Acupuncture for Dogs

Amusing article on Slate.com about acupuncture for dogs.

Acupuncture for My Border Collie
Does "holistic" veterinary care really work?
By Jon Katz

excerpt...

..."Look," she told me. "There's nothing conventional veterinary medicine can do for this dog. He's physically healthy. But he does have problems. I'd like you to take him to a holistic vet in Vermont who has helped with problems I can't fix."

This was not a suggestion I particularly relished. I had read enough "holistic" veterinary advice on the Web to make me leery of it. I don't doubt there are many useful alternative approaches to almost any form of medicine, human or animal, and Eastern veterinary approaches are in vogue among dog lovers now. But it's almost impossible—at least for me—to gauge the effectiveness of these alternatives, which many people first encounter online....[read more]

I haven't tried acupuncture on my dogs, especially
not for behavior-related problems, but Chewie
did have some aquapressure treatments for a sore
shoulder/leg. The vet injected an inert fluid
under the skin at certain pressure points.
After maybe two treatments, Chewie had stopped
limping after being in pain for months. So,
who knows?

Have you brought your dog in for acupuncture
treatments? Tell us all about it!

Puppies Behind Bars & Four Preppy Paws

From a press release:

Four Preppy Paws Dog Accessories Support True Stars; Puppies Behind Bars

Boston, MA, June 27, 2005 – Four Preppy Paws (FPP), a manufacturer and retailer of classic accessories for dogs and their owners, has teamed up with Puppies Behind Bars (PBB), a unique program giving prison inmates the opportunity to raise puppies to become working dogs.  FPP custom designed the “American Classic” product line, featuring patriotic colors and stars, in honor of PBB. The collection includes dog collars, leashes, and matching belts and key chains for owners. Ten percent of all “American Classic” sales will go to the PBB program. 

“Four Preppy Paws has a history of supporting various causes, but Puppies Behind Bars is special in that it helps both dogs and people in need,” said FPP owner Heidi Barraza, “We are extremely excited about this partnership and truly believe that the men, women and dogs of PBB are all stars.”

“We are thrilled and honored to be supported by such a dog and people loving company. Four Preppy Paws has a true spirit that is portrayed through both their products and their dedication to charities close to their heart,” said Annie Teillon, Director of Development for Puppies Behind Bars.

The “American Classic” line of products is handmade with all-nickel hardware and a navy ribbon decorated with white stars, overlaying red cotton webbing, and is perfect to commemorate July 4th and to honor all of the Puppies Behind Bars participants. 

About Puppies Behind Bars:

Puppies Behind Bars operates in six correctional institutions in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Select inmates, with the assistance of outside families, raise puppies to become either guide dogs for the blind or explosive detection canines for law enforcement.  The program has successfully graduated 80 dogs, and is currently working with 163 inmates and 71 puppies.  In 2004, 87% of PBB’s guide dog pups and 96% of their explosive detection canine pups progressed to formal training.  For more information, go to www.puppiesbehindbars.com.    

About Four Preppy Paws:

Four Preppy Paws manufactures and retails classically inspired accessories for dogs and their owners.  Each collar, leash, belt and key chain is created by hand in New England from the highest-quality fabrics, ribbons, and hardware.  The collection can be found in 30 retailers nationwide, and online at www.fourpreppypaws.com.   

Dogs 24/7

Sounds like a great coffee table book and even better gift for your favorite dog lovers! (Doggie Warning: There is some cat info in here as well...)

From the press release:

In Fall 2004, pet lovers across the world were invited to upload digital photographs of their cats and dogs to www.cats24-7.com and www.dogs24-7.com.  They responded with an overwhelming 100,000 photographs.  The best of these - along with compelling photos taken by top photojournalists across America - now appear in DOGS 24/7 and CATS 24/7.  Intriguing essays from renowned dog and cat writers, including Mark Derr, James Herriott, and Patricia B. McConnell, complement the photographs.

These books were inspired by Oprah Winfrey who personalized her copy of America 24/7 with a photo of her dogs, Sophie and Solomon, which she proudly displayed on her annual 'Favorite Things' program.  Since then, more than 80,000 Americans have uploaded digital photos to create their own custom covers, one third of which feature pets.  This should come as no surprise since half of American pet lovers (more than 70 million people) say they would choose their pet as their sole companion if stranded on a desert island.  

Now dog lovers can put Max or Molly (the top names for dogs) on the cover of a book that showcases pampered pooches and working dogs, lumbering Great Danes and tiny Yorkies, perfectly groomed show dogs and adorable mutts.  Whether they live on a farm or boat, a penthouse or trailer park, the pooches featured in DOGS 24/7 illustrate humanity's ageless love affair with our canine companions.

Have you ordered one of these books? If so, tell us about it!