Baark! On ...Hot Weather Tips for Dogs

Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness

 

Hot weather tips for Dogs

 

Hot weather can be dangerous for our dogs. Dogs lack the ability to cool off as effectively as is often required. Since we live in the Bahamas, known for our often soaring temperatures we dedicate this column to helping our canine friends stay safe in the heat.

Dogs cooling off in the shade after a long walk.

1.       Water, water and more water.  Dogs can dehydrate very quickly. In the hot weather dogs need access to plenty of water. Be sure to check the bowls a few times a day to ensure a constant supply of fresh water.

2.       Shade, shade and more shade. Think about it, if you get hot while in the sun what do you do? Chances are you seek shade and feel the instant difference. Dogs require the same thing and need access to a shaded and ventilated area if they are kept outside.

3.       Limit your dog’s exercise to cooler portions of the day.

4.       Remember dogs are much closer to the ground than we are, standing on the hot asphalt street will heat up the dog faster than it does us. Be mindful and if choose grassy areas over the pavement to stop during your walk.

5.       Groom your dog regularly. This not only helps prevent flea and tick problems but it helps thin out the dogs hair which can trap heat. Dogs can get sunburn so avoid shaving off their hair; instead keep their coat shorter in the hotter months.

6.       Bring your dog inside your home during the hottest hours of the day.

 

 

 

Please spay and neuter your animals, this simple procedure saves lives and decreases the suffering of unwanted animals.

This column is proudly brought to you by BAARK! the Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness.

For more information contact us at info@baarkbahamas.org, (427.SPAY) or visit our website www.baarkbahamas.com

 

 

 

 

 

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Baark! On Writing contest runner up!

Writing Contest runner up.

This beautiful adoption story came to us through our writing contest. We were so thrilled to hear that even after writing her story, there was a part two to the adoption. Read and enjoy. Thank you to Chiara Anderson for lending her writing skills and adoption tales to us!

 

I first met Meowth when she wondered into our front yard hungry and lonely. She was so thin and frail-looking. I fed her, gave her a drink and a rub. The next day, she pounced her way into my heart and has been a part of my family ever since. Life has certainly changed since meeting Meowth.

 

 

About two months after Meowth adopted us, we adopted Tink . I found Tink through BAARK as a result of entering this essay competition and decided to adopt him since Meowth started to get bored with her wrestling buddy (my arm). Tink had been hit by a car and broken his hip. As a result, he was extremely timid but needed a lot of TLC.

 

Tink and Meowth did not get on well at first. Meowth was aggressive and playful while Tink was shy and still trying to recover from his injuries. Those first days and nights were really draining as I didn't want Meowth to further injure Tink, but I learnt that they needed to figure out their relationship. To make matters worse, Meowth started ignoring and avoiding me. I felt like I was the mother of a rebellious teenager! Not to mention that Tink became very clingy towards me.

Meowth’s attitude ended the night Tink snuck outside and didn't return home. Meowth whined and couldn't nap. She missed her little bro. The next afternoon we went on a hunt and found him hidden really well. He was a little cold and frightened but felt better as soon has he got inside. Meowth began grooming him right away and started to play instead of swatting. That's when I started to breathe a sigh of relief.

Today, Meowth is part big sis, part mom and part best friend to Tink. Meowth is now teaching him how to hunt and Tink goes outside but can now find his way back home.

Tink's hip also healed pretty quickly after getting out and becoming more active. He's still a bit timid but is slowly coming around. It helps that Meowth is around to teach him the ropes - she isn't afraid of anything.

 

Please spay and neuter your animals, this simple procedure saves lives and decreases the suffering of unwanted animals.

This column is proudly brought to you by BAARK! the Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness.

For more information contact us at info@baarkbahamas.org, (427.SPAY) or visit our website www.baarkbahamas.com

 

 

 

Baark! on: Disposable pets

Disposable pets

Excuse this bit of a rant but there is something that has to be said. There is a disturbing mindset, all too common in our country, that animals are disposable. There is a habit of throwing away our animals when their age or infirmities become more of a hassle to the owner than is desired.

This has to stop.

Puppies and kittens they are cute, but for most, the aging dog or cat is just a nuisance and consequently many aging animals are neglected or let loose on the streets. There was an initial attraction to the animal but obviously, at some point, the family lost an interest or compassion on this poor animal and decided to dispose of it or let is suffer without care right before their eyes.

Our stance is that you not take in an animal if you are not prepared to care for it properly. This will a topic of a future column.

During our  spay and neutering campaigns, we go out to streets and neighborhoods we come across many dogs and cats who have been left neglected and mistreated all because they are no longer wanted.  We come across people who tell us to just take their animals, they are too old to be of use or too sick to care for. It breaks our hearts for the animal that is discarded with such little concern. Old dogs are left to starve; sick animals remain untreated and suffer intensely. All because the animal is no longer what they want or need. This is unacceptable. Taking ownership of an animal is a lifelong commitment, you are promising to care for the needs of this animal because you value its life, NOT because it looks cool or can benefit you in some way.

