As his owner David stated, “Elvis has left the building.” On Thursday’s America’s Greatest Dog, David and his Parson Russell Terrier were eliminated after a poor see-saw performance in the agility competition. Elvis had a few on-screen scuffs with his cast-mates, but perhaps any dog with a $10,000 bar mitzvah may feel a sense of entitlement! He is a smart boy and after some socialization and some boundaries from the hunans, Elvis ended up getting along great with his pet pals. Hope they keep up the training and Elvis can reach his full terrier potential! We couldn’t help but find this dog entertaining and comical- just like a Parson Russell Terrier should be… Here is some more information on these cute pups, but may we suggest saving a little coin for training before throwing the bar mitzvah?
According to DogBreedinfo.com the former Jack Russell Terrier, now the Parson Russell is recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Parson is a perky, merry, devoted, and loving dog. Spirited and obedient, yet absolutely fearless. Careful and amusing, he enjoys games and playing with toys. Friendly and generally kind to children who have been taught not to tease or strike the dog. They are intelligent, yet willful and determined. They can be slightly difficult to train and need a firm, experienced trainer. The Parson Russell can be aggressive with other dogs if not well trained and socialized. Early socialization can help substantially moderate this trait. They have strong hunting instincts (stronger than your average terrier) and should not be trusted with other small animals. They like to chase and explore. Parson Russells like to bark and dig. They tend to get restless and destructive if not kept fruitfully occupied and well exercised.
Height: 12-14 inches Weight: 14-18 pounds
The Parson Russell Terrier is a pleasant companion when it is sufficiently exercised; however if they do not get enough, they may become a nuisance. They need to be taken on a long, daily, brisk walk. In addition, he will be in his glory with space to run, hunt and play. The PRT will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are very active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard.
At one time the AKC called the Parson Russell Terrier a Jack Russel Terrier. However in April of 2003, they changed the name to Parson Russel Terrier and the breeds split forming two different breeds, the Jack Russel and the Parson Russell Terrier. The Parson’s name change is in great part to a lawsuit from the JRTCA to the AKC, when the breed was first allowed registration. Parsons are the long legged Jack Russell Terriers named officially Parsons Russell Terriers. The Jack Russell Terrier and the Russell Terrier are the same breed but are entirely a separate breed from the Parsons Russell Terrier.
Does this sound like your kind of dog? If you have the will to teach and nurture a PRT, consider adopting from one of the many Parson (Jack) Russell rescues below.
Russell Rescue Inc
Parson Russel Terrier Association of America/rescue
Russell Refuge Inc
JRTCA Rescue
Jack Russell Rescue of Scottsdale
Jack Russell Rescue of New York
St. Louis Jack Russell Rescue
Petfinder.com search Jack or Parson Russell & your zip code
Happy Hills Animal Foundation Inc.
Le’Land’s Heart Sanctuary
Sixth Day Animal Rescue,Inc
It is extremely important to select a responsible Parson & Jack Russell Terrier breeder as poor breeding can cause deafness, eye disease and knee and hip joint problems. Irresponsible breeding also does irreversible damage to the mother of the pups and integrity of the breed itself. A mix will live a longer and healthier life than a poorly bred purebred.
Greatest American Dog on CBS, airs on Thursdays at 8pm ET. See our 7/9/08 post about hosting your own Puppy Party to watch the next episode!
Drexel Hill, PA- July 23, 2008 – WellPetUSA Inc., an animal welfare nonprofit that raises funds to offset the medical expenses of rescue groups, today announced the opening of registration for a motorcycle ride fundraiser and picnic in Delaware County, PA to benefit its Meow Bow Wow fund. “Ride for Paws” will take place on September 6, 2008 and will begin at the Marine Corps League in Upland, PA.
“The mission of WellPetUSA is to raise awareness to prevent the abuse of animals in the U.S. or remove them from harmful environments all together. Our Meow Bow Wow fund exists to further this mission by providing much needed financial support to animal rescue groups for their rising medical costs,” said Heather Read, Chairman and Executive Director of WellPetUSA.
