Bring Your Own Bag

Look at the picture on the left side of the page titled, Plastic Pollution is Deadly. What words comes to mind? GROSS, Yucky, Ick, Nasty?? How about killer? Scientists estimate that cast-off plastic KILLS roughly 1 million sea birds AND 100,000 marine animals like dolphins and sea turtles each year. Mind boggling! And, get ready for another hard-to-swallow statistic, 80% -- so almost all -- of the TRASH in the ocean is PLASTIC. Plastic takes a long time to break down, so it is not unusual for that toothpaste cap you throw out with today's trash to end up floating in the ocean dumpster. AND, all of those bits and pieces of plastic, including lots and lots of bags, all pool together to create one mega Garbage Dump that is growing daily. According to Scholastic 's Science World April 19th issue, "most of the floating garbage comes from the roughly 200 BILLION pounds of plastic people use each year, or which some 10 percent ends up in the ocean. Much of the trash comes from the land, brought by sewage systems and rivers. Since a plastic bottle can take as long as 500 YEARS to break down, it can swirl in the garbage patch for a very long time."

Last week we celebrated the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. We need to do better, make every day earth day. Figure out what you can do to reduce waste. Bringing your own bag to the store is an easy start. What else can you do? Create a list, but don't use paper!

FAT CATS are Not Cute, They are Unhealthy!

This picture of Aretha, has not been photo-shopped, she is a grotesquely obese cat. And, like the article OBESITY IN CATS... and What To Do About An Overweight Cat (http://www.thepetcenter.com/Article.aspx?id=3401) says, obesity in cats is a common problem that can result in Feline Hepatic Lipidosis - (Fatty Liver Disease), diabetes, and

arthritis, all serious and debilitating illnesses, and all less likely to occur in "normal" weight cats. The article states than 40% of all domestic cats are obese -- Aretha falls into the category of grossly overweight. When she was brought to the League, a whopping 25 pounds was covering Aretha's small frame. In the few weeks she's been here, thanks to diet and exercise she's lost a little over 2 pounds. The next 8-10 will be harder to lose.

First Lady Michelle Obama has made healthy food choices and exercise one of her "pet" causes. She tells children all over the world that she expects them to eat a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly to stay healthy. Childhood obesity has reached epidemic numbers with one in every five children classified as overweight. Childhood obesity is the result of numerous factors including high calorie food choices, sedentary lifestyles, and irregular eating patterns. Obesity in cats can be attributed to the same, difference being people make the food choices for cats and people make food available to cats 24/7 and people lose interest in making sure that their cats get exercise. AND, people often think fat cats are cute. Think Garfield, think Morris.

Aretha is not cute. But, she's sweet. And, with help from the food police and personal trainers at the League, Aretha will get to a normal cat weight, which is rarely more than 12 pounds!

A Home for Kix

Good News!! Kix who went to a foster home two months ago after a very, very, very long stay at the shelter is now in her forever home. She didn't move -- her foster family adopted her!

CELEBRATE!!

April is National Poetry month. Did you know that if you google the familiar lines, "April showers bring May flowers" more than 10,100,000 references pop up? That's one popular poem! And, 2/3 of the way into National Poetry month is National Parks Week -- which means FREE admission to all 392 national parks, now through Saturday. Plus, EARTH DAY is celebrated, on Thursday, April 22nd, smack in the middle of National Parks Week. Why not spend Thursday in a park writing poetry!

To learn more about National Parks Week check out http://www.nps.gov/npweek/
Information on the 15th annual National Poetry Month Celebration is at www.poets.org/npm/
Earth Day information is at http://www.earthday.org/earthday2010

Sea Lions in San Francisco

I saw them. They are big. No, huge -- really humongous! They are loud -- really, really loud. And, less than 6 months ago, more than 1,500 humongous, loud sea lions were hanging out in San Francisco at Pier 39. Last week there were fewer than a couple of dozen sea lions on the pier. No one knows exactly why the San Francisco sea lions came and went -- one of the most logical theories has to do with food. Scientists believe that scores of sea lions were following their stomachs. When the food source moved on, so did the sea lions.

