Joe Jackson, the cutest pug....

watch this video and click for donations >>

When the three-year-old Pug Joe Jackson was found, he had an excruciatingly painful, dangling paw, and veterinarians determined he had been suffering for two to three weeks. When he arrived at the ASPCA, his leg was amputated by veterinarians at the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital.

A suspected cruelty case, Joe isn't out of the woods yet. He suffers from "phantom limb" pain and cries without physical cause. He's being treated for neurological problems as well as hip dysplasia. While Joe recuperates, our expert vets depend on supporters like you to be able to give this special pooch, along with every animal who comes through our doors, the top-notch care they so thoroughly deserve.

Forgotten Friends of Long Island

Forgotten Friends of Long Island currently has 4 dogs up for adoption/ foster.

Here is the list:

Poppy - Sr. Male Chow mix
Sonny - 8 yr. old Shep mix
Buddy - 1.5 year old pit mix
Pugsley - 10 year old blind pug male

Contact them ASAP if you can help: http://www.forgottenfriendsoflongisland.org/

The Nanny Dog

Do you know what a nanny dog is? A "nanny dog" is the name given to pit bull terriers many, many years ago. Pit bulls were called nanny dogs because they were loyal, caring companions for children.

We have forgotten that their history is of a loving, caring family pet. They were treated as a part of the family. They were loved and respected and they gave love and respect in return. Todays' view of the pit bull is very different.

They are viewed as aggressive and dangerous animals and have been banned in many places. The pit bulls that are aggressive have been trained by their owners to be aggressive. Their nature is to love and to please the people that own them.

Our society blames the pit bulls. The blame falls squarely on the shoulders of the owners that train them to fight and to be aggressive. Dogs do not train themselves, people train them. Michael Vicks' recent trial and conviction for dog fighting is a step in the right direction. He was held accountable for his actions and the abuse of the dogs in his care. Every person that conducts themselves in such a manner should be held accountable in the same manner.

The pit bulls should not be punished for their actions because of owners training them in inappropriate behaviors. Responsible dog ownership brings about very much different behavior in dogs.

I hope that more people will remember pit bulls as nanny dogs in the future and give these dogs a chance to show their loving, caring nature. I will qualify what I am writing by saying that I am a pit bull owner and there is no more loving animal than my "nanny dog".

Written by Lu Ann Barber

additional article to read in this matter:

http://www.times-standard.com/opinion/ci_6993026

Animals Make Us Human

The best-selling animal advocate Temple Grandin offers the most exciting exploration of how animals feel since The Hidden Life of Dogs.

In her groundbreaking and best-selling book Animals in Translation, Temple Grandin drew on her own experience with autism as well as her distinguished career as an animal scientist to deliver extraordinary insights into how animals think, act, and feel.Now she builds on those insights to show us how to give our animals the best and happiest life—on their terms, not ours.

It’s usually easy to pinpoint the cause of physical pain in animals, but to know what is causing them emotional distress is much harder.Drawing on the latest research and her own work,Grandin identifies the core emotional needs of animals.Then she explains how to fulfill them for dogs and cats, horses, farm animals, and zoo animals.Whether it’s how to make the healthiest environment for the dog you must leave alone most of the day, how to keep pigs from being bored, or how to know if the lion pacing in the zoo is miserable or just exercising,Grandin teaches us to challenge our assumptions about animal contentment and honor our bond with our fellow creatures.

Animals Make Us Human is the culmination of almost thirty years of research, experimentation, and experience.

This is essential reading for anyone who’s ever owned, cared for, or simply cared about an animal.

Dogs Helping Children

This is pretty amazing - check this out:
http://www.bideawee.org/programs_&_services/learning_centers/reading_to_dogs.php

Andy and Omri

In the mean time let me write a little about Omri (my 2yr old) and Andy (my pug - btw. I am totally against puppy mills...will get into that in another post):

Andy and Omri have developed a loving and warm relationship, especially now that Omri feeds him...cleans him, hugs and kisses....Omri adores him!

When I was pregnant I was very worried what would become of Andy...he was the center of attention and it was important to me to maintain that to some extreme. I am a very loyal person...not one to push the dog aside because the baby has arrived...

When we bought Omri home Andy sniffed him and then pretty stayed away.

He then did growl a few times in the following months, which made me terribly anxious and I considered hiring a behavioral trainer.

Let me add that I was not worried Andy would actually attack...I was so disappointed as I was sure they would have this special relationship...

Due to cost factors we decided to hang in there and see if things change...and they have!

I think the big change started when Omri started walking...

(I read once that dogs see crawling babies as other dogs until they start walking).

Omri has also learned to 'boss' him around....but at the same time wants to take a bath and go to bed with Andy....oh..so sweet.

I am so happy with my little clan...and so glad I never gave up on there relationship. Andy is lucky to have another (little) person give him warmth and love and Omri has learned to love and appreciate dogs with no fear.