. A friendship you could never imagine. An adventure you'll never forget." And what's not to love? Lessons abound, from family to friendship to gorgeous creatures of the deep — both onscreen and off. The huge international success of this movie inspired a letter writing campaign to free the real Willy (Keiko) from captivity in an amusement park in Mexico City. He was eventually released near Norway. The movie remains a top family feature, and along with its two sequels is now available in a three-DVD box set.

7. Eight Below (2006)

When you’re not mesmerized by the panoramic views of glaciers and northern lights, your heart will be rooting for the dogs who steal the show from the start. That's what puts this movie on our list. Based on a true account of a 1958 Antarctic expedition gone wrong, Eight Below tells the story of a devoted dog-sled guide, Jerry (played by the handsome Paul Walker), who is forced to leave behind his beloved team of eight dogs due to extreme weather conditions. The dogs are left to fend for themselves in the snowy wilderness for nearly six months. From here, it’s about adventure, courage, determination and ultimately a rescue.

Honorable mention in the adventure category: Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)

6. The Jungle Book (1994)

"Born of man, raised by animals, destined for adventure." The movie’s tagline sums it up! In this live-action version of Rudyard Kipling’s classic, a strapping Jason Scott Lee plays Mowgli, a young man raised by wolves after his parents were killed by a tiger. It's packed with vine-swinging adventure with friends Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther. That is, until Mowgli becomes enchanted with an Englishwoman visiting on safari. It’s a fish-out-of-water story when he follows her to the city and "civilization." It turns out that polite society may have more in common with the jungle than anyone ever thought.

Honorable mention for wild animals at their best: Swiss Family Robinson (1960)

5. The Yearling (1946)

It’s old-fashioned. It's charming. And it stars Gregory Peck. Ta da! The oldest movie and the only one on our list based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning book, this is the story of a small family struggling to make a life in Florida just after the Civil War. These are tough times but comfort comes to 11-year-old Jody, an only child who yearns for a pet to love, in the form of an orphaned fawn. The two become inseparable but as the deer grows, a heartbreaking choice becomes inevitable. Like other family-on-the-farm movies of its time, the story ends sadly; however, the pleasure is in the grace, kindness and diligence that the family conducts displays every day. They may not have had running water, but they sure had good manners.

4. Fly Away Home (1996)

Sometimes a "family movie" is actually a good movie, and this is one of those gems. Starring Academy Award Winner® Anna Paquin as a suddenly motherless 13-year-old who is relocated to Canada to live with her bohemian dad (Jeff Daniels), it’s a metaphor for losing your way and trusting someone to help you find it again. For its sweeping vistas of sun-kissed farmland, dappled marshes and sunny skies, you'll like this movie. But the moment Amy's dad teaches her to fly an ultralight in order to guide a flock of orphaned geese south for the winter, you'll fall in love. Best of all, the movie is based on a true story; the movie raised awareness of wetland preservation, plus revenue earned from the film helped fund even more migratory projects.

3. Babe (1995)

It’s a challenge not to like a movie that’s both adorable and poignant at the same time. That's just what this story is -- and why it ranks so high on our list. The star of this show is a young pig named Babe who finds himself alone in an English barnyard. But that's where the fun begins. He’s embraced by Farmer Hoggett and defies the odds — not to mention everyone's expectations — by learning to be an award-winning sheep dog. Performances are wonderful, by man, pig and sheep alike. About 500 live animal actors were used, then blended with stunning animatronics. Thanks to the Jim Henson Creature Factory, the film won an Academy Award® in 1995 for "Best Visual Effects." Described by critics as "a humorous look at the limitations and lunacy of a preordained society," it’s a refreshing message about breaking down barriers and accomplishing anything you want.

Honorable mention: Charlotte's Web (2006)

2. The Black Stallion (1979)

If you saw this movie as a kid, you’ll love it now as much as you did back then. Adapted from the children's book by Walter Farley, this exquisitely filmed family classic tells the story of Alec, a young boy who survives a shipwreck and befriends an Arabian stallion on a deserted island. When they return home, the unlikely duo finds success as a jockey and thunderbolt of a racehorse, coached by a washed-up trainer played by Mickey Rooney, who won an Oscar for "Best Actor in a Supporting Role" as a result. The story is great, but the cinematography steals the show. This film has been called "a visual feast from start to finish." If you don’t love the breathtaking island scenes, your heart will pound when you root for the "Mystery Horse" in the racing sequences.

Honorable mentions: Flicka (2006) for the sheer number of scenes including horses; National Velvet (1944) starring a young Elizabeth Taylor and bonus Mickey Rooney sighting.

1. Old Yeller (1957)

It's not hip but even after 50 years, Old Yeller is still "the best doggone dog in the West." That’s what earns it the top spot in our countdown. It's a simple story of a poor family living on the Texas frontier in the 1860s, but told through a charming 1950s sensibility. The father is away at work. The two boys banter, but mind their mother. And above all, everyone works hard. But the heart of the story is the adorable love affair between Travis, the oldest son, and his beloved yellow dog. The two see each other through thick and thin, until ultimately Travis must make a heart-wrenching decision. It's not a happy ending, but there's something magical about this movie that makes it worth it after all.

My favourites that didn't make the cut : The Bear, My Dog Skip, Finding Nemo, Best In Show. What are your picks?

New Dog Walking Business Opens In Queen West Area

2011-12-28T16:00:00.000-05:00

Sparky’s Comrade is a new business venture specializing in Dog Walking and Animal Care. All comrades are responsible post-secondary students with big endeavours, looking to stretch their legs with your canines. Our comrades are trained in Pet First Aid with Walks ‘N’ Wags ensuring the safety of your pet as they navigate the winding paths around the Queen West area of Toronto. Check out our services at www.sparkyscomrade.ca and
Call (416) 559-0401 or email nicole@sparkyscomrade.ca to schedule your free pet consult today. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Cute Video - These Goats Sure Had A Fun Holiday!

2011-12-27T18:01:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Lynn for submitting this.

Here's Your Christmas Video All! Thanks To My Friend Ava

2011-12-23T13:23:00.000-05:00

Found Golden Lab (Leslie/Sheppard)

2011-12-23T08:09:00.000-05:00

Found: Golden Labrador Retriever
In the North York area around Leslie/Sheppard
Very sweet, well-trained dog.
Has collar, but no proper ID tags... only one ID tag on it which reads HRM with five digits following.
Please message me if this is your dog!
He/she is very sweet and clearly wants to be found!
Tricks the dog knows: shake paws, sit, lie down.

Thank you,
Helena Kyriakou

Note: If it is between 10:00p.m. and 8:00a.m., I likely won't be able to respond to your email. If you need to get in touch with me please do it outside of these hours. Have a great day!

Willy The Cat Is Looking For A Home For The Holidays

2011-12-21T15:41:00.000-05:00

WILLY
Willy is a sweet boy who desperately wanted to get off the harsh streets and warmed his way into our hearts. He’s a very handsome tuxedo black and white cat, approximately 1-2 years old. Willy is a confident, friendly and independent boy who is very grateful to have love, regular food and a warm place to sleep. He loves to watch the world go by from his perch in front of the windows and play with his favourite toys – kong kickeroo and curious cat organic cat nip mouse. He enjoys listening to Jazz FM91 on the radio and also enjoys a bit of country music…his tastes are very versatile.

Willy is FIV+, a common virus in stray cats, but he’s healthy, happy – FIV cats can live a long wonderful life. They do need to be kept indoors and can live with other FIV cats or even with non-FIV cats, as long as everyone gets along well, since FIV is only transmitted through deep bite wounds and scratches. Willy does not require any special care or medication.

Willy is completely vetted, up-to-date on vaccines, neutered, micro-chipped and litter trained.

If Willy sounds like the boy for you, please contact Project Pet Rescue at info@projectpetrescue.com.

check out Willy's blog page at: http://projectpetrescue.wordpress.com/2011/09/23/willy/

Here Are Just A Few Of The Awesome Volunteers Whose Friends' Have Entered Them In The $150 Voluncheers Contest!

2011-12-20T13:53:00.000-05:00

This is Carla Davidson a dedicated volunteer for Northern Ontario Animal Welfare Society. Carla is pictured here with Little Anne, one of the many Mile 26 Dogs she rescued from that tragedy.
Carla dedicates 100% of her time to keeping NOAWS up and running so no animal will go without. She diligently works to raise funds and solve issues with what seems to be tireless enthusiasm and undying love for both the people she works with and the creatures who need her.
Thank you Carla, we love you right back ♥

This is Tina Hill, she is the creator and co-ordinator of a WONDERFUL organization in the Niagara region called "Therapy Tails". It's a therapy dog organization that brings special teams of volunteers with their dogs into any situation imaginable (Elderly homes, special need homes, schools, libraries, preschools, parades, etc etc) We are very active in the community - and everybody who joins loves... the positive atmosphere. Without Tina, and her endless hours of leadership we would never be the organization that we are. She is such a positive, and wonderful role model for us all, and built our 100+ teams of people with their dogs from scratch. She deserves so much credit for all she has done - but never really gets it, so this is the least I can do. As well as coordinating she also has rescued a Sheepdog of her own (taking her doggie toll to 3 sheepdogs, Fergie, Digby, and Farley). She is one of the most beautiful people I know, and I love her so much as a friend... I hope she get's some recognition because she deserves it...and so much more! For more info please go to www.therapytails.ca

This is Marie, a volunteer for North Toronto Cat Rescue. She has a family and two jobs, yet she always makes time to go to the shelter at least twice a week to feed, clean, nurse and love all the cats. She knows them all by name and personality. To see her with them, it's clear that they all love her back just as much!

She also does fundraising, public relations/awareness, even donates to the shelter herself and sponsors cats monthly. Not to mention the massive amount of time she's spent helping me get familiar with the shelter and resident cats. I know there is more she does that I just don't know about yet because she's that type of person that would do everything possible to help a homeless pet!

Her dedication is amazing and all the kitties and NTCR are super lucky to have her!! I really hope she's chosen. She definitely deserves it!

For full contest details click here, and let's continue singing the praises of these wonderful animal volunteers!

Buddy's Kitchen Is The First Of Its Kind In North America - A Micro-Kitchen For Pooches!

2011-12-19T17:00:00.000-05:00

Buddy’s Kitchen, is a new concept micro-kitchen, barkery and pet-bar that recently opened its doors on October 28, 2011 in Aurora, Ontario (with distribution of their healthy gourmet food available all across Ontario and in January all across Canada).

Today I spoke with founder Peter Kaufman, and was facinated by his approach to pet nutrition. Kaufman, having been involved in pet nutrition since 1997, created Buddy's Kitchen as a place for people to come with their dogs to meet like minded individuals and learn first hand about the steps involved in creating a healthy and balanced dog food. It was the home cooked meals of his youth and exchange of ideas that would often take place in his own childhood kitchen that inspired the idea.

Forget the dogs, I want
to try this!

As Kaufman states, Buddy's Kitchen "is not a pet store by any means." Of course you can purchase food at the 5200 square foot location, but what sets Buddy's Kitchen apart is that people are able to witness first hand exactly what is going into their dog's food, as it is made right before their eyes by executive chef Maurizio Barbiari, a 25 year veteran of the Toronto food industry. No longer are your dog's food ingredients shrouded in mystery. As Kaufman says, “If we can’t eat it, we don’t feed it.". In addition, Kaufman and Barbiari use local ingredients in their culinary creations.

