Dog & Wolf News / Issues

Dog in need....

Posted by audra on August 26, 2008.

Hello everyone~

Our friends at Mission:Wolf recently informed us of a "wolf-dog" in need. Here is his information: wolf/German Shepherd

Please feel free to pass this on to anyone you know who has experience dealing with difficult cases such as this, or if you know of a rescue capable of handling such an unusual situation.

Dogs like these require caution, as well as all of the experience and understanding we can give them. Thank you in advance for any help.


I hope this finds you all doing well and enjoying the close of summer!
~Audra

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Fed's Considering Moving Wolves Off Endangered Species Act

Posted by jennifer on March 19, 2008.

Defenders just launched a new blog to give people a place to talk about the federal government's decision to remove Endangered Species protections for wolves in the Greater Yellowstone region.

You'll hear up-to-the-minute news from staff on the ground in Idaho and Montana and from special guests.

Join the conversation: Check out My Yellowstone Wolves:

http://myyellowstonewolves.typepad.com/

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U.S. Military Soldiers Throw Puppies Off Bridge For Bragging Rights

Posted by jennifer on March 04, 2008.

A fellow Myspace animal friend just informed me of this and I thought I'd put it out there for everyone to read. Without saying, this is extemely disturbing but would these soldiers find this fun back in the U.S. or is this relevent to the stress that these guys are under? Thoughts? I am deeply saddened on every level that these innocent puppies were killed because of the sick actions of these soldiers and there should be some ramifications from it.

"Well apparently two U.S soldiers killed an innocent puppy by throwing it over a bridge in Iraq. The two soldiers proudly bragged about the puppy's death and even recorded it. The video is on the petition site if you have the heart to watch it. As a U.S. citizen and an active duty marine's wife I can say this is absolutly sick! This type of torture to animals can not be disregarded! There are bad people everywhere but, they do not do not belong in our millitary around weapons. The millitary is not trained to be so careless with a life they are trained to protect. Please click on the link below and sign the petition to encourage the U.S Army to give these two "heros" a dishonorable discharge. The millitary is a place for heros and people who care about protecting the innocent. I support our millitary 100% but, these two jerks need to go. They do not deserve to wear those uniforms and be called U.S. soldiers!
Fight for what is right! I would not want my husband or anyone other millitary member to be deployed and put in a unit with these puppy murdering creeps."

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My Thoughts On Your Thoughts About Breeding Dogs (Posted From My Myspace Page)

Posted by jennifer on March 04, 2008.

There was such a great feedback about this topic that I had to congratulate all of you for getting involved and voicing your opinion (whichever that may be). As I said before, we can all learn from each other. Truly, this isn't a black and white issue. It should be thought about with great care as we all love dogs so very much. The concept of restrictions being made in regards to breeding is a great concept. 1) Because it will allow responsible breeding preserving the breed integrety. Many breeds have been ruined with health and temperment problems galore thanks to the unfortunate business of puppy mills and people that are breeding their dog to their neighbor's just for the hell of it. 2) It will promote responsible pet ownership and weed out those that want to breed fighting dogs, etc. evan though that is still somewhat of an under ground business. (Hey! Am I the only one on Myspace that can't believe how many Pit Bull fighters are on here that are advertising and show pics. of their dogs fighting?!) 3) Where my family is from in Germany, the breeding restrictions are so high that you may not get a permit if you have had any previous altercations with the law, your facility must be inspected and include all the necessary ingredients to welp pups, your home must be properly fenced in AND someone comes to your house to inspect at any time that you are following the law. Now that's what I call a good program. 4) Suppose the AKC started testing dogs in not only looks but temperament? If you went to the Sieger show in Germany, you would see that looks are only a PORTION of what they judge in the ring. The dogs must perform bite work and complete an endurance test. Is anyone aware of how many dogs are put to sleep on a daily basis in the U.S. because of poor temperaments? Lastly, and my final thought is this: Educating people is the number one way to helping our animals today. Unfortunatly, humans have distorted the wolf all the way to the minature Daschund and beyond. The more we mix and match a lot of these dogs that were never suppose to be developed this way in the first place, the more problems we'll have. Take for example the Bulldog. With it's many physical problems, it's hard to find one that will never have any issues. My mini Daschund just got two teeth pulled and he's only 3! Because little dog's mouths are so cramped for space, their teeth can have horrible problems. There aren't roots long enough to support strong healthy jaws like the wolf or the bigger breeds. Then we have the back problems... Don't get me started on that one. Anyway, I think it's so important for people to rescue dogs and I think if you are wanting a certain breed, you need to go to a responsible and reputable breeder. A good way to find one is to research the top dogs in the show ring these days. Check out who's winning at Madison Square Garden or some other national best in breed shows and contact a few before you make your decission. Fostering a dog first can be a good test run that can also benefit the dog in another home so long as you make an effort to assist in helping that dog through training, socialization, etc. There are so many dogs that need homes out there so if you can do it, head to the animal shelter. My dogs work for me- each one has a specific job. My three shepherds are all working dogs along with Jack the mini Daschund. Jack I actually got to help keep prarie dogs off my property here in Colorado because he can easily fit into their holes and he loves doing it! Even my cat who I rescued has a couple of jobs. She works for me with dogs doing distraction training (yes, she's trained too- lol) and she catches tons of mice around the barn. All and all, I think this is a fantastic issue to talk about and I'm pleased to hear everyone's input. Keep it up and keep those comments coming! All my best, Jennifer :-)

