Pet Meds

Meet Bo Obama - The New “First Dog”

Bo — named after “Bo Diddly”.

Bo Obama

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kudS7ZIKcYA

He is a 6 month old Portugese Water Dog…

Apparently he was a gift from Senator Ted Kennedy who also has this breed of dog.  Ted Kennedy also owns Bo’s Brother “Cappy” — short for Captain Courageous.  The Senator named him Captain Courageous because he got him when he was going through his Cancer treatments.

Meet Bo Obama - The New “First Dog”

Jack Russell Terriers Ranked #3 Breed In Dog Aggression Study

By now you must be thinking… “Where the hell are all the big ferocious dogs?”  According to a recent study done by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania in July of 2008 — the top three most aggressive breeds (in order) are the Dachshund, the Chihuahua and the beloved “Eddie” the dog from from the Frasier sitcom - the Jack Russell Terrier. 

I know, I know… its unbelieveable that the Pitbulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans are not taking the Top 3 spots and at first I was dumbfounded.  But the more I study the breeds the more it makes sense that the smaller dogs could actually be more aggressive than the larger dogs. 

Hear me out…

If you take into consideration that this is a study about “aggression” — NOT a study about “dog attacks” it will put it all in perspective for you (as it did me).  Aggression and attacks are of course too completely different things. 

Look at it this way - the aggressive behavior study takes into consideration the number of times the breeds “attempted” to bite people or other animals and NOT the actual number of actual bites.  In smaller dogs, the aggression levels (attempt levels) were as high as 20% towards strangers and 30% toward unfamiliar dogs. 

Until now, most studies only used actual dog bite statistics to analyze. And let’s face it — headlines like these never make the news:

“Child Attacked & Mauled by Vicious Chihuahua!” 

Or

“Wild Pack of Weiner Dogs Terrorize Neighborhood”. 

When you really think about it …  you can see that the majority of the snapping, and “near biting” experiences usually are from the smaller dogs.  At least I can say this has been my experience.  Granted, a Chihuahua may have never put anyone in the hospital - but he certainly may have “tried to” more often than the bigger breeds of canine!

Back to the Jack Russell Terrier 

“Moose” aka “Eddie” is pictured below with actor Kelsey Grammer, star of the hit comedy series “Frasier”.  During the height of Frasier’s popularity, Moose received more fan mail than any of his human co-stars!

Again, a popular TV dog and the demand for the breed goes up as well.  People see the loveable dog on TV and think theirs will behave the same way.  They do not study the breed at all to even see if it is a fit for their family or lifestyle.  Jack Russells are known to have extremely high amounts of energy.   

They are considered spirited and obedient, yet absolutely fearless.  Experts say that they can be a slightly difficult breed to train and need a firm, experienced trainer.  In other words, this is not the type of doggie you just go out and buy for your kids to train and help them learn some responsibility.  

Jack Russells think they are a BIG dog in a LITTLE dog’s body.  And did you know they are climbers?  They can climb over fences and easily jump five feet. 

The  lesson here is — do your homework on the breed you THINK you want — before you even ponder bringing a dog into your household.

Next up — the top three breeds scoring ”average” or “below average” marks for hostility towards strangers.

Jack Russell Terriers Ranked #3 Breed In Dog Aggression Study

Chihuahuas Ranked #2 Breed In Dog Aggression Study

This new agression study is really shaking up the small dog owners.  July 2005 researchers from the University of Pennsylvania did a dog aggression study using 33 dog breeds and questioning 6,000 dog owners.  

Second highest on the Aggression list (with 1st place awarded to the Dachshund) are those little purse pooches and Taco Bell doggies — the Chihuahua.

All together now… awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! 

People absolutely love the breed because the dogs are cute and compact — many believe these pocket pooches are easier to take care of because of their size.  Although I have never personally owned a Chihuahua — I have been around several.  And I’m sorry to say that my experiences were never pleasant. 

I have found the breed to be snappy, jittery, and down right snarly at times.  Perhaps they have a wee Napoleon complex?  It seems their owners are always shouting warnings of…  “he bites”, or “watch out - she’s mean”, etc. etc. 

Hard to believe something so cute and tiny could become so — ahem… vicious?  Personally, I would put them on the list as waaaay more aggressive than a Doxie. 
And who can forget the little Taco Bell Dog.  Remember him?

