Dads and dogs

Doctor Barkman is celebrating fathers day with vintage photos of dads who love their dogs.

Natasha's and Joshua's dad with Dr. Barkman's Kate, 1982

The photos are from my collection.  You may use them, but please credit my blog
http://doctorbarkman.blogspot.com

How dogs think - a link to a funny point of view

If you get how dogs think, this post will make you laugh 'till tears roll down your cheeks.

Source: Hyperbole and a Half blog

It's about what it's like to move from one state to another, and how dogs don't understand the concept.  The blogger writes (and posts original art) at Hyberbole and a Half.

Dogs Don't Understand Basic Concepts like Moving

Packing all of your belongings into a U-Haul and then transporting them across several states is nearly as stressful and futile as trying to run away from lava in swim fins.  I know this because my boyfriend Duncan and I  moved from Montana to Oregon last month.  But as harrowing as the move was for us, it was nothing compared to the confusion and insecurity our two dogs had to endure.  Our first dog is - to put it delicately - simple-minded.  Our other dog is a neurotic German Shepherd mix with agonizingly low self-esteem who has taken on the role of "helper dog" for our simple dog.  Neither dog is well-equipped with coping mechanisms of any kind..."

Street dogs in Havana, Cuba

Saving street dogs in Havana - one dog at a time.

For Havana's dogs, it's not the best of times, but it's not the worst either.  Some improvement is due to the efforts of the non-governmental Cuban Association for the Protection of Animals and Plants (ANIPLANT) focused on improving the lives of dogs and other animals in Cuba.

A typical Havana street dog
making her daily rounds.

Founded in 1988 by nationally famous Cuban entertainer Maria Alveres Riso, and Cuba's first prima ballerina, Alisia Alonso, ANIPLANT  is an organization dedicated to the protection of animals (and plants, too, but honestly I don't know anything about this part).  Its mission is to eliminate the suffering of Cuban animals through massive spay and neuter campaigns, public education, assisting animals in need, promoting animal health and hands-on intervention in cases of animal suffering.

Sleeping it off! 
ANIPLANT rounds up and 
sterilizes thousands of dogs each year.
Photo courtesy of ANIPLANT

ANIPLANT also educates the public with a Saturday radio program and classroom seminars to teach the importance of animal welfare.

Cuba's next generation: 
Raising awareness about caring
for unfortunate animals.

Maria's daughter, Nora Garcia, who is now president of the organization, talked with us during a visit to the ANIPLANT facility, a re-purposed house located within walking distance of the heart of Old Havana.  The neighborhood, like many in Havana is a contradiction - tidy and clean in spite of decades of neglect.

ANIPLANT director, 
Nora Garcia with Ernesto.

Prior to my November 2012 arrival in Cuba, without too much difficulty I'd arranged to meet Nora. When my friend, Florence, and I arrived, we received a warm wet-nose welcome from 11 rambunctious happy residential dogs including Xabi, Ninamoza, Bella, Presidente, Ernesto, and Eva.

Xabi

Like most Havana street dogs, they weigh between 15 and 30 pounds. All are street rescues, but unlike their street counterparts, they are on the portly side, mange and parasite free, confident and playful.

Safe inside, looking outside

The 2000 square foot building, originally a 1920s home, was officially turned over to ANIPLANT in 2007, in very bad shape.  Donors, usually dog-loving tourists, helped to rebuild the interior, donating office equipment, lights, chairs, time and money.  But money goes only so far in Cuba, because there is very little to buy.  The reception area was welcoming, squeaky clean and decorated with photos of dogs before they were rescued accompanied by after photos as well.

An ANIPLANT  success story
before she was rescued

Staffed by a few dedicated volunteers, the clinic is open two days a week. Veterinarians volunteer their time as well, but are sometimes paid a small fee when possible.  No other people, including Nora, receive salaries.

In urban Havana, people who own dogs often give them free range in the neighborhoods.  I saw a few dogs wearing hand-made ID tags, indicating that someone takes care of them.  However, taxes and tags are very expensive, so most people own dogs unofficially.

Her paper tag encased in plastic says: 
"My name is Candle. I am 
carmel colored. I am sterilized.
I live at 113 Obispo Street."

