Alisa Johnson is a Navy wife and active duty Marine officer training to be a pilot. As if that wasn’t enough, she is also founder and president of her own nonprofit organization called Dogs on Deployment (DoD). For these reasons (and because she seems like an awesome person…read more below), Ms. Johnson has been nominated for Military Spouse of the Year and as a fellow dog lover, we wanted to show our support.

About Dogs on Deployment

DoD matches military pet families with foster families needing homes, helping more than 100 families by linking them with people to provide temporarily care. Alisa rescues animals herself, helping find them homes and assists with medical issues and spay/neuter costs. Her website, Facebook page and blog are filling a vital service in the military community helping pet families and keeping animals out of shelters. She’s constantly looking for creative ways to spread the message and help others, contacting families weekly on Craigslist to let them know there’s options other than leaving a pet behind. She finds military pets at shelters doomed to die and then leverages her massive Facebook page (18,700 fans and counting) reach to bring them to safety. She’s also helping in the effort to ask for a consistent joint pet policy and to give all pet owners the ability to enjoy base housing, regardless of breed. An online petition asking for breed neutral policies that she helped start has nearly 25,000 signatures.

“Pets may be an afterthought in some people’s minds, but Dogs on Deployment promotes and celebrates the human animal bond, putting pets where families who love them know where they should be; an integral, cherished member of the military family.

Her [Alisa's] advocacy, education and love for pets shines through in everything she does. Her education efforts focus on building responsible pet communities by proper pet training, spay/neuter, registration/chipping, moving resources among other information services.

She’s also a team player and leader. She frequently partners with other organizations supporting pets and their families to increase the support for Dogs on Deployment so that they can help more military families. Pet businesses with a an interest in the military can partner with her and offer supporters discounts Her active list of volunteers who spread the word about Dogs on Deployment through pet festivals and other outreach venues.

Alisa does all of this while maintaining her fulltime military duties, supporting her Navy husband as he performs carrier deployments and she takes care of two dogs, a parrot and recently single-handedly remodeled a new home. She frequently shares her personal life with her fans and sets the example, rescuing abandoned pets and finding homes for animals with no other options.

Please consider honoring Alisa for her lifesaving accomplishments keeping military families with their pets.” Theresa Donnelly, Military Member

To vote for Alisa Johnson as Military Spouse of the Year, click here.

Legal limbo is over for 149 dogs rescued from a warehouse near Salem. The owners of the dogs, who are facing animal neglect charges, voluntarily relinquished ownership of the pets to the Oregon Humane Society yesterday. OHS hopes to have 40 – 60 of the rescued dogs available for adoption in two to three weeks.

The dogs were rescued Jan. 13 by OHS and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office from a warehouse in Brooks, just outside of Salem. Many of the dogs were extremely underweight and lived in small crates that were stacked on top of each other. Marion County charged the three individuals who operated Willamette Valley Animal Rescue with 10 counts of first-degree animal neglect, 10 counts of second degree animal neglect and one count of attempting to tamper with physical evidence.

“We were extremely concerned that the rescued dogs would be caught in a legal battle for months without any possibility of adoption,” said OHS Executive Director Sharon Harmon. “Now that ownership of the pets has passed to OHS, we are going to place these dogs in new homes as soon as their health allows.”

OHS expects the healthiest of the rescued dogs to be available for adoption in two to three weeks. Many of the dogs are still extremely underweight, and need additional care to ensure their recovery. “Once these dogs get back on the road to health, we think their recovery will go even faster when they are with a loving family.”

More details about the upcoming adoptions will be posted on the OHS website as they become available. Potential adopters will be required to complete an adoption application before seeing the pets. The dogs range in age from puppies to mature dogs, and include German shepherds, terriers, daschunds and mixed breeds.

Yesterday’s surrender of the pets to OHS does not affect the status of the ongoing court case.

Celebrating 144 years of service, the Oregon Humane Society is dedicated to helping animals and people. Last year, more than 11,500 animals were adopted through the Oregon Humane Society and over 1,000 reports of animal abuse and neglect were investigated.

PHOTO: Dr. Kris Otteman, OHS Director of Shelter Medicine, examines dog during rescue in Brooks.

Super Sunday typically equals several hours logged jumping up and down on the couch, shouting at the television, and consuming mass amounts of waistline expanding substances that lead to a serious calorie overdose, all while a befuddled pet looks on.

