Attendees At The Morgan Park Education & Training Program

Those attending not only learn in an hour how to teach their dog to sit, stay and walk on a leash, but they also hear about their pet's veterinarian needs and tips about conquering other basic issues, such as barking and jumping. Trainers even check collars for a comfortable fit and provide guidance on the amount of exercise needed, tailored to their specific dog.

All aspects of the class are centered around pet retention - creating and maintaining a healthy environment for the pet and their family in the interest of keeping the pet home for his/her lifetime.

Every other Saturday, two classes of 12 dogs each, meet at Morgan Park, situated in western Los Angeles County, and work with trainers who provide group and one-on-one instruction. Within the hour, the transformation is amazing. Restless, noisy and jumping dogs transform into attentive pups well on their way to an obedient life with their family. Each family receives a gift bag of goodies to take home with them as a thank you for investing time and energy into creating a long-lasting relationship with their pet.

In 2011, 204 dogs participated in the class, which is provided at no charge and is open to the public. All unaltered dogs attending are offered an appointment for spay/neuter surgery at the Foundation's cost. In 2011, 60 dogs completed the surgery.

Attendees At The Morgan Park Education & Training Program

Due to the success of the program, we are in the process of expanding it to the Downey Shelter, located in southern Los Angeles County, to provide this same great opportunity for more people and pets to participate. If you live in the area look out for the launch and bring your pup along. We would love to see you!

Itchy skin is probably one of the most common reasons for an owner to bring their dog into my office. It is frustrating to watch a dog scratch or bite and chew their body all day and night. And it's not just an annoyance to the owner, causing lack of, or interrupted sleep, it can cause damage to the animal's skin and can create sores and infections in the afflicted areas.

There are many causes for itchy skin. Parasites, such as fleas and mites can be the root of the problem. However, other skin problems caused by bacterial and yeast infections can be the culprit.

This article will discuss the most common cause for itchiness, allergies. Heredity can play a role in dog allergies. Certain breeds are very susceptible to allergy related skin issues; such as the Golden Retriever, Wheaton Terrier, West Highland Terrier, English and French Bulldogs, Bichon Frise, etc. Nonetheless, allergies can occur in any breed or mixed breeds.

The definition of an allergy can be a complex one. Basically, an allergy is when the immune system over reacts to a foreign substance causing a series of biochemical events which lead to histamine releases. Histamine then causes an inflammation of the tissue which leads to itching, facial swelling, hives, vomiting, diarrhoea, to mention a few. When humans experience allergies, it usually manifests itself in the respiratory systems such as the nose, sinus, and/or lungs, causing them to suffer from sneezing and coughing attacks. Or it could manifest itself in the eyes and nose making them very itchy. In dogs, allergy symptoms are slightly different, as it typically targets the skin, mainly the feet and the ears.

There are two types of allergies. An immediate type occurs minutes after exposure and causes hives or raised and reddened welts. A severe type of this "immediate" type is called an anaphylactic reaction. Symptoms include, vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, and/or swelling of the tongue and throat. It can be dangerous in that if untreated, death can occur.

The other type of allergy is the delayed kind, when the response occurs hours or days later and causes intense itching.

Dog allergies fall into four types:

