Tuck the Law Dog

Tuck the Law Dog
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Friday, May 27, 2011

Memorial Day 2011 and Armed Forces Service Dogs

Monday we celebrate Memorial Day.  It is not a day to take off work and go to Wal-Mart.  It is a day my Mom and Dad remember the men and women of the armed forces that have given their lives serving our county.  My Dad himself served in the Air Force, Army,  National Guard, and the Reserves.  My Mom and Dad have relatives that served in WWII, some deceased, some living.  My Mom's Uncle Bill served along side General Patton, and her Uncle Joe was a tail gunner in WWII.  My Gramaw Betty makes sure there are flowers on the graves of her relatives each Memorial Day.  I am thankful for the service dogs that served, have given their lives and those that continue to serve alongside our service men and women.  They are all very brave. But for all those that have served and because of those that continue to serve, my Mom may not be here and be able to freely write this blog.  America is a Great Country, but going through a rough period.  May God bless all those that have served,  alive, dead, men, woman, and dogs.
                                     Tuck salutes you all!!

Take care, ya'll,

Tuck the Law Dog
Georgia Law (Dog)

http://tuckthelawdog.wordpress.com

Monday, May 23, 2011

Dogs, Pools and Frogs

Bark, bark, yippie bark! The pool is open. It’s been a long winter (well, not really, here in the south it seems like Mom and Dad just closed up the pool, and now its open again and attracting frogs.) I hate water: bath water, pool water, rain water, you name it–I just don’t like sticking my paws in it.
When I hear the bathtub water running, ya’ can’t fool me. This is a “shower” household and the only one that gets use out of the tub is me, and most certainly not at my initiation–ya gotta find me first (they always do). Anyway, I am not a fan of the pool. But, I have a love-hate relationship with the numerous frogs that appear each evening, each and every frog croaking loudly to its prospective mate. As soon as I hear the frogs, I start bugging Mom to let me go check them out. Once at the pool, I resume my “post” staring at the deck to ascertain where the croak(s) are coming from, then I sneak up behind each frog and give it a gentle nudge with my nose so that it plops into the pool, and I can go on to the next. Mom says that she is not sure if it is my nose that makes those frogs fly into the pool, or the turbulence from my wagging tail. Mom recalls fondly Squeaky the cat, who would gently carry the frogs into the house and let them go. Mom vivdly remembers the time she got up during the night and stepped on something squishy. By the time she got the light on, the frog was gone. Fortunately for the frog, the next morning she found it hiding in the closet, picked him up, and carried him outside. She did have to rehydrate him ’cause by that time he was a little dry. Don’t let my dog buddies put the frogs in their mouths. From first-hand experience, I can tell you, a frog will pee when it is scared, and, well, you know the rest of the story. It makes a dogkeep spitting just trying to get that taste out. Yuck. , I’ve never done that again, and Mom closely watches to make sure. I have a boat load of fun teaching those frogs how to dive. And what’s more, these are tree frogs, so they climb right back out and sit on the edge waiting for another nudge from me. You have to be careful as some frogs are poisonouse and can make a dog sick. So, doggie buddies, be careful around the pool this summer. If you like the pool, make sure you know how to get safely out. And don’t go in the pool without your Mom or Dad keeping an eye one you. Once, Mom came home and found a cat swimming madly around the perimeter–it couldn’t figure out how to get out. Mom got the cat out safely, and both her and the cat’s hearts were beating so hard after that. Mom was crying ’cause she was so thankful she got home in time to save that cat. So have a Great Summer, don’t swim alone, and never, ever eat (or kiss) a frog.
Check out these sites: zootoo.com; itchmoforums.com; petsitusa.com.
Take care, ya’ll,
Tuck the Law Dog

http://wwwgeorgialaw.blogspot.com/

http://www.criminallawyercherokeecobb.com/

Friday, May 20, 2011

Rabies Alert: Georgia: Gwinnett and Cherokee County

I was just watching the news about 5 minutes ago–Fox 5. There is a new rabies alert in Cherokee County, GA. A rabid raccon was found near Hightower Road in Ballground. In the past week a rabid fox was found in Gwinnet County. Make sure all you dogs have a current rabies vaccination!
Coyotes are also making the news again, although their presence has been a concern for years. Don’t let small dogs out alone from dusk to dawn — coyotes will attack. Mom has seen them in neighborhoods in daylight as well. Don’t leave food out to temp them. I have a six food stockade fence around my yard, but even so, Mom is always out there with me, as coyotes have been reported to somehow get over.
Take care ya’ll–be safe…