The sea lions I saw were passively sunning themselves, barking now and then, and occasionally plopping into the chilly bay. I would have loved to have seen and heard 1,500 sea lions, but I can't complain, as magnificent as our wildlife is in the D.C. area, there are no sea lions here, and it is highly unlikely that any will find food any time soon in the Potomac or Anacostia rivers.

To read more about the disappearance of the sea lions of San Francisco, check out http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/12/disappearing-sea-lions/

Puppy Stolen During An Afteroon Walk

An article appeared in last Saturday's Washington Post describing how an- 8-week-old pit bull puppy was snatched from his 13-year-old guardian during an afternoon walk. The two thieves were described as youths -- one between 10 -13 and the other 13-16. I read the article certain that the pup would never be seen again and, worse, that harm would come to the dog. I guess the press scared the perpetrators. The dog was found the next day -- thankfully, unharmed. Yet, the question remains, why would two kids be so brash as to STEAL a puppy? What was their intent? Some think it was a joke. I disagree. This was no joke. Stealing is always wrong. Stealing a living, breathing, creature is worse than wrong, but I haven't found the word yet for what they did.

When the dog-nappers are identified, what should be their punishment?

It's Always Nice to Hear Thank You

Saturday, March 20th, Daisy Troop 1563 visited the League. Juanishia, one of the League's Adoption Coordinators gave the girls a behind the scenes tour of the shelter. On Monday I opened my in-box and read a copy of an email sent to Juanishia "Daisy Troop 1563 says "Thank you"!!!! We had a great time, and you were super with the girls. They were happy to collect and donate gently used blankets and towels for the animals." Shelter work can be difficult. People who work in shelters do so because they care about animals and want to make the world a better place for them. We like sharing what we do -- the more opportunities we have to impress upon people the importance of proper animal care, the better. We want all animals to find loving forever homes. That said, it's nice to hear that others appreciate the effort shelter staff make. Juanishia is pictured here with several attentive listeners who obviously love animals. Thank you Daisy Troop 1563 for the blankets and towels.

A Very, Very Happy Update From Kix

Kix, a sweet mix-breed dog, spent Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's at the League. She was here for the snow storms in December and February. Dogs to the left and right of her den were adopted. Dogs across the hall from her went home, too. Kix waited. League visitors walked past her. She tried to get their attention with her broad smile and soulful eyes. When I brought children through the shelter, I would open Kix's den door and she would gently nudge her new found friends, encouraging them to give her one more pat. The children always said, "Why hasn't she been adopted yet?" I didn't have an answer. How could such a great dog be invisible to potential adopters?

And then, recently, a when a League volunteer decided to foster a dog she picked Kix!!!

Kix is very, very happy in her foster home. She sent me this update.

After a week here in College Park, I am very happy. The first couple of days were hard, and I was stressed out so my tummy hurt a little, but now everything is okay! My parents take me on lots of walks. I love to watch the squirrels and robins and sniff where the other doggies have been. We haven't met too many, but I know they are around because I can smell them. My favorite place to walk is down the trolley trail path, where lots of other doggies go. When I'm around the house, I love to cuddle up to mom and dad and get scratched behind the ears. If they are busy, I cozy up in my crate with my fluffy blanket and bunny. Though I love my bunny, I also love chewing on him when I'm excited. He's missing his nose and his right leg...oops! Because I'm a little chubby, I'm on a healthy diet of dry food with supplements of raw chicken, fruit and yogurt. The raw chicken is my favorite. What a good life! I do get a little lonely during the day when mom and dad are at work, but really, I'm a happy dog!

Forever Jailed!

I grew up in Miami, Florida. One of the most exciting places to go back then was the Seaquarium. My friends and I loved to watch the sea animals in their "environment". We made sure to schedule our visits around the dolphin and killer whale (Orca) shows.

I cared about animals back then; I marveled at the beauty and the intelligence of those "performing" animals. Why did it take me so long to recognize that those animals, jailed in circular tubs for my amusement, belonged in the ocean, less than a few blocks away? A whale in the ocean swims for miles and miles. A whale held captive swims in circles, around and around in a "water-cage" day-in and day-out.

In the wild Orca whales live on the average 50 years, or more, with some geriatric whales living 80 years! Captive whales rarely make it to 30. In the wild, Orcas ignore humans. In captivity, more than 20 Orcas have been labeled true people "killers".