1. Fleas and other biting insects: Flea bite allergies are a good example of the delayed hypersensitivity reaction, and occurs when the body reacts to the flea's saliva hours after the flea has gone away. The best way to minimize this kind of allergy is to use a topical or oral flea medication. There are many flea control solutions such as Frontline, Advantage, and Revolution. Talk to your veterinarian and find out which he/she recommends.
2. Inhaled allergy: This is also called atopy. Atopy comes from inhaling pollens from trees, weeds, and other wind-borne substances, or from dust mites, molds, etc. To find out exactly what the dog is reacting to, a skin test can be performed to determine which allergen is causing the problem and only then can a hypo-sensitization injection be administered. These injections may work, but the owner would need to inject their dog weekly for up to a year, and may provide inconsistent results. Medications, such as antihistamines or a cortisone treatments can produce some relief. Also, an oatmeal shampoo can help soothe the skin.
3. Food and drug allergy: Some dogs aren't capable of handling certain proteins like beef, chicken, or lamb. Diagnosing food allergies can prove very challenging and the treatment can be unrewarding. One has to experiment with different protein sources such as fish and potato, or rabbit and pea, etc. to find out if the dog reacts or not. Sometime a prescription diet called Z/D, which can be acquired from a veterinary clinic, can be helpful. Z/D is made up of hydrolyzed protein which means that the protein molecule has been manufactured in minute amount so the body doesn't recognize it as being foreign. Drug allergies, as from penicillin or other antibiotics can cause hives and facial swelling. The avoidance of these drugs will help to prevent future problems.
4. Contact allergy: Grass allergies are common and can occur when a dog lies on the grass on their belly. This is because there is less hair on the belly than on other parts of their body, and the skin has greater contact with the allergen. Another contact allergy concern can arise from plastic food or water bowls. If allergic, a dog will have a reaction around their mouth or muzzle. Switching to metal or ceramic bowls will help. Sometimes, even certain shampoos can cause an allergic reaction. Rarely, a topical flea medication can cause an allergy. When this happens, it is best to bathe them in an oatmeal based shampoo as soon as possible.

There are many treatments for allergies. If you know the source (food, flea, grass, drugs, etc), allergic reactions can be minimized simply by avoiding the substance(s) causing the reaction. Some dogs will respond to an over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benedryl. However, there are dogs that may require a prescription drug which entail a trip to the pharmacy. Antihistamines do not always work for all dogs, keeping in mind that sometimes it can take a few days before the owner will see it's effect.

Cortisone can help many dogs with allergies. However, cortisone does come with potential side effects, such as drinking and urinating excessively, increased appetite, and rarely, lethargy, hyperactivity, and/or irritability. Cortisone treatments must be used with constant veterinary supervision as it can lead to long term problems, especially to the organs, such as the liver. Cortisone can be a very effective treatment and is safe so as long as it's done with continuous veterinary supervision. There are dogs that may need cortisone treatments for life. By getting the blood tested periodically, you can help minimize any liver or other organ damage. There are different types of cortisones, and by working with your veterinarian, you can find the lowest dose and the proper frequency for medicating your dog in order to provide the safest results.

Cyclosporine (Atopica) is another drug than can be helpful. This drug is expensive and can also produce some side effects, such as vomiting. Sometimes, even an anti-anxiety drug can help decrease the symptoms caused by the over reaction to an allergen. Your veterinarian may refer you to a board certified veterinary dermatologist who can help find the right drug or combination thereof to resolve the frustrations caused by an itchy dog.

Always talk to your veterinarian and ask him/her questions. There are many options available to dog owners, but patience is key to discovering the best way to give relief to your allergic dog.

About Dr. Stan Kunin

Stan Kunin DVM graduated from UC Davis in 1978 and has had his own practice in Woodland Hills, California since 1986. Dr. Kunin is a special veterinarian who was born 80% deaf, but the weakness in his hearing has helped to give him a 6th sense about animal care and the wellbeing of his patients.

In a regular series of articles for the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, Dr. Kunin shares his thoughts, opinions and advice on animal matters.

Rachael Makes $150,000 Donation To Support Katherine's Animal Charity

Longtime supporters of animal rights, daytime host and bestselling author Rachael Ray and actress Katherine Heigl are joining forces to address the pet overpopulation crisis.

Today, Katherine will appear on the syndicated "Rachael Ray" show to announce that Rachael has pledged $150,000 in proceeds from the sale of her Nutrish® line of super premium pet food to Katherine's animal charity, the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation (JDHF), $75,000 of which will be donated to JDHF in the 4th quarter of 2012. One hundred percent of Rachael's proceeds from the sale of all the Nutrish product lines are donated to charities and shelters that support animal welfare and humane education causes similar to the JDHF. JDHF will use 100% of the donation to fund spay/neuter initiatives directly aimed at reducing the number of unwanted, yet highly adoptable and loving, pets abandoned or relinquished to municipal shelters and subsequently euthanized.

