Good Bloggie!

Most people look forward to the grande finale of the Fourth of July: Fireworks! Austin has a long tradition of a wonderful fireworks show by the shore of Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake). The fireworks are timed to a music score played by Austin Symphony and broadcasted by the local radio stations. The combination of music and visuals against the reflection of the lake is a real treat for humans. The fireworks are beautiful, spectacular, and loud!

However, fireworks aren’t such a treat for many dogs. The loud, unexpected noises can scare and make them anxious. While their humans are off enjoying the sights and sounds, their dogs are home wondering where the noise is coming from and how to get away. Or if people are at home entertaining, the constant coming-and-going of visitors give dogs a chance to make an unnoticed escape. As a result, many dogs, who would never think of leaving their home or backyard manage to find a way out.

If you plan to leave the house or entertain this Fourth of July, make sure your dogs are taken care of and in a safe place. For dogs who get very anxious you might give them a calming agent, such as Rescue Remedy or other calming supplement. (Try it out first when you are home and can watch for any reactions or adverse effects. Don’t give any medicine for the first time if you plan to leave your dog alone.)

Even with all your safeguards your dog manages to escape anyway? Here’s a very good article from The Arizona Republic with tips on searching and recovering a missing dog. (It features the recovery of a French Bulldog!)
The Arizona Republic - To find a lost dog quickly, owner needs to hustle

When you brought your new Frenchie pup or dog home, there was a lot of paperwork wasn’t there? (Especially the “paperwork” your Frenchie helped to “fill out”!) You had to answer the breeder’s or rescue’s amazingly long list of questions, set up new vet records, send off for AKC or kennel club papers, and the paperwork to register your new pal’s microchip with your contact info. Or did you?

It’s easy to overlook paperwork in the excitement of bringing home a new pal, but oh-so-important. There was a happy reunion this past week in Central Texas of a microchipped Frenchie and his family, but it took almost a week for that reunion. Can you guess why? That’s right. They hadn’t sent in their contact info. This reunion could have taken place in hours, rather than days, had their info been in the database.

If you have sent in your paperwork, pat yourself on the back and go get yourself a treat! If you haven’t, or aren’t sure anymore, here’s what you can do:

1) See if you still have the registration forms, fill them out, and mail them off.
2) Can’t find the forms? Contact the microchip manufacturer and verify the correct info is listed. (Links below)
3) Can’t remember the manufacturer or if your dog even has a microchip? Call the breeder, rescue, or your vet to verify. They should be able to supply the ID number for you as well. Or take your dog to your vet and have them scanned. If he/she has a chip, the number will pop up.
4) Know your dog doesn’t have a chip? Most vets can now insert them for a small fee

Here’s links to the major microchip suppliers in the US:
AVID PetTrac
Home Again
AKC Companion Animal Recovery

For more info about microchips and the process, visit this Wikipedia page:
Wikipedia - Animal Microchips

Check out these cool silicon “aqua-fur” bowls from Tazlab. They fold up tight for storing or packing. What a great idea for traveling or going on a walk.

Gonna be on the lookout for the “pack-a-puddle” bowl. Just the right size to fit in a pocket while out on a walk. Keep those Frenchies hydrated!!!

Tazlab.com

The FDA released the news yesterday, pet food stored at a Joliet, Illinois Petco distribution center was being stored in unsanitary conditions. It does not state brand names.

Petco stores in 16 states receive their food from the Joliet, Illinois distribution center: Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

No illness or deaths have been reported, but the FDA recommends throughly cleaning any surfaces which have come into contact with packaging from these Petco stores.

For the full FDA press release, visit this link:
FDA Press Release

More links to news stories about the event:
Chicago Tribune

Chicago Sun Times

…we have the newly minted champion: CH Ebullient! Vivacious D’McKee

That’s right! This weekend Vivian gaited out of the show ring with that much sought after final point and Best of Opposite Sex ribbon. It all happened Sunday at the Texarkana Shows on the Arkansas side of town. Our many, many thanks to judge Mrs. Paula Hartinger for bestowing this win to our girl.

On top of that, Vivian won all her points to her championship from the Bred-By class. This means we’ll get a Bred-By Exhibitor Medallion from the AKC, and she’ll be eligible to compete at the Eukanuba Nationals at Long Beach, CA in December 2008. Not sure we’ll be able to get her out there, but it’s a great honor, all the same.
Eligible BBE dogs for 2008 Eukanuba Nationals

Now Vivian (and her owners) will enjoy seeing that coveted CH in front of her name for the rest of her life. Though Vivian seems to be finding much more enjoyment in the new toy she got as her prize from us: a Buzzy Bee.