veterinarians and recently reported by Steve Dale on his blog at Chicago Now.
“ New†because there was no Standards Guide for animal shelters, beyond the Five Freedoms published in the UK back in 1965. Go ahead, gasp…I can’t blame you. The Five Freedoms are (descriptions of what each freedom means have in some instances been edited for space without altering the meaning):
Freedom from hunger and thirst–ready access to fresh water, healthy diet
Freedom from discomfort–appropriate environment, comfortable resting area
Freedom from pain, injury or disease–prevention by diagnose or rapid treatment
Freedom to express normal behavior–sufficient space, animals of own kind
Freedom from fear and distress–conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering
These basics are by no means complete in defining what’s needed, but are assumed rights and resulting outcomes. What has not been written is the roadmap of how to achieve those expected outcomes; that is what the New Standards provide, using these five freedoms for animal welfare as the basis for the document.
For the past two years the Association of Shelter Veterinarians have worked to get these guidelines published, and while we can all wonder why such a document had not been formulated long ago, we have something in writing today. Progress in these areas cannot wait for some major change to come to animal management practices or the structures in which these functions are carried out.
There are many points that stand out given my recent experience at Chicago’s Animal Care and Control and it is clear that CACC would fail based on this document, but there is a major concern here: There is no provision for enforcement, or outreach to failing agencies to help implement immediate changes or transfer and close. I’m not saying the onus falls on this document to provide oversight, but while standards are necessary and desirable, when you have ineffective Departments of Agriculture combined with a lack of will to investigate and hold failed agencies accountable, how can we ensure that these guidelines will be followed?
The truth is we can’t enforce these guidelines, not always. Human inaction, denial, and resistance to change can foil the best of plans. Yet there are good ideas out there, there should be alliances of shelters in every city to act as a stop-gap. There’s never been a greater need for including wayward outliers who do not have the necessary resources or knowledge to do the best job they can to help the animals they are trying to save. As with everything, education is key, and we can all use more of it.
The recent nightmare of the Cadiz, Ohio “shelter†that had no building, reported by Examiner Penny Elm where animals were out in below freezing temperatures, no medical treatment, frozen water bowls, sick and dying animals, rescuers finding dogs with Parvo in this taxpayer funded hell is a prime example of no one, absolutely no one, doing their job. If they had these guidelines, maybe they would have seen their own cruelty, transferred the animals, and closed the doors, as they are clearly incapable of sheltering anything.
Animals and their agencies should benefit from a layered approach to animal welfare: Now armed with guidelines, a Task force comprised of prime stakeholders and a City rep, a Friends of Animal Care and Control made up of private citizens independent of ACC, and a City shelter alliance that is strong enough to hold its members to standards can all act as checks and balances in making quality of life better for animals being sheltered. I would appreciate never again hearing of another Cadiz, Ohio type report, or seeing cats living in soft-sided carriers with no room to move, or place for water, food, or litter pans at ACC.
Puppies Found Severely Beaten & Bleeding, Found in a Garbage Can!
Update (12/23)! I have terrible news! 2 of the 4 dogs rescued have now died. The little white pup just died today. There are only 2 that remain. Please God, look after these 2 remaining little ones. They really need you now.
These girls were dumped on the side of the road, put in a box with a garbage bag around it. A good Samaritan saw the bag move and brought them to animal control. Animal control called me this morning and pleaded with me to take them.There were were four originally but one did not make it through the first night. We believe they were severely beaten or more likely bait pups, as their head have bites all over them. Their heads are swollen, full of of puss, and infected. The blue on has a fractured skull as well. As of now they seem happy even though they have been through so much. We believe they are close to 8 weeks old.
Please Call the Hospital Directly to make a Donation for these poor pups Medical Care: Snowden Grove Animal Hospital 662- 536 -1916 5165 Getwell Road Southaven, MS 38671
For Pay Pal Donations, here's the Rescue's Email: doxiedglvr@gmail.com (gmail.com)
*Please let the Vet Hospital know that you're making a Donation towards the 3 pups found in a garbage can, along side of road. Thanks everyone.
Brazoria County Sheriff's Office deputies have recovered stolen horse saddles after an alert business owner called police when two men tried to pawn them at his shop in Alvin earlier this month.
