There are a lot of things humans and dogs have in common—a need for love, an appreciation for comfy beds, a love of food—and new information shows a need for vacation time is also on that list. Canine behaviorist and host of the British TV show “Dogs Behaving Badly” Graeme Hall suggests dogs get stressed the same way humans do. And like their two-legged owners, dogs need vacations to get back on track. According to Hall’s research, vacations help dogs alleviate stress, and time away can even improve long-term behavior.
Hall told Daily Mail that despite their current role as man’s best friend, dogs still take after their wild wolf ancestors. They don’t mind spending some days indoors, but every now and then, they need to indulge their primal instincts. He’s not talking about stalking big game or howling at the moon, but a basic desire to be active outdoors. Humans get stressed out when things go sideways at work and when obligations pile up, but dogs get stressed for different reasons. Hall said,
“If kept cooped up for too long, dogs can go stir crazy, leading to bad behavior. Some of the most common problems I encounter in my work can be a result of boredom – and even loneliness. Most dogs are at their happiest being active, preferably outdoors, with their families.”
A lot of dog owners leave their four-legged friends alone with minimal stimulation for up to 10 hours at a time. A life spent isolated and bored can be just as stressful as an overbooked schedule. To relieve the monotony and give dogs a chance to recharge their batteries, Hall and other dog behaviorists say taking them on vacation does a lot of good. They’re free to have fun with their families, and the extra stimulation and exercise relieves both boredom and stress.
Vacations are also opportunities to work on behavioral training. Dog owners don’t need to rush off to work, so they can take a few extra minutes to focus on productive training methods. The dogs benefit from learning in a relaxed environment, and the change of scenery and chance at fun activities is great motivation and positive reinforcement. Many dog owners notice their pups’ behavior improves after coming back from a fun and relaxing vacation. Not only are they blissfully tired out, they’re also relieved of the tension caused by everyday life.
Thanks to travel agencies and resorts realizing dogs are part of the family, taking a dog-friendly vacation is easier than ever. More and more hotels are instating pet-friendly policies, and there are even sites that help pet owners plan their entire vacations around dog-friendly amenities. Pack your dog’s favorite toy along with his doggy life jacket, and he’ll be ready for the best vacation ever.
Casino software providers are one of the leading providers of online gaming software. These providers have licenses from different regulatory bodies such as the UKGC. In addition, these providers use the latest encryption gaming technologies and SSL protections to ensure the security of personal details. Therefore, they are highly reliable. Here find out more about the best software providers for online casinos is a look at some of the most prominent casino software providers.
Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming is a multi-channel and cross-platform casino software provider with a number of different gaming platforms. They have a global reach and have entered contracts with some of the most popular online casinos. In 2010, they received a number of awards, including “Best Casino Software Provider” and “Best Live Casino Software Provider”.
NetEnt
NetEnt is a casino software provider that produces both table games and video games. Its table games include premium roulette, blackjack and baccarat games. It has also created several video poker variations that are popular with players. Among these video poker titles are Deuces Wild Pro, American Double Up and Joker Poker. In addition, NetEnt also has a large portfolio of arcade games. These include games like Bonus Keno, Marbles, Golden Derby, and more.
Microgaming
Microgaming has a rich gaming portfolio that includes a wide variety of casino games. The company also offers a large Sportsbook and hundreds of Casino-in-Bingo games. The company also supports many languages and provides multi-window options to allow players to play games in several windows simultaneously. Microgaming’s games are designed to be engaging and thematic.
Ainsworth Game Technology
Ainsworth Game Technology is one of the biggest names in the online casino games industry. The company was established in 1995 in Australia with the vision of creating the best slot cabinets in the world. In the early 2000s, the company moved into the online casino games industry, producing a number of notable games in a short period of time. Founded by Len Ainsworth, the company continues to create games for both land-based and online casinos. With over 120 games in its portfolio, this casino software provider offers a variety of classic gaming experiences for players.
Playtech
Whether you’re looking to set up a new casino or are looking for a more established software provider, Playtech can help you get the job done right. Their software is used by more than 40,000 gaming terminals globally, and they offer a comprehensive management tool that helps operators manage content, multimedia, jackpots, security, and monitoring.
IGT
IGT is one of the leading casino software providers in the world. Their games are available in many land-based casinos and in reputable online casinos, and their name recognition continues to grow. The company has a wide portfolio of products and services, including online casinos, lottery games, and video poker machines.
Realtime Gaming
Realtime Gaming is a leading casino software and game developer with a long history in the online casino industry. Its games are known for their realistic features and generous paytables. Its backend solutions are renowned for their quality and reliability. The company also offers many security features, which make it one of the best online casino software providers. In addition to that, players can be assured of fair and secure games.
We at Atlanta Lab Rescue wanted to share this touching tribute to an amazing dog…Chloe…She was adopted from ALR a while back. As you will read, she and her family had to deal with some “lab things” and overcame them with love and patience. A bond of love between a family and their dog is a beautiful thing. When you find “that dog” and you know it, your heat and life will never be the same. Here is ……
Chloe’s Story ….
Chloe Belle, as Leslie would often call her, was as loving a companion as you would ever find. And the story of how our lives came together is much like a fairy tale.
It was January 13, 2008. Chloe was a rescue, and we were a family looking for a furry friend to love. Leslie would scour the Web look for just the right one. Grant, only three at the time, would sit in her lap and help her look at all the dogs.
One day, she felt she had found the perfect dog. His name was Sport and he was a yellow lab. She showed Sport to Grant and told him we would go play with him on Sunday. And if we were lucky, we might even get to bring him home. But Grant looked at the monitor filled with Brady Bunch squares of all the dogs and said, “Mommy, what about that one? What’s that dog’s name?” Leslie said, “Oh, that dog is Chloe but we’re going to look at Sport and pointed to his picture on the screen.” But Grant remained firm and said, “I like Chloe.”
Sunday came and we headed to the Pet Supermarket where the adoptions were taking place. Dogs lined the entire perimeter of the store. We were able to locate Sport and were waiting behind a number of people for our turn to pet him. Then, Grant started to wonder off on his own. He went right to Chloe and said her name. We all got to know her a little better and realized that she was indeed the perfect dog for us. We passed the home inspection and she was ours. And we were hers. Together, we were a family!
For almost ten years, we would play together and love one another. A constant and faithful companion, her loyalty never waned. She would let the kids love all over her – providing love and affection in the form of kisses and wags. Chloe would wait for Lauren to come home knowing she would burst through the door saying, “Where’s my puppy nug?” and lavishing her with attention. During the day, there was no doubt she was Leslie’s dog as she would follow her from room to room to be near her. She was always waiting to spring into action with her very ferocious bark to protect Leslie and the kids from the evil UPS man or any other suspicious people who would ring our doorbell.
Like most labs, she loved food, and she was always there to help clean up any messes on the floor when the kids were eating too. Always in the center of all the action during dinner, I will miss stepping over and around her as she would lay right in front of the stove while I was cooking.
Chloe had a healthy appetite coupled with an interesting palate. There was the time she ate hidden Easter candy, the time she ate shrimp tails, and the time she ate Lauren’s birthday cake. I still don’t know why she ate a bunch of rocks from the path behind our house. Each of these delicacies was awarded with a trip to the vet, and her file grew quite large over the years. I actually think Chloe liked going to the vet. There were always friends to see, and when went for rehab, she got to swim in the underwater treadmill while licking peanut butter off the glass. Chloe was a friend to all and everyone she met loved her.
Dogs are quite perceptive – especially Chloe. It didn’t take long for her to realize that suitcases meant we were leaving town and she was going to “camp”. I’ll never forget the time she literally laid on top of the suitcase and with her big brown puppy dog eyes said, “Please take me with you in this suitcase!”
Chloe hated the thunderstorms and would often find somewhere to hide the house. Her favorite spot was under our bed, and we’d often find a nose peeking out from under the bed. If we were playing hide and seek, she wouldn’t have been a very good hider because the enthusiastic thumping of her tail always gave her away.
Her tail… Who doesn’t remember the strength of her tail? It could (and did) knock a small child over. Yet she never stopped wagging it right down to the very end.
Her fur… For those who visited our home or rode in our car, you surely left with a lit bit of Chloe on you. It’s hard to believe an animal could produce that much fur! The Furminator was no match for her. I only wish there was a market for dog hair as she would have made us a fortune.
As she aged and her hip dysplasia worsened, her lifestyle became for sedimentary. Mornings were some of her best times, and she would always have a smile on her face when the day started. I will never forget her smile for it was contagious to our whole family, and the thumping of her tail was a signal of excitement and enthusiasm for what the adventures that awaited each of us for that day.
One could not ask for a more loyal and giving friend, and I cannot imagine our lives without her. She will be missed terribly, but we will always be comforted by the memories we’ve shared with her. As hard as it is to lose her, I wouldn’t pass on the joy she’s given to our family ever. God has given us a precious gift in your life with us and we are forever grateful.
Rest in peace sweet Chloe. We will love you always!
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigour; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.
His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.
The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.
Some like them black, others yellow and a few Americans even prefer their labs silver but David Tomlinson thinks that when it comes to the best labrador colour, performance trumps coat
Labs, left to right: Movie, Spey and Charlie from Fernshot Gundogs, Norfolk. Credit: Andy Hook
The best labrador colour is a controversial and much discussed subject. While the shoot fraternity favour blacks, judges like the yellows and current trends are bringing back fox-reds. And are chocolate labs really as untrainable as some handlers claim? David Tomlinson investigates.
Regardless of what the best labrador colour is, labs are the most popular breed in the world. Ben Fogle celebrates our favourite four-legged friend, read Ben Fogle: our love of labradors.
