I saw this on the BBC News site back in November and had been meaning to share it with you before now. But it’s still highly relevant.
Do no more than go straight into the article.
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Nepal festival celebrates ‘day of the dogs’
The Nepalese festival Kukur Tihar celebrates dogs by blessing them with a red mark on their forehead
Every dog has its day, and for canines in Nepal that phrase could not be more literal.
The five-day Nepalese Hindu festival of Tihar started this week and the second day is known as Kukur Tihar or “day of the dogs”.
Dogs are celebrated and blessed with a Tika – a red mark applied to their forehead.
The animals are also given flowers, garlands and offered food as part of the festival.
Scooby the Japanese Spitz enjoyed being decorated with garlands of fresh marigold flowers
Hindus believe that dog is the messenger of Yamaraj – the God of death – and by keeping the dogs in good humour they will be able to appease Yamaraj himself.
Sumnima Maudas said Kukur Tihar is one of her “favourite Nepalese festivals” and added the day was all about her chihuahua Sanu
The festival, which shares some traditions with Diwali in India, also celebrates cows and crows.
Dog owner Umid Pokharel celebrated with his labrador Frieza but said “worshipping them for a day is not enough”
It is not just beloved pets who are involved in the celebrations. Stray dogs are honoured on the day too.
Kelsang Ongmu Tamang’s cat Missy joined in with the tradition as well as dogs Sweetie and Milly
Treats given to dogs during Kukur Tihar can range from meat, milk, eggs and good quality dog food.
Pappu the pug has been enjoying the food element of the festival
Tihar is also called Deepavali or the festival of lights.
Throughout this festival, people in Nepal clean their houses and courtyards; light up lamps and pray to Laxmi – the Goddess of Wealth – urging her to visit their houses and bless them.
Daisy Pie certainly looked pleased to be the centre of attention
The 5-year-old, brown-and-white pup, named after the famed crooner, inexplicably turned up 1,200 miles from Canarsie around Nov. 6 and was taken in by the Verrill family.
They were able to hunt down Sinatra’s owner in Brooklyn, Lesmore Willis, who burst into tears when he heard his beloved family pet had been found.
On Sunday evening, friends of the Verrill family made their way from Florida to the Baltimore area to hand off Sinatra to a pal of Willis’, Glen O’Gilvie, who lives there. O’Gilvie will then drive the dog to New York, he told The Post on Monday.
CBS This Morning published a video of the event.
Just a lovely outcome, albeit one that doesn’t change the fact that dear, young Zion is never coming back!
Once again, I feel as though I should include the introduction:
My name is Kristýna Kvapilová and I’m a dog photographer, traveler and frisbee player from the Czech Republic. I’m 21 years old and I’m the proud owner of a Canon 5D Mark IV.
When I leave my computer-based job, you can often see me somewhere on the road, traveling and exploring the world with my beautiful 7-year-old Australian Shepherd Charlie, who is my personal teacher and also the best and the most faithful model I’ve ever had! He’s a so-called professional dog model who can do many tricks, for example, lick on command.
He truly changed my entire life… I’m a photographer only thanks to him and I’m incredibly glad for that. He’s always been so patient with me and I learned a lot because of him.
In photography, I focus primarily on pets and my goal is to make the photos look somehow more special than basic photos taken in the garden. I want to bring aesthetic elements, memories or a message that can help me to communicate with the outside world. I like to capture the true nature of dogs in my portraits, their personalities.
But what I like more and more is a combination of traveling, dogs, and photography. It’s not only about the photography but also about the experience of an adventure: sleeping in a tent, getting our paws dirty and just walking in the breathtaking nature.
A lot of dog owners take care of their dogs in these Winter months by putting on coats or similar when venturing outside. But is it necessary? Laura Moss investigates.
For some dogs, winter clothing might be more than just a fashion statement. (Photo: Kelly Nelson/Shutterstock)
Many dog owners enjoy dressing their pets in sweaters, coats and scarves, but canine winter gear is often more than a fashion statement.
Just as you need to bundle up when the temperature drops, your dog often does too.
How do you know if your dog needs another layer to stay healthy and warm during winter months?