The “Ride for Paws” fundraiser will allow individuals in the local area to contribute to WellPetUSA’s mission and participate in an enjoyable, fun day with other motorcycle enthusiasts and pet lovers. All proceeds of the ride will go to WellPetUSA’s Meow Bow Wow fund. Those who wish to attend the BBQ picnic and not attend the ride are also welcome.
“WellPetUSA serves pet rescue groups both locally and nationally. Donating to WellPetUSA is an opportunity for individuals to contribute to the work that dedicated, small rescues do each and every day around the nation,” Read added. “By donating to WellPetUSA’s Meow Bow Wow Fund you know that your donation is going directly to medical expenses of rescued pets.”
Registration for the motorcycle ride and picnic is open online at http://rideforpaws.eventbrite.com. Pre-registrations close on September 1, 2008 as space is limited. The donation for participating is $25 per bike and includes lunch for one person. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. on September 6 at the Marine Corps League 3602 6th St. Upland, PA 19015. Bikes will depart at 10 a.m. for a casual, mapped ride through Delaware and Chester counties, returning by 1:00 p.m. for a BBQ lunch at the Marine Corps League.
About WellPetUSA, Inc.
WellPetUSA, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) IRS-recognized non-profit organization. From 1996 through 2000, WellPetUSA held private and public pet adoptions, collected donations and worked with numerous veterinary doctors, volunteers and organizations. In 2000, the founders and volunteers refocused the organization to concentrate in the areas of fundraising and community pet education and welfare creating The Meow Bow Wow Fund and P.E.A.T. The Meow Bow Wow Fund distributes funds to pet rescue groups to help offset medical care costs. The Pet Education, Awareness and Training (P.E.A.T.) program is designed to educate the community and pet owners about pet welfare. In 2008, WellPetUSA’s founder, Amber Pedraja, passed away from cancer. In her memory, a new fund - the Amber’s Pets Fund - was created to reimburse needy rescue groups or families for medical costs of treating a pet with cancer.
For additional information, please visit http://www.wellpetusa.org.
Those who do not want to register on line and download a registration form here and mail payment via check or pay on-site. Please email heather@wellpetusa.org with questions.
The Greatest American Dog competition eliminated its second owner/dog pair on Thursday- Elan an Kenji the Giant Schnauzer. Oh, Giant Schnauz, what a shame! The judges decided to remove the pair because of Elan’s constant “Bah! Bah! Bah!” noises in Kenji’s face and Elan’s belief that large dominant dogs need to be corrected by squeezing their snout until they whimper.
After living with a Giant Shnauz for four years, I personally believe that these intelligent dogs can be taught by voice commands and hand signals, not physical pain. Kenji, we think you are a great dog so lets spotlight your majestic breed!
According to fetchdog.com, “the Giant Schnauzer’s native land is Germany, specifically the Bavaria and Wurttemburg regions where the breed’s original purpose was to drive cattle. Beginning in the early twentieth century, the dog also began to work as a police dog and in the military.
The Giant Schnauzer is not the most affectionate guy on the block; he won’t cuddle up to you on the couch as readily as other dogs do. Despite such reserve, he nevertheless becomes deeply and strongly attached to his people, and can be fiercely protective of those he loves and their property. This dog requires considerable physical exercise in order to prevent destructiveness and other misadventures that result when a dog tries to ease his boredom and restlessness on his own. He does best in a household without young children; generally well-behaved teens and slightly younger kids do better with him than little ones.
Giant Schnauzers do best when trained by confident but friendly individuals who understand the importance of positive reinforcement. They need intense socialization, particularly as puppies, and consistency throughout their lives. When trained properly, this intelligent breed learns quickly. Those who want to take their Schnauzer’s training beyond the basics should consider taking up agility, obedience, and therapy work.
Height: 24-27 inches Weight: 65-90 lbs
This dog requires more than a lick and a promise to stay well groomed. The double coat needs brushing at least once a week to remove mats from the undercoat. The mustache and beard require daily attention to remove food residue and crumbs. In addition, a professional groomer should clip the coat four times a year to keep the Giant Schnauzer looking his best.” Bonus: They are hypoallergenic!