Some say the whole Chihuahua craze started with the fast food chains commercials starring “Dinky” the superstar of those Taco Bell commercials.  His winning slogan was “Yo quiero Taco Bell” — or – “I want Taco Bell”. This 500 million dollar add campaign turned into a national phenomenon in 1998. 

The little chalupa loving dog lost his job in the year 2000 when the campaign was scrapped.  Perhaps his unemployment had something to do with that fact that Taco Bell was sued by Thomas Rinks and Joseph Shields in 1998 who claim the chain stole their idea for an ad campaign featuring a talking Chihuahua. The two men claimed that Taco Bell executives reached an oral agreement to use their idea, but then went ahead and introduced the doggie ads without paying them!  (Shame on them!)

Justice prevailed in 2003 when a federal judge ordered Taco Bell to pay the two men a total of 41.9 MILLION dollars!  Way to go Tom & Joe!

Other Popular Chihuahuas

The popularity of the little breed continued on when the “Legally Blond” movies appeared on the big screen.  Starring in these films is Reese Whitherspoon, playing a character who carried a Chihuahua named “Bruiser” around in her pink purse.

And when Paris Hilton appeared on the cover of Seventeen Magazine with her little chihuahua “Tinkerbell” and took her along as she tried to live “The Simple Life” — there seemed to be an explosion of the little buggers everywhere. 

Other Hollywood stars who have also been smitten by the wee dogs include:  Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Noah Wyle, Christina Ricci and Hilary Duff - to name a few!

Unfortunately, when a breed is in demand (no matter what breed)… that is when the unscruplous breeders and puppy mills churn pups out litter after litter with no regard to temperment, inbreeding or proper socialization.  Which in my opinion, is a MAJOR factor in the disposition and health issues for any breed.

Tomorrow — Breed #3 on the Canine Aggression Scale!

Chihuahuas Ranked #2 Breed In Dog Aggression Study

Doxies Rank #1 In NEW Dog Aggression Study

Number one on the dog aggression list — (which comes as a complete shock to me) … my beloved, darling dachshunds! That’s right, the study showed that weiner dogs rated tops on the aggression scale out of 33 breeds! Can you even believe it???

Just look at these little faces! (These are MY two girls Hanna & Kasey)

They are just the sweetest things! But alas, apparently new research found that one in five dachshunds have bitten or tried to bite strangers, a similar number have attacked other dogs, and one in twelve doxies have snapped at their owners.

The Study

July 2005 researchers from the University of Pennsylvania did a dog aggression study using 33 dog breeds and questioning 6,000 dog owners.  Their study analysed the behavior of thousands of dogs and the results may surprise you! 

Until this study, canine aggression research was done almost exclusively using dog bite statistics.  Researchers say that “big dogs” may have gotten a bad rap because their bites were more likely to be reported because they required medical attention.  While the bite or attack of a smaller dog may have gone unreported because there was no injury or it was not as severe.

Although Doxies were originally bred to hunt out badgers living underground in their dens, they have really never had a fearsome reputation - until now.

Hanna is 7 years old and Kasey is 3 years old.  And I feel it important to say that neither of them have EVER bitten or snapped at me, my husband or anyone else.  In fact, I have owned several dogs over the years, including 2 Dobermans, a Chow/Mix, and a Rat Terrier and have never had any bites, snaps or growls from any of my dogs. 

I wholeheartedly believe that 99.9% of how well a dog behaves is a direct result of how well that dog’s “person” is trained.  In my opinion - it is the exact same thing with people who have children.  I believe that eople with “brats” (canine or human) have raised them to be that way.

Watch a few episodes of the “Dog Whisperer” and you will see that Cesar Millan, renowned dog behavior expert proves week after week that it isn’t the dogs that need training — it’s the dog’s owner who is in need of training.  Here is a link to Cesar’s website — lots of good stuff here: 

http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/dogwhisperer/aboutshow.php

Stay tuned… tomorrow I shall blog about the Breed that ranks Number 2 on the dog aggression scale. 

“I rehabilitate dogs. I train people.” 
~ Cesar Millan

Doxies Rank #1 In NEW Dog Aggression Study

Christian the Lion - The full Story on Video

This video clip has got to be one of the most beautiful stories of all time.  It actually made me cry.  There are many versions of it on YouTube but this one is my favorite so far…

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In 1969 John Rendall & Ace Berg saw a lion cub for sale in Harrods.  He was cramped and lonely in a small cage, so they rescued him and brought him home. 