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My Thoughts On Breeding Dogs

Posted by jennifer on February 26, 2008.

You know, I have so many shelter dogs as clients these days which is on one hand fantastic that these dogs are being rescued left and right. I have other clients who choose to pay for expensive dogs and have gotten what they paid for in temperment and well-bred physical traits. The problem is unfortunatly, there are a lot of people who either disagree with breeding as a whole or people who are not responsible in keeping the good breeders in business and the bad ones out of service. Growing up around dog and horse people all my life, I don't know if there is any other field that brings upon so many arguments, so many rights and so many wrongs. Everyone always has to know something more than the guy ahead of him. Truthfully, we are not dogs. We are human which can be the biggest downfall and yet at the same time, be the greatest gift.
Instead of banning responsible breeders as a whole, concentrate on the puppy mills and pet shops that are ruining these breeds. If you are not in need of a dog with a particular purpose, go out and rescue one. My rescued street cat is that best cat I think I ever met and she even helps me at work!
Unless we are going to go back to a primitive state with wolves, breeds of dogs are always going to be here. Shelter dogs will always be here, feral dogs are on the rise and with the economy and housing market these days, people are abandoning not only their house but their pets too!
If we are to make breeders responsible, make co-existing with these animals from the streets to our bedrooms, it starts at the goverment level. It starts with responsible pet ownership, responsible breeding, laws and not a black & white attitude. Well bred dogs that serve a particular purpose are remarkable. They assist with everything from assisting the blind to taking down a suspect. I have also seen mutts from the humane society appear in car commercials, be wonderful best friend's to kids growing up and remarkably save an owners life by detecting cancer. A dog is a dog is a dog.... But a human can always open their mind to learning and improving from everyone else to make the lives of the animals we long ago created, the greatest.

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NEWSDAY: How Come A Wolf's Howls Aid Canine Communication?

Posted by jennifer on February 11, 2008.

How come: A wolf's howls aid canine communication
BY KATHY WOLLARD | Special to Newsday
February 4, 2008

How come wolves howl? asks Christina Scammon, a student in Holtsville.

If you were hiking in the woods and got separated from your friends, would you yell out their names? If two of you became separated from the rest of the group, would you both yell louder and longer, feeling braver and less self-conscious? Would you find it especially satisfying if your yells echoed off rock formations, magnifying your efforts?

Of course, if you and your pals brought your cell phones - and they worked in the middle of nowhere - then you wouldn't need to yell. But wolves don't carry mobile phones (and just try to imagine punching those tiny buttons with that big paw). So howling comes in handy.

Wolves hang out in packs of about five to seven, although groups can be smaller or larger. Each pack usually lives and hunts on its own territory, which may cover from less than 20 to hundreds of square miles, depending on the pack size and the land available for roaming. Wolves bark, yip, growl and whimper, just like domesticated dogs. But although some dogs howl occasionally, wolves howl more frequently and elaborately, either alone or in chorus.

Scientists who have studied wolves - recording and analyzing howls, observing behavior, broadcasting prerecorded howls and noting reactions - say howling helps a pack stick together and fend off rivals.

Some studies show howling increases before the breeding season, when animals pair off to mate. The howling may drop off sharply when pups are born, with adult wolves keeping a lower profile to protect pups from predators. Howling increases when wolf pups are several months old.

One study in Poland found that wolves did most of their howling between 6 p.m. and midnight. They tended to howl when they were in the center of their territories rather than on the more dangerous boundaries. The researchers estimated that 43 percent of the howls were back-and-forth yells between separated pack mates.

