Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Potpouri can kill your pet.......

This just arrived and I wanted to pass it on. You might want to do the same.

Please cross post.

Sharon H - Ohio Team Leader &
NBSTR Dog Records Coordinator
NEW BEGINNINGS SHIH TZU & FRIENDS RESCUE
A 501c3 Charitable Rescue
www.nbstr.org

Please read the email below that I have forwarded with the author's permission.. ...
In a message dated 12/10/2008 6:25:17 P.M. Central Standard Time, Karencantner writes:

We have suffered a terrible, terrible tragedy last Wed. Two, beloved Cavaliers of mine, Haley and Zoe both ate potpourri from a decorative basket in my Living room

Within hours, they were vomiting it, convulsing and going into total body rigidity and shock. We took them to the after hours clinic, they had no idea what it could be and wouldn't listen to me about them vomiting potpourri at home and how I had such concerns about the toxic effects of it. They treated symptoms.

We transferred them to our day vet. He also wouldn't listen to me about the potpourri theory. He said they had "strychnine" poisoning symptoms. I kept telling him that the potpourri was Made In India, sold by a company in California and sold at my local WalMart. My heart told me that it was the culprit of their condition.

They declined rapidly throughout the day and we transferred them back to the after hours clinic for a second night. At midnight, I made the agonizing decision to put them to sleep. Haley was in constant seizures that wouldn't stop, fluid was filling up in her lungs, body temp was dropping on both of them, Zoe was lying almost lifeless on the table, struggling with every breath she took. Every muscle was completely rigid, you couldn't even move her.

I have devoted the last couple of days (now that I can get out of bed and function) to researching my concerns with the potpourri and have since found out I was right....... .....there is a lab in England that has case studies on toxic potpourri from India!! The toxin....strychnine , which in it's commercial source, comes from a certain tree grown in India . I am completely heart broken over this.

Please be aware of the potential toxins in any and all stuff like this in our homes. I would've never guessed this could happen but when I saw them both "playing" in the potpourri and then after about two hours saw the symptoms of a poisoning, I just put two and two together. Hug your babies, Love them and always take lots of photos along the way...it helps later on, trust me.

Karen Cantner, Heartland Kennels, Evansville , Indiana USA

Permission to cross post - should be unedited and sent in it's entirety with her
contact info.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

History made in Brevard County

On Thursday, Dec 4th, there was a significant and history-making victory for the
animals of Brevard County and all of Florida. Christine Dawn Abrams was found
guilty of 2 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty by Brevard County Judge Kelly
McKibben. Abrams was sentenced to a surprising 8 months in jail, 12 months of
probation, community service, $5,000 in fines (the max allowed by law), and
ordered to pay all court costs. Her sentencing was very close to what
Prosecutor Michael Raska requested. While this sentence is not 'the max' sentence, it is a big step in the right direction, not just for the county, but the entire State of Florida. Neglect is not typically taken seriously by Prosecutors and Judges, even though the suffering of a neglected animal is often severe. Typical sentences for cases of neglect in the State of Florida include only probation and maybe a little community service. The sentencing issued by Judge McKibben on the 4th was very comprehensive, and will set a precedent for future cases of neglect.

**You can watch the sentencing online at

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008812050327

Look to the right side of the page and scroll down to click on the video. It is the
video of the entire sentencing.

Thank you to everyone that came out on the 4th. We managed to fill the entire courtroom, making each person's presence very important. I especially want to thank everyone that stayed so calm and respectful of the Judge. I know it was very difficult. Further, thank you to those that helped remind others to stay calm. It's important to help each other out when emotions run high so that the media attention stays focused on the case, not 'protesters.

'*Here are other news links to the sentencing:

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200881203007

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/orl-bk-dog-in-crate-sentence-12-04-08,0,3912559.story

http://www.wftv.com/news/18203006/detail.html#-


NOTE: The fight is not over yet! Abrams has not been remanded to the custody of the Dept of Corrections yet. Defense Attorney Andrew Stine wants a chance to ask the Judge to let Abrams stay out of jail while he appeals the 'motion to suppress the evidence.' The Prosecutor, on the other hand, wants Abrams locked up immediately. On December 16th, both sides will get to present their arguments
to Judge McKibben. It is my understanding that Abrams will either be arrested
that day, or, if the Judge rules in Stine's favor, Abrams will be out on a
bond until the appeals process is over. We'll be out there waving signs no
later than 10am on December 16th, then we will go into the courtroom and
listen quietly to the arguments. I apologize for not getting this email out sooner. I went out of town right after the sentencing day, and I just returned, so I sent this email as soon as I could.

If you have any questions about anything that is going on in this case, please feel free to ask!

Keep Up the Good Fight!!

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Pets needing to be adopted ASAP.......

Jasmine

Pit Bull Terrier [Mix] (more like a boxer mix)

Large Adult Female Dog Pet ID: 449751



I got lost and when my owner was notified that I was here, they were going to come get me, but that didn't happen. So ... now I need a new forever home. I am about 3 years old. I am playful, friendly, smart, and calm. I do NOT get along with cats. Please come see me and get to know me. I am already spayed, so I could go home with you TODAY!
No Cats.....Spayed and UTD with vaccines.



http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/FL284.html




Doc

Pit Bull Terrier [Mix]

Large Young Male Dog Pet ID: 444811


I was brought here because my owner's had too many animals. Now I need a new forever home. I am about 6 months old and 'they' say I'm a 'nice puppy'. You can believe what 'they' say, or you can come here and see for yourself. I am friendly - I get along well with children and other dogs. I am very playful - I'm a puppy after all. Please come see me and get to know me.



Doc




Hank

Pit Bull Terrier [Mix] (Hound or Pointer?)

Medium Adult Male Dog Pet ID: 451374



I got lost and no one came looking for me. Now I need a new forever home. I am about 4 years old - passed the puppy phase, but still playful. I am smart and friendly. Please come see me and get to know me. Please hurry, I've been here so long & I am a very friendly, laid back boy who doesn't get excited when the other dogs are passing by but I my time here may be limited.



Hank




Hettie

Black Mouth Cur [Mix]

Medium Adult Female Dog Pet ID: 453186



I got lost and no one came looking for me. Now I need a new forever home. I am about 5 years old. I am playful, smart, calm and friendly. I like to talk too. Please come see me and get to know me. I am very sweet & was found with my puppy, who has been adopted. Please give me a chance & hurry! I rarely bark, more of a groan when excited.



Hetti




Bruce

Pit Bull Terrier [Mix]

Large Adult Male Dog Pet ID: 453735



I got lost and no one came looking for me. Now I need a new forever home. I am about 3 years old and I would love to go home with you. I am very playful, friendly, and smart. Please come see me and get to know me. I'm not sure what my mix is but my ears do always look like that! I'm a nice boy, pls come & see me. I've been here for while now & need someone to give me a chance soon!



Bruce




South Animal Care and Adoption Center
5100 West Eau Gallie Blvd

Melbourne, FL

321-253-6608

saccdogs@bellsouth.net

Visit us on Petfinder for our partial list.

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