I don’t know if you are aware, but many people (including the Wiggly Pups staff) have chosen to boycott Amazon.com.  We refuse to buy any product from their site.  Why?  Because Amazon.com sells material that promotes dog fighting and cock fighting!! 

They sell books on how to train a dog to fight in the pit, and magazines that tell you all you want to know about cock fighting (roosters fighting).  Both dog fighting and cock fighting are illegal in every single state in this country.  (And, seriously, didn’t cock fighting go out of style sometime in the 1800s?!)  What is even more sick is that Amazon is going to court to defend their right to promote this illegal and immoral material!!

If you want to sign a petition to stop Amazon, the Humane Society of the United States has a petition you can sign. And if you want to read more about the the sick material that Amazon is selling, read the Amazon.com message forum or check out the Humane Society’s page about Amazon.  If you go to the message forum, please write a comment at the bottom of these sites describing how sickened you are that Amazon carries these items.  And BOYCOTT AMAZON.COM!! 

Stop buying from their company! I am all for capitalism (ok, socialism, too. but that’s another story…)  but it is a sad sad day when a huge company like Amazon has to sell illegal material just to make a quick buck.  Help make the world a better place by boycotting Amazon and signing the petition.  Besides, karma will be good to you if you are good to the animals!

Sponsored by Fido Brooklyn

While they will have a few restaurant donations on hand, they ask that dog owners help out by bringing something as well. Those whose dogs have names begin with the letters A through G might bring an appetizer, salad or bread.  If your dog’s name begins with an H through P, bring a small entrée; and for letters Q through Z, a dessert would be welcome.  FIDO will provide beverages, paper goods, plastic ware, trash bags, water and biscuits for the dogs. 
Their pot-luck affair will also feature the FIDO Mid-Summer Games in which canine contestants vie to see who can catch the most dog biscuits; who gives the most licks per minute; biggest/smallest foot/ears; plus stupid dog tricks.  Agility equipment will be on hand for additional fun.
We will have a permit designated off-leash area.

Who’s FIDO?
FIDO in Prospect Park is dedicated to enhancing opportunities for off-leash activity as well as responsible supervision of dogs both in and outside the park.  To this end, FIDO sponsors lectures and events as well as donating funds to the Prospect Park Alliance for new trashcans, Doggie Beach, dog-friendly water fountains, and even a bench and tree in memory of dogs who have romped through the Park’s meadows.  FIDO’s aim is to educate the dog-owning community, the general public and elected and appointed officials about dog-related issues.

FIDO In Prospect Park – www.fidobrooklyn.org – fidobrooklyn@gmail.com

THINGS THAT WILL KILL YOUR DOG

"Killing your dog is really not that hard. In fact, anyone can do it; even if they truly love their dog and can't help themselves from treating them like children.

1. IF YOU DON'T VACCINATE: Many potentially deadly canine diseases are easily prevented by proper vaccination. One biggie that comes to mind is the hideous parvovirus. (see resource links below this article for a link to the articles I've done to cover parvo and vaccinations)

 

2. IF YOU TAKE UN-VACCINATED PUPPIES TO AREAS FREQUENTED BY OTHER DOGS: Again, parvo lurks in these areas but so do other diseases such as kennel cough, giardia, leptospirosis, etc. Rest areas and dog parks are two very definite no-no's if you don't want to kill your un-vaccinated dog.

 

Bull Mastiff – fenced in yard

3. IF YOU DON'T FENCE IN YOUR YARD: As a breeder, I get asked all the time if my breed requires a fenced in yard. Doh! All dogs do. If they can walk to the road, they can get hit and killed. Easy as that!

 

freefoto.com

4. IF YOU GIVE YOUR DOG CHOCOLATE: Another great way to potentially kill your dog is to give them some yummy chocolate treats. Chocolate contains theobromine which is toxic to ALL dogs. However, the size of your dog, amount of chocolate ingested and the type of chocolate play a role in how toxic a dose your dog consumes. There is no antidote.

 

5. IF YOU DECK THE HALLS WITH POINSETTIAS: Decorate your home with those beautiful poinsettia plants at Christmas time. A few munches of this stuff is deadly toxic as are many, many houseplants. Before adding a new plant to your home, check to see if they are poisonous to dear Fido.

 

 

6. IF YOU DON'T USE FLEA CONTROL, WORMER or any other parasite protection. Your dog can then suffer allergic reactions, tapeworms, and other assorted nasties you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy let alone your best friend.

 

(newborn cavalier king charles spaniel puppy)

7. IF YOU ALLOW YOUR DOG TO GIVE BIRTH WITHOUT ASSISTING HER: I'm sick to death of people telling me that their dogs are better off not being stressed out by their presence during the birthing process, etc. A stuck puppy, a retained placenta, extended labor.. so many things can spell death for your dog during this important time. If you didn't spay her and you allowed the breeding, you need to assume responsibility for being there for her. And it isn't just her, there are WAY too many things that can kill those innocent puppies you allowed or asked to come into this world. Be there to protect them.