BEST LABRADOR COLOUR
We all know the saying that a good horse can’t be a bad colour, but few people agree that the same principle applies to labradors. When it comes to the best labrador colour, the general rule among the shooting fraternity is that black is good, yellow acceptable, but chocolate is strictly for the show bench. Black has always been the dominant colour in the shooting field and in trials. A telling statistic in The Best of the Best, a history of the IGL retriever championship, is that in the period 1909-2011, 1,790 black labradors qualified to run, compared to just 367 yellows.
Popularity of yellows labs was boosted in 1924 by the foundation of the Yellow Labrador Club.
In the beginning, which with the labrador means the later years of the 19th century, all labradors were black. The first two yellow puppies appeared in a litter bred by Captain (later Major) CE Radcliffe in 1902. One was a dog called Ben, the other a bitch. It is generally believed that all yellow labradors are descended from Ben and his son Neptune. There are no colour photographs of Ben but the few surviving black-and-white shots depict a dark-furred dog, suggesting that he was what we now call fox-red. I can find no record of when the first yellow labradors made their debut in the shooting field but they were first exhibited in the show ring at Olympia in 1913.
Yellow soon became popular as the best labrador colour, boosted in 1924 by the foundation of the Yellow Labrador Club. The Club remains active nearly a century later. It was formed to encourage the breeding of pure-yellow labrador retrievers and to conserve the best type of working dog, principles it remains faithful to today. It still holds a novice, an all-aged and an open-qualifying stake each year, with its trials reserved exclusively for yellows. Discrimination on the grounds of colour remains acceptable in the world of dogs, at least with labradors.
BEST LABRADOR COLOUR: CURRENT COLOUR TRENDS
Quite what the founding members of the Yellow Labrador Club would have made of the current fashion for pale-lemon labradors is another matter. Show enthusiasts are rarely satisfied with what they have, and always want to change and improve on the best labrador colour, which goes a long way towards explaining why the early fox-red labradors fell from favour as breeders, encouraged by judges, sought to produce paler and paler dogs. In recent years there has been something of a backlash, as traditional fox-red animals have become increasingly popular in the shooting field if not on the bench. The UK breed standard is flexible, allowing the colour to range from light cream to fox-red.
The resurgence in enthusiasm for fox-red dogs as the best labrador colour isn’t surprising. It is, of course, the ideal colour for a wildfowling dog, providing natural camouflage, and is a very acceptable colour for game-shooting, too. In contrast, the pale yellow dogs appear totally out of place in the shooting field – they look best wearing tartan coats while being walked in the park.
Black has always been the dominant colour in the shooting field and in trials.
In 1941, Major Radcliffe wrote an article for The Field in which he described a strain of pure white labradors, bred by Mr Austin Mackenzie of Carridale. They were described as very handsome dogs but, perhaps fortunately, this was one variety that never caught on. Equally intriguing are the Hailstone labradors from the Solway. These were black-coated dogs with white spots, a sort of reverse Dalmatian. A keeper even showed one at Crufts, where it gained the approval of Lorna, Countess of Howe, one of the most influential of labrador people between the wars. She qualified no fewer than 24 dogs for the Retriever Championship between 1920 and 1936, and won it three times.
BEST LABRADOR COLOUR: CURIOUS COLOUR STRAINS
So many hundreds of thousands of labradors have been bred since the breed was first recognised in 1903 that it’s not surprising that a number of curious colour varieties have appeared. Black-and-tan dogs are bred occasionally. According to the Kennel Club, Gordon setter blood was introduced to the breed at one time, possibly in the Fifties, which might explain this colour variant.
Most contentious of all the labrador colours is silver, virtually unheard of here but causing controversy in the US, where a number of kennels specialise in breeding silvers.
Silver labradors have been causing waves in America.
The first brown-coated labradors on record were produced in the Buccleuch kennel in 1892. At that time black was the desired colour, so it seems probable that non-black puppies were culled at birth. It wasn’t until the Thirties that brown labs – then called liver – started to be seen more often but they remained a tiny minority until the Sixties, when the first liver-coloured show champion was made up. An astute move was to call them “chocolate”, a name that not only stuck but made them more appealing to the general public.
Though they became increasingly popular in the show ring and as pets, the shooting world generally avoided them, and they acquired an unfortunate reputation for being less intelligent than their black or yellow cousins. I once asked a professional handler if he had ever had a dog that was untrainable. “Yes!” was his emphatic reply. “A chocolate labrador! I sent it back to its owner as soon as I could.”
BEST LABRADOR COLOUR: CHOCOLATE LABS
Genetically there’s no reason for a chocolate to be any less bright than a yellow or a black, but as few chocolates ever made it into the shooting field there was a tendency for many to be less trainable, having had their working instinct bred out of them. For shooting man and labrador enthusiast Ged Leeson this was a challenge. Leeson decided that as the chances of his ever winning the Retriever Championship with a black dog were remote, he would have a go with a chocolate instead.
Most of the trialling community thought that he was mad even to contemplate competing with a chocolate dog but thanks to perseverance, skill and a touch of cussedness, he succeeded in qualifying his dog Pintail Hector of Styleside (Coke) for the 2008 Retriever Championship. He was the first chocolate labrador to run in the Championship.
Leeson’s other ambition was to make Coke the first-ever labrador of his colour to become an FTCh. He narrowly failed. The problem was getting sufficient runs in open trials to gain the second victory that would have given Coke the coveted title; he did manage a second, several thirds and certificates of merits but not that elusive first place.
Two years ago I joined Leeson and his team of five chocolate labradors (including 11-year-old Coke) for a day’s picking-up. They performed magnificently. A bitch, Zeta, performed a remarkable retrieve of a hen pheasant totally submerged in a stream. I was impressed.
I suspect that if it weren’t for a touch of colour prejudice among judges, Leeson would have made up his dog to become an FTCh but that is a controversial issue. Few judges have had the chance to assess a chocolate. But the popularity of yellows continues to grow, and the 2010, 2012 and 2014 winners of the Championship were of this colour.
BEST LABRADOR COLOUR: GENETICS
You can still meet handlers who claim that yellow labradors are less trainable than blacks and others who believe that yellow dogs have more brains than blacks. Both theories are, of course, nonsense, as a study of labrador genetics proves. The colour of the coat of a labrador puppy is determined by the genetic make-up inherited from its parents. Though the black gene is dominant, there are nine different labrador genotypes, allowing a number of different possibilities. For example, if you mate two yellow dogs you will get only yellow puppies. Two chocolate dogs can produce yellow puppies, while two black dogs can potentially produce black, chocolate and yellow puppies. It’s a complicated subject.
It’s essential for labrador enthusiasts who breed for a certain colour to have a detailed knowledge of genetics, and to understand the effects of recessive genes. It’s possible to have your dog tested to discover its genotype and thus be able to predict with some accuracy the colour of any progeny. The American company VetGen even offers what it calls a “Coat Color Prediction Service, so you can reveal your dog’s hidden color genes and then optimise your ability to breed the colors you want”.
Choice of coat colour really comes down to a matter of preference: we all get on best with what we like most. My enthusiasm for fox-red dogs is simply explained: they are much the best for photography. In contrast, black dogs are a nightmare. There is, of course, one other disadvantage to owning a black dog, for they do tend to look the same. I’ve never forgotten the embarrassment of two friends who took the wrong dogs home after a day’s shooting. They were blissfully unaware until their wives voiced their suspicions.
Read more at http://www.thefield.co.uk/gundogs/best-labrador-colour-31845#sdVfGoZVsmM7emO9.99
Your dog is part of the family, so why wouldn’t you want to include them in your family vacation? Finding a hotel that accepts dogs can be difficult, so we’ve found the 7 best hotel chains that will welcome your canine companion. Not every location of these chains accepts pets, and each hotel might have its own fees or size / breed restrictions, so it’s best to call the location you want to visit ahead of time. Keep in mind that most hotels require proof of vaccinations and prohibit leaving dogs unattended in the rooms. Compiled from USA Today and vetSTREET, here’s a list of the 7 best hotel chains that allow dogs.
Kimpton – With Kimpton’s HosPETality program, dogs of any size are welcomed with amenities that include beds, bowls, and treats. Twelve locations have a Canine Ambassador, a dog who greets every guest. Kimpton does not charge any extra fees for your furry family member.
Loews – Loews Hotels offer a “Loews Loves Pets” welcome package that includes a pet bowl, dog tags, and treats. Many properties offer dog walking, pet sitting, dog spa treatments, info on local pet services, and loaner beds, leashes, and pet videos. They’ve also partnered with Banfield Pet Hospitals to offer a complimentary exam and a 15% discount on any services performed during your hotel stay. Room service even includes recipes developed by vets and chefs for cats and dogs. Well-behaved pets of any kind, apart from some certain breeds, are allowed with proof of vaccinations. There is a 2 pet maximum and a $25 fee per stay.
W Hotels – The Pets Are Welcome (PAW) program at W Hotels provides plush beds, bowls, food mats, toys, ID tags, cleanup bags, and turndown treats for dogs up to 40 pounds. There is $25 per day fee as well as a $100 non-refundable cleaning fee.
Red Roof Inn – One well-behaved pet per room is allowed. Red Roof Inn does not charge any fees or deposits, but they do ask you not to leave your pet unattended in the room and they must be in a kennel or on a leash when outside of the room.
Best Western – With over 1600 pet-friendly hotels across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, Best Western offers recommendations on nearby pet-friendly parks, stores, and restaurants. They allow up to 2 dogs that weigh less than 80 pounds each and charge up to $20 per day up to a maximum of $100 per week. A refundable damage deposit of $50 pay is required.
La Quinta – Up to 2 dogs under 50 pounds are allowed per room. There are no fees or deposits, but owners are required to be present or have their pets contained in crates during housekeeping services.
Motel 6 – Pets always stay free. Individual locations may have varying size or breed restrictions, and dogs are forbidden from staying in the rooms alone.
