Rescue Attempt for Airport Dog

PAWS is looking for a foster home or permanent home for a dog that is in need, and for someone to sponsor her medical attention.

Jane Belcher, from Texas, is here visiting Saipan for a couple of weeks. Upon her arrival in Saipan, she was greeted by a homeless black and white dog that lives at the Saipan Airport. The dog, according to Belcher, is emaciated. According to other reports, the dog has been living at the airport for at least three months.

Jane started feeding the dog, and has done so throughout her stay here in Saipan. She said, “When I first saw her, she literally could not stand on 3 feet to use the other one to scratch. Her tail was totally under her body. By Wednesday, after only a few days of food, she was running up to me, her tail was wagging and she actually whined a hello before I fed her on Wednesday night.”

She contacted PAWS and asked for their assistance. Per her request, PAWS went to visit the dog and bring it food and water, and to determine what course of action to take. PAWS President Katie Busenkell said that despite the dog’s weakened condition, she has a pleasant and friendly personality.

Busenkell said, “Cases like this are disturbing for numerous reasons. First, it is always disturbing that someone feels no shame in abandoning a dog and leaving it to fend for itself, or to die a slow death of starvation. Second, it is disturbing that so many people could look at this dog everyday on their way to work and not feel compelled to help it – if not for the dog’s safe, to benefit the community. And third, it is disturbing that our legislature still has not enacted an anti-cruelty bill that prohibits and deters animal abandonment, among other things.”

PAWS believes the dog can be nursed back to health, but they need to find someone to sponsor her medical treatment and provide the dog with a safe place to recuperate. Busenkell said, “This is precisely why we need a shelter. So animals don’t have to suffer this long, and so our community and tourists don’t have to witness their suffering.”

If no home can be found for this dog by Monday, PAWS will attempt to catch it and have her euthanized at the DLNR clinic on Tuesday.

If you or someone you know would be willing to help this dog, please contact Katie at 256-0243. (home) or at busenkell@gmail.com.

Looking for a Dog? We have a few recommendations.

PAWS is currently looking for responsible homes for numerous dogs and puppies . If you someone you know is interested in adopting a dog, and can provide a safe and loving home for a pet, please contact the individuals listed below.

1. Two loving puppies: Two energetic and playful male puppies need loving homes. One is pure black and the other one is light brown. Both have been treated for mange and worms. They have been given their first vaccination and are on Revolution, a topical medication that prevents heartworm and repels ticks and fleas.

These two puppies are very energetic, and like to play with each other, other dogs, and people.

If you are interested in adopting these cute puppies, please contact El at 236-2997 (work), 484-1941 (cell), or by email at elliac2000@yahoo.com


2. Owner of three dogs seeks home for all three – together or separate: Robert Churney, the owner of three loved dogs is moving back to the mainland and unfortunately, he cannot afford to take his three dogs. Therefore, he is seeking a loving and responsible home for all three of his dogs, Marcus, Obi, and Lady, either separately or together.

If you are interested in adopting one, two, or all three of Robert’s dogs, please contact him at 256-0307 or at robert.churney@gmail.com.

Marcus: He is one (1) year of age, weighs twenty-five (25) pounds, is very strong and healthy, and has all of his vaccination shots.

He is a dutiful watchdog, but also very friendly and affectionate with his family. Marcus is athletic. He particularly enjoys running, walks, swimming, and trips to the beach.

He is incredibly handsome – monotone brown coat, which is beautiful, and great eyes.

He has been a good companion and friend, and he will be greatly missed.


Obi: He's six (6) months old, sixteen (16) pounds, very strong and healthy, and had all of his shots. Obi is very friendly and affectionate.

He is absolutely beautiful, with a nice face and body marking, pointed ears and a good coat. Obi has a melodious bark and he likes to vocalize when he has something to tell you.

Obi has been a wonderful puppy and companion. He too will be greatly missed.

Lady: Lady was found while on a walk up to Forbidden Island in Kagman III. She was in a clump of bushes next to a black trash bag of dead puppies. She is believed to have clawed her way out of the bag and survived.