 

8. IF YOU TIE YOUR DOG UP: Especially if it's inside a truck or near a short fence where they can hang themselves. Or maybe tie them up where there is no shade. C'mon folks, start using common sense here! When you adopted Fido, you took a vow to watch out for him, not watch him suffer. I'm not against proper restraint of your pet to ensure his safety and well being but use common sense when deciding the when and where's of it all…

 

Dog victim of dog fight

9. IF YOU GO ONLINE FOR DOG EMERGENCIES INSTEAD OF 'WASTING' MONEY AT THE VET'S OFFICE: I'm sorry, I had to add this. This is one of my biggest pet peeves ever. Don't call on strangers who are online in an emergency situation. Call your vet! Even if the office is closed, they have answering services that will get a hold of them so they can call you back.

 

 

10. IF YOU FEED YOUR DOG ONCE A DAY AND AFTER GORGING THEMSELVES, LET THEM OUT TO PLAY HARD: Doing this can cause bloat quite easily in any breeds but those with deep chests are at largest risk. Bloat happens very quickly and to die from it is incredibly painful. If your quick enough, an expensive surgery can repair the twisted gut that causes bloat but even then, they only have 50/50 chance of survival. Feed your dog 2-3 small meals during the day instead. And/or perhaps do things that will slow down the speed in which they gulp their food.

 

11. IF YOU PUT OUT POISONS TO GET RID OF RODENTS: If your not considerate of the fact that you have a dog or other pets, putting out decon and other chemical based poisons could very well kill that furry beast you claim is your best friend. Try using natural pest control products instead. **see links below

 

12. IF YOU LEAVE ANTIFREEZE WITHIN LICKING DISTANCE: Antifreeze smells and tastes yummy to dogs, cats and other animals yet it is highly toxic. The ethylene glycol that is used in antifreeze is the poisonous ingredient. 1 teaspoon can kill a small cat and 1 ounce can kill a 15 pound dog.

 

Jack Russell Terrier with Tennis Ball

13. IF YOU GIVE CHOKE SIZED TOYS: If you give your dog a toy that is of a size that can be swallowed or that has parts that can be chewed off and eaten (plastic eyes, noses, or even beans inside) you are handing your dog a death wish. Even Oprah's pampered dog died because of a small plastic ball. Be very cautious when offering toys and treats.

 

And from WigglyPups:

14.  IF YOU HIT YOUR DOG: I don't care if it is a "tap", "smack", or if you just plain hit your dog.  Hitting your dog will only train it to bite people.  Even if you think that you are punishing your dog, or disciplining it, or if you think you are teaching it right from wrong.  You aren't.  Dogs don't understand being hit.  The only thing that hitting a dog does is teach it to bite people.  And then you will have an aggressive dog that you may think is "past the point of no return" and you will put your poor dog to sleep.  It isn't the dog's fault!  You trained it to be aggressive!  (That dog may still be rehabilitated with patience, love, and kisses.  Dont put a dog to sleep for aggression.  Talk to a dog trainer instead.  Or find your dog a new home where they wont hit him.)

Even people that train guard dogs and police dogs will never hit a dog because they know that it undoes all of the training that they taught their dog.  So just dont do it.  (PS. punching a dog is illegal. Dont do it, I dont care how angry you are.  See Micheal Vicks for an example.)

According to experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the peels, fruit and seeds of citrus plants such as lemons, oranges, limes and grapefruits contain varying amounts of citric acid, limonin and volatile oils that can cause gastrointestinal irritation and result in vomiting and diarrhea. As for apples, cherries, peaches and apricots, their stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that have the potential to cause vomiting and loss of appetite—and in severe cases, weakness, difficulty breathing, hyperventilation, shock and even death.

“Typically, these severe effects develop from very large ingestions of plant material, more likely to occur with grazing animals such as horses or other livestock,” says the ASPCA’s Dana Farbman, CVT. “The consumption of a few segments of citrus fruit, an apple or two, or a few cherries would usually not be expected to cause serious problems beyond perhaps minor stomach upset. However, it is important for animal owners to be aware of the potential for problems that these fruit trees can produce.”

As a responsible pet parent, it’s always a good idea to become familiar with different types of plants in and around the home—and make sure that potentially poisonous species are not accessible to your pets. For lists of both safe and potentially toxic plants, please visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center online."

from the ASPCA web site.   

From the New York Mayor's Alliance: As reported by today’s amNew York, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has resumed its cruel and ineffective feral cat extermination program at JFK Airport and plans to begin roundups this week. Read the full story on amNew York's website, click here! With your help we can make a difference!

Please contact the decision-makers below to help save the JFK cats and join us for a rally this Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at Port Authority headquarters near Union Square in Manhattan!

You can also read more details and background on the New York City Feral Cat Initiative of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals website.

Many thanks on behalf of the airport kitties.
The Best Friends Network
WHAT YOU CAN DO
RALLY TO SAVE JFK CATS

Tuesday, June 3, 2008
11:15am to 1pm – Rain or Shine
Port Authority headquarters at Union Square
225 Park Avenue South, between 18th and 19th Streets in Manhattan

WHO TO CONTACT

Please call and write the following and urge them to immediately stop the roundups at JFK Airport and work with local animal protection groups to implement a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program.

