Let's Talk Pets!: Recent Posts

bully mom on "Pet Quality Assurance Act"

bully mom — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:17:49 +0000

I purchased a bullmastiff puppy from a couple in Sapulpa Oklahoma. We were told the dam was 2 yrs old, since most don't mature until 2 yr old we questioned the reason she was bred so young, the owner stated she was just under 2 yrs old at breeding. We took a pup and 3 months later discovered the pup had demodectic mange, a herditary mange, it is recommended that dogs with this disease be spayed/neutered to prevent infection to future pups. I contacted the breeder and told her of the diagnosis and she admitted that she was aware of it as she had been treating the littermates at the time of our purchase yet failed to disclose the information. I contacted AKC after the breeder refused to accept responsibility and learned that the dam of the pup turned 1 yr old 2 weeks AFTER the puppies were born, meaning the mother was bred at 10 months and not 2 yrs old as we were told. The breeder continues to advertise breeding and stud service with the diseased dogs that sired our pup. HOW CAN WE STOP THIS BREEDER? She obviously has no concern for the animals welfare, just $$$$

PaulandDori on "Welcome"

PaulandDori — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 11:15:13 +0000

We just found out about Vinnie Luna. He was a good friend to Paul and me. We worked with him at Trase Miller and saw him sometimes at Joe Station. He was a good friend of my daughter's too and she spent time with his family in New Jersey, where she now lives. We're heart broken to learn of his passing. Unfortunately we lost touch with him for about 6 months and I only found out today by going on the Bark Park website. He was a great guy.

stevelkirk on "Welcome"

stevelkirk — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:56:08 +0000

I just want to welcome some of our new members and encourage other visitors to become members and participate. It is really quite a friendly place so jump in and enjoy. The man who created this forum is no longer with us, but his lasting message was "Build it and they will come." It is here and it is now. Us it for your pleasure and for the good of the animals.

just4entertainment on "Cat urination"

just4entertainment — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:36:34 +0000

I have a 9 year old tom cat who has always slept on my bed at night or catnaps during the day. He used to always sleep at the foot of the bed by my legs or feet. The last several months he started sleeping next to me close to my pillow. However, recently, he started urinating on this spot. I have to keep my door closed all day and at night so he doesn't get in my bedroom. I keep the litter box clean and he doesn't urinate on any of the other beds or couches. What would cause this behavior and how do I stop it?

TulsaTerriers on "Pet Quality Assurance Act"

TulsaTerriers — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 23:17:41 +0000

I was thoroughly disappointed and disgusted with the defeat of HB 1332. Those of us who see the results of puppy mills through the rescue and rehabilitation of dogs who have physical, mental, and emotional damage know first hand what a hellish existance those dogs must endure. Perhaps our elected officials (and the people who elect them) need to spend a week or two at a puppy mill and see if they have a change of heart.

stevelkirk on "Pet Quality Assurance Act"

stevelkirk — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:05:56 +0000

Today is not a proud day for Oklahoma. The lowest common denominator has again proved to be the best that we can do. Our state representatives have demonstrated once more that a cause NOT rooted in religion or bigotry provides very little to their power base and therefore is at best a mere trading token. The story reads: 'I'll trade two Fishing License amendments if you will kill the Puppy Mill Bill behind my back.' These people are not leaders, but followers of the worst kind. They know how it all works, religion gets them votes, bigotry gets them votes, compassion for defenseless animals doesn't get them squat!