Tuck the Law Dog

http://www.criminallawyercherokeecobb.com/

http://wwwgeorgialaw.blogspot.com/

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Dog Food and FDA Warning Letters

I just heard Mom let out a big sigh of relief. She had just read about the latest May 5, 2011, FDA letter to Evanger’s Pet food in Illinois:
http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/ucm255000.htm
and was thankful that I am allergic to duck and would never had bought this product, and thankful that she no longer buys from this manufacturer due to the highly publicized articles in the news about Evangers manufacturing plant’s questionable quality control, and the owner’s arrests for allegedly diverting gas from the plant’s gas meter. Note that the owners have been charged but not yet convicted. After the pet food recall of 2007, Mom follows many pet message boards daily and gets emails daily about recalls related to pet food, pet toy, anything pet, as well as recalls concerning you humans. I am not singling out Evangers, as there are numerous other pet food manufacturers that have been cited for questionable and dangerous manufacturing of pet food, but citing this as a recent FDA warning letter that dog owner’s should be aware of.
Why would Evanger’s do anything that would send the wrath of the FDA down upon them, considering their history of involvement with the FDA. Maybe the FDA is wrong this time–I don’t know, but the Evanger’s have posted a letter on their website with a copy of an independent test result on this food, these test results apparently contradicting the FDA. Mom had just hoped and prayed that she wouldn’t have to worry about what she fed me. She reviews the history of every dog food prior to feeding it to me, and I also eat home-cooked meat and vegetables and fruit.
I’ve dodged another bullet.
"One is innocent until proven guilty!”

Take care, ya’ll,

Tuck The Law Dog–Georgia’s Legal Beagle

http://www.georgialaw.blogspot.com/

http://tuckthelawdog.wordpress.com/

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Dogs Baths and Safe Dog Shampoos

Well, I just had my bath.  Dad was calling me "Stinky" all day--not nice!  I smell real good now.  My Mom is a bit of a fanatic when it comes to selecting my shampoo.  That's probably why "my" bathtub is lined with a "Who's Who" of dog shampoos.  I don't really have my own bathroom--but I'm the one that gets the most use out of the bathtub. I thought I would review the Shampoos my Mom has selected (for now-she's always reviewing products).    When I first came to Mom and Dad's I developed a rash on my tummy.  So to start ruling out irritants (besides narrowing my food to a single protein source), Mom reviewed opinions and reviews on-line about dog shampoos.  She researched any unfamiliar ingredient    She told me that long, long ago when her dogs Deigo and Bear were alive, she used Hartz Mountain products 'cause there was not the extensive line of dog shampoos as there are today.  Mom no longer buys  Hartz Mountain.  Tonite my shampoo was "NuHemp 369 Botanicals,"  (http://www.nuhemp.com/) It is made in Canada.   The label ingredients include Organic ingredients to include Alfalfa, Chamomile, Echinacea, Coconut Oil, Apple Essence, Coconut oil, Olive oil, Pumpkins Seed, and Hemp seed--this list is not inclusive--please see label. The label states NO sulfates, steroids, cortisone, DEA, Propylene, or animal by-products.  My coat smells nice and I don't scratch after a bath.  Mom gets it at PETCO.   I've also been shampooed with "Earthbath" Shampoo-"Mango Tango."  The label states that it contains purified water, "Natural cleansers"  aloe vera, mango essence, olive oil, and does NOT contain DEA, parabens, phosphates, synthetic dyes or perfumes.  It is used by many of the dog groomers in the area and sold many private pet stores and  was recommended to Mom.  I scratched after this one but Mom will put it in the rotation again, to see if I scratch again after its use.    Another of Mom's favorite is "Tropiclean" the "puppy hypo-allergic" formula.  It contains Oatmeal and Vitamin E, as well as organic Aloe Leaf and mild coconut oil.  It is made in the USA---ww.tropiclean.net  After my bath  I smell like sun tan lotion (coconut).  Lastly, Mom also likes "Pet Promise" Comfort Wash with Oatmeal, aloe and Vitamin E.  It contains NO DEA, laurel sulfates, parabens, artificial preservatives or colors.  Although all these products claim to be soap free, Pet Promise also states on its label that it is soap free and won't impact Advantage, Frontline, Bio Spot.  Mom also uses oatmeal bath powder in my bathwater, 'cause it soothes my skin.  She also uses a conditioner made by NuHemp, even though NuHemp shampoo and Earthbath are a shampoo and conditioneor in one.  Mom also uses a hypo-allergenic, no dyes or perfumes laundry soap as I burrow under the sheets to sleep.  The prices range from about $5.00 for NuHemp (12 oz); $10.00 for Tropiclean, (16 0z) and  $12.00 fro Earthbath (16 oz).  They all make my coat shine, but you have to make sure to rinse very well and get all the shampoo out.  There's other good dog shampoos out there.  Mom has tried others but avoids anything with laurel sulfates, DEA, parabins, steroids, propolyne glycol. Hope this info helps you guys, and, if you have any other suggestions, please let Mom know.