With a little bit of advance planning, your pup can join your human family for an amazing vacation. Remember to clarify all rules and fees with individual locations when booking your reservations. “Bone” Voyage!
The best call tracking services to use in 2023 for dog shelters
When it comes to call tracking services for dog shelters in 2023, there are a few options that can be particularly beneficial for managing incoming calls and tracking their effectiveness. Here are some top call tracking services that could be suitable for dog shelters:
CallRail: CallRail offers comprehensive call tracking and analytics features that can be valuable for dog shelters. You can track and record incoming calls, determine the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, and gain insights into caller behavior. This can help you optimize your marketing efforts and improve the caller’s experience.
Invoca: Invoca provides call tracking and conversational analytics solutions that can help dog shelters measure the impact of their phone calls. With features like call attribution and caller demographics, you can better understand the effectiveness of your advertising efforts and tailor your services accordingly.
CallTrackingMetrics: CallTrackingMetrics offers call tracking, call recording, and advanced reporting features. These capabilities can be useful for dog shelters to track and analyze calls, monitor call quality, and measure the success of different marketing channels. The platform also integrates with CRM systems, which can be beneficial for managing caller information and interactions.
DialogTech: DialogTech offers AI-powered call tracking and analytics solutions. It provides insights into call conversions, caller intent, and call outcomes. These features can help dog shelters identify which marketing campaigns are generating the most phone calls and optimize their messaging and targeting accordingly.
Ringba: Ringba is a call tracking platform that focuses on performance marketing. It offers features like call routing, caller analytics, and real-time reporting. Dog shelters can benefit from these capabilities by efficiently managing and distributing incoming calls and gaining insights into caller behavior.
When choosing a call tracking service for your dog shelter, consider factors such as ease of use, pricing, integration options, and specific features that align with your organization’s needs. It’s also recommended to explore free trials or demos of the platforms to assess their suitability before making a decision.
When you’re the director of a rescue, it’s inevitable that you’ll get stuck with a “collection” of dogs that were either unadoptable to begin with, or got returned so many times you just took them off the roster. Anyone who knows me knows that I call my home “The Island of Misfit Toys.” I have a dog that’s almost feral, Scary Mary, who won’t let anyone near her; her son Buddy who has seizures; another dog I’ve had for 10 years, who bounces off the walls and has anxiety issues, named Flurry (should’ve been a clue…); one named Gertie, who’s the “Cruise Director” and makes sure everyone is entertained…ALL the time and finally my 100 pound shepherd mix, Jax, who likes to “herd” my house guests by biting them.
No, I didn’t pick any of these dogs to adopt or even foster, and likely, no one else would have either, but I’ve had them all for several years now, some longer than others, and the one thing that it’s made me realize is that different is good. In the Christmas classic, the misfit toys were not like any of the others, but what’s wrong with a “Charlie in the Box,” and how cool is a bird that swims, or a water pistol that shoots Jelly? In the end, it’s the reindeer with the odd glowing nose that “guided Santa’s sleigh” through the storm and saved Christmas. Like the toys, each one of my misfits has their quirks and some took a lot of patience (and still do), but there is NEVER a dull moment or a time when my home isn’t full of love and life.
Atlanta Lab Rescue is considered a “breed rescue,” but one thing that we have realized over the years is that different is good. Anyone can find a purebred lab that looks like something you would see in a coffee table book, but ALR has proven that along with the purebreds, we can bring in dogs with a multitude of variations of the breed and some completely out of left field, and people love what we have! There is a lot to be said for a unique dog that looks like no other dog, and it says a lot about our adopters that they recognize that too. Don’t get me wrong, Atlanta Lab Rescue wouldn’t exist if we didn’t love labs, but early on in the process of picking which dogs to rescue, it became painfully obvious to me that we couldn’t base our selection totally on breed specifications. There were wonderfully adoptable dogs in shelters that were getting passed over by other rescues because of a white spot on their chest, or a curl in their tail, or their ears were too short???? How horrible that dogs would be euthanized because their ears were too short, so we started taking those dogs and you adopted them! The large breed mixes are the LAST to get rescued from shelters, but ALR has continued to be one of their biggest advocates because YOU keep proving to us that there is someone for every dog and different is good.
In addition to our wonderful adopters, we have incredibly dedicated volunteers. The time, money and effort it takes to rescue, vet, house and place even a single dog is pretty amazing and we have volunteers who have driven thousands of miles, or opened up their home to 1 or 100 dogs, spent numerous hours on the computer and phone and dedicated many a weekend to work adoption days and do meet and greets. Rescue is not for the faint-hearted and our volunteers continue to step up time and again to help us achieve our mission to get more deserving dogs into loving homes.
This coming year will see a lot of exciting changes. The first being our new ATLANTA LAB RESCUE KENNELS! Through a partnership with Happy Paws Inn in Mableton, and a very generous donation by Charlie Kleman to build the kennels, we now have 9 very spacious SUITES that will house our dogs. The dogs will continue to be cared for by Happy Paws’ knowledgeable staff of veteran handlers that will have them in play groups during the day and tuck them in at night. I’ve spent a lot of time over there in the last few months and never in all of my years in rescue or otherwise, have I seen a nicer set up with a more loving and attentive owner and staff. This is the most amazing opportunity for ALR and we are so thankful to Happy Paws Inn and Charlie for making this dream come true! We hope you will join us for the Grand Opening on the 21st of January. We’ll have refreshments and giveaways. Details to follow.
We would also like to thank all of you who have financially supported us this year. The adoption fees don’t cover half of the expenses of a healthy dog and when you average in the MANY injured dogs and even more dogs with heartworms, it drives the average cost to over $1000 per dog! Large or small, one time donation or monthly, it all adds up to make the impossible possible and I wish I could personally thank each one of you!
In closing, I would like to wish all of you a safe and happy holiday and ask you to please keep ALR in mind for an end of the year tax deductible donation because there is still a lot of work to do and dogs to rescue.
Thank You!
Becky Cross
Director
Atlanta Lab Rescue
To make a donation, please visit Atlanta Lab Rescue Click Here.
or mail donations to PO Box 250206, Atlanta, GA 30325
Tell me more about a Labrador Retriever!! How did it get the name? What is their activity level? What’s up with that beautiful coat and those three awesome colors? Want to know more and find out if this is the breed for you? Click on the story and read more about this awesome dog!!!!
Check this out from Bravelets. This is another great way to support Atlanta Lab Rescue. Bravelet will donate $10 directly to ALR for each item purchased
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE!! And check out the great items they have for sale! You will be slyin’ and helping these amazing dogs!
All of the your donations and volunteer hours have made these “love stories” possible and none of these dogs (and many more) would be here without you.
Right now all of the shelters are full and rescue groups are at capacity. If you would like to make a donation to help us “keep the fight going” for all of the deserving dogs out …there, the link is below. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! We hope that because of us, you have a little more love each day.
Click on Our Lab Love Video to see the beautiful faces – 2 and 4 Legged!
To help support Atlanta Lab Rescue, please click HERE! Thank you!
It all started so innocently. I bought my first house, built a fence and got a dog.
Shortly thereafter, I realized that I had the perfect situation and the perfect dog, so I started fostering for the golden retriever rescue. About that same time, a friend and I signed up to walk dogs at an area shelter (you see where this is going…). It only took 6 months before I had adopted 2 more dogs, my friend ended up with 3 and before long my family, friends and neighbors, many of whom had never expressed any real interest in owning a dog, all had dogs. I had found my calling. Unfortunately, not one that I could make a living doing, but one that would become my life… for better or worse.
My “pack” of 3 was a potpourri of pooches and collectively covered probably no less than 50 assorted breeds. Our first Christmas, I was so excited to send out cards showing my dogs perfectly posed in holiday outfits, but just getting them in the same general area and calm, much less outfitted and posed, proved to be more than my dogs or I was capable of, so I waited until they were asleep, took a picture and superimposed their “visions of sugarplums” theme. That was my last Christmas card and the last time I saw that furniture in the picture.
Once Atlanta Lab Rescue came to fruition, 3 dogs became 5 and then 8 and sometimes as many as 10 dogs inhabited my intown home. My Pottery Barn couches and coffee tables gave way to dog beds and crates and my organized and fastidious world was no more. I had “drank the Kool-aid.”
Over the years, ALR has taken on much more and become much more than we ever envisioned. Who could have imagined in 2007 when a handful of volunteers showed up at Pet Supplies Plus for Adoption Day with 12 dogs, that 8 years later we would have rescued close to 4000? And who would’ve thought that this handful of volunteers would turn into a network of dedicated people willing to sacrifice their time and money to fulfill a mission that is sometimes as heartbreaking as it is heartwarming. We can be proud that take the dogs that everyone passes on, and against all odds and with a lot of financial help we’ve healed them and sent them on to better lives.
As 2015 comes to a close, I’d like to personally thank all of the volunteers and financial supporters that have stepped up and helped make every life we’ve saved possible. Those of you that didn’t have the time, helped out with the money. Many of you signed up for monthly pledges and whether it was $5 or $500, it all added up and gave us resources we could count on. Others of you supported our $5 Fridays when we got in over our heads, which was often. Then there were the sponsors like Cobb County Toyota, Southern Proper, Peachtree Tents and Events and Jamie Coyle with Keller Williams who were always first in line to help out with every event.
For all the volunteers who took time away from family, friends and busy work schedules to pick up dogs, drive dogs, show dogs and adopt dogs out, a huge THANK YOU! Sometimes it took all day and a tank of gas, but you showed up and got the job done! For the fosters who open their homes to these battered and shell-shocked dogs, understanding that you’re their “bridge” to a better life, all I can say is you ROCK! The unsung heroes are the volunteers who do the accounting, website and social media, as well as the communications. You are the conduit to everyone and everything that makes it all possible. Finally, for the board members and those of you who are in the “trenches” every day, you have allowed me to catch my breath and have pushed us to another level. The bigger and better Bark for Art and the Inaugural ALR 5k, which was a huge success and far exceeded our expectations, took a lot of time and effort on the part of several people and the whole organization owes you a debt of gratitude.
