All Things Dog - August 11, 2008

PitPositive and Big Dog Rescue are presenting The 24-Hour Dog Adoptathon at 2105 N. Jamaica St. in Tampa, starting Friday, August 22 at 6 pm and running until Saturday evening, August 23 at 6 pm. The 24-hour event is the first of its kind in the Southeast US and brings together a number of local animal welfare groups working to get dogs placed in forever homes. Participating rescues and shelters include Hillsborough County Animal Services, Heidi's Legacy, Pet Pal Animal Shelter in Pinellas County, German Shepherd Rescue, Bull Mastiff Rescue, Humane Society of Tampa and Lakeland's Animal Services. Large and small adult dogs as well as puppies will be available for adoption. There will also be an obedience demonstration, pet grooming and a talent search for a dog to star in an upcoming ad campaign about the importance of spaying and neutering. For more info, see Adoptathon

The Trib reported that Susan Lambert is facing a hearing this week in Pasco County to allow continuation of her rescue shelter in Odessa. Lambert and supporters formed CARES (Community Animal Rescue and Education Shelter) last year when she left
Suncoast Animal League. Lambert's facility sits on five acres and has created tension with her neighbors, who complain of barking dogs. A special exemption is being considered to allow her to house up to 25 dogs.

Also in the Trib; summertime brings out the bugs in Florida and some of those can be a problem for our pets. Besides fleas and ticks; ants, bees, mosquitoes, spiders and scorpians are among the insects that can cause allergic reactions. Florida Veterinary Specialists veterinarian, Sonja Olsen says she regularly sees patients for insect bites this time of year. For advice on how to safeguard your pets and what to do if they are stung, read the rest of this article.