Take care, ya'll,

Tuck the Law Dog

*** These are my Mom's opinions.  Mom is not offering recommendations nor advice but just giving her opinioin on my reactions (and hers) to these products.    Do your research and get other opinions and reviews of these products.  Ask your Vet, too.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Georgia Law (Dog) - The Musings of a Legal Beagle: Carlos Santana and Immigration Laws

Georgia Law (Dog) - The Musings of a Legal Beagle: Carlos Santana and Immigration Laws: "Carlos Santana made the national news yesterday when, at an Atlanta Braves baseball game, he cried out that the people of Arizona and Georgi..."

Carlos Santana and Immigration Laws

Carlos Santana made the national news yesterday when, at an Atlanta Braves baseball game, he cried out that the people of Arizona and Georgia should be "ashamed" of themselves for supporting the immigration bill.  Mr. Santana should be ashamed of himself for proclaiming his belief that it is ok for someone to break the laws of our country.  We are a nation of laws.  For a nation to survive there must be law and order.  I am proud of our great country and the fact that so many  want to live here because it is so great.  I don't care if you are  Hispanic, Chinese, Russian...my own heritage is Chihuahua (part Hispanic) and Jack Russell (English).  I love everybody and pray for a happy life for everyone.   However, if one wants to live in the United States, they should go through the proper paperwork and process which will enable them to become a legal citizen.  Why should someone risk their life, their families lives, to come here illegally, and then have to live their lives in fear of being arrested, jailed and deported?  Mr. Santana, no one should be ashamed for respecting and supporting the law. If a law needs to be changed, there is a process for that and it is NOT by breaking the law.  Shame on you, Carlos Santana, for supporting those that break the law.  I lift my right back leg to you.

Take care, ya'll,

Tuck the Law Dog

http://www.criminallawyercherokeecobb.com/
http://www.wix.com/alljmsotherstuff/morgese

Friday, May 13, 2011

Casey Anthony Jury Selection

Jury selection  for the Casey Anthony criminal trial was on the TV all week.  I had a front row seat stretched out on "my" couch at the office.  Mom and Dad either have True TV, Fox, HLN, or CNN airing all day.  Most times, it's background noise, 'cause everyone is busy either researching, investigating, writing, or calling people.   I just don't understand how a mother could take 30 days to finally report that her child was missing.  This defendant's tears appear to be "crocodile" tears--and, if her tears are genuine, they are likely flowing as a response to her contemplating the prospect of life in prison.    Jury selection was still going on when I left work late this afternoon--and I understand it is continuing through the weekend.  Jury selection is in Pinellas County and the trial will be in Orange County.  The jurors are going to be "sequestered" through
out the trial. "Sequestered", my legal term of the day, means that the jurors will not be able to go home, and will reside and take their meals in a hotel.  The jurors are usually instructed to not watch TV or read newspapers, so that they don't get influenced in their decision outside of what takes place in court--(I think its way too late to prevent outside influence!)  It is going to be a long, arduous process for all parties involved. There's going to be some  very lonely dogs missing their pet-parents.  Maybe, like me, they will be able to see their Mom and Dad on TV.

