1st Yappy Hour of 2009 at Irie Bean Coffee Bar Jan. 30 from 7 to 10 p.m.

February 14: Valentine's Day Pet Photos at Lofty Dog 11 am - 1 p.m. at 403 W. 2nd Street

Local photographer Ed Lehmann will be on-site to capture the heart of
your favorite four-legged friend. Each dog will recieve a 5x7 framed
photo for a $15 donation to Austin Dog Rescue! Stick around after the photo shoot for the Lofty Dog Annual Valentine's Day Fashound Show. For more details
visit.www.austinloftydog.com.

ASPCA 2009 Campaign to Fight Puppy Mills in Full Swing

As America ushers in a new era of federal leadership, many state governments are also getting back to work—and at least one of them is making puppy mill reform a priority. Last Sunday, the ASPCA joined animal welfare advocates and Illinois lawmakers in Chicago to announce the arrival of Chloe’s Bill, legislation that will help stamp out the worst puppy mills in the Prairie State.

“Illinois has a unique opportunity to adopt one of the strongest commercial breeding laws in the country,” says Cori Menkin, ASPCA Senior Director of Legislative Initiatives. “As commercial breeding increases throughout the United States, particularly in the Midwest, it is reassuring that Illinois is recognizing the need for stronger laws before the prevalence of puppy mills becomes a blight on the state’s reputation.”

As currently written, Chloe’s Bill would:

• Limit to 20 the number of unaltered dogs a breeder may possess
• Ban anyone convicted of felony-level animal cruelty from acquiring a dog-breeding license
• Prohibit wire flooring in commercial breeding facilities and create guidelines for appropriate heating, cooling and ventilation
• Require pet stores and breeders to provide customers with a dog’s full medical history
• Establish penalties for violations, ranging from fines to animal seizure and license revocation

Sponsored by State Rep. John Fritchey and State Senator Dan Kotowski, Chloe’s Bill is named for a young cocker spaniel—rescued from a Macon County, IL, puppy mill—who was present at Sunday’s press conference. Now living with one of the animal control agents involved in the raid on her kennel, Chloe is the sole survivor from her litter. Like thousands of other commercial dog breeders in the U.S., the owners of Chloe’s kennel focused on producing as many puppies as possible with little regard for the physical and mental health of their animals. The dogs found at this puppy mill were matted with feces and urine, and infested with fleas and internal parasites. Many suffered from deformed paws from living their lives on wire-floored cages.

As Rep. Fritchey explained to the media, “We are not trying to do anything drastic; we’re not trying to do anything radical. We’re trying to implement standards for what is humane care, for what is decent care.” Fritchey added that although he expects the bill will encounter some opposition, any dog breeder who would oppose it is likely to be the type of breeder that should make consumers wary.

ASPCA Success Story of the Week: Mr. Big

The small furry personality at the Ontario, OR, shelter who went home with Sondra Westendorf carried more than his weight in chutzpah. After the two-year-old Yorkshire terrier charmed his mom with a single kiss on their first meeting, he immediately assumed his throne at home.

“Oh, Peter was comfortable with me from day one,” Sondra recalls. “He just decided that he should join me in my recliner and took up his position.”

That was eleven years ago, and Peter turned out to be a pretty particular pooch. “We have all sorts of dog toys, but I could never get him to play with any of them,” says Sondra. Instead, he gained quite a reputation as his mom’s sidekick at work, sitting alongside her when she drove an 18-wheeler.

Sondra remembers, “He loved riding with me and would guard my truck, even from the mechanics, who always seemed to appreciate that my little dog had no problem taking on big jobs.”

At home, too, Peter has a big way of getting his point across. “He stands in front of me and gives a woof,” says Sondra, “and it’s my task to figure out what he needs. I ask him if he wants to go outside and if he doesn't, he just stares at me while I ask another question like, ‘Do you want a treat?’ If I guess correctly, he barks again. That’s how it works around here.”

Pawsitively Dogs Ability offers agility classes in South Austin starting in February

New Beginning agility classes will be starting in February at the
Lyons Agility field off William Cannon in southwest Austin.

There will be a Tuesday morning class, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, starting
February 3.
There will also be a Thursday evening class, 8:30 - 9:30 PM, starting
February 5.
The Beginning Agility class is an eight week class, $180.

Intermediate through Competition level classes are also available.

For more information, please go to www.pawsitivelydogsagility.com or contact Becky Saltwick at
512-347-9808.

Excerpts from a Dog's Diary...... and Cat's

Excerpts from a Dog's Daily Diary:
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary... Day 983 of my captivity...

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although, I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today, I decapitated a mouse and dropped it's headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage. Today, I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now................

Peek a boo!!

Third Annual Howling Hounds Benefit Auction

When: Saturday, Feb 28 @ 5:30
Where: Red Oak Ballroom at the Norris Conference Center, 2525 W. Andersen La (Northcross
Mall), Austin
Dress: Business Casual
Tickets: $60 pp or $420 for table of 8 (rescue groups receive further discounts)
What: Seated Dinner, Silent Auction, Live Auction
Complimentary margaritas until wells run dry
All proceeds to benefit homeless basset hounds in Central Texas (Helping Hands Basset
Rescue)
www.hhbassetrescue.org
512-218-8883

Jackie Maffucci
Austin, TX
Suthcentral Bloodhound Rescue

Abandoned wolf hybrids settle in at Austin Zoo

Two members of a family of wolf hybrids abandoned after Hurricane Ike in October arrived at the Austin Zoo in West Travis County Thursday night.

The wolves are a mix between a wolf and a domestic dog and were bred at a ranch in Orange County, Texas near Beaumont.

The animals spent some time checking out their new digs after their arrival. The zoo says it was important to keep the family together.

"They are very bonded, very loyal animals. They grow up next to each other and they spend their whole lives together in those packs," said Sara King, Austin Zoo.

The Austin Zoo already has a 14-year-old hybrid wolf.

from KVUE.com News Austin

Sheltie has his say about new president

This may not be timely but it's cute. Consider it your daily "ahhhhhh."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rN5Erxs3he4&feature=related