Buddy's Kitchen consists of a front end lounge/pet bar which is like a "Starbucks for Dogs" where one can can lounge with their pet while they eat, play and you sip on coffee or tea and chat with other pet parents. There is also the back kitchen similar to a micro brewery, where you can watch the food get made with whole human grade meats and produce, plus a little extra science for dogs within the food that contains pre and probiotics, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Once you've seen how it's done, you'll have peace of mind that comes with the knowledge of knowing exactly what your pooch is eating and on top of that, 20% of proceeds go to animal shelters and rehabilitation of abused animals.

Though I've yet to visit Buddy's Kitchen, I plan on doing so in the new year. I'm looking forward to meeting Kaufman and Barbiari. I know my two pooches will be excited , as they have a difficult time reading the label on their current food! What a wonderful concept Kaufman has introduced to dog owners : Conversation, education, and full transparency when it comes to dog nutrition! Hopefully other pet food manufacturers take the time to drop by Buddy's Kitchen. It appears they might just learn a thing or two.

http://www.buddyskitchen.ca/

Buddy's kitchen Facebook page.

Things That Make Me Go Grrrrr.....People Who Book Pet Boarding At The Very Last Minute

2011-12-16T20:20:00.001-05:00

OK, I understand that sometimes things can slip your mind. I also understand that making sure you've purchased the right SPF and exercising like crazy to be able to fit into your swimsuit (men too!) are very high on your list of priorities. But for Pete's sake people, DON'T LEAVE BOOKING A PET SITTER UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!!

Every year I get between 3 and 6 calls within the two days before December 25 asking me if I have room to board dogs. I do not, and guess what? No one does. I understand that pets are a wee bit down the ladder to your children, but would you ever even consider calling a daycare and saying, "I know this is kind of short notice, but my husband/wife and I are taking a second honeymoon. We planned it last April. We got the most amazing deal in Hawaii, a quaint little beach house which our friends absolutely adored when they went. The pictures look stunning, and I hear they make the best Mai Tai in the world.....oh listen to me, I'm babbling......anyhoo can you take my kids for a week starting tomorrow?"

It's not hard people - PLAN AHEAD! Last time I checked Santa still comes on the 25th, except for that one time he called me on the 24th because he had the flu. I had to deliver the presents that year. You're welcome.

Pics That Prove What We've Known All Along...Cats Hate The Holiday Season

2011-12-16T18:12:00.000-05:00

Major Reform Coming To Montreal Animal Welfare!

2011-12-16T17:20:00.000-05:00

MONTREAL - The city of Montreal is to announce on Thursday its plan for improved animal control in the city, The Gazette has learned. The plan could lead to big changes in pet ownership in Montreal.

The issues include how to better handle the estimated 50,000 animals abandoned yearly in the Montreal area, whether to make the contracts Montreal’s 19 boroughs and its 15 adjacent cities have with for-profit pounds more stringent and whether to make pet licences and the sterilization of pets mandatory.

A source told The Gazette the city wants a system at the agglomeration level – for the entire island of Montreal – with an incentive-based pet-licensing system and public access to “high-volume, low-cost” pet sterilizations. People would pay less for licences and implanted ID microchips if the pets are sterilized and more if they are not. The city also wants stiffer animal nuisance bylaws for dogs barking and for picking up animal feces.

Most of all, the city wants to be seen to be “out of the convenience killing business.”

Montreal City Hall came under fire last spring after a Radio-Canada exposé that appeared to depict animals at the for-profit Berger Blanc pound being inhumanely euthanized. Many boroughs and cities still have contracts with Berger Blanc.

The city wants a system that is more of a partnership between city-run animal control services and non-profit animal welfare groups, like what is done in Calgary, the source added.

The Last Contest Of 2011 "Voluncheers For Animal Volunteers!" - Win $150.00

2011-12-16T15:01:00.000-05:00

The most courageous volunteer
in history.

The holiday season is here, and I can think of no better way of giving back than to reward volunteers at rescue organizations and shelters. This year, with the help of sponsors, The Toronto Pet Daily has given away over $4000.00 in cash and prizes, and in addition I am happy to say that $1000.00 has been donated to Helping Homeless Pets, an amazing organization. In December alone, prizes have totaled $1350.00, and my mild OCD has me wanting to raise that to an even $1500 (yes, I know that 1350 is also an even number, lest ye be judged)!

So now it's time to give $150.00 to one very deserving volunteer. Here's what to do :

1. Upload a picture of a volunteer (I hope they're not camera shy!) to the Toronto Pet Daily Facebook page.

2. Write a description of why that person is so deserving.

There you go, nice and easy! On Christmas eve I'll be doing a draw from the entries and one lucky volunteer will win $150.00 cash. You may ask why you need to write a description if I'm going to simply do a draw? Because these wonderful volunteers deserve all the recognition we can give them. While $150.00 might certainly come in handy for some last minute corner store "gifts", it simply can't match the kind words and recognition that all the volunteers deserve. I also urge readers to go to the Facebook page & seek out the entrants, and take just a quick second to comment on how much you appreciate what they do for our four legged friends.

Start entering now until 6:00 Christmas eve, and let's give out a big "VOLUNCHEERS" to a deserving bunch (I'm now embarrassed for coining that term.....unless someone else already has, in which case I'm embarrassed for you!).

One Reader Helps Reach Out For Attawapiskat Pets

2011-12-15T20:01:00.000-05:00

As I’m sure you’re aware, the stories coming out of Attawapiskat seems to grow more and more grim daily. What many people don’t realize is that while the humans continue to argue over how to best deal with matters up there, the situation for the dogs is becoming dire.

Attawapiskat is home to countless homeless and unwanted dogs. Many of them are puppies. There are a number of dedicated volunteers and rescues who work together to continually try to bring out as many dogs as possible. While dogs are being shipped out, food is regularly being shipped in for those awaiting transfer. The system has worked really well....until now. Although there are 2 skids of dog food sitting in Timmins waiting to fly out, all flights are understandably jammed with much needed supplies for the people. The food cannot get to the dogs and supplies are critically low.

There is good news however. With their mind boggling resourcefulness, these folks have once again come up with a clever solution. The mail is still flying into Attawapiskat daily. SO…..here’s

how you can help. Pick up a small bag of puppy food and mail it to the following address:

Floyd Louttit
General Delivery
ATTAWAPISKAT, Ontario
P0L 1A0

Now here’s the best part of this plan. Floyd is the volunteer who cares for the homeless and unwanted dogs up there. Therefore, you can trust that the food is going directly where it is needed. No middle man, nobody skimming anything off the top. Just food for hungry dogs. It’s that simple.

The Results Are In : Here Are The Toronto Pet Daily Readers' Choice Winners For 2011

2011-12-15T18:57:00.001-05:00

Best Boarding : Parker Pet Care
Best Dog Walking/Daycare : York Professional Pet Sitting
Best Food And Supply Store : Wag On The Danforth
Best Grooming : Cosmopawlitan Pet Boutique + Spa
Best Pet Photography : Scruffy Dog Photography
Best Rescue Organization : Toronto Humane Society
Best Training : Whatta Pup!
Best Veterinarian : Cachet Village Animal Hospital

Congratulations to the above businesses, as well as ALL businesses who were nominated by our readers, especially the rescue organizations who do such wonderful work. Each of you will be receiving your window decal and website button soon.

By the way, this year four businesses repeated their success from last year. Scruffy Dog, Whatta Pup!, Cosmopawlitan, and Parker Pet Care, you are now officially the Tom Hanks of the Toronto Pet Daily Readers' Choice Awards!

Found Female Dog - Black Mixed Breed (Thorncliffe Park Drive)

2011-12-14T14:11:00.000-05:00

Medium size black female mixed breed found on Thorncliffe Park Drive, Toronto, December 12, 2011.

Very friendly with people and other dogs.

Please phone 647 341 4745

Les or Roz Gower.

Canada Pooch Looking For Toronto Dogs To Test Out Their Spring Jackets - You Can Get One Too!

2011-12-14T14:07:00.000-05:00

WE HAVE EXCITING NEWS! Canada Pooch is looking for 10 Toronto pooches to help perfect the sizing of their new spring coats this Sunday afternoon at Ramsden Park (Avenue & Davenport, in Toronto) between 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. All selected pooches will receive a free Canada Pooch winter jacket of their choice. If you and your pooch would like to participate, please post your dog’s name, breed and weight on the Canada Pooch Facebook wall. Canada Pooch will notify the selected pooches on Friday at noon. It’s sure to be a fun treat-filled afternoon for you and your pup!

Two Lost Cats - Sheena (Queen/Dufferin), And Isis (Yonge/Steeles)

2011-12-13T19:25:00.000-05:00

Guardian: Lauren Satok
Email: lauren.satok@gmail.com
Phone: 416-799-2598

Sheena, neutered 1.5 y.o. male kitty. Has a collar with info on it an bell. Lost around Queen and Brock (Queen/Dufferin) on December 9th.

LOST: This is Isis, she is a 15 year old, domestic long hair gray tabby. Answers to "Isis." She is very shy and timid. She is an indoor cat but went missing Dec 6 from the Yonge and Steeles area.

If found, please contact Toronto Cat Rescue Line 3 at 416-538-8592 (press #3).

The Toronto Pet Daily Holiday Gift Guide

2011-12-13T11:59:00.016-05:00

PetSmart Plush For Charity

Originally I was going to title this post "Last Minute Gift Ideas", because if there is anything that 15 years in a retail pet store taught me, it's that for some reason or another, pet parents often leave their furry companions until the very last possible opportunity anyway (not a bad idea, since last year I bought my rescue doggy a fab new bed and hid it in a sliding closed closet, only to find him dragging it around the living room an hour later), so really it's just a fun gift guide. Considering that roughly 60% of you purchase holiday presents for your pets, here are some great ideas.

Free

Let's face it, sometimes the best things in life are free. Save your empty paper towel rolls, cereal and kleenex boxes, and create an awesome tube maze for your hamster or gerbil! Of course your snootier hamsters and gerbils could always move on up to a Habitrail kit (aren't these awesome?). For kitties, how about leaving just enough toilet paper hanging from the roll for them to spend two minutes unraveling the whole thing, while you spend ten minutes rolling it back! If you don't feel like cleaning up, just improvise with household items. No matter how many toys I bought one kitten I once had, his favourite pastime was playing a solo pick up hockey tournament with beer bottle caps and tin foil balls. If you have any great homemade toy ideas, share them with us in the comment section, and please remember all, to supervise your pets when they are enjoying any such inventions!

Under $10.00

Kitchen Stuff Plus

Who can go wrong with squeaky toys and noise makers? At the top is a cute stuffed squeaky from PetSmart that costs only $5.00. More importantly, a portion of each sale goes toward animal charity! Personally, I recommend buying one of the three great items from the Luv-A-Pet line, as you'll be helping needy pets with a simple click! One of my favourite gifts that I've given to friends & clients over the years (at least 30!) is the Ultra Soft Pet Bed from Kitchen Stuff Plus (I'm trying really hard not to sound like Oprah, but I did kind of scream that in front of my computer). They're very reasonably priced, machine washable, & have proven to be extremely durable in my home. With regard to treats and bones I've found anything by Benny Bully's to be impossible for pups to resist (the original liver chops make an amazing training tool), and smoked dog bones, which are longer lasting and healthier than rawhides, are also a favourite (just don't step on one in the middle of the night!). Pet Valu carries a great selection from Benko. For dental care, I recommend both Pedigree Dentabone, and Booda Fresh N Floss rope toys. The above mentioned items should be available at almost all pet food and supply retailers.