Take care, ya'll,

Tuck the Law Dog

http://www.criminallawyercherokeecobb.com/

http://www.wix.com/alljmsotherstuff/morgese

DOGS, MOSQUITOS & HEARTWORM

Well, mosquito season is here. It always worries Mom. She knows the dangers of Heart Worms in dogs first hand. A long time ago, in a far, far away state, her dog Deigo got heartworms. This was way before medications were popular to prevent heart worm in dogs, and actually in a state way up north where heartworm was rarely observed. Mom can remember that Deigo appeared to be short of breath so she brought her to the vet who did a test for heartworm–positive. Mom recalls that the vet gave Deigo medication and that when Deigo went to the bathroom, his poop was a “lovely shade of purple” for several days. Deigo survived the heartworm episode. The vet saved some of the heartworm and put them in a jar of formeldahyde–Mom didn’t want to keep it, but the Vet did so he could show other per parents just how intrusive heartworms can be. Mom gives me a heartworm preventative and continues to smack and swat every mosquito that comes near me. She bought a bottle of insecticide yard fogger last Sunday that says its supposed to kill mosquitos, nats, aphids, flies. But after reading throroughly the label warnings, she may take it back. She bought “Cutter Backyard Bug Control” which you hook up the bottle to the water hose and then spray your bushes and yard. She hasn’t tried it and doesn’t doubt that it could work–she is just scared that the residue would come in contact with me and make me sick. It does state to let the area sprayed dry for at least 24 hours before exposure to children and pets. Her other concern is that it states not to let this product come into contact with frogs, turtles, fish is it can kill them. We have lots of frogs living under our bushes and she doesn’t want to harm them, either. So now she is doubting as to whether this stuff should be used at all. She doesn’t put any lawn fertilizer on the yard because of the dangers of my licking my feet and ingesting the stuff. But then, of course, she constantly worries about possible long-term effects to my health as to the heartworm medications I take.
My Mom worries a lot–but she really loves me. Any comments or opinions on this Cutter product would be appreciated.

Take care, ya’ll,

Tuck the Law Dog

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Hump Day!--It's just not for Dogs..

Ok, I may be a dog, but that's not what I mean--shame on ya'll.  It's Wednesday (hump day) and only two more work days--maybe.  Mom and Dad work a lot of Saturdays, and, Sundays as well, especially when they are getting ready for a trial.  Since I rose to the title of Legal Beagle, I have had the exhausting experience of working many, many nights and weekends.  I have logged in many dog hours at the law office, sprawled out on my Dad's couch, dreaming about squirrels, and hoping we could go home soon.  His office is usually a pretty good place to relax.  Sometimes, tho when everyone is working late,  and time is getter near to trial,  the environment can get very boisterous. Law books, police reports, lab reports, photos,  records, etc., are repeatedly read and examined, notes are outlined, statements are picked apart.  To the outsider, it might appear that my Mom and Dad do not agree on  the issues or procedural tactics, because Mom usually plays "Devil's Advocate" as a means to of examining both the prosecutors and  our defense arguments.
Those occasions tho when we are all working late, I get to have pizza.  Today, Mom and Dad were reviewing a "habeas corpus" petition, and,  thus, that will be my legal term of the day.  A "habeas corpus" petition is a civil writ that is usually filed by an incarcerated person (a person restrained of his liberty).  The person is asking the court  to inquire into the legality of his restraint by reviewing their sentence and conviction.  The term is Latin and basically is translated to mean bring the body before the court.
Well, ya'll, it's late, and I must send this off.
Take care, ya'll,

Tuck the Law Dog

***Tuck offers this article for informative purposes only and it is not intended as nor should be taken as legal advice.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Georgia Law (Dog) - The Musings of a Legal Beagle: COULD I BE PART LION???

Georgia Law (Dog) - The Musings of a Legal Beagle: COULD I BE PART LION???: "The hot weather is here. It's almost 90 degrees. We hadn't yet turned on the A/C yesterday at the office because the heat snuck up on us..."

COULD I BE PART LION???

