Dogs with a Cause

6:05 p.m. Monday at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park. It’s Fan Appreciation Day and the final day of the RiverDogs’ regular season. It’s also Dogs with a Cause Night, featuring Our Lady of Mercy Catnip Cottage, to raise funds and awareness for animal rescue. After the game, watch the final round of the season-long Stokes Honda-North Sumos and Sluggers promotion. All the winners of sumo competitions throughout the season return to compete in a home run derby, with the top two slugging it out for a complimentary two-year lease from Stokes Honda-North. And just for fun, the RiverDogs will shoot off fireworks to celebrate the end of the season. If the RiverDogs make the playoffs, they will host Game 1 of a three-game series with the Augusta GreenJackets at Riley Park on Sept. 5, starting at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call (843) 577-DOG

Hot Dog - Hot Lanta

I went to Atlanta over the weekend for a little shopping and I spied these absolutely adorable pillows at Mrs. Howard. What a fun way to infuse a room with whimsy and personality. Two styles available, a springer spaniel and a dachshund.

Poet Girl

Here's a shot of my great dane, Poet, looking lovely.

Bodacious the Curly Coated Retriever

I met Bodacious on main street in Blowing Rock, NC. He was the sweetest pooch, and a great example of this rare and beautiful breed. Click here to learn more about this breed.

Lost Dogs

Just found out about these two lost dogs and wanted to spread the word. Their owner lives on James Island. The dogs have been missing since early Monday morning. The black one is very shy (was a rescue) but may get in a car with someone. The blond one requires a special diet and medication. They were last seen in the Marlborough subdivision on James Island. Please call 830-6357 if you have seen or know anything about these dogs.

Photo from ralphlauren.com

Wishing for Fall

It's still so hot outside and things are looking a bit fried. Brown grass, dehydrated plants, stir crazy pets who can't get out for the exercise they need because their owners are scared they'll have a heat stroke. Sigh. I wish it was fall. Fall not only brings much cooler weather, but also fall fashion. YEA! Check out this cute cashmere cable dog sweater by Ralph Lauren - perfect for late fall's nippy nights. And brace yourself, IT'S ON SALE! Get it for only $47.50 here.

Looking for a new addition to your family?

As you all know, we have a new addition to the Lowcountry Dog team. Her name is Chelsea and she is a purebred yellow lab puppy. If you think she is cute, you should see her sisters. She still has 3 sisters left who need homes. They are wonderful, smart puppies with great personalities. Also, their grandfather was on the cover of Field and Stream Magazine. They are all pretty much the same coloring as Chelsea although 2 have dark noses and eyes. If you are interested in bringing a lab puppy into your home please contact me at elizabeth@lowcountrydog.com or my cell 781-424-1808.

Labs are known for being the most popular and versatile breed. They are amazing therapy dogs, hunting partners and family members. I have had labs all my life, they are wonderful with children and just an all around great dog. If you are considering getting a puppy, I cannot encourage you enough to look into this breed.

Upcoming Events

August 25th. 3:00-4:30PM. Beastie Feast at James Island Dolittle's. Join EarthFare Pastry Chef Michelle Rupee as she creates an elegant five course meal fit for a King, or a Cooper, or a Bryson. Tasting will be involved so bring a hungry dog, if you know one. Go home full and with a recipe or two that you can prepare for the dog in your life. All dogs must be on a leash and one dog per person please. Space is limited so reserve your spot today by calling Dolittle's 843-852-5811 wa@dolittles.com. Cost is $25.00 per dog.

August 25th & 26th Palmetto Animal League Adoptions at Bluffton PetSmart. Visit www.palmettoanimalleague.org for more info.

PET THERAPY PREP CLASS


Are you interested in learning about pet therapy? Do you wonder if your dog would make a good therapy dog? In this 6-week course you will find out what therapy dogs do; learn what’s involved in becoming a therapy dog team; and practice behaviors helpful during therapy visits. All activities will prepare you and your dog for the test (given after the course) required by Therapy Dogs Incorporated, a national therapy organization, and for becoming successful and effective therapy teams.