Under $50.00

Kong

Three words : "Anything by Kong!" While the smallest of these impossibly durable toys can be found for under $10.00, the majority of the products fall between $10.00 and $30.00. In all my years in retail, I only had one of these things returned to me (out of thousands sold), and I don't think I would have wanted to meet the dog that got through it! Besides the classic Kong rubber dog toy, the company also offers retrieving toys, treats, and treat dispensers for dogs and cats. Here's a tip I've been offering clients for years. At bedtime, spread a bit of peanut butter inside the Kong (not too much) and freeze the toy overnight. In the morning on your way out, give it to your dog & he'll experience fun (and frustration) for hours.

For the kids who are not yet mature enough for a furry friend that walks, why not get them started with an Aquarium Starter Kit? Currently, Big Al's Canada has them starting at $14.99. Your kids will learn responsibility, and you will inevitably learn to lie to your children when you replace one floating fishy with another similar fishy that you searched for high and low for an entire afternoon!

Charity And Gift Certificates

Of course, if you are just too darned indecisive, this is the safe route. Lets start with charitable organizations. Remember that unfortunately at this time of year, many choose to "impulse buy" a new family friend, without adequately doing their homework. As a result, shelters find themselves inundated in the new year with animals who want nothing more than to love you and be loved themselves. Take this time to donate to a local, no kill shelter on behalf of an individual or dearly departed pet. Remember, the amount you donate is not important, though the fact that you are helping these wonderful volunteers tend to these pets really shows your appreciation.

Gift certificates are another great way to wrap up your shopping, and don't listen to those who call you lazy, they're on the naughty list! Most major pet food chains offer gift certificates in any amount, and below is a list of local Toronto pet suppliers and service providers who do as well.

Bunch We Lunch With Pet Photography
Cosmopawlitan Pet Boutique & Spa
Marcia Leeder Photography
Paws & Pose Pet Photography
Shechinah Studios (Pet Portraits)
Whatta Pup! Training And Behaviour Modification

If you are offer local gift certificates, let me know so I can update this list!

Feel free to share your favourite pet presents in the comment section!

Lost Chihuahua - "New New" (Victoria Park/St Bete's) - UPDATE : Back At Home!

2011-12-13T08:29:00.001-05:00

Cold Weather Got You Down? Think Of Summer With This Awesome Video - Dogs "Walking On Sunshine"

2011-12-12T18:39:00.000-05:00

Thanks to my friend Ava & her pooch Molly, who always send me the greatest videos!!

So It Turns Out My Nelly Is A Boston/Shnauzer/Shetland Sheepdog! That's His DNA....Now I Just Have To Try To Get That Glove To Fit On His Paw!

2011-12-12T17:47:00.000-05:00

Until Friday, All Business Advertisements On The Toronto Pet Daily Are 50% Off - Ho Ho Ho!

2011-12-12T15:36:00.000-05:00

If it seems as though the Toronto Pet Daily readers are always the ones winning cash, prizes, & able to take advantage of the latest great deals, well....I guess you're right! It's time to change that this holiday season, and spread the savings to all the great pet businesses that help to care for Toronto's four legged population!

If you are a pet business in the GTA, advanced links and banner advertisements are now on sale for half price. Remember, this offer won't last forever. In fact, it ends on Friday December 16. Take a look at the advertising page, & see why over 100 Toronto businesses choose to advertise on The Toronto Pet Daily.

Remember if you offer more than one service, you will get your business listed in each category at no additional cost.

For more information, contact advertise@torontopetdaily.com.
.

Awkward Pet Holiday Photos

2011-12-12T14:18:00.001-05:00

Cute Christmas Cartoons

2011-12-11T20:41:00.002-05:00

A Super Cute Holiday Greeting From Dexter's Ruff Life

2011-12-11T15:12:00.003-05:00

Some Great Holiday Safety Tips For Cat Owners, From Downtown Toronto Cat Clinic

2011-12-10T15:50:00.000-05:00

It may not be the most wonderful time of the year if your pets aren’t safe. Here are 12 tips to keep your cats safe this holiday season:

12) Curious about shining flames, cats can knock over a candle and start a fire.

11) Not all cats are social butterflies. If your cats are shy or are anxious by nature , you should place them in a room with their litter box and food so they feel safe.

10) Please make sure that all of your cats have proper ID tags on at all times because if your pet were to become lost, you would have a much greater chance of finding them if they have identification. Sometimes
cats will get out by accident when you have guests coming in and out of your home.

9) A little table food may not be all bad, if it’s offered in their food bowl, or even better offer a special treat made for pets. But when all the relatives show their love by each one offering table scraps, that’s too much of a good thing. More than a slice or two of turkey or ham to a cat is like an average person chowing down a half a turkey or ham. Fatty meat and poultry bones are a bad idea.

8) Holiday plants, such as poinsettias, amaryllis, mistletoe, and holly may add beauty to your home, but they are very poisonous to your cats. If these plants are ingested, they may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even more serious problems. If you purchase these items for your home, please make sure that they are out of your cat's reach

7) Beware of leaving chocolate out as it can make cats sick if they eat it.

6) Secure your tree. Cats love playing with tinsel; they’ve been known to topple entire trees by pulling on tinsel or ornaments hanging from branches. Cats are so fascinated by tinsel and ribbon they may make a meal of it, which keeps veterinarians in surgery on Christmas Day.

5) A small lattice-work fence around the base of the tree will prevent cats from climbing the tree.

4) Don’t add chemical preservatives or anything else to the water at the base of your tree to prolong the tree’s life. Cat’s love to drink from the tree base and the chemicals can be toxic to them. A tree-stand skirt
prevents pets from drinking this water.

3) Some kittens will munch on Christmas tree needles, which they can choke on.

2) After you unwrap your gifts please put all ribbon and wrapping in the garbage before your kitties try to play with it and potentially swallow it.

1) Pets Deserve Presents Too: Don’t forget to give something special to include your pets – after all, they’re family too!

This Dog Really Loves Santa!

2011-12-09T21:03:00.002-05:00

Pepper The Cat's Mommy Passed Away....Can You Give Him A Home For The Holidays?

2011-12-09T19:56:00.000-05:00

Pepper is a 3 year old smoky grey Domestic Shorthair male with big beautiful green eyes. He lost his home a few months ago when his owner died of cancer. Having spent his entire life with one person, Pepper spent a few anxious weeks under the bed scared of everything and anyone. Although it took some time for Pepper to adjust to a new environment, he has since settled very well into his foster home and shown himself to be a very affectionate, playful and funny cat. Pepper loves companionship and is extremely loyal. He follows his foster mom around the house and runs to the door when she gets home from work, greeting her with a big Brrrrrr. He also loves listening to the guitar and sitting at the living room window watching squirrels in the trees. He is very loving and his antics make everyone laugh on a daily basis. He would make a wonderful addition to your home. He is house trained, up to date on vaccines, neutered and litter trained. If Pepper sounds like the boy for you, please contact Project Pet Rescue at info@projectpetrescue.com for more information.

Check out Pepper's blog page too at: http://projectpetrescue.wordpress.com/2011/11/22/pepper/

Missing Shar Pei In Oshawa

2011-12-09T14:31:00.000-05:00

Cocoa went missing right off the property at her home Nov.28,2011 between 7:30 & 7:45pm in Oshawa.

belectrified@gmail.com

The TPD's Newest Column Is "Aaron's Pet Peeves" - The Pet Talk 360 Host Discusses Declawing And "Crazy Cat People"

2011-12-08T15:07:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone!

For those who don’t know who I am please let me introduce myself (drum roll) … My name is Aaron Thomas and I’m the host of Pet Talk 360. I was also the host of Rogers TV Your Pet Your Vet & Animal House Radio.

This is my first post and I know I will be getting a lot of emails with people who don’t like what I have to say BUT it’s my opinion and over the past 4 years working in the animal industry I have seen so many amazing things and so many ‘stupid’ things…

Welcome to Aaron’s Pet Peeves

Let’s face it, without the great job of the Toronto Humane Society (THS) and many other cat rescues we would live in a much different city… here is my Pet Peeve! Four years ago my wife and I were looking to adopt a cat so we went to the THS and saw many cats that were living in cages and didn’t have much of a chance unless they were adopted out. We started to talk to the staff and one member of the staff asked if we were planning to declaw the cat. At that point we didn’t know and said we will be considering everything. The staff member went crazy when she heard that! Not only did she have something to say to me, but she grabbed other staff members to somehow try to make a logical point. She said “In most countries it is illegal to declaw cats……. we will not allow you to adopt an animal if you are going to declaw it.” She was very red in the face the whole time she was saying this to me. I wish she asked me if I was planning on giving an amazing home for an animal and will always take care of it, but no, she felt that declawing a cat makes or breaks a good cat owner. YES I know what declaws are and what they entail and I have seen the procedure done several times over the years. I asked the girl if they do a criminal check when they adopt out cats and she said they do not. So I asked “What if you’re giving an animal to someone who has been convicted of murder, rape, or pedophilia?” and she said “We have a system to know if someone will be a good owner.” To me, that is completely ridiculous! Once again she is deflecting from her illogical rant about declawing! Let’s break down the argument…

It’s illegal in other countries: Well last time I checked it’s legal in Ontario, Canada. I could remind her that in other parts of the world it is legal to do most drugs, to hook up with a 12 year old girl, eat dogs and cats on the open food market. You can’t take a law in another part of the world and put it into a conversation where that law is legal in the part of the world where you are! You might hope and work hard to get it banned (which a lot of places have done), but that doesn’t make it illegal in Ontario!

Let’s talk about adopting for a second. I told her I wanted to get pet insurance for the cat, not let her outside and treat her well as a member of the family. NO, I am still not allowed to adopt the cat if I wanted to declaw it. It’s funny to me as stats show people who have pet insurance or put money away every month for an ‘in case pet fund’ spend more money on their pets health (this is not to say other’s don’t) and makes them that much more of a responsible pet owner.

The point of this blog is the fact that I had the home, the means, and the love, and I was still unable to adopt an animal due to an opinion and belief. I’m not saying she was right or wrong on her belief but I always wonder what happened to the cat; how long did it have to sit in a cage? How long until the cat had someone to care for her as their own… how long?

I always think how messed up this city is when I think about the fact that people who have committed crimes are allowed, without disclosure, to adopt an animal (just say the right thing, it’s that easy). We all know the stats, bad people start off by abusing their animals and sometimes even worse….

I’ve met so many people who work and have amazing cat rescues and trust me half of them don’t agree with the other ‘crazy cat people.’ Yes there are crazy cat people out there…

I think instead of people crapping on declawing we should as a city work towards making spaying and neutering a law! This would change everything…

Just to finish the story for you of our journey to adopt a cat, a few days after our failed attempt at the THS, we walked into a Pet Smart and found a cat up for adoption and adopted her, the lady there was more down to earth….

For the record I’m not a big fan of declawing – I understand why people do it and why people don’t. If you’re going to declaw your cat make sure your cat is going to be an indoor cat, make sure you do it while they are young, and make sure you talk to your VET and ask how they do the procedure. I’ve seen some awful vets who don’t care and give the animal basic pain meds! It’s an amputation they need more than the basics… so if you’re paying less than 400 dollars for a declaw, I think that is a red flag and you need to ask these questions…..

For all the cat rescues keep up the great work – remember the most important thing is to make sure it’s a good and stable home that the cat will go to. Don’t stress over stuff like declaw and things that are LEGAL to do in Ontario… when it changes and becomes illegal then enforce it….

What are your thoughts?

Are you for declawing if done correct?

Are you against it at all costs?

Or as long as the animal has a stable home and will live a long happy life, you’re good with that?

