Monday, August 20, 2007

Some pets available for adoption at Oreo's.

Tinkerbell


Princess



Benjamin



Contact information:
West Dakota Veterinary Clinic (Oreo's Animal Rescue)
93 21st St. East Dickinson, ND 58601
Phone: 701-483-0240
Email: dockim@ndsupernet.com

Military's Best Friend

Article from the Grand Forks Herald

Military's Best Friend

By Jen Braaten, Northern Sentinel Staff Writer
Published Friday, August 17, 2007

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. - Being deployed overseas to fight the War on Terror gives purpose to the hours of training as there becomes a mission to expedite - even for furry, four-legged dogs.

This week Staff Sgt. Christopher Bradford and his explosive control dog, Fendy, will deploy in support of the Iraq war. Fendy, a Belgium Malinois, carefully listens with perked ears to the assertive, yet reserved voice commands of Bradford.

Trained to identify explosive devices, Fendy will conduct gate and convoy sweeps, said Bradford. Once an explosive is found, the dog will sit awaiting the notice of the handler. The method in which explosive control dogs find their target remains undisclosed.

Military dogs are extremely useful and an invaluable tool, said Jeff Cariveau, Grand Forks Air Force Base kennel master.

“Other mechanical devices are used to search for explosives, but are not near as effective,” Cariveau said.

Cariveau continues to explain the difficulty of working dogs in the desert, battling 130 degree August temperatures. The dogs are equipped with booties, keeping bare paws from burning. Also, air-conditioned vehicles and kennels help keep the dogs from overheating. As Bradford and Fendy arrive in the Middle East to work with an Army unit, they will have an opportunity to execute the drills they've practiced for the past three years. Integration of veterinarians, handlers and dogs among differing military branches is common because of the combined training effort encompassing the working dogs.
Like most military working dogs, Fendy's trained to attack, too.

“The dogs are trained to attack on command, and command only; unless a handler is being harmed,” Cariveau said. Fendy is one of eight total military working dogs at Grand Forks Air Force Base; seven are trained to recognize explosives and one for narcotics. Each dog is paired with a handler and, unless deployed, the dogs will remain at the base, even if the handler is relocated. Within the 319th Security Force's squadron's Military Working Dog unit are eight handlers, a trainer and a kennel master.

Members of security forces can volunteer to be dog handlers and attend a school that will prepare them to train their dog.

Initial military dog training is conducted at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, regardless of the service branch to which the dog and handler belong.
“Two new members are waiting for training,” Cariveau said.

Once the new members are trained and paired with a dog, the total number of pairs at Grand Forks Air Force Base will be 10.

The most common breeds are German Shepherds and Belgium Malinois because of the dogs' ability to be trained and for attacking.

Avar, a 9-year-old German Shepherd and handler, Staff Sgt. David Helmbrecht soon will be deployed to Southwest Asia. Another pair soon to leave is Staff Sgt. Mark Ochoa and Borek, a 3-year-old mixed-breed dog.“We have a minimum of one (pair) deployed at any time,” Cariveau said. “Since 9/11, the need for (trained) dogs has increased.”

Although other animals and pets are on base, the military working dogs account for the most activity at the 319th Air Refueling Wing Veterinary clinic.
Dr. Jaspreet Gill and Army Specialist Heather Aguas conduct six-month checkups on the military dogs and are constantly available to service the needs of the dogs.

Currently, the clinic is unable to do surgery, but plans to have that option in 2008. Otherwise, Gill and Aguas, a veterinarian technician, examine and treat pets (including horses at the base stable), issue health certificates, conduct monthly inspections, administer vaccinations and do lab work.

As the military dogs become older, they are checked for typical issues within their breed. Common with German shepherds is arthritis and hip dysplasia, Aguas said. Once a dog is unable to physically perform the necessary commands, it is retired from service and becomes available for adoption.

“Most of the dogs are adopted by the handlers,” Cariveau said.

Animal Pound in Bismarck

New Animal Control Center Approved
Aug 15, 2007 - 04:03:47 CDT
By GORDON WEIXEL Bismarck Tribune

Though it will cost more than they originally expected, the Bismarck City Commission gave approval for construction of a new animal control center.