Location: West Ashley High School

Day and time: Wednesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Cost: $60.00
To register: Call West Ashley High School

Starting date: September 26, 2007
For more information, call: Jane, 971-5865


Taught by Jane Hirsch
Tester for Therapy Dogs Incorporated
Founder of the K-9 Care Unit

Vick's Lawyers Consider Plea Deal

Read the latest here.

Upcoming Events

August 18th 12-4PM.
Lowcountry Pit Bull Rescue Meet and Greet at All Is Well on Old Trolley Road in Summerville. Visit www.lowcountrypitbullrescue.org for more information.

Pupdate

Here are some new pictures of the new puppy Chelsea. She is fitting in great with our family. Bryson is really enjoying have a little sister to play with. She went to the vet for the first time on Monday and is perfectly healthy, weighing in at 17.6 lbs. Check back next week for more pics!

Blue Heeler Needs A Home:
Got a lot of land, and/or animals that need herding? This pretty, blue heeler cattle dog needs a home with plenty of space to run. She's free to a good home. Contact: Cindy @ 843-462-7106 or jimreeves@homexpressway.net

More Gorgeous Shots of Dogs and Fantastic Interiors

My two favorite things! Dogs and Design! Nothing makes me feel more at home than relaxing with my dog surrounded by an interior that inspires me. Home is where the heart (and the dog) is!

found via desiretoinspire.

both above photos from attitude magazine

adrian burke

sue bird

pieter esterhon

No-kill Shelters, an Ongoing Debate

A shelter in San Antonio, Texas took in 1,004 cats and dogs. 925 were euthanized within a week. The shelter is hoping to turn it's facility into a "no-kill" shelter by 2012. This means all animals considered healthy or treatable will be taken in.

However, some people argue that no-kill shelters can be more of a problem rather than a solution. Taking in any and all animals can cause crowding resulting in health problems for the animals.

The reality is, there are 8 million homeless animals in the United States alone. Many people are searching for an answer to this difficult problem. Read more about the pros and cons of no-kill shelters at cnn.com or click on http://www.cnn.com/2007/LIVING/08/13/no.kill.shelters.ap/index.html?iref=newssearch

New Face of Lowcountry Dog Pupdates!

It's a girl! Friday, we made the big decision to get Bryson a friend. Her name is Chelsea and she is a ten week old purebred yellow lab. She is as sweet as can be. Check back for more updates on Chelsea and her life with Bryson as they go through the stages of puppyhood.

Does Your Dog Rummage Through the Trash? The ASPCA released a report regarding the dangers of this "bad dog" behavior. Check out why it's important to nip this behavior in the bud.

Picture the scene: you walk into your kitchen and are greeted by a veritable smorgasbord of refuse with tell-tale paw prints surrounding the “scene of the crime.” Yes, your four-legged friend got into the garbage—again! “What may appear to be a minor, albeit, frustrating annoyance to many pet parents could actually pose a great risk to your pets,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, board-certified veterinary toxicologist and senior vice president with the ASPCA, who manages the ASPCA’s Midwest Office, which houses the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). “It’s important that pet parents understand and familiarize themselves with the potential dangers that can be found in everyday trash.” Here are some of the major threats your pets might suffer from “talking trash”:

1. Physical Obstruction Hazards. Items such as meat and poultry bones, plastic, metal or paper can cause choking, trauma to the gastrointestinal tract, or may even lead to a life-threatening intestinal blockage that could require emergency surgery.

2. Bacteria. Spoiled food can harbor millions of bacteria, which in some cases could lead to food poisoning or a condition known as bacterial enteritis. “This is where the animal’s intestinal tract becomes irritated and inflamed, resulting in painful bloating of the abdomen, vomiting, and diarrhea,” cautions Dr. Hansen.

3. Toxin-Producing Molds. Certain rotting foods such as cheese, nuts, grains and pasta are ripe environments for a variety of molds, some of which can produce substances known as “tremorgenic mycotoxins.” These toxins affect the nervous system, causing muscle tremors or even seizures that can quickly become life-threatening.

4. Poisonous Household Items. The list of potential poisons to animals could go on forever. “The main toxic hazards commonly found in trash include medications, harmful foods like onions and coffee grounds, poisonous plant cuttings, and chemicals such as household cleaners, insecticides or batteries,” says Dr. Tina Wismer, also a board-certified veterinary toxicologist with the APCC. Ingestion of these substances can produce a wide range of effects, from irritation of the mucous membranes and the gastrointestinal tract, to seizures or damage to vital organs such as the heart, kidneys or liver.

