Monday, December 13, 2010

Cats and Dogs Do the Darndest Things!









What crazy or cute things does your Yorkie Do?
Send us your pics!
dsorles (at) gmail.com


Christmas Yorkie

I LOVE the holidays!
But I HATE getting dressed up!
We had a bunch of friends over last night
and my dad insisted I wear my holiday coat.
He gave me lots of treats! YUM!




Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Best Freinds.org Holiday Video For Dogs

THIS IS SO ADORABLE!!!

Watch these adorable dogs decorate cookies and get ready to celebrate the holidays in style. They're not only spreading good cheer, they have an important message to share— Make a holiday wish come true for a homeless dog or cat...ADOPT!

Best Friends Animal Society is a nonprofit organization building no-kill programs and partnerships that will bring about a day when there are No More Homeless Pets®. At the core of Best Friends' work is the dream that one day kindness will replace cruelty, and animals will no longer be destroyed because they are unwanted or imperfect. Spaying and neutering will be the rule for all pets and adoption will be the first option for everyone. Making this dream a reality is the mission we call No More Homeless Pets. The society's leading initiatives in animal care and community programs are coordinated from its Kanab, Utah, headquarters, the country's largest no-kill sanctuary. This work is made possible by the personal and financial support of a grassroots network of supporters and community partners across the nation. For more information visit: www.bestfriends.org

WATCH THE VIDEO NOW!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Miniature Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie Scratching Like Crazy!

HELP!
My 3 year old Yorkie has been scratching
a lot for about 8 weeks now.
She uses her rear legs to scratch her front shoulders.
Food has always remained the same...
I use 2 different high quality shampoos....
Her skin does not "appear" dry or flakey or red.
No fleas.
I tried a couple topicals with no relief...
The vet of course wants $100 to tell me the problem!
So I thought I would ask here, first. For ideas or solutions.
Any thoughts?
Itchy!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Thanks Giving - Why we are Thankful for Our Pets!











































HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Making Food Choices can Prevent Abuse to Innocent Animals




I understand the food chain. I get it!

But do animals need to be abused? Kicked? Abused?Murdered?

KFC suppliers cram birds into huge waste-filled factories, breed and drug them to grow so large that they can’t even walk, and often break their wings and legs. At slaughter, the birds’ throats are slit and they are dropped into tanks of scalding-hot water—often while they are still conscious. It would be illegal for KFC to abuse dogs, cats, pigs, or cows in these ways.


Employees have been seen, forcibly removing eggs from the live chickens body, just to thrown them at other employees.

KFC’s own animal welfare advisers have asked the company to take steps to eliminate these abuses, but KFC refuses to do so. Many advisers have now resigned in frustration.


find out more at KentuckyFriedCruelty.com







MERCY FOR ANIMALS



Turkeys have it no better!



Most of us buy meat at the store and have NO IDEA where it comes from or how it gets to us. Do you most meats are badly abused by employees? Animals are beaten, PUNCHED, thrown around, kicked, murdered while alive, some are thrown into scalding pots to kill them, etc, etc. INFLICTING NEEDLESS CRUELTY. I think it takes a special kind employee for this job. One that is a little twisted. One that enjoys inflicting UNNECESSARY pain and torture while the animal is still alive, waiting to be slaughtered.

Would you treat your dog that way???

More than 300 million turkeys are killed in the U.S. every year – 40 million for Thanksgiving dinners alone. In nature, turkeys are protective and nurturing parents, as well as fast runners, who are able to use reason to outwit their pursuers. But most turkeys killed for food are raised in unnatural conditions, crammed by the thousands into windowless warehouses, where disease, smothering and heart attacks are common. Turkeys are drugged and bred to grow so large, so quickly that their legs are often unable to withstand their own weight. Countless birds slowly starve to death within inches of food after they become crippled and are unable to move.

CHECK IT ALL – IT’S ALL DOCUMENTED.

Do we really need to eat meat?

VOTE to help SAVE Displaced Dogs and Cats in the Gulf




DogTime has entered the contest and for the month of November, we are are looking for your help to spread the word about our entry. We are currently ranked at 20 and your support to move to top 10 would be much appreciated!

