Tails From The Squad
September 2009


Greetings!

Our hearts at Dawg Squad go out to the families affected by the recent wildfires.  Now that they are moving towards containment we have a chance to step back and see how we can help. If you know of anyone in the affected regions who is missing a pet, the following shelters have been taking in displaced animals:

Large Animals
Small Animals
  • Augora Animal Shelter
  • Lancaster Animal Shelter
  • Palmdale Humane Society
  • Pasadena Humane Society
Wild Animals
You may also want to contact these shelters to see if they are in need of any specific items such as food, bedding or just a helping hand. Wildlife Waystation and Shambala have both been evacuated and may need help.

Finally, a plea for any remaining animals in jeopardy. Fast moving animals such as coyotes, bob cats, deer, and the birds stand a chance of escape. Unfortunately, slow moving animals such as the opossums, bunnies, and ground rodents aren't as lucky. Their only chance for escape is human intervention.

While most people will turn away from an animal in need due to their own chaos, some will take a few extra minutes to help.

Valley Wildlife Care Has Issued the Following Plea:

If you see any animal alone near any of the fire spots, PLEASE take a minute to stop and contain the animal (without risking your own safety or wellbeing). If you will be near any of these areas, keep a box and a towel in your car. It just might save a life!  Valley Wildlife are is committed to taking ANY wildlife from the fires.

Please forward this email to your friends.
The information could help save the life of an animal in need!

BernsteinNEVER LOOK A GIFT HORSE IN THE MOUTH

And Other Useful Wisdom You Can Apply To Your Dog's Teeth


by Dr. Bernstein


LOS ANGELES, CA - Although this proverb may have some merit for interpersonal  relationships it is not in the best interest of the horse.  Nor is it a good idea to ignore the oral cavity of your dog or car.  Dental enamel is the hardest substance in the body, yet the teeth and gums represent a major source of disease.

Plaque is a soft substance that clings to the surface of teeth.  It is a sticky  film of bacteria that is not readily seen, but can be removed with gentle abrasion (such as a toothbrush or certain chewables).  Calculus (tartar) is a hard mineral deposit that commonly accumulates on the teeth adjacent to the gumline.  Calculus can NOT be brushed off,  but requires much more effort (scaling) to remove.  Calculus and plaque promote an inflammatory reaction in the gums and can lead to destruction of the tissues that anchor the tooth.
 
This inflammatory process can also have consequences far beyond the mouth.  Some conditions that have been linked to oral inflammation are heart, lung, and kidney disease, blood clots, strokes, and low birth weight babies.
 
Although calculus can sometimes be scraped off while an animal is awake, the end result is usually not ideal.  There can be cosmetic improvement, but serious problems may persist unseen.  Under anesthesia, a complete oral exam can detect problem areas that are unseen in an awake animal.  Damaged teeth, root pockets, inflammatory changes and tumors can be evaluated and treated during a complete oral examination.  Teeth cleaning consists of ultrasonic removal of all the plaque and tartar, both above and below the gum margin.  Each tooth is then polished to make it more difficult for plaque to adhere.
 
Home care is extremely important to maintain oral health between veterinary treatments.  Since hard calculus starts to form in 2-3 days, brushing must be done several times a week.  It has been found that certain "chewables" can be as effective as brushing.
 
Follow the advice of your veterinarian regarding  oral/dental exams and treatment to avoid many health problems.  Whether your pet is a gift, a rescue, or purchased, don't forget to look in the mouth.


Bernie DEAR BERNIE
  

  Summer Holidays Are Over -
  Tips to Help Your Pets Acclimate
  to an Empty House

  Bernie I am so worried.  The kids are
  going to go back to school soon and
  I'm going to be left all alone and oh
  my gosh, what am I going to do?  
  Who is going to play with me?   I'm
  so upset!  Tell me what to do!  Oh
  my gosh....I'm just so upset! 

Help me Bernie!!!!!
Frantic Freddie

Dear Freddy,
 
Calm down boy.  Now listen, I'm sure your family has thought this through and I just bet they have your whole school year planned.   Let's go over a few things and if they forgot anything, you can remind them.
 
