Puma is a large and rare blue fawn pit bull/mastiff mix that we, Rescuzilla, pulled from death row at the pound…

Puma is up for adoption and ready for a forever home.  He requires a confident owner and responds well to reward training.  Puma is not dog aggressive but is dominant so unless you have a submissive female he should be an only dog for now.

Puma was a stray before being picked up by Animal Care & Control in NYC.  He is 62lbs but should be around 75lbs when he is back to form.   He is neutered and in vet care right now.  Please email Rescuzilla@gmail.com for more info.

Meet Maya.  Newly adopted by my friend this Boxer/Pitti mix keeps everyone on their toes.  Lots of youthful exuberance but with a face to melt anyone’s heart.  There are 5,000,000 dogs put to sleep each year because there aren’t enough homes.  Help solve the problem - spay/neuter your dog and ADOPT from your local shelter!

The comical Chocolate Labrador Retriever will surely keep you laughing and on your toes!

The always entertaining and goofy Chocolate Labrador is the dog for you if…

• You have the time and inclination for a high-energy dog; Chocolates needs lots of exercise (at least 2-3 hrs of walk time per day) lest they become the destructive jesters they are notorious as
• Not for the house-proud; Chocolates have a tendency to find all types of muck and dirt and carry it on their thick coat which sheds a great deal 2x per year
• Excellent for a family with older children as they are likely to knock over young children with their exuberance
• Ideal for urban or suburban environment if the appropriate amount of exercise and socialization can be provided
• Should be brushed 2-3x per week to abet shedding
• Require consistent, patient training for their enthusiastic personality

Chocolate Labradors are certainly more comical than their yellow, white and black brethren. They will always be the life of the party and rarely possessive aggressive traits. Labs are generally 22-22” tall and 55-80lbs in weight. Labradors hail from New Foundland where they assisted fishermen, hence their great love of all things water.

One of New York Loves Dogs’ family is the infamous Juilus. Julius is a Chocolate Labrador that is the epitome of a Lab. He loves being the center of attention, obsessing over tennis balls, jumping into any type of water situation and most of all, keeps us laughing all the time.

Perhaps Julius’ defining moment was when he got his collar attached to a large entertainment center and dragged it across the room to get to a kernel of food as the television within the entertainment center wobbled back and forth above Julius’ head! We love Jules and always wonder what he will do next to keep us laughing.

As David Chokachi says: ”any dog related issue is my issue.”

See what this gorgeous guy has to say about his awesome rescued dog Cami!

*****

We are thrilled to bring you the inaugural “5 Questions…” with a celebrity dog person with none other than David Chokachi, former Baywatch actor, currently seen on the hit VH1 show Confessions of a Teen Idol and a dog lover and board member of the venerable Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

David and his wife Susan are proud owners of mixed breed Cami, pictured with him. Read below to learn more about this fantastic dog lover - this is definitely one man whose outer beauty seems to stem from his inner beauty.

NYLD: How did you come about rescuing your dog?

David Chokachi: Well we found Cami close to a road and it actually was just luck as my wife was seeing something moving, back then Cami was very young and well we took her in and fell in love with her.

NYLD: What are your dog Cami’s funniest quirks?

David Chokachi: Poke her in the tummy and you will hear it

NYLD: What do you find to be the best part of owning a rescued dog as opposed to buying a dog?

David Chokachi: A rescued dog is getting a second chance as it’s already been either left or given away, if you buy a dog you’re going in a comfort zone…which is lame.

NYLD: How did you get involved with the great Best Friends Animal Sanctuary?

David Chokachi: I think I’ve always had a connection with charities and obviously I love animals, one day at a red carpet campaign someone approached me and it sounded interesting.

NYLD: What would you say to someone about to buy a dog at a pet store to encourage them to go to a shelter or rescue group instead?

David Chokachi: It’s like kids, they all deserve a second chance….don’t give up on rescued dogs, they need a home too.