Moving into 2016, we’re hoping to get more people more involved to accomplish even bigger and better things. The ALR volunteers are family and everyone plays a critical role, but we have fun while accomplishing truly great things. What could be better than that?
Even though we want to highlight the volunteers, we’d also like to ask everyone to remember us for end of the year (or beginning of the year) donations. Your continued financial support is critical to continue to help more dogs.
We hope the New Year brings peace, prosperity and MORE PUPS!
The results are in and the first annual Atlanta Lab Rescue 5k Race and 1k Fun Run was a great success! Fabulous weather and a great time was had by all! Please CLICK HERE to view the final race results. Scroll down to our race and click on Results. Congratulations to all who participated in the race – we appreciate your participation and support of Atlanta Lab Rescue! Start training for next year!
A HUGE shout out and THANK YOU to all of the FABULOUS volunteers that have been working on the race for months! Great Success!!
BIG THANK YOU to all of our sponsors! We so very much appreciate your continued support!!!
WOW! We did it! This year’s GA Gives Day campaign was amazing! We set a goal of $10,000 and surpassed it. With the help of 158 donors we raised $10,710 ! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Through your support Atlanta Lab Rescue is able to continue its mission to find homes for dogs like Trooper who was hurt in a hunting accident and was deserted at a local shelter by his owner. Because of ALR he got the urgent medical attention he needed and found a loving secure home.
Grateful dogs like Trooper are the true real winners when we all pull together!
We often get inquiries about ALR Adoption Days – what happens, what do we need to do, can I really be of help? ( Hmmmm……..YES!) Well, if you love Labs and want to hangout with a lot of awesome people too, ALR Adoption Days are for you! Here is a great video of a typical awesome Adoption Day with incredible Labs and incredible volunteers too! Just click on the link below!!
My husband and I had to put down our Labrador-Chow mix this morning. He did exactly what his sister did nine months ago: went out to our backyard on a cold and rainy night and just stood there, with his tail down, and wouldn’t come back in. It’s as if they both knew it was their time and wanted to die in peace. He was almost 15 years old, so we knew it was coming, but you’re never really ready for that feeling of emptiness or hollowness you feel when a pet leaves your life. Only then do you realize how much they gave to you.
Dogs, of course, are good for depression. Both of my dogs have helped me with my moods more than I thought was capable of things that don’t speak English. In loving memory of Sonny and his sister Sara, here are just six ways dogs enhance our mental health.
1. Dogs offer unconditional love and acceptance.
As far as we know, dogs are without opinions, critiques, and verdicts. Even if you smell like their poop, they will snuggle up next to you. In a Johns Hopkins Depression & Anxiety Bulletin, Karen Swartz, MD, mentions a recent study that found that nursing home residents in St. Louis felt less lonely when they spent quiet time with a dog alone than when they visited with a dog and other residents.
The study enrolled 37 nursing home residents who scored high on a loneliness scale and were interested in receiving weekly half-hour visits from dogs. Half of the residents had quiet time alone with the pooches. The other half shared the dog with other nursing home residents. Both groups said they felt less lonely after the visit, but the decrease in loneliness was much more significant among the residents who had the dogs all to themselves. In other words, at times we prefer our four-legged friends to our mouthy pals because we can divulge our innermost thoughts and not be judged.
2. Dogs alter our behavior.
Here’s a typical scenario back when we had dogs. I would come through the door in the evening and I’m annoyed. At what, I don’t know. A million little snafus that happened throughout the day. I am dangerously close to taking it out on someone. However, before I can do that, my Lab-Chow walks up to me and pats me, wanting some attention. So I kneel down and pet her. She licks my face, and I smile. Voila! She altered my behavior. I am only agitated a little now and chances are much better that someone will not become a casualty of my frustrations. We calm down when we are with our dogs. We slow our breath, our speech, our minds. We don’t hit as many people or use as many four-lettered words.
3. Dogs distract.
Dogs are like riveting movies and books. They take us out of our heads and into another reality — one that only involves food, water, affection, and maybe an animal butt — for as long as we can allow. I’ve found distraction to be the only effective therapy when you’ve hit a point where there is no getting your head back. It’s tough to ruminate about how awful you feel and will feel forever when your dog is breathing in your face.
4. Dogs promote touch.
The healing power of touch is undisputed. Research indicates a 45-minute massage can decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol and optimize your immune system by building white blood cells. Hugging floods our bodies with oxytocin, a hormone that reduces stress, and lowers blood pressure and heart rates. And, according to a University of Virginia study, holding hands can reduce the stress-related activity in the hypothalamus region of the brain, part of our emotional center. Touch can actually stop certain regions of the brain from responding to threat clues. It’s not surprising, then, that stroking a dog can lower blood pressure and heart rate and boost levels of serotonin and dopamine.
5. Dogs make us responsible.
With dogs come great responsibility, and responsibility — according to depression research — promotes mental health. Positive psychologists assert that we build our self-esteem by taking ownership of a task, by applying our skills to a job. When we succeed — i.e., the dog is still alive the next day — we reinforce to ourselves that we are capable of caring for another creature as well as ourselves. That’s why chores are so important in teaching adolescents self-mastery and independence.
Taking care of a dog also brings structure to our day. Sleeping until noon is no longer a possibility unless you want to spend an hour cleaning up the next day. Staying out all night requires preparation and forethought.
6. Dogs lower our blood pressure.
Research shows that dog owners have significantly lower blood pressure and heart rates both before and while performing stressful mental tasks — like, say, performing a family intervention or supervising kids’ homework. Blood pressure also drops when people pet dogs, especially if it’s a dog they know and love. Dog petting can also bring improvement in a person’s immune system and ease pain. It seems as though a dog’s mere presence is beneficial.
Bark for Art 2015 was a huge success! The crowd of about 300 had a blast at Westside Market and enjoyed food from Endive and the sounds of the Grose, Hill and Callahan Band kept the night lively. The big attraction was the silent auction with everything from flights in vintage planes to jewelry to beautiful one-of-a-kind art and gift certificates for everything!
Several of our foster dogs made the scene and melted hearts and success stories from adopters melted my heart.
Special thanks also to Westside Market for hosting the event in their fabulous store, to Peachtree Tents & Events, who provide the party rentals each year (nicest people you’ll ever work with if you’re planning an event!) and Endive Atlanta for the fabulous food! We can’t forget Cobb County Toyota and Southern Proper for their sponsorship, as well as Jamie Coyle from Keller Williams, Jody Artale from Hennessy Lexus, Holly Beth Organics, Corporate Events Unlimited and World Children’s Center.
Finally, to all of the volunteers who worked tirelessly to put this together, the auction donors and the people who worked the event, a special debt of gratitude. THANK YOU!!!!!!!
Here is a great article from Dog Hair & Bourbon. While some might think Heather, the author, is over the edge, I can tell you first hand she is spot on! (Don’t even get our Director started!!) So many people we ALR volunteers speak to cannot believe the reasons people give us for surrendering their dogs – dogs that they have had for 6 years or the stories we hear about how these beautiful dogs are abused by the very people that should be protecting them and giving them a loving life. It is truly a sad state of affairs. Support your rescue groups in any way you can. You will be saving a life! Here is a great read —
As a sort of follow-up to last week’s post that got a lot of people all hot n’ bothered, I figured I would stir up some discussion on what exactly is the purpose of rescue. This post applies to most dog rescues; I fully understand that there are indeed rescue groups who do take it upon themselves to fill the niches provided below. Those groups are few and far between, however.
Dog owners tend to have a lot of misconceptions about rescue groups and animal control, and what their job is in society. Spoiler alert: it’s not to fix your problems.
1. We’re not rehabilitators
So you got a dog, and now that dog is causing you trouble. It’s snapping at company, herding/nipping your kids, tearing up the house, whatever… The likely reason is that you didn’t train it right, didn’t do your research, got a dog from a crappy breeder, or all of the above. Maybe you genuinely did everything right, and it’s just the dog. Honestly, it doesn’t really matter, because either way it’s not our job to fix your basket case. Don’t email me saying, “He deserves better,” or “She’s a wonderful dog, she just needs a farm,” or the like. You’re right, the dog probably does deserve better, but why do you think I’m going to risk getting my hand bitten off, or my dogs attacked, or my drywall eaten? Take some personal responsibility, change your methods, get a trainer, or, if the dog is a serious threat, do the right thing and have the poor thing humanely euthanized yourself.
2. We’re not your rehoming shortcut
By that I mean, if you decide your dog needs a home, do it yourself. It’s really not our job. We will gladly list your dog as a referral, share, spread the word, direct adopters your way, etc. We are constantly inundated with dogs from animal shelters that will DIE if they don’t have foster space. You took on the responsibility of owning that dog – take the responsibility of finding it a home if it needs it. And if your dog has some issue that keeps you from doing this, see #1.
(While I’m on this topic – it’s also not your local animal control facility’s job to find your unwanted dog a home. Animal control exists to hold and place strays, and protect the public from dangerous animals. If you surrender your dog to animal control, they will kill it in 24 hours.)
3. We’re not in the “business” of rescue
Those of us who are doing rescue ethically are not making any money off this venture. In fact, we’re probably losing money. Dogs are expensive, and we don’t exactly get the cream of the crop as far as health goes. So, no thank-you, we are not interested in you “donating” your dog to our organization (unless, of course, you want to “donate” a litter of purebred, vetted puppies). Our dogs are not “for sale,” they’re for adoption, and we have plenty, thank you very much.
