This year's International Women's Day celebration is focused on work -- and making sure women across the world have access to the training and technology necessary to be a part of the global economy.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY CENTENARY 1911 - 2011
International Women's Day (IWD) was first declared in 1910 with the first IWD event held in 1911. 2011 sees 100 years of International Women's Day having been celebrated around the world. Widespread increased activity is anticipated globally on 8 March 2011 honouring 100 years of International Women's Day.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Why Do Dogs Bury Bones?
By: Virginia Wells
Why do dogs bury bones in the ground? Because they can't bury them in trees! You may have heard that old chestnut, but in reality, burying bones is a serious business for dogs that is driven by heredity and instinct.
To understand why your dog buries his bones, even though you feed him twice a day, you have to understand his nature. You can do this by looking at your dog's genetic heritage. Although dogs have been around for millions of years, they have only been domesticated for a few thousand years, and they spent a lot of time developing behaviors that helped them to survive.
One of the most important behaviors had to do with finding and maintaining an adequate food supply. Being carnivores, dogs might sometimes kill a prey animal large enough to feed the entire pack, like a moose or a mammoth. Alternatively, when small prey animals were abundant , they might kill many of these bite-sized creatures.
Either way, they often found themselves with more food than they could eat at once. However, they could never be sure when they would be able to find and kill another prey, and much time could pass – sometimes weeks – without them finding another meal. So to be on the safe side, they carried the bones, which were filled with nutrient-rich marrow, back to their lair, and buried them nearby. When food was scarce, they could always rely on the bones to keep them fed.
This process is called caching or hoarding, and it is common among dogs, wolves and foxes. In fact, other animals practice a form of caching; squirrels gather enough nuts to last through the winter, and camels store enough food and water to last for several days in the desert. Our domesticated dogs may have their food handed to them each day in sufficient quantities, but they still carry this caching trait and bury their bones or toys in the back yard – or even under your pillows – to guard against a possible shortage of food.See More
Why do dogs bury bones in the ground? Because they can't bury them in trees! You may have heard that old chestnut, but in reality, burying bones is a serious business for dogs that is driven by heredity and instinct.
To understand why your dog buries his bones, even though you feed him twice a day, you have to understand his nature. You can do this by looking at your dog's genetic heritage. Although dogs have been around for millions of years, they have only been domesticated for a few thousand years, and they spent a lot of time developing behaviors that helped them to survive.
One of the most important behaviors had to do with finding and maintaining an adequate food supply. Being carnivores, dogs might sometimes kill a prey animal large enough to feed the entire pack, like a moose or a mammoth. Alternatively, when small prey animals were abundant , they might kill many of these bite-sized creatures.
Either way, they often found themselves with more food than they could eat at once. However, they could never be sure when they would be able to find and kill another prey, and much time could pass – sometimes weeks – without them finding another meal. So to be on the safe side, they carried the bones, which were filled with nutrient-rich marrow, back to their lair, and buried them nearby. When food was scarce, they could always rely on the bones to keep them fed.
This process is called caching or hoarding, and it is common among dogs, wolves and foxes. In fact, other animals practice a form of caching; squirrels gather enough nuts to last through the winter, and camels store enough food and water to last for several days in the desert. Our domesticated dogs may have their food handed to them each day in sufficient quantities, but they still carry this caching trait and bury their bones or toys in the back yard – or even under your pillows – to guard against a possible shortage of food.See More
Friday, February 25, 2011
Dr. Cheryl Welch (Franklin Lakes Animal Hospital)
Dr. Cheryl Welch (Franklin Lakes Animal Hospital)
Viewings will be held on Sunday February 27 from 2-6PM and Monday February 28 from 2-4PM and from 7-9 PM at
Vander Plaat Funeral Home: 257 Godwin Ave, Wykoff, NJ.
...The Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at Cedar Hill Reformed Church on Cedar Hill Ave, Wykoff, NJ
Please feel free to send this information to all who loved Cheryl and wish to honor her with their presence.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Its spring yard clean up time!!
Its spring yard clean up time!! Give The Poop Scoop Troop & More a call or e mail us to get your outside living space cleaned up and ready for warm weather! 973-626-0362, or e mail us at: pstpooperscooper@gmail.com
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Relationships, Pets & People
Newsletter from: Home Again
The greatest joys in life are simple. The wise know that true happiness comes in a squirmy, furry package with four legs and a tail. And just to be crystal clear here, we’re talking about having a pet. But having a pet (because no one really owns a pet, do they?) is just the beginning.
Forged over years of mutual care-taking, afternoon cuddles on the couch, and the simple passage of time, the human-animal relationship reminds us that, well…we’re human. Why exactly is sharing your life with an animal so affirming and rewarding? Let’s find out.