The saddles were identified as the same ones taken from a stable and horse trailers at 612 Westfield Lane in Pearland, deputies said. They were among 14 saddles, bridles, leads, stirrups and other items taken from the stable and trailers.
A day after the theft was reported on Dec. 14, a pawnbroker called the Alvin Police Department about two men who were trying to pawn three saddles as well as cowboy hats, bridles, leads and stirrups.
Brazoria County deputies dispatched to the Cash Cow pawn shop saw the two men carrying the saddles out of the store and preparing to load them into a Chevrolet Suburban.
The deputies questioned the men, released them, and confiscated the saddles. The other allegedly stolen saddles were found at other pawn shops in the area.
Deputies were still investigating the case. No arrests have been made.
There is no delicate way to put it: foie gras is an unspeakably vile product.
After writing to Harvey Nichols and meeting with company officials – and with the help of our campaign hero, Sir Roger Moore – the high-end department store has agreed to drop foie gras from its restaurant menus. This means that Harvey Nichols is now a completely foie gras–free retailer. This latest development follows on our 2007 success in getting the store to remove the cruel product from its shelves. Please know that important victories like this one can only be achieved with the support of caring PETA members like you!
Foie gras is a "delicacy of despair". This "torture in a tin" is made by ramming a metal pipe down frightened birds' throats and pumping enormous amounts of grain into their stomachs, causing the birds' livers to become hideously engorged. This painful overfeeding process can even cause the birds' internal organs to rupture while the animals are still alive. Eventually, the birds' diseased livers will be turned into foie gras.
Let me describe the process of producing foie gras so that you can pass the information along to friends, families, colleagues and restaurateurs:
Deprived of water to swim in and the opportunity to stretch their wings, fly or do anything else that is natural and important to them, ducks and geese who are used to produce foie gras suffer from fear, severe frustration, stress, skeletal disorders, respiratory problems, behavioral issues and everything else imaginable. Crammed into tiny pens or wire-mesh cages fouled with feces and blood, the birds have pipes shoved down their throats several times a day and are force-fed approximately 2 kilograms of grain, maize and fat. The pipes sometimes puncture the birds' throats, causing intense pain and making it impossible for them to drink. Powered by hydraulic pumps, the pipes that blast food into the bird's stomachs can cause severe tissue damage and internal bleeding. Birds have been known to shake all over in fear of their next force-feeding assault. The animals become sick and are often unable to move, and some may be eaten alive by rats and maggots.
Those who survive develop a condition called "hepatic steatosis" in which their livers swell to up to 10 times their normal size. Finally, after several weeks of this torment, the birds are killed and their livers are sold as foie gras.
There is no delicate way to put it: foie gras is an unspeakably vile product.
When people find out how much suffering goes into even the tiniest portion of foie gras, most back our campaign wholeheartedly. That was the case with Sir Roger Moore, who became a leader in the fight against foie gras after watching a PETA video. Will you please help us spread the word about the cruelty of foie gras and help all animals by showing your support today with a much-needed donation to PETA?
As you can see, PETA's campaign against foie gras is working. An ever-growing number of consumers, restaurants, airlines and other businesses are saying "no" to this disgustingly cruel food.
Harvey Nichols joins another major retailer, Selfridges, which has also agreed to stop selling foie gras following pressure from PETA and our affiliates. His Royal Highness Prince Charles has banned foie gras from all Royal residences, and a number of local authorities – including York, Bolton and Stockport councils – have banned it from council events. Earlier this year, the organisers of the Brit Awards also dropped foie gras from their menu as a direct result of PETA’s campaigning. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts soon followed suit, pulling foie gras from its menu and pledging never to serve the cruel product at its restaurant or any of its events. PETA US and its activists helped push the state of California to ban the production of foie gras by 2012. Also, newly crowned Formula 1 World Champions Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing both refuse to eat or serve foie gras, and AirAsia – Malaysia's leading airline – will never again serve foie gras at its events.
But even now, the industry defends its ghastly creation. That's why, as we choose the next target of our campaign against foie gras, we need you by our side.
We're pushing hard for the day when the sale of foie gras will be banned outright in this country and when the production of foie gras will be banned across Europe. But as with all our campaigns, our success in changing the hearts of government officials, corporate leaders and the public depends on the support of committed PETA members like you.
