If you're free tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon, maybe you could take a hour or two to help feral cats.

Community Cats Maryland is having a shelter building workshop where they'll teach people how to build winter shelters for feral cats. You can help the group build shelters, or build one to take home for feral kitties in your own neighborhood.

Here's what the group says about the event: 

We'll supply the power tools and expertise, we just need volunteers to supply the manpower!

These cat shelters are made out of plastic storage tubs, which can be purchased at Home Depot, Lowes, etc. The 18-gallon Rubbermaid Roughneck bins like these work well.

Continue reading "Help feral cats Saturday at shelter workshop" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 3:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Events
        

Full disclosure: This is not a new photo. It was taken in 2006, but just pointed out to me by an animal-loving colleague. And it's such a great image, I thought it deserved a bit more play. What a fierce, fierce orange kitty! A little tiger, clearly. And he doesn't even have claws! I hope that even though a few years have past, Jack the cat has as much -- if not more -- spirit. Here's what the National Geographic said at the time.

Jack, a 15-pound orange-and-white cat, cat sits under a treed black bear in a backyard in West Milford, N.J.. When the bear climbed down, the cat chased it up another nearby tree. Neighbor Suzanne Giovanetti thought Jack was simply looking up at the bear, but soon realized the much larger animal was afraid of the hissing cat. The cat's owners called it away and the bear ran off. (AP Photo/Suzanne Giovanetti)

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

A cat in Iowa has tested positive for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, state officials confirmed this morning, marking the first time a cat has been diagnosed with this strain of influenza.

The cat, which has recovered, is believed to have caught the virus from someone in the household who was sick with H1N1. There are no indications that the cat passed the virus on to any other animals or people. The cat is a 13-year-old male.

Prior to this diagnosis, the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus had been found in humans, pigs, birds and ferrets.

Continue reading "Cat becomes first to get H1N1 flu" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 2:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Health
        

The other day I was walking Teddy Bean and revealed The Bean's latest hobby to someone at the park.

"I can't believe I'm actually going to say this cause it's so disgusting," I began, "But I have cats and...."

Before I could finish the sentence, she did: "And he eats the cat poo?"

Sigh. Yes. I think Teddy Bean has developed a taste for the litter box.

While watching TV this weekend, I heard a rustling in the box. Leo was to my right, Pumpkin dozing to the left. I lifted the dome and there was The Bean, kicking gravel with abandon.

Continue reading "Forbidden love: Teddy Bean and the litter box" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Health, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

More than 40,000 family pets die every year in house fires, according to Protection One, Inc., a national home security company with offices in Baltimore.

The company has launched a public service project focused on saving the lives of pets. They are providing FREE pet safety decals that alert firefighters that a pets are living in a home. People stick the decals onto a front door or window where they can be easily noticed in case of an emergency.

Pet owners can get a decal online here.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Health
        

Yeah, I know Hello Kitty isn't exactly a cat, per se. But as a tyke, I was incredibly smitten by this big-headed white kitten -- and her best friend, Mimi. I didn't have any real pets, but I collected Hello Kitty change purses, stickers and little notebooks.

Hello Kitty all but vanished as I grew out of cartoon kitty stuff, but recently it all came back with a vengeance. Disturbingly, the iconic Kitty has been embraced by the likes of Paris Hilton, Target and, as the above picture shows, Swarovski crystal.

Sorry, Kitty. It didn't use to be like that.

Anyway, the Los Angeles Times take a look back at the history of Hello Kitty and her modern resurgence.

In the story I read that the Kitty, now 35, has a boyfriend. A boy kitten named Daniel. Wow. 

A "Super Hello Kitty Jewel Doll", studded with diamonds, sapphires and a citrine for its yellow nose, is displayed at the "Girlish Culture Hello Kitty" exhibition in Tokyo. Luxury cyrstal maker Swarovski, Japanese toy firm Sanrio and Japanese jewelery maker I.K. unveiled the 15 million yen ($150,000) Hello Kitty to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Hello Kitty character. YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Fun stuff
        

On CBS, there's a nice interview with the author of the new book, "To the Rescue: Found Dogs with a Mission." It's about people who rescue animals, and then train them to do good in the community, to sort of give back. The author, Elise Lufkin, brings Linus to the live interview, a real sweetie with three legs who volunteers at a hospital.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Pet videos
        

For the past couple of weeks, bidding has seemed strong at the online auction, Shop-A-Paw-Looza that benefits the Maryland SPCA....but it closes TUESDAY at 9 p.m.

So if you want to get your hands on some pretty cool stuff while supporting the SPCA (which brought Teddy Bean to Baltimore), you need to get your bids in.

There's everything from two tickets to the Bruce Springsteen show at First Mariner (though I'll be honest, you need big bucks to win that one) to gift certificates to local restaurants, salons and dog washes. There's packages with wine and beer, doggie day care passes, tickets to the theater -- all kinds of stuff.

Check it out here.  The poster, at left, done by the artist who did the famous Obama campaign image, is just one of the items up for bid.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 3:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events
        

Two area shelters are offering great deals on orange and black cats this week to celebrate Halloween.

At the Maryland SPCA, all adult orange and black kitties are free ALL week!

And then, at Baltimore Humane Society, all cats with any orange and black markings are half off!

Not bad. I looked and there are a TON of eligible kitties at both shelters....

Don't forget, at BARCS, all dogs are just $13 to adopt through Halloween.

Trick or treat!

Picture of a lovely orange kitty, who would be FREE at the SPCA, courtesy of Meormeor's photostream on Flickr.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Events, Fun stuff
        

It looks like a story that started horribly for one Baltimore kitty is getting a happy ever after ending.

Gabrielle, the kitten that was tortured and burned in West Baltimore in August, has almost completely healed and been adopted by a loving owner who not only is a vet tech, but has a home filled with other kitties for Gabby to play with.

Karen Reese from Recycled Love, the organization that took care of Gabby's medical expenses, says the kitten is living with Rob, a veterinarian technician and behaviorist at Route 140 Veterinary Hospital. He says that 90 percent of the kitty's fur has grown back and expects the rest to come in in the next few weeks.

Continue reading "UPDATE: Burned kitty healed, living the good life" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats
        

Most pet owners would leap into action for an injured pet, even if it meant risking dog breath by going mouth-to-snout.

Fifty-eight percent of pet owners — 63 percent of dog owners and 53 percent of cat owners — would be at least somewhat likely to perform CPR on their pet in the event of a medical emergency, according to an Associated Press-Petside.com poll.

Tammy Parks, 52, of Amherst, Mass., has taken a pet first aid class and wouldn't hesitate to help her 15-year-old mixed breed terriers, Lucy and Julia, or her white fronted Amazon parrot Koko.

"It's not rocket science. The mechanics are the same as humans," said Parks, who was an American Red Cross first aid trainer. "Size is the biggest difference."

In general, though, the poll found few pet owners are prepared to handle pet emergencies. Just 20 percent of pet owners have a pet first aid kit in their home, and 54 percent do not have a fire evacuation plan for their pets.

Read more here.

Continue reading "What would you do for a hurt pet?" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Health
        

This Saturday from 10 a.m to 7 p.m, the Baltimore Tattoo Museum (1534 Eastern Avenue) will sponsor a Tattoo-a-thon to accommodate all those who pledged to go under the needle to bring Rescue Ink to town.

Proceeds from the Tattoo-a-thon will benefit both Baltimore Humane Society and Rescue Ink, helping both groups to continue their important work in animal welfare. Tattoos will be given on a first come, first served basis. There will be two designs to choose from (shown here -- dogs to the left, cat to the right) and the prices will be $100 each. Rescue Ink will not be present at this event. The size of the tattoos will each be about the size of a silver dollar.

Continue reading "Rescue Ink/Tattoofest: Here's what's up" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (19)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Celebrities and their pets, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff
        

This photo taken Oct. 4 shows pugs Mochi, left, and Olive posing for a photo dressed as Geisha girls at their home in Huntington Beach Calif. The stepsisters have been geisha girls, surfer girls and sushi over the years. Lower, a closeup of Mochi. They belong to costume designer Lisa Woodruff. (AP Photos/Richard Vogel)

Participate in Unleashed's Costume Countdown by sending a JPEG of your best (or worst) effort at costuming your pet to jill.rosen@baltsun.com.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Pet accessories
        

Here's an Unleashed way to throw some good thoughts to all the thousands of walkers and runners participating today in Maryland's Race for the cure in Hunt Valley.

It's a picture of breast cancer Survivor Missy Fish and her cat, Jack. Missy and Jack are a part of the Purina Cat Chow's Connected for the Cause campaign to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Photo: Business Wire.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Events
        

The best-dressed pugs are at it again. This time hanging 10 -- at least.

We're counting down to Halloween here at Unleashed with a costumed pet photo every day. Send in yours, in JPEG form, to jill.rosen@baltsun.com. We'll post 'em. And laugh at 'em.

This photo taken Oct. 4 shows pugs Mochi, left, and Olive both 4 years old, pose for a photo dresses as surfers on a surf board and in their styrofoams made wave at their home in Huntington Beach Calif. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

Did you miss the sushi costume yesterday? It's awesome. Check it out.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Pet accessories
        

There's been some confusion brewing about the Rescue Ink tattoo -- what it will look like, what it will cost, how the tattooing will work. Tracy Santos of the Baltimore Humane Society wrote me just now and wanted to clear up at least a few things. More to come later, but in the meantime, she says:

The design for the paw print has not been released yet, I plan on doing that as soon as I have all the details for that day in place. There will be two designs to choose from. The price discussed was $100, but still has not been confirmed. Baltimore Tattoo Museum has stated that if they can accomodate people's requests they will, but it is likely that they won't be able to, due to the sheer number expected to show up that day.