4. We’re not your safety net
You didn’t spay your dog, and now you have eight wiggling bundles of joy in your bathroom (or your backyard, depending on what caliber of person you are). Guess what! That’s your problem, not ours. You’re the dum-dum who broke the number one rule of dog ownership
Below: Zelda and Mako were “accidents” – Zelda was born in the shelter and Mako is deaf, so his breeder dumped him.
Similarly (this goes out to you backyard-breeder asshats) – we’re not here to take the puppies you can’t sell. We’re definitely not here to take your inbred, handicapped puppies that were born because you were either too stupid to know better or too greedy to care. If you want me to take your unwanted puppies, you better as hell sign an agreement to have that bitch spayed, or give me her as well. I will not encourage or enable your breeding habits.
5. We’re not retirement communities
If you send me an email, and it says, basically, “Our dog is 12 years old, and we love her very much, but we just don’t have the time to give her what she needs,” I will pull out my voodoo doll and stick a dozen pins in your eyes. You are the lowest of the low. Tell me, please, what you think we’re going to do with your poor old dog.
Cyrus is eight – ancient for a Great Dane.
I’m not sure what la-la land you live in, but there aren’t exactly lines out the door for senior dogs. You’re going to honestly sit and tell me that that dog is such a burden on your life that you can’t handle the last few months, maybe a year or so, of its life? I’ll tell you what – I’d hate to be your parents. Mom’s too old to be bothered with, just leave her in the bed to fester. Seriously, you disgust me.
Okay, I’m sure you’re asking by this point, so what the hell are we here for? That’s very simple, my friend. We’re here for the homeless, for the abused, and for the sick. Our job is to take dogs from shelters that don’t deserve to spend the last week of their lives in a loud, smelly, scary concrete prison cell. The dogs that can be rehomed with families that genuinely appreciate their presence. The dogs that have never known love in their entire lives – only fear, hate, and abuse. We’re also here to help the people who love, cherish, and want their animals but life just won’t let them. For example, the elderly lady who’s being moved to assisted living, or the single man or woman who lost their job and can barely feed themselves, much less a four legged companion. Doesn’t your plight of “just don’t have time” or “we have a new baby” sound pretty pathetic next to all of that?
Below: Bruce’s owner gave him up because he was dying.
Dogs – all pets, actually – are lifetime commitments. You are their lives; you are all they care about and all they have. Stop shirking responsibility, and don’t try to rely on third parties to do all the heavy lifting for you. You thought you were good enough for that dog in the first place, now prove it.
This year Bark for Art will head back to the Westside Market, a cooperative of art, design, antiques and FUN for a party that you won’t forget!
Aside from the “visual safari,” we’ll have delicious food and cool summer libations. We’re also thrilled to introduce The Grose, Hill and Callahan Hill Band that covers everything from Abba to Zepplin, so bring your boogie shoes. In addition to the band, we’ll have a huge silent auction filled with jewelry,… dinners, trips, art and some awesome surprises and best of all, 100% of the proceeds goes to Atlanta Lab Rescue!
Tickets are $35 at the door and through PayPal (details to follow)
Sponsorship opportunities are still available and include Bark for Art and our ALR 5k Road Race on November 21st plus Website and Facebook recognition throughout the year. For details email, info@atlantalabrescue.com
Hi. My name is Gatsby. I wanted to give my dog and people friends out there an update to my doggie life story. It’s been a little over a year since I landed in my forever home, and boy am I a happy dog. I want to start from the beginning, since everyone might not know my story.
I am a cheerful, 85 lb. yellow lab mix who had a rough go of it the first few years of my life. I was rescued from a shelter in early 2014, after they didn’t feed me very well. I had some complications from that, which included nerve damage in my back left leg that resulted in me losing my leg in May 2014. The doctors at Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital took great care of me and I had great foster parents named Heather and Stacy during that awful time. Without them and the ALR family, there is no telling what would have happened to me.
In June 2014, I was told that I was going to a forever home. I was hoping that would be the last time I would be shuffled around. No dog likes that. Anyway, I was dropped off at Sutton & Kristi’s house on June 11 by one of my foster moms, Heather. I got out of the car and jumped into Sutton’s lap hoping that he would be my forever dad. I found out soon that Sutton & Kristi had lost their yellow lab Aspen to cancer in May, so I was hoping I could fill that void and be a really good fit for them.
The first week, Dad stayed home quite a bit to make sure I was OK with the new house and all the surroundings. He would leave me longer and longer by myself so I could get use to having the house to myself. I also showed my new owners my love for shoes. Yes, shoes. I don’t know what it is, but I love taking shoes from wherever they are to my bed in the living room. I’ve been known to hoard a dozen shoes, all within paw distance to my bed. I also like taking them places where you can’t find them. I get them from the closet, off the coffee table, off the floor, wherever I can find them.
I also had to learn the ins and outs about my new house. They had a doggie door, which was cool, but I had to learn how to use it. With 3 legs, it was a little bit of a challenge to negotiate the door smacking my butt, because I was a little slow at first. But, I figured it out. Also, my new owners got me in shape really fast. You see, when I go out the dog door, I have to go around the house and down the stairs to the fairly steep driveway down to the fenced in backyard. It’s a nice backyard, with plenty of places to explore. The first time I went down, I thought it was pretty cool. Then, when I was done, I was like ‘Uh Oh.’, I have to go back up that driveway, and up those stairs. Boy, that was really tough. I can do it pretty well now, but I try and hold it as long as I can, because I prefer the easier way which is when Mom or Dad let me out front to go potty.
At first, I was a little lonely, because Mom & Dad both work. I had to get used to being alone for longer periods, but I had the dog door, so I could go out anytime I wanted. It really worked out well in the beginning, because I also had heartworm. The downtime and quiet during the day helped during the long month of medicine and shots. I am happy to report that I am now heartworm free. Yay…
I finally got used to being alone during the day, and it wasn’t too bad. When Dad gets home, he plays with me for a long time. He really likes dogs, and I don’t mind at all playing and being on the end of a tummy and back rub. Dad also takes me to work on Fridays once a month, since he only works 1/2 day. I really like that. I go from office to office saying hi to everyone in the building. I like to show everyone how I am doing and how happy I am. After seeing everyone, Dad takes me back to his office and I just lie down for a couple of hours and just enjoy being out and about.
In November, I got an unexpected ‘visitor’. Well, I thought it was a visitor. My Dad brought home a 2nd dog. They called her America. I heard mention of Mom & Dad being fosters, so I breathed a sigh of relief. I was their main dog now, and was enjoying being the center of attention immensely. America came in with her tail between her legs, and I was OK with that, because I had to show her that I was boss around here. We got along pretty well, and we had some early skirmishes, but I really still wanted to be the only dog. Before Christmas, Mom & Dad took America to an adoption and then to a potential foster’s home. I thought to myself ‘Finally back to normalcy’. But, America came back. I heard she didn’t like other dogs and was quite aggressive when around other dogs. Funny, she never did that to me. Maybe she just knew who she was dealing with! Anyway, she was great around people and loved kids like I do, but she just kept hanging around. And Mom & Dad started showing a little favor towards her. I was starting to get a bad feeling.
The first real sign of trouble was when America was invited to go up to PA to visit my new grandma and the rest of Mom’s family. I was like ‘Whaaattt??’. How am I and this new mutt going to get along for 12 hours up and back cooped up in the back of an SUV. Granted it had plenty of room, but still what did I do to deserve this? Well, we made it up to PA and it wasn’t bad. We were really good and didn’t cause too much trouble. America did like crawling all over the car, so she was a little annoying.
Up in PA, I really liked Grandma. The family thought both of us were good dogs and I could sense that everyone wanted Mom & Dad to keep America. She was also starting to be really cuddly toward Mom & Dad as I think she began to think this fostering experiment was a failure. Turns out I was right.
When we got back to GA, the deal was sealed and America became part of our family. She is a very good dog, but I didn’t like the idea of having to split the doggie fun with her. Now Dad has double duty when he gets home. But, he does pretty well at it. Thankfully, America and Mom share time together so I might get a little more time with Dad.
Currently, I weigh about 85 lbs and feel great and get around quite well. I got up to 89 lbs. and Mom & Dad were not happy. Mom blamed Dad for giving me too many treats (he’s good at that), but I kept my mouth shut. I’ve lost back down to 85, and I feel much better. I think they want me down to 82, because they feel that would be better for my joints.
Overall, America and I get along very well and I like my Mom and Dad. I actually enjoy having another dog around during the day. I still would like to get more attention, but hey I guess fair is fair.
I can only hope that all you dogs out there looking for a good home can find one. And, all you dog-loving humans out there, please consider one of us less fortunate dogs when you go looking for one. We will really appreciate it and will give you more loving than you can imagine.
We felt this was a great article to share with our ALR Friends:
Black Dog Project
MAYNARD, Mass. (AP) — It was a summer day at the dog park when Fred Levy, a professional pet photographer, overheard a conversation that he couldn’t shake off.
A woman was talking about “Black Dog Syndrome” — a theory that black dogs are less likely to be adopted than those with lighter coats, perhaps because of superstition or a notion that black dogs are aggressive. Experts debate whether it’s a myth or reality, but it struck Levy.
“A dog shouldn’t be overlooked just because of its coat,” Levy said. “That’s a minor element when it comes to the dog.”
That dog park visit was almost two years ago, but it inspired Levy to take on a project that’s still gaining international attention. He calls it the Black Dogs Project, a photo series that features black dogs against black backdrops, aiming to capture their beauty and counter negative stereotypes.
The photos struck a chord online and quickly went viral. Commenters raved about the striking details Levy brought out in each portrait — the soulful eyes, that one floppy ear, a Poodle’s ears blossoming with fur. The microblogging website Tumblr counted Levy’s blog among its “most-viral” of 2014.
Levy, 45, did it all in the basement studio of his Maynard home, where he lives with his wife, two young boys and a black-and-white rat terrier named Toby.