Doggy, it’s cold outside
Breeds that come from cold climates, like Siberian huskies, can typically tolerate cold temperatures. (Photo: Elizabeth Perkins/Flickr)
Dr. Louise Murray, vice president of the ASPCA Animal Hospital, says your dog will usually provide you with clues that he or she is cold.
“They might shiver, refuse to walk or move, or they may even hold one paw up above the ground to express their dissatisfaction with being outside in the wintry weather,” she said.
A dog’s ability to tolerate cold temperatures depends on several factors, including its health, size, breed and coat thickness.
Smaller dogs, as well as those with shorter fur — such as Chihuahuas and Italian greyhounds — are likely to get cold more quickly.
However, size isn’t always a good indicator of dog’s ability to tolerate cold temperatures. Pit bulls aren’t a small breed, but they have thin coats and can be sensitive to winter weather.
Breeds that come from cold climates and are bred to work in snow and ice, such as Newfoundlands and Siberian huskies, can typically tolerate very cold temperatures.
“If your dog is not a winter-hardy breed, has a thin coat, or has health issues, consider using a canine coat when she heads outdoors,” Murray said. “This will help retain body heat and prevent skin from getting dry and inflamed during winter walks.”
A dog’s routine should also be taken into consideration. If you’re letting your pet outside for a few minutes, he’ll likely be fine without winter gear, but if you’re going for a long walk or spending a while in the outdoors, winter gear may be a necessity.
Finding the right gear
You may also want to add booties to your dog’s winter ensemble. (Photo: kim&amy/Flickr)
If your dog needs a sweater or coat to stay warm, ensure the garment is a good fit so that it doesn’t drag, get caught on anything or prevent normal movement.
Have your dog try on the items, or measure your pet around the neck, around the largest part of its chest, and from the neck to the waist to choose the best size. The garment should fit snugly but allow freedom of movement. Look for pieces that can be easily taken off and on and that don’t have zippers, buttons or other items that can be chewed or swallowed.
Booties can help protect your dog’s paws from ice and snow, as well as minimize contact with painful salt crystals and poisonous chemicals from antifreeze and ice-melting agents. When it comes to selecting dog booties, look for ones that are insulated, waterproof and provide traction. Just because you have a large dog doesn’t mean he’ll require a large bootie, so measure the width of his paw to find the right fit.
But what about those fancy leggings?
Walkee Paws are stretchy dog leggings that cover your dog’s paws and legs. (Photo: Walkee Paws)
There are also Walkee Paws stretchy dog leggings that cover your dog’s feet and legs with a connector that goes over his back. The leggings keep paws dry and clean in cold, wet conditions without fitting tightly around his ankles.
If your dog isn’t comfortable wearing booties or leggings, you can massage petroleum jelly or a pet-friendly paw wax into his paw pads before going outside.
“After each walk, wash and dry your pet’s feet to remove ice, salt and chemicals, and check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes,” Murray said.
Of course, owning a coat or booties won’t do any good if your dog refuses to wear them. If you live in a cold climate, start training your dog to tolerate the items from an early age. Also, reward your dog with a treat or a favorite toy when he wears the items.
Even if your dog is outfitted for winter weather, Murray says you should still limit your pet’s time outdoors and look for signs of frostbite or hypothermia.
Frostbitten areas may appear pale or gray in color and be painful or hard to the touch. Frostbite is most likely to occur on the nose, ears, scrotum or tail.
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Well it seems as though we owe Dr. Louise Murray a vote of thanks for articulating what makes best practice.
Dangerous Levels of Vitamin D Discovered in Several Dog Food Brands
CAUTION — ONGOING SITUATION
Last Updated December 7, 2018
December 7, 2018 — The FDA is alerting pet owners and veterinary professionals about recalls of several dry dog foods after receiving complaints that dogs eating the food experienced vitamin D toxicity.Testing found that samples of the affected foods contained as much as 70 times the intended amount of vitamin D.
Very high levels of vitamin D can cause serious health problemsin dogs, such as kidney failure or death.
Veterinarians should be aware that vitamin D toxicity may present as hypercalcemia, similar to dogs that have consumed a rodent killer.
At this time, the only pet products that are affected by this recall are foods made for dogs.
About Vitamin D Toxicity
Excess vitamin D in the diet can cause vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling and weight loss.
Vitamin D at toxic levels can cause kidney failure and death.
