C’mon we need SOME snow this year! Stephanie says, don’t worry, it’s only early January! We all have our druthers. So far the little guys are winning: remember last year, saying over and over again, ‘ so sorry Teddy (mikki), Lil Bella and Rocky (maltese) and Sundance (chihuahua)? So sorry you can’t walk outside, so sorry you can’t go to the bathroom.’ They were over their heads in snow for over 4 months! An inch or two of snow might be ok, but overall, let’s stick to ‘be careful what you wish for!’

For the Love of Dogs Rescue
Many of you are aware of the dog foster program we started in spring, 2011. We successfully placed 3 dogs; Stephanie and Bradley (owners) had fostered and found homes for 4 dogs prior to that. We are working on expanding and formalizing our efforts and we officially named the program, ‘For the Love of Dogs. Lots of paperwork initially; we will keep you up to date!
Along those same lines, we have connected with Best Friends Animal Society. Physically located in Utah, they are the largest animal sanctuary in the USA. They have created many related organizations and put together nationwide groups advocating spay/neuter and anti-breed discrimination. We will be an official member of their ‘No More Homeless Pets’ program as soon as we get our nonprofit status.
There are efforts all across the US to address issues of animal cruelty. The large strides have successfully affected both Ohio and Dade County, Miami.

Not the Red Sox, but a Great Story!
Major League Baseball pitcher Mark Buehrle is in rare company when it comes to his baseball skills. He is one of only 20 pitchers to throw a perfect game in the 135-year history of professional baseball. He shares this spotlight with greats like Cy Young, Sandy Koufax and Catfish Hunter. Buehrle is not so esteemed, however, when it comes to how he and his family’s pet, a pit bull terrier, are treated by Miami-Dade County where the family recently attempted to move after Buehrle signed with the Miami Marlins team. In Miami-Dade, Buehrle is persona non grata as long as one of his pets of choice is a happy, friendly dog named Slater (pictured below with Buehrle’s children and three other dogs) who falls under the county’s ban on pit bull terriers.

Buehrle, who had to move with his wife, Jamie (a Best Friends spokesperson), children, and four dogs to a development in south Broward County, was prepared to blow off the four-year, $58 million contract if he was unable to find alternative housing in the area that would accept his dog. It sounds like he had his priorities right to me.

Florida state law prohibits breed-discriminatory legislation, but an archaic wrinkle in the state law gives Miami-Dade an exemption from the ban. However, help is on the way in the form of House Bill 997/Senate Bill 1322, a bill spearheaded by Best Friends Animal Society that will repeal the Miami-Dade breed ban that costs the lives of close to 1,000 innocent dogs per year.

In addition to Best Friends, many national organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association and the National Animal Control Association, oppose the enactment of breed-discriminatory laws. The Platte Institute, a conservative think tank in Nebraska, has also declared that laws targeting specific dog breeds are a waste of tax dollars.

Breed bans cost lives and money and don’t make communities safer because they don’t target dangerous dogs. They target the way a dog looks based on myth and misinformation. Progressive laws favored by Best friends and other national animal welfare organizations target dangerous dogs and irresponsible owners and result in safer communities.

Best Friends Animal Society Ohio Bill over First Hurdle to History
Posted: 12 Jan 2012 10:26 AM PST
Ohio House Bill 14 has been in the works for a long time, but the landmark legislation that will bring an end to Ohio’s dubious distinction as the only state in the Union with a statewide breed-discriminatory law against pit-bull-type dogs is almost the law of the land in the Buckeye State. HB 14 passed out of Senate committee on January 10 and is on its way to the full Ohio Senate for a vote
Under current Ohio law, pit bull puppies are deemed to be vicious dogs as soon as they are born.
The Ohio law is notoriously unjust, but help is on the way. The Ohio Coalition of Dog Advocates and Best Friends are spearheading the campaign to pass Ohio HB 14, which would repeal the only statewide breed-discriminatory law in the nation.
It’s actually a lot worse than that. The irony of all such breed-specific legislation is that it is anything but specific. In Ohio, as elsewhere, the breed of your dog is not determined by her genetic heritage, but by the opinion of a dogcatcher — and that’s scary. In a recent study of shelter workers’ ability to accurately identify breeds of dogs visually matched against a DNA test, shelter workers failed miserably, with a score of 25 out of 100. Any dog that a dog warden (Ohio lingo for an animal control officer) decides upon a visual inspection could be a pit mix — that is to say, anything with a blocky head and a short coat, like maybe a boxer/Lab mix — can be declared a vicious dog and easily end up on the wrong end of a needle. Breed specific?
The Ohio law requires owners to purchase liability coverage and maintain locked fenced yards or keep their pit bull or pit-bull-looking dog confined in a locked pen. Owners may take them off their property on a leash only if it is six feet or shorter and the dog is controlled by a person of suitable age and size. This law has led to the deaths of thousands of family pets.

Our Rover Reporter
I am very tired from watching the Pat’s game last night. Really, I was watching the people in the room. It must have been good stuff because they were CRAZY! My Mom doesn’t want to talk about the elections, so I won’t either. I can still play with my blue ball in the driveway…. sigh. Happy and content.

not THAT content!! Later, Ernestine

Well, WE hope, like in 2011, the New Year will bring us wonderful dogs and customers! It has been a great year for the Crates. Both the Belmont and Cambridge locations were renovated; looking fine! We are blessed with two wonderful Managers, Nikki, GM and Jenny, at CE2. And thanks to our staff and van drivers who take special care of your very special dogs! We have no specific news to announce– but let it be known that there is popcorn in the fire!