stevelkirk on "Elmer Fuddleigh"

stevelkirk — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:46:18 +0000

Marilyn had just gotten back from taking pictures at the shelter for the Winter '09 issue of TulsaPets Magazine when I got the email. Every time that she goes there she gets smitten by one of the dogs there and this time was no exception. That's when I got the email with THE picture attached (the left picture below). There was Elmer, part Lab and part Shar-Pei, and he had that look. To this day we call it "Fudd Face" and he puts it on when he gets in trouble and he had it on then. Some way he must have known how much trouble he was in since people pass by black dogs pretty much, so he needed to do something and he needed to do it fast. So when the nice lady with the camera was ready to take his picture he put on the best "Fudd Face" that he could muster and it worked. She kept coming back and playing with him. I got the email with Elmer attached and he had put on his best "Fudd Face" and when Marilyn asked "can we, please?" the only acceptable answer was "Go get him." So Elmer came home to stay. That's the WARM & FUZZY part. Not long after he got home, Emer developed a bit of a runny nose. Then a little cough. Then he didn't feel good at all. Then his Vet said that he had all the signs of distemper. Then he gave him some pills and told us to take him home and make him comfortable until the end came ( the center picture below). Poor little Elmer. He had just cheated a bad situation and now this. It was just a couple of days before Christmas and of course the boarding arrangements that had been made for us to go out of town were definitely off. No one wants a dog that might have distemper anywhere near their building and rightly so. That was the SCARY part. God love the little guy, he never lost his appetite. He didn't feel good, but he was still hungry. His soul must have been hungry. Elmer didn't get worse like everyone that we spoke with said that he would. He slept with us in the bed and we petted him and held him all night and he started feeling better. Every day he was just a little stronger. You don't want to get your hopes up for fear of a relapse, but after a while there was no denying it. Elmer was better. That next week he went back to the vet and got more pills but he was still concerned. Things could still go wrong. But Elmer kept eating. Twice as much as the other two dogs that were twice his size. Another week passed and Elmer was fine. His nose dried up and his cough went away and he felt fine. Today he is still hungry and I swear that Elmer is having a better time than any other organism on the planet (the right picture below). That was the BEST part.

SadiesGram on "Cody Wayne Hahn Trial"

SadiesGram — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:35:40 +0000

Wow ... it is so hard to believe that in the 21st century acts such as the one inflicted upon Sammy as well as those inflicted by Michael Vick upon countless animals are still considered a mere "slap on the wrist" offense. The good news ... at least these crimes are making press and outrage from the citizens and pet lovers across the city (and country) are putting pressure upon the judicial system to impose punishment. Thanks Marilyn and Tulsa Pets Magazine for giving voice to these precious creatures, man's best friend.

Vince on "Visits to Joe Station bark park"

Vince — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:57:25 +0000

For those of you that would like to either become a volunteer for Tulsa's Bark parks or if you would just like to attend a meeting and have a question about volunteering or park rules in general, there will be a Volunteer Training Session on Saturday. April 25th, 2009 - 10AM at Joe Station Bark Park - 2279 Charles Paige Blvd. We will meet by the bleachers just inside the entrance to the park. Kelly Carter, founder of Lab Rescue will be also be informing us about dogs and their behavior. More info about can be found at <a href="http://tulsabarkpark.com" rel="nofollow">http://tulsabarkpark.com</a>

Marilyn King on "Cody Wayne Hahn Trial"

Marilyn King — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:28:43 +0000

I was fortunate to meet Sammy the dog yesterday at a press conference about the upcoming Cody Wayne Hahn trial. Cody Wayne Hahn is accused of dragging a dog behind his SUV at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. Sammy was nearly skinned alive. His collar came loose and he crawled off into the weeds to die. Except a kind witness found him and sought help and Sammy survived his injuries. He is a DELIGHTFUL dog and whoever did this does need to be punished to the fullest extent of the law. SOMEONE committed this crime and there is a strong indication it is Cody Wayne Hahn. If so, Cody, hopefully you will be sent to prison for the maximum five-years and be punished and feel the same pain Sammy felt. Marilyn King Publisher - TulsaPets Magazine

stevelkirk on "Fostering"

stevelkirk — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 21:03:12 +0000

You girls are just tougher than I am. I couldn't anymore give one up, no matter how little time had passed, than the man in the moon. I appreciate what you do and the emotional costs that you pay, I just couldn't do it!

Marilyn King on "Solomon"

Marilyn King — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:56:09 +0000

Solomon certainly looks like the king of the house, and he sounds like quite a character! Thank you for sharing him with us.

