If you aren't familiar with the popular internet phenomea of LOL Cat you might want to check out http://icanhascheezburger.com/

Found this one today and it reminded us WAY too much of one of our clinic cats, Reggie. If you've ever been in the office during one of her "moods" you will definitely understand!

Hope everyone is staying cool today, it's certainly hot out. This week's links are a collection of great reviews and FAQs from some of my favorite pet blogs- enjoy!

Are Raw Fed Dogs A Risk?

Delta’s Raw Protein Diet Policy raises serious questions about the safety of feeding raw food regardless of an animal’s pet-therapy status. Are raw-protein diets truly dangerous for dogs and the people who touch them?

Litter Robot (A Review)

I have tried other automated litter systems. I usually bring them back to the store because they do not work. Nope. None of them have worked for my cats. Why do I keep insisting to try the newest ones on the market?  I have eight cats. You figure they go twice a day,  so in a month that is 480 scoops. Wouldn’t you be looking for something that would do the job for you?

Which is better for surgery: Laser or Scapel?

I recently adopted a 5 month old puppy that has not been spayed. I’m told that there are two different kinds of spaying–scalpel (which has a longer recovery period) and laser. Which do you prefer and what are the advantages or disadvantages of both?

Skinneeez: Toys that are soft but not stuffy

Squeak, squeak, squeak. Squeak, squeak, squeak. Squeak, squeak, squeak. That’s what it has sounded like around our house ever since I brought home a lion — a Skinneeez lion, that is. Flat, floppy and filling-free...

My Lab is Bigger than Yours!

...But of particular interest to me is the other way pet quality Labs are marketed: it’s gonna be a big dog! Although most field and American show line Labs are in the 55-80 pound range and virtually all English Labs fit that definition, most of the Labs I see are in the 90 pounds or more range. Large size does not have much utility for a working dog, and in the real world, smaller size does have its advantages...

Earlier this year, we first heard about the grassroots organization- Rabies Challenge Fund. The RCF's goal is to conduct studies to aide in legislative efforts to increase legal rabies vaccination efficacy to 5 and eventually 7 years. They are currently in the third year of the study and fundraising to expand the study to its fourth year. Prelimilary results have already helped make legislative changes in places like: Cheyenne, Wyoming; Wichita, Kansas; and the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Maine Rhode Island and West Virginia.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit their site: http://www.rabieschallengefund.org/

Summer is in full swing here at the clinic! If you haven't already, make sure to read all about our summer safety tips in Belleview Animal Clinic's July Newsletter. Also remember, if you want access to the amazing coupons and special offers each month, you need to actually subscribe to the newsletter! Last week, I made sure to stock up the freezer with Sweet Spots, all natural frozen ice cream treats for dogs. Perfect for beating the heat- don't forget to pick one up on your next visit!

Have you been following along with this week's pet related news? If not, we've got you covered! Here are some articles that, here at the clinic, we thought were the "pick of the litter":

Breaking News: San Fansisco May Outlaw Pet Sales

"Sell a guinea pig, go to jail. That’s the law under consideration by San Francisco’s Commission of Animal Control and Welfare. If the commission approves the ordinance at its meeting tonight, San Francisco could soon have what is believed to be the country’s first ban on the sale of all pets except fish. That includes dogs, cats..."

Deep Sea Dog: Russian Teaches Dachshund to SCUBA

"Any dachshund owner knows the feisty breed rarely backs off from a challenge, but one in Russia is taking that reputation to new heights — or depths..."

Accidental Domestication

"One of the hazards of breeding wild animals in captivity is that the forces of natural selection no longer act upon them. Specimens that thrive well enough of captivity are very often fundamentally quite different from those that would thrive in the wild. Those individuals who thrive well enough to reproduce may pass on traits that are entirely detrimental to living in the wild..."

Thundershirt: Anti-anxiety Wrap to calm dog anxiety and phobias

The idea seems almost too simple to work; that a constant gentle pressure "hug" could calm an anxious pet's nervous system. Based in part by the work of Temple Grandin, the Thundershirt serves this purpose for pets who are afraid of loud noises and other anxiety-based behaviors.

TGIF! It's Friday and here in the clinic this morning we're celebrating "Bring yor dog to work day" (which actually is everyday when you work in a vet clinic)! Here are a few snapshots of the pups we're spending today with here in the office:

[One of our technicians, Katherine, and her Chocolate Labs, Bart and Bandelier (left). Dr. Jasek with her chihuahuas, Wiley and C.J. (Right)]

In case you missed it, here are some of the notable news stories this week from the animal world:

San Bernardino County to require spaying or neutering of pit bulls

     More breed specific legislation came down this week. San Bernardino County is requiring mandatory spay and neutering for all pit bulls in the county  over 4 months of age. The primary reason cited in this LA Times article is an increase in vicious attack on childern over the last 5 years- primarily by Pit Bulls. As you read this one, note that not ONCE do they ever mention whether those attacks were by UN-neutered/spayed animals.

ASPCA launches dog fighting DNA database

     This week the ASPCA anounced the implementation of a DNA database for dogs found and seized from dog fighting investigations. The idea is to track geneology and find potential links between breeders and trainers. Check out the article over on Philly Dawg's site for more...

Photo package: Veterinarians combat the oil in the Gulf

     This amazing collection of images from the recent BP disaster and the vet crew's efforts to save as much of the wildlife as possible.

Saving Sido: How one dog sparked a movement

     This is an amazing recollection of Sido's court battle that eventually became a landmark case. Certainly goes to show the effort that goes into the fight to create social change, a MUST READ for all animal lovers!

Challenging the pet-food dogma

     A very intresting interview with best selling author of various food exposes, Marion Nestle. In her latest book, "Feed Your Pet Right: The Authoritative Guide to Feeding Your Dog and Cat", she takes on the pet food industry. We've yet to read her book, but it looks very interesting! Let us know what you think...

Enjoy the reading and have a safe weekend. Enjoy the heat!