*cat attacks

Yahoo7

My cat Puss'n attacks everyone and everything. Groceries have to be put away immediately, otherwise she rips them apart. It's as if she's being spiteful and I don't know what to do. Marj Wilson, 77, NSW
Puss'n sounds like a handful! Although animals share many emotions with us, such as fear and pain, spite is not one of them. The reason behind her destructive and aggressive behaviour is more likely a result of instinct. Cats are built for hunting and although they've been domesticated, they still have that instinct. Puss'n is hunting when she rips apart the groceries and attacks people. You need to give Puss'n an outlet to express natural behaviours such as hunting and stalking. Buy some toys for her. Toys that mimic prey, such as fake mice and birds, are best. Make some time each day to have a play session with Puss'n and rotate her toys regularly to stop her getting bored. If you satisfy her desire to hunt you'll find she is less likely to attack people and your groceries!

*Animal friends: Ozboz, a cat with a legacy of heroism

By Linda Goldston
lgoldston@mercurynews.com

Once when Sarah Hammer was just a baby, lying on her back in her crib, she spit up — a lot. The family cat, Ozboz, saw this and knew something was wrong.

Ozboz raced to Sarah's parents in the living room of their Palo Alto home and started yowling and running back and forth between the two rooms.

"My parents knew something had happened, so they followed Ozboz into my room," Sarah said. "If Oz had not reacted, I might have aspirated and developed pneumonia.

"Instead, all my parents had to do was clean up a big mess."

Sarah, who told me she might become a marine paleontologist when she grows up, is now 13. Ozboz died in November at the age of 18.

But neither Sarah nor her parents will ever forget their own cat hero.

"I know this story can seem very funny and gross to some people, but to me it is very special," Sarah said. "I will never forget what a special cat he was, nor how he saved my life when I was too young to get help for myself."

Sarah's mother, Leslie, who is so funny she made me laugh out loud when I called to confirm the e-mailed story, said she knew from the beginning that Oz was a special cat.

Leslie was single and had gone to the shelter in Palo Alto in 1992 to look for a 1-year-old cat.

"They had only very old cats and a big pile of kittens," she said. "I was about to leave when one of the volunteers said, 'Look UNDER the pile of kittens.' "

Leslie carefully lifted the kittens, one by one, from the furry pile and found "this big cat who was serving as a surrogate mother. It was Oz, a pre-neutered, 6-month-old male. How could I resist?"

Later, when Philip, her husband-to-be, visited her the first time in her apartment, Oz jumped onto his lap, settled in and went to sleep.

"Not being used to pets, Philip was very startled," Leslie said. "It was obvious that Oz was giving his paw-print of approval."

Then, when Sarah was born, "Oz was most puzzled by this creature who looked human, yet was so obviously helpless," Leslie said. "He stuck by her side throughout her entire babyhood, until she learned to walk on her own."

Stories about beloved family cats don't come much better than this. And a heroic family cat to boot. The volunteer at the Humane Society in Palo Alto told Leslie that Oz had been rescued after a man stopped his car and threw him out the window.

In his advanced years, Oz "had become a nice old guy," Leslie said. "He enjoyed lying in the sunlight through the window — he was an indoor cat his whole life — and being brushed and sleeping in our laps.

"Like many older cats, he developed kidney failure and one night, when he hadn't eaten or taken water all day and didn't pass the 'purr test' by not purring when we brushed him, we knew it was time, so we had him put to sleep. He died in my arms."

His memory lives on at Sarah's house. The family has two new cats, Midnight and Buddy, who are about a year old. "They befriended each other in the death room" at the local shelter, Leslie said. They were facing euthanasia when a cat rescue group found them, she said.

I never got to meet Ozboz but I, too, will never forget this special cat that even as a young kitten was a caretaker, letting the babies find comfort on his warm, larger body, all piling in and sleeping on top of him. And to know his reward for being born was being thrown from a car. What a special soul he was to overcome that.

*Nip-and-tuck planned for mutilated pup

Buckley's ears and tail were cut off with scissors in a cruel attack. (Nine News)
ninemsn
Buckley the abused puppy will face another challenge this week when he undergoes plastic surgery.

The eight-week-old collie-staffordshire terrier cross will spend about 45 minutes in the operating theatre while his severed ears and tail are repaired.

"We'll probably have to remove a little more from the stump of his tail so that the skin can be sealed over the top of it to avoid infection," Lost Dogs' Home manager Sue Conroy said.

"We will also trim up the ears and give them more of an even surface."

The operation, estimated to cost between $800 and $1000, will be paid for by donations that have flooded into the North Melbourne centre since the horrifying attack on July 11.

Buckley will also be de-sexed before the home makes the difficult choice of choosing his new home from hundreds of offers.

"He'll have stitches and fairly intensive care for the next 10 days to fortnight, and then about another fortnight after that before we adopt him out," Ms Conroy said.

But gifts delivered to Buckley will be appreciated by abused and neglected animals long after the puppy leaves the home.

