Episode 25 - antlers, alligators, an American Airman and more

The Dog News Show

We all like products that are good for our dogs, keep them occupied and are environmentally friendly too and the latest product to fit this description is the Stagbar. Glen and Deborah Campbell run Pure Dog, a company that turns deer antlers into dog chews and this seems to be a really clever idea. Stags grow new antlers every year, and shed them each year, so Pure Dog are actually turning a waste product into a useful one by turning shed antlers into chews for dogs.The enterprise started off in Glen and Deborah's house but they have now moved into a 1,800 square feet warehouse, so clearly the product is popular with dogs. Have your dogs tried a Stagbar?

Robby King had a horrendous experience recently when police shot his dog in his own backyard. Robby set his home alarm off by mistake, and when he phoned the alarm company he couldn't recall his password so they couldn't switch it off for him. He decided that although he had been on the way to the hospital to see his first grandchild being born he would wait for the police. But in a tragic development officers accessed the rear of the house and shot Robby's chocolate Labrador dead when he ran out of the house and barked at them. The police say protocol was followed and the case is closed - but what could have been done differently to avoid the death of a dog who had done nothing wrong?
US Airman Miles Rodriguez was stationed at RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk when he abandoned his three dogs at home, with the result that one dog died and the remaining two became emaciated. Miles had a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and his ex-wife left her Yorkshire Terrier with him when she left, then Miles added another Staffordshire Bull Terrier bringing his pack to three. Under normal circumstances his care of his dogs was far from ideal; he visited them every other day. But when he was confined to his military base for 60 days he made no provision for his dogs. The puppy died, and in a callous attempt to hide his crimes, Miles threw the other two starving dogs over the fence into a neighbour's garden. The surviving dogs have gone to America to live with the ex-Mrs Rodriguez, Miles will be sentenced in October, but does he deserve our hatred or our sympathy?
Many of us would rush to defend our dogs from any kind of danger - but how many of us would actually wrestle an alligator to save our dog? Well when 66 year old Stephen Gustafson was gardening in Florida, USA, he looked up to see his West Highland Terrier Bounce in the mouth of an alligator. Stephen leapt into the water and grappled with the huge reptile, til poor little Bounce was free, and managed to clamp the alligator's mouth shut before getting away from the predator and swimming to safety. We salute Stephen's bravery - would you be as brave? What's the worst danger you've saved your dog from?
We all know that dogs are safest in cars in crates, behind properly fitted guards or secured by harnesses, but the state of New Jersey in America is considering bringing in legislation to make this legally mandatory. So where does you dog travel? Would you welcome a similar law where you live, and would you know how to buy a harness that would adequately protect your dog? Debbie has some great advice.
If you heard Episode 20 of The Dog News Show, you'll remember the sad story of Anthony Ortolani who abandoned his dog Missy up Mount Bierstadt in Colorado when she was injured. Scott and Amanda Washburn found Missy several days later, and though they too had to initially leave the dog, they organised a team of volunteers and returned to rescue Missy, using a large back pack to carry her down the mountain. In a fantastic development, Ortolani has signed over the dog, plead guilty to the offense of a county ordinance (rather than animal cruelty) and the best bit of all is that Missy will soon go to live with one of her rescuers.
And finally, in Schmaltz Corner Julie brings you the heart-lifting story of Jess the Springer Spaniel who helps her sheep rearing owner by holding a milk bottle in her teeth and feeding orphaned lambs. There are beautiful photos of Jess in action, but is this story stomp-proof? Of course not - listen and find out how Debbie takes the wind out of Julie's sails. Again!