How you can bring comfort and joy to Houston animal shelters (and your home) this holiday season
It is hard not to smile while watching a kitten frolic among the wrapping and bows, or feel filled with comfort and contentment as a dog snuggles up to you on the couch and rests their soft head on your lap while you watch your favorite holiday movie.
Man believes he was set up after 5 French bulldogs were stolen from him in west Houston
HOUSTON – A man believes he was set up after five of his French Bulldog puppies were stolen from him on Houston’s west side. Days after checking into the hotel, Nij said he was held up at gunpoint and robbed of his puppies. He thinks back to last Friday when a man came up to him with his son to inquire about buying French Bulldog puppies. If you go and look at five or six in the afternoon, they’re all walking their dogs outside,” Nij said. “What’s also bad is every night the puppies’ mother cries and wines, I’d imagine it’s because she misses her puppies,” Nij said.
Want to adopt a dog this weekend? See why you should stop by Houston Pets Alive!
HOUSTON – If you are ready to take home a dog who really needs a family, Houston Pets Alive! Curtis Levy, executive director with Houston Pets Alive!, shared details to know before you head out to find your animal companion. Houston Pets Alive! Adoption Event (Houston Pets Alive!) Dipping dots and owner (Houston Pets Alive!)
These dog breeds are most favored by thieves, group says
Several dog breeds are favored by dognappers in recent months, primarily due to their “high-value” quirk and the fact that they are easier to grab and run, according to the American Kennel Company (AKC). These are the five breeds that are often stolen by thieves, according to the AKC:French BulldogFrench bulldog thefts have been on the rise the past few weeks, notably the case of Lady Gaga whose two pups were stolen in California. Chihuahua (Pixabay)BulldogThe most common reason bulldogs, especially English bulldogs get stolen frequently is due to their behavior. Bulldogs are less likely to bite compared to other breeds, making them most-liked by thieves, according to Reader’s Digest. AdBulldog (Pixabay)Siberian huskySiberian huskies are very active, but they do not make good guard dogs, bringing a security disadvantage between dog owners and thieves.
Pet packing on pounds? Here is what you can do to help regulate their weight during the pandemic
HOUSTON – If your pet has put on weight during the pandemic, you’re not alone. A recent Hills Pet Nutrition survey says our four-legged friends are putting on pandemic pounds with us, and not every pet parent wants to hear it. Dr. Andrew Novosad with Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists says the first step to better health is recognizing there’s a problem. You find yourself having to be tactful… Yes, your dog’s overweight!” Dr. Novosad said. I think if you recognize that there is a problem, you can do things to try and counteract and to help,” Dr. Novosad said.
Best family dog breeds: Houston dog trainer shares her top picks
HOUSTON – If you’re thinking of adding a new puppy to your family, it’s important to consider what dog breed best fits your lifestyle. Each dog is different, but there are general and somewhat predictable personality traits associated with specific dog breeds,” said Bennett, the puppy expert who trained our beloved Tex. According to Bennett, is important that you ask yourself a series of important questions before bringing a new dog into your family unit. Are you physically able to provide the necessary exercise for a high energy dog? Talk to professional dog trainers who will be able to discuss the challenges of particular breeds,” she recommended.
Recall on brand of pet food expanded after more than 2 dozen dogs die, FDA says
A pet food recall has expanded after the Food and Drug Administration announced that more than two dozen dogs died after eating Sportmix brand dry kibble. The list of recalled dry pet food products announced by Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. on December 30, 2020 is:Sportmix Energy Plus, 50 lb. bag Exp 03/02/22/05/L2 Exp 03/02/22/05/L3 Exp 03/03/22/05/L2Sportmix Energy Plus, 44 lb. bagSportmix High Energy, 44 lb. bagSportmix High Energy, 50 lb.
Ask 2: Is there a limit on how many animals a dog day care can have?
As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: I live next door to a dog daycare in Montrose and they seem to have a lot of dogs in such a small space. Answer: Commercial pet service facilities are not restricted to an exact number of animals that they can care for. The calculation is: (length of dog in inches + 6) x (length of dog in inches + 6) = required floor space in square inches. Required floor space in inches/144 = required floor space in square feet,” according to the provisions.
Campaign pups throughout the years: These 11 photos will make you crack a smile
We found the following 11 photos from Getty Images, and we thought they were worth a share. (Getty Images)Pierre, a 5-year-old basset hound, apparently is a loyal fan of then-President Johnson -- and was happy to pose with a campaign button. (Getty Images)A dog wears a campaign sticker for Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden during a campaign stop at the Buttercup diner on March 3, 2020 in Oakland, California. This photo was taken in front of the White House as the pups wore campaign buttons for Lyndon B. Johnson for President. (Getty Images)In Honolulu, Hawaiian women are seen casting their votes during a presidential election -- and even a dog doesn't dare peek.
Meet Houston’s only certified grief therapy dogs, Axl and Izzy
The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies. HOUSTON – The Carter-Conley Funeral Home is a family owned and operated funeral home in Houston that was established in 1992. What really sets them apart from other facilities are their two certified therapy dogs, Axl and Izzy. The Carter-Conley Funeral Home is Houston’s only funeral home to have these loving grief therapy dogs on staff, that families who come in can turn to in a time of need.