Pet owners whose dogs have been eating the recalled brands and are showing these symptoms should contact their veterinarians.
What Caused the Recalls?
The FDA has become aware of reports of vitamin D toxicity in dogs that ate dry dog food produced by the same manufacturer and marketed under several different brand names.
The FDA is working with the manufacturer to provide a comprehensive list of affected brands.
Important Warning
This is a developing situation. Additional recalls may be announced.
The Dog Food Advisor will update this page as the FDA makes further information available.
What Brands Are Recalled?
This is a developing situation and this list may not be complete.
The list of recalled dry dog food products provided to the FDA include:
Ahold Delhaize (company has not issued press release)
Ahold Delhaize (company has not issued recall bulletin)
Nature’s Promise Chicken & Brown Rice Dog Food
Size: 14-lb bag
UPC: 068826718472
All lot codes
Nature’s Promise Chicken & Brown Rice Dog Food
Size: 28-lb bag
UPC: 068826718471 – 28 lb. bag
All lot codes
Nature’s Promise Chicken & Brown Rice Dog Food
Size: 4-lb bag
UPC: 068826718473
All lot codes
Nature’s Place Real Country Chicken and Brown Rice Dog Food
Size: 5-lb bag
UPC: 72543998959
All lot codes
Nature’s Place Real Country Chicken and Brown Rice Dog Food
Size: 15-lb bag
UPC: 72543998960
All lot codes
A very useful article published by The Smithsonian.
SMARTNEWS published by The Smithsonian yesterday confirmed what we were starting to suspect; there was a widespread problem with excessive Vitamin D in dog food.
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Excessive Vitamin D in Pet Food May Be Making Dogs Sick
A number of brands, including Nutrisca and Natural Life, have issued recalls of certain products
The Food and Drug Administration is warning dog owners to keep a close watch on their furry friends, after several brands of dry dog food were found to contain potentially toxic levels of vitamin D.
According to NPR’s Amy Held, the FDA has received reports of dogs falling ill after eating certain foods, which are made by an unnamed manufacturer and sold under at least eight different brands. Nutrisca and Natural Life issued recalls in early November, reports Shelby Lin Erdman of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and several other brands have followed suit. The full list, which includes products by Sunshine Mills and ELM Pet Foods, can be seen here.
The FDA says the situation is developing, and its scientists are still working to definitively link the dogs’ illnesses to their diet. But when the agency sampled some of the questionable products, it found that the foods contained as much as 70 times the amount of intended vitamin D.
As it does in humans and other mammals, vitamin D helps dogs maintain calcium and phosphorus levels in their bodies, which is essential for bone formation, along with heart, muscle and nerve function.
But if pooches ingest excessive doses of the nutrient—which happens most often when dogs accidentally eat vitamin D-containing rodenticide —their calcium and phosphorous levels can get thrown off balance, according to the veterinary company VCA. Very high amounts of vitamin D can have a number of serious health effects on dogs, including kidney disease and even death.
Symptoms of vitamin D poisoning in dogs include vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling and weight loss. The FDA says that pet owners who notice these symptoms in dogs that have been eating the recalled brands should contact their vets right away—there are treatments that can help.
The agency also recommends disposing of recalled products in a way that makes them inaccessible to pets, wildlife and children. And owners who suspect that their dogs have fallen sick from vitamin D poisoning can report the illness to the FDA through an online portal.
Or rather letting Deinah Storm offer a guest post.
This is a guest post. It stays with the theme of loyalty. The loyalty of dogs towards their dead masters.
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8 Dogs Who Remained Loyal to Their Now-Gone Masters
By Deinah Storm, December 5th, 2108
A dog has always been a man’s best friend. Having a pet dog is always great. You have a partner to go with anywhere you want. Also, you won’t feel alone when you have a pet dog. Dogs are creatures that are filled with joy; no wonder fur parents from around the world try to give their best to show how they care for their pooch—be it to provide them the best dog food, regularly visit the vet, or keep dog house warm.
The love and affection that dogs give their owners are comparable to a mother’s love. It is unconditional and lasts a lifetime, and even beyond. Here is a list of eight dogs who remained loyal to their now-gone masters.
