United Airlines, in response to customer feedback that included an online petition, has changed its pet-restriction policy. It no longer bans nine breeds of dogs from being transported on United flights.
Chicago-based United, which merged with Continental Airlines, adopted Continental’s PetSafe program on March 3. It has a number of perks for flying dogs and cats.
But the program also used what critics called “canine profiling,” restricting dogs from flying on United flights based solely on their breed — a restriction the former United Airlines didn’t have. The nine restricted breeds were: Pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, ca de bou, cane corso, dogo Argentino, fila Brasileiro, perro de presa canario, presa canario and tosa (or tosa ken).
The policy prompted an online petition at Change.org that received nearly 46,000 signatures.
In response, United changed its policy, effective April 24. It no longer bans the nine breeds but requires them to be transported in reinforced crates.
“As a result feedback, United will now accept previously restricted breeds of dogs,” United said in a statement. However, the dogs must be in a non-plastic, reinforced crate that meets certain container requirements. Details are online at: tinyurl.com/united-pets
Hawaii resident Jessie Huart started the petition after her 10-year-old pit bull was denied travel due to his breed.
“I am thrilled that United listened to their customers,” Huart said in a news release. “This change is a victory for responsible dog owners everywhere at a time when many are facing breed discrimination.”
gkarp@tribune.com
Study Finds Modern Dog Breeds Genetically Disconnected from Ancient Ancestors
Cross-breeding of dogs over thousands of years has made it extremely difficult to trace the ancient genetic roots of today’s pets, according to a new study led by Durham University.
An international team of scientists analysed data of the genetic make-up of modern-day dogs, alongside an assessment of the global archaeological record of dog remains, and found that modern breeds genetically have little in common with their ancient ancestors.
Dogs were the first domesticated animals and the researchers say their findings will ultimately lead to greater understanding of dogs’ origins and the development of early human civilisation.
Although many modern breeds look like those depicted in ancient texts or in Egyptian pyramids, cross-breeding across thousands of years has meant that it is not accurate to label any modern breeds as “ancient”, the researchers said.
Breeds such as the Akita, Afghan Hound and Chinese Shar-Pei, which have been classed as “ancient”, are no closer to the first domestic dogs than other breeds due to the effects of lots of cross-breeding, the study found.
Other effects on the genetic diversity of domestic dogs include patterns of human movement and the impact on dog population sizes caused by major events, such as the two World Wars, the researchers added.
The findings are published today (Monday May 21) in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA (PNAS). The Durham-led research team was made up of scientists from a number of universities including Uppsala University, Sweden, and the Broad Institute, in the USA.
In total the researchers analysed genetic data from 1,375 dogs representing 35 breeds. They also looked at data showing genetic samples of wolves, with recent genetic studies suggesting that dogs are exclusively descended from the grey wolf.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2012-05-modern-dog-genetically-disconnected-ancient.html
Animals Can Get Sunburn Too
“Animals can get sunburn, just as people do, from too much sun exposure,” said Dr. Paul Calle, chief veterinarian at the Wildlife Conservation Society in the Bronx.
“Wild animals are marvelously adapted to their environment, so those in areas with lots of sunlight usually have scales, feathers or fur to protect them,” he said. “They also retreat to burrows, shady areas or water; wallow in water or mud; or spray dust or water on themselves when the sun is at its peak.”
Wild animals that are sick, injured or in distress, like stranded whales or dolphins, can develop serious sunburn because they cannot protect themselves from excessive exposure to the sun, Dr. Calle said.
Domestic animals, including dogs and cats, that have short hair, thin coats of hair or pale skin are at greater risk of sunburn, he said. Just like people, they can also develop complications like skin cancer, especially melanoma.
“For people and animals, avoiding excess exposure to high-intensity sunlight is the best prevention” for sun-related ills, Dr. Calle said.
New Team Barbara Berkhausen and Bosco
USDA Looks to Regulate Online Puppy Sales
The USDA has proposed an addition to the Animal Welfare Act that would require online and mail-order puppy retailers to allow face-to-puppy evaluation by buyers or require regular inspection and a license from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to protect the animals’ health and welfare. The Animal Welfare Act was written in 1966 and didn’t specify for on-site evaluation because it was implicit in the buying process at that time; however, the Internet gave way to thousands of online retailers where seeing the animals in person was not part of the buying process. The Washington Post/The Associated Press (5/10)
USDA seeks to close loophole in animal welfare law to cover breeders who sell pets on Internet
Dog breeders who skirt animal welfare laws by selling puppies over the Internet would face tighter scrutiny under a rule change proposed Thursday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The change would subject dog owners who breed more than four females and sell the puppies electronically, by mail or over the phone to the same oversight faced by wholesale dealers as part of the Animal Welfare Act.