Recent headlines tell a story.

• Whale Turns On, Kills Sea World Trainer



• Whale kills its trainer in front of visitors to amusement ...



• Sea World trainer killed: Shamu Believe show resumes with ...



• Sea World whale show reopens two days after attack News.com.au

It is a very sad story for all.

Return to Normal --Sort Of

The snow horses were killed by the plows. But an odd looking fellow with a bucket for a top hat has taken up residence around the corner. Nigel considered decorating the base of the visitor, but I quickly lured him away. Well, it's been two weeks since the second blizzard hammered the area . And, while most things are back to normal, I don't think I'll ever be able to walk Nigel without washing his paws and brushing him off after every single outing. The roads are still topped with sand and salt. The salt can burn pads, and the sand, with the melted snow, turns into teeny clumps of mud that stick to Nigel's legs and belly. The after-walk routine does not phase Nigel --he likes the paw-soak and rub down. In fact, now that the record-setting amounts of snow have melted into more manageable piles for dog walking, Nigel is eager to be outside. He romps on trampled paths and is still eager to munch on clumps of snow -- just not the yellow stuff.

Interesting Animals Come to Visit After the Snow!

It's always fun to go exploring after a storm. Earlier today, I sprinkled bird seed on the snow so the birds, who aren't lucky enough to fly south for the winter, will have something to eat. Then, Nigel and I went for a walk. We were surprised to see new neighbors resting at the corner --a pair of snow horses! With below freezing temperatures expected tonight, and for several nights to come, I think these magnificent visitors will be around for awhile.

Hunkered Down Inside the League

Round two of the blizzard started as a light snow Tuesday night, but by mid-morning Wednesday visibility was almost non-existent from INSIDE the League! Six staff members hosted a two (and in some cases three) night slumber party with nearly 200 cats and dogs! During the day, an additional three loyal Leaguers walked to work so the animals could receive the very best of care. If you've ever wondered what it's like to sleep in an animal shelter, I can tell you it's much quieter than you would think.

Most of our time, however was not spent sleeping -- cleaning, feeding, and medicating animals is time consuming. Of cours, there was some down time late at night --three of us managed a nightly game of scrabble while two others focused on a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle. We were fortunate to have a real meal during the height of the blizzard -- Wah Luck Chinese Restaurant delivered!!! We were very, very grateful.

Like our dogs at home, the dogs living at the League need to go outside -- some liked the snow, others like me, are ready for spring.

Snow Storm of the Century Brings Out the Best, Worst, and Just Plain Fun!

HEROES --We live in Washington, DC, not the North Pole. The weekend weather made some kind of once-in -lifetime mistake. Even the President, who lived many years in Chicago, acknowledged the blizzard in the nation's capital, calling it Snowmageddon. The most snow ever recorded during one storm in our area happened on the weekend. And, three wonderful, loyal Washington Animal Rescue League staffers managed to care for all of the animals. Thanks to Eugene, Ehuniz, and Oscar, the cats and dogs were kept fed and clean. You are my heroes -- AMAZING!!!

DUMB MISTAKE -- Not everyone is so responsible. My neighbor, who has two dogs for his "kids", opened up the door at 3:00 a.m. Sunday morning to see if a plow had gone down the street -- why would a plow have gone down my little street ? -- and one of the dogs ran out. The dog has yet to come back. The dog, an unneutered male, older chocolate Labrador retriever, is not wearing any identification tags and is not microchipped. Not only did record breaking amounts of snow fall, but bitter cold is bearing down on the region. The dog is super unruly. I'm hoping, however, that he let some kind soul take him in or somehow got to the Montgomery County Animal Shelter.


FUN-- Dogs LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the snow. check out the picture of Nigel. Why would a dog want to just park in the snow? Seems to me he'd be a little chilly, guess not. The first time out, while the snow was still falling, was a little tricky. It had already mounted so high that Nigel needed a path to comfortably go to the bathroom. Once that was taken care of, the rest of the outtings have been all fun. Nigel played with his buddy Jackson and another dog who met us in the street. At that time, you couldn't tell the street from the yard. Notice the snow on Nigel's snout? He loves using his nose to tunnel through the snow like a gopher.



