Elderly Chesapeake Retriever Mo Returns Home after Surviving 9 Months in the Idaho Wilderness

Darwin and Cindy Cameron were on a hunting trip in September when their dog Mo, a 13 year old Chesapeake Bay Retriever, managed to get loose and disappear. They searched for four weeks day and night to no avail.

Their posting on Facebook yielded some sightings, but Mo, being a bit skittish could never be caught.  As the fall turned to winter the Cameron’s hopes began to fade.  They never stopped thinking about Mo and trying to find her.

In the middle of June 2017, a rancher found a dog that collapsed on his ranch.  The dog was flea invested and skin and bones.  He dropped her off at the Chesapeake Rescue.  Luckily, Cheri Glankler with the Rescue remembered the story of Mo and contacted the Camerons to be reunited. After being lost for 288 days in the Idaho wilderness, Mo was finally home.

For the complete story: http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/article160290474.html

Safety Tips For Hiking With Your Dog

Posted: 4/6/2024

One of the best summer activities is hiking with your dog.  As an avid hiker, it's important to consider in advance, your dog’s ability, health and age.  Hikes at higher altitude can present issues for some dogs and excessive heat combined with a steep hike can lead to heat stroke.  Depending upon the circumstances, even a young dog can develop heat stroke.

Here are some more tips to help ensure you have a  fun and safe hike:

• Pack a doggie bag: include a leash, poo bags, first aid kit, vet information, a picture (in case the pet gets lost and plenty of food and water (with a collapsible bowl). Always bring treats along for your dog even if it is just a one hour hike.  A dog's blood sugar can drop with excessive exercise and giving them a snack at the halfway point is recommended.

• Check the ground material--hot asphalt can burn through paw pads and foxtails can be a problem too.  Booties may be a little awkard at first, but dogs do get used to them and they can come in handy, especially in hot desert areas.

• Keep your dog hydrated: A dog’s temperature rises faster than a person and adequate hydration is critical. You should consider avoiding the hottest part of the day and make sure you have plenty of fresh water with you.  Do NOT allow your dog to drink from streams or ponds as they may contain giardia and bacteria which can make your pet sick.

• Keep your dog in sight: there are many potential dangers in the outdoors and the best way to protect your pet is by knowing your environment and to keep a watchful eye.  Do not let them chew plants (especially wild mushrooms) and watch for other wildlife such as rattlesnakes that could attack/bite your pet. If an attack occurs or you believe your dog ingested something poisonous, seek immediate medical attention.  Time is of the essence when it comes to a rattlesnake bite.

• Watch out for other dogs:  just because your dog is friendly doesn't mean everyone else's dog is.  You may be walking in an area where locals frequent regularly with their dog's offleash.  As tempting as it is to let you dog run wild, it is highly recommended to keep your dog on an extended leash instead.

• Check your dog during the hike: look for wounds, paw cuts/cracks, and ticks on your dog during your hike.  If a tick is found, remove it immediately to avoid exposure to Lyme disease.  Lyme disease is a tick borne infectious disease causing tiredness, fever, joint pain and loss of appetite and can be contracted within hours.  

• Keep your dog cool after the hike: even young dogs can develop heat exhaustion quickly.  Too much hiking in one day with high altitude can cause them to become extremely fatigued.  Contact an emergency vet if you notice your dog has suddenly become lethargic, drooling, red gums, excessive panting.  Hyperthermia is common and can become an emergency.

Author:  Susan Blake Davis

Revised and Reposted:  4/6/2024

Original Post:  7/15/2017

How To Include Antioxidants In Your Pet's Diet

Most most pet owners have heard that antioxidants are important for their pets but don't really understand why. Antioxidants are not another gimic. Pets frequently need extra antioxidants beyond what is in their food. Including antioxidants in their regimen will extend the quality of their lives as well as their longevity. Antioxidants are essential nutrients that slow the destructive aging process on the cellular level. Antioxidants inhibit the oxidation process which creates "free radicals".

How To Give Your Pet Antioxidants
Include "live" fresh food to your pet's diet. This is why we recommend green vegetables, squash, berries and raw frozen diets. Avoid dry food as it lacks enzymes, viable antioxidants and is very high in overprocessed starchy carbs. Since antioxidants and vitamins are lost in cooking, raw freeze dried food is a better choice than dry food, when fresh food isn't possible.
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Golden Retriever With Canine Lymphoma Outlives Prognosis

Riley

"Riley, my wonderful golden retriever and best friend was diagnosed with lymphoma at 6 years old..  He was given 6 months or less to live.  Our oncologist gave me Susan's card and I called her immediately.  She helped me change his diet and suggested supplements that would help.  We did all this and amazingly he lived 18 more months.  He tolerated the chemo extremely well and for a time even went into remission.  The cancer center was so amazed by his progress they named him their "wonder dog" !