A local vicar allowed them to exercise the cub, now named Christian, in the church grounds — but he very quickly became too big for their flat (apartment).  The only thing they could do was try and reintroduce him to Africa - which they managed to do successfully.

A year later they wanted to visit him in Africa… they were told that he was the head of his own pride now and that he was completely wild and would not remember them.  Undaunted by the ney sayers, they went anyway 
After many hours of searching for Christian and his pride, they finally found him.  This video shows what happened when the three were reunited.

Jacksonville Humane Society Fire Updates 

  Below is an update on what is happening since the humane society deadly fire in Jacksonville, Florida. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the fire start?  The Fire Marshall’s final report is scheduled to be released soon.  The fire started in the laundry room, but the cause is still undetermined.

How much has been raised? As of Wednesday night, over $200,000 has been raised, but much more is needed.

How many animals survived the fire and how many perished?  80 animals survived the scene (68 dogs and puppies and 12 cats and kittens) plus another 25 that were in foster homes. Sadly, 85 perished (67 cats and kittens and 18 dogs and puppies).

Q: When will we be open for adoptions?
A: We will be open for adoptions on Monday, April 16th. 

Q: When will start accepting animals in Animal Admissions?
A:   Animal admissions will resume in several weeks.

Q: What can I do to help?
A: We need cash donations and checks.  Donations can be made at the Jacksonville Humane Society Thrift Store at the Jacksonville Humane Society (8464 Beach Blvd.), or at any Wachovia Branch bank branch.Q: What else can I do?
A:   We will be updating our website with an updated Wish List very soon.

Q: What will become of the building?
A: The dog and isolation kennels are and will continue to be used to help with our homeless animals.  The rest of the building has been condemned.

Q: Is there going to be a memorial service?
A: Yes, a public memorial service will be held Saturday, April 21st at 11:30am at the Jacksonville Humane Society Pet Cemetary.

Q: How much money has been raised?
A: As of Wednesday night, April 11, over $200,000 has been raised, but much more is needed.

Q: Why wasn’t our building equipped with a sprinkler system? 
A: Since 1885, we have gone far and above the necessary requirements for permits.  The fire was something that was totally unexpected and something we have never experienced.  We will use this as a learning experience and as we go forward, clearly the safety of our staff and the animals will be of utmost importance.

Jacksonville Humane Society Fire Updates 

Jacksonville Humane Society Deadly Fire

There was a deadly fire at the humane society here in Jacksonville on April 7, 2007.  This was the no-kill shelter that we adopted our beloved dog “Bear” from.  I can’t even imagine the horror that the firemen must have gone through while trying to save as many animals as they could.  Below is an article with details about this tragedy.  Can you help?

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JACKSONVILLE, FL — Nearly 200 cats and dogs were trapped inside the Jacksonville Humane Society when it was destroyed by fire early Saturday morning.

More than 70 firefighters worked to knock down the flames and rescue the animals.

“The dogs led many of the firefighters to immediately begin pulling dogs out of the kennels left and right,” said Tom Francis with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.

JFRD says a passerby on Beach Blvd. saw the flames from the street. JFRD has not determined a cause. However, they say the fire started near the laundry room. Damage estimates are in excess of $1 million.

One firefighter is being treated at Shands Gainesville for minor injuries.

“It’s just tragic,” said Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton as he toured the rubble Saturday afternoon.

Firefighters were able to rescue many of the dogs, but JHS managers say several cats died in the fire. The surviving animals are being held at the JHS clinic, temporarily.

“They’re being evaluated. As best we can tell, all of them are going to survive and be adoptable animals,” said JHS Executive Director Leona Sheddan.

JHS says several people have inquired about adopting the displaced animals. They plan to hold an adopt-a-thon, Tuesday.

According to JHS, a capitol campaign has been in the works and this may be the time to kick it off.

“I think there’s a moment here where this community can rally together, the city can partner and we can do something bigger and better than we’ve done before,” said Mayor Peyton.

If you would like to donate, you can make a cash donation at any Wachovia Bank branch. The account number is 2000034081857.

JHS is also accepting cash donations sat its thrift shop at 8328 Beach Blvd. You can reach them at (904) 724-9200.

Edited by  Victor Blackwell, Reporter/Anchor

Jacksonville Humane Society Deadly Fire