Learn more about David Chokachi at www.davidchokachi.net and…
Thank you David - NY Loves David Chokachi!

Is your dog’s name on the list of the most popular names of 2008?  

According to the AKC these are the names with the most!

1. Max
2. Bailey
3. Bella
4. Molly
5. Lucy
6. Buddy
7. Maggie
8. Daisy
9. Sophie
10. Chloe

Dog Food: Everything You Need to Know

Most likely you aren’t intending to feed your dog road-kill or buzzards… but there is a good chance this is just what you are doing if you don’t know how to decipher the often confusing ingredient labels found on dog food.

Walking through the aisles of a pet store and picking out the right dog food for your dog can be a daunting task.  So many different bags proclaim to be the healthiest or the most natural or the meatiest…which is the best one?  And once you decide which food, how much should you give your dog?  And how do you avoid the likes of road-kill and buzzards in your dog’s food?

Below is a mini-guide to picking out a nutritious dog food and figuring out how much to feed your dog.

Where do I start?
First start with basic pet nutrition and purchase a pet food measurer.  You can get one at any pet store or simply buy a cup measurer from a kitchen goods store.  Take a little test and put the amount of food you would normally give your dog in a bowl – then measure it.  Compare that to the guidelines on your dog food bag and it most likely is much higher.  Just like portion control is a key component in human body fitness it is also a significant part of canine health.

How much should I feed my dog?
However, figuring out how many cups of food to feed your dog depends on the dog food you use.  If you browse the pet food store and look at the serving information on the back you will notice that lower end foods often advise giving an average fifty pound dog about four and half cups.  While higher end products advise two cups.  This is based on dogs receiving the correct amount of daily nutritional value so it requires more cups of a lower end product (with lower end ingredients) to meet the nutritional guidelines than a higher end brand.

Feeding your dog four and a half cups of a lesser priced food versus two cups of more expensive food evens out the cost given the amount of food you are using.  So take the time to compare ingredients and see what suits your dog.  Unfortunately there is no rule about how many cups per pound of dog due to the disparity of nutrition in foods.

What type of food should I buy?
The first thing you want to look for is a food with no by-products.  By-products can be anything from a slaughtered animal – the lungs, the hooves, the bones, the head - all the types of things you would not like to see your dog eat.  By-products are inexpensive and thus found in many foods – even ones that proclaim to be “all natural”.  A good food will have “chicken” or “beef” as the first ingredient without by-product or meal attached to it.  “Meal” (as in “beef meal” or “poultry meal”) is another type of by-product consisting of animal parts not suitable for human consumption.

Corn gluten and wheat gluten, other common ingredients, are neither harmful nor useful – they simply serve to bind the food.  Brewers rice is another thing to avoid as it is a processed rice lacking the nutritional value that whole ground rice or brown rice would have. And absolutely avoid any product that uses “animal fat”; this is a vague term that actually means any animal – be it dead or diseased or disabled or dying prior to slaughter – could be the source.  Whether it is a seagull, road-kill, fowl euthanized at an animal shelter or leftovers from a restaurant – this term is as vague as they come and should be avoided at all costs.

Why are certain foods more expensive?
You will be surprised how easy it is to find a good dry dog food once you have narrowed down the choices by avoiding by-products and animal fat.  Most likely you will be drawn to a higher end food that uses real products and probably costs a bit more than a brand found in a supermarket.  The reason certain brands are more expensive is because of the ingredients they use – real beef is more expensive than animal fat as real chicken costs more than poultry meal.

Bear in mind that using a higher end dog food means you will use a smaller amount of food and one bag will last longer than a less costly and less nutritious brand.  You will also save costs by purchasing the biggest bag offered – normally the higher the quantity you buy the lower the price.  An average twenty pound bag will give you just over forty cups of food which depending on the size of your dog will likely last 3-4 weeks.

Is there special needs food?
Additionally look for a dry food that suits your dog; if your dog is a puppy or senior you should certainly get food designated for that.  Puppies require the extra nutrition and fat that is found in puppy food and seniors require the increased vitamins and lowered fat, along with minerals like glucosamine and chondroitin, which are often found in senior food.