About 22 percent of the howling was a noisy buildup to setting off on a hunt. Howls by lone wolves or pairs lasted about 34 to 40 seconds. But group howling went on for one to nearly four minutes.

Wolves seem to recognize other pack members by their individual howls even at long distance, just as we recognize the voices of friends, relatives and classmates on the phone or from across the street. Though most howling is communication within a pack, wolves also howl to publicize their presence to other packs.

Wolves howling in chorus frequently vary the pitch of their sounds. As the ever-changing mix echoes, it makes the group seem bigger, helping wolves avoid a nasty fight with another pack.

One study noted that wolves use howling as a spacing mechanism. When they are at home in an established territory, howling marks their settlement. Howling also signals packs to give each other a wide berth when migrating.

To hear and see wolves using howling to communicate, visit pbs.org/wgbh/nova/wolves/ howl.html.

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MAKE IT A GREAT NEW YEAR. GIVE SOMETHING BACK TO THE WILD.

Posted by jennifer on January 03, 2008.

So many people ask me what is going on today in the world of wolves. What are the big issues, how can I help, etc. are some common questions I'm asked. If you really want to know and see what's going on on the front lines, check out this video of ariel wolf hunting in Alaska. Most people don't realize that wolves are being masacered on a daily basis by hunters who do not walk the earth but rather fly and shoot as if it's just like playing a video game in your living room. REMEMBER- WOLVES ARE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE ECO-SYSTEM. Their existance on this earth is crucial in some parts of the world to maintain the health and herd size of other animals which transfers all the way down the eco-system- to the grass, trees, and possibly even the food that you eat! Do mother nature a favor, your kids and grandkids a favor. Do something selfless this year. Help save the existance of wolves in Alaska...

Check out the video here!

TAKE ACTION and urge Governor Palin to end aerial hunting of wolves today!

Thank you and have a happy and healthy New Year!

All my best,
Jennifer


Snowshoe 3.JPG

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Unleashing The Wolf Within

Posted by amy on November 18, 2007.

I've heard a few reports now that members of the Boulder County K-9 Unit and a couple of people have seen two wolves running through the woods at night up in the mountains here. I wouldn't be surprised if there were- certain people like myself are waiting for more wolves to arrive from Yellowstone. Unfortunatly, our first arrival was hit by a car on a major highway through Colorado. Those that can make their escape through the hunters that sit and wait for them on the boundry lines of Yellowstone will be of the lucky few that have traveled far away from their original destination.
I feel, like a wolf that my original destination is ever changing and growing into something far, far away from where I started 12 years ago. The forests that I've lurked in at night, the stars that shed light on my back and the mud beneith my paws are like tests of my ability to survive in the outer limits far away from my den. I have managed to out smart predators, stalk my prey, raise five pups and now all this has led me to where I sit today.
I'm very excited to get closer everyday to the dream I have of being a voice our for fellow canid species. I hope everyone out there doesn't forget the millions of shelter animals that are sitting waiting to be adopted and not euthanized. I hope that all of you also don't forget about the wolf- our greatest teacher whom we have killed and prosecuted over the years based on fear, selfishness, money and fun.
If you would like to help a wolf survive as a nessasary and valuable part of our eco-system, please check out some of the following orginizations:

MISSION: WOLF-

Mission:Wolf is a peaceful wolf sanctuary located in the remote mountains of Colorado that is open to anyone. To ensure the wolf's survival in the wild lands of the United States, Mission:Wolf accepts donations and has an online store - with proceeds to educate the public about wolves and the importance of habitat protection.
Check them out! @ www.missionwolf.com

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE-
Protection for Endangered Species
www.defenders.org

INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER-
www.wolf.org

YELLOWSTONE WOLF PROJECT-
Donations: www.ypf.org/donate/wolfcollar.asp
Education: www.yellowstonewolves.org

Thanks for your support. It is greatly appreciated and much needed :-)
All my best,
Jennifer

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Ringside.

Posted by jennifer on October 17, 2007.

