South County Animal Shelter Coalition - August 2011

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WHAT'S NOW FOR SOUTH COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER COALITION?

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RUFF’s PET FOOD FOR THE UNEMPLOYED                                                                  
Free Pet Food for unemployed people on the second Saturday of every month from 10 AM to noon at the Alicia Pet Care Center at 25800 Jeronimo Rd. #100, Mission Viejo. Also, the South County Outreach Food Pantry at 26776 Vista Terrace, Lake Forest, is open Monday - Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM and has free pet food.  Ann Breuer who started the Pet Food Giveaway program, with her husband Jim Gardner, is also part of a volunteer group making coats for pets in animal shelters.  Both Pet Food programs are sponsored by RUFF (Rescuing Unwanted Furry Friends  www.ruffrescue.org).  You can contact Anne Breuer at annebreuer@yahoo.com

*****  A Happy Announcement, Lost Cat named Eva who was listed as a Rag Doll Breed but looked very similar to a Himalayan returned home safely!!  *****

NEW REPORTS OF LACK OF PROGRESS related to COYOTE ISSUE in SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY.  

You have probably read about and/or seen on TV the reports of very recent Coyote attacks in Laguna Woods. Those are so bad that the City of Laguna Woods is now looking into changing their firearms law.  Our Cities who should have been coordinating support for residents and their pets with other cities have let residents down miserably.  

A vitally important point to us from Lt. Smirl from the Fish and Game Dept. at our 1 and only Laguna Hills City Meeting on this subject in Dec. of 2010 was the need to coordinate an effort to combat Coyote attacks with other cities, as Coyotes do not recognize city borders. Equally important was the need for extensive education from Cities to all citizens related to how to behave with Coyotes to assist in preventing additional habituation of Coyotes as well as the need to take out the most aggressive and dangerous Coyotes.  He suggested a Neighborhood Wildlife Watch Program for continuing education and updates.  He noted it is essential to stand, tall, wave arms and use loud voices and other noises in the presence of Coyotes as well as walking with walking sticks to wave at Coyotes and using short leashes on pets not the extended types where a pet can get too far away from the person walking it.  People attending the meeting suggested placing warning signs in parks related to not leaving little children alone or animals tied up.   The recent information from Laguna Woods adds do not walk or hike alone especially at sunrise or sunset. Keep pets inside overnight.  Never leave food outside. 

Laguna Hills residents who have lost more than 20 pets in just the Nellie Gail Ranch area and continue to be threatened by the Coyote Problem have recently received form letters from Mayor Songstad stating: " In April, the City, in conjunction with NGROA, (**this is Nellie Gail Ranch Owners Association) undertook an effort to capture rogue coyotes during periods of increase coyote activity in the area, with a good degree of success."   " We will continue to actively monitor the coyote situation throughout the City including the Nellie Gail areas, and anticipate renewing our joint effort with NGROA to address the coyote issue during the next increased period of activity which is anticipated for the Fall.  In preparation for that increased activity, we are maintaining a current list of coyote encounters, incidents and locations which will assist us in targeting the most active problem areas.  We would appreciate your help by continuing to keep us appraised of coyote activity in your neighborhood, or that which other neighbors and friends may encounter, so that we are sure to properly account for the activity and locations."   Mayor Songstad failed to give any details related to what a "good degree of success" means, and he gave no specifics on any progress made.  He also failed to report any effort to agendize this matter for a city council meeting in the future related to promises made to residents to do that in Dec. of 2010. 

Please continue to e-mail your City Councils to demand attention to this problem at: Laguna Hills - ccouncil@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us

Laguna Woods - cityhall@lagunawoodscity.org  

Aliso Viejo -    city-council@cityofalisoviejo.com

Laguna Niguel - Council@ci.laguna-niguel.ca.us

Thank you to Rose Tingle for this item - Coyotes are here to stay—it’s up to us to find ways of coexisting with them. A program combining education in techniques to resolve coyote conflicts and how to discourage coyotes offers the best method for handling and preventing conflicts with coyotes, and is working already in a number of communities.

You can help Mission Viejo build a Dog Park by voting twice a day until midnight on August 3 at http://www.barkforyourpark.com/ and on facebook at www.facebook.com/PetSafeBrand  The City of Mission Viejo who shares its animal shelter with Laguna Niguel and Aliso Viejo is one of the 15 finalists in the national "Bark for your Park" contest and is eligible for $100,000 toward building a local dog park if they win. There is also a 2 minute video on the Bark for your Park web site that  illustrated how Mission Viejo qualified as a finalist. 

