Canine Cancer--What You Need to Know

In the past few weeks, I have experienced the fear and concern that comes when your vet tells you they have detected cancer in your beloved pet. What appeared to be a fatty lump in my "son" Puggles'
armpit was actually 2 malignant mast cell tumors that had to be surgically removed.  I was fortunate to have caught it in time while they were still fairly superficial, and his prognosis is good. In spite of some complications, he is recovering at home and will hopefully be as good as new in no time.

The experience made me realize that I knew very little about cancer in dogs--the warning signs, the different types, etc. "Cancer affects one in three dogs....of those, over half of them will die from cancer." (National Canine Cancer Foundation).  According to http://www.dog-health-guide.org/ there are 8 early warning signs of canine cancer to be on the lookout for:

• Unusual swelling that continues to grow
• Sores that do not heal
• Weight loss
• Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
• Reluctance to move
• Loss of energy
• Difficulty breathing, urinating or having a bowel movement
• Sleeping more than usual

In our case, there were no signs other than the lumps in his armpit, and our story proves that early detection is critical even if there are no outward signs of distress. I learned through research that Puggles' breed made him more susceptible to this particular form of cancer.  Many of us may not know what types of cancer our own dogs may be susceptible to. The more information we have, the better chance we have to do everything possible for them.

 For more information on this potentially deadly disease, please visit The Dog Health Guide or the National Canine Cancer Foundation .

The "HAPPY" Act--Tax Relief for Pet Owners

For many of us, pets are our family and we treat them as such. However, in these difficult economic times, it has become increasingly difficult to always care for them the way we would like to. You have probably heard stories of people giving up their pets because they can no longer afford them, and shelters across the country are full of these pets. However, it seems there may be some promising news for pet owners in the near future...

(excerpted from http://www.nextdaypets.com/ January, 2010):

Representative Thaddeus McCotter has proposed a simple, concise bill known as H.R. 3501. The Humanity and Pets Partnered through the Years Act, or "Happy" Act, proposes a "$3,500 tax deduction annually for qualified pet expenses." Qualified expenses are defined as "amounts paid in connection with providing care (including veterinary care) for a qualified pet, other than any expense in connection with the acquisition of the qualified pet."

"In order to qualify, a pet must be a legally owned, domesticated live animal. " So, if your dog gets sick, needs surgery or requires a special kind of food, as long as the expenses don't go beyond $3,500 a year, they would be tax deductible. Also deductible is the general care and upkeep for your pet, including but not limited to regular vet visits, teeth cleaning, and food.

As the economic recession continues, at least pet owners have some hope on the horizon! For more information, please visit The Library of Congress website.

Pet of the Week

ASTI STEINBORN

Hi! My name is Asti and I thought I'd tell everyone what a great place Best Friends Carmel is to board, since I've been coming here for years!! This is my home away from home when my Dad travels (and he travels a lot), but I don't mind because I always have so much fun! I especially love playgroup with the other dogs, and am happiest when I am playing in water or making a mess :-) I sure do look handsome when my Dad gets me a Go Home Fresh bath though!

I greet everyone with a smile and a wag of my tail, because they take such good care of me here! If your Mom or Dad has to travel, tell them to bring you to Best Friends so we can play together!

Pet Safety on Valentine's Day

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, we wanted to remind everyone of some very important safety tips for your pets over the holiday. While many traditions make our Valentine's Day more enjoyable, they can cause potentially serious problems for our furry friends:

Chocolate: While you may indulge over this sweetest of holidays, many types of chocolate, including baker's, semi-sweet, milk and dark chocolate can cause potentially life-threatening problems for our pets. Remember to keep chocolate out of reach.

Dangerous flowers and plants: All species of lilly are potentially fatal to cats, so when sending flowers to a cat owner, make sure to eliminate them from the bouquet. If you receive flowers, make sure you remove any dangerous plants first.

Candlelight: Be sure not to leave any candles or fires burning unattended; both cats and dogs can be curious and easily burn themselves by knocking over a candle.

Gift Wrap: After opening any gifts you may receive , be sure to gather up any paper, ribbons, bows etc. that can be potential choking hazards to animals.