Our cause is to find homes for 500 Gulf region shelter dogs/cats at risk of euthanasia and provide much-needed food for the shelters in that region. At the end of each month, the top 10 ideas in each category receive funding, and with your help we have a great chance of getting there.

As Gulf region families continue struggling to make ends meet, record numbers of pets are being surrendered to local shelters. Because these facilities are at maximum capacity, some animals will spend days or weeks in a lonely kennel - after already enduring the trauma of losing their families - only to face euthanasia.

For 500 of those at-risk pets, we can ensure a happier fate. DogTime is hoping to help these local shelters by providing food, technology resources, and transportation resources so these pets can find their forever home.


To help support DogTime project to save
500 Gulf are dogs and cats, vote here

It takes less than 1 minute! Please vote and help!!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Little Boy and His Big Dog

This is NOT about Yorkies -
But I thought it was cute - and worth sharing!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Every Day, Spot the Dog Waits for his Master


Loyal Friends.
Are so important. And so hard to find in life.
Unconditional Love.

There are a lot of things that dogs usually do for us as people and that is why dogs are usually referred to as man's best friend. Why is this so? Maybe it is because of the unconditional love that they are able to show us as people. Dogs serve us sometimes without asking or waiting not seeking any benefits for themselves. When you have just arrived home from work, they are ready and patiently waiting for you at the door so they can greet you right away. Your dog might wait for you to bend down so he can lick your face to give you his kisses or your dog might even jump up to you to show how much he missed you.

Dogs not only provide us with their unconditional love but at times they can act as our own protectors. Your dog might guard your house when you are asleep or away. If we are asleep, they might bark at the slightest noise that they hear and wait close by the door to make sure nobody enters that is not supposed to.

Dogs also show unconditional love when we get upset with them. They might put their head down and realize what they did was wrong. They might then come up to you and lick your face or give you their paw to show you that they are extremely sorry for what they have done. Maybe your dog is lying in your favorite chair or sitting area that you would like to sit in. You ask him or her to move and your dog obediently does what you want them to. They move to another resting area without any complaint whatsoever.

We might call their name and our dog comes running up to us, wagging his or her tail wildly. They are showing us how much they care and how happy they are that you are giving them some kind of attention.

Sometimes we might just dismiss or take for granted the unconditional love that our dog shows us constantly. We should always be aware of it and show how much we do appreciate it because one day our dog might not be there waiting for us... You do not want to have any regrets so take the time out to show your dog the unconditional love that he or she has shown you.

You have heard stories like this before.
This man's dog waits for him to come home months after he was killed by a drunk driver.

Never take your dog's love for granted.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Noel Fitzpatrick is the Bionic Vet in London Area


Noel Fitzpatick is an Irish neuro-orthopaedic veterinary surgeon and a pioneer of bionic development in animals. He currently operates a multi-million pound practice of some 65 employees, named Fitzpatrick Referrals, in Surrey, England.In 2009 he became the first surgeon in the world to bioengineer two bionic feet and successfully administer them to a cat named Oscar from Jersey who had lost both its feet in an accident with a combine harvester.

Have you read about this vet? Pretty Amazing!

What Is Your Yorkie Doing For Halloween?

Halloween is just about a week away!
My Gramma bought me 2 cool pumpkins to play with!
I am not sure what I am dressing up as , this year....do you??

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Final FINAL Beach Days in Chicago As Summer Fades, Again!

(me and Arra)

(Moxie and me)








A new BIG friend!!











This is so crazy!
We thought summer was done in Chicago, and last week we had 3 more 80 degree days! So we were at the beach everyday, playing in the water and running on the sand. I got to see all my friends and play one last time! (we think!) We stayed right till sunset and it was a glorious day.
Until next summer.....






Thursday, October 7, 2010

Woman Abandons Yorkshire Terrier in Woods


Are People Really That Lazy???

A New England woman was charged with animal cruelty this week, accused of abandoning her dog at a boat launch.

Julia Griffin, 40, was summoned to appear in court next month.

Animal Control tracked her down after a news story about the abandoned dog generated tips about the animal’s owner.

A man having lunch at the boat launch on Sept. 28 discovered the Yorkshire terrier tied up in the woods with a handwritten sign nearby. The sign explained that the dog’s name was Goldy and that she was good with children.