Baark!’s efforts with our spay and neutering campaigns are making a huge difference in the animal population here in the Bahamas. We are working towards and making great strides in helping to eliminate the needless suffering of unwanted and homeless animals. But we are not done, our mandate is to help create a more humane Bahamas, our spay and neutering campaigns are just the start, we need to educate and enable more responsible animal owners. Please consider helping to change the mindset of animal owners all across Bahamas, speak up for the wrongs you are seeing and be an advocate for those voiceless animals.

The dog that inspired this column is pictured here. His name is Lover Boy, he was given away because he was too old, he obviously had been left unattended for a long time. He is still awaiting his furever home. Please consider helping this beautiful animal. Contact us for more information.

Please spay and neuter your animals.

By ensuring your animal cannot produce more litters you are saving lives and decreasing the suffering of unwanted animals.  Please consider donating or helping with Baark!’s efforts to improve animal welfare in the Bahamas.

For more information contact us at info@baarkbahamas.org or (427-SPAY) or visit our website http://www.baarkbahamas.com/

Baark! On: What catches your attention?

Baark On ! What catches your attention?

It was a shivering puppy that caught your attention; he was huddled far into the corner of a box on a side street in Nassau. From a distance it looked like a pile of trash, up close it looked like desperation; there can be no other word to describe this scene. People were milling all around the street and had they looked closely they would have seen this, perhaps they did and chose not to take action. Whatever the case, this poor desperate puppy had made its way into a broken down cardboard box and was clinging to whatever bit of life it had left in its body. Unloved, unkempt and unwanted this small puppy was undecided if it was going to live or die and you seemed to be the only witness to this scene.

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His life now depends on your actions. Do you walk away hoping it miraculously gets better, naively hope his end is near and that will be quick, or do you take action and seek to save this suffering soul. This was a decision that was not to be taken lightly and one we all wish could be avoided. But what if this scene could have been prevented? What if we could end the needless suffering before it started? This is something you CAN do.

This is the goal of Baark!’s spay and neuter campaigns, preventing the addition of unwanted animals into the already full streets of Nassau.  Ensuring a more humane Bahamas for animals, that is our focus. Let’s help prevent suffering, together.

Please spay and neuter your animals, this simple procedure saves lives and decreases the suffering of unwanted animals.

This column is proudly brought to you by BAARK! the Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness.

For more information contact us at info@baarkbahamas.org, (427.SPAY) or visit our website www.baarkbahamas.com

Baark! On : Dog Bite Prevention

Dog Bite Prevention: Simple behaviors to keep your children (and you) safe

It’s a vicious cycle. You’re scared of dogs, you see a stray dog, you tense up, when you are fearful, and this makes the dog fearful. When dogs become fearful, they either ‘fight’ to defend themselves or take ‘flight’ from the situation. This happens quickly, leaving the observer thinking the dog has instantly gone into attack mode.

used with permission

So how can we break this cycle and keep ourselves and more importantly, our children, safe? Your children mimic exactly what they see you do, if you are afraid of dogs, there is a good chance that they will be too.  There is a group of volunteers who visit Nassau’s primary schools, showing children how to be safe around animals. Here are a few points that are given to the children during this presentation.

1. If a strange dog approaches them that they don’t know, they should stand very still like a tree, with their arms crossed and fingers tucked away, and be very quiet

2. Look upwards, as dogs can perceive direct eye contact as a challenge, which we want to avoid

3. If the dog knocks the child to the floor, roll up like a ball, all limbs tucked in, and stay still and quiet

4. If the child is on a bike, dismount and put the bike between them and the dog, wait until the dog has passed, then quietly WALK on.

5. They can carry food in their pockets, like cheese cubes or kibble, and throw it on the ground to distract the dog.

 The key elements of our “stay safe” message are staying still and being quiet. Running or screaming could lead to a dog bite, as friendly dogs may think it’s a game and get too excited whereas other dogs may perceive the shrieking, fleeing object as prey.

It is very rare that dogs do bite for no reason. Recognizing when a when a dog may bite is very important any time that dogs are protecting something, be it food, toys, puppies, property, even the friendliest dogs may bite, because they are doing their job. Dogs may also bite if they are sick.  We do want to remind you that most barking dogs are just scared or being protective and are not being aggressive. The majority of dogs will not want to bite you. If we can break the cycle of fearing dogs in future generations, people will be safer and the dogs of the Bahamas will have much better lives. 

Please spay and neuter your animals, this simple procedure saves lives and decreases the suffering of unwanted animals.

This column is proudly brought to you by BAARK! the Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness.

For more information contact us at info@baarkbahamas.org, (427.SPAY) or visit our website www.baarkbahamas.com

Thanks to Shelley Hardman for submitting this article to our column and blog!

Baark! On. Writing Contest Winner for 18 years old and over; Tegan Springate.

Last month we at Baark! held a writing contest. We asked readers to tell us the story of their rescued or adopted animal and why they have made such a great pet, and you delivered. After carefully reading the many entries we have selected the three age group winners. For the next three weeks we will print their beautiful stories in this Baark! column. This week’s winner, representing the 18 + group is Tegan Springate age- 27. Thank you and congratulations Tegan!!