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All Creatures Animal Rights Article: justice, peace, love, compassion, ethics, organizations, Bible, God, Lord, Jesus, Christ, Holy Spirit, grass roots, animals, cruelty free, lifestyle, hunting, fishing, trapping, farm, farming, factory, fur, meat, slaughter, cattle, beef, pork, chicken, poultry, hens, battery, debeaking. Thee is also a similarity to the human aspects of prolife, pro life, pro-life, abortion, capital punishment, and war.
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Tags: Harvey Nichols Drops Foie Gras, animal rights
Date: 16/12/2010 3:43:54 PM Subject: Animal Rights Christmas
Due to the upcoming holiday season, many people may be asking their family or even Santa Clause for a pet this Christmas. However, with all the excitement and the idea of having a lovable pet, all animals are for life, not just for Christmas. If any individual, child or adult, that person is responsible for taking care of their pets that they were given for Christmas. Even after the holidays are over, the owner of the animal is still responsible for their pet for the rest of that animal’s life. Animals are a life-time commitment, they are not just for Christmas. If an individual owns a pet, that person is responsible for providing the required care for their pets such as food, water, shelter and medical care. Animals are living creatures who deserve to be cared for and loved for their whole lives..
If you are asking your family or Santa Clause for a pet this Christmas, please keep in mind that a pet is a life-long commitment which the animal will require constant love and care. If you are asking for a pet or if someone you know is asking for a pet this Christmas, please be sure that the responsibility to care for the animal is known. Please do not buy from pet shops or backyard breeders because of the cruel reality of puppy mills doing business with pet shops, by adopting from an animal shelter, not only are you saving a life but you are also doing your part to help stop the cruelty of puppy mills. Please consider adoption if someone you know is asking for a pet because there are many loving animals in animal shelters who deserve a second chance and a family to save them as their Christmas wish..
I do wish everyone a merry Christmas and happy holidays. Just please keep in mind that if you or anyone you know is asking for a pet this Christmas, keep in mind that animals deserve not only a loving Christmas with their new family but also deserve a wonderful and loving life with their new and hopefully permanent family. For Christmas, let’s help find these innocent animals find a loving home who will take care of them for the rest of their lives, not just for Christmas..
When you buy an animal from a pet store or a breeder, you're responsible for a new member of the family! You're also responsible for the death of an animal in a shelter who needed a home. If you want to bring an animal into your life, always adopt from an animal shelter.
Every year in the United States, open-admission animal shelters across the nation are forced to put to death roughly half of the 6 million to 8 million unwanted dogs and cats who pour into their overwhelmed facilities. Wonderful, healthy, social, loveable animals lose their lives because of simple math: too many animals and not enough homes.
Every animal bred and born—on purpose or by accident—and every animal purchased from a breeder or a pet shop fills a home that could have taken in a dog or a cat dying for a home at a local shelter. Never breed or buy from breeders or pet stores, and always practice your ABCs—Animal Birth Control—to work toward the goal of a "No-Birth" nation.
ALWAYS SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR ANIMALS, AND NEVER BUY THEM FROM A BREEDER OR PET STORE!
PLEASE CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN HELP, AND PLEASE PLEDGE TO PRACTICE ANIMAL BIRTH CONTROL:
Although most people are aware that there are more dogs and cats being born than there are people willing to adopt them -- the actual number of unwanted dogs and cats is staggering.
For example, did you know: a.. An estimated 52 million dogs and 57 million cats live with U.S. families. b.. For every human born, 7 puppies and kittens are born.
c.. One female catand her offspringcan produce 420,000 cats in 7 years.
d.. One female dogand her offspringcan produce 67,000 puppies in 6 years. e.. More than 12 million dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters each year. Millions more are abandoned in rural and urban areas. f.. As many as25% of dogs entering shelters each year are purebreds.
g.. Approximately61% of all dogs entering shelters are killed.
h.. Approximately 75% of all cats entering shelters are killed. i.. It costs approximately $100 to capture, house, feed, and eventually kill each stray animal -- a cost which you, the taxpayer, eventually pay.
*Please help reduce the number of unwanted dogs and cats by spaying/neutering your pet(s). There are many non-profit organizations that offer low-cost spaying/neutering programs if you need financial assistance.
