Pet of the week: Paddy is a doggone good canine

Patrick looks like he has better things to do than pose for this photo. And this year-old, green-eyed Chihuahua probably does. His RESCUE foster caregivers describe “Paddy” as a “man of action.” He loves to be in the thick of things: hiking, playing in the yard, dog-parking or riding in a car.

Affectionate and curious, he will answer to his name — and answer rapidly if treats are involved. He makes a well-mannered hiking companion and car passenger (although he’s been known to roll electric windows down accidentally). Paddy would fare best as an only dog in a home where he can frolic and then recline with his special someone. Could that someone be you?

For more information on Patrick or other deserving animals, call Reducing Animal Euthanasia at Shelters through Commitment and Underlying Education at (480) 598-9410 or visit www.azrescue.org.

The cost of adoption is $95 for cats and $125 for dogs, which includes spaying and neutering and some inoculations.

Growl Control

Growl Control

While Paris may be dubiously looking after doggies in a new reality show, we've got the real B-lister for the job! Plus, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey have moved on in very different ways, darlings, and what's Brandon Routh up to? Bored with marriage already?
Woof Trade

We aren't exactly sure why P. Hilton continues to be cast in flicks of fiction when reality television really suits the gal’s strengths, i.e. playing her booby self. ‘Course, the rumor is the boyish flirt’s going to star in a canine-centered show called Paris’ Pooches for U.K. television. Is that the only country left that’s interested in this bitch? (Read on, by the by, for the celeb we think should start up a new doggie—and we don’t mean style—career.)

Diseases threat to rare wildcats

A vet has urged cat owners to neuter and vaccinate their pets against diseases in an effort to help protect Scotland's rare wildcat population.

Jane Harley, who is based in the Cairngorms National Park, said the species was at risk from picking up highly contagious conditions.

Her warning came ahead of a major conference on wildcats in Aviemore.

The park authority said it was the first step of a conservation project for the mammals.

It has been estimated that there are 400 wildcats, but their survival has been threatened by interbreeding with domesticated cats and diseases they could be carrying.

The wildcat is important for the Cairngorms

Dr David Hetherington
Park ecology advisor

Ms Harley said: "I think that most people acknowledge that interbreeding is the biggest risk to wildcats, but many won't have considered the serious risk to wildcats from diseases, which can be prevalent in feral cats.

"The feline leukaemia virus, for example, is a highly contagious cat disease which can be vaccinated against.

"For those domestic cat owners who would like to play their part in protecting the wildcat, my advice is to have their pet cats neutered and ensure that all vaccinations are up-to-date."

Scottish Natural Heritage is supporting a year-long survey of the population.

Dr David Hetherington, ecology advisor at the park, said the area provided an important habitat for the animal.

He added: "However, the wildcat is important for the Cairngorms too and people here identify with the species' wild and untameable spirit, which is why it's used as an icon by local clans, villages, groups and businesses."