I feel like due to the misinformed person's comments many people are backing out and deciding to just donate directly to Rescue Ink. While it's each person's choice, we are just trying to think of the best way to accomodate everyone in a timely, orderly fasion. I hope to have more info asap, however I still need to touch base with a few people to get the details in place.

The event will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m on October 24th at Baltimore Tattoo Museum, and it will be on a first come, first served basis.
 
Thanks,
 
Tracy

Posted by Jill Rosen at 2:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events
        

For day two of Unleashed's Costume Countdown to Halloween -- could this be any cuter? Any more clever? It's a dog dressed as sushi! The owner is soy sauce. I love, love, love it.

This photo taken Oct. 4 shows Lisa Woodruff, right, dressed as a bottle of soy sauce standing with her 4 year old pug Olive posing as a piece of sushi at her home in Huntington Beach Calif.  (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

Send in your costumed furry one and I'll post as we countdown with a costumed pet every day till Halloween. Send JPEGS to jill.rosen@baltsun.com

Check out Olive yesterday and her step-sis dressed as flowers.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Pet accessories
        

With Halloween right around the corner and BARCStoberfest on Saturday, I thought it would be fun to have a Cosume Countdown, featuring an animal in a costume every day up till Halloween -- and even right on afterward if you guys keep the costume pictures coming. SEND IN PICTURES! We'll show off the best, the silliest, the cutest, the craziest --- anything really. Just send it with an explanation of who you are and who's the lucky fur thing in costume. (Send JPEGS to jill.rosen@baltsun.com)

I'll start with great pictures that I've collected from the wire -- including a number featuring these adorable pugs who are lucky enough to have a costume designer mom.

This photo taken Oct. 4 shows pugs Mochi, left, and Olive posing for a photo dressed in their flower costumes at their home in Huntington Beach, Calif. The stepsisters have been geisha girls, surfer girls and sushi over the years. They may not understand the tradition, but "pugs understand positive energy," explained dog owner, partner and costume designer Lisa Woodruff.

AP Photo/Richard Vogel.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Pet accessories
        

I am a huge, huge, huge fan of Simon Tofield.

You might not know who he is, but you might know about his adorable and funny videos that have been such a hit on YouTube. They're not just cute. If you have a kitty, you'll realize what a genius Tofield is at depicting the character and mannerisms of a spunky cat.

Well, Tofield has published his first book called "Simon's Cat in his Very Own Book." Just released September 24, it's really sweet and would make the perfect stocking stuffer sort of thing for any kitty lovers on your holiday list.

If you're going to go do a You Tube search, might I suggest you start with this one, my personal favorite. You'll soon see why it's gotten more than 10 million hits. Simply brilliant.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Celebrities and their pets, Fun stuff, Pet videos
        

NAME: Achilles
 
OWNER: Peter (and brother of Twinkie and Nittany).

HOW THEY MET: adopted as a kitten from Feline Foundation of Greater Washington DC.
 
AGE: 5
 
HOME: Baltimore.
 
BREED: American Shorthair
 
BEST TRICK: Able to climb shelves in pantry and get own feather down from top shelf, throw it to the floor, and run off an play with it.
 
To see more pets that have been Collared, click here. 

Want your pet to be featured in Unleashed? Click here to download the Collared questionnaire. Fill it out and email it to us, along with a web-sized jpeg, at unleashed@baltsun.com.

Continue reading "Collared today: Achilles" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Collared
        

A Woodstock chiropractor was initially miffed this week when he opened a box of supplies shipped from Texas and noticed tufts of fur. Then he spotted the cat, which had hitched a ride from Dallas.

"My first reaction was, I didn't know what kind of animal he was, so I closed the box back up," said Brett St. Aubin, clinic director at Chiro One Wellness Center of Woodstock.

The stowaway's collar identified him as Cody Bennett, 2, a black and white cat who disappeared Monday from the Chiro Design Group, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Cody jumped unnoticed into the roughly 2-by-3-foot box as it was being packed, said Marie Webster, whose daughter owns the cat.

Continue reading "Oops, I accidentally mailed the cat" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

Either American Idol judge Simon Cowell is much sweeter than he lets on on TV, or he's trying to make up for the nasty situation involving an Idol wannabe over the summer, but the judge has written a really big check for the animals.

The Los Angeles Times reports Cowell donated $30,000 to Linda Blair's WorldHeart Foundation. Cowell apparently learned from a mutual friend that Blair's rescue was having financial problems.

"I think what Linda is doing is incredible," Cowell was quoted as saying in ContactMusic. "Seeing pictures of the dogs makes you [realize] what a fantastic job she's doing. When we spoke, I was really impressed by her passion and commitment, and offered to help her out financially."

Cowell also did an ad for PETA warning of the dangers of leaving pets in hot cars after an Idol auditioner left his dog in the car in 90 degree heat while his girlfriend tried out for the show.

Continue reading "Simon Cowell a softie for animals" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Celebrities and their pets, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

If you're not running in the Baltimore Marathon on Saturday, and you're an animal lover, you really have just one place to be: Dogfest.

It just sounds like such a cool event -- and a big one that raises money for the Baltimore Humane Society.

First off, despite it's name, it's not just about dogs. Sure, there will be TONS of stuff for dogs, but there will also be cats to see and even horses. For the dogs, there will be contests (like for the Best Kisser! and the Best Costume judged by First Lady Katie O'Malley --who I hear is bringing one of the O'Malley family dogs, Rex.), swimming pools and games. For the pet lovers, there will be plenty of vendors, exhibits and demonstrations.

The gates at Shawan Downs in Hunt Valley open at 10 a.m. and close at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. Dogs are welcome, but not on retractable leashes.

Teddy Bean will be there!

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff
        

I said I wasn't going to do it, that I wasn't the type of pet parent that would put their dog in a costume.

And yet, we're approaching Halloween and Teddy Bean has, I'll admit it, a selection of things to wear.

Hee.

If he'll permit himself to be outfitted, he's going to look ADORABLE. But if he doesn't want to be costumed, I'm not going to force him.

I just decided it's the spirit of the season -- where's the harm in a little festive costume? Especially, if, hint, hint with the picture to the right, its would be ridiculously perfect for him? Heh.

Does anyone have strong feelings about pets in costume? I'm pretty sure my deskmate to the right, keeper of the B'More Green blog, would dress her Dizzy up over her dead body.

If you are pro-costume, want to share some of your all-time greatest Halloween hits? Or perhaps what your furry one will be dressing as this year, if, of course, the little dear will keep it on?

(You can also upload a photo to our pets in costume reader photo gallery.)

Continue reading "Someone furry has a Halloween costume...or two..." »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

Here's some great news for all of us who can't bear the thought of parting one day from our furry ones.

According to this story in the New York Daily News (apparently re-purposed from MSNBC), the average pet is living as long as 15.

“Just as the average life expectancy for people keeps reaching closer to the century mark, we’ll continue to see the same parallels in our pet population,” said Martha Smith, director of veterinary services at Boston’s Animal Rescue League.

How long your pet lives can vary with breed though. Small to medium-sized pooches live longer than larger dogs. Toy dogs stick around for the longest time, while giant breeds like Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, Great Danes and Irish wolfhounds have the shortest life span.

In general, cats outlive dogs, with many indoor ones living long enough to celebrate their 20th birthday. Siamese and Abyssinians live the longest.

Pictured above is the remarkable Mookie, who just this week, began experiencing his 23rd October. Mookie lives in Baltimore County and was featured earlier this year in Collared. Go Mook go!

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Health
        

So about a zillion of you are waiting and waiting for more word of what's up with Baltimore's effort to get the Rescue Ink tough guys to town to rally support against animal cruelty in town.

Well, after last week when MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED OF YOU volunteered to get paw print tattoos if they guys would come here, that got the attention of the network, their fundraisers and, as I told you late last week, the guys themselves.

On Wednesday, one of the show's producers called, sounding quite interested in the possibility of bringing the show to Baltimore. While she made no promises, she was really impressed with everyone's passion about animal issues and wants to further the explore of doing a Rescue Ink episode in town.

Continue reading "Rescue Ink Update: The producer gets in touch!" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (15)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Celebrities and their pets, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

The U.K. always thinks of all the good stuff first.

The country's animal advocate, PDSA, has come up with the Pet Fit Club, a kind of "Biggest Loser" contest to whip oversize dogs and cats into shape while drawing national attention to the dangers of animal obesity.

Socrates, the long-haired kitty pictured, weighed 22 pounds at the beginning of the contest, thanks largely to a diet heavy on cheese and onion crisps. His target is to be less than half the kitty he started as -- or about 9 pounds. He's five years old and belongs to Bill Duncan.

Socs has 100 days to reach his target goal. He's on prescription diet food, and, according to Duncan, doesn't much care for the portions. Go Socs!

Check out Socrates progress in this story.

Cheer on the other contestants here. 

(Photo courtesy People's Dispensary for Sick Animals).

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Health
        

On Monday I went to observe an emergency preparedness drill for Baltimore County. What made it special is that for the first time in the state, officials were rehearsing opening a shelter that people and pets could share together. After Hurricane Katrina, it was clear that state and local governments needed an emergency plan to handle animals -- officials estimate as many as 600,000 pets died or were lost in the Gulf Coast storm and its aftermath. What makes this option pretty great for people with pets, is that you wouldn't have to leave your pets in the middle of a disaster -- you could be in the same building and able to check in on them. So much more peace of mind....