That law, written in 1966, set standards of care for animals bred for commercial sale and research. Retail sales were exempt from inspections under the assumption that anyone who visited the store could see whether the animals appeared healthy and cared for.
United Lifts Ban on 9 Dog Breeds
Pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier and others must use reinforced carriers
By Gregory Karp Tribune staff reporter
2:53 p.m. CDT, May 8, 2012
from the Chicago Tribune
I Remember Ceilidh!
An alumni of the recovery center showed up outside when Karen and Ceilidh were leaving. He flipped out when he saw Ceilidh – it was a reuniting, she was loving him up and he was crying, telling her that she “was such an important part of his recovery and being able to stay drug free”. He was grinning ear to ear and introduced her to everyone around him, truly joyous.
SeaWorld Veterinarians Treat Sea Lion for Gunshot Wound
The California sea lion that was found with a bullet in its flipper has healed and was released back into the wild on Friday, according to SeaWorld.
The sea lion was rescued on Feb. 11 after beachgoers in Oceanside noticed the injured animal on the shore. 
SeaWorld rescued the female sea lion, and it turned out she was also severely malnourished. Specialists removed the bullet from her flipper and bandaged up the wound.
The staff nicknamed her “Valentine” since she was rescued a few days before the holiday.
After two months in the animal park’s rehabilitation program, Valentine gained more than 40 pounds and returned to full health.
SeaWorld said they returned the animal 2 to 3 miles off the coast in a good feeding area where dolphins, sea lions and sea birds were actively feeding.
Paige is Serenaded!
Sandy Chang and pet partner Paige had a great visit Friday morning April 13th. Paige was serenaded by a senior lady who did such an instant mood swing that the therapy staff was astonished. The lady had been sad and clingy all morning, but perked up, smiled and sang songs as soon as she started petting Paige! She was even singing to our trading card as Paige left. Good job, Paige!
Kris and Andre Bring Smiles at OCMMC
From Caring Creatures’ Pet Therapy team Kris and her standard poodle, Andre:
At Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley, Andre and I entered a hospital room full of family. The patient was in bed. The family was excited about a dog visit and the patient was willing. The bed was high so I coaxed Andre to get on a chair next to the bed, that way the gentleman might pet his head. He slowly moved his arm toward Andre. He tried a couple of times. Soon he reached and scratched Andres’ head. He moved his fingers and exclaimed “this is the first time I’ve been able to move my arm and fingers in twelve days!” The family was on their feet! Several members of the family grabbed their cameras and started taking pictures. Then the man started exploring his other limbs he said “my toes move and my legs move!” He was so excited that his arms went up like a football touchdown had been made. He and his family were so excited. We left the room with a joyous spirit. The family was buzzing and we were smiling. I was so glad that Andre was able to bring some joy to this family. Oh the joys of pet therapy!
Teri and Monk – a very special visit
Teri Kraslavsky and her beautiful Shepherd Monk have been doing pet therapy work for 8+years. The following special visit was at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo in 2010.
Monk was working at the hospital with a man with an inoperable brain tumor. The man was lying on a table in the gym and a therapist was helping him with stretching and strengthening exercises as he lay on his back.
Monk got up on the table and lay down, pressing his body against the man. The man responded to the soft, warm, sturdy presence of Monk gently pressing against his body. You could see the tension leave the man’s body, his face relaxed into a beatific smile. Both of their breathing slowed. Gradually stretching, the man’s range of motion increased, and increased, and then increased some more. As he began to do his strengthening exercises, he inadvertently dug his elbow into Monk’s face. Monk didn’t move, in fact, when I checked on him, I realized Monk was asleep. More than their bodies were touching………Monk wrapped him in wordless, tender, accepting protectiveness.
All of us teared-up, myself, the man’s wife, the therapist…. Later, as I was driving home, it occurred to me that when we are at home, and Monk even THINKS I am going to step on his long fur, he cries-out and gets up and leaves the room, yet he was willing to let the man smoosh his face with his elbow. Monk understands his therapy work is sacred.