Thursday, December 21, 2006

*Parents: Ferret, not pit bull, gnawed off baby's toes*

http://www.katc.com/Global/story.asp?S=5839156

*Parents: Ferret, not pit bull, gnawed off baby's toes*

BENTON, La. -- A woman jailed after four of her month-old daughter's toes were gnawed off says it was the family's pet ferret that did it, not their pit bull puppy.
"The way the bite marks were on her foot. The ferret being out of its cage. I knew it wasn't the dog," Mary Hansche told KTBS-TV on Tuesday.
Hansche, 22, and her husband, Christopher Wayne Hansche, 26, remained jailed in lieu of $50,000 bond each, booked with child desertion and criminal negligence. Their baby has been released from the hospital and is in state custody.TheHansches were asleep on a mattress on the floor and the baby in a carrier next to the mattress when they woke Dec. 10 because she was crying, Bossier City police have said.Attorney Pam Smart said she is waiting for results of a hair analysis to back up the couple's statement that they were not using drugs."This was an accident, very unfortunate accident. Hindsight is 20-20 and I'm sure the Hansches probably would say we would have done things differently looking back now," Smart said.She also said their bonds are too high for misdemeanors. A bond reduction hearing is scheduled next month.Both pets are in quarantine but show no sign of rabies, officials said.The puppy will remain at the animal control shelter until the court process is completed.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Holiday Season with your pets

Are you ready for the holidays? Do you buy presents for your
pets? According to a poll conducted by the International Fund
for Animal Welfare (IFAW), 42.3 percent of responders indicated
they plan to buy toys or treats for their pets this year.

Here are some seasonal thoughts for you and your pet.
1. Take your dog for a nice long walk. Pets often feel a
little left out and bewildered by the holiday process and
rushing around making preparations.
2. Make a Kong filled popsicle for your dog. Put kibble in the
kong and add a little bit of cheese, microwave for just a few
seconds to get the cheese soft so it will stick the kibble
together and then put in the freezer to chill. Will keep your
pooch occupied while you open presents on Christmas morning.
3. Be careful when giving your pet Rawhide treats. It is a
source of conflict between dogs if one finishes first and wants
what the other has. Also, they do not digest well and if large
chunks are ingested it could cause medical complications.
4. Make sure wrapping and ribbons are promptly disposed of so
they are not accidentally ingested by our furry friends
5. Make sure chocolaty treats are kept out of your dog's reach.
Chocolate is not good for dogs and the darker the chocolate the
more serious the health consequences. Baker's chocolate is
especially bad. IT is a good idea to use the kong popsicle idea
when you are doing your sweets baking to keep your dog occupied
and out from under your feet during cookie prep.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

10 Easy Steps for a Dog Safe Holiday Tree

I love holiday trees but I've also seen the danger that they can
represent to pets. I've seen traumas from trees falling on pets,
cut mouths from dogs chewing on glass ornaments, and even had to
send pets to surgery for eating bulbs, garland and tinsel.

Are you putting up a holiday tree this year? If you are, read
this article. Even if your tree is already up - check it out. At
least you will be aware of potential dangers and fix them before
they become a problem.

The article is full of tips on how to create the prefect tree in
your home that is pet-safe. Go to 10 Easy Steps for a Dog Safe
Holiday Tree
(http://www.petplace.com/dogs/10-steps-for-a-dog-safe-holiday-tree/page1.aspx)

Have a great day!

Dr. Jon

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Puppies as Holiday Gifts Are they right for you?

If you want to see the full graphic version of this newsletter,
please click the following link:
http://clicks.aweber.com/z/ct/?8HrVo9KYUmAXIB7PV1KUCw

There is nothing cuter than a holiday puppy. I've seen a few
puppies given as gifts over the year and there is nothing cuter
than seeing a beautiful puppy with a big ribbon around his neck.

Are puppies' good gifts? I had our editors write an article for
our PetPlace.com site to address this issue. I've seen several
holiday pups get returned to the pound over the years and I
don't want this to happen to you.

There are many things to think about when you give a puppy.
First, you need to make sure it is wanted. After all, this is a
gift that they will need to take care of over the next 10 - 15
years! Don't make a spur of the moment decision.

Read this article to see if a puppy is a good gift for the
person on your list. Go to: Think Twice Before Giving Pets as
Holiday Gifts

Until next time...

Dr. Jon