Blog Mentioned in Bismarck Tribune!

STAND was in the Sunday, Sept 25, 2005 issue of the Bismarck Tribune! Keith Darnay, Bismarck Tribune's web master chose STAND as his "Site of the Week". Here's what Mr. Darnay wrote:

Site of the Week
STAND savetheanimalsnd.blogspot.com

This is actually more a blog than it is a Web site, set up by Christine Kujawa of Bismarck. The acronym, STAND, translates as "Save The Animals in North Dakota." "The purpose of this organization is to raise awareness of the homeless animals in North Dakota and increase the likelihood of them finding permanent homes," Kujawa told me in an e-mail. "I receive no income from this and it doesn't cost anyone anything to participate."

The blog is well-designed and well-written, featuring numerous posts, photos and links to various animal shelter Web sites around the state. If you want a good local example of blogging for a cause, visit this site.

Do you know of any North Dakota Web sites or blogs that deserve greater public awareness? Let me know and I'll include them in this column and feature them at the Internet Explorers Club Web site.

(Keith Darnay is the webmaster and designer for bismarcktribune.com. He started this column before he came to the Tribune in 1999. His website, featuring this column going back to 1995, is at www.darnay.com/iec.)

Bismarck's Pet Connection

Bismarck's Pet Connection has recently received a large quantity of dogs. You can help out by telling friends and family about the dogs available. One of them may be waiting for a type of dog that Pet Connection now has! If you live in the Bismarck area you can help out by buying Pet Connection needed supplies. They would really appreciate it!

Types of dogs/number of dogs:

German Shepard mix: 6

Labradors: 3

Rottweiler/Lab: 2

Chow Chow/Bulldog: 7

The dogs' pictures are not yet on the web site but their information is there. If interested in seeing the list of dogs at Pet Connection click here.

Keeping Non-Domesticated Animals

Has anyone heard about the baby penguin that was stolen from a British Zoo?

"Zoo managers think he might have been stolen as a Christmas present by thieves inspired by the hit documentary film 'March of the Penguins'. But they warned that unless the brown and white colored Toga was swiftly returned, he would die."

This is just awful. People are attracted to cute baby animals and want to keep them. Animals kept by humans should include only domesticated animals. These are animals that are bred to live with humans. Other animals, like exotic animals, wild animals and certain reptiles are not meant to live in human conditions. Humans don't know how to care for these animals. They are being selfish in meeting their own needs by keeping the animals. The animals are the ones who suffer: they are not living in the proper environment, they probably aren't getting the care and daily needs they get in their natural environment.

If you read an article or see something on tv about people who own these types of animals: monkeys, tigers, etc. take a stand and write to author of the article or tv station about why this is wrong.


To read the full article about the baby penguin click here.

For more information on why it's wrong to keep exotic animals click here.

Quotations to share

Ask the experimenters why they experiment on animals, and the answer is: "Because the animals are like us." Ask the experimenters why it is morally okay to experiment on animals, and the answer is: "Because the animals are not like us." Animal experimentation rests on a logical contradiction. ~Charles R. Magel

God loved the birds and invented trees. Man loved the birds and invented cages. ~Jacques Deval

The question is not, "Can they reason?" nor, "Can they talk?" but rather, "Can they suffer?" ~Jeremy Bentham

I care not much for a man's religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it. ~Abraham Lincoln

Winfred

Grand Forks Humane Society's featured pet is Winfred.

Here's some information on Winfred from petfinder.com:
Domestic Short Hair-black
Size: Medium
Age: Young
Sex: Male
Winfred is a 4-5 month old male kitten. ~Pet Tips~ Cats vary in how demanding they are as pets, so let yours guide you to the level of attention he wants, whether it's your hand for petting or your lap for sitting. Provide him with the necessary creature comforts, give him the companionship he seeks, and he will be content.

Holiday Pet Photos

Tis the season for holiday photos of your pet! Some humane societies work with local pet stores to have a holiday pet photo event. The humane societies get all or part of the money raised. I know for sure that there were events in Fargo and Bismarck. Check with your local humane societies and pet supply stores to find out if there 's such an event in your area!

Photos

I don't have anything to report. Just thought I'd share some pet photos I found on aspca's website.

Bird Safety Around the Holidays

WHAT’S COOKING? KITCHEN SAFETY FOR PET BIRD OWNERS

Is there a companion avian in your house? Your may already know that your feathered friend is very sensitive to inhalant fumes, but did you know that any type of cookware can be harmful to your bird if left unattended and allowed to overheat? Cooking fumes, smoke and odors that have little or no effect on people can seriously sicken birds, as can aerosol sprays, self-cleaning ovens and cooking gas.