"We're still getting people dropping in blankets, food and presents, so it's not only Buckley but the other animals in our care that are benefiting from people's generosity," Ms Conroy said.

"We've also had a very big weekend with animal adoption and that's continuing with an increase in phone calls."

A St Albans man, 32, was arrested on Friday over the incident following a tip-off to Crime Stoppers.

He is yet to be charged but is undergoing psychiatric assessment.

Puppy found with ears, tail cut off

By ninemsn staff

A puppy has been found with its ears and tail cut off with scissors after it was abandoned in a Victorian schoolyard.

Buckley, an eight-week-old border collie-cross-staffordshire bull terrier, was discovered by a passing ambulance on July 11 before being rushed to a veterinarian, Nine News reports.

Staff at the Lost Dogs' Home in North Melbourne gave Buckley emergency treatment, with shelter manager Sue Conroy saying the attack had left staff distraught.

"We've got to get him over these physical injuries that he's had to face … he's on lots of pain relief and some antibiotics for infection," Ms Conroy said.

"My concern is that he also has to get over this emotionally so it's going to take some time.

"In my 23 years of working at the dogs' home, I've not seen anything like this … for this little puppy to endure what he has, it's just unspeakable cruelty.

"It's really upset us terribly."

Anyone with information about the incident can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Wanted: love for pound pups

yahoo7
Unfortunately, 144,000 animals are surrendered to the RSPCA each year - and 63,000 of those are dogs.

Just after Christmas, when people go away on holidays, or when their cute puppy is becoming an adult, are the busiest time of year for animal shelters.

In December, Bree from the RSPCA was shocked to discover a young Rhodesian Ridgeback out the front of their shelter.

'The dog had been dropped off and he was in a really bad state. His ribs were sticking out and his fur was matted and dirty.

'He was so nervous, and he had obviously been mistreated by people who couldn't cope with him. While I wanted to break down and cry, I knew I had to be strong and do all that I could to save this poor, helpless dog.

'A month on, with love and constant care, he's put on 5kg and has learnt to trust humans. We've called him Tyson and he's like a different dog.

'We're still working with him but have started looking for his new home. He deserves it after all he's been though.'

Michelle Minehan from the RSPCA encourages people to consider the life-long commitment of owning a pet before they take one on.

'You should only buy a pet if you can dedicate time to playing, walking and taking care of the animal as part of the family, not just a pet in the backyard,' Michelle says. She has this advice for anyone who's thinking about adopting an animal.

Look past the cute and cuddly factor. Will you still be devoted when your pet is no longer a cute baby?
Pets cost money, not only initially, but over their entire lifespan. Can you afford it?
Weigh up whether or not you can give the animal a good life. Are you at work all day, leaving the pet home alone? Who will look after them while you're on holiday?

If you are struggling to look after your pet, especially during the current economic crisis, you can surrender them to your local RSPCA.

'We prefer people to bring their pets to us, rather than dump them,' Michelle explains. 'Once an animal has been surrendered, they go through behavioural and vet checks, which determine if the animal will go up for adoption.'

2 British police dogs die after being left in car during heat wave

Associated Press

LONDON — Two British police dogs died after being left in a car during a heat wave, police said today.

The German shepherds were left in a car Tuesday afternoon in the parking lot of police headquarters in Nottingham, about 140 miles (225 kilometers) north of London. Temperatures topped 84 F (29 C) that day.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said it was investigating the incident under animal welfare legislation. The maximum penalty for causing unnecessary distress to an animal is six months' imprisonment or a 20,000 pound ($33,000) fine, or both.

The dogs' police handler was on duty and had gone inside the building. Police did not say how long the dogs were in the car.

"This is a tragic incident and we value the important work our police dogs carry out on a daily basis," Nottinghamshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Peter Davies said in a statement.

The Dogs Trust, an animal welfare charity, said heat can kill dogs in just 20 minutes, and that temperatures inside cars can top 104 F (40 C).

Police: 2 Michigan men rescuing turtle hit by driver

Associated Press
HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. —

Police in Michigan say two men were seriously injured when they were hit by a car as they tried to help a turtle crossing a road.

Macomb County sheriff's deputies found a truck stopped on the Harrison Township road early today and discovered the injured men nearby.

Derek James Redmond of Mount Clemens was arraigned on charges that include drunken driving. A preliminary hearing is set for July 1.

Redmond didn't have an attorney on record with the court.

Animal Friends: Muttville rescues Bay Area senior dogs

By Linda Goldston

Wee Willy is about 12 years old and only has one tooth left but he... ( Courtesy of Muttville )«12»The cocker spaniel was found wandering on the streets of San Jose two weeks ago. He is blind and deaf, and his fur was so matted you couldn't see his eyes.

He would have been put down if someone hadn't thought to call Sherri Franklin in San Francisco. She is the founder and executive director of a wonderful organization called Muttville, which rescues and seeks homes for senior dogs, at least 7 years old.