If you have the time, confidence and a gentle nature towards an equally confident dog, consider a Giant Schnauzer rescue! Contact one of the organizations below or your local shelter.
It is extremely important to select a responsible GS breeder, as poor breeding can cause severe hip dysplasia, resulting in surgery and/or crippling pain in young dogs. Dogs intended for breeding should receive OFA and CERF clearances before being bred. Prospective buyers should ask to see these clearances before they buy a puppy or dog.
Greatest American Dog on CBS, airs on Thursdays at 8pm ET. See our post about hosting your own Puppy Party to watch the next show!
Emma Sue, my wonder-mutt has moved to three different states with me. Each time we moved, I wanted to get the “scoop” on the pet-friendly restaurants/patios before we were even settled into our new home. She is a great dog, well-socialized, minds her manners and loves to hang out while mommy enjoys a mimosa, what can I say?
Last night my friend who is dog-sitting a sweet little Lhasa-mix walked him a mile to Millennium Park in Chicago to meet friends, just to find that dogs are not allowed. And it sounds like the security guard that educated her meant business!
Do you have a dog that is a comfortable in public and happy to travel with you, but not sure where to find dog-friendly parks, hotels, restaurants and businesses? Word of mouth isn’t your only option- check out the “Forbes Best of the Web” site DogFriendly.com for your local and vacation pooch loving locations.
Looking for pet-friendly lodging inside Yellowstone National Park? DogFriendly.com will point you towards Old Faithful Lodge & Cabins. Nearby is Emma’s favorite Jackson Hole puppy hike, Bridger-Teton National Forest just outside of Teton National Park (as dogs must remain on leash inside national parks.)
If you want an activity to do with your dog while on vacation in Charleston, SC Charleston Ghost Tours invites dogs to walk along with their owners. After touring graveyards from the 1700s underneath spooky crepe myrtle trees at twilight- you’ll be happy that Fido is there to protect you!
And where can pups go in downtown Chicago without being tossed out? Grant Park now has an off -leash, pet-friendly area and dogs on leashes are allowed in the rest of the park. Then cool off with a cocktail at Oak Street Beachstro for a fabulous “beach in the city” scene. Just remember to clean up (as we always do) since ticket fines are stiff ($250-$500) downtown. Its like zero tolerance for dog poop.
So check it out the DogFriendly.com site, click on your region and go adventuring this summer!
*While the idea of having your dog join you on an adventure sounds great, if your dog struggles to maintain reasonable behavior at home, he definitely will not succeed when he’s over-stimulated in public. (Doesn’t mean he can’t become social with training, though!) Businesses remain pet-friendly because they have had positive experiences including canines in their marketing, so be sure that you and your companion aren’t hindering their ability to conduct business. For tips on doggy dos and don’ts- DogFriendly.com has it covered.
If you caught the first episode of America’s Greatest Dog on Thursday you saw contestants Michael and Ezzie, a Boston Terrier, eliminated from the competition due to Micheal’s overzealous human antics, leaving poor Ezzie out of the spotlight. So WellPet wants to give Miss Ezzie and her breed their due props!
Boston Terriers, according to the Dog Breed Info Center while “bred at first for use in dog fights, today’s Boston Terrier has been bred to have less aggressive tendencies. It is gentle, alert, very intelligent, and well-mannered. Enthusiastic and occasionally rambunctious, this breed has a sense of humor. They are very sensitive to the tone of one’s voice. This breed likes to learn and therefore is not difficult to train. Their intelligence ensures they pick things up quickly. At times they can be somewhat willful. Some owners have reported that their dogs are good watchdogs barking only when necessary, while other owners have reported their female Boston Terriers do not bark at the door at all. Most reliable with children, especially good with elderly people and very friendly with strangers. The Boston Terrier is playful, very affectionate and likes to be part of the family. Very popular in the United States, due above all to its excellent character. They generally get along well with non-canine pets. Some males are dominant and may fight with other dogs. These little dogs may be difficult to housebreak.
