Monday, April 20, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Horses in Need!!
Animal advocates in New York are seeking donations to care for the malnourished horses found last week at Center Brook Farm. Please consider donating to the care of the horses - or if possible - even adopt one.
*******************
Shocking cruelty case finds 177 horses mistreated at N.Y. farm
USA Today
April 14, 2009
CLIMAX, N.Y. — Just Wonderful was no longer able to live up to his name.
The Thoroughbred was several hundred pounds underweight, grotesquely exposing his tailbone. His winter coat had given way to patches of exposed skin, evidence of a bacterial skin infection known as "rain rot." He was infested with lice.
Just Wonderful was hardly alone in his misery. Stall after stall at Center Brook Farm was filled with one horse after another, one in more horrifying condition than the next. All 177 of them would appear to serve as evidence in the case in which prominent breeder Ernie Paragallo is charged with 22 counts of cruelty to animals.
"It's hide stretched on skeleton," said Charlene Marchand, chairperson of the board of directors of the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA, in showing Houston Station as he stood in the afternoon sun on Monday.
Jerry Bilinski, a veterinarian who is part of an effort he hopes will bring national attention to the importance of horse rescue operations, estimated that most of the Thoroughbreds had been living primarily off their own flesh for months.
Houston Station was so malnourished his spinal column was exposed. Bilinski parted some of the gray hair on the horse's dull coat to show lice scurrying. "When you part the hairs, they run," he said. "He's full of them."
Houston Station stood still, barely showing signs of life. "If you didn't eat for a month," Bilinski said, "you'd be quieter."
One horse was euthanized Thursday when numerous maladies kept him from solid footing. Veterinarians determined that he could not be saved.
The grisly conditions were discovered Wednesday when authorities raided the farm. Ronald Perez, an investigator for the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA, was among them. He said they were shocked by what they found at a farm about 20 miles south of Albany, N.Y.
"I've been doing this for 12 years. I've seen some grim things," Perez said. "But not of this magnitude."
Paragallo, 51, who does not live at the farm, was arrested after he was questioned following the raid. Perez said Paragallo, who was not accompanied by an attorney, repeatedly said he had not managed the facility properly but did not intend harm.
Paragallo could not be reached to comment. The New York State Racing and Wagering Board has banned him from further involvement with Thoroughbred racing in the state.
Rescuers are straining to meet the needs of the horses. Columbia-Greene, which has an annual budget of $500,000 that will be severely strained by this emergency, is seeking donations through its website.
Paragallo agreed to transfer ownership of 66 horses to make them available for adoption once they are nursed back to health. The courts might decide the fate of the others.
Marchand prays for a good outcome. "I trust that God is going to help us," she said, "because we need all the help we can to get these horses placed safely."
*******************
Shocking cruelty case finds 177 horses mistreated at N.Y. farm
USA Today
April 14, 2009
CLIMAX, N.Y. — Just Wonderful was no longer able to live up to his name.
The Thoroughbred was several hundred pounds underweight, grotesquely exposing his tailbone. His winter coat had given way to patches of exposed skin, evidence of a bacterial skin infection known as "rain rot." He was infested with lice.
Just Wonderful was hardly alone in his misery. Stall after stall at Center Brook Farm was filled with one horse after another, one in more horrifying condition than the next. All 177 of them would appear to serve as evidence in the case in which prominent breeder Ernie Paragallo is charged with 22 counts of cruelty to animals.
"It's hide stretched on skeleton," said Charlene Marchand, chairperson of the board of directors of the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA, in showing Houston Station as he stood in the afternoon sun on Monday.
Jerry Bilinski, a veterinarian who is part of an effort he hopes will bring national attention to the importance of horse rescue operations, estimated that most of the Thoroughbreds had been living primarily off their own flesh for months.
Houston Station was so malnourished his spinal column was exposed. Bilinski parted some of the gray hair on the horse's dull coat to show lice scurrying. "When you part the hairs, they run," he said. "He's full of them."
Houston Station stood still, barely showing signs of life. "If you didn't eat for a month," Bilinski said, "you'd be quieter."