The hot weather is here.  It's almost 90 degrees.   We hadn't yet turned on the A/C yesterday  at the office because the heat snuck up on us--one minute the furnace is on, the next it's stifling.    I didn't have much of an appetite yesterday.  Mom was worried because I didn't want to eat, and I pretty much just sprawled on the couch and looked unhappy.  By about 2:30, Mom decided to take me home and see if I felt better.  It was cooler at home.  Mom made me something to eat--roast chicken-which I didn't have any interest in.  I could see she was really worried.  She told me about how Squeaky the cat got sick with CRF and she had to feed him and give him water with a syringe and she didn't want me to have to go through that or to get dehydrated, so I better eat or at least take in some fluids.  She gave me some water via a dropper.  I knew she wasn't going to let me be, so I decided to eat.  I was hungry by then and it was late  afternoon, and I really luv roast chicken made especially for me with no seasonings, and the skin removed.  Mom said maybe I am part Lion, and when it is hot, I prefer to lie around until closer to evening when it cools down and I feel like eating.  Last evening, I played outside and had a good dinner.  I dragged out all my favorite toys and squeaked them incessantly necessitating the TV being turned up louder so Mom and Dad could hear the final episode of Stargate Universe.  They never yell at me for constantly squeaking my toys--they are just glad that I am a happy dog.  I was still squeaking at 11:00PM.   When I came into the office this morning, the A/C was on.  I ate breakfast.  I played with my toys,  I had lunch.  I went for walks and barked at squirrels.  I even saw a box turtle trying to cross the road.  Mom picked it up and carried it to safety just as a big garbage truck was barreling down the street.  When Dad came back to the office this afternoon, I overheard Mom tell him that she wasn't sure if the heat got to me yesterday, or if I just acted sick so that she would take me home where I could play with my toys and run around the yard looking for lizards and frogs (Mom keeps a close watch and makes sure I don't try to grab one.)  Maybe some days I am part Lion and prefer to lie around when it's hot and then "graze" in the evening.   But between you and me, I just wanted to go home from work early!   Reminder!! Now that the hot weather is here:  please, please don't leave your dogs in the car, even with the windows cracked open.  The temperature can rise quickly inside  the car and its very deadly to any dog or any person inside.  Don't leave your dogs without water or fresh air, either.  The temperature inside your house can get very warm as well without an open window, a rotating fan, or A/C.
 Have a great summer.

Take care, ya'll,

Tuck

Monday, May 9, 2011

"This Ain't Ally McBeal!"

TV shows about the law are pretty much out  of touch with reality.  That goes without saying of not only Ally McBeal (the "dancing doll"), but with, The Practice (whatever happened to the cast?), Boston Legal (cigars on the rooftop and mad-cow disease), The Good Wife (do they ever lose?), and the most recent with Jim Belushi-The Defenders (they are in trial a few days after getting the case--yeah, right)-which was  given the kiss of death by moving to Friday night. But Jim is doing a Broadway show now and he says he's happy.
I shall focus on criminal matters for this article and discuss the process from arrest to resolution.  I'll focus on Georgia law, but much of this information may pertain to other jurisdictions as well.   One can be charged with a misdemeanor-a lessor crime, or one may face a felony-a serious crime.  In Georgia, a misdemeanor carries a sentence of up to 12 months, whereas a felony carries a sentence of one year or more.  Examples of a misdemeanor are Simple Battery, Reckless Conduct, Possession of Marijuana Less than an Ounce, some moving vehicle violations.  Examples of a felony are Aggravated Assault, Murder, Robbery, Possession of certain Controlled Substances (Drugs).  Following an arrest, one may be "booked" into jail.  The arrestee would have to put up a "bond" which can be a cash or property bond in order to secure release.  Following booking into jail, a hearing is held  either in court or by video, in which  the arrestee goes before a judge and is informed of the charges he or she is facing.   If a person has the cash or property, he may bond out.  Sometimes, certain felony crimes require that the arrestee goes before a judge who will determine if bond will be granted.  Not all charges have a "bond scale,"  and those that do not require appearance before a judge.  Thus, someone could bond out in a few hours, and some may take several days.  Some people may be denied bond based on a flight risk or criminal history.  There can be several agencies and individuals involved in a criminal case, to include the prosecutors, their investigators, the arresting officers, witnesses, the attorney, the attorneys staff, etc.   It is not uncommon for a  jurisdiction to have a backlog of cases.  There are only so many people assigned to the hundreds of arrests each month in any given county.   And thus, unfortunately, the length of time from arrest to the resolution of a criminal case could take months and even years.  The TV shows I mentioned above depict an arrest, an investigation, and a trial, all in a matter of a few days.  It just doesn't progress that quickly--but it would be really great if it did.  An attorney needs to look at all the evidence, review this evidence to determine if any motions need to be filed, as for example, were any constitutional rights violated that would necessitate a "Motion to Suppress"?  An attorney may need to locate and interview witnesses, research case law,  check  the background and history of  co-defendants.  It can take a few weeks to get police and lab reports.  And all this waiting can cause anguish and emotional distress on not only the person facing the criminal charge, but on that person's family as well.  Yes, there are cases that proceed quickly.  Sometimes a person just wants to enter a plea without waiting to review all the evidence. Or sometimes, there is very strong evidence to establish a person's innocence, such that the matter can be disposed of promptly.  Sometimes the wheels turn quickly, sometimes they turn slowly.  Sometimes it is in one's best interest that the wheels do turn slowly--witnesses disappear, evidence gets old.  The important thing to remember is that every case is different, and to not compare your case with someone else, as there are so many variables.  Some matters are best pleading out, and some should be taken to trial, and up through Appeal, if justified.  My Mom and Dad want to resolve each person's case as expediently as possible, but they feel that each case must be resolved in the best interest of their client and with their client's wishes.  No one is advised to enter a plea for something they didn't do.  I hope that you never find yourself facing a criminal charge.  But if you do, try and understand that "This Ain't Ally McBeal!"

