ASPCA says: It's the 1st annual National Dog Fighting Awareness Day

This time last year, the ASPCA was on the ground in Missouri assisting in a massive, three-state dog fighting raid. After rescuing over one hundred dogs that day, we all breathed a sigh of relief. They were finally safe. Safe from the cold, safe from the neglect, and safe from the pain.

But that sense of relief was fleeting. Though those dogs will never have to fight again, dog fighting has maintained an aggressive hold over our society. And it's not just happening in small, dark corners of the country—it's happening everywhere. From densely-populated communities to famous football teams, dog fighting sometimes eludes the general public's conscience for reasons we can't fully understand.

But we refuse to give up.
The ASPCA is committed to ending dog fighting. We have designated today, April 8, as the first annual National Dog Fighting Awareness Day. We created this day to advance the conversation about dog fighting, and to encourage animal lovers across the country to take action against this brutal form of cruelty.

We believe that there will come a time when dog fighting is seen for what it really is: the shameful pastime of cowards. But until that time comes, we will continue to fight for the victims so that they don't have to.

Please join the movement and take a stand. Make a gift to the ASPCA today.

Your daily awe: Frog Frenchie Fun French Bulldog Puppy Argues Bedtime

Another reason to let your sleeping dogs sleep near you

from: kxan.com

Round Rock (KXAN)- First responders with the Round Rock Fire Department responded to a house fire early Sunday morning. It happened at 204 Fannin Avenue at 1:22a.m.

Neighbors tell KXAN one woman was in the home when the fire broke out, and she was able to make it out safely and run across the street to find help.

“You’re just laying there, watching TV, and the last thing you expect is to have somebody knock on the door,” said neighbor Ron March, “[She was] crying crazily. She was extremely upset.”

March called 911, and says the fire started getting worse until firefighters arrived.

Round Rock Fire Department officials say the fire was heaviest on the second floor, and flames were shooting through the roof and the back of the home when crews got there.

Firefighters put the the flames out in a little more than an hour. Investigators estimate the damage is $300,000 worth.

The homeowner told fire crews her dogs alerted her to the fire.

“She said she was sleeping in the back room, and luckily for her, her dogs had woken her up,” said March, “When she ran over here she had her three dogs with her.”

The Round Rock Fire Department is still investigating the cause of the fire.

Dog clothing line? Seriously?

Austin woman charged with animal cruelty

Source: keytv.com

Updated: Friday, April 4 2014, 12:08 PM CDT 

An Austin woman is charged with animal cruelty after she did surgery on her dog. According to an arrest affidavit, Ana Berta Ayala-Morales, 44, took her dog Precious, a Yorkshire terrier, to the Emergency Animal Hospital Northwest Austin on Feb. 4 because it was having trouble giving birth. A veterinarian there said the dog needed a C-section costing $2,000. Ayala-Morales said she did not the money. The veterinarian said to give the dog fluid then take her to the Animal Trustees of Austin in the morning for surgery. The facility provides low cost veterinary care. The veterinarian also told Ayala-Morales to bring the dog back or call if she had concerns, the affidavit said. Ayala-Morales took it upon herself to do the C-section, according to the affidavit. She used a paint utility knife to perform the surgery.  The dog was not given any pain medication. "After removing six puppies from Precious, Ayala-Morales then sewed up the wound with standard needle and thread. Five of the puppies survived," the affidavit said. The next morning the dog was not doing well so she took it to the Austin Humane Society. The dog was then taken to the Austin Animal Center. The affidavit explains that Ayala-Morales could have paid the money, gone on a payment plan, wait to take the dog to Animal Trustees of Austin or surrender it since she could not afford the care. Ayala-Morales is not in custody.

Read More at: http://www.keyetv.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/woman-gives-dog-csection-charged-animal-cruelty-17222.shtml?app_data=%7B%22pi%22%3A%2217661_1396631407_1559925857%22%2C%22pt%22%3A%22twitter%22%7D

Who sezzzz cats don't like to go "for a ride"

Relief from the heat: this year's Mighty Texas Dog Walk goes indoors for first time

The 16th Annual Mighty Texas Dog Walk is moving indoors! 

"Join us for a stroll around the beautiful Palmer Events Center overlooking Auditorium Shores and lots of exciting entertainment, giveaways, games and the chance for your dog to be a STAR…all inside! Help us fetch even more Guinness World Records, including the return of our Guinness World Record Holding Fur Ball." 

Participating pooches will enjoy the latest in dog food samples, advice from top veterinarians, games of canine skill and even a doggie psychic.100% of the proceeds benefit Service Dogs, Inc. celebrating its 25th anniversary of transforming shelter dogs into assistants for disabled individuals free of charge. Take advantage of early bird discounts by registering online at http://www.servicedogs.org/16th-annual-mighty-texas-dog-walk-2014/#regForm.