Commissioners unanimously approved an expenditure of $419,600 for the impound at Tuesday's meeting. The city took over the formerly privately held Pet Connection Humane Society well over a year ago. Pet Connection had been unable to meet its budget and was forced to turn the operations over to the city, which had contracted with the organization as the city animal impound.

The city commission had put aside $300,000 for construction of a new facility, but Police Chief Deb Ness later found the new building along with utilities would come in much higher. Bismarck did work out an agreement with the city of Mandan to provide impound services. Mandan will provide $75,000 for the facility along with paying $14 per day per animal it brings to the pound and up to 25 percent or $750 a month toward utilities.

Ness recommended that construction contracts be awarded to Capital City Construction as the general contractor; HA Thompson & Sons for mechanical work; and Electrical Systems for electrical work. Total costs of the contracts come to $419,600.With Bismarck's budgeted $300,000 and Mandan's $75,000, the project still came up $44,600 short.

Commissioner Sandi Tabor indicated the additional funds could come from the city's general fund.Ness reported that the owner of the building that the city currently uses as an impound is willing to extend the contract with the city until April of 2008 and will negotiate further time if necessary.Commissioners did question the need for a garage for the facility.

Ness explained that during the winter, it will be easier to unload animal in a garage. In cold, slippery conditions, it may be easier for animals to escape, and if they did they would still be within the confines of the garage. Further, the garage will provide storage for food and other materials needed to house the animals.Tabor made the motion to accept the recommended bids, which passed 5-0.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Millie and Buster


Meet Millie and Buster, mother and son. They are in a foster home right now and available for adoption, to the right home, through Adopt-a-Pet in Fargo. Information from Adopt-a-Pet's web site:


Millie and Buster are a mother and son team. Millie is about 3 ½ years (16 pounds) and Buster is approximately 3 months old (7 pounds). They are Poodle/Terrier mix possibly with Maltese or Lhasa Apso. Both are current on their shots and on heartworm. Millie has possibly had a few batches of puppies, and has not been spayed yet. She will need to be spayed by end of August. Buster will need to be neutered in October.

Both dogs love people and have a quiet temperament. Millie is submissive but protective of Buster. She loves to be held like a baby with her tummy scratched. Buster is very energetic and is learning to play fetch. They are both learning how to interact with other dogs and cats and are doing well. They’ve had limited interaction with children but have done fine. They are only kenneled at night, and do well when kenneled together. They are left in a large entry during the day with access to a dog door and large fenced yard, and don't have any accidents in the house. However, Buster does have occasional accidents in the evening when having the run of the house. They will both need continued patience and commitment working with house training.

It would be best if Millie and Buster would be adopted together. Buster is VERY attached to Millie. Buster is constantly curled up sleeping with Millie or following her around. He definitely prefers having a canine companion, and because of that and his energy level, his new forever home will be a more enjoyable experience if Buster has a constant playmate.

Millie and Buster's foster home are much attached and want the perfect dog lover home for these two.


For more information call Adopt-a-Pet's dog line, 701-232-5681.


Felines in Minot

The Souris Valley Humane Society in Minot quite a few cats for adoption. Below are photos of Reno, Lovey and Diamond. If you are interested in finding out more about one of the beautiful cats call the humane society at 701-852-6133.























Saturday, August 04, 2007

BKC Dog Show: Bismarck

If you live in the Bismarck area, you might be interested in attending the Bismarck Kennel Club's dog show. It started August 3 and ends August 5.

Ticket Price: Advance: Entire Show Adult $7, $4 12 & under, Daily Adult $3, 12 & under $2 Days of Show: $10 Entire Show Adult, $7 12 & under, $5 Daily Adult, $3 Daily 12 & Under

Advance tickets on sale at Bismarck Animal Hospital, KT Animal Supply and Gourmet Doggie Diner in Bismarck and Groomingdales in Mandan Three All Breed Dog Shows Obedience Trials and Rally Trails For further information contact: Bill Nieland 3375 14th St NW, Lot 53 Coleharbor ND 58531 701-337-5324.

For more information visit the Bismarck Civic Center site and the Bismarck Kennel Club site.