Canines get creative September 12th in Sun Prairie

Does your dog yearn to be an artist? Probably not...but either way, dogs are sure to have a great time expressing their creativity as part of the Sun Prairie Art Fair on September 12th!

For a modest donation of $5.00 per dog, the staff of City Hall Pet Gifts will help your pooch paint their very own paw-print masterpiece, sign it, and even frame it. All proceeds will be donated to a local non-profit pet organization; voting is currently taking place on Facebook to decide whether Occupaws or Greyhound Pets of America will be the recipient.

A local pet sketch-artist will also be at City Hall Pet Gifts showing off her skills. She will be available to answer questions or to have your own pet sketch commissioned.

Where: City Hall Pet Gifts, 100 East Main St, Sun Prairie WI
When: Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 11:00 am-3:00 pm
For More Info: Visit City Hall Pet Gifts online, email info@cityhallpetgifts.com or call (608) 335-1917.

Hearing scheduled for tomorrow in alleged case of Madison cockfighting

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for tomorrow for Jorge L. Iglesias, 47, in an alleged case of cockfighting in Madison. On June 16, 2009 a City of Madison Building Inspector and a Humane Officer for the Madison and Dane County Department of Public Health were called to inspect the property at 1241 Moorland Road in the City of Madison in response to an anonymous report of rooster crowing coming from the address. Per Madison City Ordinance, residents are permitted to keep up to four chickens, but roosters are not allowed to be kept within the city.

According to the criminal complaint, no one was home when the humane officer and building inspector arrived. A chicken coop was visible and they were able to enter the coop through an open door. The humane officer reported several chickens going in and out of the coop, as well as a cockfighting rooster inside. She stated that the rooster was easily identifiable as a fighting bird due to the feathers being shaved on the legs, front, neck and head, leaving only wing and tail feathers. The bird also had its comb and wattles removed, as well as its natural spurs.
The humane officer also reported a fenced-in area on the property with rows of stacked pens and cages containing game cocks. In addition, the area contained cockfighting paraphernalia such as a blood iron booster, syringes and empty alcohol bottles.

The humane officer stated that she located in a separate area on the property a portable wood and carpet fighting pit that was disassembled near a fence. Near the alleged ring there were several lawn chairs, empty beer bottles, and additional cages containing fighting cocks, game hens and some chicks.

A search warrant was executed on the property, and a total of 35 game cocks and approximately 17 game hens (some with baby chicks) were reported seized. A Madison police officer stated that additional property was seized, including plastic cockfighting spurs, a folding knife, four syringes, and 2009 editions of Gamecock Magazine. The residence also contained multiple pieces of correspondence addressed to Jorge L. Iglesias, who was present on the property and acknowledged the property as his. Iglesias is currently being charged with one felony count of Instigating Animal Fights and twelve counts of Training for Instigation of Animal Fights.

Third Annual Capital K9’s Labor Day Dog Paddle

On September 7th the Goodman Pool will be closed to human swimmers and open exclusively to canines. This can only mean one thing: the Third Annual Capital K9’s Labor Day Dog Paddle! The unique and fun event has returned again this year to benefit the Madison Police Department’s K9 Unit and give dogs and their owners a chance to enjoy the end of summer together.

“It's hard to tell who has more fun at the Dog Paddle -- the people watching or their canine companions who are participating,” says Dan McIlroy, President of Capital K9s. “We had such an amazing turn-out last year that we are expecting to see hundreds of people coming to unleash their best friends to play in the Goodman Pool.” The event features prizes, contests and of course dogs doing what they do best: having fun! More competitive canines can show off their skills in a battle for the farthest jump, fastest retrieval or participate in the wet dog parade. The Dog Paddle will also feature vendors of all kinds, from animal photographers to treats and nail trims.

All proceeds from the Dog Paddle go to benefit Capital K9’s. Formed in 2004, Capital K9s is a 5013C non-profit organization that supports the Madison Police Department K9 Unit through fundraising efforts. To learn more about Capital K9s, how K9 Units help the Madison Police Department, and specifics about this event, please visit the newly redesigned website.