Marilyn King on "Legislation"

Marilyn King — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 20:58:08 +0000

We try to post legislative alerts on our home page and community news blogs and hope to keep everyone more fully apprised along legislative lines in the future.

Marilyn King on "The best memorial"

Marilyn King — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 20:57:04 +0000

When you think about how many there are lingering in shelters it's the absolute best thing to do. The animal just passed would applaud you for saving one of his own kind.

md.proubasta on "The best memorial"

md.proubasta — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 15:29:49 +0000

We all grief differently. Losing a companion animal runs the spectrum from matter of fact to devastating. I've heard many people say the pain was so deep, they could not possibly repeat the experience. "I will never have another pet." Well fine, that's the self-sparing approach and one is entitled. But for people who love animals --not just one animal-- there is no finer memorial, no greater tribute to the departed pet, no more healing balm, no greater purpose of one's love and generosity, than to go ASAP to the nearest animal shelter and save a life. Love hates a vacuum.

md.proubasta on "Legislation"

md.proubasta — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:01:30 +0000

It would be interesting to have a regular column briefly stating what animal-related House and Senate Bills are up for discussion or vote. With a little information and guidance (for instance, should people email or call their congressmen urging them in favor or against the passing certain laws) Tulsa Pets readers could influence legislation we all hope will protect animals from abuse, punish the abusers, put some teeth into existing laws that are blithely ignored (e.g., cockfighting, dogfighting, humane slaughter, animal sacrifice--as in Santeria and Eid Al-Adha rituals ...) and so on. Let's face it, Oklahoma needs to upgrade animal legislation to the point of being meaningful; else acts of neglect and abuse will continue on the rise, especially as the demographics of the USA change and the influence of cultures without traditions of animal protection pervades ours.

md.proubasta on "Fostering"

md.proubasta — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:34:34 +0000

You are right, Tulsa Terri. I have had no problem either letting go when it's a good adoption. In high volume situations, however, dogs are adopted out to just about anyone who has the fee and a pulse. Application questionnaires are rather vague and, in any case, it's impossible to confirm the pertinent data that the applicants put down. Still, like you say, fostering works miracles and is rewarding in many ways. I would hope for the sake of the animals that more people gave it a try.

TulsaTerriers on "Fostering"

TulsaTerriers — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:23:34 +0000

The more I foster, the easier it is to let a beloved foster dog go on to his or her permanent home. Since the rescue group that I work with uses an extensive application process, I feel confident that the new owners are truly committed to providing a life long home for the dog in question. Yes, there have been dogs returned but I'd rather a dog be returned than to live in a less than great situation. I am a real believer in fostering although it has moments of being very annoying when the dog tears up the newspaper, tinkles on the floor (again), barks in the crate for ten minutes at a time, etc, etc. However, fostering is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. It's miraculous to see the transformation of a very sick, shy, or uncertain dog into a beautiful, confident, and well socialized dog ready for a forever home. I will continue to foster and enjoy the pictures, emails, and stories I receive from families who now own one of my former fosters. I hope anyone thinking about fostering will jump in and just do it. You won't be sorry!

Vince on "Visits to Joe Station bark park"

