Service dogs for the Autistic

Dogs do it again! They continue to prove their worth and importance in our society, and another
job has popped up for them. We’re happy to report they’ve accepted the position and are making
great strides.
Autism continues to increase at a rate of 6-15 percent each year, and there are currently 3.5
million Americans living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, according the Autism Society of
America.
Those who have dealt with getting the care needed for a loved one understand the daunting and
very expensive path they often find themselves walking down while searching for relief.
Enter Service Dogs for the Autistic.
Historically, service dogs have helped those in need by supplementing physical restraints, such
as being the eyes for someone who can’t see, or working with those having recurring seizures.
With Autistic children and adults, these service dogs are providing support that is more
emotional in a world that can be quite isolating. They provide patient and consistent
companionship while also keeping those afflicted safe through extensive training.
One of the fundamental symptoms of Autism is that he or she doesn’t connect well with other
people and/or their environment. Autism service dogs are proving to be that connection needed
by being a steady and consistent force in their day-to-day lives.
Another common symptom is severely Autistic people don’t detect potentially dangerous
situations and having a service dog stops them from walking into the street or leaving the house
unattended.
In addition to the priceless companionship they’re able to provide, these service dogs are
bringing down health care costs.
The health care fees for Autistic adults and children have settled deep into the billions per year
(and counting). These dogs are offering a safe way for families to cut costs by supplying them
with a full-time therapist and confidant.
Prices for a well trained dog start as low as $12,500. Not bad considering the U.S. cost of autism
over the lifespan is about $2.4 million for a person with an intellectual disability, or $1.4 million
for a person without intellectual disability.
Dogs continue to amaze, impress and greatly improve the lives of so many. They are truly our
sixth sense and change lives by seeing (and smelling) things we can’t detect. They deserve our
respect and appreciation as they patiently touch the lives of so many people.
For more information on Service Dogs for Autism visit:
https://www.pawswithacause.org/
http://4pawsforability.org/
http://autismdigest.com/service-dogs-and-autism/

Kate Brack, author.

The Story of Zeus.

 Resulting from a nationwide petition that went viral almost overnight, the “vicious” dog ban of Moreauville, Louisiana was recently overturned, sparing the lives of the town’s “dangerous” breeds.

Under the ordinance, pit bulls and rottweilers were to be “disposed” of on December 1st in compliance to the ban. It was reported that these types of dogs were running the streets and making people feel unsafe.

Behind the campaign was a local mother Joanna Armand and her family; namely her daughter O’hara Owens who is wheelchair-bound and depends on her service dog, Zeus, a pit bull. In addition to saving Zeus, they hoped to reiterate that savage dogs are at the fault of the owner and how they’re raised, not the breed.

The family expressed great love for their furry family member and praised his ability to help O’hara who is often in pain and wears a halo-brace due to severe neck problems. "If anything ever happened to him, I probably would just shut down," said Owens.

The MoveOn petition was created in November with the goal of gathering 100,000 signatures to stop the euthanization of the dogs. At the time of this post, the number of signatures had climbed to almost 350,000, and counting, even as the campaign is now closed.

This spoke volumes to the council of a town and the ordinance was repealed on the very day it was set to take effect. Being that the town is inhabited by under 1,000 people, there was a true need for nationwide support, and the response was overwhelming.

Mayor Timmy Lemoine stated receiving a warning from PETA claiming that if the council didn’t repeal the ordinance, PETA had enough money to shut the town of Moreauville down. “I wasn’t going to be known as the mayor that shut the village of Moreauville down because of this” said Lemoine. 

The new agreement will enact a different statute that targets the owner and not the pet. Lemoine explained, “a citation will be issued like a ticket, if there’s a problem with the animal,” from there it will be up to the district attorney to decide the fine and repercussions for the owner and/or the animal.

This is a strong victory for the dog-loving community of the country while the efforts against breed specific legislation continues.

Author: Kate Brack

Puppy Found in Dumpster

News this morning includes sanitation workers finding a 3 month old puppy in a dumpster, about to be crushed by a compactor. The puppy was injured and starving, but is recovering now in a foster home after humane vet treatment. Stories like this are everywhere, and so heartbreaking. Please consider encouraging people you know to contribute to animal rescue agencies so that they may get the word out and expand their facilities so that more is

available to persons who have no knowledge of how to place out an animal they no longer want. Also urge tougher regulations and laws to help protect our fellow creatures from ignorance.

Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle Welcomes some Spring Arrivals

Woodland Park Zoo saves animals and their habitats through conservation leadership and engaging experiences, inspiring people to learn, care and act. Woodland Park Zoo exhibits nearly 1,100 animals representing almost 300 different animal species—from tiny insects to the largest land mammal on the planet, the elephant.

Four new otter pups are recently welcomed. Woodland Park Zoo is an interactive zoo, well worth the trip.

The Zebra Mule Has Many Names

Zedonk was born. They call this one a Zedonk! Not suspecting that a zebra and Momma mule had mated, it sure was a surprise when the little one was born.

Pet Obesity is epidemic, just like most all American folks.

Overfeeding is not love. Obese pets like cats and dogs suffer from a multitude of diseases because of overweight. Diabetes. high blood pressure, musculoskeletal disease, arthritis, reduced life span, knee and joint problems. It is wise to work with your vet to determine the best diet for your pet. Just grabbing pet food off the grocery shelf can be putting dangerous foods in your pets life without any real intention by you. Granted food budgeting is an issue for many these days but a few minutes of analysis with a little knowledge of recommendations can help you pick out the best for within your budget. Good food combined with regular exercise (daily) can greatly enhance your pets health. And for you too if you are part of the exercise program. The Morris Animal Foundation is a good place to find references to good pet nutrition. There are some great sites on the web too that also explain portion control.

Animals and Marijuana don't mix

Marijuana is a people drug not a pet drug. There seems to be much controversy around whether it is safe to give animals the drug. But when in doubt don't. Even if it does help somewhat in some cases, while killing pain it also puts the animal in a confusing and scary condition. Have you ever had chemotherapy? It's like that apparently. More and more veterinarians are reporting poisonings. Marijuana in the 'raw' form is extremely toxic to animals Some tinctures may help but must be closely monitored. I noticed that many people were giving their pets the 'hail Mary' meds, supposedly more comfortably prolonging an impending painful death for a few weeks. But who is that prolonging for? The owner or the animal? I say take a toke (if you must) and then bring it to the vet for a humane euthanasia before it suffers a few more weeks of not only pain but also confusion and certainly discomfort from the effects of the marijuana.