To increase awareness among pet bird owners, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has endorsed a brochure entitled “Breathing Easy: Safeguarding Your Pet Bird from Dangers in the Kitchen.” Sponsored by DuPont and the Cookware Manufacturers Association, the educational pamphlet includes safety tips from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine that can save your pet’s life.

“We’re very excited about this new brochure,” says the APCC’s Dana Farbman, CVT, “as it can help bird owners safeguard their feathered companions against common household hazards.” The pamphlet offers four key safety tips to keep in mind this holiday season:- Always keep pet birds out of the kitchen while you are cooking.- Never leave heated cookware unattended.- Never preheat your cookware on high heat.- Always keep your kitchen well-ventilated.

To download the complete Breathing Easy brochure, and for more bird safety tips, please visit ASPCA online.

Article found here.

Cold Weather Pet Tips

Cold Weather Pet Tips from Mondak Humane Society :


If temperatures are dropping and snow is on the way, here are a some safety tips to keep your pets safe during the winter months.

When the temperature drops the best place for a pet is INDOORS! If this is not possible than you must provide proper shelter from the elements. A dog house should be large enough for your dog to sit and lie down in, but small enough to keep in body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be faced away from the wind and the doorway should be covered with a waterproof material like heavy plastic or rubber. And remember, outdoor pets will need to be fed extra food during the cold. It is best to feed a high protein food, your Veterinarian can recommend one to you. You will also have to provide water and make sure it's not freezing. Do not use metal pans for food or water as they can cause pets tongues to stick and freeze to them. CATS SHOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED OUT DURING THE COLD!!!

Never let your dog of his/her leash in the snow, especially during a snowstorm. Dogs can lose their scent in winter weather and become lost. In fact, more dogs are reported lost during the winter than any other season.

Wipe off your dogs legs and belly when they come back into the house after a "potty break" or a walk. This will remove any salt, anti-freeze or other chemicals that can be harmful to pets.

Short haired dogs or dogs that are groomed during the winter should have a sweater or coat. While you may consider this a luxery, it is a neccessity for many dogs.
And NEVER SHAVE OUR PET DOWN TO THE SKIN DURING THE WINTER! And make sure your dog is completely dry after a bath before you take it outdoors.

It may be a good idea to papertrain puppies during the cold, as they will not want to go out and this can cause a lot of problems during housebreaking.

ANTIFREEZE IS A LETHAL POISON FOR DOGS AND CATS!!! Be sure to clean up any spills or leaks from your vehicle and consider using products that contain Propylene Glycol rather than Ethylene Glycol. Ethylene Glycol has a sweet taste that pets like and it is deadly.

Indoor pets should be provided a nice warm place to sleep that is away from drafts and off the floor, such as a pet bed with a warm blanket or pillow in it.

And if you think you pet has frost bite or hypothermia, please contact your Veterinarian promptly for advice.

Keep Your Cat Safe at Home

Article from MonDak Humane Society:

Keep Your Cat Safe at Home
HSUS's Safe Cats Campaign:

Cats are America's most popular pets, but they are also the pets most likely to die prematurely from diseases, poisons, attacks by other animals, abuse by humans, or speeding vehicles. The reason is simple: Owners often don't realize that allowing their cat to roam outdoors can be a one-way ticket to trouble.

For rest of the article click here.

Highway

This is "Highway" from the humane society in Minot.


Here are his specs:


Name: Highway

Breed: Domestic Short Hair

Age: 6 Months - 1 Year


Introducing Highway! This poor fellow has used up at least one of his 9 lives and he's now looking for a place to call home for good. Highway was found along the highway and had been hit by a car. He has been checked out by Vets and is doing excellent! He loves to purr, loves to cuddle and is a very mild tempered cat. Highway appears to be about 8 months old and he is being fostered in Williston.

4-legged Hurricane Katrina victims at CDHS

This is Hank. He's one of the animals acquired by Central Dakota Humane Society.

Central Dakota Humane Society in Mandan has acquired some of the abandoned animals who faced Hurricane Katrina. I just talked to one of the animal attendants there. She said that the animals are not yet ready for adoption but to keep checking their web site for updates. When the animals are available for adoption their bios will posted on the site with the other adoptees. Sue Bucholz, director of CDHS, wrote about their trip south to rescue the animals. Hats off to all who helped with this effort. We should be proud of the wonderful and caring humane societies in our area.