From what I saw, Daschhunds are a very popular breed.
Here a companion pooch looks out her front door.

A Dalmatian enjoys an afternoon on his second story balcony.  Balconies and roof tops, like our fenced yards, give dogs restricted freedom, but keep them safe.

Cubans love dogs. 

Nora told us that most street dogs are taken care of by someone.

Only about ten to fifteen percent are true strays.  The others are sustained by some type of care, from food and water, to real meals, to indoor privileges. Below is a an un-owned dog on the left, and a dog likely owned on the right.

ANIPLANT rescues dogs in jeopardy. But they also respond to phone calls from concerned citizens.  Many are from tourists, who often make donations for the rescue and care of specific dogs, usually ones that frequent the hotels. Some tourists want to take the dogs home, but this is especially tough in a country like Cuba.  Ninamoza, pictured below, was rescued after Nora received a phone call.  The dog was terrified, hiding in a sewer pipe, and unwilling to come out to drink or eat.  Nora used some ham to lure her out, piece by piece, step by little step, until she could grab her.  Today she lives a contented life at the clinic.

Ninamoza

Most rescued dogs suffer from mange, anemia, distemper, gastroenteritis issues, tape worm, ear mites and renal infections. Due to lack of space, money, homes and people  that can afford to care for a pet, dogs are medically rehabilitated, sterilized, then placed back on the street where they hopefully receive care from neighborhood dog lovers.  Special case dogs stay on as permanent residents.

There are veterinary clinics in Havana, although I don't know how much it costs to vaccinate and care for dogs. Leaning through an open window, I took the photo below of a Havana veterinary clinic.  The woman has a black dog on a leash.

We took a tour of the ANIPLANT clinic and kennel. The kennels are more like rooms and corridors that can be closed off when necessary with ancient wrought iron gates.  Except for the office upstairs, the facility seems to be open for free-run.

Looking from the waiting room into a
courtyard that serves as a kennel space.

Nora gives treats to one of the dogs.

Florence, our unofficial
translator, walks from the courtyard 
with three canine guides.

An old surgical table and crickety cabinet
full of donated meds make up the bare
necessities in the surgical prep area
just adjacent to the operating room.

Nora cooks a meal on the 
kitchen hot plate, consisting of 
rice, left over viscera from 
butchers and farmers 
markets, and clear broth.  

Probably more nutritious than
our commercial dog food brands.

In Havana homes, interior rooms open to a patio courtyard and this one is no different. I'd be stretching it to say this is an outdoor exercise area.  It's more like a lounging area where dogs siesta and soak up sunshine.  For easy clean up, they are trained to pee and poop in potted plants. Building materials are neatly stacked outside, waiting for money and an opportunity to be turned into something more useful than just shade. But shade is good.

Nora, Lourdes, Florence and 
several dogs peek over 
and through the fence 
to see rescued turtles.

Dogs usually have free range of the 
entire facility, and the patio is 
a good place hang out.

The small office upstairs is used 
mostly for storage, filled with 
boxes of desperately needed supplies.
 No dogs allowed upstairs, 
thank you very much.

Nora shows us a hand-made wheel chair.
People donate whatever they can.

A donated quilt brightens 
up Nora's little office.

Lourdes with a fund-raising tool:  A sandwich board touting ANIPLANT's overarching theme - dogs before and after rescue. Draped with sandwich boards, volunteers walk through crowded Havana tourist areas to raise awareness and money.

In 2007 it was estimated that 20 thousand dogs roamed Havana streets. You can help by supporting the on-going spay/neuter campaign. To find out more, contact ANIPLANT.

How the world feeds dogs

If we are what we eat, then so are the dogs we feed.  Scientists are taking a serious look at diet with a special interest in gut microbiota.  Gut microbial colonies begin to form at birth, affecting how the immune system develops. Is it possible that dogs fed western diets of commercial foods have gut microbes that are somehow related to a less robust immune system?   

Survey conducted by World Society for the Protection of Animals. 

To find out more about how diets and the immune system are related, the American Gut Project is seeking samples from people and their pets.  You can participate, too.

Read my post about how many calories your dog needs each day.  It has lots of helpful links.