Vince — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:59:48 +0000

Yes it is an issue at the park. The rules are listed clearly at the park and also on the park's website as well as on several large signs throughout the park but we still get parents that say that they will be 'responsible for their own kids'. That statement does not mean that they are not in violation of Tulsa City ordinance. When these parents allow their children to enter the off leash area, they are not only breaking the law, but are also endangering their children. Visitors to the park can and have called Tulsa PD to report these occurrences. TPD is fully aware of the law and can ticket parents for not abiding by the law. It is up to the visitors of the parks as well as park volunteers to politely point out the rules if they see the rules are being violated. It is also expected that if you as a park visitor sees that children under the age of 12 are in the off leash area, that you can of course call the police as well. A tricky situation since no one wants to have to call TPD when they are tying to enjoy the parks but if you feel that it is necessary, then by all means, call TPD. There are some very good articles concerning dog park etiquette at the TulsaBarkPark.com site. I encourage all visitors to read the information as well as the rules. By the way, we are not the only city that has this type of rule... You can do a Google search for 'dog park rules' and you wil find that most well run parks, like those in San Diego, Houston, Boca Raton and many others share the same or similar rules as does the city of Tulsa. This is not the city of Tulsa being 'mean' as one Tulsa World commenter recently wrote. Until parents learn of the dangers in dog parks though, I am sure any of us that point out the ordinance will seem as if we are 'mean'. Packing dogs (large or small) and children under the age of 12 years old do not mix. We have seen the friendliest, non aggressive dogs become curious about a running or yelling child.. they gravitate towsrds the child and so do many of the other dogs in the park.. it is a prescription for havoc when dog owners and parents then have to try to separate their kids from the dogs. For the parents that do not agree with the law, they need to speak to 1.) Their veterinarian and 2.) Any animal behavior specialist such as an accredited and established dog trainer. Ask those professionals as to why kids are not allowed in dog parks and see if they will side with you. Tulsa is taking a stance on this rule in order to avoid the horrible disfigurments of childen that have happend at other dogs parks that DID NOT enforce the age limit rule. I look forward to more discussions here at TulsaPetsMagazine.com about this and hope that we hear from both sides. Keep in mind though that as many comments against or for the rule... It is a rule and will remain so with the city of Tulsa as a ticketable child endangerment offense until you can convince the city and park officials that it should not be a rule - that we should take the chance that our children should be given the opportunity to enter an off leash dog park and thus take the chance that they can be severely hurt in an unfortunate situation. Tulsa has so many public parks... none of which allow for our dogs to be off leash. Joe Station and the coming other dog parks are and will be a SMALL number of parks that do not allow children under 12 but will allow dogs to be off leash. Let it go folks... don't ruin the dog parks for those that do obey and understand the rules. Just some Googling info here: Michigan Dog Park <a href="http://www.ezdogpark.com/lookaround.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.ezdogpark.com/lookaround.htm</a> it states... NO children 13 yrs. and under, no exceptions, please don't ask!!!! It doesn't mean just because a parent is with them its okay, it's NO children, period! The signs and the rules say "NO exceptions", and that is exactly what it means. Children are not to be on my property at all, which also means outside of your vehicle. These rules are for everybody, please respect them, your kids are taught by example. Not only is it a liability but it isn't fair to set your child up to be hurt then to blame the dog. Some dogs don't like kids, but even dogs that do can hurt a child without meaning to. When a bunch of dogs are running around playing and not paying attention, somebody can get knocked down and possibly hurt. We can't take our dogs to a kids park, for good reason, so you shouldn't expect to bring kids to a dog park. Please read and respect the rules. I realize they sound a little stringent but it's for your and your dogs own good. Pay attention to your dog, know where he is and what he is doing at all times, and please clean up after him. Connecticut Dog Park: <a href="http://ctrealestateunleashed.com/2008/08/30/connecticut-dog-park-dos-and-donts/" rel="nofollow">http://ctrealestateunleashed.com/2008/08/30/connecticut-dog-park-dos-and-donts/</a> states a pure COMMON SENSE statement... Don’t Bring the Kids. Not only is it dangerous for children to be in a dog park, you will likely be more concerned about your children than about your dog and may miss signs of trouble. Here is a park that does allow kids... but look at their rules regarding kids... It's almost as if they are discouraging kids as well... <a href="http://www.upperdublin.net/inc/documents/26/ChildrenInDogParks.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://www.upperdublin.net/inc/documents/26/ChildrenInDogParks.pdf</a> The are many many more references all over the internet about rules in dog parks concerning kids.. Some parks are less restrictive while some are more restrictive. I ask you this though - A dog owner must be responsible for his dog at the dog park. He can be held accountable for his dogs actions if his dog injures someone. Now in comes a parent with a child under 12. That parent feels that HE will be responsible for his underage child. The dog now goes on and plays with other dogs, running and romping as dogs do. The child wants to pet or play with the dog but maybe the dog's mind is on running with the pack... the child continues trying to get the dog's attention. The dog while normally quite friendly sees this as a taunt and then perhaps bites the child. - OR - The child brings food to the park or toys - which can lure the attention of not just one dog but many dogs towards the child... The dogs pack towards the child and perhaps knock him down or cause serious injury... so the parent now sues the dog owner for something that happened to a child that was not allowed to be in the park in the first place... The owner perhaps loses his dog for OBEYING park rules BUT the parent who taught his child that ignorance of the law is fine to begin with... is allowed to benefit from all of this? Let me know when it is ok to let a few dogs off leash in YOUR child's playground under similar circumstances. DOG PARKS ARE NOT PLAYGROUNDS!