Here's a video Sun photographer Algerina Perna put together at the site, Eastern Technical High School in Essex:

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Health, Pet videos
        

About a week ago we told you about a sad little kitty in Philadelphia that someone wrapped in duct tape and left in a yard. The story generated much response -- those who thought it was animal cruelty at its worst, others who couldn't see what the big deal was.

Animal rescue workers got the tape off the cat, that was found in time not to have been too harmed, and nicknamed her Sticky.

According to the Associated Press, a teen has been arrested in the incident.

The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says 19-year-old James Davis was arrested Saturday on animal cruelty charges. Official George Bengal says Davis admitted to taping up the cat from neck to tail after he spotted it in his yard Sept. 21.

Continue reading "Teen arrested in duct taping of cat" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

Ok. So yesterday afteroon two of the guys from Rescue Ink called me -- their publicist had told them about the amazing tattoo pledges underway in Baltimore.

I had a conference call with Johnny O, the one in the hat, at left, and Eric. They only go by first names.

Anyway, they were floored with the tattoo pledges. And they really would like to come back to the city -- they were here quickly a number of months ago after Phoenix, the pit bull, was burned and died. As a non-profit, they've got to figure out a way to pay for a trip, but it sounds like something that they're at least now thinking about. Read my whole story here.

"We never say no, especially when it comes to animals," said Johnny O. "We have an idea of what Baltimore is about."

In the meantime, Eric said stopping animal abuse is all about working together. Not being vigilates, but being aware and together as a city. That attitude, he says, will have potential abusers on guard.

If I'm an abuser and I’m worried that everyone is watching me, it’s going tomake me think twice," Eric said. "That’s kind of what we do to people. They say, 'I better not screw around cause I never know who’s going to call on me.' No one take crap....."

By the way, we're now up to 64 people pledging to get paw print tattoes if Rescue Ink comes to town!

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (22)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

For those of you caught up in the organically growing movement of sorts to tempt the guys of Rescue Ink to come to Baltimore to kick some animal-abuse butt, you'll want to know that two of the people who pledged to get a tattoo if they guys come here have created a Facebook page for the effort.

See it here. It's the work of Emily and Jacob.

I just got off the phone with two of the guys from Rescue Ink -- Eric and Johnny O. More coming on that later.....Meanwhile NEARLY 60 Unleashed diehards and animal lovers have promised to get paw print tattoos if the guys can make it to town. Wow. You are all pretty impressive!

(Of course if anyone's headed to Facebook, don't forget to become a fan of the Unleashed page, if you haven't already!)

Posted by Jill Rosen at 3:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Celebrities and their pets, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

Someone completely wrapped a cat in duct tape and dumped her in North Philadelphia on Tuesday.

"Whoever did this is very sick," said George Bengal, director investigations for the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, told ^ABC, as quoted by the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I've never seen a cat totally wrapped like a mummy before."

According to the Inquirer, the female cat, nicknamed Sticky, is doing well after she was sedated so the tape could be cut away with scissors. A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to a conviction. 

Continue reading "'Sick' person wraps Philly cat in duct tape" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 2:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (48)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

In response to the Unleashed throwdown yesterday, asking readers to make pleas to the muscled, inked men of Rescue Ink to come to Baltimore in the name of stopping this city's animal abuse....not one but TWO brave readers offered to get paw print tattoos if the guys come to town. (Note from Jill: As of 12:56 p.m., it's now THREE thanks to Lindsay!) (Another note from Jill: As of 1:15 p.m., we've got FOUR thanks to Carol and a few more folks on Twitter acting interested....) (Um, at 1:26 p.m., we've got FIVE!!!) (Update: As of 1:53 p.m., thanks to Reada and DCDiva, we're up to SEVEN!!!!) (Update. 2:01 p.m. Kathy says she'll be EIGHT!) (Update: Betsy and Shannon make NINE and TEN.) (BIG UPDATE!!! 2:29 p.m. Two of the Rescue Ink guys are going to talk to me tomorrow afternoon! I'll tell them all about everyone's pledges!) (2:32 p.m....Julianna and V make 12.) (2:43 p.m. Steven and "BehindBJ" make 13 and 14.) (Caitlin makes 15 at 2:51 p.m.) (2:58 p.m. Spam and his girlfriend Anna make 17!) (Samstersmom makes 18 at 3:09 p.m.) (At 3:31, Stephanie makes 19.) (Tracy makes 20, providing it's not too expensive, she says. 4:07 p.m.) (4:30 p.m.: SoboJosie makes it 21.) (4:45 p.m.: Lauren and Dawn join the pack, making 23.) (6:48 p.m. Baltimoregal and Jen are in, rounding out a nice 25.) (7:37 p.m. Janet makes 26.) (8:07: 27 = Michelle!) (8:12 p.m.: K.M. says it would be "a pleasure." So, 28.) Phew! (9:19 p.m.: We've got four more: Megan and Andy her housemate, Gina and Frank. That would be 32.) (Add in Wendy C. to make 33.) (And Anna = 34). (And at 11:18, the last of the day, Stephanie, to make 35.)...(Thursday morning: Larissa said overnight she'd be willing to be "inked for the cause." 36!) (10:08 a.m., Valerie says she'd get her 1st tat for this. 37.) (10:26 a.m. Brian confirms. He's 38.) (Davida makes 39 at 10:40 a.m.) (10:49 a.m. Husband and wife Barbie and Joey are in, as is "Cynical Eastern Shorn Girl." That would be 42.) (And Melanie. 43.) (44 with Josh.) (12:04 p.m. And apparently Tara, to make 45!) (At 46, Jacob says "Bring it," Rescue Ink!) (Emily R. makes 47.) (12:15 p.m. Patrick L. and Meekrat make 49.) (12:19 p.m.: Plus WendyLou, even though she doesn't live in Baltimore anymore. 50.) (Lauren and Emilie make 52!) (12:43 p.m.: Amy for 53.) (No. 54 is Mila.) (We've got Darlene at 55.) (Jackie is 56.) (Hope is 57.) (4:10 p.m. Shaun, another B-more ex-pat is in. 58. Deborah might make 59.) (Theresa and Sara, the latest to join the potential tat club. That's 61!) (Make it 62, says Maegan.) (JillyBean, no apparent relation to Teddy Bean, would like to be No. 63.)...FRIDAY: John says he's 64. Liz is 65. Pat and Kerry make 67. No. 68? That's Adel! Mary and her husband are in, for 70. 11:30 a.m. Tim T. proudly joins the pack. 71....No. 72 is Sara who says, "Anything for the animals." ..Justine says she's ready for paw prints. 73....Tattoo and kitty lover Kim is 74....75 is Michele.....Sisters Diane and Dona are ready for paws. 77. James is 78...Dave is 79. Stacey makes it an even 80....Stephanie says she'll make tat No. 8 a paw. She's 81... Leonard's daughter convinced him: He's 82. Making 84, there's Cynthia and Jennipea.... Couple Toni and Tony, Krystal, Melissa are in for tattoos. It will be Melissa's first! 88. Co-workers Casey and Tiffany make 90! Add Joshua. 91. And Angela: 92. Virginia and Andrea want in: 94....Michael and another person who together have four dogs and two cats. 96....Pat, Mike and Jacq for 99...Tara is 100. Wow. 100...Shaun is 101. 102 is Joshua.

Go Shannon and Jaime!

"We need some muscle to rough up the scum who abuse innocent animals," Jaime writes....

Wow. How can they refuse that? These are men who respect the tattoo. ... Someone also offered to buy them a round of drinks.

I'm still trying to get these offers in front of the Rescue Ink crew. Hopefully they'll even respond.

Image of paw prints in the snow courtesy of rmceoi's photostream on Flickr.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (126)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Celebrities and their pets, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Have you heard of the Rescue Ink guys? They're a gang of heavily tattooed, none-too-dainty chaps on a mission to, perhaps surprisingly at first blush, stop animal abuse.

They've got a new TV show that premiers Friday night on the National Geographic Channel. And they've also got a new book -- a few copies of which I'm willing to give away to folks who can come up with the best pleas to get the guys to come to Baltimore.

This city has animals in need. Big time. So write up a few lines beseeching the be-inked crew to get down here and start busting some heads or whatever they do in the name of furry ones.

They say they "stop at nothing within the bounds of law" to help helpless, abused and abandoned animals.

Don't you think we could use them? Get your pleas in.... I'll pick some winners by the end of the day..... And I'll do my best to make sure the guys see what you write.....

Continue reading "Win book by tempting Rescue Ink to Baltimore" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (24)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Celebrities and their pets, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Interesting piece from the Chicago Tribune, previewing an animal rights/free speech issue that the Supreme Court is expected to tackle next month:

A tiny white kitten squeals in pain as a flame from a lighter burns his fur. Another terrified kitten cries in agony as it is crushed by a woman's spiked heel. Another video clip shows pit bull dogs viciously ripping into the neck of a trapped pig.

The Supreme Court has often said freedom of speech includes ugly and foul speech, but this fall, the justices will be looking at some of these video clips to decide whether selling films of dog fights or the torture of helpless animals is protected from prosecution under the First Amendment.

The dispute, due to be heard in October, has driven a wedge between traditional free-speech advocates and the defenders of humane treatment of animals.