Lady was seriously malnourished and had no hair due to mange and a bacterial infection. Judging from the decomposition of her dead siblings, she had been there several days and nights and was hungry, thirsty and frightened. Robert said, “I really don’t know how she survived, but she really had a will to live. I brought her home, cleaned and fed her, gave her a few antibiotics I had left over from my other dogs, and also gave her some dog vitamins. She had badly bowed front legs, probably from vitamin deficiency, so I fed her some vegetables with her food and bandaged her legs around the knee to provide support and prompt healing.”

Today, Lady’s legs are straight and sturdy. She also has plenty of puppy energy. It is important to note that Lady is currently receiving mange treatment through the DLNR Clinic. She has another treatment or two to go, but appears to be in good health otherwise. Robert firmly believes that with a little love and care, Lady will grow into a big and beautiful female dog with lovely red hair.


3. Sweet Momma Dog: This sweet female dog needs a good home. She was abandon in her rescuer’s neighborhood about a year ago. She's very gentle, good with children and other dogs.

She's sweet and playful and needs some love. If you are interested, please contact Nicolette at nicolettevidal@hotmail.com.


If the dog or puppy you saw in this article is no longer available, please contact Katie Busenkell at 256-0243 or at busenkell@gmail.com. PAWS is constantly receiving requests for help in finding loving and responsible homes for animals, so we can help you find that perfect pet for your family.

Also, PAWS would like to take this opportunity to remind you that we are here to help you find a pet or find a home. Please, be a responsible pet owner. Do not dump or “throw” unwanted animals. Dumping unwanted animals leads to the animal suffering, and it negatively affects our property values, tourist industry, public health and public safety.

If you or someone you know needs help with an unwanted animal, or is seeking information on responsible pet ownership, please visit the PAWS website at www.paws-saipan.org, our blogsite at www.paws-saipan.blogspot.com, or contact Katie Busenkell at busenkell@gmail.com.

What is it about Miracle Mike?

At first, it was hard to distinguish the squirming lump from the roadkill he was glued to. One truck ran right over him; another car was about to do the same. Attached to what emerged as a tiny body were 2 floppy ears and very little hair; when he raised his head, he looked more like a chicken than a dog. I stopped my truck and scooped him up. This was a problem: We already have five dogs and five cats, and we promised (the last time), that there would be NO MORE. So when I returned to my classroom with the puppy, there was a real question as to what to do with him.

I made a pbj sandwich while we contemplated his future. After scarfing down his half [of the sandwich], Mikey immediately threw up.

So you ask: what made me love him? Certainly not the mange that covered his little body. Certainly not the stump that masqueraded as a tail that wagged his whole body. Certainly not the bones and squiggly things he continued to vomit.

I promised myself I would not care about this little dog, because I didn't know if he would live, and I knew I couldn't keep him. Yet, I was prepared to camp out with him at the classroom if there were objections to bringing him home.

Dan [my husband] agreed [to let him stay at the house]-- so long as it was temporary, and so long as I figured out some way to stop the incessant scratching, the vomiting, and other problems caused by the 5 dogs who ignored him and the 5 cats who hissed at him.

There is a history here. Last year, Dan brought Penny home around Mother's Day. Penny is a Dalmatian wannabe -- and the most hyper, obnoxious dog that ever was. Dan, however, loves her, and if he didn't bring her home, she would have died. Penny is not the sharpest pencil in the box, either: it took her months to grasp that she was to do her business outside the house; that she didn't have to throw up after every meal; that the other dogs and cats have their own personal space; and that every one's shoes were not her personal toys. Penny was obviously not my favorite: she harassed (and harasses) the other dogs in her endless quest for attention; and she required endless trips to Dr. Tudor, all of which cost some $1200 in vet bills to treat her skin problems, her ehrlichia (which dog on this island DOESN'T have it?) and spaying complications. No one loves Penny except Dan. So Dan owed me one.

The new guy, however, never saw the problems that were Penny and immediately fell in love with her. Penny, it must be said, rose to the occasion. He nips at her; he follows her; he climbs on her; he bothers her; and he even tortures her. They play endlessly. He loves her unconditionally and thinks she is the greatest thing ever.

As for the other dogs? The pup refuses to take "no" for an answer. He charms them; he tries to play; he never gets mad when they growl at or ignore him. He's never in a bad mood, and he just tries so hard. And he has responded so well to treatment: in the month that we've had him, he's doubled in size.

