Kristi Rush is the trainer here at Best Friends. She has been training dogs for 23 years. Her son has a Golden Retriever named Lugnut. She has been training Lugnut since he was a puppy. She is currently working with training him as a service dog. She is now offering a service dog training class in addition to Puppy Kindergarten. Basic Obedience and Advanced classes. Since she has been working with Lugnut, he has proved to be ready to try anything, so they thought that they would emBARK on a new type of career. They are trying the television and film area. His first starring role is in a 48 hour film production that takes place here in Indiana. They filmed it in August and the title of the film is Criminal Grounds where Lugnut plays a canine cop.

The production of the film took place on the morning of August 8th in Carmel, Indiana. He was in three different scenes where he helps his partner take down a criminal. The last and final scene was a simple shot of Lugnut and his partner under a tree after a successful apprehension. (CUFF EM AND STUFF EM, DANNO!)

If your're in the area and want to stop by, we have the still photo of Lugnut and the Detective in our lobby, autographed by the producer himself. Or if you just want to meet the star himself! (he offers pawtographs or kisses, your choice)

Lugnut is also currently up for several different roles. Which include background work to TV commercials at this time.

Lugnut is such a ham. He will dress-up and poise for all sorts of pictures.

If you have any questions about training or how to get involved with fun & exciting things to do with your dog please feel free to call us at 317-841-8182

Plant That Are Poisonous

The other I was on the ASPCA web site and came across this list of poisonous plants. After reading I thought that I should share it with other pet owners. If you want to find out about more articles like this you can go to the web site http://www.aspca.com/. Here is what I found out:

"Lilies

Members of the Lilium spp. are considered to be highly toxic to cats. While the poisonous component has not yet been identified, it is clear that with even ingestion of very small amounts of the plant, severe kidney damage could result.

Marijuana

Ingestion of Cannabis sativa by companion animals can result in depression of the central nervous system and incoordination, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, and even seizures and coma.

Sago Palm

All parts if Cycas Revoluta are poisonous, but the seed or"nuts" contain the largest amount of toxin. The ingestion of just one or two seed can result in very serious effects, which include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and liver failure.

Tulip/Narcissus Bulbs

The bulb Portion of Tulip/Narcissus spp. contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac adnormalities

Azalea/Rhododendron

Members of the Rhododendron spp. contain substances known as grayantoxins, which can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system in animals. Severe azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse.

Oleander

All parts of Nerium oleander are considered to be toxic, as they contain cardiac glycosides that have the potential to cause serious effects-including gastrointestinal tract irritation, adnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.

Castor Bean

The poisonous principle in Ricinus communis is ricin, a highly toxic protein that can produce severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite. Severe cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma and death.

Cyclamen

Cylamen species contains cyclamine, but the highest concentration of this toxic component is typically located in the root portion of the plant. If consumed, Cylamen can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported in some cases.

Kalanchoe

This plant contains components that can produce gastrointestinal irritation, as well as those that are toxic to the heart, and can seriously affect rhythm and rate.

Yew

Taxus spp. contains a toxic component known as taxine, which causes central nervous system effects such as trembling, incoordination, and difficulty breathing. it can also cause significant irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death.

Amaryllis

Common garden plants popular around Easter, Amaryllis species contain toxins that can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hyper salivation, anorexia and tremors.

Autumn Crocus

Ingestion of Colchicum Autumnale by pets can result in oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage and bone marrow suppression.

Chrysanthemum

These popular blooms are part of the Compositae family, Which contains pyrethrins that may produce gastrointestinal upset, including drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea if eaten. In certain cases depression and loss of coordination may also develop if enough of any part of the plant is consumed.

English Ivy

Also called branching ivy, glacier ivy, needlepoint ivy, sweetheart ivy and california ivy, Hedera helix contains triterpenoid saponins that, should pets ingest, can result in vomiting, abdominal pain, hyper salivation and diarrhea.

Peace Lily(AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily)

Spathiphyllum contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth. lips and tongue in pets who ingest.

Pothos

Pothos(both Scindapsus and Epipremnum) belongs to the Araceae family. If chewed or ingested, this popular household plant can cause significant mechanical irritation and swelling of the oral tissues and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

Schefflera

Schefflera and Brassaia actinophylla contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest."

All information is from the ASPCA poison control.

The other day when I was on the ASPCA website, I came across this article called "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet." I was very interested in it and thought that I would share it with everyone. If you would like to look for more articles like this one, the website is http://www.aspca.org/. So here is what I found:

"Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine

These products all contain substances called methyxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to make coffee and in the nuts of an extract used in some sodas. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest.

Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.

Avocado

The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain Persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Birds and rodents are especially sensitive to avocado poisoning, and can develop congestion, difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation around the heart. Some ingestions may even be fatal.

Macademia Nuts

Macademia nuts are commonly used in many cookies and candies. However, they can cause problems for your canine companion. These nuts have caused weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and last approximately 12 to 48 hours.