To read Sue's article click here.


Check on animals available for adoption at CDLN here.

Adopting a Pet

Thinking about getting a dog or cat? Pet Project Inc. in Dickinson has a great section on their web site about this. Please consider reading it, as well as other articles and materials, on getting a pet.

Here are some excerpts I particularly like:

"Getting a new pet can be an overwhelming decision, and should not be taken lightly."

"Hurried decisions often lead to homeless and abandoned pets."

"Adopting pets that need homes is a wonderful experience."

"Pets sold through newspapers and petstores are often the results of back yard breeders or puppy mills."

"The last place you should go for a new puppy or kitten is to a petstore."

"A young pet that is exposed to other people, car rides, other pets, loud noises, and new situations will grow up to be a well adjusted pet."

You can read the entire article by clicking here.

Duke

This is Duke. He's living with me temporarily because he needed a break from the hustle and bustle of the humane society. He's such a nice guy, very lovable, kind, quiet and gentle. His family had him for 12 years, up until just recently, when they decided to move somewhere that doesn't allow dogs. How sad! And how awful of those people to part with Duke after 12 years!

Here's his info:

Breed: Labrador Retriever/Doberman

Born: 7/1/1993

Gender: Male

I think Duke would be a great fit in any family, but after living with him for a couple weeks, I think he'd be most happy in a setting where someone is home during the day to spend time with him. He just loves being around people and other dogs. His other love is to go on car rides. He sits so nice in the car and doesn't bark or anything. He sits back and takes in the sights along the ride! If you know anyone who might be interested in Duke contact Pet Connection Humane Society in Bismarck at 701-222-2719.

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is approaching. Here are some safety tips from ASPCA:

1. Please don't leave your pet out in the yard on Halloween.

2. Keep your outdoor cats inside several days before and several days after Halloween.

3. No tricks, no treats: That bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Sammy.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise extreme caution if you choose to add a candle.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!).

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe.

7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not obstruct her vision in any way.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification.

For full text click here

Visitors and Comments

I'm really enjoying having this blog. Hopefully at some point the blog will have made a difference in some stray ND animal's life. The site meter shows that there are frequent visits to the site. Unfortunately, not very many comments. I was talking with a fellow blogger and she suggested that reading a blog may be a new experience for many of the visitors. Visitors may not know how to post a comment.

How to post a comment:
At the end of a post you'll see "0 comments", meaning there are no comments. Depending on how many comments there are the number will change, "1 comment" "2 comments".

To post a comment just click on "0 comment". A new window will pop up.

Type your comment in the "Leave Your Comment" box. You can either stay anonymous or add your name.

Type the letters in Word Verification (to keep spam comments off the blog)

Click "preview".

Click "publish your comment".

Done!

It may take a few minutes for your comment to appear.


I'm really interested in what others in ND are doing about the stray animals in ND. Please don't be shy; post a comment and share your thoughts with STAND.

Tips for Pet Owners

There are some great tips for pet owners related to the winter season approaching on Souris River Humane Society's web site.

This is a summary:


Don't let their fur coats fool you. Never leave your dog or cat outside when the temperature drops dramatically. But dogs still need regular exercise, so watch them closely during walks for signs of distress and be sure to provide shorthaired dogs with a coat or sweater.


In extreme temperatures, animals left outside for just a few minutes can suffer hypothermia and even death.

Pay special attention to winter-proofing an outdoor doghouse.

Free roaming cats often seek shelter from the cold in warm car engine.

Keep antifreeze out of harms way.

Other chemicals are hazards as well.

Take special precautions if you live near a stream or lake.


For the full version click here.

Jovi at James River Humane Society

This is Jovi from James River Human Society.

His specs:

Terrier Mix

Size: Small
Age: Adult
Sex: Male

Notes: Jovi is a male terrier mix that came to the shelter with five other dogs who's owners were not able to care for them. He is a sweet boy who didn't mind being groomed and getting the mats out of his coat. Jovi has that "rock and roll" hair do and gold record personality to match. He would be a great addition to a family wanting a small dog companion. Jovi will be neutered, shots updated and vet checked before going home.

I'm just guessing, but, do you think they named him Jovi because his hair is a little like the rock star, Jon Bon Jovi? I see a resemblance....

