by KYW's John McDevitt

The mysterious deaths of six dogs has prompted the quarantine of two Pennsylvania SPCA shelters and its animal hospital in the Hunting Park section of Philadelphia.

The first dog died last Wednesday, and over the weekend five additional dogs succumbed, according to
Dr. Rachel Lee, director of shelter medicine at the Pennsylvania SPCA:

"These dogs were quite healthy, as far as we could tell. Then, within 12 to 24 hours they became very, very ill. We are concerned it could be a very severe form of canine influenza, which is like a flu virus in people but it's not contagious to people in any way. But we are waiting on the results."

All dog adoptions have been temporarily canceled at both Philadelphia shelters, and the Rutherford Memorial Hospital has been quarantined until test results come back.

Cats are housed separately, so feline adoptions continue.

Lucia's Premium Pet Thursday, May 28, 2009
Ok so now I can't sleep for the images in my head!
I will find a way to post pics for you to see. This is the saddest thing I have ever witnessed in real life.
These people lived in 2 trailers set up in an L shape. In the yard was SO much junk! I took the police escort, my friend who has a rescue organization, and 2 people who work next door who volunteered. Everyone was invaluable!
We got there and I hooked mom up on a harness and flexi. She wouldn't walk on a leash before but as soon as I let her out of the car she was pulling me. Several lots over through trees she led us into the yard and hopped right into this "dog house" (if you can call it that) and voila....puppies!
She was SOOOO happy! It was like she was saying "it's alright guys, you have no idea how great the place we are going is!"
Wow - this is gonna be a long post!
There were 2 other emaciated adults chained to a car and a concrete slab and what appears to be a 6wk or so old pup wandering around.
So...we grabbed all the dogs and headed to another site as the owners were NOT happy campers. Then the worthless animal control guy on call didn't deem this an "emergency", wouldn't come out, and said we broke the law by taking them and we had to put them back. Then the officer threatened to arrest us if we didn't put them back because that was protocol (obviously the puppies would have died without the mom...we didn't have to put her back cause i found her on the side of the road)
Long story short - the deputy sheriff came out and made an exception and the dogs are in our custody. The cops ended up being awesome (after we got passed the potential going to jail thing)
So...one tiny rescue group with no room for more animals stepped up big time here so the fund raising is about to begin! Also...pray for no parvo or other diseases! Thanks for listening and I REALLY appreciate the encouragement!

Lucia's Premium Pet Friday, May 29, 2009
Since the other thread is about to be knocked off I thought I'd start a new one with an update..but first let me say you all are SO amazing!!!!
Any and all donations would be SO greatly appreciated. Checks can be made to Animal Rescue and Relief and can be sent to Lucia's at
162 Seven Farms Dr.
Suite 115
Charleston, SC 29492

Rest assured ALL animals will be rehabilitated and adopted out. Until then they will be kept in foster homes (aka my back room for mom and babies). We got all of the dogs including the ones chained.

Update - the only male adult we got is NEUTERED and microchipped!!! This means 2 things.
1. There is still another in tact male around there that is impregnating these females (hopefully we will be able to find him)
2. We know where he came from. Get this...he was adopted from our local shelter. Address on microchip matches address of rescue. Wow - I know it isn't always possible but this is why home visits are SOOO important!

I just got back from bathing and cleaning them up. More pics to come. Again...thank you thank you thank you for the encouragement and willingness to help!!!

Want to teach an old dog new tricks? Or maybe teach a new dog old tricks? Or maybe even teach a familiar dog forgotten tricks? Well then sign up your pup for a Dog Training class with us at Doggie Style! Just head to your local Doggie Style store to sign up, or email us at kris@doggiestyle2.com. Can't wait to see you in class!

-Day one- SIT COMMAND
intro- meet and greet, short socialize, proper tools- collars, leashes ext
Q&A
-Day two- SIT & DOWN COMMAND
-Day three- SIT, DOWN, STAY COMMAND
-Day four- SIT, DOWN, STAY, COME COMMANDS
-Day five- SIT, DOWN, STAY, COME, HEEL COMMANDS

"Dog of the Week"! This week's pup of fame is Bailey, a Beagle, but next week it could be your very own furry friend! So please send us a photo and some kind words about your pup to photos@doggiestyle2.com. And be sure to check out our new and improved site, and be on the lookout for emails from us with in-store sale specials and new product line announcements!

Click Image to read more about Bailey