“I knew that, for this project, it would hit a nerve with two different groups,” Levy said. “Pet-lovers would love it, and photographers would like it if I did a good job.”
After adjusting to the sudden onslaught of attention, Levy decided to publish the work in a book. It’s slated to be published this September, titled “Black Dogs Project: Extraordinary Black Dogs and Why We Can’t Forget Them.” Part of the proceeds will go to a rescue group for Labradors in San Diego.
In the book and on his blog, Levy includes stories about each dog to counter myths about black dogs. Among those he highlights is Denver, a 2-year-old black Labrador that’s also a therapy dog. Denver works at an elementary school and spent time in a Boston firehouse after the marathon bombing.
Amanda Lukowski, Denver’s owner, said the photos were “breathtaking.”
“It captured his whole personality,” said Lukowski, of Northbridge. “Denver is a gentle giant. He’s 90 lbs. — he’s a big boy — but he is the most kind, caring, compassionate dog ever.”
In this March 2014 photo provided by Fred Levy, a standard poodle named Mercedes Ann poses
Early on, the black dogs that Levy photographed came from owners he recruited through his Facebook page. Recently he also started working with abandoned dogs referred to him by shelters. After training his camera on them, he shares their photos online in search of a permanent home.
But his message to viewers isn’t necessarily to adopt black dogs. Mostly, he wants people to think beyond appearance when they’re adopting pets.
“I want people to make informed decisions on the best dog that will fit into their lifestyle,” he said. “The fur shouldn’t be the deciding factor.”
There’s no firm science to support the existence of Black Dog Syndrome, and some studies have dismissed it as a myth. Maryann Regan, director of shelter operations at the Animal Rescue League of Boston, said she doesn’t see widespread bias against black dogs. Still, she supports Levy’s work.
“Anything that helps to break down any barrier to benefit an animal is wonderful,” she said.
Among the victories that Levy ties to is project is the story of Annabelle, an 8-year-old black Labrador mix that was abandoned for more than a year, enduring a brutal winter outside. After hearing the story, Levy snapped three portraits of Annabelle and posted him on his blog last month. Two days later, a family adopted her.
Please click on the direct link to the story to see additional photos and learn more!
Here is another great article from Cesar Millan. If your dog doesn’t know these basic commands, might be a good thing to read this article and teach your dog these basics. Remember, you need to continue to work with your dog on these commands as well! Your dog will love learning and doing things to please you!!!
By Juliana Weiss-Roessler
Having a trained dog isn’t the same as having a balanced dog, but if your dog knows a few basic commands, it can be helpful when tackling problem behaviors — existing ones or those that may develop in the future.
So where do you start with dog obedience training? You could take a class, but it’s not necessary; you can do it yourself. In fact, with the right attitude, it can be fun for both you and your dog!
Sit
This is one of the easiest dog obedience commands to teach, so it’s a good one to start with.
Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose.
Move your hand up, allowing his head to follow the treat and causing his bottom to lower.
Once he’s in sitting position, say “Sit,” give him the treat, and share affection.
Repeat this sequence a few times every day until your dog has it mastered. Then ask your dog to sit before mealtime, when leaving for walks, and during other situations where you’d like him calm and seated.
Come
This command can help keep a dog out of trouble, bringing him back to you if you lose grip on the leash or accidentally leave the front door open.
Put a leash and collar on your dog.
Go down to his level and say, “Come,” while gently pulling on the leash.
When he gets to you, reward him with affection and a treat.
Once he’s mastered it with the leash, remove it — and practice the command in a safe, enclosed area.
Down
This can be one of the more difficult commands in dog obedience training. Why? Because the position is a submissive posture. You can help by keeping training positive and relaxed, particularly with fearful or anxious dogs.
Find a particularly good smelling treat, and hold it in your closed fist.
Hold your hand up to your dog’s snout. When he sniffs it, move your hand to the floor, so he follows.
Then slide your hand along the ground in front of him to encourage his body to follow his head.
Once he’s in the down position, say “Down,” give him the treat, and share affection.
Repeat it every day. If your dog tries to sit up or lunges toward your hand, say “No” and take your hand away. Don’t push him into a down position, and encourage every step your dog takes toward the right position. After all, he’s working hard to figure it out!
Stay
Before attempting this one, make sure your dog is an expert at the “Sit” command.
First, ask your dog to “Sit.”
Then open the palm of your hand in front of you, and say “Stay.”
Take a few steps back. Reward him with a treat and affection if he stays.
Gradually increase the number of steps you take before giving the treat.
Always reward your pup for staying put — even if it’s just for a few seconds.
This is an exercise in self-control for your dog, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a while to master, particularly for puppies and high-energy dogs. After all, they want to be on the move and not just sitting there waiting.
Leave it
This can help keep your dog safe when his curiosity gets the better of him, like if he smells something intriguing but possibly dangerous on the ground! The goal is to teach your pup that he gets something even better for ignoring the other item.
Place a treat in both hands.
Show him one enclosed fist with the treat inside, and say, “Leave it.”
Let him lick, sniff, mouth, paw, and bark to try to get it — and ignore the behaviors.
Once he stops trying, give him the treat from the other hand.
Repeat until your dog moves away from that first fist when you say, “Leave it.”
Next, only give your dog the treat when he moves away from that first fist and also looks up at you.
Once your dog consistently moves away from the first treat and gives you eye contact when you say the command, you’re ready to take it up a notch. For this, use two different treats — one that’s just all right and one that’s a particularly good smelling and tasty favorite for your pup.
Say “Leave it,” place the less attractive treat on the floor, and cover it with your hand.
Wait until your dog ignores that treat and looks at you. Then remove that treat from the floor, give him the better treat and share affection immediately.
Once he’s got it, place the less tasty treat on the floor… but don’t completely cover it with your hand. Instead hold it a little bit above the treat. Over time, gradually move your hand farther and farther away until your hand is about 6 inches above.
Now he’s ready to practice with you standing up! Follow the same steps, but if he tries to snatch the less tasty treat, cover it with your foot.
Don’t rush the process. Remember, you’re asking a lot of your dog. If you take it up a notch and he’s really struggling, go back to the previous stage.
Just these five simple commands can help keep your dog safer and improve your communication with him. It’s well worth the investment of your time and effort. Remember, the process takes time, so only start a dog obedience training session if you’re in the right mindset to practice calm-assertive energy and patience.
Here is a great article from the Georgia SPCA sharing information about both dogs and cats. Knowing when to take action can be critical!
This month’s question is actually a very serious one for me, as it is sometimes very hard for owners to recognize when their pet requires immediate medical attention. After all, they can’t directly tell you how they feel or where it hurts. But in all the years I have been a veterinarian or even a technician, I have learned that if a client thinks it is an emergency, they are likely right. Owners have an uncanny ability to know something is “off” with their pets that can lead to a major, possibly life-threatening, emergency if something is not done quickly. Examples:
An owner notices that her cat keeps trying to defecate but doesn’t get any stool out, which can actually mean that the cat can’t urinate because of a blockage – a major life threatening issue.
An owner notices that his 10-year-old dog has just been laying around for a day or so and not really wanting to eat, and that turns out to be a hemoabdomen (blood in the abdomen).
The difficult part of deciding to go the veterinarian is how quickly to go. Sometimes owners think, “Well, Fluffy will feel better tomorrow.” But in some cases, tomorrow or the next day might be too late or the pet is so sick by then that it will need a very lengthy and expensive stay at a veterinary hospital in order to survive.
Some things are easy: If your pet is hit by a car, it might look like he is fine. He can walk around and there are no broken bones. BUT such a major impact can cause internal bleeding or tears in the diaphragm at a minimum. Your dog might not be clinical right away but tomorrow he may be on the verge of death. It is very important to go to the vet after any major trauma to get blood work and x-rays to make sure things are OK.
Another major life threatening problem in dogs that might not be so easy for the owner to figure out is commonly called bloat (our fancy medical term is gastric dilatation and volvulus – GDV for short). This is when the stomach basically rotates on itself and cuts off the inflow (esophagus) and outflow (pylorus) of the stomach. Owners usually call and say that their dog is trying to vomit but absolutely nothing is coming up and maybe the stomach is tight or a little enlarged. This is a MAJOR emergency and usually by the time you get to the vet your dog is in major shock. GDV requires hospitalization and surgery to correct in order for the patient to live.
I could talk for hours about many different clinical signs and presentations that call for immediate veterinary attention BUT… for your sake and mine I will include a short but by no means all-encompassing list of occurrences of symptom that should prompt an immediate visit to your vet:
Eating something the pet was not supposed to, such as a toxin (rat poison),grapes, a toy, a sock or any other foreign body (If you suspect your pet has swallowed a poison, take the box to the vet with you.)
Inability to urinate or urinating small amounts
Constipation (what sometimes looks like constipation might turn out to be another serious problem)
Snake bites
Being stung by a bee or insect , followed by lots of vomiting and diarrhea (anaphylaxis)
Prolonged seizures
Heat stroke (In the hot Georgia sun, as little as 10 minutes of playing on a hot day or just minutes in a hot car can cause this.)
Difficulty breathing or open mouth breathing (gums could be pale or blue/purplish)
A unilateral eye problem ( I have seen animals lose an eye because of an unrecognized corneal ulcer)
A small puppy or kitten not eating (They can get hypoglycemic and dehydrated very quickly.)
Acutely paralyzed or dragging rear legs
Prolonged unproductive labor of greater than 2 hours
The bottom line is that I really encourage owners to err on the side of caution if they think something is wrong with their pet, and take them to a veterinarian. Not every life threatening emergency is as obvious as a hit by a car and, personally, I would rather be told that things aren’t so bad and can be treated than that I waited too long and now my precious furry baby might die.