We’re so _________ together
Several bona fide scientific studies prove that people benefit from their pets in terms of health: stress reduction, lowered blood pressure, mental stimulation, etc. That’s fabulous rhetoric to get your office to endorse take-your-pet-to-work Fridays, but pet people know all that already, and that’s not really what seals the deal.
We asked our community members to tell us about the kind of relationship they have with their pets. Their responses reveal something very interesting:
Katie from KY, My dog is my heart dog. She does photo shoots, I blog about her, she travels everywhere with me...and I do mean everywhere. (The only exception is the grocery store.) Right now, I have the luxury of planning my life where I can take her everywhere and we can do so much!
Carrie from CA, My dog is my crazy, amazing, hilarious play buddy!
Michael from NY, I love my little dog. He’s my best friend and my constant companion through thick and thin. He’s always there for me, and I try to be there for him. I try never to take him for granted.
Even though the types of relationships described are as different as you and me, they all point to one thing: Pets know how to bring out the very best in their human companions. Think about it. When was the last time Fido skipped a brisk walk or Fluffy told you to splurge on that second bowl of ice cream? Never. Fido and Fluffy are too busy drawing out that deeply caring and nurturing side of you by willingly offering their care and affection—all the time.When you get right down to it, pets and people are just anything and everything they want to be, together. We bring out the best in each other, and the possibilities for happiness are endless.
Huggin’ it out, everyday
We wouldn’t be doing pet relationships justice if we didn’t focus on one of the most indisputably rewarding parts: physical affection. No matter how it’s served—hugs, kisses, cuddles, or snuggles—receiving a very special just-for-you dose of daily affection keeps us feeling light, young, and warm all over. It’s pretty mushy stuff, but we’d be lying if we said we didn’t live for it.
Apparently, you feel the same way and aren’t the least bit shy about it. Here’s what our community members said when asked how they show their pets they love them:
Stacey from IA, Hugs & nose kisses!
Alex from IL, Treats and belly rubs 24/7.
SnorkinOrkin from NV, snuggles, and kisses, and treats, and, and, and... ♥ :o)
Forged over years of mutual care-taking, afternoon cuddles on the couch, and the simple passage of time, the human-animal relationship reminds us that, well…we’re human. Why exactly is sharing your life with an animal so affirming and rewarding? Let’s find out.
We’re so _________ together
Several bona fide scientific studies prove that people benefit from their pets in terms of health: stress reduction, lowered blood pressure, mental stimulation, etc. That’s fabulous rhetoric to get your office to endorse take-your-pet-to-work Fridays, but pet people know all that already, and that’s not really what seals the deal.
We asked our community members to tell us about the kind of relationship they have with their pets. Their responses reveal something very interesting:
Katie from KY, My dog is my heart dog. She does photo shoots, I blog about her, she travels everywhere with me...and I do mean everywhere. (The only exception is the grocery store.) Right now, I have the luxury of planning my life where I can take her everywhere and we can do so much!
Carrie from CA, My dog is my crazy, amazing, hilarious play buddy!
Michael from NY, I love my little dog. He’s my best friend and my constant companion through thick and thin. He’s always there for me, and I try to be there for him. I try never to take him for granted.
Even though the types of relationships described are as different as you and me, they all point to one thing: Pets know how to bring out the very best in their human companions. Think about it. When was the last time Fido skipped a brisk walk or Fluffy told you to splurge on that second bowl of ice cream? Never. Fido and Fluffy are too busy drawing out that deeply caring and nurturing side of you by willingly offering their care and affection—all the time.When you get right down to it, pets and people are just anything and everything they want to be, together. We bring out the best in each other, and the possibilities for happiness are endless.
Huggin’ it out, everyday
We wouldn’t be doing pet relationships justice if we didn’t focus on one of the most indisputably rewarding parts: physical affection. No matter how it’s served—hugs, kisses, cuddles, or snuggles—receiving a very special just-for-you dose of daily affection keeps us feeling light, young, and warm all over. It’s pretty mushy stuff, but we’d be lying if we said we didn’t live for it.
Apparently, you feel the same way and aren’t the least bit shy about it. Here’s what our community members said when asked how they show their pets they love them:
Stacey from IA, Hugs & nose kisses!
Alex from IL, Treats and belly rubs 24/7.
SnorkinOrkin from NV, snuggles, and kisses, and treats, and, and, and... ♥ :o)
Monday, January 31, 2011
How Police Dogs Work
Today, police forces in most major cities use police dogs to track criminals, sniff out illegal materials, search buildings, and do other jobs human police officers can't do as well as a dog can. Not only are there thousands of police dogs on the job on any given day, but there are also hundreds of police dogs who have given their lives to protect and serve.