There are also foods geared for dogs with sensitive stomachs and allergies – usually a vegetarian formula - while other types offer formulas to improve hair, coats and/or teeth.  And the most popular “special” food is for overweight dogs.  Keep in mind that if you feed your dog the appropriate portion of a food high in protein and low in corn or wheat gluten, you should not need to buy reduced fat weight loss food.

What about wet food?
Wet food or “sauces” are an optional treat for dogs.  You can mix in a small amount of either for a finicky palate or to spice things up.  Do note that if you mix in a significant amount of wet food then you should reduce the amount of dry food you are giving your dog.  Again, pay attention to the portion sizes recommended on each can.  If you don’t wish to use a wet food or sauce you can either put some hot water in the dry food and create a gravy or add in chicken, beef or a vegetable; green beans aid in keeping stool firm.

In that line, to keep your dog’s stool firm you can add a small amount of white rice (not brown which is a natural diuretic), cottage cheese or non-spiced, canned pumpkin to your dog’s dry food – these are known “binders” so use sparingly.  Adding a small amount for each meal will help keep your dog’s digestion regulated.

How often should I feed my dog?
There is no rule about whether you should give your dog one meal or two meals – this is something unique to each dog.  More energetic dogs would likely have breakfast and dinner while less active dogs might have a biscuit for breakfast and a meal at dinner.

Can I change my dog’s food?
When changing your dog’s food do it gradually.  Mix in some of the new food with the old food and some white rice for about a week and then make the switch to the new food.  Easing into a diet change will prevent diarrhea that is common when switching food.

There are a lot of foods to choose from – read the labels, choose well and always feel free to ask your Veterinarian for advice.  The food you choose will set the tone for your dog’s health and giving him the right amount will ensure it.

Reported by Susan Cava

The fun-loving Bichon Frise is a lively and intelligent companion. 

The jovial and entertaining Bichon Frise is the dog for you if…

• You are looking for a perky, lively dog who needs moderate exercise and loads of companionship
• Will include your Bichon in all types of social activities – such an outgoing dog craves attention and inclusion
• Bichons are sweet-tempered, smart, dependent dogs who despite their small size will not hesitate to bark at intruders or wrong-doing
• Excellent for urban or suburban living as well as family or single owner
• Responds best to calm, consistent training
• Be ready for the major grooming commitment which can be both costly and time consuming. Daily brushing as well as monthly professional grooming is required

Bichons hail from France where they were circus dogs. They generally weight between 7-12 pounds and measure 9.5” to 11.5” in height. Bichons can be prone to hip dysplasia and heart defects but are generally a rugged bunch and usually live anywhere from 12 to 15 years in age.

Spaying and neutering is not only a way to stop the homeless pet population but also a way to keep your dog healthy.

Spaying & Neutering

By Johnathan Kelly

The dogs of today have come a long way from those of 5 or even 10 years ago. Not only can you book your dog in for a few hours at the local Doggy Daycare, but you can buy them jackets or outfits that will bring out the color of their eyes, pamper them with a day at the Dog Spa where they can get a “Pawdicure” done with just about any shade of Nail Polish, and feed them a large array of diets varying from kibble to wet food to even raw meat.

With the major advancements in canine health it is hard to believe that even though so many pets today are spoiled beyond belief, that there are millions that go everyday without anything to eat, or a place to sleep or even an owner to take care of them. In today’s society there are puppy mills running steadily and selling their “products” to pet stores, backyard breeders selling accidental litters for large profits and that the issue of spaying and neutering dogs is still not quite considered serious or necessary.

So many people wish to breed their dog “at least once” in their lifetime just for the sake of having puppies that will either be sold to the first person interested or perhaps to the highest bidder. Shelters and municipal pounds are overcome by the amount of homeless dogs in their care. Its overwhelming to say the least and is extremely difficult to open an abundance of these facilities.

