HELPING THE INVISIBLE DOGS<br /> IN TOWN POUNDS
HELPING THE INVISIBLE DOGS
IN TOWN POUNDS

WELCOME TO THE
POUNDHOUNDS WEBSITE!

Join us in helping the invisible dogs
in town pounds.







Please Note Our New Address

Our mailing address is now:

P.O. Box 212
Bolton, MA 01740

866.800.0015 (fax)



Ask the Trainer

PoundHounds has partnered with Sonia Mullen of Canine Techniques, in Chester, NH, to answer your questions about your dog's behavior!

This month's question asks about service dog training: I watched service dogs being trained and they're so obedient. Is there some way we can train our dogs to be just as obedient? Click here to read Sonia's answer.

Click here to read past questions and find out how to submit your own questions.



FDA Warns Against Bones for Dogs

The FDA has posted a warning on its web site against giving bones to dogs. Common injuries include broken or damaged teeth, mouth or tongue injuries, pieces stuck in the throat or stomach, and more. Visit fda.gov for more information.



Lyme Disease

Know the Signs and How to Protect Your Dog

Along with the warmer weather comes a most unwanted visitor - ticks! Each year, thousands of dogs contract lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. As in humans, lyme disease in dogs can be difficult to detect because the symptoms often come and go and may not even appear until months after infection. Common symptoms include recurrent arthritis/lameness that lasts 3-4 days; stiff, painful gait; swollen joints that may be warm to the touch; pain in legs or body; fever, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes.

Follow these simple steps to keep your canine companion free of lyme disease: Check your dog every day for ticks. Use a tick preventative product. And have your vet check for lyme disease at your dog's annual exam. Visit dogsandticks.com for more information.


A dog is a conversation waiting to happen.



How did PoundHounds help pound dogs in 2009?

We funded medical care or training for 222 dogs in 2009, a 44% increase over 2008! Total funding for the spay/neuter program rose 71% due to more dogs and increased vet fees as well as an expansion to our program services. All that with less money - we received 31% less money from grants and direct donations. 2009 was a busy year and we expect 2010 to be the same. We will continue to what we can for the dogs in town pounds - all thanks to you! Please consider making a donation to PoundHounds to help us continue this good work.


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Spanish-Language Resources for Shelters

The Humane Society of the United States' Animal Sheltering website offers common hand-outs in Spanish. Check out their web site for more information.







Who are we helping now?

Sad Apollo Apollo's First Cast






Who's this sad boy? This is the 3 month Great Dane mix puppy at Fitchburg Animal Control, now named Apollo, who needed surgery to fix a broken leg. PoundHounds funded the exam and was prepared to fund the surgery when the City of Fitchburg, at the request of the Fitchburg ACO, came to the rescue! Way to go ACO Suzie and City of Fitchburg! Thank you to Twin City Animal Hospital for discounting their high quality services! Apollo is recovering well in a foster home.

We have received 5 requests to help with extraordinary medical care in the last 2 months. We have stepped in to help dogs get the medical care they needed, from a full blood work-up for a senior, overweight dog to surgery to remove a mammary tumor to dental surgery and extractions to treating lyme disease. PoundHounds was there to help each dog - and each ACO. But we can't do it alone, we depend on our supporters. Your generosity allows us to help these dogs in need. Please consider making a special donation to our Miracle Medical Fund so that we can continue to help the dogs in town pounds, who need the help more than ever. Just indicate "Miracle Medical Fund" in the comments section of the form. Thank you.



PoundHounds received a generous donation of several Kuranda Beds so was able to equip 5 kennels at the Taunton Animal Shelter with 5 Kuranda Beds, 2 with soft fleece covers. Thanks to our generous supporters, the dogs at the Taunton Animal Shelter will sleep better tonight! And thanks for PoundHounds Board Member Diane for delivering the beds!



Natural Balance Announces Voluntary Recall of Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food

June 18, 2010 - Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc., of Pacoima, CA, announces a voluntary recall of Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food with the "Best By" date of June 17, 2011, in 5-lb. and 28-lb. bags because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. No illnesses have been reported to date. To read more about it, visit the FDA's web site.

To read a letter from Natural Balance's President Joey Herrick, click here.







Nature's Variety Product Recall

Nature's Variety has expanded its voluntary recall of Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diets for dogs and cats to include the "Best If Used By" dates of 10/29/10 and 11/9/10 because these products may be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the product or any surfaces exposed to these products. To learn more, Visit the FDA website for details.

As a rule of thumb, read all pet food labels carefully. Watch out for manufacturers that use phrases like "Printed in U.S.A". This is a misleading attempt by manufacturers to catch your eye quickly and convey the impression that the contents are of U.S. origin. The product packaging may very well have been printed in the U.S.A., but the food product itself may not have been manufactured in the U.S.A.



FreeKibble.com


Foreclosure Resources

Home foreclosures are on the rise in Massachusetts and many pets are losing their homes as well as their families. Pets have been among the voiceless victims of the current economic downturn. Shelters are reporting increases in animal surrenders due to financial difficulties and foreclosures as families struggle to keep and feed pets. If foreclosure looks possible, plan ahead by looking for pet-friendly housing, locating a temporary home for your pet, or adopting your pet out yourself to well-screened homes. If all else fails, bring your pet to your local humane shelter or animal control facility. But never abandon your pet. Resources are available. Click here to read more and to find out what you can do to help.


The Many Faces of Barktoberfest!