What do you think? Read the rest of the story here. Here's the New York Times' take on the issue.

Photo of sweet kitty from Katie Tegtmeyer's photostream on Flickr.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Health, Pet videos
        

All pet owners should glance through this new website -- it could save your dog or cat's life...or at least save you some money at the vet....

HealthyStuff.org, a new site that compiles the results of hundreds of consumer products tests, lists, in addition to many other things, information about pet toys.

The site tested more than 400 products, including beds, toys, collars and leashes. Disturbingly, many of them contained toxic substances. They found collars and dog beds with high levels of lead, a flowered puppy collar with a lot of cadmium and a squeak toy for cats with too much lead -- among other things.

They also list a number of products -- things by Kong and Nylabone, for instance -- that passed the tests with flying colors.

A beagle steals a hazardous pet toy from a display during a news conference at the Central Vermont Humane Society in Barre, Vt., on Wednesday. The Vermont Public Interest Research Group and the Central Vermont Humane Society announced the launch of a new Website that shows which consumer products – including those for your pet – contain potentially dangerous toxic chemicals. AP Photo/Toby Talbot.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Health, Pet accessories
        

I attended the first public meeting of Baltimore's newly appointed Anti-Animal Abuse Task Force earlier tonight.

The crowd that settled into the auditorium at Polytechnic Institute wasn't massive -- about 75 people, many volunteers at or supporters of the city's animal shelters and rescue organizations.

After the task force members greeted the crowd -- the panel includes elected leaders and their staff and representatives from shelters, the police, animal control, churches and non-profit groups -- people had a chance to address them. Many offered suggestions, a few told sad stories.

The overriding theme of the evening was education -- person after person urged the panel to consider creative ways to get into the schools and churches to teach young people empathy for animals.

Continue reading "Small crowd, big ideas for animal abuse task force" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events
        

The city's new Anti-Animal Abuse Task Force is inviting the public to its third meeting on Wednesday night.

The meeting will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, 1400 W. Coldspring Lane.

Mayor Sheila Dixon announced in July the creation of the task force, a group that includes representatives from city offices, the police, the states attorney’s office, animal welfare organizations and city residents.

The task force has been charged with assessing the effectiveness of Baltimore’s cruelty laws and brainstorming ways to raise awareness of animal abuse. They’ll also consider ways city agencies and animal advocates can better coordinate their efforts.

The task force will issue recommendations to the mayor.

Continue reading "Public invited to animal abuse task force meeting" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Health
        

NAME: Rusty.

OWNER: Melanie.

AGE: 1 year.

HOME: Baltimore.

BREED: Orange Tabby.

HOW THEY MET: A colleague was on his way to work when he noticed an odd smell coming from his car. When he arrived he found the kitten wedged in the engine of his car. Some of the aquarium staff came to rescue the kitten.  The cat was treated and lived on Sue Hunter’s farm before he was adopted by me.

BEST TRICK/FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Stealing socks. He will jump on the bed and grab a sock by mouth and carry it out of the room.  Often time the mate to a sock is in another part of the house.

TOY THIS PET CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT:  He plays with all of his toys... sometimes things that are not toys.

FAVORITE FOOD: Greenies cat treats.

HAS A BIT OF A BATHROOM FETISH:  He really likes the bathroom. After someone takes a shower, he is always sure to jump in the bathtub and get his feet wet and you can always find him relaxing on the floor.

Continue reading "Collared today: Rusty" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Collared
        

Here's a kitty who's head over heels in love -- with a bowl.

To be fair, it is a really nice bowl. I can see the attraction. The kitty belongs to Sun reporter Scott Calvert. When he was stationed in South Africa, he brought the bowl along just because he knew how much it meant to Georgi.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Fun stuff, Pet videos
        

As we approach Sunday's season opener for the Ravens, wondering if anyone has pets with passion for the purple? Will anyone be dressing their dog or kitty in the team colors? Getting out the violet leash for the weekend?

I've run into THREE Black Labs around the area named Raven. At least. And I saw a dog a couple weeks ago in a Ravens Jersey at Patterson Park -- and that was just preseason.

So I know some of you folks must be in on this decorated team spirit pet thing. ...

Tell Unleashed what you do to get your pet ready for the game. Send pictures (of course) if you've got 'em. Or tell on your friends and family who might have embarrassed their dog or cat by going too far....

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff, Pet accessories
        

More bad news from BARCS. Yet ANOTHER animal abuse case. Luckily, at least, this kitten survived his ordeal, which happened on Sept. 5. Here is what BARCS director Jennifer Mead-Brause just told Unleashed:

I am sorry to announce that there has been another abuse case in Baltimore. On the 2600 block of Wilkens Avenue, a witness saw a few boys holding a small orange and white kitten by its tail, swinging it into the air and then hitting its head on the ground. The woman also thought they were trying to throw the kitten onto the roof. The woman took the cat and handed it off to another woman who then brought the kitten directly to BARCS.

After the BARCS Veterinarian Technician examined the 3 month old kitten, now named Miracle, it was determined that the jaw was most likely broken. Utilizing the Franky Fund, the technician sent the kitten to Everhart Animal Hospital for x-rays and further evaluation. It has since been determined that the kitten will need surgery on its jaw. Dr. Goodman, from Everhart Animal Hospital, will be performing the surgery later this week. The prognosis for Miracle is good.

Continue reading "A kitten abused again in Baltimore...." »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

It was "the cat lady" who took care of more than 100 cats in her Texas home. But when she died in July at 72, what would happen to all of those kitties?

Particularly in a town without an animal shelter?

The Austin-American Statesman reports on a remarkable effort by the woman's neighbors to take in each of the 110 cats, and to get them fixed and adopted into new homes.

Nearly two months after the woman's death, they've largely succeeded in finding the felines homes, the paper writes. Just 16 cats remain, all at one neighbor's house.

Corinne Delisle, along with other volunteers, take care of 24 adoptable cats, a portion of the cats left behind when Glinne Berry, known as the "cat lady", died in July. Blanco County, Texas, has no animal control agency or animal shelter, so the 72-year-old woman's neighbors knew they had to step in and help. (AP Photo/American Statesman, ricardo B. Brazziell)

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

A new calendar that features Orioles players posing with their pets benefits the Maryland SPCA.

It's just $15 and available at the shelter on Falls Road, Camden Yards, local Petco stores and online. The 15-month calendar starts in September, so you can start using it right away.

The calendar features players and the animals they love including Brian Roberts, Nick Markakis, Jeremy Guthrie.

And hey, since they're not playing so well, it might be nice to look at these guys with something in their hands other than bats and gloves.

Continue reading "The O's calendar perfect for pet lovers" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Celebrities and their pets, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

Too many kitties on the Web? One company thinks so and is encouraging a one-day ban on online kitties.

The AOL site Urlesque is trying to organize "a day without cats" on Sept. 9. On that day, they don't want Web sites to post anything feline-related. No wonderful Nora videos. No LOLcats. I couldn't say anything about Leo or Pumpkin. Nothin.

They say that cats have "engulfed" the net, that there is a "kitty overload," and that, well, they're "leading the charge in uniting the web in a much deserved one day break from cats."

Well now.

Maybe the world needs a one-day break from them! Besides Urlesque, the sites they say have joined them, pledging to be kitty free, include: PetSugar, ZooBorns, Zoomdoggie and PawNation.

To compensate, Urlesque says it will spend the week leading up to Sept. 9, celebrating the cat. AOL spokesman Kurt Patak even tried to assure Unleashed his people are "big cat lovers ourselves."

Really? Hmm. Thou doth protest too much, methinks.

Carlos peeks out from inside the front door at the Baltimore home of Soonok Winkey. On Sept. 9, some would have Carlos' cute face banned from the Internet. (Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore Sun Staff).

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

U.S. News & World Report thinks that of all the places in the country, Ellicott City is one of the best for pet lovers.

The magazine honored the Howard County spot in a recent issue, saying it's "an easy drive from Baltimore's animal shelters and also offers more than 100 square miles of green space within 15 miles of the city."

County Executive Ken Ulman didn't miss the chance to boast.

 “Lately I’d been hearing other good things from both Fishy and Bait, the pets who live at my house," he wrote in a news release. " Fishy and Bait are Beta fish who seem to be thriving, thanks to the tender loving care of my daughters Maddie and Lily.  I guess it was only a matter of time until U.S. News & World Report caught on (pun fully intended) to the fine life pets and their owners are enjoying in Howard County.”

So what do you think, pet people? Is Ellicott City really the best around here for dogs, cats, goldfish? Or are there some other spots that are more worthy? Basing this designation mainly on average weather and amount of green space seems a bit off. What about dog parks? And pet laws? No?

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

Gabrielle, the kitten set on fire -- twice -- in Baltimore a few weeks ago has healed significantly and is nearly ready to go home. 

And, her handlers say, there's a good home in mind for her. (But more on that later....)

Earlier this month someone in West Baltimore saw kids throwing bricks at the kitten and then she saw them pour liquid on the her. She turned away and when she turned back, the kitten was on fire. Though the kitten extinguished the flames, the kids set her on fire again.

The kitten rescuers named Gabrielle has been being treated for weeks at Spay Maryland hospital in Catonsville. Recycled Love is paying for her care.

"She is very comfortable and has a healthy appetite," Karen Reese with Recycled Love says. "Dr. Sinclair is anticipating a medical release within the next few weeks."