Hachiko
You may have heard of this name before already. Hachiko’s story has been all over the world. They even made movies about this loyal dog. He was originally owned by a Japanese professor at Tokyo University named Eizoburo Ueno. His students were the ones who nudged him to adopt this beautiful Akita dog. Every day that the professor goes to work, he goes to the train station to take the train. Hachiko always waited for him to return so they could go home together. After having been partners for only less than a year, Eizoburo Ueno died tragically while he was at work. So that day, Hachiko was waiting in vain for his master to return. But, he never did. Still, Hachiko waited every single day of his life for his now-gone to return to the train station. People were feeding Hachiko and giving him treats until he got old and died. A lot of people mourned over his death, and a statue was built for him.
Capitan
Capitan was a dog owned by an Argentinian man named Michael Guzman. He was bought by Michael for his son Damian as a gift. They always had a special bond and loved each other. When Mr. Guzman passed away after just a year, Capitan could not be found by the Guzman family. Eventually, they were able to locate him. He was beside his master’s grave. Capitan stayed there for six long years until he passed away.
Hawkeye Hawkeye was a labrador who was owned by a Navy SEAL who died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. A photo went viral during his funeral service. It was a picture of Hawkeye lying sadly in front of his master’s casket. He stayed there for the whole service. It is disheartening for dogs to lose their owners. Thankfully, the best friend of the deceased took Hawkeye and cared for him.
Ruswarp
Ruswarp was owned by Graham Nuttall. One day, they went on a walk along the mountains in Wales. But, they did not return. So, Graham’s friends alerted the police. A search was done. But after several weeks, they could not be found. Eventually, after eleven weeks of being missing, another person found Graham beside a stream together with Ruswarp. Ruswarp never left his master’s side even after several weeks. Ruswarp was so weak and ill when they were found. A statue of Ruswarp was unveiled at a train station which he and his owner helped save.
Fido
Fido was owned by a factory worker in Italy. His name literally translates to “faithful.” He always went with his master to the bus station and waited for him to come back every single day. One tragic day, his owner was killed in the factory due to a bombing attack. Fido waited all day for his owner to return. He eventually returned home, but every single day he waited by the train station for fourteen years until he died.
Shep
Shep was owned by a shepherd. One day, his shepherd was ill and was rushed to the hospital. Shep waited outside the hospital until his owner died. He followed his owner’s casket as it was loaded onto a train to be sent home. Shep waited by the train station for five years. Every single day, he checked each person who went off the train. He stayed there until Shep tragically died in the train station when he became deaf and went to the tracks where a train hit him.
Greyfriars Bobby
Bobby was owned by a police officer. When the officer died, Bobby never left his grave for fourteen years. When Bobby died, he was buried near his master. He had a gravestone which read “Greyfriars Bobby — died 14th January 1872 — aged 16 years — Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all.” He had a statue made for him across the place where they are buried.
Waghya
Waghya was owned by the King of the Maratha Empire. Traditionally, when a king dies, his remains are cremated. So, when the king died, Waghya never left his side until he was about to be incinerated. When the funeral pyre was lit, Waghya leaped into his death.
Dogs are forever loyal and loving
Dogs bring love and happiness to the world. They are there forever for humans. They will love you for all of eternity. So, love your dogs and care for them. They will never let you down.
It would be wrong of me to close without thanking Deinah. It’s a great guest post.
Finally, Deinah’s bio:
Author’s Bio: Deinah Storm is a pet lover from the US that’s had cats and dogs all her life. When she’s not walking the dogs with her family, she spends time writing informational and interesting blogs about pets to share with pet lover communities.
This story has been all over the news recently and rightly so; it’s a very touching report.
I have taken my story from the BBC News and wanted to share some of it with you.
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George HW Bush’s service dog Sully pays touching last tribute
3 December 2018
Sully the dog sleeps next to the casket of the late US President George HW Bush
The labrador who worked as a service dog for President George HW Bush has been pictured resting beside his coffin, in a moving tribute.
Mr Bush, who served as the 41st US president between 1989 and 1993, died late on Friday at the age of 94.
Sully the dog is travelling with the casket on the flight from Texas to Washington and back this week.
Mr Bush’s body is due to lie in state this week ahead of a day of national mourning.