Approximate costs for a purebred dog: from puppy to senior care for a dog who lives 10 years and weigh 50 pounds:
TOTALS: LIFETIME TOTALS: $ 20,820; $ 2,375 in the first year, $ 1,975 annually; $ 2,140 for older dogs
----The Patriot Ledger - What we spend on pets
Demographics by amount of money spent on a dog
Comparing dog owners spending above $ 300, some interesting distinctions are presented.
Those spending more than $ 300
- More live in the east, north central region
- Typically live in larger cities
- Are slightly younger (44 years of age)
- Have higher annual household incomes
- Have somewhat larger households
- Slightly more are married
- Significantly more have children under 18 years of age --
Those spending less than $ 300
- More live in the west, north central region
- Greater penetration of living in rural areas
- Marginally older (46 years of age)
- Have a lower household income
- Have slightly fewer people in the household
- Somewhat more are not married
- More households have no children under 18 years of age
--
Annual U.S. Spending On Pets:
1994: $ 17 billion 1996: $ 21 billion
1999: $ 23 billion
Est. 2001: $ 28.5 billion
*Source: American Pet Products Manufacturing Association
NEAR RECORD
A Saint Bernard dog in upstate New York gave birth to 16 live puppies, tying the second-largest puppy litter in recorded history, her owners said.
The 2 1/2-year-old dog, King Triton's Ariel, originally delivered a litter of 17 Saint Bernard puppies April 7, but one of the puppies died shortly after birth, said her owner/breeder Greg Howard, according to a Reuters report.
"She is doing great and all puppies are doing fine," said Howard, of Philmont, N.Y.
He said the pups are feisty and hungry.
The Guinness Book of World Records notes that 16 Great Danes were born in June 1987 in Little Hall, England. That litter originally totaled 23 but seven puppies died after birth.
The largest ever recorded was delivered June 19, 1944, in Ambler, Penn., when 23 American foxhounds were born.
Howard and his wife, Renee Wendover are taking turns with three-hour shifts to satisfy the insatiable new puppies. Ariel is recuperating from her laborious birth on a blanket in a blue children's pool and the puppies are brought to her for nursing eight at a time.
Last year, Ariel's first litter yielded eight puppies. The new offspring will be sold for $600 when they are 8 weeks old.
Advocate for Saving Dogs (AfSDâ„¢(Advocate for Saving Dogsâ„¢) )'s profile on Myspace, the leading social entertainment destination powered by the passion of our fans.
In response to VICK's new current news about WANTING A DOG.....FOX now has a poll out on whether he should be allowed to ever have one (Judge Hudson's ruling was no). The categories are;
Yes, he seems contrite
No way, not ever
Not yet, maybe later

NO way, not ever is only ahead by 2%.....LET's get this passed around and around and GET THE "NO way, not ever" into the 90+% area....Thanks - Vote and pass on BIG TIME...
Advocate for Saving Dogs (AfSDâ„¢(Advocate for Saving Dogsâ„¢) )'s profile on Myspace, the leading social entertainment destination powered by the passion of our fans.
Wake Up Canada! If It's Too Cold For You - It's Too Cold For Them! December 10th and with winter not even official, much of Ontario and many parts of the country and areas in the U.S. have already received over a meter of snow already. Another storm brewing snow could most definately reach all time record breaking amounts and pets cannot be left outside to endure safely the temperatures expected and the deep snow. No matter how you cut it- snow is cold. The Northern parts of Ontario reach easily frosty temperatures that can cause frost bite in just minutes. Pets suffer the extremeties too.
Antifreeze Q: What’s the big deal about antifreeze being bad for cats and dogs? Is it really that harmful?
A: Anti-freeze is extremely toxic to dogs and cats. unfortunately, anti-freeze is also sweet-tasting and pets will lap it up if they find even a few drops in the driveway or on the garage floor.
One-half teaspoon of anti-freeze per pound of body weight is enough to cause the clinical signs of poisoning. The poison attacks the nervous system and the kidneys; the symptoms are depression, lack of coordination, vomiting and diarrhea, increased thirst, and seizures. The toxin is rapidly absorbed; symptoms can begin within an hour of exposure.
