28 February 2010

Humane News & Views from CFHS

Whether you are a member of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS), are operating an animal-related service or facility... or you just like to keep on top of industry innovations and developments, here's a newsletter that will interest you!

The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies publishes a monthly e-zine that will keep you well-informed about what is happening in the area of animal welfare in Canada. The January issue, for example, has information and updates on:
  • Pet-friendly travel
  • Regulations on owning exotic pets
  • Haiti Disaster relief efforts
  • IAMS Home for The Holidays helps 1.2 million pets
Check out the January newsletter at CFHS Hum@ne News.
Subscribe to the CFHS Humane News Newsletter

Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor

26 February 2010

Cooperative Efforts Helps Homeless Puppies

A recent story in the Edmonton Journal showed how the spirit of collaboration and cooperation can move mountains.... well maybe not mountains, but most certainly puppies!

A truck loaded with 22 medium and large breed puppies from the Winnipeg Humane Society arrived at the Edmonton Humane Society on February 21. According to society spokeswoman, Shawna Randolph, the pups will be put up for adoption as soon as they have the required medical and behaviour tests.

Apparently, Winnipeg has had fewer adoptions recently and an inexplicable increase in the number of puppies being dropped off at the shelter.

Winnipeg Humane Society's executive director, Bill McDonald, said that he asked the Edmonton Humane Society to help find homes for the pups because of its recent success at adopting out homeless dogs from California. More than 90 per cent of the 112 small breed dogs flown by private jet to Edmonton from Fresco, Calfifornia, last month have already been adopted.

"We are so thankful that the Edmonton Humane Society is helping us give these dogs the proper start," he said. "It was a happy occasion to see these pups hit the road."

Randolph added that the transfer of the puppies was made possible with the generosity of Cochrane's Automotive Repair, a west-end Lexus dealership, as well as volunteers Sandy and Les Raubenheimer. The repair shop serviced the Edmonton Humane Society's truck for the 1,700-kilometre trip at no cost, while the Lexus dealership supplied $2,500 for gas. The Raubenheimers, who drove, covered their own expenses.

Randolph said the Edmonton society will help other humane organizations and animal rescue groups whenever it can. The society plans to help the Humane Rescue Animal Team of northern Alberta by taking 13 homeless dogs off its hands in a couple of weeks and will continue to help with the California Canine Cuties program.

The first pups should be up for adoption in a few days, and the public is advised to check www.edmontonhumanesociety.com for updates.

Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor

24 February 2010

PetLynx Announces New HomeSafe Pet Insurance Initiative



23 February 2010
SecuriCan General Insurance Company, Canada's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, and PetLynx Corporation, Canada's innovative, cutting-edge provider of information services for the pet industry, are pleased to announce a new initiative for companion animals in Canada.  Under this new collaboration SecuriCan and PetLynx will develop health insurance benefits for the new HomeSafe™ portal and offer pet insurance to all dogs and cats in Canada.

The Urban Animal Surveys conducted for PetLynx Corporation by Ipsos Reid in 2008 and dmrkynetec in 2009 clearly show that health and wellness is a top priority for pet families.  These studies also show higher instances of surrender and euthanasia in communities where health care benefits aren't readily available for companion animals. To reduce or eliminate this situation the parties will work with municipalities, humane societies, veterinarians, breeders, retailers and other service providers in each community to ensure that every pet in the HomeSafe™ program is provided with medical benefits at the moment it reaches its first pet family home.

The HomeSafe™ program will provide a range of products and prices from three of the leading pet insurance brands in Canada.  Pet families will choose the type of medical insurance that best meets their budget and their needs from among these offerings.  Since this coverage will also be registered in the pet's record on the HomeSafe™ national system, those pets requiring emergency intervention will have the shortest path to medical attention in Canada.

There are over 14 million dogs and cats in Canada that require health insurance benefits.  Using the HomeSafe™ program will give pet retailers, pet breeders, humane societies, veterinarians and other providers the ability to ensure the pets they place or service have medical benefits right from the beginning of each new relationship.  In addition, pet families will manage their insurance coverage online using the HomeSafe™ portal where they manage their care profiles, breed information, recovery services, pet pictures and licensing.

'We believe this is the most comprehensive approach to improving health & wellness for companion animals in Canada', said Randy Valpy, President and CEO of SecuriCan General Insurance Company.  We have already paid out more than $103,000,000 in claims which means Canadians can trust us.  Now with PetLynx and the HomeSafe™ program we will take health and wellness to a new level'.

'Health care is one of the highest priorities Canadians have', said Larry R. Evans, President & CEO of PetLynx Corporation.  'Our colleagues across Canada helped us become the largest automated recovery system in just three years.  Together with SecuriCan we will deliver a new level of health and wellness for pets and help Canadian communities become the best place for companion animals in the world.'

SecuriCan will launch this new collaboration in Canada on 19 April 2010, at the PetLynx Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies.
 
For more information please contact:

Mika SansonSecuriCan General Insurance Company



Cindy Kreutzer
PetLynx Corporation

403.219.1088


Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor

23 February 2010

Top 10 Dog and Cat Medical Conditions of 2009

Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), receives more than a million claims annually for treatment of cats and dogs. This data reveals that just like people, many dogs and cats receive treatment for non-emergency as well as ongoing disorders:




A few of the top 10 dog and cat conditions can be associated with an animal's natural aging process. However, many of the top 10 conditions can occur in any pet. No matter the age or breed, whether it be an indoor or an outdoor dog or cat, pet owners should familiarize themselves with their pets' daily routine in order to identify abnormal behaviors that might indicate an injury or illness. In addition, regular semi-annual physical exams can help prevent and identify certain conditions before they become serious or costly.