Height: 15-17 inches Weight: 10-25 pounds
Boston Terriers are good for apartment as well as country living. They are relatively inactive indoors and do okay without a yard. This breed is sensitive to weather extremes. A long daily walk and sessions of free play in a fenced-in yard are all the Boston Terrier needs to stay in shape. They are fairly light weight and can easily be carried.”
Does a Boston Terrier sound like the right companion for you? Consider a Boston Terrier rescue! Contact one of the BT rescues below or your local shelter.
It is extremely important to select a responsable BT breeder, as poor breeding can cause a bone defect in the skull, resulting in developmentally disabled dog with shortened life span.
Greatest American Dog on CBS, airs on Thursdays at 8pm ET. See our post about hosting your own Puppy Party to watch the next show!
The “dog days” of summer can be dangerous for dogs — especially those
dogs left inside hot cars. Every year, countless dogs die after being
locked in cars while their guardians work, visit, shop, or run other
errands. These tragic deaths are entirely preventable. (Did you know 90 degrees outside *with all 4 windows cracked* will still create 108 degrees inside the car!! I didn’t! This site suggests you call Animal Control when you see a dog in a car in these temps.)
Through this website, you’ll learn about what you can do to protect dogs from the dangers of hot cars. You can find out how quickly cars heat up in warm weather, whether it’s too hot to take your dog along today, and how to get the word out that it’s just not cool to leave a dog in a hot car, even for “just a minute.”
Get the scoop at “My Dog is Cool.com.”
The latest American celebration of the dog kicks off on Thursday night with the premier of CBS’ Greatest American Dog at 8pm et/pt.
To help you and your doggies celebrate, WellPetUSA has authored some special tips on how to host your own Puppy Party complete with decor tips, menu suggestions, and activities. View our tips below, or download a printable copy here: puppy-parties.pdf
WellPetUSA will also be hosting a special forum for fans of the Greatest American Dog to post their comments about the show as well as recaps and photos from their puppy parties.
Have a PAWfect time!!!
Puppy Parties
Here is WellPetUSA’s guide to hosting your very own puppy party without having to buy party supplies from designer pet stores or call a caterer. This idea is good for movie nights, and doggie dates or for friends or even for rescue groups to use as a fundraiser. July 2008 - This idea is perfect for friends and family wanting to host their very own get together to watch the premier of CBS’s Great American Dog on July 10, 2008 at 8pm ET.
Step 1: Invitations
Order invitations online through Vista Print. Just sing up to iGive (www.igive.com/WPUSA) to register yourself as shopping to benefit WellPetUSA. Then search for Vista Print. They provide wonderful templates for postcards and invitations with pet and entertainment themes to give you the perfect invitation, mailed conveniently to your door. Or give them your mailing list and they will do the mailing for you! Vista Print will also donate 8% of your order to WellPetUSA.
Step 2: Décor
Guest Name Tags or Drink Holders - Here is a new doggie take on those cute wine glass jewelry that you pay a pretty penny for in high end stores … Simply use a bone shaped cookie cutter to cut out a piece of card stock, punch a hole in the top and tie a ribbon through it. Longer pieces of ribbon allow for guests to tie it around a wine glass, or even around a broader glass, plastic or disposable cup. To add doggie flare, use your doggy guests’ names instead of the humans!
Placemats/ Tablecloths – Afraid you are going to have a mess? Here is a quick and cute way to make doggie inspired placements or a functional tablecloth. Use a household sponge and draw one large circle and four smaller circles (the size of a quarter) using a black Sharpie. Then cut out the shapes and glue it to a piece of cardboard, or even an old CD that you are going to throw away. Assemble the large circle in the bottom center and the smaller circles spaced out on top to form a paw.
Apply paint to the sponge – craft paint or children’s tube paint will work fine. Make sure to dab off any excess paint. Turn over your stamp and press onto paper placemats (think of using construction or scrapbook paper) or use an old sheet as a table cloth.