The Story of Exuma

I found my rescue dog a little over three years ago.  She is a stunning Potcake, from the island of Exuma, who I named Exuma (Zoom for short)!  When I found her, I couldn't have created a better story. 

We pulled up to the house where she was born, while her Dad was tied up to a doghouse with a metal chain and was aggressively trying to attack the car we were in.  I stepped out of the car, as about 8-10 children were exiting the house.  As I walked up to the front step, a tiny puppy came running from behind the house and came straight to my feet and sat on my toes.  I picked her up, and as I looked into her golden-brown eyes, I knew I had found what I was looking for.  The children of the house said I was free to take her, as they had no interest in keeping her.  We left a bag of dog food for the Dad, in hopes he would get a good meal.

We took her back to my family’s home and gave her a quick bath, and it was off to the vet to get her shots and paperwork in order for me to bring her back to Canada. She flew back with me to Canada, to a rude-awakening of icy-cold weather, but true to how most Potcakes are, she loved the snow!  Exuma has been with me through everything, including the break-up of a long-term relationship, achieving a second degree, and our most current adventure.

Our latest adventure has taken us all the way to England where I have begun a new job and a new life.  She completed the long flight better than I could have imagined.  She is the most amazing dog, and has fully adjusted to a new place, new people, and new home. She has also made the transition for me much easier, as I have never felt too homesick because I have her.  Exuma is the perfect dog, and is always in tune with my health, feelings, and workload.  She makes me smile everyday and is the most comforting dog to be around.  She is always up for a cuddle.  She frequently gets people commenting on how lovely she is and how unique looking she is.  Exuma is my best friend, the biggest part of my life, and I don’t know what I would do without her!

  

Please spay and neuter your animals, this simple procedure saves lives and decreases the suffering of unwanted animals.

This column is proudly brought to you by BAARK! the Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness.

For more information contact us at info@baarkbahamas.org, (427.SPAY) or visit our website www.baarkbahamas.com

Baark! On. Writing Contest Winner for 13-17 year olds, Alea Gomez.

Last month we at Baark! held a writing contest. We asked readers to tell us the story of their rescued or adopted animal and why they have made such a great pet, and you delivered. After carefully reading the many entries we have selected the three age group winners. For the next three weeks we will print their beautiful stories in this Baark! column. Guardian column. This week’s winner, representing the 13-17 year old group is Alea Gomez age- 14. Thank you and congratulations Alea!!

We Got Tori

The ride seemed interminable. I was ecstatic. My grandmother collected me from school and told me that today was the day that we would go to the Humane Society to get our pet dog.

As we entered, the place was a cacophony of sounds. Dogs barking, cats meowing, mixed with the chatter of pet owners and staff. The surgery smelled of disinfectant and animal scents. I turned up my nose and wondered how I would make it here, since I was contemplating becoming a veterinarian. The staff was most hospitable and friendly and the male attendant who took us to the stables told us that he was Gregory.

Gregory showed us many dogs, big dogs, little dogs, tall dogs, short dogs, none of these appealed to me; until I saw her. A small cute, cuddly white and light beige ball of fur, an Akita mix. She was housed in a kennel with about six other pups, who were similar to her; however, she was different. She had attitude!

Gregory took out one pup and showed it to me, but I told him that was not the one. I pointed out the one that I wanted, while he uttered that they were all alike. I, however, knew the difference. The pup that I wanted  had a small pink birth mark on her left eye, a beauty spot; and this drew me to her. I had already selected a name for her - Tori Judah. When she was taken out of the kennel, she behaved as if she knew that she belonged with us, she seemed to be smiling.

Tori immediately took over our hearts and our home, she exuded an indomitable spirit; therefore, my Nana decided to hire a trainer for her. On meeting Tori, the trainer thought that because she was just four months old that the task would be easy. So we went to the beach with treats, and the trainer barking out commands.

The trainer  told us that we were not forceful enough with Tori and proceeded to demonstrate. Treats were offered, a booming voice was trumpeted, however, Tori, the pampered princess, refused the treats and chose to ignore all commands. The next thing we knew was that the trainer was on the ground, propelled by one of Tori’s mighty leaps. We all laughed.

It has been six years since we adopted Tori Judah. She is a wonderful pet and a terrific guard dog. She always warns us when persons are approaching and her barks are distinguishable when  she perceives a threat. The neighbours often thank us because she has even warned them of potential harm to their properties.

To have Tori as a pet has been fun and rewarding. Tori has a great personality and she loves unconditionally. She is very good and thoughtful with my little sister Adyn, who is seven years old. She is our pampered princess and a member of our family

Please spay and neuter your animals, this simple procedure saves lives and decreases the suffering of unwanted animals.

This column is proudly brought to you by BAARK! the Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness.

For more information contact us at info@baarkbahamas.org, (427.SPAY) or visit our website www.baarkbahamas.com