Pets aren’t passing judgment as they watch the party’s outrageous antics. They are simply imploring you with their eyes to take care of their special physical, mental, social and emotional needs, which in turn, will surprisingly help pet parents avoid the dreaded Monday morning, “Big Game” hangover.

Since not everyone speaks dog, cat, fish, hamster or the like, esteemed animal behaviorist, Dr. Debra Horwitz, and “America’s Veterinarian”, Dr. Marty Becker, have partnered with Petco to translate for your pet and share these four tips to avoid overdoing it on game day.

TIP #1: By recording halftime commercials you can take care of your pet’s physical and social needs by taking a quick trip to the dog park. Not only will this provide your pet with the exercise it needs to care for its physical health, it also provides social benefits for you – pet owners have a tendency to want to talk with other pet owners. Plus, February 14th is coming up and if you don’t already have a Valentine, you may find one at the dog park. And for those worried about missing the second half of the game, opt for an activity closer to home like a walk around the block or a rousing game of fetch in the yard.

TIP #2: Fans will consume some 11 million pounds of chips and 450 million chicken wings on game day, which makes this America’s second biggest food consuming day of the year behind Thanksgiving. Guests may be tempted to sneak these fattening foods to pets, but people food can be harmful, particularly chicken wings, which pets can choke on. Do pets a favor and offer healthy, pet-specific treats so pets can share in the big game spread. Plus, antacid sales see a 20 percent increase the Monday morning after the big game, so follow suit with nutritious snacks for people to ensure that no guests’ physical health suffers.

TIP #3: When the action gets intense and fans are on the edge of their seats, take a moment to pet a furry friend. Giving a pet some love strengthens the human animal bond, provides for a pet’s emotional health needs and studies show it has even greater benefits for people. The hormone oxytocin kicks into high gear when petting an animal, helping to reduce blood pressure and decrease cortisol, a hormone related to stress and anxiety. Even stopping to watch fish swim will make a difference in your mood. And if your team is on the losing end, therapists have been prescribing pets for years as a way to deal with depression.

TIP #4: Create a quiet place. Loud party voices and booming music can make pets anxious. Even well-socialized animals are likely to be pushed beyond their limits. To take care of pet’s mental health, make sure pets have a restful room or area to which they can retreat. And if you’re getting particularly worked up, it may be good for you to have a timeout from the game too!

Citizens from across Washington participating in the annual Humane Lobby Day will assemble at the state capital, Monday, January 28, to rally in support of animal protection legislation and to meet with lawmakers to urge them to pass animal protection bills.

Humane Lobby Day is hosted by The Humane Society of the United States, ASPCA and Wolf Haven International. The citizen advocates will also hear from Rep. Hans Dunshee, who is being awarded The HSUS’ 2012 Humane Legislator of the Year Award for his years of strong leadership regarding animal protection.

Humane Lobby Day attendees will urge their legislators to support the following bills:

Bill to ban the routine docking of dairy cows’ tails.

HB 1201/SB 5203 – Prohibits selling, bartering, or auctioning of animals upon certain public property or upon certain private property open to the public.

HB 1202/SB 5204 – Modifies animal cruelty provisions relating to the crimes of animal cruelty in the first and second degree, animal fighting, and leaving and/or confining an animal in a motor vehicle or certain enclosed spaces.

SB 5081 – Strengthens state ban on shark fins and derivative products. “Finning” is an abhorrent practice that involves slicing off the fins of a shark and discarding the animal at sea to drown or bleed to death. Unsustainable fishing methods like this have led to declines by as much as 90 percent in some shark populations during recent decades. A ban on shark fin products is the most effective way to eliminate the demand for shark fins and to eradicate shark finning around the world.

Make 2013 a better year by taking to heart a New Year’s resolution for your four-legged friends. The Oregon Humane Society encourages everyone to adopt one (or more) of these resolutions for the upcoming year:

1.    I will get exercise by walking and playing with my dog every day.

2.    I will keep my cat mentally and physically healthy with at least five minutes of kitty playtime every day.

3.    I won’t procrastinate or miss veterinary exams needed by my pets.

4.    I will be a voice for those who can’t speak for themselves and will report animal neglect and abuse when I see it.

5.    I will give the gift of compassion by volunteering at a local shelter and/or by making a financial donation to help pets in need.

It’s winter in Washington and with temperatures in the 30s and 40s, hypothermia is a real possibility for dogs.

