RIP Chanel, the world's oldest dog

Some sad news: The oldest known dog in the world, Chanel, has passed away. The 21-year-old wire-haired dachshund was certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the first to be honored for her longevity.

Chanel lived with her human, Denice Shaughnessy, even during 9 years of military service in Germany.

However, a dog in New Iberia, La., is vying for the crown. Janelle Derouen's dog Max is allegedly 26, and the Guinness people are in the process of vetting Max's records now. If confirmed, Max will be the new record-holder.

Big yard sale!

The North Carolina Pet Adoption League is raising money the old-fashioned way: with a yard sale! It's tomorrow, Saturday, July 25, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location: 3 Pine Bark Court, Greensboro, NC. A map:

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This is a very special event because we'll be selling imported designer home accents graciously donated by Bojay Ltd., including photo frames, candle stands, vases, decorative boxes, sculptures and much, much more -- all at yard sale prices!

It's the perfect opportunity to find a great deal on home accents while supporting homeless and rescued animals!

How to tell whether your cat is right- or left-pawed

No, I'm not making this up. Your cat favors one front paw over the other, just like we do, according to new research out of Ireland:

More often than not, females tend to be righties, while toms are lefties, say Deborah Wells and Sarah Millsopp, psychologists at Queen's University Belfast in Northern Ireland.

However, these preferences only manifest when cats perform particularly dexterous feats. That's for the same reason we can open a door with either arm, yet struggle to write legibly with our non-dominant hand. "The more complex and challenging [the task], the more likely we're going to see true handedness," Wells says.

If cats played baseball, those lefties would be in demand for the mound (which would itself be made out of clumping clay, of course). (:-D

Sylvie's happy in her forever home!

Sylvie was a beagle in the North Carolina Pet Adoption League's foster program. This lovely beagle was adopted by a family whose 16-year-old beagle had recently passed on, leaving Chipper, their 7-year-old beagle, grieving and missing his playmate.

The family adopted Sylvie, and we are delighted to report that this lively gal has not only adapted beautifully, but has become fast friends with Chipper. Chipper is now much happier, and Sylvie couldn't be happier herself!

If you're considering adding a furry family member, take a look at the animals in our foster program. All our animals are up to date on their vaccinations and have been altered, and a complementary leash and collar goes home with every animal adoption. Plus, there's always a two-week trial period, so you can be sure that the animal you've adopted is the right pet for your home.

Top 10 reasons to adopt a senior dog

Why adopt a senior dog?

1. Older dogs are house-trained.
2. Older dogs won't chew your shoes and furniture.
3. Older dogs can focus well because they've mellowed. Therefore, they learn quickly.
4. Older dogs have learned what "no" means.
5. Older dogs settle in easily.
6. Older dogs are good at giving love, once they get into their new, loving home. They are grateful for the second chance they've been given.
7. What You See Is What You Get: Unlike puppies, older dogs have grown into their shape and personality.
8. Older dogs are instant companions.
9. Older dogs leave you time for yourself, because they don't make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies and young dogs do.
10. Older dogs let you get a good night's sleep because they're accustomed to human schedules and don't generally need bathroom breaks.

The North Carolina Pet Adoption League currently has three senior dogs in its program. Meet Ginger and Lucky, and take another look at Sophie!

Meet Ginger (right). Are you looking for a quiet companion that will always be by your side? If so, then Ginger is your girl.

A fellow animal lover witnessed Ginger being dropped off in the parking lot of a drug store. She was simply just "dumped" and the people just drove away leaving her there scared and confused. We have no idea why they decided to do this, Ginger is a wonderful girl to have around.

Ginger is around 8 years old with a lot to offer. She is as sweet as can be, loves short walks, loves to sit in your lap, wags her curly cue tail whenever you speak to her, walks easily on a leash, is perfectly house trained, doesn't bark, and is basically a perfect companion. She is a great medium size, weighing 55 pounds. She also does great with other furry companions. What more could you ask for!!

Ginger is up to date on all of her medical work including a dental and blood work. The doctor reports that she is a very healthy girl.

Now meet Lucky (right). Lucky was confused when he first came to NC Pal. And it's no wonder; he was taken to the groomer one day (one of his favorite things!) and was dropped off at a dog pound after his appointment.

Fortunately, a rescuer pulled him to safety and Lucky settled right in at NC Pet Adoption League after a couple of days. Mr. Lucky is house trained and likes to ride in the car. He is a cuddly lap dog and gives his favorite people kisses. Lucky is approximately 10 years old and would appreciate a quiet, relaxed household. He is a one-person dog and would make an incredibly loyal companion.

Lucky is up-to-date with routine shots, house trained and spayed/neutered.