HEROES REVISITED -- When I was watching the news on Saturday I saw a a shot of a church that had collapsed in Washington. The reporter mentioned how it was believed that no one was injured, however an Urban Search and Rescue team, who had just returned from Haiti, was in the building checking for anyone who may have been trapped inside. Sounds like D.C. Fire Department Sgt.Christopher Holmes and his partner Cazo were hard at work on their home turf. Thanks. So glad to hear that both are in top form. When I spoke to Sgt. Holmes earlier in the week he told me that Cazo had been injured while looking for survivors in the rubble in Haiti. Cazo's injury was so severe that he underwent a 90 minute surgery to remove the foreign object that was lodged in his flank. Cazo finished a round of antibiotics and was cleared to go back to work right before the storm. Obviously, search and rescue teams don't get snow days!

I've been thinking about an article that I read yesterday -- Anacostia River shows decades-long failure to improve water quality, ecosystem . According to David A. Fahrenthold, In the District, 15 miles downstream, the Anacostia is burdened by tons of floating trash, millions of gallons of raw sewage, and deposits of toxic chemicals. Forty years ago, when Earth Day was established, people were told that ignorance and negligence was destroying rivers, and that immediate clean-up was critical to the life of the Anacostia as well as other bodies of water throughout the U.S. And, today, we are still looking for ways to improve the quality of the Anacostia. What simple things can individuals do?

The obvious, don't pollute -- not one gum wrapper, plastic baggie, or bag of dog poop. And, don't shop unless you are prepared -- Bring a bag. One part of the renewed cleanup effort is already in place: The District's "bag bill," which requires that retailers charge customers five cents for every paper or plastic shopping bag. The funds will go for cleanup measures, but the real hope is to cut use of plastic bags, the most common kind of trash found in the Anacostia's tributaries.

How quickly will things improve?
The District government has stuck by the goal of a fishable, swimmable river -- but set a deadline years over the horizon, in 2032. "We wanted to be realistic," one city official said.

I wonder, does it really need to take 21 more years to turn things around?

Read the article in it's entirety. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/01/AR2010020103217_5.html?sid=ST2010020103347.

Think of ways that you can help now. Share the article with friends. Write letters -- let people in positions of power know that you care and want to be part of the effort to save the Anacostia. What will you be doing in 2032?

Snow Again! This is DC, not Michigan!!

Well, according to those who keep records the average snow fall in the D.C. area is less than two feet per winter. The six plus inches we got on Saturday took us beyond our average. The snow is beautiful and lots of fun to play in, but with it, particularly this winter, comes cold -- extreme cold. Dogs and cats should not be left outside. Report any animal unattended to the proper animal welfare agency in your community.

Be an animal hero. Speak up for animals.

UPDATE

I heard on the radio this morning that the Fairfax County, Virginia USAR (Urban Search & Rescue) unit is home from Haiti. Gone 15 days and reportedly recovered 16 survivors in the rubble! Welcome back Chris and Cazo.

More good news. It looks like my current favorite kitty, Casius Clay, may be going to his forever home very soon; someone, with another older cat, is very interested in adopting him!! I hope they have a tall perch -- CC loves to hang out on the very top of the kitty playground in the cat room at the League. Have a good life, buddy.

Horrors in Haiti

The destruction caused by the earthquake that slammed Haiti earlier in the week is beyond belief. Even as the pictures flash on television and computer screens, it is hard to imagine living through such a nightmare -- yet, among the death and ruins there are survivors. Sgt. Christopher Holmes and his K-9 partner, Cazo -- a German shepherd, are two of the rescue workers searching for people trapped inside the rubble. Chris and Cazo are part of the DC Fire/EMS Department's Urban Search and Rescue K-9 Unit. The day before the earthquake, the pair, along with Fire/Arson Investigator Rodney Taylor and his K-9 partner, Dozen -- a black Labrador retriever, were visiting students at Takoma Education Center talking about their jobs. Chris told the students how much he loves his job, and how he never knows when he and Cazo will be called to help. Little did he know that just 24 hours later disaster would strike and they would be on their way to Haiti.

Chris and Cazo are looking for people among the devestation. Cazo is trained to find survivors. He understands more than 40 words in German. Chris uses those words to instruct Cazo when they are working. When they aren't working it's play time, family time and just everyday down time. Neither of them will get any down time in the immediate future.