The terrier was taken to the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society where it was treated for flea bites, an allergy and other afflictions. Strout investigated the matter, and Goldy remained at the shelter.

Meanwhile, a Lisbon couple read about the dog’s plight and went to the Humane Society to ask about adopting her. By the end of last week, it was done. The Yorkshire was adopted and renamed Lucky.


"She didn't do her research," authorities said. "There are certainly better ways to get rid of a dog."

Griffin did not respond to messages left at her home. She was scheduled to appear in Lewiston District Court on Nov. 10. She could face a fine of up to $500 and be ordered to pay restitution to the Humane Society.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Final Beach Days in Chicago As Summer Fades








I am afraid Summer is slipping away in Chicago. Last week we got out to Osterman beach a final time - I think. It was 76 and GORGEOUS and I got to run around in the sand and chase seagulls and pigeons! The water was stilla nice temprature but the last few days have been in the 60's...so I think our summer may be over :-(


Monday, September 27, 2010

Dairy Farm Worker Guilty of Animal Cruelty Charges



What is wrong with people? I really try to avoid watching the news....I just can not understand how some people can be filled with so much hate and/or cruel intentions.

LAST WEEK, Billy Joe Gregg, Jr., a worker at Conklin Dairy Farms caught on hidden camera during a Mercy For Animals (Warning - this clip is disturbing!) investigation maliciously abusing cows and calves, pleaded guilty to six misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals.

Gregg was sentenced to eight months in jail, ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, and is barred from contact with animals for three years. Gregg must also receive counseling through a program that specializes in treating individuals involved in animal abuse cases.

During a four-week investigation in April and May, MFA's investigator documented farm workers:

-Violently punching young calves in the face, body slamming them to the ground, and pulling and throwing them by their ears
-Routinely using pitchforks to stab cows in the face, legs and stomach
-Kicking "downed" cows (those too injured to stand) in the face and neck - abuse carried out and encouraged by the farm's owner
-Maliciously beating restrained cows in the face with crowbars - some attacks involving over 40 blows to the head
-Twisting cows' tails until the bones snapped
-Punching cows' udders
-Bragging about stabbing, dragging, shooting, breaking bones, and beating cows and calves to death

After viewing the footage, Dr. Bernard Rollin, Distinguished Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University, stated: "This is probably the most gratuitous, sustained, sadistic animal abuse I have ever seen. The video depicts calculated, deliberate cruelty, based not on momentary rage but on taking pleasure through causing pain to cows and calves who are defenseless."

Sadly, cruelty to farmed animals in Ohio - no matter how egregious - is classified as a mere misdemeanor. Ohio has some of the weakest animal protection laws in the nation - ranking 43rd out of all 50 states. Further, no federal laws provide protection for farmed animals during their lives on the farm. Such inadequate state laws and the absence of federal laws lead to rampant abuse.

The deplorable conditions uncovered at Conklin Dairy Farms further highlight the reality that animal agriculture cannot be trusted to self-regulate and that meaningful federal and state law must be implemented and strengthened to prevent egregious cruelty to farmed animals.


Although many of the abuses documented at Conklin Dairy Farms are expressions of Gregg's sadistic pathology, numerous MFA undercover investigations at dairy farms, pig farms, egg farms, hatcheries and slaughterhouses have revealed that violence and abuse to farmed animals - whether malicious or institutionalized - run rampant nationwide.

Compassionate consumers can end their direct financial support of farmed animal abuse by rejecting dairy, and other animal products, and adopting a vegan diet .

Support MFAs work .

Friday, September 24, 2010

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Oldest Yorkie / Yorkshire Terrier

On average, a Yorkie lives between 12 and 15 years.
Meet BILLY!

He may be a venerable 154 years old in dog years, is blind in one eye and only has a few teeth left - but he's still energetic and active, going out for two walks a day and regularly playing with his loving owner, 71-year-old Betty Holdsworth.

He is still able to run around and even jump - despite the fact that he was in a bad state when he was taken in by the local RSPCA before being placed with his new owner.

'His coat was filthy and matted and his nails were so long he couldn't stand up. He was also very underweight and his teeth were rotten,' the RSPCA's Jule Cockroft told the Halifax Courier earlier this month.