What are grief therapy dogs? Meet Axl and Izzy, who work full-time at this Houston funeral home
Axl, also known as “Grief Therapy Dood” and Izzy, “Grief Therapy Doodette,” are certified therapy dogs and work full-time as a grief therapy dogs at Carter-Conley Funeral Home in Houston. Although there are several others in Texas and throughout the country, Axl and Izzy are the only certified therapy dogs assisting full-time at a funeral home in Houston, according to Carter-Conley Funeral Home. Axl later received his certification as a therapy dog and continues to comfort families at Carter-Conley Funeral home at a time when they need it most. Once the Conleys felt confident that she could meet all of the requirements of the therapy dog certification, Izzy went through the testing process. Following in big brother Axl’s paw-prints, Izzy became a certified therapy dog.
‘The best boy’: This dog’s obituary will remind you why they truly are man’s best friend
His pet parent, Sallie Hammett, decided to write her dog an obituary that has tugged on the internet’s heartstrings since she shared it on Twitter. pic.twitter.com/FKmqeivtq9 — Sallie Hammett (@SallieGHammett) September 22, 2020“Charlie’s favorite activities were walking, stick collecting, swimming, smiling, and snoozing,” Hammett wrote. “He relaxed in the Charlie-sized holes he dug himself, and dove straight into the oncoming waves,” Hammett wrote. “We will think of him every time we open the peanut butter,” Hammett wrote. “In leiu of flowers, the family asks that you give all your pups some extra love in honor of Charlie.”Good boy, Charlie.
Chicago veterinarians refuse CDC’s request to deport 15 French bulldog puppies abandoned in O’Hare warehouse
The dogs were discovered at O’Hare International Airport after they were shipped to the United States from Russia in August, and federal officials say their paperwork was forged to get around limits on the number of dogs any one person can import. They’ve been in the care of Chicago French Bulldog Rescue, which is fighting their being sent back abroad.
chicagotribune.comUS congressman Mike Quigley joins effort to halt deportation of French bulldogs found abandoned in O’Hare warehouse
When questioned why the sick dogs were required to be shipped back to Jordan, Hubbard said, "Dogs that are imported into the United States must be vaccinated against rabies at 12 weeks of age or older and must wait 28 days after initial vaccination before entering the country. Dogs coming from countries and political units with a high risk of rabies need a valid rabies vaccination certificate. "
chicagotribune.comWATCH: Stranded dog rescued from bridge above Mississippi River
While working over the Missippi River, a bridge inspector for the bridge-design company Stantec noticed a dog stranded beneath the deck, 120 feet above the river. According to Fox 10, Ryan Natalu, the lead climber and rescue technician at the scene quickly called the police for assistance and climbed down to save the dog. Natalu assessed the dog for injuries before assembling a makeshift harness out of rope and lifted the dog to safety. It is unknown how the dog ended up on the bridge deck. APT reported the dog was taken into care by local police.
One Good Thing: Bonded dogs reunite after getting separated during Hurricane Laura
The best buddies from Louisiana were seperated when they were rescued after Hurricane Laura. Now, they’re finally back together. Whisper, a hearing-impaired Shepard mix, was one of several dogs and cats brought to the Houston SPCA after Laura. When a team from the SPCA looked at the pooch’s paperwork, they saw she was already bonded to another dog named Sassy. Unfortunately, Sassy had been taken to a rescue in Fort Worth, so the Houston SPCA got to work to reunite the pair.
How to prepare your dog for when you return to work
HOUSTON – With more business opening across Texas, a major concern for dog parents is heading back to work and leaving their pups home alone again. “It’s really important to start leaving for small increments of time, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. “Don’t let your dog be velcro dog, meaning following you every single place that you go, whether it means, I’m going to go check the mail. But you do need to seek help from professionals to help you and to help your dog. If your looking for help to train your dog, Believe in Dog Training has a canine training and enrichment center in the Heights.
Hurricane preparedness for dogs: Houston puppy trainer shares 5 safety tips | HOUSTON LIFE | KPRC 2
Hurricane preparedness for dogs: Houston puppy trainer shares 5 safety tips | HOUSTON LIFE | KPRC 2Published: July 23, 2020, 2:32 pmYou're probably aware by now that there's a tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico that's headed straight for Texas. It's a great reminder to prepare ourselves and our dogs for hurricane season. The puppy expert, Stephanie Bennett, owner of Believe in Dog Training, shared 5 things you can do now to keep your dogs safe in case of emergency.
What are the most popular dog breeds in Houston? This new study by Rover ranks them.
HOUSTON – Houston loves their dogs, but have you wondered which breed tops all? Currently, Mixed breed dogs, Labrador Retrievers and Chihuahuas round up the top three in the nation. Miniature SchnauzerWith many high-rises and apartment buildings in the Houston area, it’s no surprise that the Miniature Schnauzer is the perfect dog for apartment life. Miniature Schnauzer (Free-Photos)2. If you are looking for a dog that’s easy to show tricks, Poms are just perfect for it.
Bomb-sniffing dogs are helping to speed up security lines
The U.S. bomb sniffing dogs spiked after the 9/11 attacks - there are currently about 1,000 working in the U.S. The K-9s are specially selected, trained for nearly a year, and then serve for about 8 years. The demand around the world has increased, U.S. law enforcement has seen the market for available dogs tighten. Kris Van Cleave has more.
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