I don't know what came over me but sitting ringside, it was hard to even look anymore. Was it me? Why was my heart half way down my chest? I knew why... I was watching a 4 month old American-bred German Shepherd collapsing in his back end and trying desperatly to run down the ring and keep up with the handler. He couldn't though. He kept falling & tripping she had to wait for him to get up & keep running. It was horrible.
I came to this show to see the best of the best of American bred German Shepherds. This is the National Championship afterall. What I got walking out was a heavy heart for this puppy that was so deformed, he couldn't even run. Maybe my dog show days are over. So much has changed since I started working with wolves. A life of a show dog is not a desired life of a dog. It's many days in a crate on the road and with a busy handler, that means not a lot of attention. Sure they are fed, grromed, given some exercise, bathroom walks, etc. but once they enter that ring it's as if they have been cooped up for days. It really and truly breaks my heart with this particular breed. I grew up with them, went to the shows that our dogs were in, my Mom even owned a dog from the famous Covy Tucker Hills line but all has changed since I moved away. The first dog I ever bought out of college was Macho. The name says it all... An ENORMOUS German Bred Shepherd who would not only put his life infront of me, his litter mate bit seven people and put 5 in the hospital. When Macho bit someone, he wouldn't let go. I will say this- he taught me the most out every dog I've ever worked with. I've never had a more aggressive dog or case for that matter than Macho. I did get him over it but if he didn't like you, there was always a reason...

My family in Germany has been involved in the breed since the 1940's. They have titled, owned and trained more German Shepherds than I could imagine in Schutzhund training (Schutzhund dogs are tested in three phases- tracking, obedience & protection). I guess what I saw today was a breed that over the years has increasingly gone down hill. I'm talking about the American Shepherd- not the German bred.... There's a big difference. What I have seen over the years is more slant in the back end which causes tremendous discomfort to the dog, more chances of hip dysplasia and other joint related problems in the future.
I love all dogs- every bad, mean, dis-figured, rescued, abused or highly bred last one of them. However, I have a different perspective now on dog shows.
You see, when you are in the world of showing dogs, nothing is more important than the win. Oh man, do people love to win best in breed, best in show, group- whatever. I think though, that for some people (not everyone), it becomes just about "the win" which becomes just about "My dog looks better than yours."
I think my soul, my heart and every once of me felt sick today because I saw humans making a very dis-figured creature. Like I said, I've changed since moving to Colorado. I live on 5 acers near the Rocky Mountains. My dogs live a life most dogs would dream of and every crate I passed had the eyes of a soul saying "this isn't fun." "Winning" to a dog isn't fun. Winning to a human is. These dogs did not show pleasure running around the ring. They didn't show willingness to be "stacked". They were saying "Where's my ball- let's go play- let's go work- let's hike up a mountain- let's attack bad guys- let's run through a tunnel or please just tell me to sit!" This wasn't a job. This was pointless to the Shepherd. Imagine getting groomed non-stop, sitting in a crate and taken out at the last minute to a ring where you are being placed, touched, whistles blown at to get their ears up, everything and then just asked to run. "Run?" Says the Shepherd.... "RUN?!" I can do that in my sleep. Give me something a little more challenging than a beauty pagent and you may see my ears go up all on their own."
I honestly think that dog shows aren't for me anymore. I'm upset at what humans are doing to these breeds. It really makes you think when you spend time with wolves how these dogs came to be. Even the little one's. Even Jack- my mini Daschund who's as long as a string bean.
I think today I realized that the path I'm on with animals is a great one and has far exceeded my expectations. Quite honestly, I finally feel like I've reached a whole new level and Colorado has been so good for me. This is about the dog, not about the breed. This is about preserving what we already have for the benefit of the animal to live a mentally & physically healthy life and not about "what looks good". Slant hips so far down looks like this is not a good direction to go in. Interestingly enough, when that puppy ran around the ring the crowd kept cheering loudly. Not because the pup got up and kept running, because they liked the way he looked.
Thanks for reading,
JMc

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The Pit Bull Problem Video

Posted by jennifer on September 25, 2007.

This is a video every adult should see. Maybe for those that think that "banning a breed" is the solution to every dog problem, we should think about the people who are creating the beast. Dogs are not monsters- However, people like Michael Vick and those that think that torturing, abusing and training dogs to fight other dogs for sport are.
I urge you to take the time to watch this video and pass it along...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeuy_PBlqz8

"When asked what he thinks people's reactions will be when they learn of his account of Vick's involvement in dogfighting, the source was nonplussed.

"They shouldn't be really upset, OK?" he said. "Because it's only just an animal. It's just a dog that is raised up. He's put out there, you know, and he's chained up, OK. And the time he gets a certain age, this dog is going to want to fight. It is bred in him, OK? He knows what he is and he's going to fight. Just take him off the leash, let him go." - ESPN.COM, May 31st, 2007


Best,
JMc

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