There's not just one special thing about Mikey -- it's just the package. I've never seen a little one try so hard to fit in, just to make it. So we love him, not because he's beautiful (because he's far from that), but because he sees the beauty in everything.

So what makes Mikey Miracle Mike? He loves Penny, and life, and every thingelse. And he's staying right here with us: after all, Penny would be heartbroken if he left her.

By: Phyllis Ain, Saipan, MP

Low-Cost Veterinary Clinics - Cancelled

We have received numerous inquiries asking about the PAWS and Beautify CNMI! Veterinary Clinic. Hopefully, the following will clarify our position.

First, PAWS to date has not agreed to host a low-cost spay and neuter clinic.

Second, Beautify CNMI!'s Animal Welfare Committee was planning a low-cost spay and neuter clinic that was planned to visit Saipan for two weeks in February or March of 2008. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond Beautify CNMI!'s control, the volunteer veterinarians of Veterinary Ventures, will not be making the trip to the CNMI.

Beautify CNMI! will continue to work towards hosting this important event.

What's Eating Your Dog?

The following article appeared in the Island Locator's June Edition. Please note, the following pictures were taken before and after these two rescued dogs were treated at DLNR Clinic and Paradise Island Animal Hospital. The larger dog was treated at DLNR. The smaller dog was treated at PIAH. Point is: YOU HAVE OPTIONS FOR TREATMENT SO THERE IS NO EXCUSE NOT TO HELP THAT DOG!


By: Katie Busenkell

Ever wonder what is eating your dog? Not who is eating your dog, but what is eating your dog. Or, maybe you don’t even know that something is eating your dog. To find out, answer some of the following questions:

1. Is your dog constantly scratching?
2. Is your dog missing patches of hair?
3. Have those patches of missing hair gotten bigger and bigger?

If you answered yes to these three questions, then your dog may have what is called “mange.”


So, what is mange?

Mange is a skin disease that affects animals. On Saipan, the skin disease most commonly affects dogs, though it is contagious to humans. Common symptoms include hair loss, itching, and inflammation.

There are two kinds of mange: Sarcoptic Mange and Demodectic Mange.

Sarcopic Mange:

Sarcoptic Mange is caused by a small parasite called a mite. The mites burrow into the hair follicle and lay eggs. When the mites invade the hair follicle, it causes an infection. The eggs and the infection basically push the hair out of the hair follicle and that results in hair loss.

Sarcoptic mange is very itchy in hypersensitive animals. So you have a better understanding of just how miserable it is to be itchy all the time, imagine being covered with mosquito bites, poison ivy, or having the chicken poxes. It is so itchy that some animals itch themselves raw.

Is Sarcoptic Mange Contagious?

Yes. Sarcoptic mange is very contagious. It is usually spread or contracted by direct contact with an infested animal, although it can also be spread, rarely, by indirect contact.

If you handle a dog that has mange, it is best to wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after handling the dog. Avoid skin contact. If skin contact should occur, be sure to wash the exposed area as soon as possible with soap and water.

When will I know if my dog has Sarcoptic Mange?

Well, if you don’t know already, you may have to wait between 10 days and 8 weeks after your animal is exposed to an infected animal. This is the time it takes from contact or exposure (to the disease or infected/infested animal) to the manifestation of the disease or infestation. It is not clear how long the mite can survive in the environment, detached from its host.

Watch for hair loss, itching, and lesions. Also look for a thin yellow crust or flake –that is puss and it means that your dog has a skin infection.

How Do I treat my dog’s Sarcoptic Mange?

Don’t waste your money on over the counter medications or homeopathic remedies. Sarcoptic mange is a serious disease that needs to be treated by a veterinarian as quickly as possible to prevent the disease from spreading, and to reduce the animal’s suffering.

There are chemicals or acaricides (a substance that is poisonous to ticks and mites) that can kill the mite on or off its host. Administering these chemicals is limited to licensed veterinarians by the FDA. Luckily, both of our island veterinarians are equipped to treat Sarcoptic Mange.

For more details on treatment options, contact Dr. Tudor at Paradise Island Animal Hospital (234-9669) or Dr. dela Cruz at DLNR (234-6169).