Quotations

Animal quotations for your enjoyment:

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." ~ Anatole France

"My little dog -- a heartbeat at my feet." ~ Edith Wharton

"I think I could turn and live with animals, they are so placid and self-contained, I stand and look at them long and long." ~ Walt Whitman

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." ~ Ben Williams

"A dog maybe a man's best friend but a horse made history..." ~ Anonymous

"No heaven will not ever Heaven be; Unless my cats are there to welcome me." ~ Anonymous


If anyone has a favorite quotation please post it!

Update on Jemina in Bismarck

Wonderful News!!!

I was just perusing Pet Connection's Web Site and immediately noticed that Jemina's biography is no longer there. (You may remember her from a previous post).

Since I kept Jem as a foster dog I have a special connection with her. You can imagine the flood of thoughts I had upon discovering the removal of her bio on the site: is the bio being updated, did she get sick....did she get adopted....?!

I looked at the clock on my computer screen-12:45pm. Pet Connection doesn't open until 1pm. The minutes ticked away like hours until finally the clock struck 1pm! I waited until 1:05pm to call to give the shelter workers a couple minutes to catch their breath after opening.


"Hi, this is Christine, a member of Pet Connection. I noticed Jemina isn't on the web site anymore..."

Pause. Only a couple seconds, but still, when your anxious for a response it seems like much longer.

"Yes. Jemina was adopted."

(!!!!!!!!)

The first emotion I feel is one of complete happiness, but it immediately passes as I begin to wonder where Jemina is at now.

I flood the person on the other end of the conversation with questions.

"When did this happen? Where is she? Who adopted her? How old are they? Did they seem really nice?"

Of course, I know that the knowledgeable, compassionate staff at Pet Connection would only let the best match for Jemina take her home. Still...I need to ask.

"Jemina was adopted by a couple in their 50's-no kids at home. Their rottweiler recently passed away from old age. They saw her picture at Walmart, met with her and they adopted her!"

I exclaim, "This is wonderful. JUST WONDERFUL!!"

The shelter worker responds in a calm, satisfied voice, "Yes. Yes it is."

Romeo, where art thou?

At the Dickinson Humane Society!

DHS has this to say about Romeo:

Romeo is a very handsome affectionate cat. He loves to snuggle and be petted.

He thrives on attention and is always purring.

Romeo says, "Take me home so I can purr and snuggle with you."

More specs on Romeo:

Breed/Color: long hair white and tabby
Box Trained? Yes
Age: 2 yrs. old
Gender: neutered male
Health Issues: none
Special Needs: none
Good with Kids? unknown
Good with Other Pets? Yes with some time for adjusting.

Celebrities and Their Pets

So, I was watching the E! "before the Emmy's" show. Teri Hatcher from Desparate Housewives approaches Star Jones and what do they talk about? You might guess any one of the popular topics of Hollywood: the thousands of dollars in jewelry they're wearing, the "in" fashion styles, plastic surgery... But, no, none of these topics come up. Instead...they talk about their pets! I was a little surprised to see Star Jones on the red carpet amidst all the glitz, glam and gilded lifestyles burst into conversation about her Maltese pooch!

A lot of people idolize celebrities and pay close attention to what they say, what they do and how they live. Perhaps celebrities talking about their pets will set a good example for others on having an animal companion, especially kindness to animals.

Should we take a look at a few celebrities who love their pets? Let's!

Jack Nicklaus and his Golden Retriever, Cali.
Ashley Judd and her Cock-A-Poo, Buttermilk.
Mel Gibson and his Australian Shepherd, Patch.
Oprah Winfrey and her American cocker spaniels, Sophie and Solomon.
N'Sync and their pug, Busta.
Mario Lemieux: Abby and Ben, Collie mix and New Foundland.
Alicia Silverstone: Samson, Rottweiller/Pit Bull mix.
Janet Jackson: a Chow Chow named Buckwheat and a mixed breed named Puffy.
Candice Bergen: Larry a Spaniel Mix; Lois a Basset & Terrier Mix.
David Duchovny: Blue, a Collie/Terrier Mix


Info compliments of thepoop.com

Shaggy Shuffle

Today Daphne and I went to the annual Shaggy Shuffle at the Capitol. I always enjoy seeing all the different kinds of dogs and other dog lovers. It's a great opportunity for dogs to socialize, have fun with their human counterpart(s) and get a little exercise. Most importantly, the event promotes the adoption of shelter animals all proceeds go to Central Dakota Humane Society!