.....and while it may seem like a good idea, buying a new pet for someone else for Valentine's Day should be carefully considered. Pet ownership is an enormous commitment and choosing one for someone else may not always turn out the way you want it to. For more information on Valentine's Day safety tips, visit the ASPCA website. Have a safe and Happy Valentine's Day!

Climate Changes in Indiana

By now, it seems that everyone has heard of global warming and how it already has and potentially could, have an effect on the future of our earth. However, it seems that many are not aware of the fact that this climate change could affect the wildlife and nature in our own backyards.


Scientists from the United States Global Change Research Program and the Union of Concerned Scientists are predicting that the frequency of precipitation will continue to increase (especially during the winter and spring seasons) and could cause problems like flooding to occur. A disaster like flooding can lead to other problems like soil erosion and agricultural runoff of crops, in which streams, rivers and lakes become contaminated with pesticides or fertilizers. This runoff is a threat to Indiana’s natural freshwater supply and thus, it poses a threat to every creature that relies on this water to sustain life.

Fish like salmon and trout are especially at risk because of the fact that they require cold clean water. Sadly, due to the increase in temperatures and precipitation, scientists are predicting a loss of 50- 100% of salmon and trout populations by 2050.
White-tailed deer are also at risk. Studies show that with the increase of temperatures and possible drought-like conditions, deer will seek out water sources and thus be exposed to more water loving insects like midges. Midges are disease transmitting insects that could pose a problem later into the winter season as frosts and freezing temperatures are delayed.

To learn more about the effects of climate change on Indiana’s environment go to www.indianawildlife.org/climatechange.htm

Makeover of the Month!

January's makeover award goes to Gus Crane!

Hi there!  That's me, Gus, under all that fur!  I was shaggy and a little sad- looking when I went to visit my buddies at Best Friends Carmel.  My world changed the moment they introduced me to the ultimate Pet Stylist, Olga.

She did her magic and whoa- Check me out now!!! I've been transformed from shaggy and sad to studly and satisfied.

The Great Debate: Cats vs. Dogs

Have a cat? Want a dog?

Despite the cliche' about fighting like cats and dogs, it is possible for the two species to live happily under the same roof. However, it is also possible for a cat to injure a dog, or for a dog to seriously injure or even kill a cat. Follow these guidelines to ensure a happy and healthy environment for everyone:

If you already have an adult cat, it's better to get an adult dog than a puppy. Puppies have high energy levels that can be very annoying and stressful for cats. Look for a dog with a successful track record of living with cats, and think twice about getting more than one dog. They are more likely to chase or harm a cat if they are in a pack. Before you bring a new dog home:


Make sure the cat can escape if need be-make sure your cat has places in the house he or she can go to in order to leap out of harm's way. You should also create areas where the cat can get a good distance away from the dog; consider using baby gates or installing cat doors, and set up the cat's belongings so the dog can't get to them.

Making the Introduction:

Get them used to each other's scent.
Rub a cloth on each pet and put it in the other's hang out spot--on the dog bed, under the cat's food dish etc. Keep this up until neither gets too distressed over the other's smell; barking and whining in your dog and a swishing tail in your cat are a sign they need more time.
Let them investigate each other's living area.
While the cat is outside or somewhere else in the house, bring the dog in to sniff around in the cat's area, and vice versa.
Introduce them through a door or baby gate.
Bring the dog and cat on opposite sides of a door or gate, with a person on either side. Don't restrain your cat at all--feeling trapped may frighten her. Let them sniff through the door or gate, but don't force your cat to get too close. Lavish them both with praise and attention to reinforce that good things happen when the other is around. Keep practicing until the cat doesn't seem frightened and the dog doesn't seem overly excited.
Introduce them with the dog on a leash.
Again, don't restrain the cat so as not to frighten her. Some cats will hiss and swat at a dog as a warning, which is better than running away. If the cat flees and the dog tries to chase, grab the leash and say "no" and ask him to sit. If he returns the attention to you, give him a food reward for his restraint.

Once your dog and cat seem fairly comfortable you can let them roam around when you are at home, but it is wise to continue separating them when you are out until you are absolutely sure they will get along.