How Can I prevent Sarcoptic Mange?

The best thing to do to prevent the spread of this skin disease between dogs is to prevent direct contact with the clean (uninfested) animal. If the dogs live together, complete separation by double fencing, at least two feet apart, would be the best thing to do to prevent the "clean" dog from getting the infestation.

Revolution, which requires a prescription, can be very effective in preventing mange and heartworm, and killing ticks, fleas, and flea eggs.

Revolution can be bought at Paradise Island Animal Hospital, or on-line after obtaining a prescription from either on-island veterinarian. Prescriptions for Revolution are available at DLNR for $5.00 after an examination. If you are going to shop on-line for animal care items, try 1800PetMeds.com – shipping is free and the package usually arrives within 4-5 days.


Demodectic Mange:

Demodectic mange mainly affects puppies and older dogs.

Puppies get the mites shortly after birth from their mother. Some puppies cannot develop the immunity or resistance to the mites, so they have a reaction to the infestation, or mite bites.

Is Demodectic Mange contagious?

No. Unlike Sarcoptic Mange, Demodectic Mange is not contagious to humans and most dogs.

How will I know if my puppy or older dog has Demodectic Mange?

Symptoms will appear, such as hair loss. In some cases, pimples will appear around the upper portions of the eyelids and forehead.

How do I treat my dog’s Demodectic Mange?

As a puppies’ immune system strengthens, they may become resistant to the Demodectic mite’s presence. However, about 10% of puppies don’t develop a resistance, and life for these puppies can be miserable if the disease is not treated.

Therefore, although treatment may not be necessary in all cases, it is highly recommended. If left untreated, Demodectic Mange can become a general infection, which affects the entire body. Bacterial infections are commonly seen in severe cases and may require numerous treatments before the disease is cured. Therefore, it is best to start treatment early before the infection becomes severe.

Treatment, when just starting, is by spot application of amitraz (Mitaban) or rotenone every two weeks. In a generalized condition, bathing or dipping, using Mitaban, every two weeks until two negative skin scrapings are achieved, is the treatment of choice.

Ivermectin can also work, but treatment may be prolonged. Systemic antibiotics are used to control or treat the bacterial infection.

These products are available only through a licensed veterinarian.

Do Not Dump that Dog – Treat that Dog!

Not all skin diseases are mange. Your dog may have a coral allergy or be allergic to flea or tick bites. These allergens are easily and affordably treated once diagnosed.

To find out what is plaguing your dog, take him/her to the veterinarian for an examination so the animal can be promptly treated. Prompt treatment by a veterinarian is important for two reasons: (1) it stops the disease from spreading to other dogs; and (2) reduces the dog’s suffering.

If you think your dog has a skin disease, please contact:

Dr. Edgar Tudor
Paradise Island Animal Hospital
234-9669

Dr. Ignacio dela Cruz
Department of Land Resources
234-6169

** Information for this article was provided by Dr. Igancio dela Cruz, DLNR and Tilley, Larry P. and Francis W.K. Smith, Jr., eds. The 5 Minute Veterinary Consult: Canine and Feline. Maryland: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.

An old, healthy dog

This week marks the eleventh year I've had my dog Shelby. My sister had her one year, so she is twelve. Life took strange journeys, and never did I imagine I'd be bringing my dog all over the world, but that was what was required, so that is what I did. With an investment in veterinary care, an animal can live long and prosper, not to mention offer all types of life enriching experiences.

People say all these things about dogs being loyal, but I don't actually buy that. I had this dog for eight years, just her and me, but she is now more attached to my wife and ten year old. I don't begrudge that, though. She teaches my son about responsibilty, care and love, and she's still one, sweet, spoiled, old cutie.

Letter of Clarification

In response to an article published in the Marianas Variety, the following letter of clarification was issued on June 14, 2007, to the Marianas Variety, the Saipan Tribune, Senator Hofschneider, and Senator Crisostimo:

Dear Editor,

This is a letter of clarification in response to an article published by the Marianas Variety on June 14, 2007 titled "Animal Welfare Advocate Wants Cockfighting Banned."

