Wednesday, February 19, 2014

The Important Role of Service Dogs



The ADA defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability.  Service animals perform some of the functions and tasks that the individual with a disability cannot perform for him or herself. You may initially think of people with a vision or hearing impairment, but it can also include,  seizure alert, psychiatric disorders support, retrieving objects, closing doors, turning light switches off and on, and barking to indicate that help is needed.  Another type of service dog are those used by the military, local police, fire departments, and federal and state law enforcement agencies for functions such as bomb sniffing, drug enforcement, search and rescue, and fire investigation.

Many programs will use Golden Retrievers and Labradors for services dogs. They have many of the characteristics that make for a good service dog, but many other breeds have unique characteristics that can be helpful to the needs of their owner or handler. The dog will undergo very extensive training in the desired area of expertise before being placed with an owner. Although the bond between the owner and dog will be very strong, it is important to realize that these dogs are doing a job.  Our hope is that when they are not working, they also are a "pet". We are so lucky o have these wonderful dogs give such a beautiful gift to people who desperately need and rely on them for their day to day activities.  For many disabled people, their service dog may be their closest partner and friend.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

The Stray Dogs of Sochi



The Russian city of Sochi has a big problem with stray dogs, and leading up to the Olympics, the government instructed them to be moved or exterminated.  Shelter coordinator, Olga Melnikova, last week told the New York Times: “We were told, ‘Either you take all the dogs from the Olympic Village or we will shoot them’ Thankfully, with people like USA Olympic skier, Gus Kenworthy, and the Russian billionaire, Oleg Deripaska some of the homeless dogs will be spared.

Oleg Deripaska, stepped in and saved the stray dogs by setting up a shelter in the mountainside.  They are working with the Humane Society International to try and find new homes for the strays.  For more information, here is the link to their website http://www.hsi.org/issues/street_dog/factsheets/adopting-transporting-pets-internationally.html

The Olympic silver medalist, Gus Kenworthy, found a mother and  four pups in the Olympic Village and vowed to save them before their extermination.  He tweeted on February 12th "Also, for the people wondering, I've lined up kennels 4 the pups & made vaccination appointments. Doing all I can to bring them home w/ me!"  Keeping his promise, he even delayed his return to Colorado to await clearance to bring the family of dogs home.

However, homeless pets are not only a problem in Sochi, but here at home in the USA as well.  Many pets are sitting in shelters and being fostered by worthy rescues, awaiting a forever home.  We at AskAriel.com have partnered with Husky Haven of LA to try to place homeless Huskies in the Los Angeles area. We would also encourage you to visit your local shelters or visit petfinder.com

For articles and information about pet nutrition and holistic pet care, please visit www.AskAriel.com

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Dog Nutritionist - Cat Nutritionist Orange County, CA

Nutrition Consultations Update!

Southern California Residents

Need help formulating the best diet for your cat or dog? Has your pet been diagnosed with cancer?  Is your pet getting chronic infections or scratching incessantly?  VCA Pet Nutritionist Susan Blake Davis offers compassionate, expert advice.  Please call the VCA animal hospital in your area to schedule an appointment! 

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Inperson Appointment Times Available:

 Thursday 2/20 VCA Arroyo Animal Hospital

 Thursday 2/27 VCA Mission Viejo Animal Hospital
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