PET RESCUE GROUPS ARE REPORTING THEY ARE CONTINUING to RECEIVE BILLS FOR KENNELING AND OTHER FEES FROM ORANGE COUNTY ANIMAL CARE SERVICES -  We 1st received this information from a rescue group on 5-31-11 who just got a boarding bill from the County for having their rescue cats at Petsmart.  We have now received it from many other rescue groups who have Nothing to do with Petsmart but are boarding their cats and dogs with Foster Families.  We were told County of Orange is acting on an old 1976 law that was meant for breeders not for rescue groups.  Please read their petition, below sign if you agree and pass this along to your contacts so they can do the same.  County Supervisor Pat Bates is now answering inquires about this with a form letter and nothing so far has been done to change this.  Many large City and County Animal Shelter's charge their Rescue Group Partners nothing to take pets from their shelters and none that we know of charge fees to rescue groups for boarding/fostering their animals. This is a new low for Orange County and our latest report is that the County is now pressuring PetSmart which could result in the rescue groups losing their partnerships with PetSmart. 

**** It appears that the calls and e-mails to County Supervisors from all of you may be making a difference.  On 7-28 we received this message from the Orange County Animal Rescue Coalition  - Just heard from Sgt. Holland of OCASC.  She advised me that the outcome of the kennel fees are on hold and no further monies are to be paid until a determination is made from the Board of Supervisors. If the outcome is in our favor we will be refunded the kennel fees some other groups paid.  She did not know how much longer this will take.  

"We, along with other rescue groups that house their rescued cats at the Petsmart stores have come together to protest the outrageous kennel fees that Orange County Animal Care is now requiring us to pay annually. We sent letters to the Orange County Board of Supervisors and have set up a petition site to hopefully get enough signatures to make a change.  Please visit the site for more information and to forward to everyone you know.  The site is:  www.thepetitionsite.com/1/no-kennel-fees-for-animal-rescue-organizations/  If you have questions please contact Fran at frannie0416@comline.com "

This is a copy of the form letter from one Orange County Supervisor Pat Bates 5th District Report

In recent weeks, my office has been contacted by members of local dog rescue groups regarding kennel fees they had been charged by OC Animal Care for kenneling their animals at various PetSmart and Petco stores in the County.  I believe these rescue groups perform an invaluable service. As such, at my direction, OC Animal Care will be contacting all the parties involved and has made great strides to ensure our partnership with the non-profit animal rescue community remains strong.  In this effort, the agency is nearing a resolution on the kennel permit fee as it relates specifically to non-profit animal rescues using PetSmart and Petco stores to kennel their animals.  Additionally, OC Animal Care will be finishing a fee study in the coming months, which will address the permit costs to non-profit animal rescues that house larger numbers of animals anywhere within OC Animal Care’s jurisdiction.

Another issue that has been brought to my attention concerns Dog Licensing fees for the non-profit rescues and foster families for dogs. I understand the costs for a non-profit rescue associated with rescuing a dog can be significant. The many individuals and families that provide foster care and housing to unwanted pets do incredible work assisting local shelters, and we certainly do not want to discourage them from keeping a rescue dog at their home.  However, it is also important to understand that the State of California has declared Orange County a rabies area, which is evident by the many wild animals, primarily bats, that still test positive for the disease. As such, the dog license was established to ensure ALL dogs in Orange County over 4 months of age are vaccinated against rabies to ensure their health and safety.

While we must be vigilant in our regulations regarding rabies vaccinations, I am working with OC Animal Care to find a balance that ensures animal rescue groups and foster homes are not financially impacted in their efforts to find homes for unwanted pets. To that end, establishing a new non-profit dog license fee is something we are working on to address. OC Animal Care places over 2,000 animals per year with non-profit animal rescue groups and I expect those numbers to continue improving as more of these groups are established. In the meantime, please be assured that I will continue to monitor ways to improve our programs and services and align them to the needs of both non-profit animal rescues and the entire Orange County community.

Please continue to e-mail your Orange County Supervisors (to ensure a positive outcome) at: 

Pat Bates: Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, the community of Newport Coast, & the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, and Wagon Wheel  PatBates@ocgov.com

Shawn Nelson: Anaheim, Buena Park, Fullerton, La Habra, Placenta Audra.Adams@ocgov.com 

John Moorlach: Costa Mesa, Cypress, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Stanton. district2@ocgov.com

Janet Nguyen: Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Westminister janet.nguyen@ocgov.com

Bill Campbell: Anaheim, Brea, Irvine, Orange, Tustin, Villa Park, Yorba Linda.