Bottom line:
Cats and dogs can coexist peacefully, but it will be much less stressful for everyone if you plan carefully before introducing a new pet.


Check out related articles on http://www.dogtime.com// for more info!

Photogenic Dogs Sought for MVP Contest

Bissell, Inc., a vacuum and cleaning product company, is holding its third annual Most Valuable Pet Contest from January 1 to March 25. Pet owners are welcome to submit photos of their pets for a chance to be featured on Bissell pet product packaging and win a $10,000 donation to the pet charity of his or her choice, plus a $500 shopping spree! Entrants can upload their pets' photos at the company's website. The top-voted pet from each week of the contest will move on to the semi-finals, from which the grand prize and second through fifth prize winners will be selected.

More than 100,000 pets were entered in 2008 and 2009. Last year's grand prize winner, a Golden Retriever named Norman, is a stud dog for a Columbus, Ohio service dog program called 4 Paws For Ability. He and his owner used the $10,000 prize money to obtain a seizure-alert dog to assist two special-needs children in their community.

Pet of The Week

PET OF THE WEEK

Sampson Brown

Hi! My name is Sampson the bulldog, and I'm having so much fun here at Best Friends in Carmel, that I smile all the time!! They tell me I am very photogenic, and I guess it's true because they've been taking pictures of me constantly! Whether I'm hanging out in my suite or playing in the yard, I'm just happy all the time :-)

(OK, so what if I like to stick my tongue out....it's cute!) Anyway, I'm having a ton of fun here---this is my favorite place to go when my family goes out of town--I can't wait to come back to Best Friends!

Valentine's Day is Coming.....

and we thought the Hamilton County Humane Society had a great idea!

Instead of buying your special someone fattening candy or flowers that wilt, why not give them something that not only shows how much you love them, but also how much you love and support the  animals at the shelter that are still waiting for their forever homes?

For a $30 donation, the Humane Society will send an acknowledgment card to that special someone that you would like to honor this Valentine's Day, letting them know a donation has been made in their honor. You can also choose to have them place a heart on the kennel or cage of a cat or dog that their donation is helping to sponsor.

Those wishing to donate should contact Mandy Maxwell at mmaxwell@hamiltonhumane.com or visit the Humane Society website above to download a donation form.

Old Navy Pet Event at Clay Terrace

On Saturday, January 23rd Best Friends Pet Care Carmel will be participating in the Old Navy Pet Event at Clay Terrace Mall in Carmel, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Stop by our table to pick up valuable coupons that you and your best friend can use for boarding, grooming and training, plus see a training demonstration by our talented and experienced trainer, Barbara Jolliff. Barb has been training dogs for over 30 years and has been the staff trainer at Best Friends Carmel for 12 years. Let her give you helpful hints on how to use a positive approach to training your dog.

We look forward to seeing everyone there!

January is National Train Your Dog Month!

FUN FACTS: (from PSI World Magazine January 2010)--Dr. Stanley Cohen, researcher and canine behaviorist, recently published his rankings on canine intelligence:

"Dumbest Dogs:"
10. Basset Hound
9. Beagle
8. Mastiff
7. Pekinese
6. Bloodhound
5. Borzois
4. Chow Chow
3. English Bulldog
2. Basenji
1. Afghan Hound

"Canniest Canines:"
10. Australian Cattle Dog
9. Rottweiler
8. Papillion
7. Labrador Retriever
6. Shetland Sheepdog
5. Doberman Pinscher
4. Golden Retriever
3. German Shepherd
2. Poodle
1. Border Collie


Regardless of the breed, many dogs are adopted and brought home over the holidays, so January and February are the perfect months to make sure owners start off on the right foot with their new pets! We want to give owners a chance to see how fun and rewarding training can be, and how patience and consistency can lead to happier, healthier households.

Best Friends currently offers two levels of training, beginning with Puppy Kindergarten for dogs up to 6 months of age. This 5-week class teaches the fundamentals of sit, stay, down, leave it and come, as well as management and socialization. Basic Obedience is a 6-week course that reinforces these principles. Classes are going on now, and 2 new classes were just added for February- a 2/8 Puppy Kindergarten and 2-25 Basic Obedience. Call us to sign your best friend up today!