A Favorite Dog Update

The Washington Animal Rescue League places scores of dogs and cats in wonderful homes. Sometimes we hear back from their forever homes; sometimes we don't. It's always fun to learn what a certain cat or dog is up to-- what the adopters enjoys about their new friends, what silly things they like to share, as well as the tender moments that warm your heart.

Our training department gets updates about adopted dogs regularly. Quite honestly, I don't remember all of the dogs whose new people send in updates. But a recent email and photo caught my attention immediately. It was from Junie's new person, Erin. She reported that Junie is very sweet and loves her tennis balls and food. I remember Junie and those tennis balls. She had one in her mouth all of the time. Junie was one of those dogs who came in who made me think, "If only I had room for one more...." I'm sure that Nigel and Junie would have gotten along splendidly. However, my schedule and space allows for only one dog. So, Nigel must be content with his dog buddies in the neighborhood and Merl, the only cat of our three, who absolutely adores Nigel. Getting Erin's email reminded me though that Junie was one of those few dogs who I thought, "if only." I was very happy to see the picture of her with her tennis ball. Erin sent another photo of Junie on the bed. Those pictures and Erin's update made me think, "If only they all could get a good home like Junie."

Don't Forget the Birds

I don't have a bird feeder. I did years ago, but I attracted just as many mice as birds, so I gave up feeding the birds. But, the recent snow and the on-going cold made me think about the birds. Can they find enough food to eat? If I feed them today, do I need to feed them all winter long? Since I didn't know the answer to either question, I asked Jim Monsma, the League's resident bird expert.

Here's what he said.

It is fine to feed animals now and then. They eat what they can find, when they can find it. You could leave them in a bad situation if you fed them regularly and then cut them off suddenly.

More important is what you feed them – no bread, for instance – and keeping feeders clean, which many people fail to do. That’s why we have the outbreak of the eye disease among house finches, for instance. This was news to me, when I was growing up we always put out bread crusts for the birds.

Other important considerations --
Keep bird feeders no more than 3 feet from nearby windows (collisions with glass kill more birds than any other single factor with estimates that, on average, every single structure in the country kills 3 birds/year – think about that for a minute).

Keep cats indoors. I can do that!

HAPPY 2010!!!

It feels like we've been celebrating this holiday season in the north pole. And, while this might be great weather for penguins and polar bears, cats and dogs need a little extra attention. Their bodies are not primed for day after day of freezing temperatures. Dogs and cats should not be left outside.

Some animals like the cold. Nigel really enjoys his walks in the cold. But, they are just that -- 10 minute walks, not life on the ice floes. After the brisk walk it's back inside the house with the thermostat set to 68 degrees (not exactly warm, but comfortable, and the lower temperature helps to save energy). And, Nigel's buddies Micky, Merl and Bruce are inside always -- cats do not enjoy the cold and are NEVER safe outside.

Please, Please, Please report animals left outside to the proper agencies. Sometimes just telling an unknowing neighbor that his cat or dog would be a lot happy, safer and WARMER will do the trick. Believe it or not, there are folks who say, "but he's wearing a fur coat." I may not have fur, but when I go outside bundled up from head to toe, I still get cold and don't want to stay outside for very long. How different is that than my short-haired dog who goes outside barefoot?

New Year's resolution number one -- help keep animals warm and safe this winter.

No New Home for the Holidays!

This is Cassius Clay, one of my favorites at the League. He is a big, bruiser of a cat who looks tough, but is a real love. Cassius Clay's namesake is Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.; January 17, 1942). Ali, the three-time World Heavyweight Champion is widely considered one of the greatest boxers of all time. Our Cassius Clay is definitely not a fighter. He'll nudge your fist or knee and he'll come running right up to you when you say, "Hi Handsome!"

So, why is he here and not in a forever home? Well, he's 11-years-old. And, while 11 is quite young in people years (only fourth or fifth grade, not old enough to drive or vote), 11 is middle-aged for a cat, and most adopters are looking for a younger cat. Too bad -- because they are missing out on a real sweetheart. A middle-aged cat does not mean a sick or sedentary cat. Eleven is just a number -- and in cat years it means not a youngster, but not a geezer either.