Katherine Heigl & Rachael Ray Announce Fundraising Partnership on The Rachael Ray Show

"I'm thrilled to have a passionate friend like Katherine to help animals in need," said Rachael. "There are so many pets that have no one to love them and I am very excited that together we can donate our celebrity to give these animals a voice, a home and a healthy life."

The donation will be crucial in helping the JDHF continue its mission of eliminating the needless suffering inflicted on animals by human cruelty, indifference and ignorance.

"We are very grateful for Rachael Ray's donation in support of this important cause and excited for our partnership with Rachael Ray that is sure to give greater exposure to this crisis", stated Katherine Heigl. "The Foundation's effective programs and our shared compassion will provide a dynamic combination to help save countless lives and lend a voice to voiceless and forgotten pets in dire need of our help."

Katherine and her mother, Nancy, founded the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation in 2008 with a desire to work with compassionate and like-minded individuals and organizations to put an end to pet overpopulation, animal cruelty and abuse. Katherine has recently gone to great lengths to promote JDHF and in December 2011 partnered with Funny or Die to launch an innovative campaign called I Hate Balls – an edgy campaign with a mission of raising awareness about the immediate need for spay/neuter of companion pets, a simple and extremely effective means to curtail the number of adoptable pets entering public shelters and subsequently killed.

Always an animal lover and advocate, Rachael decided in 2008 to partner with Ainsworth Pet Nutrition® to create a super premium line of pet foods and treats called Rachael Ray Nutrish® as a way to continuously fund programs that help animals in need. She personally donates 100% of her proceeds from the sale of Nutrish to shelters and organizations that provide food, medical supplies and treatments for needy animals. She also created "Rachael's Rescue" a website that highlights organizations that are dedicated to helping animals in need. To date, Rachael has donated close to $3 million in cash to organizations ranging from the ASPCA and the North Shore Animal League to Mighty Mutts and Bad Rap.

For information on showtimes, visit the Rachael Ray Show web site.

About Rachael's Rescue™ and Nutrish

In 2008, Rachael Ray partnered with pet nutrition experts from Ainsworth Pet Nutrition® to develop a line of super premium food and treats for dogs called Rachael Ray Nutrish®. Rachael Ray Nutrish® is made with simple, natural ingredients and includes three full-feeding varieties featuring real meat as the first ingredient – Real Chicken and Veggies, Real Beef and Brown Rice, and Healthy Weight with Real Turkey & Veggies. The line also includes a limited ingredient diet recipe call Rachael Ray Nutrish just 6, formulated with only six simple ingredients, as well as treats and wet meals for dogs. All of Ray's proceeds from each sale of Rachael Ray Nutrish® food and treats for dogs are donated to organizations that help animals in need through Rachael's Rescue™. So, not only are Nutrish products great for your dog, they're great for countless other dogs as well.

About Ainsworth Pet Nutrition®

Ainsworth Pet Nutrition® is a fifth generation family-owned and operated company named after one of the company founders, George Ainsworth Lang. The company is focused entirely on pets, catering to all segments of the pet food industry. Ainsworth Pet Nutrition has three business units including DAD'S Pet Care®, Ainsworth Specialty Brands™ and Ainsworth Custom™. The company makes a wide spectrum of pet foods and snacks, from brands that offer sound nutrition and convenience to ultra-premium specialty foods. Ainsworth Pet Nutrition is committed to food safety and manufactures all of its pet food in the United States using whole grains and quality meats that can be traced throughout the entire supply chain. To learn more, visit Ainsworth Pets.

About the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation

Katherine Heigl and her mother, Nancy Heigl, founded the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation to improve the plight of pets through a variety of programs, such as funding spay/neuter initiatives and assisting rescue organizations. Katherine and Nancy are convinced that spaying and neutering saves lives and stops litters – litters that too often end up at public shelters and are subsequently killed due to a lack of adopters and lack of space. The Foundation is focused on "fixing" the problem. Since its inception, the Foundation has contributed more than $2.5 million towards saving the lives of many deserving pets and educating the public in the process.