My Next Pet Peeve I will be Holding VETS to account! Oh this is just the beginning….

Email me your comments :

Aaron Thomas
Host Pet Talk 360
www.pettalk360.com
aaron@pettalk360.com

Editors note : Aaron's opinions are not necessarily those of the Toronto Pet Daily. As usual, feel free to comment below.

Things That Make Me Go Grrrrr.....Global "News" And Fear Mongering When It Comes To Pit Bulls

2011-12-07T17:15:00.000-05:00

Yes, I appreciate the irony
of posting a super cute pic
to further my agenda, but
at least I'll admit it!

A couple of weeks ago, Global news published a story detailing how since the banning of Pit Bulls in 2005, there has been a decrease in reported dog bites in Toronto. I would now, on behalf of all of you, like to take this time to personally thank Global for informing us of a fact that really doesn't need reporting. Any sixth grade math student should be able to draw such a conclusion. Guess what? I'm guessing if we took driving licenses away from caucasians, there would be a drop in DUI deaths as well!

What bugs me most about the article is the title : "Toronto dog bites fell after pit bull ban". How's that for furthering an agenda? Am I reading the Toronto Star here (and FYI no, I'm not a huge Ford fan)? I have a question for author Patrick Cain. You have shown in your own article a very detailed graph of dog bites over the last ten years. From what I can see German Shepherd bites NEARLY DOUBLE those of Pit Bulls, so why isn't the title of your article, "It's time to ban German Shepherds"?

Bear with me here, but is it possible the slant of your article was at all influenced by the Liberal Party, who have time and time again shown they couldn't care less about animal welfare in this province? If, as the title of the article suggests, the point is to show how "dangerous" Pit Bulls are, why haven't you afforded the same criticism to the other breeds? You see, the problem is never with facts, it's with "reporters" who skew those facts to further their own, or someone else's agenda.

I could go on and on, but I know there's enough of you who will want to chime in, so go ahead and comment, & I promise not to title the comment thread, "Toronto Pet Daily Readers comment on post".

Things That Make Me Go Grrrrr.....Online Petitions For Animal Welfare (Sometimes...)

2011-12-06T21:00:00.010-05:00

Notice how I put "Sometimes..." in the title? That's because I have no problem with those who take the time and effort to draw up online petitions and share them, as the majority do so with the most noble intentions, and should be commended. When it comes to animal welfare, there is no such thing as too much publicity! I've signed hundreds of such petitions online to voice my support for causes. When we all do so, we are collectively putting pressure on those (media, politicians, activists) who might be in a position to further change. There is however, one key aspect that many people don't realize, and it's a biggie :

Legally IN ONTARIO, ONLINE PETITIONS ACCOUNT FOR NOTHING!

This evening I was directed to MPP Randy Hillier's "Bring Back The Bulls" website, which calls for a repeal of Breed Specific Legislation (BSL). On the website, there is the ability to "sign" a petition based on a bill that Mr. Hillier tabled in the Ontario legislature last week. I won't bore you with an in depth lesson on parliamentary procedure, but I'll share what I wrote on his website. Note : If you have any questions with regard to the BSL petition, make sure to contact MPP Hillier. What I have written below is what I learned, through experience, to be the most effective way to get your petition read multiple times. :

"IT IS VERY IMPORTANT for people to know that online signatures mean NOTHING in the legislature (unfortunate isn't it?). For signed petitions to hold any weight, each signature on a petition SHOULD be from the same riding (to ensure its effectiveness).....and MUST be written, not typed! Last year, we learned this with regard to Provincial oversight of the OSPCA. Of course, sign online & show support if you wish, but make sure to submit the downloaded signed petition to the MPP who represents those signatures. You could have one petition with 10 signatures on it, but if those 10 signatures are from different ridings, they only "count" as one signature (in that only one of the respective MPPs can introduce the petition). My suggestion? Go to a local dog park & get signatures from the same (your) riding, & submit them to your MPP. Silly I know, but that's how the Ontario legislature works!"

I have nothing but praise for Mr. Hillier and his intentions, nor can I say enough good things about the wonderful people I have gotten to know as a result of their unending, tireless work toward ending BSL. My fear is that those individuals devoting themselves to this very important cause could see all of their hard work go down the drain, as a result of their lack of knowledge. I can only assume Mr. Hillier has a reason for not emphasizing the importance of paper petitions, rather than promoting online signatures that won't help him one bit in the Ontario legislature. At least, I certainly hope he does.

By all means, keep signing those online petitions. They raise a tremendous amount of awareness. But do your homework where you live, and see if there's something more for you to do than simply keying in your name. It might take more time and effort, but changing the system usually does.

**If you have any questions, they may already be addressed in the comments of this post.

Correction : As Rationalla pointed out in the comments below, an MPP can read a petition on behalf of a colleague...you can see my response below. While they "can", I don't think it carries as much weight as having multiple MPPs reading the petition.

Jason KB Photo Selling Awesome Greeting Cards To Benefit Helping Homeless Pets!

2011-12-06T14:54:00.000-05:00

Help us find loving homes for pets this holiday season! Jason KB Photo is selling greeting cards to raise money for Helping Homeless Pets, a charity organization that supports animal rescue groups throughout Canada. All proceeds from the sale of cards will be donated to charity. Our cards feature adorable images of puppies that are sure to bring a smile to the face of your friends and family this holiday season.

Packs of 8 cards are available for $20 (plus shipping and HST) through our Etsy store.

Lost Dog - Taotao (York Mills/Leslie) - UPDATED - BACK AT HOME!

2011-12-05T09:19:00.002-05:00

My dog got lost Sunday (at about 2:30) when my dad is walking in the valley. My house is near the york mills and leslie intersection. She has a little pimple-like thing (a very tiny pink bump) above her right eye. her name is Taotao, medium size. cshen@branksome.on.ca

One Shelter Pet's Plea For Christmas....A Letter To Santa

2011-12-04T16:09:00.004-05:00

Dear Santa,

Can you make my Christmas wish come true? I promise I've been good all year, and all I want now is to get out of this place! I can't even tell you how long I've been here. At first I was counting the days, but now I can't even seem to do that.....it feels like forever. Some days are ok I guess, because really nice people come in to pet me and my friends, and some of us get to leave with them. While many of us are disappointed that we remain, we still gather up the energy to wag our tails and celebrate that our friends have gone on to exciting new things!

The nights seem to never end. We try really hard to get a good night sleep so we can be eager in the morning to meet new people, but it can be hard. It's very cold and lonely, and some of us just can't take it. We find ourselves crying through most of the night. We try to figure out why no one loves us. We wonder what we did to get stuck in here. The people who work here are really nice and they do the best they can, but I can see in their eyes that they too are so tired. Still, they take the time when they can to hug & kiss & squeeze us, and that little act makes things a bit more bearable.

Some of us were actually happy when we came here, but every day we lose another piece of that. It's hard for people to understand what being in a place like this does to you. Many of my friends used to be so nice, but now they growl and bark more than they used too. I try to remind them that if they keep it up, they will never get a new mommy or daddy, but for some of them this no longer sinks in.

On the worst days, we lose some great friends, often a whole group. We know that they aren't going home with a new mommy or daddy, because they go down the hall into a room we can't see. We know that we will never see them again. As they cry and plead for just one more day, we cry too. We know that any day now, we could be next. I don't think many people realize that we know exactly what goes in that room, but we do.

Santa, why doesn't anybody love me? It's been so long that I can't even remember what I did to be sent here, but it couldn't have been that bad could it? All I want for Christmas this year is for me and my friends to find new mommies and daddies, so we can make them the happiest people on earth! I'm sure you know this because after all, you're Santa and you know everything, but we all have unending, unconditional love for people, and we're all ready to show it to the world.

What I would give to eat a nice meal in a warm home, or lick a child's cheek, or play in the snow! Can you imagine? I miss curling up in a lap. I miss playing with my toys. I miss mischief!

Santa, I'll hold on in here as long as I can. It won't be easy, but everyday I'll try to forget about the room down the hall, and I'll try to keep my friends' spirits up. I know you're very busy right now, but if you can just take the tiniest bit of time out of your schedule to tell everyone you can about me, I promise to be good all next year too. And one more thing....MERRY CHRISTMAS SANTA!!!

Your four legged BFF

Here's Katherine Heigl's Awesome Neutering Campaign Video - "Katherine Heigl Hates Balls"

2011-12-04T10:38:00.002-05:00

Katherine Heigl Hates Balls from Katherine Heigl

The Toronto Pet Daily "Scavenger Hunt For Hounds" Won By Lula The Pug!

2011-12-03T20:47:00.000-05:00

Lula on the TTC, before her big win!

Congrats to Danny White, who with his adorable Pug puppy Lula toured the city & got all the necessary photos. As a result, Danny won $500.00 cash and a $200.00 photo shoot for Lula from Pawsitive Exposure! Now if you have photos that you hadn't uploaded yet, make sure to do so over on the TPD Facebook page. On December 15 I'll do a draw & one lucky individual will win $100.00......just in time for that last minute gift shopping! The more Scavenger Hunt photos you upload, the better your chances!

In the meantime, check out Lula's winning pics here, where you can see she had a blast touring the city!

Auto Correct Goes To The Dogs.....It's Amazing What Computers THINK We're Typing!

2011-12-02T23:47:00.001-05:00

Last year a really funny site devoted itself to posting peoples' text messages that had been auto-corrected by "the man". Below are some with doggy themes WARNING - If you aren't a fan of naughty words, avert your eyes!. For the site's best of 2011, the link is at the bottom of this post.

For one of the funniest things I've seen all year, take a look at the top 25 entries of 2011 from Damn You Auto Correct! NOTE: They don't involve animals, & there's definitely some strong language!

Charlie Is A 6 Month Old Shepherd Cross Looking For A Home For The Holidays

2011-12-02T19:30:00.000-05:00

Charlie is a very handsome 6 month old shepherd mix (we think part collie or husky). He is an incredibly smart dog who is quick to learn. He is an affectionate dog who loves cuddling and attention. Charlie came to us from a home where the family could not provide for him. He was not given much training or boundaries in his previous home but has made a ton of progress in a short time with his foster mom. He knows "sit", "shake" and "lie down" and is getting pretty good with "drop it". Charlie will do well with an adopter who has some dog experience to continue with his training - he has responded really well to lots of positive reinforcement and some gentle leash corrections. He is good with other dogs and and we feel he would be good in a home with another dog. His foster mom says he is usually quiet and walks well on his leash. He is crate trained and only barks for a couple of minutes and then settles down. Charlie likes warming your feet and loves being with you, but is also happy to curl up in his bed when you're busy. He is neutered and vaccinated. It is recommended that his new home has someone home for at least part of the day to continue with his training. He is a lovely puppy who requires a home where he will get the exercise and attention every pup deserves. If you feel you can give Charlie a loving home please contact us at 416-787-3862 or see the online application on our website (www.adoptadogsavealife.com).

Another Contest? 'Tis The Season....Win A $150.00 Bissel Pet Hair Removal Vacuum!

2011-12-02T13:53:00.000-05:00

Gotta love the holiday season. Ongoing we have the "What's Nelly?" contest over on The Toronto Pet Daily Facebook page, where you can win a doggy DNA kit for your pooch, in addition to the "Scavenger Hunt For Hounds". with one lucky individual claiming $500 cash and a $200 photo session!

And just today, we launched the Pet Talk 360 vacuum giveaway. To win the vacuum in the picture, simply head on over to the Pet Talk 360 Facebook page, and tell them that The Toronto Pet Daily sent you. Easy as that! On Monday's Pet Talk 360 show (which you can watch online), the winner will be announced.