We thought this article was especially important this time of year. One of the TOP reasons we are requested to take a dog into the program via owner surrender is: “I’m moving out of state and I can’t take my dog.” – There are no states in these United States of America that prohibits dog ownership!
By Juliana Weiss-Roessler
When I look back on my family’s move from Los Angeles to Austin, I still don’t know how we managed to make it on the plane with our one-year-old son and two dogs – along with our luggage, playpen, dog crates, and car seat.
But it wasn’t just the plane ride; every stage of the move was made more challenging with three creatures who weren’t interested in sitting still while we checked off our to-do list.
Whether your move is long-distance or just down the block, there’s a lot to accomplish. Here are a few things I learned from my experience – and a few I learned about afterwards – that will help you and your pups with the transition.
Leaving your old home If you’re a renter, then your only concerns on moving out are cleaning up and minor repairs in order to get your deposit back. However, if you’re a homeowner looking to sell, dogs can complicate the process a bit.
Keeping your home clean for potential buyers and getting out of the way for viewings can be a challenge if you have dogs. But it’s a necessary part of the process if you want your home to sell.
Amp up the walks There’s a lot going on, but it’s important not to neglect your dogs’ needs now. Exercise keeps their energy down, which means they’ll be less likely to engage in messy, destructive behaviors at home, and they’ll be more likely to cooperate if you have to leave the home fast for a showing or leave them in their crates.
Have a game plan Have everything you need to get out of the house in one dedicated location, and know where you’ll head if someone calls for a last minute showing. Being prepared will make it less stressful for everyone.
Schedule showings during your usual walk time It won’t always be possible, but let your realtor know that those are the best times for your family.
Restrict your dog’s access If you’re like my family, your dog is welcome in every area of your home, but during this time, consider making certain areas off-limits to keep them cleaner. This can be done simply by shutting doors to certain rooms, or using a doggy gate.
Never, ever leave your dogs loose during a showing Even the friendliest dog can frighten someone who isn’t comfortable with dogs, and you always run the risk of a visitor leaving a door or gate open and allowing your dog to escape. Instead, put your dogs in their crates if you can’t get them out of the house with you. If you’re looking to rent a new place, the first consideration, of course, is whether they accept dogs at all, so do your research first with an online tool like Rent.com’s pet-friendly search. Remember: a lot of places will require proof of vaccination before they’ll let your dog move in, so be sure you’re up to date and have the documentation.
If you’re buying a house, shopping for your new home is one of the most enjoyable parts of the moving process. But whether renting or buying, it’s important to take your dog into consideration while going through it.
Finding your new home
Find nearby dog-friendly locations Do you currently love taking your pup to the dog park or for a walk down to your local café, where the baristas leave him a bowl of water and a treat? Make sure you can maintain similar routines in your new location.
Consider your dog’s new living quarters It’s likely you’ve ensured the new home has enough bedrooms for the human occupants, but what about your dog? Where will his dog bed live? His food and water?
Look into backyard safety When moving with my pups, one of the things I was most excited about was giving them their first backyard, so that was on my list of must-haves: a safe, fenced-in area where they could roam. But you should also look at how visible your dogs are when outside. If they can be seen from a major roadway while behind your fence, it can put them at higher risk of being stolen.
Check out other neighborhood animals When you’re seriously considering a home, take a walk with your dog around the block. Note the barking dogs in backyards, roaming cats, or other creatures, and consider how they may affect your daily routine. You’ve found your new dream home and are ready to leave the old one. Now it’s time for the dreaded process of putting everything you own in boxes. Here’s how to help your dog through it.
Packing and unpacking
Maintain your calm Recognize this may be anxiety-inducing for your dog, but it will be especially so if you are feeling stressed about it. You can also help reduce your dog’s fear about the major changes going on by maintaining his routine as much as possible.
Pack your dog’s room last Whatever room is your pup’s favorite, save it for the end. That way, she’ll spend less time with the upheaval there stressing her out.
Get your dogs out for moving day There are a lot of people coming and going during the actual moving out and in, and that means many opportunities for a stressed dog to escape. On my moving day, I took both dogs and the baby to a nearby dog-friendly restaurant to hang out until it was all over. Other ideas are to ask a friend or family member to have them over for the day or find out if your vet offers boarding. Not an option? When in doubt, a crate can help ensure they are safe. For my family, it was a no-brainer. There was no way that all five of us were up for a cross-country trip in a moving truck. We hired a moving company to take our stuff, and then we all boarded a plane. But for some families, driving with all your household items and household members can be a fun adventure.
A few things to consider for your pup when deciding between methods of transportation:
Traveling to your new location If your move is long distance, you’ll need to decide how to move your items as well as your family to your new location.
Your car ride will take longer with a dog joining you Do you normally like to drive as many hours as possible before you stop? That’s not best for your dog, who should get out to stretch his legs and take a bathroom break every four to six hours. Naturally, this will add to your travel time. Also, make sure you plan where you will stay the night. It may not always be easy to arrange pet-friendly accommodations unless you do so in advance.
Larger dogs cannot travel in-cabin If your dog is small enough to fit underneath a plane seat, she can likely travel with you on the plane, but larger dogs must go with the cargo. Hundreds of thousands of dogs travel safely in cargo, but there is a risk posed by greater temperature variations.
Older dogs may not be up for a long trip Whether it is days on the road or hours unsupervised in cargo, senior dogs can be at greater risk of suffering health issues. Talk to your veterinarian about what travel method is safest. In some cases, you may have to make the tough choice of re-homing your dog with a friend or family member rather than putting him through the ordeal.
Get a baggage cart for your plane ride I’ll be honest: I’m a penny pincher. Who needs a cart when suitcases have wheels? The answer: you do! You’ll appreciate having more hands available to meet your dog’s needs as you travel through the airport.
Settling in Now is the time to set up or re-establish good habits! Focus on rules, boundaries, and limitations.
Establish your new routine quickly It’s likely some things will change in the new home, but try to stay as close as possible to your previous routine. If you’ve switched time zones, jump right into the new schedule like it didn’t even happen. Still go for that 9 a.m. walk in your new location – even if it may feel like 11 a.m. to your dog.
Update your dog tags You want your new contact information on your dog stat. Being in a new place can increase the chances that your dog bolts and gets lost.
Find a veterinarian Ask for recommendations from neighbors and co-workers, and get your dog in for a check-up. Getting your dog in before an emergency situation arises can help him get to know the new vet in a relaxed way. Especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors, find out if there are any region-specific vaccines that your dog may now need.
Don’t wash those dog blankets When moving, your gut instinct may be to get everything fresh and new – but stop at your dog’s items. Keep them smelling just like your pup. That familiar scent can help him feel more at home in a new location.
Summer will be quickly upon us and there is no better time to take a few minutes to read this article from Cesar on summer safety!!
By Andrew Kaleita
Watch Cesar’s Summer Tips Video on how to make sure that your dog doesn’t get overheated as you and your dog go out in the Summer heat.
Summer is a terrific time to be a dog owner. It lets you run, swim, and play with your dog in nicer weather than any other time of the year. However, summer also brings unique risks to your dog’s health that you should keep in mind throughout the season. These summer dangers include:
Heat stroke
Heat stroke occurs when your dog’s body temperature rises dangerously high. It is most common when dogs are left in a car for too long, or when they exercise in the heat. Never leave your dog in the car in hot weather, and always remember that a cracked window is not enough to cool a car. Your dog always needs access to shade outside. Muzzling interferes with a dog’s ability to cool itself by panting and should be avoided.
Sunburn
Dogs can burn in the sun just like people can. White, light-colored, and thinly coated dogs have an increased risk of sunburn. Sunburn causes pain, itching, peeling, and other problems. To prevent sunburn, apply a waterproof sunscreen formulated for babies or pets. Be sure to cover the tips of your dog’s ears and nose, the skin around its mouth, and its back.
Burned foot pads
Sidewalk, patio, street, sand. and other surfaces can burn your dog’s footpads. Walk your dog in the morning and at night when outdoor surfaces are coolest. Press your hand onto surfaces for 30 seconds to test them before allowing your dog to walk on them. If it is painful for you, it will be painful for your dog.
Dehydration
Prevent dehydration by providing your dog with unrestricted access to fresh and cool water both indoors and outside. Ice cubes and frozen chicken or beef broth encourage your dog to take in more fluids and help keep it cool. You can also feed your dog wet dog food during the summer to increase its fluid intake.
Campfires and barbecues
Your dog may try to take burning sticks from the fire, which are hard to retrieve since they think that you are playing when you chase them. Food that is stuck to barbecues after cooking can tempt your dog to lick the barbecue and burn its tongue or mouth. Lighter fluid is a poison and should not be left where your dog can reach it. Keep your dog away from barbecues and campfires unless it is on a very short leash. Watch Cesar’s video on how to set up a successful BBQ that your dog can attend.
Fireworks
Some fireworks look like sticks, which makes your dog think that they are toys. The loud noises and sudden flash of fireworks can disorient and startle your dog, causing it to run wildly. If you cannot avoid being around fireworks, then keep your dog on a very short leash.
Parasites
Ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, flies, and other insects are at their peak during the summer months. Talk to your veterinarian about appropriate protection such as collars, sprays, shampoos, dips, and other products.
Chemicals in the water
It is no secret that most dogs love to swim. Swimming can be fun for you and your dog and helps prevent heat stroke. However, chlorine can irritate a dog’s skin and upset its stomach. Rinse your dog with fresh water after swimming in a pool and do not let it drink more than a small amount of pool water. Standing water, such as puddles, can also be dangerous for dogs to drink due to the presence of antifreeze or other chemicals. Provide your dog with fresh water to drink whenever possible.
Seasonal allergies
Fleas, mold, flowers, and other potential allergens are common during summer. Allergies cause itching (and with it, excessive scratching), coughing, sneezing, discomfort, and other problems for your dog. Keep your dog away from allergy triggers when possible, especially if you know it has a particular allergy. Ask your veterinarian about whether your pet would benefit from a canine antihistamine or other medication.