Important Note: Please be sure to check out the participation rules and zero-aggression policy information for the safety of all participants.

Where: Goodman Pool, 325 Olin Ave, Madison WI
When: September 7, 2009 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
For more information or to register: Visit registration form or website, or by phone at (608) 839-3664.

Modern Designs for the Refined Feline

Gone are the days of tacky, circus-colored cat trees and floral beds. No longer do owners have to hide the cat's kitty-condo in the hall closet when guests come over for a dinner party. Designers have recently come out with cat furniture, beds and scratchers to match even the most modern, minimalist decor (and please the most refined feline tastes.) Almost resembling modern art, these items are designed to please the eye and conceal their primary purpose: making cats comfortable. Enjoy these selections representing some of the best in kitty urban chic:


The Atmosphere Bed- This spherical bamboo bed "ergonomically contours the natural curled sleeping position of the cat." The fluffy, overfilled cushions feature a golden ribbon look which nicely compliments the dark stain.


Price: $89.99

Lotus Cat Tree- Symmetrical and minimalist, the Lotus cat tree is a "flowering" tower meant to accent modern decors. It is available in Espresso, Honey and Mahogany finishes. The finish is coated with polyurethane to resist scratches. The Lotus features a sisel-weave panel for scratching and a hideaway cubby for kitties to snooze (or hide a litterbox.) The design is suitable for multiple cats, as each ledge can support over 50 pounds. Despite the towering appearance, the Lotus is sturdy and will not tip over.

Price: $349.00

Modern Cat Contemporary Litter Holder- This clever design can be used to hide a litterbox or as a pet hideaway. All the wood used is covered in a high pressure laminate finish making cleanup easy in the event of spills. The metal parts are finished in classy chrome, including the adorable "C" accent.

Price: $202.46

Modern Critter Bent Scratcher- This clever scratcher can be configured hanging, leaning or laying depending on the cat's scratching preference and the decor. It comes standard with two FLOR Terra carpet tiles made of 34% corn-basedr renawable material. The neutral colors match any decor, making it a practical, beautiful, and eco-friendly scratcher.

Price: $309.00

Podium Pet Bed- Reminiscent of the classic "egg chair" design, the Podium Bed cradles kitties with a Sherpa fleede-lined interior. The durable steel frame can hold up to 50 pounds. The rounded "pod" is made of molded soft-touch foam covered in laminated fabric. The raised platform truly makes this a bed with a view.

Price: $115.00

Itch Wall Scratcher- These completely inconspicuous tiles are barely recognizable as scratching pads, but cats certainly know they are! They feature removable and replaceable carpet squares and a rapidly renewable bamboo base.

Price: $55.00

Dream Curl Curved Scratcher- With a twisted, sculptural appearance, the Dream Curl is a unique floor scratcher. It features both carpet and sisal scratching surfaces to give cats multiple options. The clever curved design gives plenty of room for cats to fully stretch, plus the dangling toy encourages use of the scratcher through play.

Price: $29.99

5 Simple Ways To Slow Your Dog's Eating

Gas. Bloating. Choking. Vomiting. These symptoms could be linked to a common canine habit: eating too fast. If your dog has a tendency to eat like it’s going out of style, here are some simple tips to help slow him down (and relieve the associated and often unpleasant side-effects!):

1.Feed High Quality Food- It may seem expensive at first to buy higher quality food for your dog, but in the long run it’s actually cheaper. More expensive foods typically have higher quality ingredients with less fillers. Look for foods that list an actual meat product first on the ingredients list, rather than a filler like corn. With fewer fillers, your dog will be able to eat less and still feel full. The less your dog has to eat, the less food he’ll have to scarf down! Some good foods are: Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul, Blue Buffalo, by Nature Organics, and Eagle Pack. Ask your veterinarian for more suggestions and feeding instructions.