Thank you Susan for giving me those 18 months.  They were filled with Riley feeling good, energetic and playful.   We took long walks and runs by the beach and lots of fun play time and of course lots of love.  Riley and I never would have had this time if it were not for Susan's holistic care which used with the cancer treatment gave Harley good quality time."  Cheri, San Diego

Some Of The Products Riley Used: Resveratrol For Dogs, Power Probiotic, Soothing Digestive Relief, Amazing Omegas, Renelix

Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog Teaches Fire Safety

Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog

Meet Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog who with, Dayna Hilton, a certified Fire and Life Safety Educator II and Firefighter II, travels all around the country teaching fire safety to children and their caretakers.  They are part of the Johnson County RFD 1 in Clarksville, Arkansas and they would like you to remember the following safety tips (especially during the busy summer fire season).  

1. Firefighters are your friends and help you stay safe. They have been trained to put out fires and rescue people.

2. Children should stay away from things that are hot which can burn them. Some examples: matches,  lighters, hot stoves, and BBQs to name a few, but there are many other things too.

3. Smoke alarms are there to keep you safe. Be sure yours are properly working.  Make sure children know the sound and that it means to GET OUT!

4. Have an escape map...know two ways to get out of your home or building and have a place outside to meet up.  Make sure it is a safe distance away from your residence.

5. In case of fire, crawl out on your hands and knees, below the smoke, where the air is cleaner and cooler.

You can learn more about Sparkles and fire safety by visiting their website, which has fun videos and activities for children: www.sparklesthefiresafetydog.com

Urgent: Volunteers Needed - LA Animal Services

The Los Angeles Animal Shelters need your help!  YOU can make that life-saving difference by fostering for four days or more or adopting in advance of July 4th.  Unfortunately many pet owners leave their pets outside on July4th and the loud sounds of the fireworks terrify the animals who run in fear.  Many can't find their way home and end up at the municipal shelters.  Over the last three years, the Los Angeles shelters took in over 1,000 animals each year between July 2 and July 6. These pets are counting on us to help reunite them with their families, but often this takes time and that is where your help is needed.  Thus, municipal shelters sadly become a death zone as many animals become euthanized since there is nowhere to put them!  More animals are euthanized during the July 4th holiday period than any other time of the year.  What's worse, is summer overall is the worst time at the shelters as people often go on vacation and decide to relinquish their pet to avoid having to pay for boarding......again, causing the shelters to have a huge influx of animals.

The LA shelter has wonderful dogs and cats of all ages, breeds and sizes waiting to be your temporary companion or best friend forever.   When you offer to temporarily foster, you are saving two lives, the pet you are caring for and the pet who was given a space at the shelter.

To volunteer to foster, print your application at LAAnimalServices.com/foster or go to the Los Angeles Animal Shelter nearest you and ask for a Foster Volunteer application.  Take your completed form to the shelter nearest you.  You can also view some of the wonderful dogs and cats that are available for the Foster Program on the LA Animal Services Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/LAAnimalServices   For more information, please call:  (888) 452-7381.  If you don't live in Los Angeles and would like to help homeless pets in your area, please look up the nearest location of an animal shelter near you.  An animal's life is depending upon you!

Locations of LA Animal Services Shelters: 

South LA, Chesterfield Square Shelter

1850 W. 60th St., Los Angeles, 90047

West LA Shelter

11361 Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, 90064

West Valley Shelter

20655 Plummer St., Chatsworth, 91311

East Valley Shelter

14409 Vanowen St., Van Nuys, 91405

Harbor Shelter

957 N. Gaffey St., San Pedro, 90731

North Central Shelter

3201 Lacy St., Los Angeles, 90031

Natural Treatments For Autoimmune Disease in Dogs and Cats

Autoimmune disease is common in cats and dogs. Pets can have unusual, seemingly unrelated symptoms making it difficult to diagnose. Examples: stomatitis, IBD, Pillow Paw. Steroids are the most common treatment but with an anti-inflammatory, low carb diet and a few supplements, you can greatly improve your pet's well being and reduce the need for steroids. Please click on the link to read our newsletter about natural treatments for autoimmune disease in dogs and cats.

Have a question about your pet?  Email us at support@askariel.com  Please know we cannot provide any veterinary or consultative advice but we will be happy to provide you with articles so that you can make an informed decision about your pet's next steps.