Pandemic Pets Pack on the Pounds, U.S. Suspends Some Dog Imports, Missing Pups Turn Up Where?...and More
Dogs put on extra pounds during the pandemic (like their humans). photo: Getty Stock
Pandemic Pounds: Not Just for Humans Anymore!
A recent survey found 36% of dogs gained weight during the pandemic, even though 25% of survey respondents reported that their dogs actually got more exercise than usual during the lockdown. The culprits behind the added pounds? Extra treats and table scraps – like you didn’t know that already.
Source: people.com
The infectious and contagious rabies virus, shown here in a colorized micrograph, can be transmitted to humans through the bite or saliva of an infected animal.
U.S. Bans Dog Imports from 113 Countries: Fake Rabies Certificates to Blame
Starting July 14, the U.S. will temporarily suspend importing dogs from 113 countries, citing a rise in false rabies vaccination certificates. Federal officials found 450 dogs in 2020 with fake rabies records, up more than 50% since 2019. Before the ban, the U.S. had been importing about a million dogs each year.
The countries considered at high risk for rabies and falsified documents are widespread and include Vietnam, Russia, Saudi Arabia, India, Venezuela, Brazil, Kenya, and Egypt. See the full list here: cdc.gov
The CDC does have the authority to issue advance written approval to bring in a dog from a high-risk country on an extremely limited basis. If, for some reason, you still want to go that route, email CDCanimalimports@cdc.gov at least 30 business days (6 weeks) before you intend to bring in a dog. No guarantees you’ll be approved, of course.
But really, people, why not swing by your local animal shelter instead? We know the photos from abroad can be heartbreaking, but plenty of homegrown pups need your love, too. And at least you’ll know their docs are legit.
Source: npr.org
Tilly is now safe at home after his sheep herding adventure. photo: Idaho State Police
When In Doubt, Do What Comes Naturally: Missing Dog Found Herding Sheep
Who hasn’t turned to a comforting activity in the wake of a traumatic event? And why should dogs be any different?
During a car crash in Idaho last month, Tilly, a 2-year-old Border Collie, was thrown from the rear of his human’s vehicle and immediately fled the scene. After tending to the accident, Idaho State Police issued a BOLO for the missing pooch.
A few days later, a local farm family noticed something different about their Australian Shepherd Hooey. On closer inspection, they realized it wasn’t Hooey at all, but Tilly who had somehow found his way to their farm a mile and a half from the crash site. Tired but unharmed, he was apparently trying to herd the family’s sheep.
After catching a ride home with a sheriff’s deputy, Tilly was happily reunited with his own livestock-free family. No word on how the sheep responded to their surprise guest herder.
Source: people.com
Aika seems relieved after being rescued by the crew of a Russian Icebreaker.
Cold Paws, Warm Heart: Russian Crew Finds Lost Dog on Arctic Ice Field
In other rescue news, the crew of a Russian icebreaker saved a female Samoyed who had been lost on a frigid Arctic ice field for over a week. The ship was headed toward an oil terminal when crew members spotted a white dog wandering on the ice. An amazing video taken from the ship shows the dog wagging her tail as the crew tosses treats to entice her up the steps they’d lowered to the ice (you’ll have to brush up on your Russian to actually know what they’re saying, but the dog-loving part needs no translation).
Crew members reached out to a nearby village where they learned the dog, named Aika, had been missing for over a week. Aika’s owners said she’d never wandered far before and had no idea how she got all the way to the ice fields.
Bred to withstand the world’s coldest climates, Samoyeds are known for their perpetual smiles, which actually have a practical function – keeping the dogs from drooling so that icicles don’t form on their faces. Bet Aika’s smile was bigger than ever when she saw those life-saving steps hit the ice.
Source: upi.com
All Hail, Wasabi!
Hair Wins at Westminster
If you’ve been living under a rock for the last month, you may have missed the recent crowning of Wasabi, the Pekingese who took Best in Show honors at this year’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Keeping it in the family, Wasabi is the grandson of Malachy who grabbed the top slot at Westminster in 2012. (Okay, he looked more like a small woodland creature trapped in a tunnel of hair to us, but what do we know?)
In related news, this year’s Best in Group awards went to Bourbon the Whippet (Hound Group), who also snagged the reserve slot, a.k.a runner up; new champion Wasabi the Pekingese (Toy Group); Matthew the French Bulldog (Non-Sporting Group); Connor the Old English Sheepdog (Herding Group); Jade the German Shorthaired Pointer (Sporting Group); Striker the Samoyed (Working Group); and Boy the West Highland White Terrier (Terrier Group).
While Westminster can be a bit creepy with its intense focus on bloodlines and breeding, we were heartened to hear veteran judge Patricia Craige Trotter give a shout out to mutts in her closing this year. “We love all dogs as dog lovers. Mixed breeds and purebreds. They’re all pets.” Amen to that, Madame Trotter – but are you sure there’s really a dog inside that winning hairball?
Source: cnn.com
Champ, right, and Major are seen on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, March 31, 2021. photo: Mandel Ngan
Champ, We Hardly Knew Ye: RIP, First Dog
President Joe Biden and family bid a sad farewell to Champ - “our sweet, good boy” - who died peacefully at home on June 19 at the age of 13. The elderly German Shepherd had slowed noticeably in recent months, limping as he toured the White House North Lawn earlier this year.
First Dog duties will now be handled by three-year-old Major, a German Shepherd rescue with a bit of a naughty streak and a penchant for nipping. Let’s hope he grows into his new solo role with the grace and sweetness of his late buddy Champ.
Source: usatoday.com