My convalescence from knee surgery number two continues. There has been a pack of rambunctious Labradors running around my house lately and I’m trying really hard not to be bitter. I can’t run very well but I can still muster enough energy to regulate these youngsters. If you start jumping around my house and acting crazy, expect a nip on the butt. It’s my job.
I went over to the shelter the other day and there were Labradors everywhere. We took a friendly guy named Raffles for a walk.
Raffles is a four-year-old Black Lab mix from Reno. He’s a goofy, gangly guy who seems to get along with everyone. He didn’t bond with my two-legged friend on his walk; instead he tugged (not too hard) on the leash in the direction of the shelter whenever he had a chance. I think he really likes his new shelter mates. We went down to the Truckee River for a swim and whenever Raffles heard one of his friends bark, he would stop and want to head back. We took him to the other side of the river and he finally took a dip. As we watched him swim it soon became clear that Raffles was making a break for it. This guy could escape from Alcatraz. He swam across the small rapids and headed for the shelter. We caught up to him and took him back to the shelter.
The next day we returned to the shelter and again took Raffles for a walk. Wait a minute, which one is Raffles? If it wasn’t for his curly tail we’d never know with all these Black Labs running around. Raffles was friendly and easy on his walk. I think he just loves dogs more than people. I can sympathize with that. Raffles didn’t seem too interested in sticks, balls or even treats. He’s just a fun-loving guy looking for four-legged friends to hang out with.
Raffles would be great for a family with other dogs because he seems to love everyone on four legs. He knows a few basic commands and walks well on a leash. He went for a jog with one of my people on his walk and it seemed to work pretty well. He could be your and your dog’s new workout partner.
In other raffle news Mike Vaughn of Truckee walked away with a new mountain bike after winning the Humane Society’s big ticket raffle last month. The raffle raised more than $5,000 for the Humane Society. Congratulations Mike. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.
Humphrey, last month’s featured friend, is doing great at his foster home. The word on the street is that he’s going to be a permanent addition to his new family. My buddy Noodles from a few months back is still looking for that special someone. He’s been working hard on his manners and we hope to see him in a new home soon.
For more information on any of the fine animals at the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe visit hstt.org. Have a great month.
Hot Dogs
Warm weather can be fatal to animals left inside cars, even for short periods of time. According to the Humane Society of the United States, on an 85-degree day the temperature inside a car with the windows slightly opened can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature can reach 120 degrees. At 110 degrees, pets are in danger of heatstroke, which can cause severe brain damage or even death.
‘The most important thing a person can do is think twice before loading their dog in the car on a hot summer day,’ said Stephanie Hiemstra, executive director of the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe (HSTT). ‘Usually, the pet’s owner is devastated because they didn’t realize how quickly a car could heat up to deadly temperatures.’
It is illegal to leave a pet in a car on a warm day in California, and fines are $100 per animal for the first violation and $500 if there is injury to the animal. Subsequent violations are $500 per animal, imprisonment in a county jail of up to six months, or both.
HSTT offers the following tips:
• Leave pets at home during the warmer months if going anywhere pets are not allowed.
• Educate others. Contact HSTT for free informational brochures and posters.
• If you see a pet in a parked car during a summer day, try to locate the owner, and contact a local police or animal control officer. HSTT.org, 530-587-5948.
Wiener’s Circle
August 30
It is time for the Race to the ‘Wiener’s Circle,’ a 50-foot dachshund sprint to the finish line at the Nevada State Fair. State Fair officials expect more than 150 entries for the event. The Wiener Dog Races will be held in the Fair’s indoor arena at the Reno Livestock Events Center. Entry in the 2009 Wiener Dog Races includes free parking and entry for 2 and the contestant. To register your dachshund, download entry form from website. Check-in begins at 11 a.m. and the pre-trial races begin at 1 p.m. Final race immediately following the pre-trials. Reno Livestock Event Center, 1350 North Wells Avenue. nvstatefair.com, 775-688-5767.
Paddle for Farm Animal
September 11 through 13
Tahoe local, John Merryfield, is doing a stand-up paddle around the circumference of Lake Tahoe to raise money and awareness for Farm Sanctuary. He was inspired to act on behalf of farm animals after a visit to the Farm Sanctuary in Orland, California. Farm Sanctuary is a national, nonprofit animal protection organization. They rescue, rehabilitate and provide lifelong care for hundreds of animals rescued from factory farms, stockyards and slaughterhouses. They also work to gain legal protection for animals used in food production and to raise public awareness about factory farm cruelty and cruelty-free alternatives. The 72-mile paddle will take about three days and he welcomes paddlers to join him for all or part of his journey. To make a donation visit his fundraising page firstgiving.com/johnmerryfield or call 530-583-6190.
