DENVER, Nov. 30, 2010 The American Humane Association, the nation's voice for the protection of children and animals, will honor its 200-plus animal-assisted therapy teams at a special volunteer appreciation gala in Denver this Friday, Dec. 3, 2010.
Along with their volunteer handlers, more than 60 therapy dogs, two therapy cats and one therapy guinea pig will be recognized for their work in bringing the healing power of the human-animal bond to those in need.
By bringing registered therapy animals to hospitals, child welfare facilities, homeless shelters, mental health centers, schools and many other locations, American Humane Association's animal-assisted therapy volunteers have helped to enhance the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of people.
Last year volunteer handlers and their therapy animals logged more than 30,000 hours of service, touching more than 120,000 lives at some 50 facilities. Not only did these animal-assisted therapy teams help to soothe anxiety and promote healing, they also integrated the clinical treatment process to achieve specific goals in health care, physical therapy, counseling and education.
The Animal-Assisted Therapy Volunteer Appreciation gala takes place on Friday, Dec. 3, from 6:30-9 pm at the Westin Tabor Center, located at 1672 Lawrence Street in Denver. The volunteer recognition ceremony begins at 7:30 pm. The event will be hosted by renowned pet expert and journalist Steve Dale. The program includes American Humane Association President and Chief Executive Officer Robin R. Ganzert, Ph.D., as well as the founder of the Animal-Assisted Therapy Program, Diana McQuarrie. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Animal-Assisted Therapy Program in 2011.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
To All A Good Bite
Bring your pet to the table this holiday and help feed a hungry animal.
For Paws Hospice and our friends: invite you to send us your favorite home cooked, pet food recipe.
For every recipe submitted we’ll deliver a free meal to a hungry pet during the holidays and your recipes will be published here: http://www.forpawshospice.org/one-dogs-kitchen.php for pet families everywhere to ‘Bring their Pet to the Table” this holiday.
Photos are wonderful of course and we encourage you to send one or two pictures of you creation, family and pets for inclusion in the cook book.
Click here to view the recipe book: http://www.forpawshospice.org/one-dogs-kitchen.php, "One Dog's Kitchen" *Recipes will be added as they are received. Event ends at Midnight, December 31, 2010.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
JoJo, a remarkable story of survival and service
Dog's Remarkable Story of Survival, Helping Others Earns Top Honors in Pet Rescue Contest
Pro Plan Doing More™ for Pets Contest Rewards Rescue Dog for Her Inspiring Story With a Trip to the National Dog Show Presented by Purina®
ST. LOUIS, Nov. 11, 2010 -- From roadside to bedside, a courageous dog named JoJo now uses her own journey through life to inspire humans recovering from orthopedic injuries. JoJo's remarkable tale could not have been possible without the help of a dedicated animal rescue organization. From the Heart Rescue, which saved this spirited pup, and JoJo have been named the grand-prize winners in the Pro Plan® Rally to Rescue® Doing More™ for Pets Rescue Stories Contest.
JoJo's journey began, and nearly ended, as she lay by the side of the road in the west Texas desert. JoJo, a pit bull terrier, belongs to a sometimes feared and misunderstood breed, so the hours and cars drifted by with no help. Finally, someone stopped and took her to a shelter in rural Texas. An examination revealed a severely broken leg in need of specialized surgical repair. JoJo's journey resumed when an orthopedic vet 225 miles away in El Paso, Texas, agreed to do the surgery and From the Heart Rescue offered to step in as her rescue for foster and rehabilitative care.
The journey of JoJo continued when her foster mom, occupational therapist Ann Marie Giron, began to take JoJo to work so she could inspire humans recovering from orthopedic injuries. With a shaved hind leg, large rows of staples on her incisions and an external fixator sticking out of the top of her hip, JoJo went into service as a therapy dog to those in need.
Brandy Gardes, founder of From the Heart Rescue based in El Paso, Texas, and JoJo will be honored at the National Dog Show Presented by Purina at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa., on Nov. 20. As part of the grand prize, From the Heart Rescue will receive $5,000 worth of Pro Plan® brand pet food coupons for the organization.
"It took a village to mend JoJo back to health," said Gardes. "After countless hours in rehabilitation and therapy, JoJo heeled extremely well restoring her body and growing her spirit."