One horse was euthanized Thursday when numerous maladies kept him from solid footing. Veterinarians determined that he could not be saved.
The grisly conditions were discovered Wednesday when authorities raided the farm. Ronald Perez, an investigator for the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA, was among them. He said they were shocked by what they found at a farm about 20 miles south of Albany, N.Y.
"I've been doing this for 12 years. I've seen some grim things," Perez said. "But not of this magnitude."
Paragallo, 51, who does not live at the farm, was arrested after he was questioned following the raid. Perez said Paragallo, who was not accompanied by an attorney, repeatedly said he had not managed the facility properly but did not intend harm.
Paragallo could not be reached to comment. The New York State Racing and Wagering Board has banned him from further involvement with Thoroughbred racing in the state.
Rescuers are straining to meet the needs of the horses. Columbia-Greene, which has an annual budget of $500,000 that will be severely strained by this emergency, is seeking donations through its website.
Paragallo agreed to transfer ownership of 66 horses to make them available for adoption once they are nursed back to health. The courts might decide the fate of the others.
Marchand prays for a good outcome. "I trust that God is going to help us," she said, "because we need all the help we can to get these horses placed safely."
Monday, April 13, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
3-Bowl Elevated Feeders!
Got multiple pups? Why not let them eat in style out of one of Merlin's Bark Products custom made three bowl elevated dog bowl feeders. Three bowl feeders are must haves for multiple pup homes and for those lucky pups that need multiple bowls to hold their water, wet food, and dry food. Since our elevated feeders are custom made, they are always made to the perfect height and can be stained (or painted) the perfect color to go with any kitchen.
This elevated dog bowl feeder pictured was a custom order created for a customer and stained in traditional cherry. Check out Merlin's Bark Products selection of available paint (and stain) colors to find the perfect match for your home.
Did you know that elevated feeders are a great thing for a pup (or kitty) to have. Not only do they look nicer than just a plain old bowl setting on the floor, but elevated feeders are very beneficial for pets too. Does your pet eat too fast or cough and gag when eating? Giving them an elevated feeder to eat out of is the most common solution. Veterinarians recommend elevated feeders because they help ease digestion problems, and are easier for pets that have problems with arthritis, neck or back problems to eat out of. Also, using raised feeding bowls help provide pet owners with a more hygienic and cleaner house. How great is that!
Interest in doing a customer order? Just ask. Custom orders are always welcomed!
I'll be barking to you later!
This elevated dog bowl feeder pictured was a custom order created for a customer and stained in traditional cherry. Check out Merlin's Bark Products selection of available paint (and stain) colors to find the perfect match for your home.
Did you know that elevated feeders are a great thing for a pup (or kitty) to have. Not only do they look nicer than just a plain old bowl setting on the floor, but elevated feeders are very beneficial for pets too. Does your pet eat too fast or cough and gag when eating? Giving them an elevated feeder to eat out of is the most common solution. Veterinarians recommend elevated feeders because they help ease digestion problems, and are easier for pets that have problems with arthritis, neck or back problems to eat out of. Also, using raised feeding bowls help provide pet owners with a more hygienic and cleaner house. How great is that!
Interest in doing a customer order? Just ask. Custom orders are always welcomed!
I'll be barking to you later!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Kibble Dancing!
Now this is one silly corgi. Someone needs to tell Sparky that he is suppose to eat the food not dance with it!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Attention Pittsburgh Petland Customers!
Local Petland customers ponder puppy mill suit
Saturday, March 21, 2009
By L.A. Johnson, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Kay McQuigg is looking into joining a federal lawsuit that claims Petland Inc. sold dogs bred at puppy mills to customers.
She's doing it for Murphy, her family's beloved 2Â 1/2-year-old lhasa apso-poodle mix, which died Monday, a week after liver shunt surgery. Murphy's medical care, including six surgeries for genetic bone and liver problems, cost more than $5,000.
"It's the principle, not the money," said Mrs. McQuigg, of Wilkins. "It's just heartbreaking for my kids to have to deal with this."
