Helping Hounds

By Brianne Harrison

Greyhounds are amazing creatures—majestic, elegant, and from what I hear, incredible family pets. But the breed has a storied (and often tragic) history, with many of these dogs ending up on racetracks, where they’re frequently subjected to strenuous races and cruel treatment. Too often, their careers are short, and dogs are disposed of once they’re no longer bringing in money.

Thankfully, there are a number of rescues devoted to saving these dogs and finding them good homes. One, Greyhound Friends of New Jersey, Inc., is having a fundraiser March 27. The evening will feature prizes, a buffet dinner, cash bar, and a tricky tray, all for a $25 donation. Space is limited, so if you’re interested in spending a fun evening helping animals in need, e-mail flutz22331@aol.com.

In other news…
Nature’s Variety has issued a voluntary recall of its Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diets for dogs and cats with an expiration date of 10/29/10 or 11/9/10 and Chicken Formula and Organic Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diets with an expiration date on or before 2/5/11 due to possible salmonella contamination. If you’ve purchased any of these items, return them to your retailer for a full refund or replacement.

A Cure for Stir Craziness

By Brianne Harrison

Going stir crazy? If you’re starting to, chances are, it’s even worse for your dog., which makes this the perfect time to consider joining the Possibility Pursuit Dog Walk this weekend.

Possibility Pursuit is an annual event hosted by Enable, which provides services, support, and living arrangements to those living with disabilities and their families throughout Central New Jersey. Last year, a group of people who rescue dogs asked if a dog walk could be included in the Possibility Pursuit. Some of the dogs that participated were themselves disabled due to injury or illness.

This year, the Dog Walk is being organized by Lynne Przychodzki, one of last year’s participants. Animal rescue groups will be in attendance, offering adoptions. Dogs who walk will be eligible for prizes for Best Trick, Best Bark, Best Outdoor Costume, Owner/Dog Look Alike, and Top Dog prize for the dog and owner who raise the highest amount of pledges. Dogs participating will receive a scarf, and owners will get t-shirts while supplies last.

Even those who don’t have pets can participate—Possibility Pursuit also includes a 5k run, which starts at 2 p.m., and an indoor fitness walk that starts at 2:05.

The Dog Walk begins at 2:30 p.m. Come out, get some exercise, and beat those winter blues!

Possibility Pursuit, Feb. 28, PEAC Health & Fitness, Ewing. For more information, e-mail event@enablenj.org or call Kirsten Yard at 609.987.5003 ex. 124.

A Dog’s Life

By Brianne Harrison

It’s a dog’s life—or, at least, it should be, according to the author/photographer team behind Dogplay: The Canine Guide to Being Happy, a charming little gift book that urges people to approach life the way our canine companions do (example: “Explore new backyards, but know your way home.”) The platitudes, while cute, aren’t exactly groundbreaking; the photography, by Little Silver-based pet portraitist Kim Levin, is the real winner here. Levin’s black and white pics catch man’s best friend at its cutest, happiest, and sweetest. It’s impossible not to have your heart warmed at least a little by this quick read.

The book is coming out in March (but can be preordered here), and Levin will be signing copies from 1-3 p.m. at the following locations:

Barnes & Noble, Holmdel, March 6
River Road Books, Fair Haven, March 13
Barnes & Noble—Monmouth Mall, Eatontown, March 20

Meanwhile: St. Hubert’s has taken its pet adoption campaign to the streets—literally, by posting digital billboards on some of the state’s major highways, touting the benefits of pet ownership and adoption. The new billboards, which were created by Branchburg-based Mint Advertising, can be seen on Routes 80, 287, 78, 280, and the New Jersey Turnpike.

A Friend in Need

By Brianne Harrison

Massachusetts’ ban on greyhound racing, which recently went into effect, is both good news and bad news for hundreds of former racing dogs. On the one hand, they’re spared further racing, and the risk of injury that comes with it (not to mention the possibility of a horrible fate if they cease to run profitably). On the other hand, many of these dogs are now rendered homeless, and greyhound rescue groups are finding themselves overwhelmed.

One such group, Greyhound Friends of New Jersey, Inc., has taken in about 135 dogs from two recently closed tracks. Seventeen dogs came in last week alone. The group is now actively seeking foster homes and adopters for these beautiful dogs, which make excellent pets, even for those who don’t have large houses or a lot of land (surprisingly, greyhounds are major couch potatoes and prefer snoozing in a sunny spot to running all day.)

“These dogs are a joy to live with,” says GFNJ president Linda Lyman. “They’re not only beautiful; they’re calm, gentle, and loving. Some people may think that retired racing greyhounds are over-active and hyper, but the opposite is actually true. While they want a good walk each day, they spend most of their day snoozing.”

Interested? GFNJ is now holding regular adoption events, where you can meet the dogs, spend time with them, and get expert advice on the breed from GFNJ volunteers. Prior to adoption, all the dogs are spayed or neutered, tested for heartworm, and have their teeth cleaned.

For more information, call 732.356.4370 or visit greyhoundfriendsnj.org.

Rabbit Rescue

By Brianne Harrison

Many of us believe that the people who owned animals that needed to be rescued must be monsters—how could any feeling person neglect an innocent, trusting animal? But the truth is, oftentimes these people aren’t monsters. Many are ill and can no longer care for their pets properly, but like many animal lovers, they’re reluctant to relinquish those pets they love so much.

This was the case with a recent rescue by the Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital and the New Jersey House Rabbit Society. An elderly owner had become ill and could no longer care for the 14 rabbits in their care. The rabbits were living outside and lacked adequate food, water, and shelter.

Luckily, this story has a happy ending. The rabbits were rescued and taken to the Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital, which is now caring for them, giving them medical exams and performing spays and neuters. They will be available for adoption starting Sunday, November 15.

Anyone interested in adopting a rabbit may visit the candidates at Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital (225 Monmouth Rd., Oakhurst) from 3:30 to 6 p.m. In addition to showing the rabbits, Dr. Michael Doolen, a veterinarian with the hospital, will give a presentation on rabbit health care. The event is free, but anyone interested should RSVP to tturner@oakhurstvet.com.

Pet Health Alert
PetSmart is voluntarily recalling Dentley’s Bulk Cattle Hooves and Dentley’s 10 Pack Beef Hooves due to potential salmonella contamination. If you purchased either of these products between Oct. 2 and Nov. 3, please return them to your nearest PetSmart store for a complete refund for exchange.