JoJo has since had her fixator removed and is progressing wonderfully with her own therapy. She continues to help the patients at the orthopedic hospital, demonstrating the loyalty and intelligence of her breed. But even more, JoJo enjoys offering inspiration and love to people who are in pain.
The Purina® Pro Plan® brand launched the fourth annual Rally to Rescue® Doing More™ for Pets Rescue Stories Contest to chronicle the amazing but often untold stories of pet rescue and to increase awareness of small pet rescue organizations' tireless efforts.
From July through October, more than 44,000 votes were cast by pet lovers across the country for the story that most touched their hearts to help select the grand-prize winner.
As unique as JoJo's story is, there are countless other unbelievable tales like hers from pet rescue groups across the country. These stories reaffirm the purpose, effort and devotion of pet rescue groups everywhere. To read more of these incredible stories, visit www.rallytorescue.org or http://www.facebook.com/rallytorescue.
Pro Plan Doing More™ for Pets Contest Rewards Rescue Dog for Her Inspiring Story With a Trip to the National Dog Show Presented by Purina®
ST. LOUIS, Nov. 11, 2010 -- From roadside to bedside, a courageous dog named JoJo now uses her own journey through life to inspire humans recovering from orthopedic injuries. JoJo's remarkable tale could not have been possible without the help of a dedicated animal rescue organization. From the Heart Rescue, which saved this spirited pup, and JoJo have been named the grand-prize winners in the Pro Plan® Rally to Rescue® Doing More™ for Pets Rescue Stories Contest.
JoJo's journey began, and nearly ended, as she lay by the side of the road in the west Texas desert. JoJo, a pit bull terrier, belongs to a sometimes feared and misunderstood breed, so the hours and cars drifted by with no help. Finally, someone stopped and took her to a shelter in rural Texas. An examination revealed a severely broken leg in need of specialized surgical repair. JoJo's journey resumed when an orthopedic vet 225 miles away in El Paso, Texas, agreed to do the surgery and From the Heart Rescue offered to step in as her rescue for foster and rehabilitative care.
The journey of JoJo continued when her foster mom, occupational therapist Ann Marie Giron, began to take JoJo to work so she could inspire humans recovering from orthopedic injuries. With a shaved hind leg, large rows of staples on her incisions and an external fixator sticking out of the top of her hip, JoJo went into service as a therapy dog to those in need.
Brandy Gardes, founder of From the Heart Rescue based in El Paso, Texas, and JoJo will be honored at the National Dog Show Presented by Purina at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa., on Nov. 20. As part of the grand prize, From the Heart Rescue will receive $5,000 worth of Pro Plan® brand pet food coupons for the organization.
"It took a village to mend JoJo back to health," said Gardes. "After countless hours in rehabilitation and therapy, JoJo heeled extremely well restoring her body and growing her spirit."
JoJo has since had her fixator removed and is progressing wonderfully with her own therapy. She continues to help the patients at the orthopedic hospital, demonstrating the loyalty and intelligence of her breed. But even more, JoJo enjoys offering inspiration and love to people who are in pain.
The Purina® Pro Plan® brand launched the fourth annual Rally to Rescue® Doing More™ for Pets Rescue Stories Contest to chronicle the amazing but often untold stories of pet rescue and to increase awareness of small pet rescue organizations' tireless efforts.
From July through October, more than 44,000 votes were cast by pet lovers across the country for the story that most touched their hearts to help select the grand-prize winner.
As unique as JoJo's story is, there are countless other unbelievable tales like hers from pet rescue groups across the country. These stories reaffirm the purpose, effort and devotion of pet rescue groups everywhere. To read more of these incredible stories, visit www.rallytorescue.org or http://www.facebook.com/rallytorescue.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Veterinary stem cell innovator to help animals worldwide
SAN DIEGO, Nov. 8, 2010 -- Vet-Stem, Inc. announced that a sub-license agreement with Australian Veterinary Stem Cells LTD (AVSC) has been completed which secures Vet-Stem's third affiliate to deliver its cutting-edge stem cell services to veterinarians for treating horses, dog and cats. AVSC is now authorized by Vet-Stem to deliver these stem cell services in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. View the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8ZUKNE69tg
Vet-Stem holds the exclusive worldwide rights to the University of California and University of Pittsburgh (via Artecel, Inc.) patent portfolios of over 55 issued patents covering the use of stem cells derived from fat tissue.