Take care, ya'll,

Tuck the Law Dog

Friday, May 6, 2011

Are Dogs Being Over Vaccinated?

Rabies vaccinations are required in most states, if not all-I admit I haven't checked every state's laws.  Georgia requires dogs to obtain a rabies vaccination at least every three years.    I have mine.  I got the three year vaccine.  The Vet gave me a little gold rabies "tag." Mom believes dog vaccines should be administered as  minimally as possible.  Vaccines can had adverse side effects.  There is a growing movement to allow a "titer" test to determine if the antibodies remain in a dogs system, such that the dog is still protected by the vaccine and thus does not require another rabies vaccination.  Most states will not accept a "waiver" indicating that the titer test was done and the antibodies are present.    http://www.rabieschallengefund.org/ is one organization that advocates that rabies vaccinations can last from 5-7 years, and thus more often are not necessary.  There are also studies that indicate other dog vaccinations may not be as necessary as previously believed.  Don't misunderstand me--rabies is a very serious and deadly condition.  There have been reported cases of rabies where I live, usually found in a fox or raccoon.   I just wanted my dog friends to become more aware of the growing case studies that indicate  dogs (and cats, too) may be being subjected to unecessary immunizations.    Google the words: rabies vaccinations dogs studies titer.  There are numerous articles being written  discussing recent  studies that have been carried out as to how long vaccine antibodies stay in a dogs system.  Check out other dog blogs, dog forums, pet message boards.  Get educated. 
Don't be afraid to question your veterinarian about this subject.  A good vet will be happy to discuss the pros and cons of  rabies vaccinations and other immunizations.  Speak up for us dogs.  Know your states laws on rabies vaccinations as your dog might only need one every 3-4 years.  All this said, still obey the law of your state--but push for reform.  And continue to get those yearly exams-- 'cause after the exam is over, I usually get a new toy!

Take care, ya'll,

Tuck the Law Dog

***Tuck offers no medical or legal advice but encourages you to get educated on this subject by researching these issues and talking to your Vet as to what is best for your dog or cat. 

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Georgia Law (Dog) - The Musings of a Legal Beagle: "Dog Bites" and the Law

Georgia Law (Dog) - The Musings of a Legal Beagle: "Dog Bites" and the Law: "Mom says she doesn't worry about me biting anyone that comes to the office--'cause all I want to do is give everyone non-stop kisses! I ju..."

"Dog Bites" and the Law

Mom says she doesn't worry about me biting anyone  that comes to the office--'cause all I want to do is give everyone non-stop kisses!  I just love to greet Mom & Dad's clients.  But even so, Mom has a gate on her office door and keeps me in there when a client comes that hasn't met me before.  Dad also doesn't allow me in his office when he is meeting with a client, 'cause I just want to sit in their lap and be scratched!  Sometimes the client asks if I can come in and sit with them--they are so nice to me.   But on the serious side, pet parents should excercise great caution when introducing a dog to someone new.  Don't let a dog run up to a stranger.  Don't let us dogs run loose with no supervision.  Don't let children approach a dog without asking permission of the handler.   If there is any concern at all in how a dog and a person will react to each other, keep the parties apart, and allow each to take his time in getting to know the other.  Dogs can react to a frightening situation by biting, and dog bites can have serious legal and financial ramifications.
"Dog Bite" laws vary by state and not only include bites but attacks and maulings as well.  Some state laws take into consideration the dog's propensity to be dangerous; whether the petparent knew the dog was dangerous; whether the petparent was negligent; whether there was provocation to make the dog bite, for example, taunting the dog or poking the dog with an object; whether the person bit was on private or public property; some states laws take into consideration whether the peron bit  was aware of a "Dangerous Dog" sign; whether the state has a "leash law;" trespass issues by the person bitten; etc.   In my opinion, the best remedy is to proceed with caution when your dog is meeting someone new or when bringing your dog into an environment likely to agitate the dog.  Don't leave a dog tied up so that it feels its only defense when approached by a stranger is to bite or attack.  If you are gong to keep my dog buddies tied up all the time--you really should consider finding the dog another family that will make it an important and respected part of the family and not treat it like a piece of property and not a family member--which will be my topic another day.   Parents, keep a firm grip on your dog,  your children, and the situation. 

