Austin Dog Blog | Anything and Everything Dog in Austin, TX!

DOGTOWN: DOGFIGHT Season 4 Begins January 1st!

Tune in at 10 PM ET/PT for the Season 4 Premiere of National Geographic's DOGTOWN.

The discovery of an illegal dogfighting ring on Michael Vick’s property made front-page news and shed light on the organized underworld of dogfighting.  In this episode, we check in on some of the former Vick pit bulls, including Cherry, a pit bull mix who spent his life either in a cage or as a bait dog to improve a champion fighter’s confidence. See how DogTown manager Michelle Besmehn’s rehabilitation plan is teaching him not to be afraid of people for possibly the first time in his life.  Next, see the progress DogTown manager John Garcia has made with former champion dogfighter Georgia as she becomes an amazing spokesdog, traveling with John to various events around the country!  Finally, we journey to Detroit and follow investigators Debby MacDonald and Mark Ramos of the Michigan Humane Society on a mission to investigate and arrest an elusive dogfighting suspect.

Tune-in for The Dog Whisperer: Cesar Down Under!

National Geographic Channel 

Friday, January 1 at 9PM ET/PT – Encore Presentation

In the first episode, Dog Whisperer: Cesar Goes Down Under, Cesar helps tame three dogs, Willow, Bonnie and Jack.  The episode begins with Cesar traveling south of Sydney to teach Willow, a massive Great Dane, to stop biting his owner.  Willow’s persistent jumping and biting tend to go way beyond “play,” particularly during runs through Australia’s massive sand dunes.  Next, Cesar helps 4-year-old bearded collie bonnie.  Bonnie’s unpredictable aggression has crushed her family’s dreams of enjoying the dog park.  And finally, Cesar faces a true Australian challenge when he rehabilitates Jack, a 17-month full-sized French mastiff weighing a whopping 150 pounds.  Jack’s owner fears the aggressive mastiff is going to hurt someone, and is in desperate need of Cesar’s expertise to help her stop Jack from jumping, biting and harassing visitors.

A Little Sunshine on a Rainy Day!

This picture was way too cute not to share!  Happy Tuesday!

 

Volunteer in the New Year!

For those of you looking for ways to give back to the Austin community in 2010, consider volunteering at the Austin Humane Society!

 Volunteer Program  
 

The Austin Humane Society relies on volunteers every day to help in many ways. They have opportunities for volunteers to help with everything from taking care of the animals in the shelter, caring for foster animals at their homes, helping customers through the adoption process, assisting staff with special events and much more. In order to volunteer at the Austin Humane Society, you must be at least 14 years of age. Fourteen and fifteen year olds must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times, including orientation.

In order to become a volunteer for the Austin Humane Society, you must attend one of our Volunteer Orientations which are held on the first Saturday and the third Monday of every month.

There are no more orientations scheduled for 2009.

2010 Orientation Dates:
Saturday, January 2 - 9:00am
Monday, January 18 - 5:30pm
Saturday, February 6- 9:00am
Monday, February 15- 5:30pm
Saturday, March 6 - 9:00am
Monday, March 15 - 5:30pm
Saturday, April 3 - 9:00am

Orientation is held at the Austin Humane Society located at 124 West Anderson Lane(map). There is no need to make a reservation in advance.

The Austin Humane Society charges a one-time administrative fee to help cover our costs for the volunteer program. As long as volunteers remain active, (Volunteers are dropped after three months of inactivity) one fee covers all volunteer programs at AHS. The fees are as follows:

• Students $20.00
• Adults $35.00
• Seniors 60 and over $20.00
• Foster Care Volunteers - waived fee

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Austin Humane Society Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Streif via email or by telephone at 512-685-0124.

Help a dog like Precious today!

 

Give Local!

With Christmas just a few days away I thought I would post this idea from Austin Dog Rescue that will make everyone feel good about spending money this holiday!

 

Holiday cards are here! For a $10, $25, or $50 donation, you'll receive a holiday card to let someone you care about know that you made a donation in his or her honor for the holidays.

Each card shows what your donation represents. The $10 donation card represents a bag of dog food, the $25 donation card represents a set of immunizations, and the $50 donation card represents a dog's life saved from an area shelter.

Buy yours today! Payments are through PayPal, and shipping is free.

Let's Be Friends!

In the spirit of holiday love I found a couple pictures from the Let's Be Friends site that I just had to post for everyone's enjoyment!

 

If you have any adorable doggie friends picts you'd like to see posted...please share them!  Picts can be emailed to myoung@austindogblog.com! 
  

Holiday Pet Portraits!

Our extended family at Houston Dog Blog added a member to their family recently!  Isabella now has a little brother Garrett.  The kids are definitely ready for the holiday season and had their first portrait taken at Brett Chisholm Photography.  

 
 

How to Celebrate the Holidays with Pets!

1. Step1

   Make Christmas cards and pictures. Take Christmas photos of your pets to include in cards. Dress up your pets in holiday gear, or just put a Santa hat on them. No matter what your picture looks like, people will enjoy seeing your animals in their cards. You can even make Hanukkah cards to send to your Jewish friends.

   
    

2. Step2

   Keep your pets safe. Make sure that any poisonous Christmas plants like the poinsettia are kept out of reach. Be sure that any Christmas tree decorations are kept away from your pets, as well. Small items can cause choking if eaten, so make sure they are out of reach. Make certain chocolate items are away from pets, since chocolate is dangerous for dogs and most other pets.

   
    

3. Step3

   Buy presents for your pets. There are thousands of ideas for your pet's Christmas present. From specialty dog biscuits with holiday icing to Christmas collars, your pet can have the excitement of having their own presents on Christmas day. Make sure to remember the stockings, as well. Toys and treats make great stocking stuffer ideas. Purchase things that will excite your pet, such as new toys for birds or catnip for cats.

   
    

4. Step4

   Have professional photos done. These make great additions to your photo collection of your pet. They can also be sent out with your Christmas cards.

   
    *Photo courtesy of Brett Chisholm Photography
   

5. Step5

   Make Christmas treats for your pet. Just as you cook for family during Christmas, don’t forget your pet. There are numerous types of homemade treats you can cook for certain pets like dogs and cats. While you’re cooking up your family’s goodies, add a few extra minutes and bake some desserts for your dogs. If you can’t find premixed items, just be sure to use pet-safe ingredients such as yogurt, peanut butter and carob. Never use chocolate.

   
    

   **Thanks to ehow.com for the holiday tips above!

Getting Fancy for the Holidays!

It's time to get our pets fancy in time for all holiday parties and gatherings!  Here's a helpful video on how to safely trim dog nails!  Enjoy...

Holiday Plants that Pose a Threat!

Tis the season for festivities, indulgence and beautiful plants being brought into our homes.  Take care to ensure your pets are safe this holiday season by knowing what poses a danger to your animals.  

 

A number of Christmas season plants are listed on SnikSnak as poisonous to pets if nibbled or eaten: ivy - moderate to very toxic, all parts; holly - moderate to very toxic, especially the berries and leaves; mistletoe - very toxic, all parts, especially the berries; Christmas greens such as balsam, juniper, cedar, pine and fir - all parts have a low level of toxicity; hibiscus - may cause vomiting or bloody diarrhea if ingested; and poinsettias - leaves and stems low in toxicity. 

This is not a conclusive listing...there are many more toxic plants. An additional listing of both non and toxic plants can be located here. It's wise to keep plants out of your pets' and children's reach.