The toxic ingredient in most anti-freeze is ethylene glycol. If you suspect your animal has ingested anti-freeze, call your veterinarian immediately. There is an antidote available, but time is of the essence; the poison can be fatal if the kidneys are damaged. Antizol-vet is available as a prescription drug to be given intravenously if anti-freeze poisoning is suspected or confirmed. There is a new anti-freeze on the market made from propylene glycol that appears to be safer. However, propylene glycol is also toxic; although it does not attack the kidneys, it does affect the nervous system and may cause lack of coordination and seizures.
The best bet is to carefully cap all containers of anti-freeze and keep them out of the reach of pets. If small amounts do drip when the anti-freeze is being added to the car radiator, clean them up and flush the area with water. Watch for a leaky rad.
More info next pic...
Don't leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops. To keep warm when it's necessary to be outside, short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.
Be sure to feed your pets adequately in the winter. Pets who spend significant time outdoors on walks need more to eat in the winter, since keeping warm depletes energy. Be sure their water is kept fresh.
Use plastic bowls instead of metal for food and water that is served outside. You don't want your pet's tongue getting stuck to his or her dish in icy temps!
Keep your pet's feet clean. Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate paw pads — and may even be harmful if ingested. Wipe feet with a damp towel before your dog or cat gets the chance to lick them!
Make your doghouse comfortable. If your dog does happen to live outside in a doghouse, be sure it's dry and draft-free, and has ample space for the pup to sit and lie down comfortably.
The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The doorway should be covered, and the house should be turned to face away from the wind.
Remember, do your best to keep outdoor cats and dogs inside, especially on those brutally cold days. After all, it is the holiday season, meant for spending time with those you love — both with two and four legs!
Bedding
Q: What should I use for bedding? I’ve heard that old blankets aren’t a good idea.
A: You heard right. Blankets and quilts are alright for people inside heated homes but outside, they trap moisture that can make your dog damp, chilly and uncomfortable. A better bedding is fresh clean hay or straw. They allow moisture to evaporate, retain warmth, are biodegradable and cost only a few dollars a bale. The best of these is “salt marsh†hay. All are readily available from farm supply and feed stores, stables, or local farmers. When buying straw or hay, use your nose! It should smell fresh and pleasant like dried grass clippings. Avoid any that smells strongly of mold or mildew. Spread the bedding generously in the dog house, four-to-five inches thick, and replace as needed.
More Info Next pic...
...and it's best to make sure their gear fits properly, to avoid dangerous accidents and entanglement in their new winter wardrobe.
People love a shoveled walk way free of ice and snow, and so does your pet. Always give you and your pet a safe path, free from the winter elements. Sharp pieces of ice or snow can cause abrasions on the pads.
Injuries happen from stepping on items obscured by snow, sharp edges on ice, and sometimes from snow toys and implements used to remove snow. So when you are done shoveling the sidewalks & walkways make sure to put tools away.
More info Next Pic...
Dress your pet according to breed, fur groomed typed, size and basically how you would dress yourself.
"Pets are solely dependent on their human caregivers for safety and comfort — especially so during the winter months," says Adam Goldfarb, director of the Humane Society of the United States' Pets at Risk program. "Our pets are particularly vulnerable during winter storms and harsh winds."
As a pet owner, what can you do to be sure your furry friends stay toasty this winter.
Cont'd next pic...
Don't get a pet to "LIVE OUTSIDE". Mother Nature follows no rules. If you think you are doing any animal a favour while living in the colder regions of the US and Canada just because you feed them here and there- think again. Put yourself in that animals frozen state for a minute if you can. Imagine how distressing spending an entire winter outside without the warmth of shelter would be. If you think cats are resilient YOU ARE Mistaken.
More info next pic...
Dog houses should be insulated and provide a warm raised area off of the ground for a dog to rest, no leaks from roof or sides and draft free to provide protection from blowing winds.
Although days may be warm a damp dog is a cold dog, come sundown when the temperatures plummet a damp dog can become a dead dog.
Use your head, If you have no time or concern to care for a pet of any sort; do that pet a favour... Please surrender them to the nearest NO KILL Animal shelter in your area. It is not too much to ask on behalf of the animal. You are all they have in this world. If you don't have their very best interests at heart, you should not have them at all. For a full List of NO KILL shelters visit; http://www.hsus.org/
Hypothermia and frostbite
Q: What are hypothermia and frostbite?