Continue reading "Burned Baltimore kitty on verge of new life" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

As regular Unleashed readers know, we love Nora, the piano playing kitty from Philadelphia. She's been a YouTube sensation for quite some time, but lately, she's getting a second wind of buzz from the traditional media.

Here are some freshly-released fun facts about the famous kitty:

* Nearly 20 million people have watched her play. She has made the television talk show circuit and has videos, two books, her own Web site, a blog, three calendars, mugs, greeting cards, T-shirts and posters.

* She lives with five other cats: Gabby, Max, Rennie, Miro and Clara.

* She was found at a Cherry Hill, N.J., shelter where there was a sign on her cage that said "bossy." She doesn't like other cats.

The Associated Press just moved all of these pictures of Nora voguing for the camera at her home. She's the kitty of piano teacher Betsy Alexander. AP Photo/Matt Rourke.

Continue reading "Nora the piano kitty: A photo extravaganza" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Fun stuff
        

WASHINGTON — Two minutes after he cleared a private plane for takeoff and a fateful flight over the Hudson River, an air traffic controller at New Jersey's Teterboro Airport was on the phone with a woman in the airport operations office, joking about barbecuing a dead cat.

"We got plenty of gas in the grill?" the controller asked. "Fire up the cat."

"Ooh, disgusting, augh, that thing was disgusting," the woman responded.

According to a draft government transcript obtained by The Associated Press, the two continued to banter until seconds before the private plane collided with a tour helicopter over the Hudson.

Nine people — three members of a Pennsylvania family in the plane and five Italian tourists and a pilot in the helicopter — died in the Aug. 8 accident.

Associated Press file photo of the wreckage of the planes floating in the Hudson River.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

This has got to be one of the cleverest shelter ad campaigns I've seen. It's the creation of the Michigan Humane Society, which, like pretty much every shelter, is suffering from a deluge of kitties.

Certified Pre-Owned Cats. How awesome is that?

The shelter is giving away adult cats for free. Hance the "zero percent down." It's so Michigan. So Motor City. I love it.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

The kitty that falls asleep on your pillow purring every night -- is she worth just the $30 you paid for her at the shelter?

Or your loyal dog, who you walk with every day -- what, $150?

That's the value that showed up on your credit card -- but is their real value about more than the pricetag? In a court of law, that might not be the case.

A courtroom in Virginia is wrestling with that very issue, according to this interesting story in Monday's Washington Post.

According to the story, Jeffrey Nanni has sued his former domestic partner, Maurice Kevin Smith, alleging that Smith maliciously killed their 12-pound Chihuahua, Buster, two years ago by hitting him with a wooden board. The suit says, Nanni, 42, a paralegal, "continues to suffer severe emotional distress" and should be compensated for it. He's aksing for monetary damages for Buster's worth, "which includes Buster's unique value . . . as a companion animal."

Continue reading "How much is your dog or cat worth?" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Our colleagues at Patuxent reported on a truly horrendous case in which three men unspeakably tortured a cat to death and then threw it in a river.

What's a bit different about this case is that the men were immediately caught and charged.

Here's what Bryan P. Sears reported: Kevin Abel, 19, Scott McDowell, 18, and Richard Rioux, 25, were all arrested Thursday night and charged with animal cruelty and abuse resulting in the cat’s death in an incident which occurred July 31 in the Edgemere area, according to Bill Toohey, a police spokesman.

Abel, of the 4300 block of Bedrock Road in White Marsh, was house sitting for a friend in the 3100 block of Lynch Road near Edgemere, Toohey said.

According to police reports, Abel invited McDowell to the house shortly before midnight. When he arrived Richard Rioux was there as well, Toohey said

Rioux was allegedly “spinning the cat around in a circle on the floor, hitting the cat, putting the cat in a microwave, in the freezer and spinning him on a ceiling fan before putting the cat in a bag with rocks and tossing him into (Back River) off Lynch Point,” Toohey said.

Toohey said all three men were intoxicated at the time of the incident.

Continue reading "Yet another disgusting case of animal cruelty" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (23)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

Here's an SOS that just came into Unleashed. Can someone help this woman's friend before she drowns in kitty pee?:

I live in NY and love reading your blog.

I have a friend who is having a problem with a new cat.  He has had the kitten/cat for several months but recently she has developed some strange behavior.  They have ruled out health problems already.  The cat has been urinating on their bed and couch right in front of them.  They have been cleaning the cat box three times a day just to rule that out too. They are at their last straw and are getting rid of the Kitty. Has anyone ever solved a problem like this. I want him to be able to modify the behavior before Kitty has to go bye bye.

Any thoughts?

Patty

This kitty's problem, if he has one, isn't peeing. Photo courtesy of DanPerry.com's photostream on Flickr.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

A New Jersey man with allergies, a love of cats and a lot of extra money is suing a Delaware company for failing to deliver the one thing he didn't have: a "hypoallergenic kitten."

Andrew Reale says he signed a contract for the kitten with Allerca, which also is known as Lifestyle Pets, in 2007. He paid $7,900 for the kitty. The Warren resident is still waiting for delivery.

According to the suit, as reported in The Associated Press, the company sent Reale an e-mail saying delivery had been affected by "decreased kitten production."

The biotech company's Web site claims its cats are bred to produce a genetically engineered protein that will not cause allergic reactions in humans. However, the scientific community has raised questions about the claim.

Pictured above is a lovely, allergy-laden regular kitten, courtesy of Tina Keller's Photostream on Flickr.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

Gabrielle, the kitten kids recently tortured and burned in West Baltimore, is healing well, her doctor says.

"She's eating and comfortable and healing really well," Dr. Leslie Sinclair at Spay Maryland in Catonsville said this morning. Sinclair added that she "absolutely" thinks the small black and white kitten is going to make it.

Someone called animal control a week or so ago after seeing kids throwing bricks at the kitten and then pouring a liquid on her and setting her on fire. Though the kitten was able to quash the flames, the kids set her on fire a second time.

Recycled Love is handling her vet bills and plans to offer her for adoption as soon as she's healed.

If everything keeps going as well as it's been going, Sinclair guesses that could be as soon as three weeks from now. The doctor said there's a good chance Gabrielle will even be able to re-grow fur in the burned area.

"She's just a sweetheart," Sinclair said. "If anyone goes by her cage, she stands up and purrs. She's going to make someone a wonderful cat."

Photo of Gabrielle starting to heal by Karen Reese of Recycled Love.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (11)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

If you love Nora, the piano playing kitty -- and who doesn't? -- you won't want to miss this story about her in USA Today. The photo gallery alone is worth the click. Way, way, waaaay too adorable.

A friend introduced me to the YouTube video about Nora a while ago, and it's just delightful. I told you recently about how she inspired a "Catcerto."

Nora's owner, Betsy Alexander of Philadelphia, tells the paper one day when Nora was one and a half, she heard someone playing the piano downstairs -- they couldn't imagine who.

"We went on the stairs and came halfway down, and there's Nora sitting there with her little perfect piano paws going plink, plink, plunk, plink," Alexander told the paper. Nora is the sixth kitty in her househould.

"Then she looks up at us like: 'How am I doing? Did you like it?' And we went berserk. We were laughing and applauding, and I guess that impressed her so much she was willing to continue the behavior."

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

Liz Kay, part of the team that handles the Sun's Consuming Interests blog, pointed out this story in Smart Money: 10 Things Veterinarians Won't Tell You. Some of this you might already know, but it's helpful information to have in the back of your mind as consider a trip to the vet.

Here are a few of the most useful points:

1. “Good thing you love Sparky like a son. His care could cost as much.”
These days veterinary medicine can be every bit as sophisticated as human health care — and the costs reflect it. From 2002 to 2006, the average cost of a veterinary visit for a dog rose from $172 to $219; for cats, from $133 to $172.

2. “Vaccinating your pet may do more harm than good.”
For years the primary reason for seeing a veterinarian was to get your pet vaccinated against a host of diseases. However, some veterinarians say they’re not only unnecessary but can actually be harmful in some cases. Plus, the immunity provided by some shots can last well beyond a year.

Continue reading "Things your vet won't tell you" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Health
        

Despite serious burns, Gabrielle, the kitten tortured in West Baltimore, is hanging in there.

Karen at Recycled Love told me yesterday that the eight-month-old kitty, is a fighter. She visited her at the hospital on Sunday. (Recycled Love has assumed care of Gabrielle from BARCS.)

"She is doing wonderfully well for all that she has been through," she said. "She continues to be a loving and sweet cat. She is so responsive to human contact; she purrs constantly when she is being petted. 

"It will probably be two weeks before we can really be optimistic. As with any burns or open wounds, infection is always a concern. But at this point, her prognosis is good."

A citizen called animal control about a week ago saying she saw several kids throwing rocks and bricks at the tiny black and white cat. She saw them pour a liquid on the cat. She turned away and when she turned back, the cat was burning. The cat was able to roll and put the flames out, but the kids caught it and set it on fire a second time.

Continue reading "Burned kitty hanging in there" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

No one worries so much about the puppies and kittens -- the easy-to-adopt animals that seem to fly out of shelters.

It's the others that need help. The older ones. The ones with health issues. Maybe they're too big. Or the wrong color.

To nudge people into considering these less obvious pets, Petfinder has declared Aug. 12 Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Day.

Petfinder.com surveyed shelters and found that 96 percent of them have adoptable pets with "extreme difficulty" finding homes. More than 40 percent have pets who've been waiting for homes for one or even two years.

Continue reading "Consider the 2nd choice on 'less adoptable' pet day" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events
        

According to MLB.com, a gray kitty appeared mysteriously on the field of Kauffman Stadium during Wednesday's game between Kansas City and Seattle.