The adoption fee for Ginger or Lucky is $85. There is always a 2-week trial period to make certain you've found a good match.

Last but certainly not least, here's Sadie (left). We can't imagine who dropped Sadie off in front of an animal shelter in a small town in Western North Carolina. Exhausted and hungry, Sadie was so happy to come inside and instantly became a favorite with everyone. Unfortunately, the shelter was too crowded to keep Sadie for long and NC Pet Adoption League responded to a plea to help Sadie and volunteers drove for several hours to get her safely to Greensboro.

With a faded tatoo inside one ear, Sadie was probably a hunting dog. Our veterinarian discovered a hematoma on Sadie's spleen and had to perform a splenectomy. Sadie must have experienced a trauma at some point in her life ... such as being kicked. She definitely deserves a chance to experience the good things in life.

Sadie is a low-key, 13-inch beagle who is full grown at 25 lbs. She loves car rides, chew bones and chin rubs. Sadie is crate trained and house trained. She is probably 8 or 9 years old and would make a great companion for someone who wants a couch potato. There is always a 2-week trial period to make certain you've found a good match.

Sadie's adoption fee is $125. Sadie is spayed, microchipped (with free registration in your name), up-to-date with vaccines, and is currently receiving flea and tick preventative and heartworm preventative.

All dogs come with a complimentary collar and leash. If you're interested in meeting our animals, please apply.

Beagle-Mania!

The North Carolina Pet Adoption League currently has two lovely, very loving beagles in foster care. Either -- or both! -- would make ideal pets for the right home(s).

First, meet Milkshake. "Milky" is an absolutely happy little guy who loves to go for walks, ride in the car, and absolutely adores being petted. He *loves* kids! This poor little guy spent years on the end of a chain in his owner's backyard, left on his own with only food and water to keep him company. Now that he's getting so much attention, he couldn't be happier! He learned to be house trained in record time and goes to the door and taps it with his nose when he needs to go outside. He didn't know what toys were but now adores his stuffed rabbit and monkey; he plays with them for hours. He is neutered, microchipped (with free registration in your name), up-to-date with vaccines, and is currently receiving flea and tick preventative and heartworm preventative.

Now meet Sadie. She's a very special girl! When this senior beagle was left outside of an overcrowded animal shelter in a rural town in Western N.C., there was an outcry to try to save her. NC Pal found a place for her and after a lumpectomy, splenectomy, spay and dental, this plucky gal is finally ready to fill someone's home with joy. To all who contributed to "Sadie's Fund," we send our sincere gratitude. Sadie is a playful, happy beagle now with many more years ahead of her. We would love for you to meet her; she makes everyone smile.

Each dog's adoption fee is $125. There is always a 2-week trial period to make certain you've found a good match.

Dogs come with a complimentary collar and leash. If you're interested in meeting our animals, please apply.

Major dogfighting raid results in multiple arrests, rescued dogs

A coordinated eight-state raid on dogfighting operations -- the largest in U.S. history -- has rescued hundreds of animals and produced multiple arrests, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Multiple law enforcement agencies coordinated with the USDA's Office of Inspector General and the Humane Society of Missouri to steer the sting in Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

HSUS President and CEO Wayne Pacelle praised the successful raid. “This intervention is a momentous victory in our ongoing battle to end the cruel, criminal dogfighting industry,” he said. “The Humane Society of the United States thanks the USDA Office of Inspector General and the Humane Society of Missouri for their commitment to eradicating this nationwide business enterprise that thrives off the pain and suffering of dogs. With each raid we get one step closer to ending this cruel bloodsport.”

Big hugs to the HSUS and the expert work of law enforcement agencies:

The HSUS acted as lead animal welfare agency in the rescues in Texas and Oklahoma and assisted the HSMO with the rescues conducted in Missouri and Illinois. That organization contacted us more than a year ago to provide expert assistance with this rescue.

The HSMO worked in cooperation with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Attorney to orchestrate this immense operation. The ASPCA, United Animal Nations and PetSmart Charities® are also assisting in various aspects of the rescue and sheltering efforts.

HSMO is working to assess each dog for its adoption suitability. Many local animal rescue groups will help coordinate the adoptions.

HSUS coordinates a fund to reward informants whose tips lead to the arrest and convictions of dogfighting operators. It's worth noting that HSUS is rated four stars by Charity Navigator, which means their operation expenses are transparent, and most funds are used for the organization's stated purpose. If you're interested in helping the effort to eradicate animal fighting in the U.S., there's a great list of suggestions here.
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Photo (c) HSUS

Success! Former NCPAL foster now a kayak pup

Ellie, an American Eskimo dog, is a former foster in the North Carolina Pet Adoption League's foster program. She was blessed to be adopted by a loving family who live on the North Carolina coast. They love the water, so Ellie has learned how to enjoy life on the beach.