And Billy could be in line to claim the record of the world's oldest dog if his age can be proved. The Guiness Book of World Records confirmed that the current holder of the title is a 21-year-old dog.

The world's previous oldest dog, a dachshund terrier cross called Otto, was put to sleep in January this year at the age of 20 years and 11 months after suffering from stomach cancer.


Wednesday, September 15, 2010

The Best Shampoo for Yorkies and Yorkshire Terriers

This has been a month of sampling great products!

Last month a reader sent me samples of her special Yorkie Splash and Shine - an exclusive, organic shampoo and conditioner designed just for Yorkies.

In Trixie's 3 short years, I haved tried about 8 different shampoos. And while there have been some very good ones, I have to honestly say, WE LOVE THESE PRODUCTS!

I was skeptical at first, because the shampoo appears very thin and watery. I thought, is this ever going to lather and clean? But it did! Wonderfully. And you know how some shampoo takes a while to rinse out of the hair thoroughly? This rinses out VERY QUICKLY. I was amazed. An 8 ounce bottle is just $9!


Because they are made from mainly organic ingredients, they are safe for the sensitive skin of Yorkies. Yorkie Splash and Yorkie Shine also help promote a healthy, luxurious coat for your Yorkie.

Besides the shampoo there is a great silky conditioner and detangler spray.

Check out YORKIE SHAMPOO - and tell them TRIXIE SENT YOU!

New Enzyme Powered Pet Stain Cleaner



Ooops!


Accidents are bound to happen!

ESPECIALLY with new dogs!


Even though Little Trixie is 3 now, I always keep a cleaning solution handy. Plus I have a cat. And sometimes she throws up or coughs up a hairball. ICK!


I had been buying WHATEVER from the big box pet shops. But now BISSELL has come out with

Bissell Pawsitively Clean Ewww Enzyme-Powered Pet Stain & Odor Remover .



They sent us a bottle to try and WE LOVED IT!

•Powerful enzyme-action tackles deep down stains and odors - urine and feces are TOTALLY REMOVED this product.

•Fast acting cleaning and deodorizing agents start working immediately

•Permanently removes organic stains from urine, feces and other accidents

•Safe for use on carpets, upholstery, pet beds, litter boxes or any water-safe surface


Best of all, it's economical. A nice sized 32oz bottle is about $12. And they offer bigger refill bottles for $18-$32, if you have lots of pets.


This is by far, the best of these types of products, I have tried!


It's Trixie approved!







PS - If you have dogs and cats that shed, Bissell makes a special little vacume cleaner, that is wonderful and under $30!

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum, Corded, 33A1

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Mercy For Animals - Farmed Animal Abuse


The other night we met the founder of Mercy For Animals , Nathan Runkle. Raised on a farm in rural Ohio, Nathan has long had a deep connection with farmed animals and agriculture. After a local farmed animal abuse case, involving a piglet slammed head first into a concrete floor during an agriculture project at a nearby high school, Nathan founded Mercy For Animals to give “food” animals a much needed advocate in his local community.



Since founding Mercy For Animals a decade ago, Nathan has overseen the organization's growth into a leading national force for the respectful and compassionate treatment of farmed animals. A grassroots organizer and coordinator for many years, Nathan has spearheaded hundreds of demonstrations and outreach events across the country – ranging from protests outside pork and egg producer conventions to parade marches, educational exhibits, and more.


A nationally recognized speaker on animal advocacy, grassroots activism, and factory farming, Nathan has spoken at colleges, forums, and conferences from coast-to-coast.




On the Mercy for Animals Blog this month, they interview author Melanie Joy and discuss her book Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism .



In her book, the term "carnism" is used in the discussion of why our society thinks cows, pigs and chickens make for good eating, while rats, puppies and parrots make us queasy.



Melanie says, "I wrote Why We Love Dogs... for both carnists and veg*ns. I wrote the book for carnists to help them understand not simply why they shouldn't eat animals, but why they do eat animals, and to help them feel invited into the conversation, rather than preached at. I wrote the book for veg*ns to help them feel more grounded in, and better able to articulate, their choices; to understand the carnists in their lives so they could communicate more effectively; and to understand the system they're working to transform."



It's great reading and makes you stop and think. Check it out!

And also stop by Mercy For Animals on Facebook !