Calling ALL dog lovers!!

Your mission, should you chose to accept it, is to help educate our movie going public. Your deadline for the mission is December 18th. Your countdown begins now.
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While this current mission is targeting those who may be interested in a specific breed, it benefits anyone considering a dog because it helps to educate people about the need for breed research BEFORE getting a dog "just like the one they saw" in a movie. This helps cut down on the amount of mismatched dogs to owners. Not every breed of dog is right for every home after all. What might be the best match for you may be a nightmare for your best friend and vice versa.
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The steps for this mission are simple.

1) Go to this website http://www.akitaclub.org/ and download and print a copy of the file "Is the akita the right dog for you?" (For Shiba info to add to the back go here: http://www.northeastshibarescue.com/right.html )

2) Take the handout to your local Staples store and make a bajillion copies.

3) Take the bajillioon copies to your local movie theaters on December 17th and ask if they will share them with every ticket buyer to the movie "Hachi".

4) If you have a blog please consider passing this information on. All agents need to be activated for this one my friends.
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The advanced agents, and you know who you are#, may even stay to pass out the handouts personally or set up a booth at the theater (with permission of course) showing off their well trained akita or shiba. (shibas are also featured in the movie as they used some of them in place of the akita as a puppy) You can even go to your areas akita rescue website and print off a list of akitas needing homes to add to a poster. A "dogs in movies" set up with other breed information for those who are extra creative to leave at the theater is also an idea. This isn't the first breed this has happened to, nor will it be the last.
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The mission is an important one. It may be met with resistance. A back up plan my be required. Consider recruiting your local pet supply stores. They may agree to passing out handouts if your theater won't participate or be willing to host a breed education table. Posters are also welcome in the fight. Ask the local theater for copies of the movie poster, take it for display to your local pet supply store, and add the akita handout. Or your local shelter would like to be involved. It never hurts to ask.
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Check out the Hachi movie trailer here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaS37E3gKOU
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I want to thank all the DEAR members (dog education action responders) for their participation in this mission. (that's you dear reader) I look forward to all feedback. Got any other ideas to help us in this endeavor? Share them with me in the comments section.

#Names have been omitted for security reasons.

Another post on the subject: http://k-9solutionsdogtraininginc.blogspot.com/2009/07/official-akita-movie-trailer-has.html#links

Longcoat for adoption - Chicago

HUEY
A big fluffy yellow duck, a helicopter, or a musician?

Close, but no cigar—Huey is our latest orphan who just happens to be a big fluffy Akita, with a tail, that when wagging, looks like a rotor on a helicopter, and a boy who can woo ‘n roll with the best of them.

This handsome dude was a stray, who found himself in a shelter outside of Chicago. Lucky for Huey one of the Animal Control Officers is a friend of MARS. And, once again our friends at Mal Rescue offered to help. Huey was so happy to see their volunteer, he gave her ‘keeter kisses during the entire ride from the shelter to the kennel!

“Wait until you see the new Akita boy. He is something. You can't help but go crazy over him. Great personality.”

Huey didn’t even mind going to see the Vet. While being examined and groomed, he wowed them all with his easy going style. And now that he has been "styled", with a good wash and fluff, he looks like a rock star. (Huey is waiting for his photo shoot, so check back for his after pictures)

This fluffy guy is a big boy, and strong. Huey is approximately 2 years-old and while he is wonderful, we don’t think anyone ever spent much time teaching him the ropes, so obedience training is definitely in his future. Huey is neutered, heartworm negative and now current on vaccinations. If you would like to find out for yourself whether our Huey has more in common with a duck, helicopter or musician please contact Deanna O’Brien at marsakita@sbcglobal.net or 773-594-9302.

Huey's buddies, Britt and Marc Caras are wishing him a Happy New Year!!!

FMI on adopting Huey go to Midwest Akita Rescue Society at www.akitas.org Huey is located in Chicago Illinois.

Longcoats need regular grooming

This is a good example of what can happen when you don't groom your longcoat akita regularly. This poor boy ended up in akita rescue.


The only thing you can do when it gets that bad is to shave the dog down and start over.

For those that think it is purely cosmetic I can tell you it isn't. Mats pull on the skin and are very painful. A painful dog can be grumpy and be quick to bite because of it. The matting can also cause skin infections and itchiness. This can lead to other infections as serious as staf and result in a hefty vet bill for the owner to try to fix.

If you have a dog that seems to mat easily you may need to get a thyroid test done. A full panel done through Michigan State University is recommended to get a full picture of what is going on. (Or from Dr. Dodds at www.Hemopet.org ) Unfortunately thyroid problems can be common in akitas. FMI on akitas and thyroid check out this link: Thyroid

A change in food might also be recommended. There are several health reasons that may cause a dogs fur to mat.

Of course that may be hard to tell if you aren't grooming regularly. A simple brushing once a week should be plenty to keep your longcoated akita mat free. If you find a mat pulling it apart gently and brushing out the fur will take it out. For more serious mats you may need to carefully cut it away. Go slow and be very careful not to cut the skin. When in doubt cut off the top of the mat and try to brush out the rest after pulling it apart.

Regular grooming will help keep your akita healthy and is a great way to spend one on one bonding time with your dog. Start young or with short sessions to keep it fun and a pleasurable experience for you and your akita.

A Summertime Warning

Today was one of the hotter days we have had. Of course it was also one of the first dry days we have had in awhile which meant it was time to mow the lawn. I usually wait until later in the day so the sun moves to the back of the house and leaves a shady area for the dogs to lay in while they are outside with me. (they like to watch me work) I keep a good eye on them because even though there is shade, dogs do not always chose to lay in it when hot. I learned this the hard way with my first akita, Kuma. (He is the brindle below on the right. My female Shimo is on the left. They were both so beautiful and I still miss them.)

While putting in some new flooring during a summer day I put him out in the yard with plenty of shade and water. Unfortunatly he did not chose to utilize the shade. When I went out to check on him (about 20 minutes later) I realized he was not acting right and staggering. Recognising it was a heat issue I immediately got the hose on him and cooled him down. (the quickest cooling is done under the belly and leg areas) He was fine after the incident but it taught be a very valuable lesson, dogs do not always make the logical choice for their own safety. PLEASE keep an eye on your dogs when outside on a sunny day. Heat problems can crop up fast and can be fatal.

Considering the extra coat on our longcoated akitas this timeline can be cut in half, especially if they have a dark coat. Heat is attracted to dark colors. Also keep this in mind while they are in a vehicle on a hot day as well. Remember that dogs do not sweat like we do but have to pant to keep cool instead. They can overheat quickly if their panting doesn't work fast enough for the temperature they are dealing with.

Provide water and shade and check on your dogs often. Learn from my mistake. It only takes minutes to run into trouble.

Stay safe!

Smile!

This handsome guy is Griffy. He is 7 months old and very sweet. He is a good example of a medium longcoat. (Excuse the bad photos. I should have gotten one of him standing so you could see his coat better.) He got adopted through rescue and is now living the life of riley in Maine.


Cosidering a longcoat? Check your local akita rescue. We still have a few in need of good homes. (Web links to the right.)

Serious health warning

A great reminder to groom often and groom well:

http://lassiegethelp.blogspot.com/search/label/dog%20health

FREE training advice

I just wanted to share a wonderful training related website. Lots of free articles and videos from some of the top people in the training and behavior field.

http://www.dogstardaily.com/ Check out their blog for new articles and great discussions too.