Do Dogs Get Cold?
The ASPCA recently issued a warning: Creatures left to fend for themselves in low temperatures are at serious risk. It is a common misconception that dogs and cats won’t get cold because of their fur. If you are cold, your companion animal is cold. Most domestic animals are not well-equipped for cold weather and can easily be susceptible to frost bite and hypothermia.
Signs of hypothermia include: shivering followed by stillness, slow heart beat, lack of coordination, and pale or blue gums. There are many dog coats, sweaters and boot(ies) available; Crate Escape too carries Teckelclub trench coats, lined with fleece, and ascloseto waterproof as you’re gonna get! And beautiful (Free Trade) ‘Chilly Dog’ sweaters. Check them out! Be warm!

Quick Suggestion for a Doggie NY Resolution!
Is your best friend overweight? Part of the problem is that people don’t realize the average dog food is mostly made of carbs. It’s very important to give protein and not carbs, and it’s also important to give vegetables as treats — dogs love steamed broccoli and you can dip it in hummus.
Both Crates sell carefully selected, healthy dog food; it is one of our standards. The staff is knowledgeable about the food, so don’t hesitate to ask!

2012 Words of Wisdom from our Rover Reporter!
Yes, I signed on for another year! Since I was (totally) the inspiration for this whole Crate(s) business, I have to hang around to make sure it’s up to my ‘puddin’ JR standards. Yup, that’s what I am. You can look it up if you don’t know that kind of jack russell. See, I’m an educator too! Anyway, this year is going to be great! Last year ended well, I was able to play with my blue ball outside right through December! It doesn’t get any better than that!

Later, Ernestine

Thanks to all of our customers who visited Crate to have their pooch’s photo taken with Santa! The pups wiggled and waggled, but we got great shots! The proceeds of both photo shoots were doubled by Brad and Stephanie, resulting in a $1660 gift to the MSPCA. This is our 4th year donating and we are excited to be able to help.

Crate Escape Adoption/ Foster Program
Our track record thus far has been great, working with SCBR rescue organization in Maine, to find foster and adoptive homes for strays and surrendered dogs. Each time a dog is adopted, we get stronger in our conviction and dedication to help the homeless. TO DO THIS WE NEED FOSTER HOMES! Please, please, please consider taking in a dog. Most fosters are only for a month or two. Foster parents make an enormous difference in the number of animals euthanized each year, because shelters don’t have space for them. It is important, valuable work and, best of all it saves lives! Check in with Nikki or Barb (barbara@crate-escape.com) for more info and to sign up! Here are the rescue dogs we have placed in homes:

Tips for Outside Walks and Romps this Winter
IN ADDITION TO DAYCARE!! Short winter walks or trips to a dog park can be a great way to let your dog burn off some of that pent-up energy from being inside (when he’s not at daycare!) during the cold months. But the temperature and snow, among other things, can pose hazards to your pup.

Here are some tips for keeping your dog safe.
1. Consider the following: Senior dogs, dogs with arthritis, dogs with short fur and puppies can be especially sensitive to the cold weather.
2. Bundle up. Dress your dog in a warm coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck (check out Crate Escape too for some great selections! We have ‘Chilly Dog’ sweaters, beautifully knit and Fair Trade! And, Teckelclub trench coats, lined with fleece; a best seller over the years!) The jacket or sweater should cover her back from the base of her tail and also protect her belly. Dog booties can protect paws from ice and salt — get your dog used to them indoors first.
3. Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia. The risk of these conditions is especially high when the temperature dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Frostbite typically affects poorly insulated body parts such as the tips of the ears and is evidenced by skin that is pale or red, swollen and painful or numb. Signs of hypothermia include slow pulse, shallow breathing, disorientation, collapse and unconsciousness. If you think your dog has either, call your vet immediately!
4. Keep your dog on leash, or stick to fenced in areas. More dogs are lost during the winter than any other season, possibly because dogs can lose your scent in snow or ice and become lost if they can’t see you.
5. Avoid salt. Stick to dry or snow-covered areas where road salt has not been used to melt ice. Not only can it hurt your dog’s paws, many varieties contain harmful chemicals that can cause stomach upset and even death if ingested when your dog licks his paws.
6. Trim your dog’s paws. If your dog has furry feet, ask your groomer to “scoop” the pads — trim the hair that grows between your dog’s toes and under his feet — during the winter to prevent ice buildup between the paw pads.
7. Play fetch with toys, not sticks. Sticks — so plentiful in winter — can cause choking and severe injuries. So if your dog likes to chew and chase, pack a Frisbee, tennis ball or other toy.
8. Watch out for bad play. Pay attention as your dog plays with other dogs to make sure that play has not turned aggressive. Trust your instincts and leave if the play gets too hard.
9. Wipe your dog off as you get home. Balls of ice can form between your dog’s toes, and antifreeze, salt and other chemicals can stick to his paws and upset his stomach — or worse — when he licks them. Thoroughly wipe down your dog’s belly, legs and feet as soon you come home — and while you’re at it, check for issues such as dry and cracked paw pads.

Please join us…
in wishing Ursa,

Rest in Peace. She died on December 10th after a long fight with Cushings/ Addison disease, and ultimate kidney failure. Our hearts and well wishes go to her family and everyone at Crate who loved her.

Hohoho, It’s Ernestine
I know, I know, I haven’t been the best ‘Roving Reporter’ this fall. But this weekend I have a REAL excuse! My cousins, Issy and Ella, and my Aunt Heidi are visiting us! Too bad the girls are old enough, so they don’t drop as many crumbs… but they are the most committed, rescuey, dedicated dog lovers. Needless to say that they LOVE me! There is nothing more important!!

Ella, Emmitt ERNESTINE

Christmas 2011, Emmitt and ERNESTINE