Bill.Campbell@ocgov.com  

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WHAT'S NEXT FOR SOUTH COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER COALITION?

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Laguna Hills Residents with Pets have been waiting since December of 2010 for the Coyote Problem in their City to be agendized and Publicly addressed by the City Council and they have been waiting 8 months for a public announcement by the City regarding the opportunity from by Dr. Fred Saad, DVM - Owner of the El Toro Animal Hospital in Lake Forest to establish a local Animal Shelter for Laguna Hills and Lake Forest at his facility because Laguna Hills and Lake Forest residents have to travel 20 miles to get to the 70 year old County Shelter with the high kill rate that the city now uses.  He invited the city council to tour his facility and give him a chance to work with the city on this issue. The council never responded to the residents about this offer.  
** Be sure to e-mail all the Laguna Hills City Council Members at - ccouncil@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us  to let them know again that you want better animal care services than the 70 year old County Shelter in Orange is providing. 

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FEATURES OF THE MONTH AND SPECIAL THANK YOUS

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On July 21 the Animal and Bird Clinic of Mission Viejo, one of our Pet related businesses, celebrated its 20 year Anniversary.  Our congratulations to them!  For those of you who are bird fanciers with long memories you may recall that in 1975 Dr. Kendal P. Svedeen, DVM, a renown Avian Veterinary Practitioner, started a Veterinary Clinic on Marguerite Pkwy. near La Paz in Mission Viejo.  Around 1985 Dr. Svedeen who was considering retirement contacted Dr. Douglas Coward, who always had a special interest in birds and exotic animals.  At that time Dr. Coward was considering a move to Monterrey CA. to start a practice there, but liked living in So. Orange County and welcomed this opportunity to work with Dr. Svedeen.  Dr. Coward eventually bought Dr. Svedeen's practice and continued the Animal and Bird Clinic of Mission Viejo. 

Dr. Coward remembered the Great Horned Owls that used to roost in the rafters of the buildings around the old clinic next to what is now Round Table Pizza.  Baby owls would fall from their nests and Dr. Coward would examine them carefully and place them back in the nests as often as required until they could fly.  In 1995, Dr. Coward and his wife Nancy built a brand new state of the art Veterinary Clinic at 24912 Chrisanta on the corner of La Paz and Chrisanta.  This clinic has grown to include 4 Veterinarians, Dr. Douglas Coward, Dr. Peter Bloch, Dr. Brett Hensley, Dr. Greg Meyers and a highly skilled medical support staff. 

As I spoke with staff and clients a common theme emerged which all agreed bonded staff with each other and clients with staff.  The theme echoed by all was Dr. Coward's devotion to the animals. Chuck, in charge of the Veterinary Dental Services at the clinic summed it up with, "Dr. Coward's heart is bigger than him."  Chuck who has been working in Veterinary Dental practice for 15 years, also answered some questions regarding pet dentals. He noted it is illegal and unwise to have this work done when it is not under the supervision of a Veterinarian.  He advised that only a Veterinarian can determine if there are dental problems, beyond cleaning, that need attention and explained that a polishing machine needs to be used to eliminate debris and micro-etching from a cleaning to prevent tarter from growing back quickly.  He recommended using a tooth brush and water to brush pets' teeth daily as the best way to prevent tarter buildup.

Elizabeth, who has been with the clinic for 6 ½ years said she loves her job caring for the pets in the kennels and it is the heart of Dr. Coward and the rest of the staff that make this place so special.  Terri has worked for the clinic in reception since 2010, and told the story of a very sick Iguana with darkening of the skin and loss of toes, that she took to Dr. Coward, whom she described as, “the nicest man I know,” years ago thinking the Iguana would be euthanized, but months later she was amazed to learn that the Iguana was cured by Dr. Coward who refused to give up on him. This very tame and then healthy Iguana eventually was placed in a kindergarten class where he was a very exciting addition for the children.

Mike, the Practice Manager, was also a client first. He came to the A & B Clinic from Disney where he was in charge of Park Operations for 6 years.  Steve, in addition to being a devoted Veterinary Technician and loving animals also loves music and plays bass.  He played with a group at the Latin Grammies, plays at Saddleback Church and at other places in the area.  Juan came to the clinic from Prehistoric Pets.  He is very skilled with reptiles, dentals and many other treatments.  He also has a reptile collection that he takes to schools and to parties for fun and education.  Raquel started at the clinic as a volunteer, referred by Juan.  She now cares for ailing pets in the back office and gives reports to their families. There is apparently a happy clinic love story now between Samantha in Reception and Reid from VPI Pet Insurance and there are several young children of clinic staff who began their pet care education observing their parents at work.  Rosa, a Veterinary Technician who joined the clinic in 2005, after working at another Veterinary Practice for 17 years, talked about how much more opportunity there was to learn here thanks to Dr. Coward who keeps them up to date with frequent in-service education and encourages them to constantly learn.  