The Heigl Rescue Challenge was a great race fueled by our partners who helped increase our follower count by over 500%! Over thirty rescues jumped into the fray and the daily competition was wonderful to watch.

The closing date for the contest was November 29th and we can now announce the winners!

Candi Mitchell (Left) From Boxer Rescue LA Collects The Winning Check

First past the post were Boxer Rescue LA who crossed the finish line to claim a $7,000 grant for winning the contest. BRLA representative Candi Mitchell was presented with the check by the Foundation's Executive Director Kathy Davis just before Christmas. She explained that it's been a tough year for donations and a overflow year for dogs, so the grant would be very gratefully received. She indicated that her group had 90 dogs and that they would be able to put the monies to good use - quickly!

Close on their heels and in second place were Southern California Bulldog Rescue. Their racing performance earned them a $3,000 grant and Melissa Kaplan was on hand to collect the check. A school teacher who rescues animals in her spare time, Melissa was thrilled with the runners-up award, explaining that the money would be a "huge help" to the organization.

Melissa Kaplan (Right) From Southern California Bulldog Rescue With Kathy Davis

The race was so competitive that the Heigl Foundation decided to award an additional $1000 to the third place contestant Barks Of Love in recognition of their efforts.

Hilary Greenspan (Left) From Barks Of Love

The other winners in this contest are all the pets that can be pulled, spayed or neutered through the grant awards. We know that these three rescue groups will make a difference with their dollars to continue to improve the plight of our pets.

Congratulations to our three winners and our thanks to all of the rescue partners who participated and followed the action. Look out for more fun events in the future!

Not only did the public get to spend time with some of our wonderful pups, all of whom are available for adoption, but they also witnessed the Christmas spirit as the dogs got to pose for pictures with the in-store Santa.

Check out the shots of Junior, Zeus, Rusty, Lady, Tulip Butterscotch and Rocky Road - all rescued pups that are looking for loving homes this holiday season.

If you can help a Heigl Hound, please visit the adoption section and complete the application form to begin the process!

The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation has already expressed our outrage and filed a letter of complaint with LA Animal Services General Manager Brenda Barnette.

We would urge all citizens to show their voice, bring justice to these poor creatures and ensure that Manuel Boada never works with animals again.

Please express your opinion by signing the Justice For Animals, Punishment For Animal Abusers petition.

The Foundation has filed a complaint with Brenda Barnette, the General Manager of LA Animal Services, seeking an explanation of events. We have requested assurances that no additional companion animals will suffer the same intolerable treatment, questioned why no formal complaint has been registered with the Department Of Consumer Affairs Veterinarian Medical Board, and asked why the case has not been referred to the District Attorney's office for prosecution.

We feel strongly that all concerned citizens should consider doing the same so that your voices can be heard.

Two Dogs Being Exercised At The West Valley Animal Shelter (Lawrence K. Ho / LA Times)

A copy of the complaint has been reproduced below for online presentation:

Letter Of Complaint To LA Animal Services

December 15, 2011

Ms. Brenda Barnette
General Manager
LA Animal Services
221 N. Figueroa Street, Suite 500
Los Angeles, CA 90012

RE: RVT Manuel Boado's Termination

Ms. Barnette:

The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation (the Foundation) has long supported public animal shelters with significant financial contributions as well as advocated for the ethical and humane treatment of all animals, regardless of whether they are in shelters, with rescue organizations or in homes. Unfortunately, we have been informed of the attached LA Times article, "L.A. Fires Animal Shelter Worker Over His Euthanasia Practices". The details, as revealed in the article of this egregious situation, raise several questions for which we seek your immediate explanation.