Astounding - 25% Of Canadians Take Their Pet To The Vet During The Holidays. Here Are Some Great Safety Tips

2011-12-01T18:14:00.000-05:00

survey shows pets sometimes naughtier than nice

around holiday décor

Nearly one-quarter of Canadians have taken their pet – or know someone who has taken their pet – to the vet during the holidays, according to new research from CSA International

Toronto, December 1, 2011 – CSA International’s Pets and Holiday Safety Survey reveals some worrying information when it comes to Canadians and our pets during the holidays. The research revealed that nearly one in four Canadians has taken their pet to the vet during the holiday season – or knows someone who has. Without proper attention to safety, a pet left with holiday décor can unwrap an unwanted wish list of dangers.

Canadians love their pets, which often become an important part of the family and provide us with some great laughs and special moments. Since we care so much about these special family members, it comes as no surprise that the holiday season presents concern around their safety. According to the study conducted by Leger Marketing on behalf of CSA, a leading testing and certification organization committed to public safety, two in five Canadian pet owners worry about the safety of their pets when leaving them home alone with holiday decorations. And, they may have good reason as one in 10 Canadian pet owners have experienced an accident with their pet and holiday decorations.

“Staying safe and sound during this busy and festive season should be top of mind for people while they enjoy their time with family, friends and pets,” says Anthony Toderian, safety spokesperson for CSA. “Taking a moment or two to practice safety around the home can be as simple as following a few basic steps to help ensure the well-being of our pets and family.”

The survey polled 1,510 Canadians and 1,001 Americans regarding their pets and pet experiences during the holiday season and results show Canadians appear to worry less about pet safety during the holidays. For example, 60 per cent of American pet owners are concerned about the safety of their pet when leaving them home alone with holiday decorations, compared with only 42 per cent of Canadian pet owners.

“The holiday season can be a busy time at veterinary clinics,” says Dr. Ian Sandler, a veterinary member of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. “Pets aren’t aware of the consequences of their actions as their home is decorated for the holiday season, and malfunctioning lights, plants and candles are just a few of the items that can wreak havoc. Family pets rely on their owners to look out for their welfare by ensuring their home is pet-proof, safe and secure.”

In an effort to avoid holiday accidents and keep pets and families safer this season, CSA International offers these tips:

· Cords are not chew toys: Inspect and discard holiday light strings with frayed cords. Holiday decorations in proper working order and fully insulated can help avoid electrical and fire hazards and keep pets safe while you’re away.

· Up and away: When decorating a tree or indoor space, place breakable ornaments and electrical decorations out of reach of children and pets. Potential eatables, such as chocolate, poinsettias, tinsel and colourful ornaments should also be placed out of reach.

· Safe storage: After the holidays, wrap and store lights and decorations in their original packaging which contains manufacturer’s instructions on replacement bulbs and details on proper use. Keep pets away from packages and your gift wrapping area. Ingested string, plastic and wrapping paper can lead to intestinal blockage and a trip to the vet.

· No sparks for Sparky: Protect family and pets from electric shock by connecting all outdoor lighting into receptacles protected by waterproof ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI).

· Cat and canine candle concerns: Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or spark a fire if they knock candles over. Use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. Extinguish the candle before leaving the room.

Next on the List: Holiday Fire Prevention and Safety

Sparky’s favourite holiday spot might be relaxing in front of the fireplace but Canadian families shouldn’t overlook safety when it comes to fire, smoke and gas. CSA offers safety tips to help Sparky sleep the days away in front of a warm fire while ensuring Canadians enjoy a safe holiday season:

· Fireplaces: Check to ensure your gas fireplace is not cracked or broken and in good working order and that children and pets are kept away from hot surfaces and open flames.

· Carbon monoxide and smoke alarms: Install at least one carbon-monoxide (CO) alarm near bedrooms, and test your smoke alarms monthly. One smoke alarm is not enough; install them on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas. For more information on placement of alarms, visit your local fire official or the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council website at www.safeathome.ca.

Holiday Safety Starts with Smart Shopping

· Spot the mark to help keep Spot safe: When purchasing light strings, extension cords or electrical decorations, look for a certification mark such as one from CSA International. This provides assurance that products are tested and certified to applicable standards for safety and performance.

· Fresh or fake, be safe: If you buy a real tree, make sure it’s fresh. Fresh trees are less likely to dry out and become a fire hazard. Artificial trees with electrical lights should have a certification mark on them and should be made of fire-resistant materials. Pet owners should take the time to tether their Christmas tree to a wall or the ceiling to avoid tipping by a pet or child.

More holiday safety tips can be found at www.csaholiday.com.

About the survey

The online survey was conducted for CSA International by Leger Marketing between September

26th, 2011 to September 28th, 2011 with a representative sample of 1,510 respondents from Canada and 1,001 respondents from the United States on the topic of pet holiday safety. This method simulates a probability sample which would yield a margin of error of +/- 2.5% 19 times out of 20 for the Canadian results and 3.1%, 19 times out of 20 for the American results.

About CSA International

CSA International is a provider of product testing and certification services for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and a variety of other products. Recognized in the U.S., Canada and around the world, CSA International certification marks appear on billions of products worldwide. CSA International is a division of CSA Group, which also includes CSA, a leading solutions based standards organization, providing standards development, application products, training and advisory services; and OnSpeX, a provider of consumer product evaluation, inspection and advisory services for retailers and manufacturers. For more information, visit www.csa-international.org

The Toronto Pet Daily And Cottage Dog Magazine Are Teaming Up!

2011-12-01T17:56:00.000-05:00

I'm very excited to tell you all that I'm now helping contribute to Cottage Dog Magazine, an amazing publication. I'll be starting with the "Bits and Bites" portion, and for this I'll need YOUR HELP! We really want to focus on YOU AND YOUR POOCH, and tell stories that showcase just how much people and pooches alike adore spending time in our beautiful cottage country.

Here's what we're looking for :

Once an issue, we'd like to feature your pet. Send along a high resolution photo of your doggy enjoying cottage country, along with a description (paragraph or two). What are your dog's favourite cottage activities? Are boat or canoe rides the bees knees? How about swimming or hiking? Tell us your story & you might be featured in the next issue (right now we're focusing on the winter season, though feel free to submit summer stuff as well, since the cold can't last forever.....grrrrrr).

Send us some information if you have a favourite retreat that you like to go to with your doggy in the winter season.

If you are a business that caters in part or whole to dogs in cottage country, submit your info. Likewise, if you are hosting or attending a fun winter event in which dogs are welcome, tell us all about it!

Now that winter is here (a fact), are you stuck in the city for a little while? Tell us what you like to do with your four legged BFF to pass the time.

Please send your submissions and suggestions to bitsandbites@torontopetdaily.com, so we can show off your cottage dog!

Casting Call For Animal Heroes.....Tell Your Story!

2011-12-01T14:04:00.000-05:00

Has Your Pet Saved Your Life ?

Has Your Pet Rescued You ?

If So, We Want To Tell Your Story !

Up & Coming new series that focuses on the heroism of your pet !

Email us today !

pawstalk@me.com

Windsor Couple Fall Victim To Kijiji Puppy Scam - Instead Of Judging Them, Share This Story As A Warning To Others!

2011-12-01T13:51:00.000-05:00

AMHERSTBURG, Ont. -- They stocked up on dog food, bought chew toys and fell in love with a puppy that never existed.

Shelly and Roger Hunt are angry and heartbroken after falling victim to an out-of-province scammer who promised to send them a free dog. All they had to do was pay for the shipping.

After handing over more than $1,000, they were told the puppy left Vancouver on a plane, had a short stopover in Toronto and would arrive at Windsor Airport at 10:37 a.m. Tuesday.

“Like idiots, we go to the airport,” said Shelly Hunt. “The guy at the airport, he said, ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about. That’s just not how cargo works.’ He checked over for the next week to check if maybe it could be true. There’s nothing booked on a cargo anywhere.”

The Amherstburg couple had been looking for a Husky puppy, but with Roger off work on disability, they didn’t want to spend a lot of cash. They were hoping to find someone who needed to give a dog “a good home.” Roger placed an ad on Kijiji.

Not long after, they received an email from someone named “Caroline” in Vancouver. Caroline wrote that her daughter had died and left her with a 13-week-old Husky named Bella that she couldn’t care for.

If the Hunts wanted to adopt Bella, Caroline said she would contact a travel agent for pets. She also sent pictures of a dog. The Hunts fell in love.

Caroline sent another email stating it would cost $230 to fly the dog from Vancouver to Toronto, then to Windsor.

“We sent her the $230, looking very forward to picking this puppy up,” said Hunt. Caroline sent them a travel itinerary.

“She led us to believe the puppy left Vancouver last night at 11:30 p.m., arrived at Toronto airport at 7 a.m., was held over for two hours and would leave Toronto airport at 9:30,” Hunt said Tuesday.

Then on Tuesday morning, they received another email. The dog was in Toronto, but the puppy transport company “failed to collect insurance on the pet.”

“Without a fee of $1,300 at Toronto airport, they would not transport her any farther,” said Hunt. “So she was just stuck at Toronto airport.”

Hunt said she was told the $1,300 would be refunded to them once the dog was safely in Windsor. “We quickly emailed her and said we can’t get $1,300 together in five minutes,” said Hunt. “We’ve got $750.”
Caroline agreed to pay the rest. The Hunts raced out and transferred the $750.

“It wasn’t even about the money,” said Hunt. “By then we were in love with the dog and we just wanted her here. It was breaking our hearts.”

With the money in place, the Hunts headed to the airport. But when they arrived there was no dog, just a confused airport employee.

With the original $230, the insurance and the money transfer fees, they lost $1,047.

“We bought puppy food yesterday, we bought her toys,” Hunt said Tuesday. “For people to do this is terrible. I just don’t want anyone to go through what we went through.”

Amherstburg police said there’s not much they can do because the fraudster is in Vancouver.

***KUDOS to the Windsor Star for reporting this story. Earlier this year, I posted about "Kijiji Pets", and you can read the article here.

In The Latest "Ask The Vet" Column, Dr. Cliff Discusses Vaccines

2011-11-30T20:58:00.000-05:00

Vaccines are a controversial topic in both the pet and human medical profession. Are they safe? Which vaccines should I allow the veterinarian to give my pet? How often?

These are all good questions and certainly ones you should ask your veterinarian. Most vets, including myself, appreciate an owner who is involved in their pet’s healthcare enough to want to be well informed. Together a decision can be made that is right for everyone.

Here is my opinion, most of it is based upon seven years of higher education and the theories and research that was taught to me, the rest is simply an educated theory of mine. As always, speak with your veterinarian about their thoughts and work together in creating a vaccination protocol. Just so a lawyer does not come after me...this is just my opinion so speak with your vet :)

Are vaccines safe? In a nutshell, yes. But they are not 100% benign. No medication or drug is completely without risk. Animals can have mild allergic reactions several weeks after the vaccines or very rarely they can have acute anaphylaxis reactions and need emergency medical intervention. The numbers keep changing but currently experts feel that 1 in every 100,000 cats can develop a fibrosarcoma tumor at the site of vaccinations. Research has been unable to prove that it is the vaccine itself as similar tumors have been seen when cats have received antibiotic injections or even sterile subcutaneous saline fluid treatment.

We are seeing more diagnosed cases of environmental allergies, food allergies, and autoimmune disorders however experts have not been able to directly link them to vaccines. Perhaps the immune stimulatory effects of the vaccines when given to thousands of pets over a long period have also “primed” the immune system to over-react to other originally inert allergens (pollen, chicken, dust, their own cellular makeup!). Unfortunately we do not know.