Dogs come in an huge variety of shapes and sizes, and not every breed of dog is suited for police work. There probably aren't any police Lhasa apsos in the world. The majority of police dogs in the world are German shepherds, although Labrador retrievers and several other breeds (like Breston, a Belgian Malinois,) are sometimes used, depending on the specific tasks they will be needed for. The key attributes of a successful police dog are intelligence, aggression, strength, and sense of smell. Most police dogs are male, and are frequently left unneutered so that they maintain their natural aggression. This aggression must be kept in check with thorough and rigorous training.
Famous Police Dogs
A few police dogs become famous. The most legendary police dog of all is probably Rin Tin Tin, a trained German shepherd who was left behind by retreating German forces in 1918. An American sergeant took him to the United States, where he went on to star in 122 films and a TV series.
Another police dog became famous because she was unique. Mattie, a black Labrador retriever with the Connecticut State Police, was trained to sniff out evidence of arson. Mattie could pick her way through the charred, dangerous ruins of a fire and point out a few small drops of gasoline, despite all the strong smells of a recent fire and all the fire and police officials walking around the scene. Mattie could identify several different chemical accelerants. She was the first operational accelerant detection dogin the country, and possibly in the world, when she went on duty in 1986. Since then, the program has been very successful, with Dolph and Rosie following in Mattie's paw prints.
Why do we bother using police dogs at all? For one thing, their sense of smell is almost 50 times more sensitive than a human's. A dog can sniff out criminals, drugs, weapons, and bombs in situations where a human officer would have to search every inch, a dangerous task. In one case, Breston, a Belgian Malinois who works with the Cheektowaga Police Department in Cheektowaga, NY (a suburb of Buffalo), easily sniffed out a shipment of marijuana in heat-sealed Mylar bags, inside plastic-lined crates sealed with foam sealant, inside a closed storage garage. With his sensitive nose and a search warrant, Breston kept $3,400,000 worth of drugs off the streets.
Officer Daniel Smith and his K-9 partner, Breston
Dogs come in an huge variety of shapes and sizes, and not every breed of dog is suited for police work. There probably aren't any police Lhasa apsos in the world. The majority of police dogs in the world are German shepherds, although Labrador retrievers and several other breeds (like Breston, a Belgian Malinois,) are sometimes used, depending on the specific tasks they will be needed for. The key attributes of a successful police dog are intelligence, aggression, strength, and sense of smell. Most police dogs are male, and are frequently left unneutered so that they maintain their natural aggression. This aggression must be kept in check with thorough and rigorous training.
Famous Police Dogs
A few police dogs become famous. The most legendary police dog of all is probably Rin Tin Tin, a trained German shepherd who was left behind by retreating German forces in 1918. An American sergeant took him to the United States, where he went on to star in 122 films and a TV series.
Another police dog became famous because she was unique. Mattie, a black Labrador retriever with the Connecticut State Police, was trained to sniff out evidence of arson. Mattie could pick her way through the charred, dangerous ruins of a fire and point out a few small drops of gasoline, despite all the strong smells of a recent fire and all the fire and police officials walking around the scene. Mattie could identify several different chemical accelerants. She was the first operational accelerant detection dogin the country, and possibly in the world, when she went on duty in 1986. Since then, the program has been very successful, with Dolph and Rosie following in Mattie's paw prints.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Therapy Dogs and Animal Assisted Therapy
Animal assisted therapy (AAT) is the use of certified therapy animals as a part of a therapeutic plan. The Delta Society describes animal assisted therapy as a "significant part of treatment for many people who are physically, socially, emotionally or cognitively challenged." Those in hospitals or nursing homes often benefit from AAT, especially children and the elderly. While animals such as horses and cats can make excellent therapy animals, dogs are by far the most common type. Perhaps this is because of the unique bond that canines and humans share. Therapy dogs truly make a difference in the lives of the people they meet.
Qualities of an Ideal Therapy Dog:
Dogs of any breed, size or age may be eligible to become therapy dogs. However, not all dogs are cut out for the job. Therapy dog candidates must possess certain traits in order to qualify. Temperament is by far the most important factor. Before even entering a training program, the therapy dog candidate must be friendly and non-aggressive. The dog must get along remarkably well with children, men, women and other animals. The dog should also be confident, patient, calm, gentle and receptive to training. Socialization is essential for all puppies, but it is especially important for a dog to be considered for a therapy program.
