Welcome to the Summer 2006 edition of "Paws for Progress" new format!

We understand how busy life can be, and it is the same with things happening that affect the welfare of our companions, new drugs, new laws/regulations and legislation. Hopefully this new format will make it easier for you. Your comments and/or suggestions are always welcomed!

Memorial Day made me stop and think. Some of our companions may be gone, but they aren't forgotten. In each future edition, we'd like to feature one Memorial. It is only proper to start with the one below.

This month is "George". Everyone knows how Jean Townsend has carried on her fight, in his memory. You might say Jean, George and the Internet started everything we know today. "He found me September 1992 -- I lost him October 13, 1997" - - "Always for George, Always for the Rimadyl Dogs" Good Work Jean!

The big news for May came from the front page of the Washington Post, (although the title was deceiving) "Vioxx Debate Echoed in Battle Over Dog Drugs". Many thanks to Marc Kaufman for the article. From TheDogPlace "Stunning good news - right on the Front Page. The more people get it, the more they "get it" and this warning about dog drugs went to hundreds of thousands!"

Some people may ask: "CIS? What is that?"

Several things for the Summer Season: Does your pet enjoy going 'bye-bye' with you? PETS TV had an article about driving with your pet on your lap and safety. The Pet Place has "How to Plant a Dog-safe Garden" with Tips on Planting a Dog Friendly Garden. The DVM Magazine has "Summer activities trigger spike in veterinary visits, survey reveals" and HSUS has some very good "Summer Tips". From VetCentric we have "Pets and Pesticides: A Safe Combination?"

Just forwarded to me: a Good Summer Reminder "The ASPCA has a poison control hotline phone number for pets. This is the only dedicated animal poison control hotline in the world manned by veterinarians, not telephone operators. The number is staffed 24/7 at (888) 4ANI-HELP or (888) 426-4435."

Bumper Stickers Available!

From a United Kingdom news source we find "Who says that animals don't experience pleasure? Science has neglected animal pleasure. Research tends to focus on evolutionary explanations for natural phenomena. By considering only natural selection and reproductive success, it overlooks the experiences of animals - their feelings, emotions and pleasures. Dr Jonathan Balcombe is an ethologist and research scientist with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, in Washington DC. His book Pleasurable Kingdom: Animals and the Nature of Feeling Good (Macmillan) is out now."

Did you KNOW? "Aspirin" is an NSAID? There should be a washout period between giving aspirin and any other NSAID?

The HSUS may be under controversey right now, but they have a traveling exhibit that sounds interesting "Pets, Past and Present:" Over the last century, animals have wiggled their way into our hearts and our culture. A new museum exhibit, Pets in America, weaves a fascinating tale of pets, with artifacts ranging from a canary care book from 1881 to a Lassie lunchbox from the 1970s. See if the traveling exhibit will be visiting your area, or take the virtual tour.

Advocacy: Sometimes, things happen in our lifes, that just aren't right. A lot of us want to do something about it, sometimes we don't know what though. Some of us have more time then others and are able to attempt to make changes. Some can give us 'samples'. "Sample letter to legislators" and help us look up who we should send it to. ADLF also has "Working with Legislators" Remember, it only takes 5 minutes to send a letter.

Deb with Pet Advocate Town Hall has a new page and has gone into 'movies'! She also has a List of Ideas of things we can do. Marcia Roseberg has been working hard in SC also, having just had the Veterinary Practice Act became law on May 31, 2006, with the governor's signature. All veterinary disciplinary hearings will be open to the public, along with the records. The specific sections are 40-69-90 and 40-69-190.

Demitry Herman continues his fight in PA with Vet Legislation and Senate Bill 1144 (Client Information Sheets) and 1145 (Pre-screening). Watch for updates on that page. He has recently been contacted for a TV interview.

Many thanks to Bill White of the Morning Call in PA for keeping residents updated on what is happening "Dog deaths prompt state legislation" and recently after speaking with a vet "Most vets are caring, conscientious"

In our last edition your saw the Memorial for "Mattie". If you haven't seen the follow up Special Reports due to her death, they can be found on the front page or at the end of "Mattie's" Memorial. Kelly has worked very hard on this project. There is information on everything from extra (off) label use, CIS and informed consent, over vaccinating to Better Business Bureau and credit cards for payment.

In Kentucky, we have a new website called "LouisvillePetPals" Of course it is open to everyone, it has a lot good information and a forum! Check it out!

A parting thought for this edition...... a lot of us may have encountered the problem of having an ill, sick or injured dog (whether due to a suspected drug reaction or not), then wonder how we were going to pay for it, with bills due and children needing other things. One dog in particular, has been recently brought to our attention. "Snickers" Please, please, read her story!

"All truth passes through three stages:

First it is Ridiculed.
Second, it is Violently Opposed.
Third, it is Accepted as being Self-Evident."
~Arthur Schopenhauer (1778-1860)

"The great aim of education is not knowledge, but action"
Herbert Spencer~
English Philosopher