On Monday, six Arizona plaintiffs who purchased puppies from various Petland stores between 2005 and 2008 filed the federal lawsuit and are seeking class-action status. Patrick Howard, an attorney with the Philadelphia law firm of Saltz Mongeluzzi Barrett & Bendesky, said that anyone who purchased a puppy at Petland since Nov. 20, 2004, could be part of the suit.
Petland, based in Chillicothe, Ohio, doesn't purchase puppies from puppy mills, company spokeswoman Lacey Clever said.
But Mrs. McQuigg wonders whether Murphy was the product of a puppy mill. Since the lawsuit became public, she and others who have purchased puppies with health problems from local Petland stores have contacted the Post-Gazette.
She bought the 3 1/2-month-old Murphy from the Monroeville Petland store in October 2006. He had "kennel cough" when they brought him home, but antibiotics eventually cleared that up.
Then, she noticed Murphy's front legs shook a bit. The vet told her it probably was just a sign of a nervous puppy. So, she didn't worry too much about it. In May or June 2007, Mrs. McQuigg noticed a definite problem.
"Lhasas are bowlegged anyway, but he was severely bowlegged and could not hold up his body weight," she said. "If he stood for 10 or 20 seconds, he had to adjust his leg or lay down because it was going to give out."
A return trip to the vet led to a referral to an orthopedic specialist. A bone in Murphy's leg hadn't completely developed.
"The corrective surgery was to break his leg, de-rotate his wrist and use a bone plate and screws to keep it in place," she said.
There were setbacks. He developed infections. The screws had to be removed, but the bones healed and Murphy looked beautiful, she said. Then, they discovered the problem with his liver, and he underwent corrective surgery March 9.
"He wouldn't stop having seizures after the surgery," she said yesterday, trying to hold back tears. "My children [ages 11 and 15] had to go in and say goodbye."
Mrs. McQuigg approached Petland with a letter from her vet about Murphy's orthopedic problems in August 2007, telling them the surgeon believed the condition was genetic. Petland sympathized but initially said it couldn't refund her $750 because there was no evidence it was a genetic problem.
"Every puppy when it leaves is healthy to our knowledge," said Clay Slivko, owner of the Monroeville Petland. "If something happens down the road, our warranty kicks in up to the price of the puppy."
In Pennsylvania, people can return a dog to a seller within 10 days if the puppy proves to be a poor health risk, he said. Customers can request a refund and return the puppy or try to get money back for reasonable veterinary care.
"The seller also can require the puppy see its veterinarian to confirm it's a poor health risk," he said.
State law requires a 30-day warranty on dogs for any congenital or hereditary health problem -- something due to breeding -- for example, a joint problem or heart condition. Petland takes that further, extending the warranty on congenital or hereditary problems to three years from purchase, he said.
Mrs. McQuigg showed Petland a second letter, one from her main veterinarian in October 2007, stating Murphy's problems were genetic, and Petland refunded her $750.
"When there is an issue with a puppy, any sort of issue, that doesn't mean that puppy is from a puppy mill," Mr. Slivko said. "You're always going to have a percentage of animals that have issues, just like people."
In the past, Mrs. McQuigg had purchased a dog from a breeder and said she had been warned about buying dogs from pet stores.
"This one time, we decided to do it," she said. "I should have known better."
The American Kennel Club Web site recommends people buy puppies from responsible and well-respected breeders.
"Screen the breeder," the site states. "Ask to see at least one of the parents [the dam or sire] of your puppy."
The AKC also suggests potential buyers ask what possible health problems a dog may develop, how large it will grow, how old it will be before it acts like an adult dog, how protective it will be and how much exercise it will need.
Responsible sellers also should question buyers.
If a seller "doesn't show any interest in the life the dog will lead after it leaves his or her premises, you may want to look elsewhere," the AKC says.
For more information about breeders and rescue organizations, visit www.AKC.org.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
By L.A. Johnson, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Kay McQuigg is looking into joining a federal lawsuit that claims Petland Inc. sold dogs bred at puppy mills to customers.
She's doing it for Murphy, her family's beloved 2Â 1/2-year-old lhasa apso-poodle mix, which died Monday, a week after liver shunt surgery. Murphy's medical care, including six surgeries for genetic bone and liver problems, cost more than $5,000.