Grapes & Raisins

Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure. In pets who already have certain health problems, signs may be more dramatic.

Yeast Dough

Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet's digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach or intestines to rupture. Because the risk diminishes after the dough is cooked and the yeast has fully risen, pets can have small bits of bread as treats. However, these treats should not constitute more than 5 percent to 10 percent of your pet's daily caloric intake.

Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones

Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to pets. In addition, raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin ( a B vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems. Feeding your pet raw bones may seem like a natural and healthy option that might occur if your pet lived in the wild. However, this can be very dangerous for a domestic pet, which might choke on bones, or sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged in or puncture your pet's digestive tract.

Xylitol

Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The incease in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to recumbancy and seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days.

Onions, Garlic, Chives

These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed. Toxicity is normally diagnosed through history, clinical signs and microscopic confirmation of Heinz bodies. An occasional low dose, such as what might be found in pet foods or treats, likely will not cause a problem, but we recommend that you do NOT give your pets large quantities of these foods.

Milk

Because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other milk-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset.

Salt

Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisioning in pets. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. In other words, keep those salty chips to yourself!"


*Information courtesy of ASPCA website.

Amazing Rescue! Stranger Braves Stormy Waters to Save Dog!

I came across this story on http://www.peoplepets.com/ and my heart was warmed immediately.

"When Sue Drummond and her Maltese-Shih Tzu mix Bibi set off for a walk by the water in Melbourne, Australia, on Aug. 16, she had no idea that it could be Bibi's last. But with furious winds estimated at 60 mph, Bibi was suddenly blown right off the pier and into the rough waters below.

"I thought he was going to sink and then maybe I wouldn't be able to find him," Drummond told Australia's Courier Mail. "But I didn't really want to hop in the water either because I wasn't quite sure if I could Make it to shore with a struggling dog."

Drummond watched as Bibi helplessly tried to doggy paddle back to the pier. Then out of nowhere, a bystander named Raden Soemawinata striped down to his underwear and shirt and jumped in to save the pup. Soemawinata, 20, was on the pier for a family ceremony to scatter his grandmother's ashes when he saw the dog struggling and plunged in after him.

Though he's being hailed as a hero, Soemawinata says saving the dog wasn't especially brave. "It was pretty cold and windy but it wasn't such a hard decision to jump in" he told Australia's Daily Telegraph "It wasn't such a great feat.""

Story written by Andrea Desimone

Tiki daycamp party

We had lots of fun in daycamp last Friday, August the 14th. The theme was "Tiki Party" and boy did the dogs have a great time.

We played in & enjoyed the pools, it was a nice hot day. We chased the kongs & played with friends.

Then there was this flamingo that kept teasing us. I wonder about the intelligence of this little guy.




15 dogs playing & having a great time & that monkey thinks he's going to join in?

Some came dressed to party. All love to have their pictures taken - a bunch of hams! For those of you that missed it, make sure you mark your calendar for Semptember the 18th, our "Autumn Leaves" party.

It's that time of year again. Happy parents, sad children, it's back to school time. New clothes , new shoes, school supplies, bookbags, doctor appointments, all part of the school rush. The big yellow bus comes along & poof, the kids are gone for the day! It may be that time of year when you need a break, but how about the family dog? All he sees is this big, noisy vehicle taking away his playmates.

Now what can he do all day? No one to play with, nothing to do. Eventually the boredom will set in & he'll make his own fun. He didn't chew up the homework to create trouble, but he was bored! But wait, how about doggy daycamp? Bring him to us, let him play in a secure, fun enviroment with new playmates of the 4 legged variety. We offer daycamp Monday through Fridays from 7:00am to 6:00pm. He can come as many or as few days a week as you wish. We've also recently started puppy daycamp for the younger set. (under 5 months of age) They can all play & romp & have a great time. No more worries about chewing up the homework, or the bookbags, or the new shoes. We have camp theme parties too. Our next party is "TIKI Friday" on August 14th. Join us for fun & games.


A tired dog is a good dog!

500 Festival of Pugs

Come join us this Saturday August 8th from 9a.m. to 4p.m. at the Boone county fairgrounds in Lebanon, Indiana. The 500 Festival of Pugs is hosting an event that always brings lots of fun. This supports the Kentuckiana pug rescue. All humans and all breeds of dogs are welcome. Admission is $5 a person or $15 for the family. At the event there will be all kinds of vendors, contests and raffles. For a schedule of event you are welcome to go to http://www.kentuckianapugs.com/ and click on the events button.

Also we would like to thank everyone that stopped by our booth at the Hamilton County Humane Society event. Their goal was to adopt out a least 50 cats or kittens. Shawn, who was working our booth said that at 5:00 p.m. they had adopted 56 cats and/or kittens and there were still people waiting to adopt. The Humane Society has not post the final number yet, so we will keep you up to date as we find out more.