Some thought it came from the stands. Others pointed to the Mariners' bullpen.

"It jumped from the stands into our bullpen," Mariners' reliever Shawn Kelley told MLB.com. "It scaled an eight-foot wall, it really did."

The cat, the report says, bolted around the diamond, moving toward home plate, before running down the right-field line.

The game was delayed for nearly two minutes at the top of the fifth inning before stadium officials corralled the kitty.

GO KITTY GO! HEAD FOR HOME!  AP Photo/Charlie Riedel.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

A kitten is fighting to survive after kids threw bricks at her and then set her on fire in West Baltimore.

The 8-month-old cat, named Gabrielle at BARCS where she's being treated this morning, was deliberately set on fire and burned in the Garrison Avenue neighborhood, the shelters executive directer Jennifer Mead-Brause says.

Despite serious burns on her side and back, she's hanging in there, walking around and even purring, Mead-Brause told Unleashed this morning.

"She's doing OK," she said. "I feel good about her. She's going to take a long time to recover and like with Phoenix, she's got to be able to fight off the infection."

Phoenix, a pit bull puppy, was doused with gasoline and set on fire in Southwest Baltimore in May. She had to be euthanized a few days later after her kidneys began to fail due to her injuries.

[UPDATE 11:08 a.m. The Snyder Foundation is offering a reward of $1,000 for anyone that comes forward with information leading to the conviction of the individuals responsible for this crime.]

Continue reading "Kitten tortured, burned in West Baltimore" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (89)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

If you loved reading about Dewey, the library cat, the first time -- there's more coming.

I'll admit, I skimmed through "Dewey" last year (I only wanted to read about the kitty, not about the library or the librarians) and got weepy when he died. 

According to Media Bistro, the Iowa librarian who co-wrote the first book about her beloved orange kitty, and reportedly landed a million contract for it, might get millions more with the sequel.

Here is what the site reports: 

Foundry Literary + Media founder Peter McGuigan reportedly landed a million dollar deal for author Vicki Myron at Dutton--hoping to replicate the success of Hachette's surprise bestseller, "Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World."

Myron co-wrote the original book--about the lost cat who charmed a library in Iowa--with Bret Witter, and he will return to work on the new book, "Dewey's Nine Lives." According to Publishers Weekly, Hachette will publish two picture books about the cat in coming months. Editor Carrie Thornton bought the book, and publication is set for fall 2010.

Here's more from the article: "The industry chatter is that the Penguin imprint paid a $2 million advance for 'Dewey's Nine Lives,' which is in the same vein as Dewey. McGuigan said, in describing the book, that it's about the 'amazing relationships between cats and their people' and added that it will also feature new stories about Dewey himself."

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

Leo and Pumpkin have obviously had some sort of a kitty summit where they decided that they weren't going to eat any more wet food.

This is new. They just decided this a week ago. They didn't issue a formal announcement -- they just started leaving their wet food in the dish, eating around it to get to the dry food. The weird thing is that up until this, they loved the wet food the most -- they gobbled it up first.

I guess as long as they're eating, there's no real problem. And according to Consumer Reports, the dry food is just as healthy as the wet. (And it costs less, too, so I'm not exactly complaining.) But it's just weird.

Where did this come from? Will they at some point want to go wet again?

Has anyone else ever had kitties that swore off something they once loved for no apparent reason? And two of them, in on it together? What are the chances of that? I thought I could count on Pumpkin to eat everything -- always. Very, verrrry strange.....

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

An art show that opens tonight benefits the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter, otherwise known as BARCS.

The show, featuring the work of about 15 area artists, opens tonight at Zella's Pizzaria, 1145 Hollins Street in the SOWEBO neighborhood. SOWEBO Arts is sponsoring the show, which runs through October. 5. The event starts at 6 p.m. and runs till 8 p.m.

The commission from works sold will be split between BARCS and SOWEBO Arts. You can support animals and the arts in one fell swoop. Admission is free.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events
        

Earlier today I posted an email making the rounds from Charm City Cats. Cat advocates were afraid that barn kitties at Pimlico and the other race tracks were being trapped and euthanized. 

I was able to contact Maryland Jockey Club to ask what was up, if anything. Here is their verbatim response: 

I would like to thank you for your comments about the cats living at our facilities: Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course and the Bowie Training Center. The Maryland Jockey Club greatly appreciates any comments and feedback from the public and takes all input very seriously.

The Maryland Jockey Club has always respected the rights and proper treatment of animals and supported policies to protect them. Our current policy relating to horses transported for slaughter has been in affect since October 2008 and bars any owners or trainers from all facilities for either directly or indirectly participating in the transport of horses from our facilities to a slaughterhouse or auction house engaged in selling horses for slaughter.  We care deeply for the welfare of all animals. 

I must clarify some points that you have referenced that are clearly untruths. There has been no trapping or removal of any cats from Laurel, Pimlico and Bowie and there is no plan for anyone employed by the Maryland Jockey Club to either directly or indirectly euthanize any cats.

Continue reading "Jockey club responds to kitty trapping accusations" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 4:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

Here's an interesting/disturbing email I just got from Charm City Cats. Coming on top of the recent feral cat dust-up at Northside Baptist Church.

Here's what they say :

Feral and semi-feral resident barn cats at the Pimlico, Laurel, and Bowie racetracks are being trapped and presumably euthanized. A TNR advocate met with a member of the management at Pimlico to try to convince them to consider TNR, or to allow us to try to address and solve any problems they are having, but management was not receptive. Trapping is already underway at Laurel and Bowie, and will likely start at Pimlico shortly.

We need polite, but emphatic, phone calls and emails to be addressed to the following people:

Continue reading "Kitties in danger at Pimlico?" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 1:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

Meow! We had quite the reaction to last week's Crazy Cat Lady post.

Methinks we touched a nerve. I mean, having two kitties myself -- I KNOW we did.

More than 20 people wrote in to talk about whether or not they thought the CCL mythology held any water. Some interesting theories. Like Sean, who thought you could be totally CCL even if you had no cats! He thinks it's something like a pre-existing condition.

Or there was Dustin who says, and I quote: "I believe a cat person is not defined by the company she keeps but is identified by the proportion of cat shirts one wears in a week."

So true.

Anyway. I promised there would be a prize in thise one. And the big winner is Diane Thomas who not only has 13 cats, but has, Angelic, a regular Unleashed reader, vouching for the spotless (and smell-less) state of her home. Diane's got 10 litter boxes that get cleaned daily. She wins a really, really cool cat book, "The Cat's Pajamas." The pictures are awesome. I kinda wanted to keep it for myself.

Plus, a few runner's up are getting one of the brand new Unleashed magnets.

Thanks to everyone who had fun with this one!

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Fun stuff
        

Who isn't looking to save money -- if possible -- on dog and cat food?

I know, we all want the best for our furry ones, but if you can have the best and spend a little less, who wouldn't do it? Consumer Reports recently offered some good advice on trimming the pet food budget.

The dollar-conscious magazine says:

Pricey doesn’t mean better. Avoid buying pet food because of the high price, pretty packaging, or fancy name.

Continue reading "Want to save money on pet food?" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Pet accessories
        

Do you have a little room in your life for a needy kitten or two? On a short-term basis?

BARCS is desperately searching for people to foster kittens. The shelter has been taking in 25 cats and 15 dogs a day. They're out of room. 

They've got dozens of kittens, with and without mothers. They need folks who will commit to raising them until they hit the adoptable age of eight weeks.

I had been thinking about doing it for a long time before I took the plunge with Teddy Bean. I recommend it. The Bean recommends it, too. Also, I wouldn't have found Pumpkin if someone in South Baltimore hadn't been kind enough to take him in for a while until he weighed two pounds.

If you would like to try it, or would like more information, please call BARCS at 410-396-4695 or click here.

Photo of itty bitty kitties courtesy of ncfc0271's photostream on flickr.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Ok. Let me say upfront there's a PRIZE involved in this one. ...

The helpful folks behind Tidy Cat did a survey and found that a disturbing amount of America believes in the concept behind "The Crazy Cat Lady." Meaning, if a woman, or even a man, has more than one kitty, something is up there.

The poll found 71 percent of all domestic cats living in the U.S. reside in multiple cat households. So, that would be quite a lot of crazy, no?

According to the survey, the majority of non-cat owners have negative perceptions about multiple cat owners and their homes, saying that they would describe people with more than one cat as being a homebody (75%), lonely (69%) and a "crazy cat lady" (58%). And, non-cat owners say they would describe multiple cat owners' homes as smelly (75%), having furniture and bedding covered in cat hair (85%) and being cluttered (66%).

Tidy Cats, who as a company that makes money from all these cat people, is campaigning to end the stereotype -- launching "Tidy Cats Campaign to End Cattiness." The campaign includes a contest where people with more than one kitty can share their stories.

Well, to win a prize right here on Unleashed, you can share your stories, but I'd rather you talk about whether or not you think the "Crazy Cat Lady" thing holds any water. You can say it does. You won't hurt my feelings. All that much. Or you can tell me why it doesn't. There's a great treat in it for the best response or two.....**UPDATE: A friend of mine raises a good point. He doesn't think two cats is enough to be CCL. He thinks it takes 4 or 5. Is there a certain number that vaults one into the CCL zone?

Continue reading "Crazy cat lady: Fact or fiction? You tell me....." »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 6:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (23)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

When your cat slips out the front door, as they're all too well known to do, the worst thing you can do is chase them, according to pet detective Laura Totis in Clarksburg.