Sadly even though most shelters have a packed house, there are still millions of dogs (and cats) that are homeless throughout the nation. Spaying and neutering is a very necessary procedure for today’s animals. Although raising dogs from puppyhood can be a fulfilling achievement, it is more important to be able to grasp a hold of the problem that has been created.

From the view of a veterinarian, spaying or neutering your dog will bring many potential health problems to an end. In females alone, there will be no risk of Pyometra, and no possible risk of cancers of the uterus, ovaries, or mammary glands. In neutered males, there will be no potential risk of testicular cancer, they will present much less aggression towards other dogs or animals, and will reduce the urge and even the act of marking. From the medical view of sterilizing (spaying or neutering) your dog, there are many more pros then there are cons.

The negatives of sterilizing your dog would be that they cannot reproduce. An obvious con but crucial nonetheless. Nowadays it is not uncommon to have litters upon litters of puppies being born in shelters. Although this is a sad yet very real occurrence, the staff at these shelters take it upon themselves to see to it that the lives of these puppies will not end up like their mother. Spaying or neutering puppies can be done as young as 2-3 months of age as long as the dogs are healthy.

There has been much controversy over this action as some have protested that this will have a negative affect on their development or that this will deny them their fullest growth potential, which is not true. If anything, sterilizing a puppy at a younger age is as safe and will enable them to recover from the surgery quicker than they would if the procedure was done at an older age.

Spaying or neutering, although done daily in a veterinarians office, may seem like a scary surgery to a new dog owner. This procedure is a quick, safe, efficient and a very necessary surgery that will normally take under 25-35 minutes. This is done completely under anesthetic so the dog has absolutely no recollection of the surgery and will go home the same day. Either dissolvable or regular stitches will be used to suture the surgical site and a cone or Elizabethan Collar (E-Collar) will be issued so the dog does not try to lick or tend to the site. There is no pain medication to go home and recovery is usually between 14-21 days. Suture removal will be done between the 7-14 day mark after the surgery, and from then onwards, the dog will be at no risk of becoming impregnated or will not be able to reproduce.

The familiar and beloved Dalmatian is the dog for you if…

• You are an active owner looking for a dog to include in your physical and social activities
• You have the time for a handful of a puppy; Dalmatian puppies are known for needing lots of exercise and attention for their wild, exuberant personalities
• Even as adults Dalmatians needs lots of exercise and training to match their highly energetic, intelligent personality; they can be both destructive and aggressive when not attended to
• A highly intelligent, trainable breed that responds best to repetitive, calm training; intelligent enough to learn more than basic commands
• Generally white with black spots but can come with brown spots – known as “Lemon Dalmatians”
• Dalmatians often inherit deafness which is due to the lack of pigment in their ear

The Dalmatian is a beauty of a breed and with the right exercise and training can be a great family dog. They are generally 40-60 pounds and 22-24 inches tall. Dalmatians are a hardy breed and generally live anywhere between 12-14 years.

 English Springer Spaniels will be a great match for you if…

• You are a vivacious, active person as Springers have an abundance of energy and need to be exercised rain or shine
• Have loads of patience to train their somewhat exasperating, endless amount of energy when they are pups – these dogs respond wonderfully to lively, reward-based training not harsh methods
• Not looking for your Springer to be a guard dog – while they can be protective they are good-natured, friendly, social dogs and not natural guardians
• Looking for a medium sized dog (45-55lbs, 18-22 inches), are prepared for moderate grooming given their long coat and will take the time to clean their ears as long-haired ears are notoriously prone to infections
• Ready for a long commitment as this rugged breed lives anywhere from 10-14 years

Spring Spaniels excel at hunting, hailing from England as a fantastic gundog. Their social nature and happy-go-lucky attitude makes them a popular choice amongst hunters as well as physically active people. Spaniels need not hunt as long as they have lots of daily walks, runs and a good game of fetch. Springers come with either liver and white or black and white coats.