Foods Toxic to Dogs

1. Onions- contains Thiosulphate
2. Chocolate- contains Theobromine
3. Grapes- contains unknown toxic substance
4. Raisins
5. Fruit pits and Seeds- contain Cyanogenic Glycosides
6. Macademia Nuts- contains unknown toxic substance
7. Potato Peelings/ Green Potatoes- contains Oxalates
8. Broccoli- only in large quantities
9. Yeast Dough- can produce gas and swelling of the digestive system
10. Coffee, Grounds, Tea, Soft Drinks- caffeine
11. Alcohol
12. Human Vitamins- can cause kidney and liver damage
13. Spoiled Food
14. Persimmons- can cause blockage
15. Raw Eggs/ Fish- salmonella
16. Salt, Baking Soda, Baking Powder- in large amounts
17. Mushrooms- can cause liver and kidney damage
18. Sugar Free Foods
19. Nutmeg
20. Avocado

Join us at the APS Walk for the Animals

Come join us for the 2010 Animal Protection Society's Walk for the Animals, which will be on May 22nd.  The walk will be held on Duke University's East Campus and will be from 9am - 1pm.  It will begin at the Gazebo and will continue 1 1/2 miles around Duke's campus.  Pledges will help the Animal Protection Society of Durham care for the needs of many animals in their shelter.

Best Friends Associate earns Another K9 Title

On April 8, 2010 Chloe from Best Friends Raleigh won her BH (begleithund) at the OG Carolina German Shepherd Clubs Spring Schutzhund trial with her dog Kiki. To attain a "BH" the dog and handler are evaluated as a team. The exercises for part 1 are as follows:

• Heeling on Leash
• Heeling off Leash (gunshots are also fired during this portion)
• Sit
• Down With Recall
• Long Down

The exercises for part 2 are as follows

• Ability to Perform in Traffic
• Behavior of the Dog Under Extreme Traffic Conditions
• Behavior of the Dog Left Alone During Traffic Conditions

Chloe and Kiki both passed under Judge Rudiger Mai. Congratulations to them both!!!

Best Friends dog trainer Shawn Murace also came in 5th place during the confirmation portion of the show with Enschi Vom Globalhaus Sch1, KKL1. He placed in the category "Working Title Female".

Off Leash Dog Parks in Raleigh

Dog parks are a great place to bring your dogs out to play and socialize with other dogs.  There are several great off leash dog parks located throughout Raleigh.  Remember when bringing your dog out, its important to be a responsible dog owner and clean up after your pet.  It is also imperative that you keep your dog up to date with its vaccinations.

Millbrook Exchange Park is Raleigh's oldest dog park. Its located at 1905 Spring Forest Rd and is the only dog park with lights.  It is open from sunrise until 10 pm. It also features a water spigot and buckets so you can provide your dog with water. 

Oakwood Dog Park is located at 910 Brookside Dr. In addition to its main dog park, it also has a small dog park for older or more anxious dogs. It is open every day from sunrise to sunset.

Carolina Pines is located at the Carolina Pines Community Center at 2305 Lake Wheeler Rd.  It contains three separate fenced in areas all covered in a layer of mulch.  It is also open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.

With the spring weather upon us, grab your dog and head out to the nearest dog park!