"It's the principle, not the money," said Mrs. McQuigg, of Wilkins. "It's just heartbreaking for my kids to have to deal with this."
On Monday, six Arizona plaintiffs who purchased puppies from various Petland stores between 2005 and 2008 filed the federal lawsuit and are seeking class-action status. Patrick Howard, an attorney with the Philadelphia law firm of Saltz Mongeluzzi Barrett & Bendesky, said that anyone who purchased a puppy at Petland since Nov. 20, 2004, could be part of the suit.
Petland, based in Chillicothe, Ohio, doesn't purchase puppies from puppy mills, company spokeswoman Lacey Clever said.
But Mrs. McQuigg wonders whether Murphy was the product of a puppy mill. Since the lawsuit became public, she and others who have purchased puppies with health problems from local Petland stores have contacted the Post-Gazette.
She bought the 3 1/2-month-old Murphy from the Monroeville Petland store in October 2006. He had "kennel cough" when they brought him home, but antibiotics eventually cleared that up.
Then, she noticed Murphy's front legs shook a bit. The vet told her it probably was just a sign of a nervous puppy. So, she didn't worry too much about it. In May or June 2007, Mrs. McQuigg noticed a definite problem.
"Lhasas are bowlegged anyway, but he was severely bowlegged and could not hold up his body weight," she said. "If he stood for 10 or 20 seconds, he had to adjust his leg or lay down because it was going to give out."
A return trip to the vet led to a referral to an orthopedic specialist. A bone in Murphy's leg hadn't completely developed.
"The corrective surgery was to break his leg, de-rotate his wrist and use a bone plate and screws to keep it in place," she said.
There were setbacks. He developed infections. The screws had to be removed, but the bones healed and Murphy looked beautiful, she said. Then, they discovered the problem with his liver, and he underwent corrective surgery March 9.
"He wouldn't stop having seizures after the surgery," she said yesterday, trying to hold back tears. "My children [ages 11 and 15] had to go in and say goodbye."
Mrs. McQuigg approached Petland with a letter from her vet about Murphy's orthopedic problems in August 2007, telling them the surgeon believed the condition was genetic. Petland sympathized but initially said it couldn't refund her $750 because there was no evidence it was a genetic problem.
"Every puppy when it leaves is healthy to our knowledge," said Clay Slivko, owner of the Monroeville Petland. "If something happens down the road, our warranty kicks in up to the price of the puppy."
In Pennsylvania, people can return a dog to a seller within 10 days if the puppy proves to be a poor health risk, he said. Customers can request a refund and return the puppy or try to get money back for reasonable veterinary care.
"The seller also can require the puppy see its veterinarian to confirm it's a poor health risk," he said.
State law requires a 30-day warranty on dogs for any congenital or hereditary health problem -- something due to breeding -- for example, a joint problem or heart condition. Petland takes that further, extending the warranty on congenital or hereditary problems to three years from purchase, he said.
Mrs. McQuigg showed Petland a second letter, one from her main veterinarian in October 2007, stating Murphy's problems were genetic, and Petland refunded her $750.
"When there is an issue with a puppy, any sort of issue, that doesn't mean that puppy is from a puppy mill," Mr. Slivko said. "You're always going to have a percentage of animals that have issues, just like people."
In the past, Mrs. McQuigg had purchased a dog from a breeder and said she had been warned about buying dogs from pet stores.
"This one time, we decided to do it," she said. "I should have known better."
The American Kennel Club Web site recommends people buy puppies from responsible and well-respected breeders.
"Screen the breeder," the site states. "Ask to see at least one of the parents [the dam or sire] of your puppy."
The AKC also suggests potential buyers ask what possible health problems a dog may develop, how large it will grow, how old it will be before it acts like an adult dog, how protective it will be and how much exercise it will need.
Responsible sellers also should question buyers.
If a seller "doesn't show any interest in the life the dog will lead after it leaves his or her premises, you may want to look elsewhere," the AKC says.
For more information about breeders and rescue organizations, visit www.AKC.org.
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