"They saw the cat 20 feet away, and they went after it," she tells The Associated Press, describing what happened to one of her clients' kitties. "It went another 20 feet away and they did it again, and it disappeared."

She advises instead of running after the wayward cat, leaving the door open and then circling around the kitty to herd it back inside.

Other techniques to bring home your lost kitty:

Think like a cat. Cats don't walk like dogs along the sidewalk. They panic. "They run till they hit something," Totin says. Or, they might slink along a wall or a fence. They're looking for a hiding place.

Continue reading "Here kitty kitty! How to get the cat to come back" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

A wonderful update on the most remarkable of kitties from our pet colleagues at the LA Times. If you've heard of Nora, you'll love this. If you haven't, you must read this and get acquainted with her. You won't be sorry:

A piano-playing cat named Nora took YouTube by storm a few years ago when her owners, married Philadelphia-based artists Burnell Yow! (yes, the exclamation mark is part of his name) and Betsy Alexander, uploaded a video of her performances to the site.

Yow! and Alexander meant simply to share the video with Alexander's students (she teaches piano in addition to her work in music composition and studio art) and with their niece, who lived across the country. But word spread quickly among the Internet cat meme community; since the original video was uploaded in early 2007, it's received more than 14 million views. (A second video, dubbed "The Sequel - Better than the original!" was added a few months later and has garnered another 4 million views.) Nora, a gray tabby, became a star virtually overnight, and her musical stylings were described by the Times of London as "something halfway between Philip Glass and free jazz."

Earlier this year, Lithuanian conductor Mindaugas Piecaitis caught wind of the phenomenon and decided to compose an orchestral piece to frame Nora's piano playing. The resulting composition, "Catcerto" (Piecaitis' overly precious title, not ours), premiered at the Klaipeda Concert Hall on June 5. Video of Nora, the "featured soloist," played on a giant screen behind the Klaipeda Chamber Orchestra during the performance.

Continue reading "Nora, piano-playing cat inspires concerto" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Fun stuff
        

Nin, a dreamy-eyed black and white cat who patrolled the Northeast's highest peak as the Mount Washington Observatory's mascot for a dozen years and was the subject of a children's book, has died.

Observatory executive director Scot Henley says Nin died on July 14. He had retired in 2007 as top cat  and was estimated to be about 19 or 20 years old.

A rescued stray from Vermont, Nin was popular. In a Web site posting, Henley wrote summit visitors "undoubtedly scratched their heads with bewilderment when they noticed a rotund white cat patrolling the top of the tallest mountain in New England."

The Boston Globe wrote, "Nin spent a dozen years at the facility. Within its cold, concrete walls, he 'brought a little piece of home' to lonely staff members, interns, and visiting researchers, said executive director Scot Henley. Undeterred by harsh weather, he would follow them around, purring helplessly if they walked too fast for him to keep up. "

He was the kitty in the children's book, The Cat in the Clouds, by Eric Pinder, a former weather observer on the mountain. The book was published in May.

Nin was euthanized due to failing health. According to the Globe, his burial site overlooks the Northern Presidentials, "peaks he saw from the mountain home he loved."

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

Thanks to a last-minute intervention by a mediator, a Baltimore church has agreed to allow cat advocates to continue feeding feral cats on church property.

Because of the agreement, a protest at the church set for Sunday morning has been canceled.

The cat feeding volunteers, who are part of a citywide trap-neuter-return program, have been feeding a colony of cats on the Northside Baptist Church's lot for two years. A couple weeks ago, the church, fed up themselves with the cats, ordered the cat tenders to dismantle the feeding station. Church officials said the cats not only bother parishioners, they leave droppings all over their otherwise manicured lawn.

Alarmed that the cats would starve, one of the cat people, Denise Farmer, picketed the church by herself the last two Sundays. Cat advocates from across Baltimore had planned to join her tomorrow. 

But Alley Cat Allies, a national feline advocacy group based in Bethesda, heard about the controversy and sent a mediator over. The church agreed to allow the cats to feed in a more remote part of its grounds. Alley Cat Allies also agreed to give the church decorative stones for its flower beds and some motion-sensor devices that emit a high-pitched noise to repel cats.

"Obviously we all want what is best for the cats – and this agreement will ensure their presence on the ground with volunteers being allowed to feed," said Elizabeth Parowski, spokeswoman for Alley Cat Allies.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (19)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

I have a story in today's paper about a Northeast Baltimore church and a group of cat lovers who are in a bitter fight over feeding feral cats on church property.

The cat people, who are part of a citywide trap-neuter-return program, have been feeding a colony of cats on the Northside Baptist Church's lot for two years. A couple weeks ago, the church, fed up themselves with the cats, ordered the cat tenders to dismantle the feeding station. Church officials say the cats not only bother parishioners, they leave droppings all over their otherwise manicured lawn.

Alarmed that the cats would starve, one of the cat people, Denise Farmer, has picketed the church by herself the last two Sundays. This week she's hoping cat advocates from across the city will join.

See the full story here.

What do you think? Should property rights trump the rights of people to support animals?

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (34)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

It's not everyday that Unleashed and Kasper on Tap have overlap. But we do today!

Rob Kasper writes about a silly kitty named Maisy that spent the night in her owner's beer fridge. Maisy wasn't hurt. It wasn't clear what brand of beer she found so alluring. Kasper needs to delve further, methinks. Maybe it was Dogfish!

The owner, Bill Nelson, who is the local fire chief in his Australian town, was having family members over to watch a cricket match on the TV. He walked out to snag some brews from his beer fridge, located in a shed adjacent to his home.

Apparently, the cat followed him and jumped in the fridge when Nelson was not looking.

The cat was not missed until the next morning. Then an all out search was mounted around the household. At first, Nelson thought the cat might be trapped in the shed. Eventually he opened his beer fridge, and there was Maisy, chilly but unharmed, curled up on the fridge floor.

Burp.

Photo: Robin Sharrock in Herald Sun 

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

About 500,000 pets are affected in some way by home fires each year. And the American Kennel Club and ADT Security Services want to do something to cut that number.

They declared Wednesday National Pet Fire Safety Day, a national day of awareness day to make pet owners aware of potential risks to pets in their houses. 

Here are some tips:

Extinguish Open Flames - Pets are  curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.

Pet Proof the Home - Take a walk around your home and look for areas where pets might start fires inadvertently, such as the stove knobs and loose wires. 

Secure Young Pets - Especially with young puppies, keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home.

Continue reading "Ways to save your pet's life in a fire" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Health
        

Yesterday PetAirways made its debut at BWI. It's the first airline dedicated entirely to flying animals, where the dogs and cats sit in the main part of the plane as passengers and not in the cargo hold. About 40 pets arrived in Baltimore from Chicago Tuesday.
Here's a video that gives a sense of that the flights are like. While some aren't sure about the new airline, plenty of people seem to really like the idea. As one woman in the video says, "My pet is not a suitcase."

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Travel
        

While there's been much hoopla surrounding the debut of PetAirways, which opens today from BWI, not everyone is exactly thrilled.

One critic had some harsh words for the airline today in Huffington Post. Rachel Farris wrote:

"Today marks the first flight for the new PetAirways, a "pets-only" airline that caters only to the four-legged traveler. While their red carpets and wagging tails may seem glamorous, a business model that rewards quantity over quality and discount over value may not fly in the long run with the most precious of cargo."

Farris goes on to point out that the airline's profit depends on moving as many pets as possible. She implies that the company's budget approach make some nervous that corners could be cut when it comes to safety. And she said it could be hard to prove since the airline is not a member of the Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association.

She writes: "PetAirways doesn't belong to IPATA yet. And, since they are not operating a cargo charter, they won't be subject to the Department of Transportation incident reporting for live animals. Because of this, it will be hard for consumers to know exactly what happens after the cargo doors close. Without these statistics, and reliable service conditions, pet owners might find that with this new niche airline, the proof ultimately is in the puppy chow."

What do you think. Would you trust your pets to PetAirways?

Posted by Jill Rosen at 3:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Travel
        

It's true -- the kitties really are working you...

We may not be able to get cats to do much, but they can get us to do just what they want, according to a report published in the July 14th issue of Current Biology.

Crafty felines motivate people to fill their food dishes by sending a mixed signal: an urgent cry or meowing sound embedded within an otherwise pleasant purr. The result is a call that humans find annoyingly difficult to ignore.

"The embedding of a cry within a call that we normally associate with contentment is quite a subtle means of eliciting a response," said Karen McComb of the University of Sussex. "Solicitation purring is probably more acceptable to humans than overt meowing, which is likely to get cats ejected from the bedroom."

Continue reading "The cat's meow: There's more to it than you think" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Fun stuff, Health
        

Arthritis supplements bought by millions of pet owners for their dogs, cats and horses sometimes skimp on the ingredients the makers claim can help aching paws and aging joints, and some contain high amounts of lead, an independent laboratory found.

Four of the six joint supplements for animals tested by ConsumerLab.com lacked the amounts of glucosamine or chondroitin promised on their labels or had other flaws, such as lead. Wider testing by a trade group of 87 brands found that one-quarter fell short, the Associated Press reports.

Over-the-counter dietary supplements for humans do not have to be proven safe or effective before they are sold, and pills for pets get even less scrutiny.

"There is and there always has been" a quality problem, although many companies do a good job, said Mark Blumenthal of the American Botanical Council, which tracks research on herbal products.