md.proubasta on "Fostering"

md.proubasta — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:31:38 +0000

Fostering is both, highly rewarding and also a heartache for some of us. Let me first say that volunteering as a foster parent for animals of any kind (cats, horses, snakes... ) is essential to saving lives and restoring minds and bodies. Letting go of the animal when the time is up, however, is difficult when we fear that the animal we've worked to heal and grown to love, may land yet again in a bad situation. There are no firm statistics on rehoming, but my guess is that 50% of the second chances these animals get are, well, just as bad as the previous one, if not worse. So, how does one deal with this and still continue to open one's home and heart as a temporary heaven? Is there a formula some of you have to perform this vital service without losing sleep over the foster animal we've released to an uncertain future?

stevelkirk on "Solomon"

stevelkirk — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 21:45:30 +0000

Solomon appears to be quite a cat. Thanks for sharing him with us.

stevelkirk on "Visits to Joe Station bark park"

stevelkirk — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 21:43:40 +0000

I thought that people weren'y supposed to bring little kids. That concerns me. I don't want my dog to run over one of them, but letting him run is the reason why I brought him!

Sharyl Landis on "Solomon"

Sharyl Landis — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 02:45:59 +0000

Solomon is the best cat because: 1. While I'm sleeping on my side, he climbs on my shoulder in the early morning hours and lays down on me with his head resting on my shoulder, 2. He wakes me up in the morning (He is my alarm clock), 3. He enjoys a walk outdoors in the morning, 4. He greets me when I come home, 5. Although he is an indoor cat, he hides out in the garage waiting for us to come home. When the garage door opens we see his white body scampering out, 6. He can't stand bandaids - he tries to bite it off my finger, 7. He tries to take my glasses off, 8. He is the king of the house.

Marilyn King on "Visits to Joe Station bark park"

Marilyn King — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 21:54:07 +0000

We took Sam and Elmer there this morning -- early. It was not too busy and they had a great time! It was all new to Elmer -- he kept looking around to keep track of us to make sure he wasn't going to be left there. Then he ran with Sam and enjoyed himself. We are fortunate to have a dog park!

Vince on "Visits to Joe Station bark park"

Vince — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 02:32:03 +0000

I am a frequent visitor to Tulsa's first dog park, Joe Station Bark Park. Just wondering if anyone else has been there recently and what you all think about the park.

Jazzyblues on "Sam Rescue"

Jazzyblues — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:52:52 +0000

I agree, there is a much better way of doing things. Specially now that we have Tulsa Pet Magazines available with all types of information on how we can all better take care of our pets or help those pets without an owner.

stevelkirk on "Sam Rescue"

stevelkirk — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 23:37:00 +0000

He was wandering down the street without a care in the world. Sniffing and marking as he went. Unfortunately he was headed for the major street just a few houses away. I snagged him and we took him to the vet to hold until we could find his owner. 16 telephone pole postings and 2 ads in the paper yielded no results, so after he was neutered Sam came home to stay 2 years ago. Thank you for the great dog to whoever dumped him. There is just a much better way to do it. Stevelkirk