Having children at your party? Get rolled paper from your local craft store, place it over the table, create a doggie boarder with your new stamp and let the children create their own doggie mural which (depending on their artistic skills) could be a cute piece of art for the playroom.
You won’t mind if doggie drool gets on these disposable items that you can throw away at the end of your party.
Note, you can also try this idea with a rubber stamp and ink pad from your local craft store. Or spice up your stamps with other decorations such as tracing the paw outlines with Sharpie or other colored pens, alternating colors, using multiple colors per stamp, or stickers. Don’t use glitter or embellishments that may come off your creations as they could create hazards for both dogs and toddlers.
Add additional décor flair by checking out your local dollar store or party supply store (the children’s birthday isle) or Shindigz (also an Igive.com partner) for fun plates, favors, napkins and other decorations.
For a fun favor, use Frisbees as plates (upside down). Line them with a paper towel or wax paper. Serve your food on them, use them for fun doggie games during intermission and give your guests a take home item they will use often with Fido.
Step 3: Menu
You need to plan a menu for both your two legged and four legged guests. Let’s start with the most important ones – the doggies!!!
Gourmet Dog Treats for your 4 legged guests – Treat your pooches right with these yummy treats from Bow Wow Bucks. Tiny party platters are just $10 plus shipping. 20% of each order goes to WellPetUSA’s fundraising goals. Order now at: http://www.bowwowbucks.com/cafe/wellpetusa
Pooch Smoothies (courtesy of Rachel Ray) –
Ingredients
One 8-ounce container plain yogurt
1 cup blackberries or raspberries or 5 large, hulled strawberries
1 mango, sliced
1 very ripe banana
1 tablespoon honey
1 cup ice water
Preparation: Process all the ingredients in a blender at high speed until smooth. Pour pooch smoothies into small bowls and freeze. Remove from the freezer, set on the floor and let your pooch lick the treat.
For the humans…
Safe dog and people finger food – We all know that Fido loves sniffing around the dinner table. If you are going to be watching the show, or chatting with friends and not looking at your spread make sure that your finger food is dog friendly. Carrots, Apples, Cheese etc are all good choices. Check this list of poisonous foods for dogs (courtesy of Adopt a Golden Atlanta)
http://www.adoptagoldenatlanta.com/article_poison.asp
Spice up the BBQ – Hot dogs are always a good doggie themed staple, whether they are full sizes or minis. Also consider using your bone shaped cookie cutter to cut hamburger patties in the shape of bones. Make sure to serve your burgers open so your guests can see your handy work.
Finger sandwiches – Late night TV gatherings aren’t necessarily the time for dinner. Light finger sandwiches are a great way to ease the hunger pains and inject another doggie themed item. Use your bone shaped cookie cutter again – this time we will use it to cut out pieces of bread to make your sandwiches. “Sticky” contents like egg salad, tuna, etc. are good choices for this. For salad type sandwiches cut the bread first. For cold cut sandwiches like roast beef and mayo, ham and cheese, mini croque monsieur’s, make the sandwich first and then cut out the pieces. Use more of your Frisbees to hold your sandwiches, or use a decorative three layer tray.
Step 4: Activities
Treat time – If your pooch was lucky enough to have you buy him some Bow Wow treats, consider waiting to hand them out under a commercial break. With many dogs around enjoying your party, a dog fight over a cookie could ruin the night. At the commercial break each owner can give their own dog a cookie without incident.
Find the Great American Neighborhood Dog – Before you sit down to watch CBS’ the Great American Dog, hold your own contest among your friends and neighbors attending your party to get yourself in the mood. Consider planning games like:
-Best Frisbee fetch
-Farthest fetch
-Most obedient (or special classes for sit, stay, rollover etc.)
-Unique skills (signing, riding a skateboard, playing a piano, you name it)
Make sure you have an impartial judge and some yummy doggie treats ready as prizes.
Add a costume flare – Want to make it a theme party? Watch each week of the Great American Dog with a different costume or color theme. Easy costume solutions for your pup are old t-shirts that can be shortened to a doggie size or cut up into colorful bandanas.