Franklin describes herself as "Muttville Central" because she takes in so many dogs herself, but she has a network of 23 foster homes around the Bay Area, including on the Peninsula, where dogs are given a second chance. Some of them have cancer and other diseases, but these kind people take them in to give them a warm, loving place for their last days.

Others might call them rescuers and foster parents. I call them saints.

"It's the passion that keeps me going," said Franklin, a hairstylist by profession. "The dogs just keep you going."

Look at the pictures of the dogs on the organization's Web site at www.muttville.org to see why. Some of them, like Wee Willy, are too cute for words, and some look as if they're ready to jump into somebody's arms.

In the past, most of the dogs that came to Muttville were from shelters that called with pleas to save the dogs. But lately the group is also seeing canine victims of the economy — dogs that were given up by families because

they have to move and the new landlord won't allow dogs. Or the owner has to go into a convalescent home. Or the owner can't afford the dog food or the medication.

"I just rescued a 15-year-old pit bull," Franklin said. "The shelter in Alameda had already kept it for a year."

Lately, "there's a huge increase in family pets," she said. "At first they pace back and forth in the house and they whine a little. They're looking for their owners."

Placed in such careful hands, though, the dogs settle down and start loving their foster parents.

Since its founding 21/2 years ago, Muttville has taken in more than 350 senior dogs and found homes for about 300 of them.

Franklin is hoping to find a home for the blind cocker spaniel. She thinks the dog is 10 years old, and she named him Geronimo. He has been cleaned up and has a new haircut. He wags his tail "like crazy" when he's petted, Franklin said.

Muttville recently placed a 14-year-old dog found wandering the streets in Hayward with a woman about to turn 100. No shelter would allow the woman to adopt because she was so old. Still, she had her heart set on a little white poodle.

One grooming and a couple of baths later, the scruffy little dog found in Hayward turned into a gorgeous white poodle. Franklin made sure there was a support network to help the 100-year-old woman with the dog, and the little poodle rarely leaves her arms.

That's the way the world should work.

This all-volunteer organization spends the majority of donations on vet bills and could use your help if you have a little extra cash. There's also a wish list on its Web site for such things as a steam cleaner for the shelter's floors, laundry detergent and a pressure sprayer.

Donations may be made through PayPal on the organization's Web site or checks may be mailed to Muttville, Box 410207, San Francisco, CA 94141.

Chihuahua races

10 Reasons Why Pet Insurance Is A Must

Pets and Animals

Pets today need insurance as the cost of medical treatments are very high and in breeding and other problems have made pets more susceptible to diseases and other problems.

Pet insurance can cost anywhere between USD 2000-6000 over the life of a pet and the amount of premium to be paid would depend on many variables like breed, age, and more.

Pet insurance can be bought online or offline from leaders like: Pet care Insurance Companies; Veterinary Pet Insurance Company; Pets Best Insurance; and Vet Insurance. The best way to insure a pet is to ask your vet for advice. Pet insurance at affordable rates can be purchased online from websites devoted to pet insurance and pet care. The premium to be paid depends on age of pet, general health of pet, breed of pet, potential risks for susceptible diseases and so on.

Before investing in insurance you must do your homework and find out all you can about polices, how to keep premiums low, and how to buy the best pet insurance at the most affordable rate. The internet is a knowledge highway and has great information on pets, insurance options, and more. Make the effort to educate yourself.

Medical treatment can cost thousands of dollars. And treatments for hip diseases, cancers, kidney failure and more can cost between USD 1000- 5000. In case of disease or accidents pets can be treated and nursed back to health instead of “put down.”

Here are a few reasons why pet insurance is to be considered:

1. A pet is a family member and death due to accident or illness can upset children. Insurance coverage could save the life of the pet.

2. Pet insurance gives peace of mind and owners can stop worrying about unpaid bills or pets crossing roads.

3. Pet insurance ensures longer life spans of pets.

4. Insurance offers preventive health care, which means diseases can be detected in pets at early stages when treatments can offer cures.

5. Pet insurance covers expensive diagnostics and hospitalization expenses for pets.

6. Pet insurance can save the life of the pet as it covers treatments like radiation therapy and kidney replacements.

7. Pet insurance releases the burden of having to pay when the family is going through lean times such as being “laid off” or having a personal illness to deal with.

8. Pet insurance can help you get a deductible which is cost saving and the insurance will protect the pet.

9. Pet insurance offers regular health checks, shots, elective and non elective surgeries, and sometimes extended stays at a pet boarding house.

10. In general pet insurance can cost as little as USD 20-40 a month and this brings good health and cheer to the pet, very much a family member.

Pet insurance could save the life of a dear one without straining your wallet.

About The Author

Timothy Rudon is a writer for http://www.1855petinsurance.com/

, the premier website to find Pet Insurance, pet health insurance, veterinary pet insurance, pet care insurance, best pet insurance, pet health care insurance, vpi pet insurance and many more.