Tuesday, June 14th, 2011 by Susie
Last week nine beagles that have spent their lives inside a university research lab in Northern California landed in the arms of animal loving foster families. Thanks to the Beagle Freedom Project these adorable pups were given a chance to experience freedom.
The organization began in December 2010 when Shannon Keith received information that beagles who were used for animal experiments in a research lab were to be given a chance at freedom. Their mission is rescuing and finding homes for beagles used in laboratory research.
When the dogs arrived, their crates were lined in a circle in a fenced yard while well-wishers and foster families watched from the opposite side. Ms. Keith said, “The beagles aren’t sure how to handle their new freedom. They stayed in their crates for 15 minutes before they actually took a step outside onto the grass. They were so scared. They had no idea what to do. So, it’s bittersweet. We’re all crying, but we’re smiling at the same time.”
Beagles are the most popular breed for lab use because of their friendly, docile, trusting, forgiving, people-pleasing personalities. Research beagles are usually obtained directly from commercial breeders who specifically breed dogs to sell to scientific institutions.
Finally the dogs ventured out of the crates and began wagging their tails. It was the first time any of them had been outdoors or walked on grass. The foster families will now begin the process of socializing the beagles and getting them ready to be adopted into permanent homes. Beagle Freedom Project is a service of Animal Rescue, Media & Education (ARME). Founded in 2004, ARME is a nonprofit advocacy group created to eliminate the suffering of all animals through rescue, public education and outreach.
Sunday, June 12th, 2011 by Susie
Did you ever think Fido would make a fabulous artist? Well, now you can let your favorite buddy paint his own masterpiece. In just a few easy steps, your dog can unleash its inner artist. You can enjoy a fun and interactive time with your pet as he or she creates a painting you’ll cherish forever. Best of all, [...]
Saturday, April 23rd, 2011 by Susie
Wonderdog is not just another canine accessory company; they claim they are daring dog enthusiasts who happen to create some of The Best Canine Accessories To Walk In, Lounge On Or Simply Look Great In. Voted Best Doggie Fashion Designer in 2010 by Doggie Aficionado magazine, Wonderdog won’t disappoint your pooch. All collars, harnesses, and leads are handmade in [...]
Monday, April 11th, 2011 by Susie
Alice, an abandoned 8-week-old deaf black and white springer spaniel from an animal rescue center in Ireland was recently rescued by a deaf couple. The couple, Marie Williams and Mark Morgan decided to teach her sign language. They have already taught Alice to sit down, sit up, come and roll over. The couple happened to be looking for a dog and when [...]
Friday, April 8th, 2011 by Susie
Is your favorite furry friend constantly itching? He or she may need a boost in their Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). EFA’s are very important for healthy skin. Omega-3 EFAs are the ones to aim for to help reduce itching, shedding, and redness. They not only nourish the skin, they reduce inflammation. Even though dry pet foods list EFAs as part of [...]
Thursday, March 31st, 2011 by Susie
Charlie Sheen may not be getting his job back at Two and a Half Men, but he wants his old pug back from Denise Richards. After Sheen and Denise Richards divorced, Charlie took their two Pug dogs, claiming that the kids could play with them while at his house. However, after Charlie’s recent behavior Denise got [...]
Wednesday, March 30th, 2011 by Susie
Beth and Brian Willis in their his’n’hers jumpers made from their dead dogs’ hair. I feel like I’m about to tell you an April Fool’s Day joke, but this is actually for real. People are “spinning” dog’s hair into sweaters. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=538108&in_page_id=1770. It is happening in England and even in the U.S. Apparently it is quite popular with [...]
Tuesday, March 29th, 2011 by Susie
Wouldn’t it be great if we could deduct all our pet expenses during tax time? The HAPPY Act (HR 3501) bill would have given a $3,500 tax credit to pet owners with qualifying expenses, but unfortunately, it did not pass. So, here is the answer you really don’t want to hear and neither do I: Your [...]
Sunday, March 27th, 2011 by Susie
Have you heard about Denver, the guilty dog video? Someone sent it to me last week. If you haven’t seen it yet, the two minutes are worth it. It makes for a great laugh! He got into a whole bag of kitty cat treats while his master was away. He was a naughty boy, but at least he owned [...]
Saturday, March 26th, 2011 by Susie
More and more stores are becoming dog-friendly. And, I don’t just mean service dogs are the only ones allowed in. If your dog is “well behaved on a leash” many chains are allowing you to bring them on in. I was amazed to find out some of the stores that have this policy. Some on this list include Home [...]