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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Sunday, January 26, 2014

Cold Weather Safety for Your Pet



Winter is here and with it the cold weather. It also requires some special care and considerations for your pet's safety.  Here are some things to remember

  • Preventive Care Exam-The cold weather can make certain conditions worse and they may need extra support during this time of year for example arthritis may be more painful.
  • Cold Weather Tolerance- Be aware that each pet will have it's own tolerance for cold depending on coat, body fat, activity level,  age (puppies have a lower tolerance) and health. Diseases such as diabetes, heart and kidney disease may make it harder for them to regulate their body temperature and arthritis may be more painful.
  • Grooming and Dressing-Keeping your pet's coat longer during the winter can help keep them warm. Also dressing them properly (coat and booties) can help them maintain their body temperature. 
  • Avoid Over Exposure To the Cold - Even if they are dressed properly over exposure should be avoided.  This includes leaving your pet outside for long periods of time even in a car (just as in summer it can be dangerous) Frost-bite and Hypothermia can set in quickly.
  • Ice- Be caution of frozen bodies of water and don't let your dog off their leash. It might be thinner than you think. It can also be slippery and injury can occur
  • Wipe Their Paws and Coats- Paws can get dry and crack causing pain and infection. Wiping and check paws regularly can help. They may also come in contact with potentially hazardous substance (salt, antifreeze, deicers) and by wiping them down you can reduce the risk. 
  • Warm Place-Provide a warm safe place (away from drafts) for your pet.  Consider moving your outdoor pets inside. 
  • Plan Ahead- Be prepared for severe weather, blizzards, and power outages. Make sure you have enough supplies on hand in case of an emergency (food and medications).


Friday, January 24, 2014

Pasadena Bear Approaches Couple Standing on Porch


Bob and Irene McKeown don't see the bear on their porch!
Bear Approaches Couple Standing on Porch in Pasadena: When Bob and Irene McKeown return home to Scotland, they'll have quite a story to tell about their unexpected encounter in Southern California. While visiting the home of relatives in Pasadena on Tuesday morning, the couple was shocked to be approached by an unusual local resident.  Imagine how startled Bob McKeown must have been when he bent over to help his wife into the car and felt something brush up against his leg.  He turned around and what was there?  A bear cub!!!!  The baby bear is caught on video watching him leave his home following him to the car.  Must watch this video!  Chris Wolfe reports for the KTLA 5 News at 6:30 on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014

It's A Miracle: Beautiful Malamute Survives Liver Cancer




Willow

"Willow had her follow up scan and bloodwork today......4 months after surgery and diagnosis.  I’m so overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion I couldn’t wait to email you.  Her ALT level is normal!  Her ALKP is barely elevated!  Most importantly......the growth that was on the underside of the liver that was inoperable, is gone!!!!!  They did multiple scans in all different ways trying to find the tumor and it’s not there.  They looked at everything on her and nothing.  Everything is perfectly normal and healthy and the doctors said that if they didn’t know the history they would have questioned why they were even examining her.  She acts like a puppy and is so happy and energetic we almost can’t believe it.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  You are an absolute angel from God."
Best,  The Wilcox Family 2014

Here are some of the Ask Ariel products that Willow is taking:
OncoPet Cancer Supplement
OncoPet


Resveratrol for Dogs



Curcumin For Dogs and Cats