1. A dog walker is always a good idea when a pup is going to be left alone for more than a few hours at a time.   A good dog walker will make sure you get lots of exercise a couple days a week and you'll be too tired to be lonely
2. Doggie day care is really fun.   If you can ask your family to take you to day care a couple days a week, you will make lots of new friends and learn a few things yourself!
3. TOYS!   Lots of fun and interactive TOYS.    I have a Buster Cube.  Your Mom or Dad puts food in the holes and it takes you alll day to get the kibble out of the holes and by the time your family comes home from school....well you won't even know they are gone!
4. KONGS - the answer to a doggie's prayer.   I like mine stuffed with peanut butter nice and cold right out of the freezer.
 
And Freddy, here is the BEST idea yet.    Tell your family that they should adopt another dog for you to play with.    Take a look at Jerome...our dog of the month.
 
Give me a buzz if you have any more questions, OK Freedy?   And learn to relax dude!

Read more advice from Bernie

Shalom watching tvSHALOM'S PICS

  Farmville - Let's Grow Together!
 
  This has been a very busy month
  because Mom has been getting things
  together for BOWLING FOR COLLARS
  so I haven't had a chance to watch
  many movies.  So instead I've been
  surfing the web and found this new
  game called Farmville.  

  This is so much fun.  You get to grow
your own food and milk cows and get eggs from chickens and all sorts of stuff.  Sometimes a neighbor asks for help so I go over to their farm and I chase away crows or rake leaves for them.   

The music is kind of annoying but other than that it's lots of fun.  I always wanted to live in the country but Mom says she has to work to feed us Rottens so I guess this is as close as I'll get.  

Well, I have to go harvest my eggplant now.  Next month I WILL be watching movies....Mom promised.
 
Peace out,
 
Shalom

bfcBOWLING FOR COLLARS

You have less than a month to sign up for the event of the year! 

We know this is a tough year financially for everyone - including our dogs - so we've made sure that Bowling for Collars is the best value in town. For a donation of just $25, you'll get:
  • 2 games of bowling
  • shoe rental
  • pizza
  • drinks
  • desert
  • prizes
  • and a whole afternoon of fun!
Plus, kids are encouraged to attend, so no need to hire a babysitter. In fact - get a whole lane for up to 5 bowlers for just $100, even more of a deal!
 
If you have other plans on Sunday, September 27th, but would still like to support our pups - you can still contribute:


IN THIS ISSUE
Never Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth
Dear Bernie
Shalom's Pics
Bowling for Collars
Sponsor a Pet
Sign Up for Our Monthly Newsletter
Email:  

DOG OF THE MONTH


Thumper

Meet THUMPER

Just take a look in those dark brown eyes and what do you see?  
  • Intelligence
  • compassion
  • kindness
  • and a sense of humor? 
Yep...that's Thumper in a nutshell.  He's one smart Rottie pup who loves the world, is great with dogs and people and will just overwhelm you with how fast he learns and how much he wants to please.   

Thumper will do great in a home with another dog or on his own with a family who can give him lots of love and attention.    

Don't let the fact he only has 3 legs slow YOU down...it doesn't slow him down
   Bad Pitty
SPONSOR A PET
In Need

Would you like to sponsor
a
furry friend in need?

Make a donation to the Squad.

Your monies will go
directly to the food,
housing and medical expenses of your
favorite pet!



QUICK LINKS
UPCOMING EVENTS

Adoption Days - Every Weekend

We show our dogs EVERY SATURDAY:


11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Centinela Feed and Pet
7600 S. Sepulveda Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90045

THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT

To date we have saved over 1100+ Pet's Lives and counting. We couldn't do it without you and we thank you for your continued support. Check back with us next month for more news, success stories and helpful tips for your favorite quadra-ped!

CONTACT INFORMATION

Dawg Squad is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations and contributions are tax deductible.
Dawg Squad
11209 National Blvd., #246
Los Angeles, CA 90064