How Therapy Dogs Make a Difference:
Animal assisted therapy teams consist of a certified therapy animal and a trained handler. Therapy teams visit hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living centers, children's homes and other similar facilities to help lift spirits and facilitate recovery. Therapy dogs visit with the sick and elderly, sometime simply sitting by the person's side and patiently being petted. AAT patients may walk therapy dogs, play with them, feed them or groom them. Some therapy dogs are trained to sit quietly and attentively while children read to them. Many therapy dogs have their own disabilities or limitations that serve as inspiration to humans with disabilities.
Animal assisted therapy teams consist of a certified therapy animal and a trained handler. Therapy teams visit hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living centers, children's homes and other similar facilities to help lift spirits and facilitate recovery. Therapy dogs visit with the sick and elderly, sometime simply sitting by the person's side and patiently being petted. AAT patients may walk therapy dogs, play with them, feed them or groom them. Some therapy dogs are trained to sit quietly and attentively while children read to them. Many therapy dogs have their own disabilities or limitations that serve as inspiration to humans with disabilities.
Qualities of an Ideal Therapy Dog:
Dogs of any breed, size or age may be eligible to become therapy dogs. However, not all dogs are cut out for the job. Therapy dog candidates must possess certain traits in order to qualify. Temperament is by far the most important factor. Before even entering a training program, the therapy dog candidate must be friendly and non-aggressive. The dog must get along remarkably well with children, men, women and other animals. The dog should also be confident, patient, calm, gentle and receptive to training. Socialization is essential for all puppies, but it is especially important for a dog to be considered for a therapy program.
Photo by William B. Plowman/Getty Images
Monday, January 24, 2011
AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Names Australian Shepherd Best in Show
This dog is a force to be, well, reckoned with. CH Propwash Reckon, a 2-year-old Australian Shepherd known affectionately as “Reckon,” beat out nearly 2,500 canine competitors for the coveted title of Best in Show at the 10th annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship at the Long Beach Convention Center.
“We are proud to have Reckon join the family of Best in Show winners at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship,” said Show Chairman Ron Menaker. “We had a record-breaking entry this year of highly competitive canine athletes in conformation, agility, obedience and the Eukanuba World Challenge. Congratulations to all the winners!”
Reckon won not only bragging rights at the championship but also the Eukanuba Celebration of Champions Trophy (which is designed to look like its winner), a check for $50.000 and a year’s supply of Eukanuba dog food. Reckon is owned by Leslie Frank and Judy Harrington of Kensington, N.H. Last year’s winner was Sadie, a Scottish Terrier.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Dog Bite Prevention
Did you know that 50 percent of all children in the United States will be bitten by a dog before their 12th birthday? Did you know that 800,000 bites a year are severe enough to require medical treatment, while 1 to 2 milion go unreported?
The vast majority of dog bites are from a dog known to the child—his or her own pet, a neighbor's or friend's. You can help prevent this from happening to your child. Please discuss with him or her the appropriate way to behave around dogs. The following activity will help you and your child understand the difference between safe and potentially dangerous interactions with dogs.
The following is a list of pledges that you can recite with your child:
1. I will not stare into a dog's eyes.
2. I will not tease dogs behind fences.
3. I will not go near dogs chained up in yards.
4. I will not touch a dog I see loose (off-leash) outside.
5. If I see a loose dog, I will tell an adult immediately.
6. I will not run and scream if a loose dog comes near me.
7. I will stand very still (like a tree), and will be very quiet if a dog comes near me.
8. I will not touch or play with a dog while he or she is eating.
9. I will not touch a dog when he or she is sleeping.
10. I will only pet a dog if I have received permission from the dog's owner.
11. Then I will ask permission of the dog by letting him sniff my closed hand.
(source: ASPCA)
The vast majority of dog bites are from a dog known to the child—his or her own pet, a neighbor's or friend's. You can help prevent this from happening to your child. Please discuss with him or her the appropriate way to behave around dogs. The following activity will help you and your child understand the difference between safe and potentially dangerous interactions with dogs.
The following is a list of pledges that you can recite with your child:
1. I will not stare into a dog's eyes.
2. I will not tease dogs behind fences.
3. I will not go near dogs chained up in yards.
4. I will not touch a dog I see loose (off-leash) outside.
5. If I see a loose dog, I will tell an adult immediately.
6. I will not run and scream if a loose dog comes near me.
7. I will stand very still (like a tree), and will be very quiet if a dog comes near me.
8. I will not touch or play with a dog while he or she is eating.
9. I will not touch a dog when he or she is sleeping.
10. I will only pet a dog if I have received permission from the dog's owner.
11. Then I will ask permission of the dog by letting him sniff my closed hand.
(source: ASPCA)
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