As a parent of 2 kids with severe peanut allergies I often wonder (and ask the immunologist) why the peanut has become the scariest substance known to man? Perhaps vaccines in people are also increasing allergic disorders.

My opinion, based only on the general understanding of the immune system, is that yes vaccines do over time and when used in a large enough population increase the risk of these disorders...or perhaps animals are living many years longer now and that we have much better tools available for detecting these unusual disorders that we are simply diagnosing them more efficiently?

And that is where my final comment becomes important. Animals (and people) are living longer and I honestly feel immunization has played an enormous role in our success on that front.

So are vaccines 100% safe? Of course not, and I ask that you challenge any veterinarian who says so. But I also know that without the rabies vaccine, the Stephen King novel “Cujo” would be a reference book and not a fictional horror story (did you know that rabies is diagnosed in bats almost every year in York Region?). Speak with any veterinarian working in the industry in the 80s and they will tell you of the dozens of puppies dying from parvoviral enteritis at their hospital prior to the creation of the vaccine. How many cats have to die from untreatable feline leukemia because they have not received their immunization against it? (and ideally, keep your cat inside, they will live many years more and can still be kept fit and happy). And I continue to diagnose and unfortunately lose some of my patients to leptospirosis infections. This disease is a zoonotic risk and can be avoided by getting your dog vaccinated against it.

So it comes done to a benefit to risk ratio and the odds are stacked extremely high in the favour of pets who receive regularly scheduled vaccines.

Stay tuned, next week’s article we will discuss the many choices of vaccines out there and more importantly the truth behind annual vaccines versus the “recent” AAHA 3 year vaccination recommendations.

As always email me your questions to askthevet@torontopetdaily or post them on Facebook (about anything really), and check out mine and Aaron’s online show every Monday evening at 7pm on www.pettalk360.com.

Look Out Dr. Cliff! One Reader Has Responded To Your Column Last Week, In Which You Argued Against Raw Diets

2011-11-30T14:03:00.000-05:00

Dr. Cliff smiling, before he read this response.

I should seriously just step away from Dr. Redford's post on November 17th, having encountered so many others like it over the years and realizing that a lot of non-medical experience counts for nothing in the eyes of most vets, but ...

Like most vets, there seems little education or insight on nutrition evident in Dr. Redford's 'article'. My own vets have confirmed that, in all of their years of study, vet students receive only a few hours -- at most -- on the subject of nutrition ... AND this is most usually sponsored by the kibble companies. So, yes, Dr. Redford, there are many others in whom I'd put my faith before just any vet when it comes to my dogs' nutritional needs. Fortunately there are some vets who invest in their continuing education in the area of vaccines and the field of nutrition, which is NOT sponsored by the kibble companies.

I have fed a well-researched, highly-monitored raw diet for over 9 years and am grateful for the vets behind my dogs who are either raw-feeders themselves, or who see the optimum health in my dogs', acknowledge that I am doing right by them ... and who respect me for the diet I feed. I'm so grateful that not all vets are wearing the same kibble-sponsored blinders as Dr. Redford here.

Several times over the years, I have had my dogs' diet -- which is quite a simple but balanced diet of meat, organs, and bones -- analyzed down to the finest detail, and it always meets the NRC standards (although I question these ever-changing "standards" as well, but that's another can of worms). My last boy, adopted at 9 yrs of age, passed at the age of 16 1/2 after 7+ yrs on a raw diet. One of my current dogs -- a wirehaired pointer -- will be 10 yrs old this winter. She was adopted at 7 mos of age with a raft of health issues which were only remedied with a raw diet; in fact, she was the reason I finally made the switch to raw after little success with vets and commercial kibbles. Yes, as a supreme athlete she has early signs of arthritis ... but wait, at 10 yrs, is that truly "early"? I guess we just think of it as "early" since everyone who sees her believes her to be 2 or 3 yrs.

I absolutely agree that a raw diet can be fed wrong ... there are a number of mistakes that beginners make, the least of which is jumping in before doing their research. Unfortunately, what vets see in their clinics and ERs is dogs owned by people who have jumped in with little or no research, who aren't feeding raw the way it should be, not using safe practices, etc. What these vets aren't seeing are all the properly raw-fed, supremely healthy dogs who never have to see a vet except for their wellness exams, because -- when fed a species-appropriate diet -- there are far less diseases, allergies, etc. for the owners to be spending their $s on.

Feeding raw properly results in dogs that are truly healthy inside and out, not just sustaining on what is the equivalent to a permanent diet of Kraft Dinner.

I don't know, Dr. Redford, maybe you are and maybe you aren't in the pockets of kibble companies, but I'm pretty certain they sponsored that small segment of nutrition you received in vet school. Seriously, would you consider it more healthy for a human being to eat the same, highly-processed, boxed food day in and day out? Aren't fresh ingredients more appropriate to any animal's diet? And especially species-appropriate foods? No wait, don't answer that ... because maybe you do think that KD out of a box every day, chased with a few synthetic vitamin and mineral supplements to cover the bases is perfectly sufficient.

As for your claims above, Dr. Redford, honestly when I first scanned through this article I actually thought it was a parody of a vet slamming raw because surely no vet is still this far in the dark ages of canine nutrition? Let me address your "summary of concerns" none of which appear to me to have been "well proven" by any scientists, nerds or otherwise ...

(1) "Dogs and cats that eat RAW meat carry nasty germs." Seriously? This is pure myth, with a dash of fear-mongering. If the food is handled like you would handle your own meat, feeding areas are cleaned, as well as dogs beards, paws, etc., there are no less or more germs on them than any kibble fed dog ... or your bathroom faucets. Please. If you believe this to be true, where's the proof? I'm happy to set up a testing situation if you'd like me to bring in my heavily bearded, raw-fed scruffies, Dr. Redford, along with a slew of other healthy raw-fed dogs.

(2) "RAW food is usually too high in protein." Too high in protein? Someone needs to break out the calculator and some food-value charts. Most meats hover around the 19% protein mark. That's no higher than a lot of processed/kibble diets. Not to mention that the protein in a raw diet is species-appropriate protein, not protein derived from corn and other non-digestible grains that kibble companies use to get those protein numbers up on the label on account of so little meat actually being in the concoction. And, if that protein value is too high due to specific health issues, supplementation with veggies and other fillers can be used to bring the over all value down. That's the beauty of a raw diet: it can be manipulated to suit a dog with special needs.

And it "makes them aggressive"? Seriously, Dr. Redford ... how heavy is that stone you're still living under? This is the #1 greatest myth about raw feeding. Having been on numerous raw forums over the years, speaking to raw-feeding vets, and hundreds upon hundreds of other raw-feeding dog lovers, NO one has reported increased aggression in their dogs after switching to raw nor do their dogs suddenly become blood-thirsty beasts attempting to kill any small animal. My own pointer is a hunting dog, and many years ago, the very morning after her first dinner of whole rabbit, while out on a hike, she retrieved me the remains of a freshly killed rabbit by hunters ... of her own accord, her own nature, she retrieved it out of the forest with no guidance from me. In spite of having eaten the same protein the night before she didn't become some savage beast, eating everything in her path. She remained, and still does to this day, a hunting dog who doesn't help herself on the trails, and who doesn't kill wantonly.

Is there the very slim chance that some dogs become a little more protective over their food when switched to raw? Sure, very occasionally ... if the dog was already prone to resource guarding, sometimes raw can increase this (very marginally and only temporarily) because they're finally getting high-value food!!

But to make such a ridiculous and unproven statement that raw-feeding makes dogs aggressive ... well, besides making me initially think that this was some kind of parody article ... this is the most common myth, and the #1 fear-mongering tactic used by vets who haven't done their research or seen the results of feeding a species-appropriate diet properly. Do you have any cases to site here on increased aggression in raw-fed animals, Dr. Redford? And I'm not talking resource-guarding since any formerly resource-guarding dog can display this behavior when given any kind of high-value food.

(3) "RAW food is usually too high in phosphorus and/or the phosphorus to calcium ratio is out of whack. All the supplementation in the world wont help, you need commercially prepared and feeding trial tested foods." I'll agree that, especially when feeding puppies, the calcium/phosphorus ratio has to be considered carefully for those growing bones, especially in large breed pups. But if researched and fed properly, as I and many other raw feeders have proven, a raw fed diet MORE than answers any NRC standards. And it's the kind of food a dog's system is meant to digest ... NOT boiled down carcasses of questionable quality, mixed up with gallons of grains into a gelatinous goo which is then baked into fun-shaped, bite-sized pieces to appeal to owners, sprayed with god-knows-how many otherwise toxic preservatives to guarantee a year-long shelf-life, and finally sprinkled with all kinds of synthetic supplements because everything has been rendered useless in the extreme heat of processing.

(4) "Dont tell me it is more natural and is what wolves eat. The average wolf lives 3 years...because it eats garbage food. It dies of disease and hunger and malnutrition and we never get to see what the long term consequences of these foods are. I am planning for my 3 dogs to live 15+ years, how about you?" Seriously, Dr. Redford? Do you do any research before making these types of claims? In 2004 the death of wolf "B2M" was recorded; he was a captured wolf from Alberta and relocated to Idaho, a wild wolf. His recorded age was approximately 14 yrs. Others have been recorded around that age, and up to 16 yrs. But in captivity wolves are recorded to 20 years or more.

Now, when I prepare and feed my dogs their raw diet, I'm not feeding them using the model of a starving wolf struggling in the wild (as your example suggests we raw-feeders must be doing), without the benefit of annual health exams, blood work, or supplementation for any health issues the dog might encounter via genetics or outside disease ... if I did that, yes, my dog might not live as long as some captive wolves. However, I (and any raw-feeder I've met) feed my dogs in the model of the captive wolf, the top wolf in the pack who gets all the best stuff, all the essential stuff, and, as a result, enjoys optimum health ... not a dog with just the appearance of optimum health who then succumbs to all of the dog diseases we have seen such an incredible rise in since the advent of kibble in the 60s.

(5) "Overall it is nutritionally unbalanced!" This is essentially covered under my response to (3) ... it IS balanced if one researches and makes it balanced ... and, honestly, that's not too difficult with just the right balance of meat, bones and organs ... and with supplementation for any health issues that come on with age, like arthritis for example.

If you'd like to expand your education a little, Dr. Redford, you can find out more information by checking out some of the links here:http://scruffydogphotography.com/blog/index.php/your-dogs-health/
... many of them link to vets' sites ... vets who have seen the light beyond the kibble-sponsored Kool Aid you clearly find so tasty.

You might also learn from your fellow vets by reading and following the links in this article about vaccines as well:http://scruffydogphotography.com/blog/index.php/the-truth-about-vaccines/

And for all those reading Dr. Redford's tripe in his November 17th post (mmm ... tripe is good for dogs, but then we're talking real tripe/real food, not this kind of tripe), PLEASE don't blindly take any vet's word as gospel. This kind of blind faith has led to more than one animal's death in my own world and many others I know of. Don't let it be yours. Put in the effort to find a vet who isn't still wearing the blinders they hand out in vet school. There are SO many higher-educated vets out there who know the truth, who support and endorse good nutrition for dogs, who have actually done some research, and who practice the good they preach.

You are your pet's advocate, their guardian, their voice ... it's up to you to do what is best for them, including seeing through the fear-mongering tactics of the uneducated and unenlightened.

