Rabbits in Fargo

Adopt-a-Pet of Fargo-Moorhead has a few rabbits in need of homes. The rabbit in the photo in Karmel. Some specs on Karmel: is almost 2-years-old, is a neutered male and weighs 5lbs. He had an ear infection that caused a head tilt, but has been getting better, and his tilt is hardly noticeable. However the tilt never slowed him down or stopped him from climbing, he just needs to be handled VERY carefully. He is EXTREMELY active. Needs lots of time out of his cage running, he will wear you out just watching him have fun exploring hissurroundings and climbing all over you. He is a very social rabbit. Is litter box trained inside his cage. Would do best in a home as an only rabbit. Because of his head tilt, he would not be good in a home with small children.

If you are not in a position to welcome a rabbit into your home, consider donating any of the following to Adopt-a-Pet:

* Hard plastic baby toys or other bunny-safe toys (new or used).
* Baby blankets, towels, bed sheets or bathroom rugs - any size, new or used, color or design irrelevant. No frayed edges or chemical stains, rabbits like to curl up and play with these.
* Realistic looking stuffed rabbits to be "companions" for foster rabbits.
* Yesterday's News Cat Litter.
* Purina Rabbit Chow Pellets 50 lb. bags (Stockman's Supply carries these)
* Water bottles.
* Timothy Hay or Oat Hay.
* Puppy pads, any brand and size - used for bottom of cages.
* Indoor rabbit cages - size medium on up.
* Litter Boxes: cat any size or rabbit/ferret any size or shape.
* Animal food dishes or ceramic crocks.
* Gift certificates to any local grocery store (rabbit's need fresh veggies daily).
* Gift certificates for PETCO where we get supplies, toys and litter.
* Gift certificates for Target, Kmart or Wal-Mart where we can get litter boxes, cage building supplies, and cleaning supplies.
* Gift certificates for Stockman's Supply where we can buy Purina Rabbit Chow Pellets.
* Any toys from Busy Bunny.
* Laundry Detergent (Liquid)

If you're interested in either adopting a rabbit or donating any of the above items contact Adopt-A-Pet on their cat & rabbit line: 701-232-5856.

Apple Creek in Bismarck Closes

Leonard Moos, owner of Bismarck’s Apple Creek Kennel for 38 years, had his dogs taken from him over the weekend. The 83 golden retrievers — including 37 puppies that were bred to be sold to a pet broker in Kansas — were removed from Moos’ care because of alleged code violations. A Minnesota shelter that is caring for the dogs called the kennel a puppy mill, but Moos said he was just too old and too slow and was falling behind. The problems, including improper cleaning of the kennel runs and lack of straw in the runs, were noticed at a routine inspection last week.

After the inspection, the USDA contacted Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota, a small organization that takes in surrendered or found goldens and finds them new homes. RAGOM came to Bismarck on Saturday to collect the dogs. It was the largest one-time rescue for the group, and it solicited help from the Animal Ark Shelter. The dogs were taken to Hastings, where volunteers worked into the early morning hours Sunday to unload the animals and take care of them.The dogs were washed and fed, and those that needed medical attention were cared for right away, Fry said. Again, Jirsa-Smith was unavailable to comment on the alleged physical maladies.

Temporary homes were found for the dogs, but many of them still need permanent homes. Monetary donations would also be welcome; according to RAGOM, the veterinary bills for the 83 dogs will likely top $25,000.

For information about adopting a dog or making a donation, check out www.ragom.org, or call 952-946-8070.

For the full article in the Bismarck Tribune CLICK HERE.

Pet Food Recall

Press Release from ASPCA:

NEW YORK, March 23, 2007—Based on new reports issued by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets that rodent poison was found in laboratory testing of the tainted pet food recalled last week, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), through its Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), has the following information to provide to the public: Aminopterin, a toxin found in some rodenticides available outside the USA, is a folic acid antagonist, i.e. it disrupts the body’s ability to utilize folic acid. In animals, this can result in loss of appetite, diarrhea and weight loss. It may also cause leucopenia, which is a reduction in white blood cells, as well as birth defects.

Aminopterin is closely related in chemical structure and mechanism to a drug called methotrexate, which is used to treat some cancers, both in humans and animals. Renal failure has been reported in human patients receiving methotrexate. We do not know if aminopterin can cause renal failure in pets.

- For a complete list of affected brands, CLICK HERE.

- The American Veterinary Medical Association has some excellent advice and information on its Web site for both pet parents and veterinarians: CLICK HERE.