Critters | Journal Gazette

How to prevent dog bites

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:13:33 EST

"Giving a child too much responsibility for a pet too early puts them at risk of being bitten.”

Pay attention to your dog

Susan Sharpe and Beth Hough — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:29:45 EST

Does your dog steal things and then run through the house. Running right past you with that "ha ha look what I've got, catch me if you can" look in his eyes?You think he's being defiant, purposely being a bad dog. Not true. He has learned how to get your attention.

Rare baby Javan gibbon born at Fort Wayne zoo

Julie Crothers — Wed, 01 May 2013 17:24:33 EST

The baby, who has not yet been named, is the second born to Dieng and Lionel.

Why is my dog aggressive on-leash?

Beth Hough and Susan Sharpe — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:04:32 EST

Q. When my dog was a puppy we enjoyed neighborhood walks. About one year of age she started barking at approaching dogs and pulled so hard we could barely hold her. It was frustrating and embarrassing so we stopped walking her, but I know she needs exercise. What should we do.

Cat rescued after 2 days atop N. Ind. freeway sign

Associated Press — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 07:19:52 EST

A cat rescued after spending two days marooned atop a northern Indiana freeway sign had a voracious appetite when he arrived at a local animal shelter.

Rescue group seeks home for Fort Wayne orphaned beaver

Associated Press — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:07:35 EST

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Lily the beaver was found alongside a road near Fort Wayne, her mother the victim of a car. She was only about 3 weeks old.

Engineer saves puppy tied to railroad tracks

Associated Press — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:58:45 EST

INDIO, Calif. - Officials say a 78-year-old man tied a puppy to train tracks in the California desert, and an engineer had to use emergency brakes to keep from crushing it.

Grunting Ohio zoo workers act as moms to gorilla

DAN SEWELL — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:04:14 EST

CINCINNATI Some zoo workers in Cincinnati are going ape over a baby gorilla.

At 37 pounds, tabby cat is too tubby

Associated Press — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 14:52:04 EST

ST. CHARLES, Mo. - At 37 pounds, Biscuit is about the right weight for a 4-year-old - human, that is.

What should I do about my aggressive dog?

Beth Hough and Susan Sharpe — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:16:24 EST

Dogs that growl, snap or bite are frequently labeled as aggressive, and often owners and some trainers begin using punishment to stop the unwanted behavior. This does not work and it can make the problem worse.

What to do if your dog has arthritis

Susan Sharpe and Beth Hough — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 07:19:01 EST

Many dogs suffer from painful arthritis. Most as they get older, but even young dogs with a history of injury can have pain. Arthritis is inflammation of the joints, common with aging but can also be a result of injury or genetics.

'Houdini Horse' gets attention for escape antics

Associated Press — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 07:56:06 EST

A horse with a knack for opening stall doors at a Michigan farm is getting attention after a video of her escape-artist antics was posted online.

Hedgehog pets can carry salmonella

Mike Stobbe — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 15:15:10 EST

Cases have been reported in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan.

What to do about a dog that bites

Susan Sharpe and Beth Hough — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 12:07:34 EST

Nearly all dog bites happen because the dog is fearful and is trying to get the person out of their comfort zone or personal space.

Cold pet tips

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 03:00:00 EST

Fort Wayne Animal Care Control officials warn that cold weather can be deadly for pets. Their advice: •Limit your pet's exposure to cold weather. Only thick-coated breeds of animals should be considered for outdoor living. Keep cats inside.

Natural camo: Burmese pythons thwart hunters

Jennifer Kay — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 16:49:09 EST

“It sounds like something large."

Allergic dogs

Susan Sharpe and Beth Hough — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:58:28 EST

Finding out the cause of the itch can be a frustrating if not an impossible process.

Beer lover makes non-alcoholic brew for dogs

Associated Press — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 11:20:01 EST

BEND, Ore. – An Oregon man who loves beer and loves his dog has concocted some hooch for the pooch.

'Neuter for a nickel' set for cats in 6 ZIP Codes

The Journal Gazette — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 14:05:58 EST

Male cats from six Fort Wayne ZIP Codes have been targeted for a one-day "Neuter for a Nickel" event on Feb. 9, Animal Care & Control said today.

Change dog's emotional connection and behavior will change

Susan Sharpe and Beth Hough — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 03:00:00 EST

Punishment based training should never be used when fear and anxiety are the root cause of the problem. Work on changing your dog's attitude about what he gets nervous about and his behavior will change.

SPCA adoption up 74%

The Journal Gazette — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 17:00:40 EST

The Allen County SPCA placed 819 pets in homes during 2012, up 348, or 74 percent, from 2011, the agency said today.

Owner protests to get monkey back

Associated Press — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 08:38:35 EST

A woman whose pet monkey was found wandering in an Ikea parking lot protested Wednesday with some 15 other people at a Toronto Animal Services office Wednesday in an effort to get him back.

Horse jumps fence, lands in S Fla swimming pool

Associated Press — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 18:49:39 EST

LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. A horse that wandered into an in-ground swimming pool in South Florida needed some help getting out.

Houston Zoo cheetahs get workout at horse track

Associated Press — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 09:33:03 EST

Two cheetahs from the Houston Zoo usually confined to cages have been allowed to run through part of a horse track when the regular racers weren't around.

Working with an excited dog

Susan Sharpe and Beth Hough — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:40:26 EST

A little release of your dog's energy and excitement can turn the chore of walking your dog into a pleasurable outing.

Who’s the best bell-ringer? A horse, of course

Carrie Antlfinger — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 12:40:27 EST

"He knows that this is his job and he does it very well."

Winter hazards loom for dogs and cats

Beth Hough and Susan Sharpe — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 17:45:08 EST

As the temperature drops, here are some reminders of how to keep your pets safe over the next few months. Dogs Dogs should never be left outside for long periods of time in any weather, and winter is especially hazardous.