Illona Haus - head scruffy

www.scruffydogphotography.com/blog

www.facebook.com/scruffydogphotography

Editor's note : Dr. Cliff's original article can be found here, and later today I'll be publishing his second "Ask The Vet" column. If you have any feedback for Dr. Cliff, send it toaskthevet@torontopetdaily.com.

Here Are Your Nominations For The Toronto Pet Daily Readers' Choice "Best Of 2011" Awards

2011-11-29T16:27:00.002-05:00

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!!!

Best Boarding
Cosmopawlitan Pet Boutique + Spa
Parker Pet Care
Rover and Rover
Waggz & Whiskerz Pet Services

Best Dog Walking/Daycare
Baden Hound Grooming & Wellness Spa For Dogs
Barks n' Purrs
Dog Pawsitive
Metro Dog Stop
Tailblazers
The Hydrant
Waggz & Whiskerz Pet Services
Woof, Waggle and Walk
York Professional Pet Sitting

Best Food & Supply Store
Cosmopawlitan Pet Boutique + Spa
The Bone House
The Dog Market
Metro Hound
Wag On The Danforth

Best Grooming
Aussie Pet Mobile
Baden Hound Grooming & Wellness Spa For Dogs
Cosmopawlitan Pet Boutique + Spa
My Dog Spot
The Dog Market

Best Pet Photography
Bunch We Lunch With
Easy As Paws
Jason KB Photo
Leash Out Pet Photography
Pawsitive Exposure
Scruffy Dog Photography

Best Rescue Organization
4 Legged Love
North Toronto Cat Rescue
Toronto Cat Rescue
Toronto Humane Society
Ugly Mutts

Best Training
Dealing With Dogs
Follow The Leader
Puppy People
The Dog House
Whatta Pup!

Best Veterinarian
Bayview York Mills Veterinary Clinic
Blue Cross Animal Hospital
Cabbagetown Pet Clinic
Cachet Village Animal Hospital
Queen West Animal Hospital

Voting starts today on the top right of the blog, and will close on December 15th. Thanks to all readers who submitted their favourite businesses for consideration!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!!!

Awesome Video! Merengue Dancing Dog - YOU CAN'T MISS THIS!!

2011-11-26T17:49:00.000-05:00

Citywide Pug Casting Call Next Wednesday At Jason KB Photo - Spread The Word To Toronto Pug Lovers.....I Think There's One Or Two In The City....

2011-11-25T14:02:00.000-05:00

Do you know a pug who wants to be famous? Jason KB Photo, Toronto’s premier animal photography studio, is looking for pugs to photograph for an upcoming film project by award winning Canadian filmmaker Stephen Dunn. The chosen pug might also get a chance to star in the film! Wow!

Interested pugs must be well tempered and available the evening of Wednesday November 30th for a photoshoot in Jason KB Photo’s downtown studio. Trained pugs are preferred.

As a thank you for taking part in the shoot, the chosen pug will receive a 16″ x 20″ print from Jason KB Photo (a $135 value!).

Interested pugs should contact Stephen (stephen.dunn@ryerson.ca) directly and post photos to the Jason KB Photo facebook page.

Our Latest Contest - "What's Nelly?" Win A DNA Kit For Your Doggy!

2011-11-24T18:56:00.002-05:00

Have you all had enough contests for a while? Because I sure haven't! As soon as one ends another begins, so here we go!

To win a doggy DNA kit from "DNA My Dog" & test your own pooch, you'll have to first let me show off my proud pooch. I adopted Nelly two years ago from the Toronto Humane Society. He's ten years old and perfect, except for when he chews my pillows (8 and counting....). Since I have no idea what type of mix Nelly is (I have my suspicions), I'm going to use a DNA kit to find out!

In the meantime, I want you to head on over to Nelly's Facebook album & post your guess. Whoever guesses right wins a DNA kit of their very own! If multiple people guess correctly, I'll have a draw among the smarties & one of you will win. Contest closes December 10 (I'll have Nelly's results by then......paws crossed).

How good are you at guessing breeds? It's time to find out!

In addition, if you are interested in purchasing a DNA My Dog kit for yourself or someone you know (certainly a grrrrreat gift), head on over to the Toronto Pet Daily Store, where the kits (along with everything else) are on sale for 10% off until December 10th!

Can You Find The Pug?

2011-11-24T15:41:00.001-05:00

Downtown Toronto Cat Clinic Opens, Exclusively For Felines

2011-11-23T17:52:00.001-05:00

416-479-0142
New Downtown Toronto Cat Clinic Opens
Animal Hospitals aren’t created equal when it comes to cats

Did you know that not all all veterinary hospitals are created equal when it comes to cats? Most veterinarians treat cats like small dogs and do not appreciate the special needs of this species.

Downtown Toronto Cat Clinic is different from the moment you walk into the clinic .You may think you have walked into a friend’s cozy living room. All the details were well thought out from the specially designed reception desk to the small tables to place your cat carrier on, to the glass window where the boarding cats can see the activity in the waiting room. The walls are covered with one of a kind art work from various artist who exclusively paint cats.The serene and calming atmosphere almost makes you feel as though you are in a spa reception room.

Cats are often stressed and because they are in a waiting room with barking dogs in their face and are usually hospitalized in full view of the canine predator. The cat clinic is a haven for cats, it is peaceful and is a perfect environment for the recovery of our sick cats as there is no barking or canine smells to upset them.

The cat clinic offers boarding in our two level cages that are in full view of the reception area and provide two hours of exercise and play time once a day. Downtown Toronto Cat Clinic also offers a unique service where they will come pick up your cat at your home and transport your pet to the clinic for necessary procedures. The clinic will receive calls at 8:00 in the morning with owners that need to get to work but have noticed that their cat is ill and can’t make it to the vet until later that day. The Downtown Toronto Cat Clinic suggests that you should never wait to bring your sick cat for an exam, so the clinic will provide a service where they come to pick up your cat up at your home before you go to work. They will update the owner during the day and drop off your pet the next morning. The clinic also offers a house call service for their clients if needed.

Dr. Bonder focuses exclusively on feline medicine and follows closely the guidelines of The American Feline Association of Practitioners.

Dr. Bonder also believes in contributing to the community and will be working closely with the Annex Cat Rescue to help control the cat population in the Annex area.

If your cat seems stressed at the vets’s or is acting out aggressively at your average cat-dog hospital, and especially if you’re looking for a veterinarian with cat -specific skills , you might want to give the Downtown Toronto Cat Clinic a try to see the difference in the vet experience.

Paws Talk Season Finale - Rabbit Rescue

2011-11-23T08:47:00.000-05:00

Can You Spot The Dog In This Pic?

2011-11-22T20:58:00.002-05:00

Things That Make Me Go Grrrrr.....Pets As Christmas Presents And Brits Killing Pets For Insurance Fraud

2011-11-21T14:51:00.000-05:00

Tis the season.....it comes earlier every year. In mid-October I was buying Halloween candy, and where were the sweets located in Shopper's Drug Mart? That's right, next to the Christmas decorations. Even Black Friday has become "Black Thursday" this year thanks to Walmart trying to best the competition. Believe it or not Petsmart is opening it's south of the border doors at 6:00 am this Friday, just in case you can't sleep at 4:30 in the morning and need to save 50 cents on a squeaky hot dog. You know who you are, and in a few days, we will too.

Now before you all start getting a wee bit to jolly, I'm sure some of you are planning that perfect four legged gift for your family. It's been said again, and it's worth repeating every year : "Pets aren't for Christmas, pets are FOR LIFE!" I'm not speaking to those who have been planning a purchase for some time, and who have had the foresight to pre-purchase your crates, toys, food, and book your training sessions ahead of time. I'm talking to those who run out to a shelter the week before the big day and grab the first puppy or kitten you see in the hopes that it'll erase the fact that a) you're never home on time or b) you've missed every baseball game and/or ballet recital since 2008. Have you ever wondered why animal shelters are inundated with pets every January? Now you know, and contrary to what most believe, I would venture a guess that knowing is at least two thirds of the battle. So this season, think, re-think, and then think some more before you add to your hectic life. Those "gotcha" $3.99 DVD copies of "Dirty Dancing Havana Nights" you see at the checkout are impulse items. Pets are not.

Now on to the truly deplorable. I wasn't aware until last week listening to Pet Talk 360 (which btw you can do tonight at 7:00) that there's a current trend of despicable people maiming, and in some cases even killing their pets for big insurance payoffs. In the UK, the numbers have increased four-fold. Words can't really express what kind of people these are. Wait a minute....it turns out they can : You are all selfish, inhumane, pathetic excuses for what can't even be considered to be human. If you are that desperate for money, might I suggest venturing to an alley behind your local pub and giving reacharounds to your fellow drunken sots? I assure you no one is getting hurt and there's far less paperwork involved. Besides, now the insurance companies are on to you, and you sir are no Michael Moore. I really do hope that one day soon your dog bites you in your man/lady parts and your insurance company denies you a settlement based on what they believe to be, "a simple pre-existing condition of fairly unsightly genitalia."

There........that's better. Feel free to let us know what makes you go grrrr by posting below or on the TPD Facebook page.

One Of This Year's Popular Christmas Toys? A Crapping And Farting Dog Game - I Poop You Not

2011-11-19T23:25:00.000-05:00

Last year it was the sex toy for dogs. This year, why not get the pooping and farting dog for your kids?

Many children's toys over the years have allowed them to act more like adults by doing chores like vacuuming, mowing the lawn, driving and baking.

But the one that tops this year's must-have list seems to take pretending to be an adult to a whole other level.
The UK Toy Retailers Association has chosen a dachshund that farts and defecates called Doggie Doo by

Goliath Games as the top "dream toy" children will want this Christmas. Players win by doing what most dog owners dread, picking up poop.

"I like it, it's funny," says Freddie, an 11-year-old who headed straight for it at the official preview, to the Guardian. "I'd like to get it for Christmas."

Freddie and his friend Harry were soon joined by other boys around their ages who were all laughing at the poo sounds. The Guardian reports that Harry's mom was not impressed.

"I think it does appeal to the younger boys because of the fascination with anything poo-related," says Harry's mom to the Guardian. "We certainly won't be buying it for Christmas though."

Two to four players roll dice and feed the dog. Players work the food through the dog with a pump and the object is to be the first to pick up after the dog three times.

www.ca.news.yahoo.com

Check Out The Newest TPD Column - "Ask The Vet" With Dr. Cliff Redford....His First Post On Avoiding Raw Foods Should Wet Your Appetite For Debate!

2011-11-17T19:34:00.003-05:00

Considering I am new to Toronto Pet Daily I thought I would start my “Ask The Vet” blog off with a bang. Lets talk about feeding your dog RAW food. Many very loving and well meaning pet owners have started down this dangerous path and I constantly have to beg them to stop. Now please don't accuse me of being in the pockets of the pet food industry because I would make way more money treating all the food related disorders these pets will develop then I ever will promoting commercial dog food and frankly almost anything is better then home made and especially RAW dog food.

Here are a summary of the concerns, well proven in hidden laboratories run by mad scientists eating meat from bovine spongiform encephalopathy cases (get it? mad scientists eating mad cow disease infected meat? I am such a nerd!).

1. Dogs and cats that eat RAW meat carry nasty germs. It is true that the pets are safe from the e. coli. and salmonella etc. that is in these meats but they all end up shedding it in their fur and saliva and it becomes a HUGE risk for their pet owners. Especially the ones with young children. Now I dont really care much about people, only pets so...

2. RAW food is usually too high in protein. This will increase the risk of aggression but more importantly increases the risk for kidney disease later on down the line.

