Dog Rescuer Dies
On June 18, Michael James Keenan, who risked his life more than once to save others, died after undergoing more than four months of treatment for burns to 80% of his body, suffered while rescuing a friend’s Jack Russell Terrier from a San Francisco apartment fire. He was 44. Everyone at Bay Woof is terribly saddened by Michael’s passing and we offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Oakland Animal Services Chief A D.C. Humane Veteran
Over the vocal objections of volunteers who provide critical support to Oakland’s Animal Services Department, long-time volunteer coordinator Megan Webb was passed over when the list of candidates for department chief was drawn up earlier this year. Now Adam Parascandola, a veteran of the Washington D.C. Humane Society and active PETA member, has been given the $102,000-a-year-job.
Some think Webb wasn’t considered because she had stirred up trouble for the department, including blowing the whistle on misdeeds that occurred under previous leadership, including improper euthanasia of dogs. In recent months, the department has been managed by Oakland Police Sargeant David Cronin while the search for a permanent director took place.
Despite the outcry over the snubbing of Webb, hopes run high that Parascandola can establish a strong and cohesive agency to deal effectively and humanely with Oakland’s animal issues, including the large numbers of dogs bred for fighting.
Bulldog Sells iPhone
You know dogs have reached a new pinnacle of popularity when one is featured in the advertising for one of the most-hyped electronic products ever. The jury’s still out on Apple’s new everything-but-the-kitchen-sink mobile phone, which was released in mid-June, but that surfboard-riding bulldog featured in the TV commercials truly rocks.
Don’t Eat These Greens
Throughout the year, but especially in the summertime, bodies of stagnant water can get clogged with algae, which can be toxic to dogs.
Even water that appears clear can be algae-filled. Whenever water has an off-odor, dogs should not drink or swim in it. Especially avoid the green pond scum that is common in parts of Golden Gate Park and Pine Lake in San Francisco. Always monitor your dog closely when playing near lakes, ponds, or drainage ditches, and take care to keep her away from algae of any kind.
Tsujimoto Tribute Provides Pensions for Police Dogs
The tragic death last year of 41-year-old Darryl Tsujimoto, head of the San Francisco police department’s award-winning Canine Unit, will have some unexpected happy consequences for his canine coworkers. Philanthropist Nina Ireland recently made a $1 million donation to Pets Unlimited in honor of Tsujimoto, specially earmarked for the care of retired police dogs. In response to the news, Police Chief Heather Fong issued this statement: “The San Francisco Police Department is gratified and honored by this wonderfully generous endowment that will also go toward helping our retired Canine Unit dogs after their years of dedicated and tireless hard work.”
World’s Ugliest Dog Crowned
Elwood, a Chinese Crested-Chihuahua Mix from New Jersey, was crowned the World’s Ugliest Dog at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in late June. The popular Petaluma event, which has taken place since 1976, is intended to celebrate not just funny looks, but the beauty that lies beneath the surface of every dog.
There are different competitions for purebred dogs and mutts, then the year’s ugliest dog faces off with previous winners for the World title.
Elwood and his human companion, Karen Quigley, took home a trophy and a not-too-shabby cash prize. Quigley said she was especially gratified by Elwood’s victory because he was rescued from a breeder who intended to have him killed for being so unsightly.
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