Getting lost
Take care when traveling with your dog during the summer to prevent it from becoming lost in unfamiliar surroundings. Always have someone watching your dog if it is off its leash. A collar with a contact information tag should be considered the minimum safety precaution. Microchip your dog if you desire more reliable identification.
These summer safety tips apply to dogs in general, but no one knows your dog better than you. If your dog is well behaved around food, for example, then it may be safer to let it be near a barbecue. Do not be afraid to let your dog off its leash to run and enjoy summer, but do be aware of what possible dangers may be nearby before you do so. If you have a fun summer dog story or know a summer danger that we forgot to mention, tell us in the comments.
The next Adoption Day will be June 28th from 1-3 at Southern Tails Academy in Marietta. Southern Tails is one of our boarding/training partners and we had such a good time last month that they invited us back every month. It’s a large and very relaxed area and the perfect place to spend time and really get to know our dogs.
We will have a free ALR training class after the Adoption! The class will start at 3 and will last for about an hour. Ken Dupcak will address many of the issues that are relative to rescue dogs. If you’ve adopted a dog you’re invited and we would love perspective “parents” to stay and take the class too. We promise that the knowledge imparted in this class could change your life, no kidding….plus it’ll be entertaining. You don’t need to bring your dog, but the family is welcome and its FREE!
Southern Tails is located at 2566 East Piedmont Rd in Marietta. For directions or to learn more, please go to www.southerntailsacademy.com
This week is National Dog Bite Prevention Week®, sponsored by a coalition including the United States Postal Service, State Farm Insurance, and the American Veterinary Medical Association. The event is designed to raise awareness of dog bite statistics and help to educate the public on preventing dog bites.
Every year in the U.S., around 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs. According to the AVMA, the most frequent victims of dog bites, in order, are children, the elderly, and postal carriers. That 4.5 million figure may seem high, but it represents just under 1.5% of the population. According to Karen Delise, author of “Fatal Dog Attacks,” you’re 18 times more likely to be hit by lightning than bitten by a dog.
You and your children are also far less likely to be bitten if you take steps now to prevent it from happening. Here’s what you can do:
Take responsibility
The most important thing we can do is to take responsibility for our own dogs. This means training and socializing them properly, so that they get along with other dogs and people. They should also be trained to be submissive so that humans in the pack are able to take food or toys away from them without issue — dogs should see any human, not just their own people, as having a higher position in the pack.
Two other important things you can do: Avoid playing aggressive games with your dogs, like tug-of-war. Instead, focus on games like fetch, training your dog to drop the ball in front of you. And, most of all, have your dogs spayed or neutered. This will prevent your female dogs from becoming pregnant — a nursing mother can become very defensive and aggressive around her pups. This will also keep male dogs from becoming aggressive in general.
Educate your children
Children are naturally drawn to animals, particularly dogs, because they’re cute and furry. However, children don’t understand that it’s not a good idea to run right up to a strange dog, which is how a lot of bites happen. They often also don’t understand that not all dogs like having their ears or tail pulled, or being grabbed or picked up. Two thirds of all children bitten by dogs were bitten by the family dog, and this is often the reason.
The first thing to teach your children is to never approach a strange dog, even if the dog seems friendly, and especially if the dog is alone. If the dog is with its owner, teach your children to ask permission from a distance to approach and pet the dog, and to not be upset if the owner says “No,” because there’s probably a good reason for that.
When approaching a strange dog, children (and adults) should practice “No talk, no touch, no eye contact,” and should wait for the dog to come to them. Remember: dogs come to the Pack Leader, not the other way around. If the dog sniffs you and stays, then you can pet it, preferably on the front of the chest and not on the back or head. If the dogs walks away, with or without sniffing you, don’t take it personally. She’s just not interested in interacting.
Above all, teach your children how to stay calm around dogs. A lot of kids have very high energy and can be loud or erratic, both of which can make dogs anxious or over-excited. Especially with strange dogs, they should never yell or run away.
Educate yourself
I mentioned that in two thirds of cases when dogs bit children, it was the family dog. This is why, as an adult, you should never leave small children and dogs together unsupervised. A dog is much less likely to bite a child if an adult human is present. Also, if something does happen, you’ll be right there to intervene.
You should also learn the dog bite prevention rules for children because they’re exactly the same for adults. We don’t get a free pass to directly approach strange dogs just because we’re grown up.
Finally, learn how to read a dog’s body language so you can see the signs that a bite may be coming and de-escalate the encounter immediately. Signals that a dog may be about to attack are the ears pinned back, and the fur along their back may stand up in a visible pattern — the origin of the expression “getting their hackles up.”
You might be able to see the whites of the dog’s eyes, and they may yawn which, with the other signals, does not indicate the dog is tired but, instead, is the dog showing off its teeth as a warning. If the dog makes intense and direct eye contact with you, this is a clear sign that you should back off immediately.
The motto for National Dog Bite Prevention Week is, “70 million nice dogs… but any dog can bite.” The good news is that in the vast majority of those dog bite cases, humans bear some of the responsibility by not knowing how to approach or interact with a dog.
By learning to read a dog’s body language, educating our children, and understanding how to respect a dog’s space, we can reduce those 4.5 million bites per year substantially. Join me in spreading the message.
Do you think you know everything about our canine companions? Think again! Check out these 10 surprising facts about dogs.
Your dog is as smart as a 2-year-old toddler. There’s a reason your tot and your pup get along so well: they speak the same language. Or at least, they likely understand roughly the same number of words and gestures — 250!
Dogs and cats both slurp water the same way. This may be hard to believe since dogs are such messy drinkers, but just like cats, our canine friends bend the tip of their tongue and raise liquid in a column up to their mouths.
Your dog does have a sense of time — and misses you when you’re gone. If you think your dog knows when it’s time for dinner or a walk, you’re right! Dogs pick up on our routines and habits, and they also sense how much time has passed. One study showed how dogs responded differently to their owners being gone for different lengths of time.
Your dog’s whiskers help him “see” in the dark. Okay, it’s not quite night-vision or a super power, but those whiskers pick up on even subtle changes in air currents, providing your pup with information about the size, shape, and speed of things nearby. This allows your dog to better sense approaching dangers or prey — even at night.
Dogs only have sweat glands in their paws. More specifically, they are found between their paw pads. That’s why it can help to wet the bottom of their feet on a hot day, and it’s also why dogs rely on panting as a means of cooling down.
On average, a dog’s mouth exerts 320 pounds of pressure. The tests were done on a German shepherd, American pit bull terrier, and Rottweiler. In comparison, human beings exert 120 pounds, white sharks exert 600 pounds, and crocodiles exert a whopping 2,500 pounds! Dogs also have ten more adult teeth than humans — 42 versus 32.
Your one year-old pup is as physically mature as a 15-year-old human. Of course, different breeds age a little differently. Large dogs age faster than small ones. You can get a more exact comparison for your dog using this nifty Dog Age Calculator.
Your dog’s sense of smell is 1,000 to 10 million times better than yours. Depending on the breed, your dog has between 125 million to 300 million scent glands — compared to only 5 million for humans. And the part of your dog’s brain that controls smell is 40 times larger than yours — that’s true, even though the canine brain is much smaller than the human, relative to size. A human’s brain is about 1/40th of their body weight while a dog’s brain is only 1/125th. Don’t feel too smug, though — an ant’s brain is 1/7th its body weight.
Dogs can hear 4 times as far as humans. Puppies may be born deaf, but they quickly surpass our hearing abilities. Dogs can also hear higher pitched sounds, detecting a frequency range of 67 to 45,000 hertz (cycles per second). The human range is from 64 to 23,000 hertz. In both dogs and humans, the upper end of hearing range decreases with age.
Your dog can smell your feelings. Your pup can pick up on subtle changes in your scent, which can help him figure out how you are feeling — such as by smelling your perspiration when you become nervous or fearful. It’s also likely how dogs can detect certain diseases or know that a household member is pregnant.
Did you know that the largest percentage of dogs euthanized in the shelters are medium to large mixed breeds? Even most multi-breed rescues shy away from the larger dogs because they are more expensive to board and vet. Not us! ALR has always championed the mixes and having one of the highest adoption rates in town, we love that you do too!
From now until the end of May, we will be concentrating on and highlighting our “one-of-a-kind dogs.” We believe we have some awesome dogs to choose from and for the rest of the month, we will take $100 off of our adoption fee for our mixed breed dogs. ALR’s vetting includes all vaccines, worming, spay/neuter, microchip and complete blood panel. That’s a deal!
Watch our Facebook and website for postings highlighting these dogs and if you see one you like, just go to our Available Dogs section to view our gorgeous pups and then fill out an online application. Hurry…May Mix Month will be over before you know it.
Please note the change in our Adoption Day. We have had to move our adoption day again due to the upcoming inclement weather. It is now on Sunday, December 7, 1–3pm. This will be our final adoption event of 2014! Atlanta Lab Rescue has so many great dogs for you to come meet so come see us at our Adoption Day, Sunday November 23th from 1-3pm at Perk-N-Pooch in Sandy Springs. We are adding new dogs every day so keep checking the website and email us if you see a dog you want to meet. See you there!
Thank you form Atlanta Lab Rescue! We appreciate your donation. Your generous gift will help us continue to save lab and lab mix dogs from shelters and abusive situations. We carefully make certain each dog taken in is fully vetted and ready to be placed in a loving forever home. Know that 100% of your gift will go to savings dogs and help change lives! Thank you!
Atlanta Lab Rescue
The Rainbow Bridge
The results are in and the first annual Atlanta Lab Rescue 5k Race and 1k Fun Run was a great success! Fabulous weather and a great time was had by all! Please 