Hypothermia, occurring in both humans and pets, is a condition characterized by abnormally low body temperatures. There are three phases of hypothermia: mild, with a body temperature of 90-99 degrees; moderate, with a body temperature of 82-90 degrees; and severe, with a body temperature of less than 82 degrees. With hypothermia, a dog is no longer able to control normal body temperature resulting in an abnormal heartbeat and difficulty breathing.

Generally, hypothermia results from spending too much time outside in the cold. Although there is not a specific time limit for a given temperature a dog should be left outside, Dr. Stacy Eckman, lecturer at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says time spent outside in the cold should be restricted.

“The amount of time a pet should spend outside varies based on how acclimated the pet is to cooler temperatures,” Eckman says. “Typically, we do not recommend indoor pets to spend considerable amounts of time outdoors in cold temperatures without supervision.”

Hypothermia should be considered when taking any pet into the cold for long periods of time, but some are more susceptible to the illness than others. Smaller, younger dogs, for example, are likely to lose their body heat faster resulting in hypothermia, Eckman adds.

“Geriatric patients may take medications that alter their ability to regulate their temperature and blood flow making them also more susceptible,” she says.

She adds that Arctic breeds such as Huskies or Malamutes can be less prone to hypothermia than other breeds because of their thicker coats.

If a dog is left in the cold for an extended period of times, signs of hypothermia to look for are shivering, lethargy, weakness and shallow breathing. The more severe the case of hypothermia, the worse the signs will appear.

“After a period of time, the shivering stops and they become more neurologically affected,” Eckman says. “Their heart rates may drop to dangerous levels, and it can be fatal.”

It is important to take the pet to the veterinarian or seek a veterinarian’s advice if hypothermia is suspected. Once there, the veterinarian can monitor the pet’s heartbeat, breathing and temperature. If the temperature falls below 98 degrees, Eckman says the veterinarian will start “active warming” on the pet. Active warming includes placing warm blankets or heating pads on the animal and feeding it warmed oats or rice. Eckman cautions that owners should not perform these methods of treatment before consulting a veterinarian.

“Items such as heating pads should never be applied directly to pets as this can cause thermal burns,” she says.

For severe cases, the veterinarian may give warmed IV fluids or warm water enemas to the pet.

Another result from leaving a dog in the cold for long periods of time is frostbite. Frostbite occurs on areas least covered by fur such as ears and tails. Signs of frostbite include red, swollen areas or pale, white areas. As with hypothermia, it is important to consult a veterinarian if frostbite is suspected.

To prevent hypothermia and frostbite, it is recommended that pets, particularly smaller, younger or older pets, are not in the cold for extended periods of time. Eckman also recommends putting sweaters or booties on the pet to keep them warm.

“Dogs with coats and booties may look cute, but this ‘fashion statement’ may protect from hypothermia,” she says.

This winter, whether staying in Washington or traveling, remember to monitor the temperature if your pet is spending extended periods of time in the cold.

Good news! The Humane Society Legislative Fund and Consumer Specialty Products Association jointly announce an agreement to voluntarily add a bitter flavoring agent to antifreeze and engine coolant manufactured for sale for the consumer market in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to prevent animals and children from being poisoned by the sweet-tasting liquid. Poisoning occurs because animals are attracted to the sweetness of antifreeze and engine coolant, which inadvertently spills in our driveways or is left in open containers in garages.

HSLF estimates range from 10,000 to 90,000 animals poisoned each year after ingesting ethylene glycol, the highly toxic substance used in auto antifreeze and coolant. Ethylene glycol’s sweet smell and taste make it attractive to animals as well as children. The manufacturers are adding bitter-tasting denatonium benzoate to antifreeze and coolant sold directly to consumers across the country.

“Partnering with the Humane Society Legislative Fund in passing these laws in 17 states has shown by finding compromise and working together we can develop sound public policy. It is vital that consumers continue to read the labels and follow label instructions on the proper use, storage and disposal of antifreeze. Today, all major marketers are placing the bitterant in antifreeze in all 50 states,” said Phil Klein, executive vice president, legislative and public affairs for CSPA.

Facts:

Seventeen states currently require the addition of the bittering agent to antifreeze and engine coolant: Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Oregon passed the first state law and it has been in effect since 1991.

In one survey, two out of three veterinarians reported that they had treated at least one case of antifreeze/engine coolant poisoning each year.

One teaspoon of antifreeze or engine coolant can kill an average-sized cat.

