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6 Facts about Dog Allergies from Victoria Swanson, Dog Trainer

January 30, 2012

FACT #1: There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog.

Yes, while some breeds (as I will soon discuss) are certainly better than other in the allergens department, there is NO such thing as a Hypoallergenic dog. Before you drop thousands of dollars on a dog that a “breeder” is claiming to be hypoallergenic and allergy-free, think twice before writing that check!

FACT #2: It's not the dog's fur you're allergic to.

It isn’t the shedding need to worry, it is the skin dander.

That's why even hairless or very short haired dogs that don't shed fur can still trigger an allergy flare-up. You see, just like humans, all animals shed an enormous amount of skin "dander" or teeny, tiny skin flakes throughout the day. This dander can get on furniture, bedding, clothes and when we pet them, our hands.
While fur a dog sheds is, indeed, coated in skin dander, that fur is just a carrier for the real trouble maker.

FACT #3: Dog allergies can be improved.

There are a number of options for improving dog allergies. I have done:

Allergy shots (20 years)
Daily (sometimes twice a day) antihistamines
Nasal sprays
Regular pet grooming and bathing...

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Berville Residents cited for feeding cats in TNR colony face trial Jan 27

January 23, 2012

From Thoughts on Paws: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 by Susan Miers Smith

On Jan. 27 two Bernville residents will appear before District Justice Andrea Book in Jefferson Township to face public nuisance charges stemming from ongoing feeding of a trap-neuter-return colony of feral cats near their homes.

Stephen W. Wise and Marguerite "Margie" E. Clay of the 200 block of Garfield Road in Bernville were cited Dec.12 under Bernville's disorderly conduct/public nuisance ordinance for continuing to feed feral cats after being asked to stop. Clay along with Wise's wife and daughter, Cindy and Kristen, have been maintaining a feral cat colony, currently numbering nine, through a trap-neuter-return program.

"They cited me because I am the only one home during the day because I work third shift," Stephen Wise said.

Neighbors of Clay and the Wises, Bruno J. and Kimberly A. Quanquin, filed complaints with Bernville Police Chief Brian E. Thumm because of the fecal material the cats have left on their property. The Quanquins had complained to the Bernville Borough Council in June that there were more than 30 cats roaming the neighbors' yards and defecating in their yard.

The Quanquins, who purchased their semi-detached home in 2008...