A: Hypothermia is a lowering of the core body temperature well below the dog’s normal 101.5-102.5 normal rectal temperature. Substantial lowering of the temperature interferes with the metabolic functions of the body and affects the internal organs. A dog’s first reaction to the lowering of his temperature is to shiver. Shivering increases muscle activity, which in turn increase heat production. At the same time, his blood circulation shifts away from his legs and feet to his internal organs.
Mild hypothermia causes an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, but if the time and severity of heat loss continues, heart rate and blood pressure decline and cardiac arrhythmias or cardiac arrest can occur. Severe hypothermia leads to respiratory depression, lethargy, lack of coordination, paralysis, and collapse.
Treatment for hypothermia involves rapid warming of the body. In mild cases, heating pads, hot water bottles, or a warm water bath will do the trick, but severe cases require introducing warmed fluids internally via intravenous flow, dialysis, or enema. Veterinarians may also use corticosteroids and monitor the dog for heart arrhythmias and pneumonia and check for frostbite.
Prolonged exposure to the cold can also cause frostbite — the death of tissue in the extremities. Dog toes, tails, ear tips, and scrotum are the most common frostbite areas. Frostbitten tissue appears pale and is cold to the touch. It should be rewarmed slowly and given time to heal. It may turn red and swollen and be very painful as it heals. If it does not heal in three or four days, amputation of the dead tissue should be done to avoid gangrene or mummification of the area.
Obviously, prevention is worth more than a pound of cure with hypothermia and frostbite. So, a few simple precautions:
If Ranger is an outside dog with a thick double coat, is accustomed to frigid winter weather and has a sheltered place to get away from wind and rain, he can probably stay outside no matter what winter throws his way. But if he’s old, arthritic, or debilitated in some way or if his coat’s not heavy enough, let him sleep inside when the temperature dips below freezing.
If Riddle enjoys her daily excursions, by all means continue, but watch out for chemical ice-melting compounds on driveways, sidewalks, and streets. If you can’t avoid them, wipe her feet when you get back home so she doesn’t ingest the chemical when licking her paws. If the sidewalk is slushy, put some baby oil on Riddle’s feet before you go out to help prevent slushsicles from forming between the pads of her paws.
If your pet is a puppy or geriatric dog, don’t leave him outside without supervision, especially in snow. Dog feet can get very cold very quickly, especially on thin-coated dogs, and you may have to rescue a shivering pet who cannot walk across the snow.
Winter diet
Q: Now that it’s cold out, my dog seems to be hungrier even though I’m giving him the same amount he’s always had. Is it okay to feed him more?
A: Dogs may tend to eat more during cold weather, but inclement weather may prevent them from getting enough exercise to burn off extra calories. If Maestro begins begging at the table or looking particularly wistful when her dish is empty, beware of “just letting her lick the plates†or tossing her a bit of cheese or chicken when you’re fixing dinner. If you’re not careful, she’ll need an exercise regimen to slim her waist when spring rolls around.
Table scraps can be fed to dogs without ill effects if they replace some of the regular diet, not add to it. Just avoid spicy or fatty foods and keep portions small. A quarter or third cup of boiled chicken meat or turkey giblets in broth or a few left-over veggies (unbuttered, without sauce) can be a real treat for a pooch tantalized by the good smells coming from the kitchen.
Food tends to sit around the house during the holidays. Dogs quickly learn about hard candy in that bowl on the coffee table or the box of chocolates that the boss sent over. And they learn to cadge food from guests at a party or from kids who trail Christmas cookie crumbs throughout the house. Some dogs will eat wrappers and all in their haste to down the prize before discovery.
Chocolate, of course, is poisonous to dogs, but the toxicity depends on the amount of theobromine in the particular candy the dog has eaten. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate tend to be high in the substance; milk chocolate tends to have little. Shasta might eat a piece or two of milk chocolate with few or no ill effects, but a bar of baking chocolate could kill her.
Even if the ill-gotten gains don’t poison a pooch, they can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation, or intestinal blockages – hardly worth the momentary acquiescence to pleading eyes and nagging of a hungry pet. Every successful food theft or begging session leads a pet further down the path to a life of crime. So, as with anti-freeze, the best bet is to control the dog’s access to food throughout the season. It’s not difficult to keep bowls of snack food out of reach, to confine the dog when people are eating, or to clean up the crumbs after snacks and meals to avoid creating a food felon. As with most things in life, preventing problems usually takes less effort than solving them.