Drs. Hansen and Wismer agree that the best way to avoid potential hazards is through prevention. “In fact, there are some easy ways to make sure your pet can’t get into the trash,” says Dr. Hansen. These include:

1. Use wastebaskets that are covered, and not easily tipped over. “If possible, keep the container in an out of reach area such as in a secure cabinet under the sink, or better yet, eliminate the danger of your pet getting into potentially harmful trash by taking it directly to your garbage can outside.”

2. Dispose of potentially poisonous materials properly. “Many communities have special guidelines for disposing of common, yet potentially-poisonous household items, such as batteries. If you’re not sure what those are, check with your local garbage disposal company or city or county office,” says Dr. Wismer.

3. Should your pet have an accidental encounter with your trash despite your best efforts, prompt action is important in heading off any harmful effects. “Please contact your veterinarian immediately,” urges Dr. Hansen, “making note of any items that may have been in the container.” If you can’t reach your veterinarian or local emergency animal hospital, call the APCC poison control hotline at (888) 426-4435 (a fee applies).

LCD Hurricane Preparedness Guide for Pet Owners

IN PREPARATION
Make sure that your pets are current on their vaccinations. Pet friendly shelters require proof of vaccines.
Have a current photograph.
Keep a collar with identification on your pet and have a leash on hand to control your pet.
Have a properly-sized pet carrier for each animal. Pet friendly shelters require them. Practice putting it together quickly.
Plan your evacuation strategy and don't forget your pet!
Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets. Ask about any restrictions on number, size, and species. Ask if "no pet" policies would be waived in an emergency.
Make a list of animal-friendly places and keep it handy.
Call ahead for a reservation as soon as you think you might have to leave your home.
Check with friends, relatives, or others outside your immediate area to see if they would shelter you and your animals or just your animals, if necessary.
Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinary offices that might be able to shelter animals in emergencies; include 24-hour telephone numbers.
Ask your local animal shelter if it provides foster care or shelter for pets in an emergency. This should be your last resort, as shelters have limited resources and are likely to be stretched to their limits during an emergency.

DURING THE DISASTER
If you are able, leave early. Don't wait for a mandatory evacuation order. An unnecessary trip is far better than waiting too long to leave safely with your pets. If you wait to be evacuated by emergency officials, you may be told to leave your pets behind.
Animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have:
proper identification collar and rabies tagproper identification on all belongings
a carrier or cage
a leash
a muzzle for dog aggressive dogs
an ample supply of food, water (1 gallon for every 10lbs.) food bowls, any medications
specific care instructions and news papers or trash bags for clean-up

Bring pets indoors well in advance of a storm - reassure them and remain calm.
Pet shelters will be filled on first come, first served basis.
Call ahead and determine availability.

AFTER THE DISASTER
Walk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to their home - often familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and pets could easily be confused and become lost.
Also, downed power lines, reptiles brought in with high water and debris can all pose a threat for animals after a disaster.
If pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact the local animal control office to find out where lost animals can be recovered.
Bring along a picture of your pet if possible. After a disaster animals can become aggressive or defensive - monitor their behavior.

SHELTER AND HOTEL INFO:
The North Charleston Coliseum will provide shelter only for those people who can not otherwise evacuate with their pets. Entry is limited to one person per pet.

The following hotel chains are pet friendly and there are several just a few hours away from Charleston that would serve as a refuge from the storm.
Best Western: 800-528-1234
Clarion: 800-252-7466
Comfort Inn: 800-228-5150
Days Inn: 800-329-7466
Econo Lodge: 800-553-2666
Holiday Inn: 800-465-4329
Quality Inn: 800-228-5151
Ramada Inn: 800-228-2828
Residence Inn: 800-331-3131

Also check out www.vrbo.com, a search engine for vacation and short term rentals across the US. You can search specifically for pet friendly homes, townhouses and villas to rent.

Whew! It's Hot!

Check out the Humane Society's cool guide to helping our pets beat the heat.

The new issue is out! Let us know what you think at leah@lowcountrydog.com