I think Daphne had a fun time, and of course, gave me an opportunity to take pictures of her. She's always up for a walk and enjoys being around other dogs, especially the puppies. Tricia's Barkery, who makes Daphne's favorite treats, was there. Daphne's favorite right now are the pumpkin flavored treats.


I made Daphne pose with one of the clowns. I don't think she really wanted to, but as with a lot things, she gave in just to humor me. :o)







There were a few different paths to choose from: 1/8, 2 or 3.5 miles. Daphne and I chose to shuffle around the 2 mile path. We walked behind a couple Jack Russell Terriers with a sheltie mix traveling behind us. It was overcast with a nice cool breeze, perfect weather for a nice walk around the Capitol. A fun time had by all!

2 Brothers

These adorable kittens are at the MonDak Humane Society in Williston.

Name: 2 brothers
Breed: Domestic Medium Hair
Age: Under 6 Months






This is what MonDak Humane Society says about them:
We have 2 little brother kittens, aprox. 7 weeks old that were found abandoned. They are both very lovable and cuddly. These 2 have been checked out by a Vet. and they are healthy and FELV/FIV negative. They are nearing the end of treatment for ear mites and that is clearing up real well. These 2 are being kept in Williston in foster care.

Niki with the cute smile

Look at this precious face! This is Niki, another temporary resident of the humane society in Grand Forks.

Unfortunately, the large size and natural protection instincts of the Rottweiler often attract the wrong types of people. These are the types of people who shouldn't be allowed to have animals.

A couple weeks ago a staff person at a humane society told me a man came to the shelter and was interested in adopting a rottweiler. He said, in a bragging tone, "I know how to handle this breed, hit them in between the eyes." *&$^#)@ Luckily the man is stupid enough to have said this out loud. Of course, the shelter would never have given this man a chance to adopt the rottweiler, much less any other animal! When ignorant, aggressive people keep animals, the animals usually end up being aggressive, too, out of fear of their owner.

Actually this breed is calm, trainable, courageous, and devoted to their owner and family. They have a reliable temperament. Serious, steady and confident. Firm and careful training is essential for this breed, otherwise you may end up with a very powerful and overly aggressive dog. (from one of my favorite dog breed sites, http://www.dogbreedinfo.com )




Niki's petfinder.com notes:
Niki is a 3 1/2 year old Rottweiler. She has been spayed. She is a large dog looking for a new home. Pet Tips: Exercise is essential for rottweiler dogs, because of the muscular nature of this breed. Obedience training is strongly suggested.

Annabelle the Bunny Rabbit

This is Annabelle. She's currently living at the humane society in Grand Forks. If you're interested in adopting Annabelle call the GF humane society at 701-775-3732 or email them at gfhumane@yahoo.com.


Notes from her petfinder.com entry:

Annabelle is a 2 year old female rabbit. Rabbit Facts: Although there are about 25 species of rabbits, only one has been domesticated: Oryctolagus cuniculus. Like rodents, rabbits have incisors that grow constantly and must be worn down. Rabbits are also quite different from hares. Rabbits are born blind, deaf, and furless in underground burrows. In contrast, hares are born already furred in a nest of grass, with some vision, hearing and a better ability to get around. Hares are also wild and undomesticated.

September 11

Thoughts of love, compassion and peace go out to all beings who died on 9/11/01. Many Thanks to firefighters and rescue dogs who put their lives on the line to save and help others.

Hurricane Katrina: Help the animals

If you've been watching the latest news on Hurricane Katrina you'll know that people in New Orleans were forced to evacuate without their pets. Those who couldn't leave their pets behind couldn't evacuate. Some animals have been abandoned; some have been taken to various shelters. If you'd like to help with pet relief go to one of these sites:

aspca.org


la-spca.org


petfinder.com



Related Information:


CNN News Story


Another CNN News Story

This is Jemina. She's at the humane society in Bismarck. She is very loving, calm and gentle. She would love to be in a home where she's the only dog (because she has so much love to give and receive).

Jemina is a Rottweiler. Unfortunately, when people see this breed they automatically think "mean, aggressive, unsociable". This is just not true. Jemina is the complete opposite. If you know of a loving family who might be interested in Jemina contact the Humane Society in Bismarck (www.petcon.org). For information on Jemina check out her bio http://www.petcon.org/allphotos.asp?animalID=2865 on Pet Connection Humane Society's web site.

Welcome!

Welcome to the STAND blog! To post comments you need to become a member of blogger.com. Or you can make comments on posts without having to become a member. Please get involved with this effort! Share the url with your friends and families! Let's find these homeless animals good homes!