Remember to take photos and share them with your friends for wonderful memories.
Be Kind to Animals Week sponsored by the American Humane Association
You will see the WellPetUSA’s blog post a number of animal welfare and pet “celebration holidays” through out the year. After compiling all the pet related holidays that I could find, I noticed that I had filled up a full sheet of paper. At first, I couldn’t figure out why so many? How do you “celebrate” a homeless or sick animal? Primarily these holidays are an annual reminder that not all humans have been educated on how to care for animals, and that some humans just do not have the resources or desire to be responsable for their pets. We still have more to do, and unfortunelty many of us are well aware of that fact.
If you are reading this blog, you probably do not need to be reminded to “be kind to animals.” But when the AHA began the campaign in 1915- kindness to animals was a foreign concept to many Americans. Animals were commodities and petting a dog made about as much sense as petting a dirty sidewalk to most people. Horses were for working in the cities and fields, livestock and slaughter were unregulated, and dogs were used mostly for protection of property or fighting. There were no animal shelters, no rescues, no spay/neuter programs, and only a handful of vets nationally that tended to anything smaller than a hog. Very few Americans could afford nor were interested in a “companion animal.” So dogs lived out on the street in all sorts of unimaginable conditions- needless to say the sight would be hard for most of us animal lovers to stomach 93 years later.
Now think about how far we have come… The task of saving pets in need may be daunting, but compare 2008 to 1915 and you can see we have come leaps and bounds in pet protection laws, humane treatment of animals, and pet health care and education. Plus a shelter or rescue in nearly every city/county and one for almost every breed. So perhaps this pet holiday can double as a reminder that 100 years worth of human acts of compassion towards animals has changed the US into a country that believes that pets lives are worth saving. And that is something to celebrate!
Photos from Women and Dogs
I confess that my family did not go on vacation this year because of our dogs. We simply could not come up with as good a vacation option as last year when we rented a house in the Outer Banks and were able to spend a week on the lovely beaches of Cape Hatteras with our two pooches. This year the prospect of sleeping in smelly roach infested rooms at the NJ shore in less than a 2 star hotel that actually allowed pets, or paying hundreds of dollars of fees at a Howard Johnsons (also arguably not much more than a 2 star) did not seem appealing.
This news from Hilton that they are launching a new Pet Friendly program by the end of this summer has definitely peaked my interest. Although I confess I am skeptical about how much it will actually cost and how many hotels will actually participate. I know the Ritz and the Four Seasons allow you to bring your pets but I hope the Hilton brands (ok not the Waldorf Astoria Collection) don’t put their rack rates up to the same level as a Ritz just for you and Fido to go on vacation.
Anyway, Hilton has a special Web site with instructiosn for those interested in booking pet friendly vacations. At this point in their marketing program your only option is to call 1-800-HILTONS to reserve a pet friendly room. I hope they create a special mailing list for regular promotions and a searchable hotel site to compare and book rates.
What is perhaps a bit more exciting for your four legged friend is that they will also be given a bit of the red carpet treatment… Hilton says their pet-friendly rooms will be loaded with specially-designed upscale amenities designed exclusively for Hilton by famed artist William Wegman (best known for his striking photographs of Weimaraner dogs) and will include a stain-, water- and microbial-resistant pet bed, as well as food and water bowls with placemat, and an exclusive pet amenity kit consisting of:
- tasty organic treats
- pocket size packet of bio-degradable waste bags
- travel tote made of Crypton® Super Fabric
- travel-sized bottle of disinfectant, deodorizer & one-step cleaner for pet stains and smells
- Hilton pet collar tag
Sounds like the life.
It’s that time of year again! Macy’s is assisting nonprofit organizations with their fundraising goals through it’s annual Shop for a Cause program. You purchase a $5, tax deductable, shopping pass from WellPetUSA and you receive a 20% off shopping pass usable all day in store or online at Macys. You can purchase these tickets to support WellPetUSA online now.
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