Denatonium benzoate has been used in common household products and as an anti-nail biting formula for decades in the United States.

‘Tis the season for holiday photos, and with these upcoming events, your four-legged family members won’t be left out in the cold. Ho ho ho!

Santa Paws Photos at Molbak’s
November 17 • Woodinville, Wash. 2-5 p.m. at Molbak’s Garden & Home, 13625 Northeast 175th St, Woodinville. Get your pet’s photo taken with Santa. Join the fun at Molbak’s for a festive event. A $20 donation to Seattle Humane Society gets you a session with Santa and a digital photo that you can share with your friends and family or create holiday cards.

Santa Photos for Seattle Humane
December 1 • Bellevue, Wash. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Crossroads Mall. Buy a photo package of your pet with Santa and the proceeds from the sale benefits Seattle Humane Society. seattlehumane.org

Santa Photos for Seattle Humane
December 1 • Kirkland, Wash. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Woodmark Hotel, 1200 Carillon Point. Get your pooches photo with Santa for a donation to benefit Seattle Humane Society. seattlehumane.org

Santa Photos for Seattle Humane
December 1 • Seattle, Wash. 12-4 p.m. at Rex, 1402 12th Avenue. Get your pup’s photo with Santa for a donation to Seattle Humane Society. seattlehumane.org

Holiday Photos for Kitsap Humane
December 1 • Bainbridge Island, Wash. 11-3 p.m. at B.I. Barkery. $25 for one digital file and 20% off a la carte menu. 50% of proceeds goes to Lick. Slobber. Drool. to help fight canine cancer, and 50% to Kitsap Humane Society.

Holiday Photos for Lick. Slobber. Drool.
December 9 • Seattle, Wash. 10-3 p.m. at Muttley Crew Cuts. $25 for one digital file and 20% off a la carte menu. All of the proceeds go to the Lick. Slobber. Drool. scholarship fund.

Photo by Julie Clegg, Bailey & Banjo Pet Photography

Speaking of Old Dog Haven (see previous blog post), on Friday, November 23, 2012, join Pet Portraits by David and the below businesses for a yearly tradition, holiday portraits of your pet! A portion of the $30.00 sitting fee will benefit Art for Animals’ Sake & Old Dog Haven and include a high-resolution image emailed to you, perfect for reproduction and holiday cards.

There will be a beautiful holiday backdrop, with a tree, packages and lots of props to create a portrait as unique as your companion.

All the Best Pet Care, Queen Anne
Date: Friday, November 23rd
Location: 2127 Queen Anne Ave N.
Time: 12:00 – 4:00pm Phone: 206.283.3959

Umpqua Bank, Admiral District West Seattle
Date: Friday, November 30th
Location: 2620 California Avenue Southwest #500
Time: 12:00 – 5:30pm Phone: 206.694.5460

Mind Unwind Gallery
Date: December 1 and 2
Sign up through Mind Unwind’s website now!
Time: 12:00 – 5:30pm Phone: 206.849.7222

All the Best Pet Care, Ballard
Date: Friday, December 7th
Location: 1909 Northwest Market Street
Time: 12:00 – 4:00pm Phone: 206.782.1500

For more information, visit petportraitsbydavid.com.

November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month. We wanted to shed some light on the benefits that come with adopting a senior dog. Whether you’ve always been an animal person or are just looking for a new companion, the benefits of a senior pet are never-ending.

Relax: Most of us live hectic lifestyles running from here to there all day long. Senior pets tend to have less energy and want lots of love, so what better way to end your day than to relax with your new best friend? It will do wonders for both of you.

You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks: Despite the common myth that you can’t train older dogs, older dogs actually learn quite well. Not only will doing some reward-based training help you and your new dog create a positive bond, it will also help keep your dog’s brain active and challenged.

Exercise: Every dog needs exercise, no matter how old they are, but senior dogs generally need to travel a shorter span before they get tired. This means both you and your new friend will get out and about together for some exercise, but you won’t need to travel the distances you would need to with a younger dog.

You Make a Difference: Most people want to adopt the younger pets at shelters, so senior dogs are frequently overlooked. Bringing a senior pet into your home will surely make that pet feel special. Knowing you are helping them live out the last years of their life with a loving family by their side and a warm bed to lay on will make a difference for them, and for you. Find your forever friend today at Old Dog Haven!

And, check out our article on caring for a senior dog by clicking here!