SENATOR KRUGER & LOCAL BUSINESSMAN DELIVER NEW PUPPY TO GIRL WHO LOST “BEST FRIEND”
January 21st, 2008
Sen. Carl Kruger (D-Brooklyn) was joined today by businessman David Dietz, owner of the Puppy Paradise pet store, in personally delivering a new puppy to Zoe Del Toro, 8, the heartbroken child whose dog, Phoebe, died during a routine visit to the groomer last week. Dietz decided to donate the puppy after learning of the tragic story.
“Nothing can replace Phoebe, but I know this new puppy will have a place in your heart,” said Sen. Kruger of the tiny brown and white Cavalier King Charles spaniel.
“David Dietz is to be commended for coming forward in the spirit of generosity and making a little girl’s day,” he said. Dietz, whose store is located at
, is a longtime dog groomer who supports Sen. Kruger’s legislation.
Last Wednesday, Phoebe, a three-year-old shih-tzu owned by Zoe and her mom, Tina Del Toro of Bergen Beach, died after she was left in a drying cage too long at the Brooklyn Zoo & Aquarium, Inc.
Sen. Kruger, who held a news conference last week outside the Brooklyn Zoo, is introducing legislation in Albany to license pet groomers “in order to establish training, testing and standards of care” in this currently unregulated industry. The bill (S. 8279) also calls for a ban on the use of drying cages. The specific type of cage in which Phoebe died reaches a maximum of 136 degrees.
“Currently, a person may open a pet grooming shop without any formal training, no education, no certification and with no oversight,” said Sen. Kruger. “This lack of regulation can lead to irresponsible pet groomers harming and even causing the death of unsuspecting people’s pets.”
“This bill would ensure a regulated standard by which all pet groomers and pet grooming facilities would operate,” he said.
Dealing with a difficult dog
January 18th, 2008
Have a problematic dog? Sometimes even the most nervous or out-of-control dog can be calmed with a few simple training exercises. Below is one; you can review the rest at our website.
“Smart Tip: If you have to drag your dog to the car or he trembles uncontrollably during the ride, ask yourself whether you take him in the car only when he has to go to the veterinarian or kennel (or somewhere else that he might find unpleasant). If the answer is yes, take him for a ride around town or go somewhere pleasant, such as a playground. Do this several times so that he gets the idea that a car ride doesn’t always lead to a scary place.”
Read the rest of this article at puppyparadise.com.
Don’t turn a blind eye to animal abuse
January 11th, 2008
At one time or another, many of us have seen the sad sight of a dog permanently tied up in the backyard, covered in filth and often lacking in fresh food or water. Such animal abuse isn’t just cruel, though — it’s against the law.
As both a responsible citizen and as someone who cares for animals, it’s your duty to report cases of possible animal abuse to the authorities. Reporting can be done quickly, safely, and anonymously through the internet or a simple phone call.
Since animal cruelty laws differ by state, it can be difficult to find the proper agency to report cruelty to. The ASPCA has a great tool on their website that allows you to choose your state, then see which organization in your state has the authority to investigate animal cruelty matters. Click here to use this tool.
Animal abuse is a crime that can often be stopped by one phone call or email. If you know of an animal that is being abused, please contact the authorities in your state.
And the “Most Popular Dog” winner is…
January 4th, 2008
Going by American Kennel Club (AKC) registrations, here is the top ten list of the most popular dog breeds of 2007. What will 2008 bring?
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Dachshund
7. Boxer
8. Poodle
9. Shih Tzu
10. Miniature Schnauzer