As the first and largest company in the world to offer fat-derived stem cell services for veterinary use, Vet-Stem has rapidly developed the market, treating over 6,500 horses and dogs. The company has moved to solidify its global leadership role by developing licensees with strong experience in key areas of the world. The first license was issued to the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory in Dubai with rights for 13 Middle East Countries. The second license was issued to Chemaphor, a public company in Canada, with laboratories in Prince Edward Island, adjacent to the Atlantic Veterinary College. This third license solidifies the distribution network by adding the Australia/New Zealand markets, with promise for opening up Asia via the Singapore connections for AVSC.
AVSC is closely affiliated with global stem cell leader, Monash University (Melborne, Australia), and the renowned laboratory of Dr. Richard Boyd. Boyd is a global expert in adult stem cells and has been working with stem cells from fat tissue for many years. His scientific guidance will help AVSC rapidly enter the veterinary markets in their assigned territories.
"Intellectual property rights can be confusing in a rapidly developing market with evolving technology," said Bob Harman, DVM, MPVM, CEO of Vet-Stem. "We have licensed the strongest patents in the world to protect the market that we are creating in regenerative veterinary medicine and to ensure that the value of the company is optimized. Now with these three distribution partners, we can utilize these global patents to reach far beyond the US markets and help animals worldwide."
The company currently offers stem cell services to veterinarians for treatment of lameness in horses and for arthritis in dogs and cats. New uses of regenerative cells are in development for diseases in dogs, cats and horses that often times have few other treatment options.
Vet-Stem holds the exclusive worldwide rights to the University of California and University of Pittsburgh (via Artecel, Inc.) patent portfolios of over 55 issued patents covering the use of stem cells derived from fat tissue.
As the first and largest company in the world to offer fat-derived stem cell services for veterinary use, Vet-Stem has rapidly developed the market, treating over 6,500 horses and dogs. The company has moved to solidify its global leadership role by developing licensees with strong experience in key areas of the world. The first license was issued to the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory in Dubai with rights for 13 Middle East Countries. The second license was issued to Chemaphor, a public company in Canada, with laboratories in Prince Edward Island, adjacent to the Atlantic Veterinary College. This third license solidifies the distribution network by adding the Australia/New Zealand markets, with promise for opening up Asia via the Singapore connections for AVSC.
AVSC is closely affiliated with global stem cell leader, Monash University (Melborne, Australia), and the renowned laboratory of Dr. Richard Boyd. Boyd is a global expert in adult stem cells and has been working with stem cells from fat tissue for many years. His scientific guidance will help AVSC rapidly enter the veterinary markets in their assigned territories.
"Intellectual property rights can be confusing in a rapidly developing market with evolving technology," said Bob Harman, DVM, MPVM, CEO of Vet-Stem. "We have licensed the strongest patents in the world to protect the market that we are creating in regenerative veterinary medicine and to ensure that the value of the company is optimized. Now with these three distribution partners, we can utilize these global patents to reach far beyond the US markets and help animals worldwide."
The company currently offers stem cell services to veterinarians for treatment of lameness in horses and for arthritis in dogs and cats. New uses of regenerative cells are in development for diseases in dogs, cats and horses that often times have few other treatment options.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Holy Molé
For Paws is happy to welcome Holy Molé to our site as a regular feature. The zen critter cartoon is rapidly capturing the hearts and minds of readers across America. Holy Molé is a cartoon that represents the place where higher aspirations of existence intertwine with the practicality of everyday living - and the characters are totally "cute."
So join us at For Paws Hospice every week for a new edition of Holy Molé and The Journey Not Taken Alone.
We would like to thank cartoonist and author Rick Hotton for his generous support of For Paws and all the animals who seek their own path through life's wondrous journey. "It does not matter how fast you go as long as you do not stop."
So join us at For Paws Hospice every week for a new edition of Holy Molé and The Journey Not Taken Alone.
We would like to thank cartoonist and author Rick Hotton for his generous support of For Paws and all the animals who seek their own path through life's wondrous journey. "It does not matter how fast you go as long as you do not stop."