Top 10 Dog Conditions
  1. Ear Infection
  2. Skin Allergy
  3. Skin Infection/Hot Spots
  4. Gastritis/Vomiting
  5. Enteritis/Diarrhea
  6. Bladder Infection
  7. Arthritis
  8. Soft Tissue Trauma
  9. Non-cancerous Tumor
  10. Eye Infection
Top 10 Cat Conditions
  1. Lower Urinary Tract Disease
  2. Gastritis/Vomiting
  3. Chronic Renal Failure
  4. Hyperthyroidism
  5. Diabetes
  6. Enteritis/Diarrhea
  7. Skin Allergy
  8. Dental Disease
  9. Ear Infection
  10. Eye Infection
Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor

19 February 2010

New AKC breeds on parade at Westminster

The 134th Annual Westminster Dog Show, held in New York City February 15-16, 2010, provided a podium for 2,500 of the best show dogs in America to strut their stuff in front of the judges and an adoring public. 
Amongst these prized show dogs were three "new" breeds that were recently added to the American Kennel Club's list of recognized breeds. This included the Irish Red and White Setter, the Norwegian Buhund and the Pyrenean Shepherd.

The introduction of new breeds can be a challenge for animal services agencies and humane societies. Sometimes, what we perceive as a cross-bred dog (or cat) could be a prized show animal with a long pedigree. Be sure your staff and volunteers keep on top of new developments in our industry -- including additions to AKC and Canadian Kennel Club breeds!

15 February 2010

Toronto Gets 29 New Dog Parks

Good news for dog lovers in Toronto! After more than two years of extensive reviews, in late January 2010, City Council approved the addition of 29 new green spaces where Fido can run off-leash. The review of dog parks is a result of Council's adoption of a new 'People, Dogs and Parks Off-Leash Policy' -- which was formed to deal with growing conflict between dog owners and other park users.

But the addition of the new off-leash parks doesn't come without controversy. Some now popular dog parks are still under scrutiny and many dog owners are barking mad!

At issue in many parks is "dog space" versus "environmental preservation." Dog owners want their pets to run free and socialize, while environmentalists are seeking to protect the parks flora and fauna.

Learn more about this issue by checking out Toronto Unleashed, an advocacy group for Toronto dog owners. Read the full story from the Toronto Star.

11 February 2010

AKC Announces Most Popular Breeds

Labs are 'Top Dog' Again!

For the 19th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America, but could this be the last year for the Lab’s reign?  

According to American Kennel Club® (AKC) 2009 registration statistics released at the end of January, the German Shepherd Dog overtook the Yorkshire Terrier last year and is now ranked second most popular in the nation for the first time in more than three decades.

A favorite since the time of Rin Tin Tin, the German Shepherd Dog became the number one breed of the 1920s, but then slipped in popularity until after World War II. 

“Labs have been America’s top dog for nearly two decades due to their loyal and gentle nature,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson.  “But the German Shepherd Dog has gained ground recently, quite possibly due to the increased attention they receive for their security efforts at home and abroad.  Hailed as the world’s leading police, guard and military dog, this energetic and fun-loving breed is a loyal family pet, ideal companion and dependable K-9 partner when duty calls.”

The AKC's Top Ten Dogs for 2009

  1. Labrador Retriever
  2. German Shepherd Dog
  3. Yorkshire Terrier
  4. Golden Retirever
  5. Beagel
  6. Boxer
  7. Bulldog
  8. Dachshund
  9. Poodle
  10. Shih Tzu

08 February 2010

PetLynx™ = Increased IT Capabilities at Less Cost

When an animal shelter, municipality or other Authorized Service Provider (ASC) joins PetLynx, they get an instant boost in IT power! 

The ShelterLynx and AnimalTRACS™ networks combine to help save you time – and money – on regular software upgrades, extra hardware and IT support. All that's needed is a computer, with the latest version of Microsoft Explorer (or an equivalent browser), plus access to the Internet, and you have a wealth of information at your fingertips. 

What’s the difference between PetLynx and an “in-house” software program? 
PetLynx™ is an ‘Application Service Provider’ (ASP). This means that you do not need to pay for or install updates using a CD or any other media. All upgrades to PetLynx™ programs are installed, configured and maintained by our IT experts on our 'server farm' that is located in a hardened and secure PetLynx™ server site. 

The PetLynx™ ASP model works dynamically across the Internet and provides the application within your browser, with no need for additional software on your system. The PetLynx™ Utility also delivers much greater functionality that most 'in-house' applications, while maintaining all of the security and data ownership you would expect to have with an in-house system. 

Want to know how your organization can become part of our nation-wide network?  
Contact us  

02 February 2010

Start a Staff Meeting on a 'Pawsitive' Note

With introductions of new budgets, increased animal admissions due to inclement weather and a potential drop in adoptions due to post-holiday belt-tightening, staff meetings this time of year can be discouraging... if you let them be that way. This video -- of a mambo dancing Golden Retriever -- is sure to set a pawsitive mood at your next staff meeting. This dancing dog gives a whole new meaning to the term "human-animal bond." Go ahead! Kick off your next staff meeting with a mambo and turn some frowns upside down!