Ellie's humans report that she loves camping and the outdoors, and is adapting beautifully to her forever family.

We think she's doing a wonderful job, too.

We'll be sharing more stories of successful adoptions in the near future. If you adopted from N.C. PAL and want to share your story with us, send us some details and a picture, and we'll put it in this space!

Russian blue mixes nearly ready for "forever homes"!

It's kitten season! These two bundles of joy are Russian blue mixes. They are adorable little babies who love to eat and play, and love to be held so they can fall asleep in your hands. Irina and Katia are lovely little ladies, indeed!

The adoption fee is $85 for each, which covers all their vet care and the cost of neutering. They're still a little too young to be adopted out, but will be ready soon. If you'd like to have an adorable kitten join your family, just fill out a brief application here and we'll get in touch.

Our adoption fairs are every Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Lawndale Drive PetsMart in Greensboro. If you're interested in meeting a specific animal, just let us know on the application.

To see a complete list of the North Carolina Pet Adoption League's adoptable animals, click here.

Have a safe, happy Fourth weekend!

As you grill out, enjoy the pool, kick back, and enjoy the privilege of living in America, remember to keep yourself and your family (including your pets!) safe. A few tips that may help, courtesy of the Humane Society of the United States:

• Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays.
• Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects—even death—in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
• Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you've removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while you're attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.
• If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
• Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.
• If you plan to go away for the holiday weekend, read our information on Caring for Pets When You Travel.

The ASPCA adds a few more helpful pointers:

• Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases.
• Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.
• Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets’ reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing—or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin, and if ingested can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. If lighter fluid is inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems could develop.
• Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pets severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals who have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. And keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes & raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals.
• Do not put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it.While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.
• Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingestions can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.

Be safe, everyone, and HAVE FUN!

Humane Society: Petland still at it

Petland, one of the nation's most prominent pet stores, is still buying animals from some of the worst backyard breeders in the country, according to a follow-up investigation by the Humane Society of the United States. According to the report:

"We even found two stores buying from a convicted animal abuser, and others buying from individuals who have a long history of Animal Welfare Act violations, or who hold no USDA license at all. But even licensed and legal commercial kennels can still be puppy mills, where 100 or more breeding dogs have been found confined to small wire cages for life.

This is a familiar refrain to those of us in the animal welfare and rescue movement.

Show your support for laws banning puppy mills. The HSUS has a special portal set up, with petitions to sign and a wealth of information.

Simply put: Don't buy a pet from Petland, or any other retail store. In fact, don't buy a pet at all. Adopt a homeless animal instead. There are millions awaiting good homes, currently in foster care or shelters around the country; many will be euthanized because no one wants them. Every adopted animal creates space for another one who is currently out in the street, trying to survive on his own.

How ugly is your dog?

The North Carolina Pet Adoption League is having its own "ugly dog contest."

Send us your photo (JPEG only, please, and no files larger than 1 MB), along with the pet's name, by July 29.

We'll select a winner of a new retractable leash and notify him/her by e-mail.

Greensboro (N.C.) area residents only, please.

Rascal unseated as World's Ugliest Dog

Of course you remember how the Chinese crested pup who has single-handedly raised the bar for, er, canine inverse beauty by dominating the World's Ugliest Dog contest for the past few years. I honestly thought these guys would reign for years in the World's Ugliest Dog pageant. I was wrong!

Pabst, a boxer mix, edged out Rascal in the 2009 event, whose results were announced yesterday. Pabst and his hooman, Dane Andrew, get some bling:

Egstad won $1,600 from the Sonoma-Marin Fair for sweeping all three rounds ($100 for mutt class, $500 for runoff with the pedigree class winner, and $1,000 for World’s Ugliest Dog). This year sponsor House Of Dog upped the ante with another $1,000 in prize money, a table of “bling” that included collars, leashes, and bowls plus a year-round modeling contract that Pabst signed with his paw. Event Photographer Grace Chon included a professional photo shoot.

Here's a video wrap, courtesy of the Sonoma-Marin Fair (where the event's been held for the past 7 years):

Animal Planet also has some fun coverage, and will broadcast the show later this year.

Welcome to the official N.C. PAL blog!

Thank you for your interest!

Here we'll post news and updates of interest to all humans who love their pets, plus stories from our adopting families about their wonderful new additions. We plan to add updates frequently, so be sure to keep checking.

If you've adopted a pet through the N.C. Pet Adoption League, be sure to keep us updated, and we'll update the blog. Send us a picture, tell us what neat tricks or cute quirks your pet displays ... whatever you want to share!