3. RAW food is usually too high in phosphorus and/or the phosphorus to calcium ratio is out of whack. All the supplementation in the world wont help, you need commercially prepared and feeding trial tested foods. These specific imbalances greatly increase the risk for orthopedic growth abnormalities such as hip dysplasia and osteoporosis.

4. Dont tell me it is more natural and is what wolves eat. The average wolf lives 3 years...because it eats garbage food. It dies of disease and hunger and malnutrition and we never get to see what the long term consequences of these foods are. I am planning for my 3 dogs to live 15+ years, how about you?

5. Overall it is nutritionally unbalanced! Maybe the salt is too high, perhaps the calcium is too high, often the micronutrients are too low. This is where vets can make a ton of money...we let people keep feeding their pet this stuff and then eventually we are performing surgery removing bladder stones, or hospitalizing the animal for cases of pancreatitis. I would rather be busy with annual exams and never see a sick pet again.

So please speak with your veterinarian and listen to what they have to say with an open mind. Who would you believe more regarding your own diet? Your own family doctor or the kid who works at the local grocery store?

Email me any pet health questions or comments about the above to torontopetdaily@gmail.com

Dr. Cliff Redford

Owner of 3 hospitals in the GTA (www.vet905.com) and co-host of pettalk360.com

Editor's note : Feel free to post a comment below or have your say on The Toronto Pet Daily Facebook page.

Local Pet Artist Looking For Pets For New Book

2011-11-17T17:08:00.000-05:00

"PAINTINGS OF FAMOUS PEOPLE'S PETS"

I am looking for people who would like to be a part of my special project, entitled:

"Paintings of Famous People's Pets"

(“Famous” in this context means any public person)

This project is planned to be a published book-album that will present:

a painting of a pet

a photo showing the owner and the pet

a brief story about the owner and his/her pet

(I use the word “painting” instead of “portrait” since animals can also be presented in motion).

To participate:

visit my website www.petspaintings.com
fill out a form under Contact Me
email me a photo of your pet

Please check prices.

Please contact me if you would like to participate, or refer potential candidates.

Thank you!
Emilia Jajus
Visual Artist

Time To Give Away More Winter Jackets For Your Stylin' Doggy!

2011-11-17T14:19:00.000-05:00

Since the last promotion was met with such great response, and since today just seems so darn chilly, The Toronto Pet Daily & Canada Pooch are teaming up again to give away some awesome winter jackets! Over the next week, there will be three jackets given to the lucky winners.

Here's what to do :

Like both The Toronto Pet Daily Facebook page and the Canada Pooch Facebook page.

Once you've done that, simply upload an awesome pic of your pooch to either of the two Facebook pages.

That was easy wasn't it?

Now just wait for one of three draws over the next week. The draws will take place Sunday November 20, Tuesday November 22, and Thursday November 24. Each draw will take place at 5:00 PM.

***Important -Once you upload your pic, you will be eligible for each remaining draw. Simply put, upload your photo earlier to have a better chance of winning (you only need to upload your photo once).

Keep in mind, only one entry is allowed per individual, so uploading multiple images will not increase your chances (though it will increase our level of happiness!).

About Canada Pooch

"Canada Pooch is a Canadian pet apparel designer and the first dog brand that you will actually remember! Located in Toronto, Ontario, we know something about brutal winters and strive to create apparel that will protect your pooch from whatever Mother Nature has in store."

About The Toronto Pet Daily

"You are currently reading The Toronto Pet Daily, making you just a little bit more awesome than you already were."

For Yet Another Year, Lawrence Park Is The Most Dog Populated Neighbourhood In The City

2011-11-15T20:37:00.000-05:00

Move over, Beaches - you're not Toronto's top dog neighbourhood. That honor goes to Lawrence Park which beat out the popular east-end canine haunt by just a hair. The third most desirable postal codes for our four legged friends are in Swansea and Bloor West Village. And where dogs lives varies greatly by breed - pit bulls congregate in Downsview while miniature poodles are more likely to be found along the condo-dense lake shore. All this comes from an exclusive analysis of Toronto's dog registration database performed by globalnews.ca.

Click the link below for the full article, as well as a great interactive map.

Read it on Global News: Global News | Maps: Who are the dogs in your Toronto neighbourhood?

Paws Talk Episode 13 - Paw Tyme Grooming & Spa

2011-11-15T18:16:00.000-05:00

Here's An Older, Great Video Of The "You're The One That I Want" Grease Dance!

2011-11-14T20:20:00.000-05:00

Peter Worthington - Ontario Government Should Revise Its “See-No-Wrong” Policy Towards The OSPCA.

2011-11-13T15:41:00.000-05:00

TORONTO - This is the story of two dogs named Rocky — one a 16-year-old Husky which was unnecessarily seized and killed by the OSPCA this summer, and the other being feted by the OSPCA at a fund-raiser on Nov. 28 at Roy Thomson Hall.

The owners of the assassinated Rocky (OK, euthanized) feel the fund-raising is being used to confuse people and make them forget the horrendous botch-up with their dog. Maybe, maybe not.

Certainly the OSPCA Rocky is a nice story of restoring a mange-riddled dog to normality, though calling it “a shining example of the life-saving work the OSPCA performs every day,” seems a bit of a stretch.

Pity their “life-saving work” was nowhere in sight for the Tramontin’s Rocky.

When a neighbour phoned Toronto Animal Services (TAS) that a dog was barking in the Tramontin’s backyard (Gianna Tramontin is a school teacher), the animal was picked up and delivered to the OSPCA in Newmarket and was promptly euthanized.

Ms. Tramontin was appalled that Rocky had been killed without anyone phoning her or her vet. The OSPCA said the dog had no collar, no phone tag, no microchip, and was in bad shape — something Rocky’s vet, Heather Hannah, disputes.

Dr. Hannah, of the St. Clair Veterinary Facilities, takes exception to the

OSPCA’s version that Rocky was in pain, dehydrated, urine scalded and showed signs of a neurological condition.

TAS staff had left a note on the Tramontin’s door saying the animal was not provided with “adequate and appropriate care, food, water, shelter and veterinary care.”

After killing Rocky, the OSPCA said the dog was without collar or identification. No phone number, no microchip when they scanned it.

In an article prepared for the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Hannah’s reaction is blunt and uncategorical: “This is all bulls---.”

She says Rocky was her “patient” for 14 years.

And when Rocky’s body was turned over to the Pets at Peace cremation services, the collar was on, the rabies vaccine tag showed the vet’s phone number and a scan showed the microchip in the dog’s shoulder — and not “drifted down” to the animal’s paw as the OSPCA claimed.

Dr. Hannah’s article is apparently scheduled to be published, despite the

OSPCA changing and amending its story, especially when the media got onto it.

“We veterinarians have become irrelevant since the OSPCA got special powers,” Dr. Hannah wrote. “Did a licensed veterinarian decide to euthanize Rocky, or was it a volunteer? I still don’t know. I do know that people with minimal animal training can enter onto private property, remove an animal, and make life or death decisions without so much as a phone call to me. I’m his veterinarian and am easy to reach.”

Dr. Hannah has a valid point.

Part of the problem with the OSPCA lies in it being a charity with policing powers without accountability.
As Dr. Hannah points out :“I once believed in how the OSPCA carried out its mandate.”

No longer.

She changed her mind after “the heavy-handed Toronto Humane Society investigation, the phantom ring worm fiasco, and the arbitrary euthanasia of one of my patients.”

Like many, she doesn’t think a registered charity should have police powers.

Dr. Hannah’s husband, James Duhaime, administrator of the St. Clair

Veterinary Facilities, wonders if presenting another dog named Rocky as an OPSCA “success story” to raise money, is a ploy by OSPCA “spin doctors” to wipe from the public’s mind, the disgraceful treatment their Rocky received.

Far from Rocky being neglected, Dr. Hannah says the Tramontins were “exemplary clients: Neutering, microchipping, vaccinations, anti-parasitics, proper diet, bloodwork, cruciate care, and insurance.”

She asks: “What heartless person just assumed that a dog brought to the OPSCA in distress and promptly euthanized, didn’t matter to its owner?”

In other words, 16-year-old Rocky deserved better than a summary execution, with untruths to cover up apparent negligence. For the sake of animals, the

Ontario government should revise its “see-no-wrong” policy towards the OSPCA.

Meanwhile, the other “Rocky” will be glamourized and fussed over on Nov. 28, to raise money for his saviours.

www.torontosun.com

Win A Stylish Winter Coat For Your Pooch!

2011-11-12T17:15:00.000-05:00

Here's the Toronto Pet Daily's latest giveaway....simply upload a photo of your doggy to our Facebook page, and on Tuesday afternoon we'll hold a draw from the entrants. One lucky pooch will win a terrific new winter coat from Canada Pooch!

"Canada Pooch is a Canadian pet apparel designer and the first dog brand that you will actually remember! Located in Toronto, Ontario, we know something about brutal winters and strive to create apparel that will protect your pooch from whatever Mother Nature has in store."

Oakville & Milton Humane Society Calling For Public Support After Ringworm Outbreak

2011-11-12T12:31:00.001-05:00

The Oakville & Milton Humane Society is pleading with residents to open their homes temporarily to some furry friends in need.

The shelter, located at 445 Cornwall Rd., was closed to the public on Sept. 16, due to a small ringworm outbreak.

The closure, which is ongoing as treatment and quarantine proceeds, is causing problems for the humane society, which, at the best of times, struggles to find space for the region’s stray and abandoned animals.

“While we have one of the highest return-to-owner rates in the country for dogs (94 per cent) and cats (17 per cent), the closure, combined with our absolute commitment to low euthanasia, means we need to find foster homes for many of the animals currently being boarded at veterinary clinics and boarding facilities,” said Brenda Dushko of the Oakville & Milton Humane Society.

“The clock is ticking for us as we are heading into the busiest time of year for these facilities and many are already totally booked from mid-December on. With the shelter not due to open until at least January, it leaves us with a great need for fosters.”

Heather White, manager of the humane society’s community outreach and education, also pointed out a foster family is better for the animal and gives it important life experience in a home before it is adopted.

“We provide everything the foster parent needs and ask that they keep the foster pet separate from their own pets, if they have them, and also that they be available to bring them to the shelter as needed,” said White.

Representatives from Oakville & Milton Humane Society said they are grateful to PetSmart in Oakville, PetValu in Clarkson and Ruffins Pet Nutrition in Milton for space to showcase adoptable cats, kittens and small animals.

Lower-than-expected adoptions for this time of year at the humane society are continuing in the wake of the ringworm outbreak with 54 cats and kittens, one dog and several small animals adopted out since the shelter closed in mid-September.

Ringworm is a skin infection that is caused by a fungus – not by a worm as the name suggests.

Though itchy and irritating, ringworm is rarely fatal, however, it is contagious, even to humans, which is why the Oakville & Milton Humane Society decided, based on advice from veterinarians, to close the shelter to the public until its staff is confident the shelter is free of the infection.

The shelter will not re-open until it is safe to do so, currently, estimated to be some time in January.

Ringworm outbreaks are not always treated this way in Ontario. In 2010 the Ontario Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) shelter in Newmarket was going to put down 350 dogs, cats and other animals because of an alleged ringworm outbreak.

It was later determined that few, if any, of the animals had ringworm, but some 57 animals had already been euthanized before staff reversed the decision because of public outcry.

Anyone interested in adopting or becoming a foster family to a humane society animal can call 905-845-1551 or visit www.oakvillemiltonhumane.ca for more information.

Additional monetary donations are also urgently needed as the ringworm outbreak has resulted in additional treatment and temporary shelter costs that the humane society has been forced to bear.

www.insidehalton.com