The coffin is being flown from Texas to DC on board Air Force One – temporarily renamed Special Air Mission 41, in homage to the late president – and then back on Wednesday, with Sully accompanying the body throughout.
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Irrespective of what one accomplished in one’s life, 94 is a grand age!
November 28, 2018 — ANF, Inc. is issuing a voluntary recall of select products of ANF Pet Food due to potentially elevated levelsof vitamin D, which can cause serious health issues in dogs.
No product images were provided with this recall.
What’s Recalled?
The following products have been recalled:
ANF Lamb and Rice Dry Dog Food
Size: 3 kg bag
UPC: 9097231622
Best by date: NOV 23 2019
ANF Lamb and Rice Dry Dog Food
Size: 7.5 kg bag
UPC: 9097203300
Best by date: NOV 20 2019
The above products were distributed in retail stores within Puerto Rico.
No other ANF Products are affected by this recall.
This voluntary recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
About High Levels of Vitamin D
Consumers should stop feeding the products listed above.
Dogs ingesting elevated levels of Vitamin D may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss.
Vitamin D, when consumed at very high levels can lead to serious health issues in dogs including renal dysfunction.
Consumers with dogs who have consumed any of the products listed above and are exhibiting any of these symptoms, should contact their veterinarian.
What to Do?
Consumers who have purchased any of the products affected by this recall should dispose of it or return it to the retailer for a full refund.
Consumers may contact ANF, Inc. customer service at 936-560-5930 from 8 AM to 5 PM Central Time, Monday through Friday.
Or by email at mwhite@anf.com for additional information.
U.S. citizens can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.
November 29, 2018 — ELM Pet Foods, Inc. is issuing a voluntary recall of certain products of Elm Dog Food because the products could contain elevated levels of vitamin D, which can cause serious health issues.
What’s Recalled?
The recall includes products manufactured between February 25, 2018 and October 31, 2018 with the following “Best By” dates:
3lb Elm Chicken and Chickpea Recipe
Size: 3-pound pkg
UPC Code: 0-70155-22507-8
TD2 26 FEB 2019
TE1 30 APR 2019
TD1 5 SEP 2019
TD2 5 SEP 2019
Elm Chicken and Chickpea Recipe
Size: 28-pound pkg
UPC Code: 0-70155-22513-9
TB3 6 APR 2019
TA1 2 JULY 2019
TI1 2 JULY 2019
Consumers, who have purchased the specific product above, during these dates, should stop feeding it to their dogs.
All Bags in the recall are yellow with the Elm Pet Foods Tag on the front of the bag and have a silhouette of a chicken at the bottom of the front side of the bag.
Consumers can check the lot codes on the back of the bag at the bottom center on the 3-lb bags and in the center of the back of the bag on the 28-lb bags.
The 40-lb bag lot numbers can be found on the bottom right of the back of the bag.
No other ELM Pet Foods products are impacted.
This is a voluntary recall and is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Where Was the Product Sold?
Lot codes in this voluntary recall were distributed in the following states:
Delaware
Maryland
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
About Elevated Vitamin D
Dogs ingesting elevated levels of Vitamin D may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling and weight loss.
Vitamin D when consumed at very high levels can lead to serious health issues in dogs including renal dysfunction.
Consumers with dogs who have consumed the product listed above are exhibiting these symptoms, should contact their veterinarian.
What to Do?
If consumers have questions or would like a refund they should call ELM Pet Foods at 800-705-2111 from 8 AM to 5 PM ET Monday through Friday or by email at customerservice@elmpetfoods.com.
U.S. citizens can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.
Gentoo Penguins, Antarctic Peninsula by Anil Sud: “I spotted two chicks being fed by their parents.” ( (c) Anil Sud, courtesy of Nature’s Best Photography Windland Smith Rice Intermediate Awards)
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Filtering Giants (vimeo,com (259502508), Isle Mujeres, Mexico by Howard and Michele Hall (Winner for “Video Nature in Motion”): “How these animals know when and where the fish will spawn is a mystery.” Courtesy of Nature’s Best Photography Windland Smith Rice International Awards.
Deinah Storm is a pet lover from the US that’s had cats and dogs all her life. When she’s not walking the dogs with her family, she spends time writing informational and interesting blogs about pets to share with pet lover communities.
Learning from Dogs 