When I was contacted by the Marianas Variety, I asked that the topic of the anti-cruelty bill be approached delicately, as there is a lot at stake. In an effort to avoid any confusion, misquotation, or misinterpretation, I emailed the MV a carefully crafted email summarizing the meaning of the anti-cruelty bill and the status of the bill.

Despite this protective measure, information was misstated and I believe that information needs to be corrected for the general public.

First, the bill that was introduced to the House and Senate is an "anti-cruelty bill," not an "anti-animal cruelty bill."

Second, I did not say that Senator Hofschneider or Senator Crisostimo were proponents of the bill. I said, "I recently spoke with Rep. Kaipat, Senator Hofschneider, and Senator Crisostomo about the law and hope to meet with lawmakers sometime in the coming weeks."

There is a big difference in these two statements.

For clarification, neither Senator Hofschneider nor Senator Crisostimo expressed to me that they were for or against the anti-cruelty bill. Rather, they simply expressed a willingness to learn more about the bill and it's effect on the community.

I recognize and appreciate the media's willingness to cover animal-related stories. However, the topic of anti-cruelty is an extremely serious and delicate issue, and therefore it must be reported in a conservative and accurate manner. To do otherwise may set back our efforts rather than further them.

If readers have questions about the anti-cruelty bill, they may contact me at busenkell@gmail.com.

Kindest Regards,
Katie Busenkell
President of PAWS
Chair of Beautify CNMI! Animal Welfare Committee

Gathering of Community Organizations for DOI - Including PAWS

Secretary of the United States Interior Dirk Kempthorne and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs David Cohen with community leaders: Beautify CNMI! Leader Rep. Cinta Kaipat, Gus Kaipat, Friends of the Marianas (FMI) President Marites Castillo, Walt Goodridge, and PAWS President and Chair of Beautify CNMI!'s Animal WElfare Committee Katie Busenkell

A Happy Tail!

This is Tiger, a PAWS rescue, happily celebrating with his new family, the Ada Family!

Looking for Some Lovin? Well, Adopt Me!!

Is your family lacking evening entertainment? Do you wish you had a warm, soft body to happily greet you at the end of the day?

Well, we have exactly what you are looking for!

PAWS is currently trying to find homes for EIGHT kittens. If you someone you know is interested in adopting one or two kittens, please contact the rescuers below.

TWO ADORABLE AND LOVING KITTENS:

Two kittens, one male and one female, are up for adoption to loving homes. They are about 10 weeks old. Both have been examined by Dr. Tudor and de-wormed. They are scheduled to receive their vaccination shot on the 14th, compliments of PAWS.

If I didn't already have two cats, I would definitely keep these two. They are good with dogs and cats, and they absolutely love people. They would make a great pet for someone who is looking for one or two house companions.

If you are interested in adopting one or both of these kittens, please contact Katie at busenkell@gmail.com or at 256-0243.

This is Little Lady. She has a GREAT personality: she's busy, playful, smart, and loving. I think she has the brains between the two of them. She seems to get "it."

This is PigPen. I don't know what his problem is. He is always a little dirty, and strangely, that makes him more irresistible. He LOVES to he held, and will actually ask to be picked up. He is a lover.

TWO KITTENS UP FOR GRABS AT PIAH:

These two kittens were brought into PIAH and never picked up. Naturally, Dr. Tudor is taking great care of them and desperately is looking for a loving and responsible home.


The Calico one is a female, and she has an absolutely beautiful face.

The little black one is a boy, and he is a lover. Some people are afraid of black cats, and I'm telling your right now that all those rumors ARE ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE! My two cats growing up were black, one of which is still alive and healthy at 22 years old, and I can't tell you how much joy they brought to our family.


Both kittens have been de-wormed and are extremely healthy. They love all the other animals at the hospital, which says a lot about their personalities, and they particularly like people.


If you or someone you know is interested in adopting these two kittens, please contact PIAH at 234-9669.

FOUR KITTENS UP FOR ADOPTION THROUGH WES HORLING!

God made kittens this cute so we could find a home early in life. Look at those faces! Wes has four healthy young kittens that are almost ready for adoption. They just started to purr this week, so they are not quite ready to leave mom yet.

However, you can still lay-claim to one of these little guys by calling Wes at wes.horlings@gmail.com and 287-2467.