Sharon, who is also a Realtor for Evergreen Real Estate in Irvine, and a pet rescuer said she has worked in reception for 4 years, feels like a part of an extended family here that  includes staff and clients and is still amazed at Dr. Coward’s ability to help so many people’s cherished pets.  Sharon’s daughter Jessica also works for the clinic and majors in Biology and Science at UCI.  Patty, in reception, started as a client and became an employee in 1996. She recalled that Greg Meyers, who is now a Veterinarian, after completing Veterinary School at UC Davis, was a Vet Tech when she started and trained her.  Patty noted there is very little staff turnover at this clinic and she also praised the continuing education opportunities here.

Ann, a long term client who adopts special needs dogs and has rescued chinchillas praised the treatment at the clinic and Dr. Coward’s continuing interest in the treatment of exotic animals.  Diane, another long term client, and animal rescuer with multiple rabbits in addition to many other pets had much praise for the clinic as well.  Rachel, a client of approx. 23 years said she used to come to the clinic with her Dad when she was just 8 years old, and her cats and dogs needed treatment.  Sarah, who is famous for her big warm hugs, started at the clinic in 1999 and became an Office Manager in 2003. She says the staff is prepared for routine care and emergencies every day and never know what each day will bring, but added this is not a chaotic environment and hugs are part of the treatment here as needed.  Jean Bland 

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HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR PET OWNERS ================================================

NEVER Leave your pet in a car during hot weather - California has a statute that specifically prohibits leaving an animal in confined vehicle. Cracking the window open and parking in the shade provides little protection, as overheating can quickly cause fatal damage to our furry companions. Canine physiology is vastly different from humans. While humans have sweat glands all over our bodies that help regulate our body heat, dogs cool down mostly by panting, which is much less efficient than sweating. In only a short amount of time, a dog with a high body temperature can suffer critical damage to his nervous system, heart, liver and brain. For example, on an 80 degree day, temperatures inside a parked car, with the windows partially open, can exceed 100 degrees in 5 minutes, and over 120 degrees in just 10 minutes! For important, helpful hot weather tips to help protect our pets this summer, click here. 

Summer Dangers for Dogs: Swimming PoolsDuring hot summer days, a swimming pool can lead to a family tragedy if you’re not careful. In the event something flies into a pool, like a duck or a ball, many dogs will jump right in.  Contrary to popular belief, it’s not true that all dogs can swim. Many dogs, including Basset Hounds, Dachshunds and some Bull Dogs can’t swim. Even if a dog can swim, the obstacle of getting its water-logged body out of the pool can result in an exhausted dog that can’t get out and is later found face down in the pool by a devastated owner. Protect pets and children around pools with fences and self closing gates.

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Tips to find the perfect pet sitter.
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/life/10-tips-to-find-the-perfect-pet-sitter-1877335/

http://www.ospcablog.ca/?p=173.
ASPCA tip on boarding facilities  
http://www.aspca.org/about-us/faq/pet-sitters-and-boarders.aspx   

Coyote Attacks continue so protect your pets at all times when they are outside.

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PET LOST AND FOUND E-MAIL NOTICES FROM SCASC

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Laguna Hills Citizens who sign up with SCASC at b landmj1@gmail.com help protect their

pets through our Free Lost and Found Pet e-mails to everyone on the Laguna Hills e-mail list.

If you live in Laguna Hills and lose or find a pet e-mail us a description of the pet, when and
where it was lost or found, and your name, phone # and/or e-mail address for contact information.
The anxiety you feel when you lose or find a pet in Laguna HiIls is because it is not tolerable to
turn a defenseless pet over to the Orange County Shelter with its high kill rate.  While most other

So. County Cities have or share safe City Shelters, the Laguna Hills City Council has chosen 
to retain the worst animal  control services available - the 70 year old County Shelter 20 miles
away that impounds 30,000 + animals a year, has a consistently high kill rate and poor services
to citizens and pets

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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Lost Dog from Joplin Missouri tornado - a 100 pound white American bulldog named Hanah.  Her family says they lost everything and are asking everyone in the County to keep an eye out for Hanah and they are offering a reward. Please visit her facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bring-Hanah-Home/185536731495041

Shelters report the leading cause of lost animals not being returned to their homes is due to the lack of identification.  Please get your pets microchiped and be sure your dogs have ID on their collars. 