Military Dog Memorials

Honoring Military Dogs

Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, Long Island, New York

Although dogs stood beside soldiers long before the US Army launched its first official K-9 corps, March 19, 1942, war dog memorials aren't easy to find.  I was surprised to track down only a handful of sites that honor dogs who have faithfully served to protect the men and women in our nations armed forces. If you know of others, let me know and I'll add them to the post.

Erected in 1943

South Lyon, Michigan

Veterinarian Steve Eldow and his family established  Happy Hunting Grounds Pet Cemetery in 1936, and erected the War Dog tribute ten years later. Beneath the stone rests Sparks, who received seven citations while serving with the Marines in Guadalcanal in 1943.

Dedicated August 15, 2004

Marine War Dog Memorial 

University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine

Knoxville, TN

The memorial honors 25 marine war dogs that gave their lives liberating Guam in 1944. The Doberman that sits atop the stone is a replica of the dog at the War Dog Memorial and Cemetery at the US Naval Station in Guam.

Dedicated November 11, 2008

Alabama War Dogs Memorial

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

Mobile, AL

Note the four paw prints next to the boot prints.

Dedicated May 12, 2009

Moberly War Dog Memorial

Moberly, MO

The granite memorial to war dogs and handlers
sits in the city park.

Dedicated May 18, 2009

Vietnam K-9 and Dog Handler Memorial

Flemington, N.J.

Dedicated November 11, 2008

Fort Benton War Dogs Memorial

Fort Benton, Montana

Inscribed on back:  In memory of the over 4000 US military working dogs that served in the Vietnam war. They served with all branches of the US armed forces in South Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.  Combating the unconventional guerrilla warfare fought by the communist aggressors, with over 500 dogs being listed as killed in action, they were responsible for saving an estimated 10,000 American lives, never hesitating to give their own.  When the war was over the dogs were left to their fate in southeast Asia.  They were our heroes, our best friends and companion and we will never forget them.

Traditionally, US military dogs were returned home after wars, either to their former owners or to new adopted ones.  At the end of the Vietnam War, when the US left, military dogs were designated as "expendable equipment" and were either euthanized or tuned over to the allied army. Vietnam War veteran dog handlers lobbied congress, and finally a bill was approved allowing veteran US military working dogs to be brought home and adopted after their military service. President Bill Clinton signed the bill into law in 2000.  The Vietnam War was the only American war in which US military dogs never came home.

Want to make sure they always come home?  Tell congress that military dogs are more than just equipment. Read more here.

Source: Acclaim Images

Queen Victoria's birthday May 24

Queen Victoria was born May 24, 1837.  During her 64 year reign, the Queen fancied the King Charles Spaniel, Greyhound, Skye Terrier, Dachshund, Collie, Pekingese, Fox Terrier, Pomeranian, and Pug among others. It need hardly be mentioned that she wasn't the first royal to keep pet dogs, but she’s notable because she had so many, at one point eighty eight. 

The Queen with Tur

Many joined the family at mealtime.  Victoria's husband Albert fed his beloved Greyhound, Eos, from a fork at the dinner table. Some dogs, and surely Eos was one of them, had free run of the royal property, inside and out. 

Eos, by Edwin Landseer

Others were kenneled, but enjoyed household holidays on a rotating schedule. Working dogs, big and small, were treated as pets with sleeping and dining privileges.  One had his own business card that said, "Ratcatcher to HM Queen Victoria." 

Queen Victoria with her beloved Sharp

The death of Sharp, her favorite Collie (a dog rumored to be ill-tempered and, in the Queen's words,  prone to collie-shangies,  a Scotch word meaning quarrelsome), brought her to such grief that she could barely plan his elaborate funeral.  The dog is buried in the Queen's personal and private garden, Windsor Home Park, Berkshire.  His tomb stone reads:  "Sharp, the favourite and faithful Collie of Queen Victoria from 1866 to 1879. Died now 1879 aged 15 years."

If you want to know every detail about the Queen's menagerie, with paintings, photos and journal highlights, check out Victorian Royal Pets & Animals.

This link takes you to an article I wrote for the American Kennel Club Gazette, Queen Victoria's Canine Legacy. 

Read more about spoiled rotten royal dogs, King Edwards VII dog, Caesar.