Even when these supplements contain what they claim, there is little evidence that they work, veterinary experts say. A large government study of people with arthritis found that glucosamine and chondroitin did no better than dummy pills in easing mild pain. Testing these supplements on pets is more difficult.

Continue reading "Arthritis supplements shortchange pets, test finds" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Lost and Found
        

With Bo Obama at home back in the U.S.A., President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle are mixing it up with a cat during a visit to the presidential residence outside Moscow in Gorki on July 6. It's unclear if the kitty has a name. Great tail on that cat though! Russia's Dmitry Medvedev and Obama were meeting to discuss Afghanistan and cutting their nuclear arsenals. MIKHAIL KLIMENTYEV/AFP/Getty Images.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, First Dog Bo Obama
        

In the wake of a spate of highly publicized cases of gruesome animal cruelty, Baltimore has created a task force to curb such crimes.

Mayor Sheila Dixon announced on Tuesday the creation of the Anti-Animal Abuse Task Force, a group including representatives from city offices, the police, the states attorney’s office, animal welfare organizations and city residents.

Over the course of a year, the task force will assess the effectiveness of Baltimore’s cruelty laws and brainstorm ways to raise awareness of animal abuse. They’ll also consider ways city agencies and animal advocates can better coordinate their efforts.

The task force will issue recommendations to the mayor.

“The protection and safety of animals in this city is an important concern,” Dixon said. “It’s imperative we treat this issue with the upmost importance.”

The first meeting will be at 6 p.m. July 15 at City Hall — though it won’t be open to the public. Task force chairwoman Caroline Griffin, an attorney who’s on the board of Baltimore’s Humane Society, said the public will, however, be welcome at some future meetings.

Meanwhile, Dixon is asking anyone who sees suspected animal abuse to call 311.

Continue reading "Task force to try to prevent another Phoenix" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Health
        

Even though they're using it as an advertisement for a service, this is a really touching story of a long lost kitty -- and I mean REALLY long lost -- being reunited with his person.

When her cat, Dopey disappeared six years ago, Donna Lane-Mills gave up hope her beloved family cat would ever be found. But thanks to AKC Companion Animal Recovery, the kitty's back.

Because of a microchip, he was found at a shelter 20 miles from Lane-Mills' home in Sacramento, Calif.

Dopey had somehow found his way to another town 40 miles away and was adopted by an elderly woman. When she recently passed away, the cat was brought to the local shelter, where personnel there decided to scan the now 9-year-old cat, because due to his age, he would most likely be euthanized.

“When I checked my voicemail at work I received the most unexpected message,” Lane-Mills said, in a release prepared by the Kennel Club. “They let me know that Dopey had been turned in to a shelter. I had to listen to the message twice. I thought there is no way, Dopey’s been missing for six years.”

Continue reading "Owner reunited with lost kitty -- after 6 years" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 6:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

African Serval kittens are put on sale at the Summer Millionaire Fair in Moscow on June 27. The price of a kitten is $15,000 -- and that's U.S. currency. OXANA ONIPKO/AFP/Getty Images.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

I'm not sure why it took nearly five months for the Clinton folks to release this news, but it's sweet, so here it is, compliments of The Associated Press:

Socks, a one-time stray cat who roamed the lawns of the Arkansas governor’s mansion in Little Rock, has returned home for his final rest.

Officials spread some of the cat’s ashes in the mansion’s west flower garden during a private ceremony in March.

Attending the ceremony were Linda Dixon of the Clinton Presidential Library and the Arkansas first lady, Ginger Beebe, who read a poem she wrote in honor of the cat. A small plaque off a porch outside the mansion’s kitchen now honors Socks.

Continue reading "Clintons' Socks finally home" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Celebrities and their pets
        

Here's the final round of pictures from the American Visionary Arts Museum's annual Fourth of July pet parade and talent show. What a fun event. So many really cute dogs and puppies. One African tortoise. One kitten. One beta fish named Blueberry. Plenty of pets came costumed -- a lot of them in red, white and blue. Others wore what nature gave them. Good stuff.

To see more pictures, click here.  And click here, too!

Continue reading "Patriotic pets parade for Fourth, Part III" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events
        

The discovery of 10 lynx kittens this spring marks the first newborns documented in Colorado since 2006, heartening biologists overseeing restoration of the mountain feline.

According to The Associated Press, the tuft-eared cats with big, padded feet were native to Colorado, but wiped out by the early 1970s by logging, trapping, poisoning and development. They are listed as threatened on the endangered species list.

Biologists found no kittens the past two years, possibly partly because of a drop in the number of snowshoe hares, the cats' main food source.

This year, seven male and three female kittens were found in five dens.

More than 200 lynx from Alaska and Canada have been released in Colorado since 1999. Biologists don't know how many lynx are currently in the state.

This photograph taken in May at an undisclosed location shows a lynx kitten, which is one of 10 born this spring in Colorado, according to researchers. AP Photo/Colorado Division of Wildlife.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

Here is the second batch of my pictures from the hilarious Fourth of July pet parade and talent show at Baltimore's American Visionary Arts Museum today.

There will probably be at least a third batch, too.

There were about 80 pets registered for the event, even more unregistered  and my camera was stocked up on battery power -- I couldn't help myself.

Continue reading "Patriotic pets parade for Fourth, Part II" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 4:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff
        

If you're an animal person, the American Visionary Arts Museum's annual pet parade should be a must on your calendar.

More than 80 pets came out -- many sporting their red, white and blue -- for the event this morning. The costuming was as eccentric as you'd expect from the museum. A pup wearing a pickle. Not one but two pugs with the stars and stripes painted (hairsprayed, actually) right onto them. A tortoise that essentially hauled an entire art project on its back.

Check out my first batch of pics. More to come later. Happy Fourth!! PS:

And if you have pictures of your own pets on parade, either from this Fourth of July or some other parade, submit them here to show off to all the online world.

Photos by Jill

Continue reading "Patriotic pets parade for Fourth" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 1:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff
        

With a final rally, the three Baltimore shelters fighting to find homes for 500 cats and kittens in June managed to do it -- and more.

The Maryland SPCA, BARCS, and Baltimore Humane Society adopted a grand total of 573 cats and kittens during the month. In 2008, by comparison, the shelters found homes for 353.

The three shelters, as part of Baltimore 500, offered free adoptions on cats and kittens throughout the month of June to jumpstart their effort. Six vet offices offered free exams to kitties adopted during the promotion.

On Sunday June 28 I visited the MDSPCA and cuddled with an adorable kitten named Tortellini. By Wednesday when I dropped by the shelter again, the kitty was gone, hopefully to a wonderful home. In fact, every last kitten who'd been with Tortellini on Sunday was gone. Too cute to last -- particularly when being offered for free!

Congrats to all the shelters for saving so many kitties!

Sun file photo of a kitten that sort of resembles Tortellini.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

While Fourth of July revelers love the thrill and spectacle of a fireworks display, animal experts advise that the rocket's red glare might be too much for some dogs and cats.

We've got some advice for you, but first, for a story, the Sun is also looking for some people who'd be willing to talk to a reporter about how their pets react to fireworks. Comment to the blog and we'll get your information to the right person. Thanks in advance for sharing your tales of woe!

North Shore Animal League America, the world's largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization, these tips to help your pets have a better chance of enjoying Independence Day:

1. Never take your pets to a fireworks display:

Fireworks displays can be great fun, but not for your pets. The loud noises and bright lights can terrify an animal. Even the best-behaved dog may react with fear and try to flee from the scene, which could lead him into traffic or get him lost.

2. Give your pets a safe and quiet retreat:

Fourth of July festivities can frighten an animal, so it's important to provide a safe and quiet place to relax. Whether you secure a room of the house or blanketed crate, they should have someplace "den-like" in which to retreat. Draw the curtains to block out the lightshow, and try putting the TV or radio on at a low volume as a distraction or as company for them if you go out. Make sure to KEEP THEM INSIDE for their protection.

Continue reading "Fraidy cats (and pups) on the Fourth?" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff, Health
        

It's official: That pet IS going to be the death of you.

A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that supposedly innocent dogs and cats are causing a lot of falls. Thousands of them, in fact.

The CDC crunched injury numbers logged from 2001 through 2006 and found 86,629 falls involved a dog or cat. The agency says falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries in the country.

* In most of the cases, 88 percent, it's fair to blame the dog. Most injuries also happened when dogs were involved.

* Females were twice as likely to be hurt than males.

Continue reading "Slip and fall? Blame the kitty" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Health
        

Which businesses are the most pet-friendly? Petside.com ranks the top 5 employers most welcoming of pooches:

1. At Printing For Less, 15 percent of the 160 workers bring their dogs to work on any given day. "Our dog-friendly policy helps staff morale, builds camaraderie among employees, aids in creating a more productive work environment, helps stimulate employee creativity, and offers a great social catalyst for relationship development between coworkers," says Jessica Cooper, marketing manager at the Montana-based commercial color printing company.

2. Procter & Gamble's Pet Care division, located in the greater Dayton/Cincinnati area, allows its employees to take their dogs to work everyday. All dogs and workers are greeted each morning by Euka, a Labernese (a cross between a Labrador Retriever and the Bernese Mountain Dog), who holds the title of vice president of K9 Communications.  "Having a dog or several dogs at work really sets the tone for a relaxed work environment and promotes socialization," says Kris Parlett, P&G Pet Care spokesperson.

Continue reading "Top pet-friendly companies named" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
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