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
The cutest, scariest animal on the planet
SARS, H1N1 and other pandemic diseases that jump from animals to humans are on the rise, and predicting and tracking the emergence of new diseases is crucial to saving lives; EcoHealth Alliance scientists are actively working in many countries to identify potential infectious disease threats through viral discovery
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - In a speech presented last week at the TEDMED 2010 Conference in San Diego, Calif., Peter Daszak, a leading disease ecologist and president of EcoHealth Alliance (formerly Wildlife Trust), cautioned attendees about the rise in the number and severity of animal-borne diseases that jump to humans. In fact, approximately 75 percent of emerging infectious diseases affecting humans today is of zoonotic origin (a disease that jumps from wild or domestic animals and spreads to humans).
"Around the world a rising number of diseases like SARS, monkeypox, and HIV are spread due to trade in wildlife, and these diseases have serious public health, economic, and conservation consequences," Dr. Daszak said. "Using EcoHealth Alliance's unparalleled experience in the field, the organization is working to identify, predict and mitigate disease outbreaks."
As the leading cause of human fatalities worldwide, infectious diseases lead to the deaths of 13 million people per year, and over three-quarters of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) originate from wild or domestic animals and spread to humans. According to Daszak, biological impoverishment, habitat fragmentation, climate change, increasing toxification, and the rapid global movement of people and other living organisms have diminished ecosystem function, which results in unprecedented levels of disease. These factors pose a threat to the survival and health of all species.
"The Cutest, Scariest Animal on the Planet"
To provide a real-world living example of this very serious situation, Daszak introduced the TEDMED audience to what he calls, "The cutest, scariest animal on the planet" -- the sugar glider, which is a small gliding marsupial with huge round eyes and a long tail. "I'm most afraid of this particular little animal, because the people are going into the forests of Indonesia to catch them, bring them into captivity, and ship them around the world – straight into our homes, where we hold them, kiss them, and cuddle up to them," he said. "What easier way could there be for any one of this species' 100 new viruses to spread to humans?"
In 2009 the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) initiated a new global emerging pandemic threat program based on EcoHealth Alliance's innovative hotspots map; the five-year program, called PREDICT, brings together a coalition of organizations to research and better understand emerging diseases among high-risk wildlife and in high-risk countries. Working with the University of California at Davis, and using EcoHealth Alliance's mathematical modeling team and local networks, the organization collects and tests samples from India, China, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand, Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil and Colombia.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - In a speech presented last week at the TEDMED 2010 Conference in San Diego, Calif., Peter Daszak, a leading disease ecologist and president of EcoHealth Alliance (formerly Wildlife Trust), cautioned attendees about the rise in the number and severity of animal-borne diseases that jump to humans. In fact, approximately 75 percent of emerging infectious diseases affecting humans today is of zoonotic origin (a disease that jumps from wild or domestic animals and spreads to humans).
"Around the world a rising number of diseases like SARS, monkeypox, and HIV are spread due to trade in wildlife, and these diseases have serious public health, economic, and conservation consequences," Dr. Daszak said. "Using EcoHealth Alliance's unparalleled experience in the field, the organization is working to identify, predict and mitigate disease outbreaks."
As the leading cause of human fatalities worldwide, infectious diseases lead to the deaths of 13 million people per year, and over three-quarters of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) originate from wild or domestic animals and spread to humans. According to Daszak, biological impoverishment, habitat fragmentation, climate change, increasing toxification, and the rapid global movement of people and other living organisms have diminished ecosystem function, which results in unprecedented levels of disease. These factors pose a threat to the survival and health of all species.
"The Cutest, Scariest Animal on the Planet"
To provide a real-world living example of this very serious situation, Daszak introduced the TEDMED audience to what he calls, "The cutest, scariest animal on the planet" -- the sugar glider, which is a small gliding marsupial with huge round eyes and a long tail. "I'm most afraid of this particular little animal, because the people are going into the forests of Indonesia to catch them, bring them into captivity, and ship them around the world – straight into our homes, where we hold them, kiss them, and cuddle up to them," he said. "What easier way could there be for any one of this species' 100 new viruses to spread to humans?"
In 2009 the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) initiated a new global emerging pandemic threat program based on EcoHealth Alliance's innovative hotspots map; the five-year program, called PREDICT, brings together a coalition of organizations to research and better understand emerging diseases among high-risk wildlife and in high-risk countries. Working with the University of California at Davis, and using EcoHealth Alliance's mathematical modeling team and local networks, the organization collects and tests samples from India, China, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand, Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil and Colombia.
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