Monday, January 25, 2010

Skye is gone








Sadly, Skye had a seizure and passed away tonight. She was 10 weeks old/10lbs and had been doing so well. The vet thought that her initial hydro diagnosis may have been a mistake. She was active and happy in her last few weeks. The trouble with backyard breeders is that they don't care who gets hurt in their quest for money.  She deserved much better than the few weeks of life she got.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

An Adoptable Dog Profile - Sacchi



Sacchi (aka SOX) is our sweet little three legged puppy. She didn't start out on three, but four. She was found injured in Petersburg VA and her leg was too badly broken to be saved. It had to be amputated when she was three and a half months old.  She's now 7 months old as of 1/25/10 and about 35 lbs. She's 17.5-18" at the top of her shoulder and very petite in bone structure. She will not weigh more than 40 lbs.  She has a pretty face.

What a wonderful little wiggle monster. Her tail is always going and with only one back leg, she kind of pivots like crazy.  She's such a happy girl!  She's getting comfortable in her own skin and adjusting to a body with only three legs. It doesn't seem to bother her at all or slow her down.  She can be a little clumsy in snow or on ice or rushing down stairs.   She is very people focused and accepts correction well. She's submissive with people but leans a little on the dominant side with other dogs.  She interacts well with both males and females (dogs) provided they are appropriate and polite. She doesn't like to be crowded or pawed at by other dogs - it may push her off balance and on the defensive. She seems to get along better with older dogs or those dogs that are less interested boisterous play.  She seems to have a moderate exercise requirement - one nice walk a day is just about all she needs.  She loves to cuddle with her foster brother Riley and snuggle in a cuddler bed together.

She cat tests as "Okay".  Her original cat test was done with a cat that was unfamiliar with dogs and she will chase a cat that is afraid and runs.  When her cat testing was done (dogsitting for several hours in a home with dog sensitized cats) with adult cats who are familiar with dogs - she did great.  She appears to be little afraid of the cats and not quite sure what to do with them. She appears curious but not so curious as to risk getting close.  When the cat makes eye contact, she turns her head to look the other way.  Expresses interest from across the room but not up close, this may change with age or as she becomes more comfortable exploring what they are.  A home with young cats/kittens that wrestle and dash around may be too stimulating unless she received further training.  She could certainly live in a home with a cat that was used to the presence of dogs but perhaps not the best choice for a home with a cat with no dog experience.  She's very treat focused so additional cat training should be fairly easy.

The only problems she experiences with other dogs are when meeting rude dogs. She does not appreciate unfamiliar dogs that crowd her or rush her, putting their paws on her back, trying to hump - she will not put up with that - as no dog should have to to be honest. So, going to the dogpark is not recommended (but it is not recommended with many dogs). She will not start trouble but she will not allow herself to be picked on or bullied by another dog.

The only thing quirky to notice with her is that she does not appear to be sensitized to "suburban" noises. People banging their trash seems to startle her and she is fascinated by the squirrels. But she's grown up during the winter and there hasn't been much opportunity for "city noises" in her socialization as of yet.

Anyone with access to Facebook can look up a photo album on ASCPBR's facebook page. There are also other video links.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Annabelles-Second-Chance/115240381202

She dreams on four legs which is funny, her stump will twitch and run right along with the other one. She's one sweet little puppy and would make a great pet.  We will place her in a home with a dog appropriate cat and/or a male dog or as a single pet.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Animal Planet

Animal Planet Investigates: Dog Fighting

Attention, animal lovers! Tune in to Animal Planet on Monday, January 25, at 10:00 P.M. (ET/PT) for the world premiere of a documentary about organized dog fighting. In this special edition of Animal Planet Investigates, two undercover agents take you deep inside the disturbing subculture of dog fighting's hardcore criminals and their four-legged victims. Using undercover and investigative footage, the show examines specific cases in Ohio, Texas, Georgia, Michigan and New York to demonstrate the diversity and depravity of this cruel blood sport.
Two of the ASPCA's experts in animal cruelty, Dr. Melinda Merck and Dr. Randall Lockwood, who were instrumental in the conviction of a certain high profile dog fighter—NFL quarterback Michael Vick—are also featured in the show. Dr. Merck joined the ASPCA in 2007 as a forensic veterinarian, and now serves as Senior Director of Veterinary Forensics in Anti-Cruelty. She frequently testifies as a forensic veterinary expert for animal cruelty cases across the country. Dr. Lockwood is currently Senior Vice President of ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Field Services. For more than 25 years, he has worked with humane societies and law-enforcement agencies, serving as an expert on the interactions between people and animals. He has testified in numerous trials involving cruelty to animals, including dog fighting, child abuse, domestic violence and homicide.
Dog fighting is now banned throughout the United States—in fact, it is a felony in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Those convicted of federal animal fighting charges face up to five years in prison. For more information about dog fighting, please visit ASPCA.org, and don't forget to tune in to Animal Planet on Monday night!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

PIT BOSS : Programs : Animal Planet : Discovery Press Web

PIT BOSS : Programs : Animal Planet : Discovery Press Web

Memorable Shorty quote: "If we can save one pit bull, that's good, but if we can save one person from breeding pit bulls, that's even better."

Congratulations Leo

Congratulations Leo on getting a new home. We know you will be successful in your new life. A sweet dog deserving of a fresh start.

Monday, January 04, 2010

Angus - RIP

Very sad to hear that Angus, a former ASC alum has passed away from heart disease brought on by an enlarged heart. He had five wonderful years with his adoptive dad Corey in North Eastern NC. Thank you for providing this dog with a second chance. Rest in Peace sweet boy.