Take care, ya'll,

Tuck the Law Dog

***"Tuck offers this above article for informational purposes only.  Anyone bitten by a dog or who has a dog that has bitten someone, could benefit from the advice of legal counsel  pertaining to the laws and codes of the jurisdiction where the incident occurred, if necessary.''

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Adopt a Dog from Your Local Shelter

Adopt a Dog From Your Local Shelter

Or, subtitle, “How I Came to be Tuck The Law Dog.”  As the story goes, my Mom and Dad didn’t want to go through the heartbreak of losing another family member.  Squeaky the cat had passed away after suffering through CRF-Chronic Renal Failure.  And, Sammy the cat had passsed away  prior to Squeaky, from lymphoma of the small intenstine.  Sammy was going on 19 years of age , but Squeaky was only 11 years old.  Anyway, Mom and Dad were going to go to the animal shelter close to home, but Dad had to go meet a client in another direction, so they went their first.  While waiting for Dad, Mom walked over to yet another  animal shelter  “just to look.”    She told me she was looking for a big dog, she used to have big dogs and thought that little dogs were for old people  to drive around in their cars and sit on their lap.  The shelter that day was full of big dogs and really big puppies.  In fact, I was the smallest dog there.  So when Mom saw me, I was shaking in the corner of the kennel.  Alas, she looked at me and kept walking.  What I didn’t know was that she was walking back to meet my Dad and make him come see me.  They came to the cage, looked at me, said I was cute, but then walked away and went and looked at the three  really big and shaggy white and black puppies.  They then decided to go the the original shelter that they first started out to that day.  But something made them turn back to take one more look at me—and they asked if they could take me out of the cage to the “meet and greet” yard.  Whoopie!  The first thing I did when we all got outside was to jump in Dad’s lap, give him a kiss, and refuse to get down.    Mom said–well,  that’s our dog, let’s take him home.   When they returned to pick me up after processing it was on a Wednesday around lunch time, so they didn’t go home but had to go back to their law office.  They had a blanket and toys there for me.    And the rest, as they say, is history.  I go to the law office with them every day,and even have another dog friend to play with during the day, “Sam,” who also goes to work every day with his Dad.  Sam was abaondond, shot and left to die, until his Mom and Dad saved him. Life is good–for me and Sam.   There’s lots of great dogs at the animal shelter waiting for a home and someone to love.
Take care, ya’ll
Tuck the Law Dog

Monday, May 2, 2011

Osama Bin Laden Dead & Wild Mushrooms

My topic for this day is wild mushrooms, but I feel I must mention the death of Bin Laden.  While no death should be a joyous occassion,  this particular passing merits a cheeringly  loud, neighborhood-waking bark of  Woof!  Woof!   I wasn't yet born during 9-11, but my parents personally know three people that lost their lives in the towers.    Why can't everyone just get along?    Life is so short and goes by soooo fast.  I like and want to have fun with every dog I meet, big, small, fat, skinny, young, old, brown, white, yellow, and even those bright pink-dyed poodles.  
Spring rains are here.  Speaking from personal experience,  if you have a dog, please be very, very aware of wild mushrooms growing in your yard.  They can be deadly.  I was playing outside at work, and then came in.  My Mom noticed that I was sitting kind of quiet and then I started drooling and then threw up.  She rushed me to the vet.  I ended up in the hospital.  A quick-thinking vet filled me up with charcoal and fluids and saved my life.  My Mom examined what I threw up and found a piece of mushroom.   I was really out of it until the next morning, as I was actually "tripping" on the mushroom.    Since that day Mom daily checks our yard at home and at work for mushrooms and gets rid of them.  It is also advisable to provide your vet with any vomit or feces as they can provide a valuable clue as to what ails us dogs.

Take care, ya'll

Tuck