2.Make Food Less Accessible- When your dog’s food is available to him in a big heap in his dish, he’s likely to swallow mouthfuls of kibble whole. Though dogs tend not to chew their food, it’s possible to slow down how much they swallow at once. This can be easily accomplished by making the food less accessible to him. A simple method is to dump your dog’s food on a cookie sheet so it is spread out over a larger area. This will force him to eat several kibbles at a time, thereby slowing down his eating speed. If the idea of having a cookie sheet on the floor isn’t appealing, there are also specially crafted feeding dishes which accomplish the same idea by placing an obstacle in the dish. Your dog will have to work around the obstacle, making it impossible to eat more than a few pieces at a time.

3.Feed Smaller Meals More Often- Smaller meals throughout the day means less food will be ingested at once; therefore, the dog will have time to digest in between feedings. If your schedule allows for it, try feeding smaller meals every few hours rather than several large meals morning and night. Be sure to adhere to the feeding instructions on the bag or given by your veterinarian, as it can be easy to overfeed when multiple meals are given. Even if you’re gone during the day, timed feeders can be purchased to make multiple feedings practical.

4.Keep Feedings Separate- If there are multiple dogs in a household, it is important to feed each one separately. Even the most domesticated dog will instinctually eat his food at high speed to guard it from others. Keeping dogs separate at feeding time will make them feel less threatened and may allow them to slow their eating pace since they are no longer in “competition.”

5.Add A Little Water- Dry dog food expands in a dog’s stomach when it reaches the digestive liquids. When your dog eats too fast, he may eat more food than his stomach can handle when expanded. This leads to regurgitation of food and abdominal discomfort. An easy solution is to moisten dry food with a bit of water before feeding; the food will therefore be expanded before the dog eats it. This will give your dog a more accurate sense of when his stomach is “full”, and may actually be easier for some dogs to digest.

Besides employing these simple strategies, be sure your dog visits his veterinarian on a regular basis to check for other health issues. Symptoms like vomiting and bloat could also be related to intestinal parasites or other digestive issues. Sudden vomiting or bloating that are uncommon for your dog should also signal an immediate trip to the veterinarian, as they could be signs of a serious illness.

Join 20+ animal groups for Madison Pet Fair on August 23rd

Want to support local animal rescue efforts and have fun at the same time? Join over twenty pet-related organizations this Saturday at Madison’s Pet Corner for the second annual Madison Pet Fair! Each business in the Madison’s Pet Corner Complex will be holding a fun event with all proceeds going to benefit participating non-profits. Both people and pets are invited to attend!

The Madison Pet Fair is held as a way to introduce the community to local animal rescues and promote volunteerism, as well as to raise funds for these organizations. Attendees will learn about ways they can volunteer with animal-related group and meet representatives and adoptable animals. The event will also include exciting and family-friendly activities such as the adoptable dog parade, demonstration from Capital K-9s, doggie triathlon, kids’ activities, prizes and much more.

Just a few of the groups who will be present at the event are Capital K-9’s, Wisconsin Academy for Graduate Service Dogs, Greyhound Pets of America, Oolong Dachshund Rescue, Shelter from the Storm, and Occupaws. Concession stands will also be available with all sales going to benefit the twenty-plus non-profit organizations attending the event.

When: August 23rd, 2009 from 12:00pm – 3:00pm RAIN OR SHINE!
Where: Madison’s Pet Corner, 635 Struck Street, Madison, WI.

For more info: Madison's Pet Corner or call Kristine at (608) 271-5277

What is the best bedding for hedgehogs?

If you’re confused as to what bedding is appropriate for your African Pygmy Hedgehog, you are certainly not alone. It seems that every hedgehog enthusiast has their own opinion on the subject! There are many products available, and each comes with its own set of pros and cons. What is important is finding bedding that fits the needs of both owner and hedgehog, and above all is safe for your pet.