Always keep you dogs on leashes on trails and in parks to keep our neighborhoods safe and to enable others to enjoy the trails, streets and

parks without being fearful. 

And Please always keep your dogs and cats indoors unless they are constantly supervised related to the ongoing Coyote Problem.

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IMPORTANT LEGISLATIVE ISSUES FOR CA. PETS & PET OWNERS

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Orange County Animal Shelter's Foster Care Program Information

Each year kittens pour into OC Animal Shelter and so many underage kittens are euthanized because the County Shelter doesn't have the Foster Care coverage that City Shelters have.  Foster Caretakers provide food, shelter, socialization and love to underage kittens until they are big enough for adoption at the shelter. If you’re interested in becoming a Foster Caretaker or learning more about the Foster Program, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (714) 935-6194.

Ask your Cities NOT to allow puppy mill dogs to be sold in your cities.

If your pet store sells puppies, Don't Shop There.  Almost all puppies sold at pet stores come from puppy mills. Take the "NO Pet Store Puppies" pledge and speak out with your dollars - from the ASPCA News Alert July 22, 2011   www.nopetstorepuppies.com/
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JUST FOR FUN

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Just click on this link for 3 poodles, one of whom is guilty and the funniest part is that the body language of the other two rats out the guilty party!  www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kLdO3EsECs  

This is Denver the guilty dog that is cute too but also a little sad because the dogs are so elderly - www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8ISzf2pryI  

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SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR

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 We are sorry to announce that Milo's Pet Friendly Cafe www.Miloscafe.com is  temporarily closed.  Please see more information by clicking on this link - http://lakeforest-ca.patch.com/articles/milos-caf-shuttered-for-now?ncid=M255

Saturday, August 6th 4:00 pm through the 2nd inning  4th Annual Angels for Animals Event at Angel Stadium. Join the Angel's wives and OC Animal Care Services at the front entrance of Angel Stadium to purchase Mystery Bags containing Autographed aseballs, Raffle Tickets, and meet OC Animal Shelter Animals for Adoption. Proceeds will benefit the Angel's Baseball Foundation and local animal shelters. More Information at http://www.ocpetinfo.com/

Saturday,  August 6th  at 11 am.  Grand Opening Edible Arrangements Laguna Hills at 26548 Moulton Pkwy, #J.  Actress and Animal Activist, Linda Blair, is the Celebrity Guest. She will sign autographs and promote her WorldHeart Foundation for pet adoption. Other activities include a Raffle prizes, Face Painting, Balloon Artist, Free Samples and Fruit eating contest

Irvine Animal Care Center will offer community education classes in

1. Canine Communication 101 -  Sunday, Aug. 7, 12:30 to 3:30 pm  $35

2. Be Kind to Animals -  Saturday Aug. 27, 1-3 pm  $15

3. Caring for Older Pets - Saturday Sept. 3,  1 - 2:30 pm  $20

To register go to www.Irvinequickreg.org  or call 949-724-7740

Non Irvine Residents fee is and additional $5 per course.

Proceeds benefit the Irvine Animal Care Center

Classes are for humans only your Pets are not allowed in classes

Saturday & Sunday, November 5 and 6, 7 am to 4 pm - PET DAYS at the OC

Market Place  Kathy Thorsell Pet Days Coordinator 714-267-6777

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LISTENING TO SCASC SUPPORTERS

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Visit website@aspca.org to learn more about supporting puppy mill reform

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IMPORTANT REMINDERS

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Operation Blankets of Love  at http://www.operationblanketsoflove.com/ provides recycled and new pet-related items to comfort stray, sick, neglected and abused homeless animals in shelters, rescues and foster homes.  They also partner with other organizations to provide relief and comfort to animals displaced or endangered by catastrophe. ================================================

PETS & PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

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Dog dragged by a truck finds a home

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/german-305095-shepherd-schatzi.html

Don't forget to track Samantha Gowen OC Register Staff Writer and Pet Reporter  online at her new address - ocregister.com/pets 

Also look for OC Register Reporter Erika Ritchie who writes a lot of pet and wildlife stories.

Summer Dangers for Pets - Foxtails - The seed heads dry and detach from the plant and can stick to an animal's fur, often becoming embedded in dogs’ toes, ears and eyes.  They are very difficult to remove, as they are barbed like a fish hook. They penetrate the dog’s body, causing infections and abscesses. They can also travel and lodge in their spine and internal organs. Unfortunately, pet owners often don’t know their dog has ingested a foxtail until it’s too late.