Christopher O. Ward, Executive Director
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
225 Park Avenue South, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10003

Port Authority Corporate Headquarters
General:               (212) 435-7000      
Public Affairs:               (212) 435-7777      
(Get a live person on the line and demand to speak to someone about the JFK situation – keep calling until they respond)
Fax: (212) 435-4032

Anthony R. Coscia, Chairman
Board of Commissioners
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Phone: 732.846.2120 (direct line)
              732-846-7600        (this is the general number for Mr. Coscia's law firm)
Fax: 732.846.8877

In addition, for the names and contact info of Port Authority officials, go to the home page of www.neighborhoodcats.org.  Note that, due to the enormous public outcry, email addresses and phone numbers may have been changed

These beds are not only stylish, but orthopedic, ensuring that your pet gets a great night's sleep. (And that means that you will, too.  You might even get the whole bed to yourself!)

It is made with a special fiber fill that is made from recycled plastic soda bottles.  It sounded uncomfortable to me when I heard about it, but once I actually felt the bed I was pleasantly suprised!  It is super squooshy and soft.

The twill fabric is also "brushed", which makes it feel (almost) like you are petting a baby chick. You can even get it in a variety of colors!  So even if you are being "green", you don't have to decorate all in green. 

PS. The cover is removable, for easy washing.  Cause muddy pawprints will happen.

These beds are a little more expensive than some superstore chain, but they are totally worth it.  Except you may miss cuddling in your bed with your dog, because he/she will be enjoying their own bed.  That's ok, you have more leg room.

Check it out here: West Paw Designs.  Beds range from $64.00 – $178.00.  But, really, you can't put a price on saving the planet!

So don't forget to click those ads!! It will help save an animal's life…   

Chelsea Dog Run: Located at 22nd street, and the West Side Highway, by Chelsea Piers.  This dog run has hills and boulders for your dog to play on (or run up and down, or roll tennis balls down), and a huge fake fallen tree (wide enough and safe enough for your dog to walk across).  The "coolest" thing is the stream that runs through the park.  It might not be big, but dogs love it.  And the water is always running, so the stream never gets stagnant.

Kowsky Plaza, Battery Park City near Gateway Plaza: This brand-new dog run has mounds for dogs to jump over and a water fountain for them to splash in or drink from.

Fish Bridge Park, Dover St. between Pearl and Water: Public dog run with a wading pool and water hose.

Hudson River Park-Greenwich Village Dog Run, Leroy Street at Pier 40: Throughout the summer there are two kiddie-pools for the dogs to play in.

Dewitt Clinton Park, W. 52nd St. at 11th Ave.: This small run has a water supply, with a small swimming pool in the summer.

Riverside Park at 87th St., Riverside Drive at W. 87th St.: This run has a fountain, a hose, and a separate area for small or shy dogs.

Central Park:The off-leash hours in Central Park are 9pm to 9am daily.  If your dog is off-leash during the other hours, you will be ticketed and have to pay a fine.  Dogs are allowed pretty much anywhere, and there are tons of ponds and fountains that they love to splash in.  (Please note that dogs are not allowed (ever) in playgrounds, display fountains, ballfields, Elm Island, Sheep Meadow, East Green and Strawberry Fields. (I guess people don't want to lay down in dog poop. But squirrel poop is ok.)  There are some places where dogs are allowed, but must always be leashed: The Conservatory Garden, the Shakespeare Garden, Bridle Trail, Ceder Hill, and Kerbs Boathouse Plaza.)

Of course, there are the Beaches in NYC… 

The Dog Beach in Brooklyn's Prospect Park, To get there, enter the park at Prospect Park West and 9th street, then follow the path past the Tennis House on your left and through the Long Meadow to the Upper Pool. 

This is the only "beach" open to dogs with no strings attached.  However, it is more of a turtle pond.  And the beach is paved and fenced so that dogs can't swim too deep.  But this place is awesome!  Dogs can get deep enough to actually swim, and they have a blast running in and out of the water.  A good idea is to bring a tennis ball so that your dog can chase it into the water.  But be warned that another dog may enjoy the ball, too! (It is always good manners to share your tennis balls.)

There are other beaches in NYC where you might see dogs swimming.  None of these officially allow dogs on their beaches.  We have chosen not to list them here because we don't want you blaming us if you receive a ticket. (and, no, we will not pay the ticket for you.)  If you really want to take your dog to the beach we recommed getting out of NYC and heading to the Hamptons or Jersey Shore.

"Lexi" 
 Alaskan Klee Kai (looks like a mini/toy husky)
 

Black, grey and white female; one blue eye, one brown; spayed, microchipped, 9 mos. old, small (12 lbs). No collar. Got off leash West 16th Street betw. 7th & 8th Aves (home block). Last seen crossing West Side Highway at 15th Street Monday, May 19, approx. 9:15 PM. She's very shy and no doubt scared, but friendly. and very sweet.
 
Please call: 646-246-5922.
She is microchipped through "Home Again." You can also call them at:
1-866-738-4324