Winter Weather and Dry Skin in Your Dog

Dry air is a problem for a lot of people in the winter; it can cause dry flakes on your arms and legs, as well as chapped hands and lips. If your skin is dry, chances are your pets may be suffering too. Your dogs' skin might get itchy and flaky, his coat may become dull and brittle and his paw pads might even crack. So what is a good pet owner to do? Fortunately, there are plenty of good grooming strategies that can keep your dog looking and feeling his very best!

Bathe More, Not Less: You may have heard that too many baths can have a drying effect on your dogs' coat. Actually, when it comes to dry winter weather, bathing more often is better, IF you use the right products. Using a moisturizing shampoo can actually increase the moisture in your dogs coat. (Check out the re-moisturizing therapy we use at Best Friends to make your dog silky soft!!).

Moisten the Coat: Even if your dog is a short-coated breed, consider a creme rinse during the winter months, which will add an extra dose of moisture to skin and coat, leaving them silky and shiny.

Remember to Paws and think: Snow, salt and ice can take their toll on sensitive pads of your dogs' feet. Keep the hair between pads trimmed. You can also buy paw-pad balm to rub on your dogs' feet before walks, and if your dog doesn't mind, you might also be able to use doggie-booties.

Supplements: Your dogs skin can suffer if he isn't getting enough essential fatty acids like Omega-3's. You might consider a supplement, and upgrading to a dog food brand that includes fatty acids in the food. Humidifiers in the home can often help too!  (excerpted from AKC Family Dog Magazine, January/February 2010).

A combination of all these methods can help soothe dry skin caused by winter weather. At Best Friends, we offer a wide range of grooming services to help keep your dog looking and feeling their very best. Call us at (317) 848-7387 to make an appointment today!

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Hurry! Last Chance to Save on Retail!

50% OFF all retail in the store.....but only until tomorrow January 6th!

Stop by our retail shop at 376 Gradle Drive to save on the cutest collars and leashes, toys, treats, bedding, grooming supplies and more! While you're here, feel free to ask one of our associates for a tour of our spacious indoor/outdoor boarding facility, where you can pamper your pet in style the next time you need to travel. Remember, all new pets get their first night free! We look forward to seeing you soon!

Animal Lover Moves into Shelter to Raise Money for Needy Pets

(From PeoplePets.com 12/30/09)

Rhonda Estes panicked when she heard that the Madison County Humane Society in Anderson, Ind., had only enough money to remain open until February. So she relied on a tactic that worked for her last year: Move into the shelter for 30 days and hope the buzz would bring in needed donations.


"I was so upset to learn that we were short on donations that I decided to move in on Dec. 7 and live with the animals again," Estes, 48, tells PEOPLEPets.com. "I was worried because it was Christmastime and the economy is so bad. I wanted to do something to help the animals."

So far, sleeping in the kennels with the 125 dogs and cats, eating TV dinners or carry-out from friends, and enduring the early darkness each afternoon have paid off for Estes, who has worked as both a volunteer and employee at Madison County Humane Society since 1995. This month, the adoption coordinator has raised $23,100 with another week left.

"Yes, it is hard to do this," she tells PEOPLEPets.com, "I miss my kids and two grandkids, I can’t get good TV reception here, and the only amusement outside of the animals — who seem to enjoy having me here — is the radio. But the donations have been steady, and I am thrilled."

In April 2008, an accounting employee of the no-kill shelter embezzled $65,000, which crippled the non-profit operation. That is when Estes first moved into the shelter to raise money to replace the now-incarcerated employee’s theft.

"I lived here from April of last year until May and we made $23,000 in those 30 days," she continues. "It was tough but so worth it. It also helped us get at least 20 adoptions with nice families."

A few days ago, Estes really felt the warmth of Christmas. A group of sixth graders from nearby Zionsville, Ind., brought money, a leash and collar to her in the shelter. "They all wrote me notes, and I cried my eyes out at their kindness; it was the best Christmas present for me," she says. "It makes some of the tough moments in here seem easy by comparison."



To support Estes's cause, contact the Madison County Humane Society on Petfinder.com