Commonly used types of bedding are:

Pine shavings- Pine shavings are an easily attainable and relatively cheap form of bedding for your hedgehog. There is some debate, however, on the safety of using pine. Pine contains high levels of abietic acid which could, after length exposure, heighten the risk of respiratory problems and certain cancers. The risk can be minimized by purchasing kiln dried pine and using a well-ventilated cage. Uncured pine should never be used as hedgehog bedding. Besides potential health risks, pine can be messy as your hedgehog may kick it out of his cage. The ability to simply dump it out when cleaning the cage makes it a popular bedding choice for many owners.

Paper Bedding- There are several types of paper bedding available commercially: pelleted and shredded. Both are typically made of recycled consumer paper. The pelletted type (such as Yesterday’s News) is made of recycled paper compressed into hard pellets. The shredded type (such as Carefresh) is a soft, plush paper product which comes in different colors. As with any bedding, there are drawbacks to these paper products. Pelletted litters are not generally considered comfortable for your pet. Some owners have also reported finding bits of industrial debris (such as metal and plastic) due to the product being made from recycled materials. The shredded paper bedding is comfortable for hedgehogs, but there is anecdotal evidence stating some hogs may be prone to consuming it and potentially becoming internally impacted. The soft material also has a tendency to stick to a hedgehog’s sharp quills which is rather messy when removing the animal from his cage. Paper bedding is generally very absorbent, making it easy to “spot-clean” between full cage cleanings by removing the soiled bedding and replacing it with fresh.

Aspen- Aspen bedding is a relatively safe bedding choice for many hedgehogs, especially those with allergies. It can, however, be messy unless purchased in the form of chips. There are also hedgehogs which may have an allergic reaction to aspen, though it is less common than with pine.

Corn Cob- Corn cob bedding is considered moderately comfortable for hedgehogs. Precautions should be taken when using corn cob, especially in adolescent males, as it has been known to become trapped in the penile sheath which can lead to discomfort, infections and urinary issues. This type of bedding does not dry particularly quickly, so it can form mildew if not spot-cleaned regularly. Moist bedding is unsanitary for hedgehogs, and the smell is also unpleasant for owners. Corn cob bedding is easy for owners to purchase, but is comparatively more expensive than wood or paper bedding. It is an acceptable bedding if an alternative is not available.

Fleece/Vellux Liners- Liners made of fleece or vellux can be purchased online or easily purchased and cut to cage-size from a fabric store. Many hedgehog enthusiasts find fleece liners to be the most economical and simple type of bedding as it can be re-used many times and cleaned by a quick run through the washing machine. Owners should always monitor the quality of their liners, as fleece has a tendency to pill over time. If the fleece becomes pilled, the liners should be replaced for safety. Fleece liners are considered very comfortable for hedgehogs, and many enjoy burrowing under the warmth of layered liners.

These types of bedding should NEVER be used:

Cedar shavings- Cedar is a very aromatic bedding which contains high amounts of a toxin called plicatic acid. Hedgehogs have delicate respiratory systems which could easily be compromised with asthma or upper respiratory infections caused by cedar bedding. Respiratory issues in hedgehogs are very dangerous and could result in severe illness or sudden death.

Newspaper- Though many newspapers have switched to more eco-friendly inks, some papers are still printed with ink that could be toxic to hedgehogs (particularly if ingested.) Newspaper is not considered particularly absorbent and would need nearly constant replacement. Newspaper ink also transfers very easily to skin which is unsightly and unsafe for hogs.

Cat litter- Clay cat litter is far too dusty to be used as bedding for hedgehogs. It can be used sparingly in litter trays, but should never be used as a full-cage bedding. In either case, clumping cat litter should not be used as it can compact and clump internally if eaten. Small-grained cat litter can also become embedded in the reproductive organs of both male and female hedgehogs.

Pillowcases and Towels- Loose strings from pillowcases or towels can easily become wrapped around tiny hedgehog limbs. Hogs cannot generally remove themselves when trapped in such a manner and may break a limb; tightly wrapped strings can also cause amputation. Towels are typically made up of millions of tiny loops for absorbency. This makes them great for human use, but very dangerous for hedgehogs. Their feet and nails can easily become entangled in the loops. Unfortunately, many hogs have lost a toenail or toes for this reason.