The holidays are a hectic time. Lots of folks who are thinking about welcoming a cat or dog into their homes, choose to wait until all of the travel and celebrations are over. Maybe Cassius Clay's new person is planning right now, he or she just hasn't met this handsome hunk yet. My favorite kitty could easily undergo a name change -- I vote Romeo!

17 Inches of Snow in My Front Yard!!!!

This was a record breaking snow storm. The most ever recorded in the D.C. area in December. It's going to be awhile before it's all gone. Snow will be on the ground through the end of the year and well into 2010.

Snow plows and salt trucks are making their way through the neighborhoods. Be sure to wash your dog's feet off every time he goes outside. The salt can be painful. It gets in between his toes; ice balls form and stay there, too. They hurt. You wear snow boots, dogs don't.

Remember to report animals outside. No cat or dog should be left out in the snow and cold. A fun romp with your dog is fine, but he should stay outside only as long as you are out there, too. Max, Nigel and I went to the park this morning. Check out the pictures of Nigel and one of his friends chatting about the snow.

But now, we are in for the night. The temperatures are going down quickly. There are lots and lots of icy patches. Be safe and help keep everyone safe and warm.

SNOW!!!!!

Wow, it's really a blizzard out there. The forecasters were right. It's piling up and FAST.

When we took Nigel to the park two hours ago, the snow was was already so high that he couldn't walk; he leaped. Like the children on their sleds, the dogs had a great time playing. They jumped, tumbled and fell. Nigel had a blast, but when play time was over, he was happy to come home, get dried off ,and snooze in his bed.

I don't think I'll go out again until April!!!

I know that while I am enjoying the beauty of the rapidly falling snow from the safety of inside my warm house, animals (and people) are outside, ast risk of suffering from hypothermia (frost bite) and/or other injuries -- even death.

Things we can do --

• Have the number of the local animal control agency handy. Officers are working around the clock. If you see an animal who is outside unattended, call. In the District of Columbia that number is 202 -576-6664 -- 24/7.


• If you see a neighbor's dog or cat outside call them (or get an adult to call). Make sure that your neighbor is okay. Remind them that their animals should be indoors. It's not safe to be outside for extended periods of time for animals or people.


• When your dog goes outside, be sure to wash and dry his paws when he comes in -- especially the pads between his toes. Those little ice balls hurt!



• If you are venturing outside in the car, be on the lookout for animals that need help as you are driving around. Have the animal control number handy and report all animals in danger. Give as much information as possible -- where is the animal, what does the animal look like, is it contained (can it leave that location) or is it running loose, what is the exact address, what are the landmarks (is there gas station on the corner, or is it a blue house with black shutters). To report homeless people who are out in this weather in Washington call the Hypothermia Hotline at 1 (800) 535-7252.


• Before the car is started, bang on the hood and/or honk the horn -- that way, if a cat who was looking for a warm spot has crawled under the hood she'll take those loud noises as a sign to get out and go elsewhere.

This is going to be a whopper of a storm. Looks like the DC area will have a white Christmas for sure. Have fun sledding, building snow people and making snow angels; and be on the lookout for those who are outside and need help. Speak for those can't.

The Very Best of Friends

My cat Merl loves my dog Nigel. At least I think he does. When Nigel is hanging out, Merl is often close by. Sometimes Merl rubs up against Nigel's face. I don't think Nigel loves Merl, but he tolerates him just fine.

Cats and dogs are often friends. But what about elephants and dogs? Most definitely. I was given the book Tarra & Bella, a truly beautiful story about Tarra, an elephant who had been forced to perform in circuses and movies for more than 20 years. She now lives on 2700 acres at the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee with many other elephants and her best friend, Bella. Bella is a medium-sized mixed breed dog who picked Tarra as her friend, and the two have been inseparable ever since. Text accompanies magnificent pictures illustrating the friends' day-to-day interactions and chronicling their painful separation when Bella gets hurt. The photos also show Bella's amazing recovery that was centered on the best medicine -- friendship. Read the book for more information about Tarra and Bella's friendship; and to learn about all of the elephants living at the sanctuary, check our www.elephants.com.

Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle

Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle by Major Brian Dennis, Mary Nethery and Kirby Larson is one of those books that makes you laugh, cry, cheer and scream. The book, detailed in photographs and emails from Iraq, offers a hard look at some of the unforgotten victims of war. It's the story of a stray dog in the middle of war-torn Iraq who, not only fights to survive, but chooses the person he decides he is going to survive with. Major Brian Dennis names the pitiful leader of the pack of wild dogs Nubs, because obviously someone has butchered the starving dog's ears -- and that's just the beginning. From the time the Major meets the young adult dog in October 2007, until the time the dog boards a plane in early 2008 from Jordan to San Diego by way of Chicago, the reader keeps wondering "How can this dog survive?"

Read this book! Tell your teachers and librarians to get this book and read it to students and classes. Share it with friends and siblings. I got this book six hours ago -- I've read it twice, once by myself and once with my son, Max. I plan on reading it tomorrow in class at Takoma Education Center, and then, again and again. This is a BIG story told sparingly in a little book -- it's about a man and a dog, but it is also about friendship, compassion, camaraderie and will. The war in Iraq is now in its 9th year; when reading The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle you will cheer wildly for Nubs and Major Dennis, but you'll also wonder when will the suffering end.

Washington Animal Rescue League's Food Bank -- A Community Necessity

Times are tough. People are having to make choices. Sadly, some folks have had to surrender their beloved animal friends to the League and other shelters because they can no longer afford to care for them.

If you, your family, or someone you know has been affected by the current economic down turn, please contact the League (202 -726-2556, ext. 342) to find out about qualifying for assistance from our Food Bank. The Food Bank, supported entirely through private donations, is there to help low-income people care for their animal companions.

Donations to the Food Bank are greatly appreciated. If you are able to help the League stock the Food Bank, consider collecting good, quality food and treats and toys. A Food Bank Drive makes a great service project that helps people and animals in the community. It's an easy project that takes little more than spreading the word, setting up easy-to-find collection bins and then transporting the donations to the League. Pick-ups for extremely large donations can be arranged, too.

Maybe Now Happy Can Truly Be Happy

An article in today's Washington Post's metro section details the move of Happy the Hippo from the National Zoo in D.C. to the Milwaukee County Zoo in Minnesota. The National Zoo is making room for an expanded elephant exhibit. Lucky for Happy. Happy, who was born in 1981, has lived his entire life alone. In the wild hippos, who live an average of 40 years, live in social groups of 10 to 30 animals or more. In Milwaukee Happy will be introduced to and live with two other hippos. Three is a definite improvement over one, but still along way from 30.

If Only They Could Talk

If our companion animal friends spoke the same language we speak, they might ask why we are always patting them on the head, telling them to shake, and screaming "NO". They might also ask us to spend more time with them and give them more treats. If our companion animal friends spoke the same language that we speak they could tell us important things like when the TV is turned up so loud it hurts their ears or when their stomach hurts or when something is stuck in their paw.

Actually, our animal friends DO communicate with us -- especially when something is wrong. If the TV is too loud a dog might howl, a cat might run into another room; if their stomach hurts cats and dogs usually won't eat; and if something is stuck in their paw oftentimes they limp, hold their paw off the ground or lick the sore spot. It's important for us to watch our animals so when something is wrong we notice. If your cat skips dinner one day it may be that he is not hungry, but if he skips dinner a second day he may be telling you something hurts and should be examined by the veterinarian . If your dog won't put his foot down something may be stuck in his pad, he may pulled a muscle in his leg or he may have hurt his toe. But he can't tell you which of those things is wrong, so it's best to have your veterinarian look at your dog as soon as possible.

This is Briscoe. Doesn't he look happy? You can even see his tail wagging in this picture. Briscoewas not feeling so happy this morning. He was limping; he wouldn't put any weight on his leg. His guardian noticed that Briscoe was walking on three legs instead of four. When she brought him to the Washington Animal Rescue League's Medical Center this morning, the veterinarian discovered a long, sharp splinter stuck in Briscoe's pad. The veterinarian removed the splinter, and within minutes Briscoe was back to walking on all four feet.

Our animals many not speak our language, but they are great communicators. It's important that we, as their care-givers, pay attention to what they are saying.