The article indicates that you "did not consider referring Boado's case to the district attorney's office for prosecution." Would you please explain why you, as the head of Los Angeles Animal Services (the Department), determined that the abundance of facts supporting Mr. Boado's intentional, egregious, cruel and inhumane conduct did not warrant an immediate referral to a law enforcement agency (such as the Los Angeles Police Department) and/or an impartial LA City investigative department for further investigation and subsequent submission to a prosecutorial agency?

Moreover, following verification with the Department of Consumer Affairs, Veterinarian Medical Board, we noted that your Department has not filed a complaint regarding this incident. Would you please advise to why the Department did not immediately file a formal complaint with the Department of Consumer Affairs, Veterinarian Medical Board, which would launch an investigation by the State Licensing Agency and likely result in the revocation of Mr. Boado's RVT license? Our Foundation, and each of us personally, are extremely concerned that your Department's failure to report the termination for cause to the appropriate State Licensing Agency has enabled Mr. Boado to continue to seek and secure positions with other animal treatment clinics, with the unacceptable likelihood of the repetition of his cruel and inhumane conduct.

Finally, please advise of what steps you have taken (e.g., installation and regular monitoring of security cameras) to ensure that no additional companion animals housed in your shelters suffer the same intolerable treatment, which has resulted in an understandable and deserved public outcry and an embarrassment for the Department.

We look forward to a prompt response.

Sincerely,

THE JASON DEBUS HEIGL FOUNDATION

Nancy HeiglKatherine Heigl

cc:
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
City Councilmembers
Commissioners, Board of Animal Services
Dr. Peter Weinstein, President, SCVMA
Assistant District Attorney Debbie Knaan

You can view or download a PDF version of our original letter of complaint below.

Please express your thoughts and concerns via e-mail to:

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa mayor@lacity.org
Eric Garcetti, President, LA City Council councilmember.garcetti@lacity.org
Brenda Barnette, General Manager, Animal Services brenda.barnette@lacity.org
Melanie Ramsayer, President, Animal Services Commissioners ani.commission@lacity.org

Compassion: kindness. Revolution: to bring about change. Two very powerful words that inspire me to run.

A few months ago I rented Life As We Know It and came across the Public Service Announcement for the Compassion Revolution. I was on the treadmill, getting ready to run with my dogs (a daily activity in my house). I was so excited to come across this organization – from the Apollo Project (I have two pitbull mixes) to the spay and neuter initiatives, that I wanted to become a part of it all. I immediately jumped off the treadmill, much to the chagrin of the dogs, and began Googling the Compassion Revolution.

April Mixon Wearing Her Compassion Revolution T-Shirt

I had just recently begun participating in running events in Washington and Oregon, and I was able to get hold of a Compassion Revolution t-shirt. Since then, I have run every race wearing my t-shirt, showing my Compassion Revolution pride, and I feel so honored to be a part of your organization. In every race, I know that every runner I pass, will get to read "Join the Revolution and Kiss Pet Overpopulation Goodbye". I hope that my running passes the news on about your wonderful organization.

April Mixon

Got A Story?

If you have a story that you would like to share with us for a future edition of our newsletter or for publication on the JDHF web site please get in touch. We would love to hear from you!

Article By Autumn Hernandez

Growing up I had always been dog lover, but never had the means to fully take care of one. In December of 2009, I had heard on the news that our local Humane Society had received a group of small breed dogs from a L.A. shelter. After hearing that they were at risk dogs in need of good homes and were part of a Jason Debus Heigl Foundation initiative, I felt strongly about going to the shelter and seeing what I could do to help.

Sweetie The Min Pin-Chihuahua Mix

On January 5, 2010 I adopted Sweetie from the Humane Society of Utah. She is a 3 to 4 year-old, short-haired black/brindle mix Min Pin-Chihuahua.

Sweetie Cuddles Up With Winnie The Pooh

A little information about Sweetie:

• Spoiled (She has a bed in every room with fluffy blankets to match, teddy bears for all occasions, her favorite is a purple teddy bear that is bigger than she is, she loves chicken treats and has a weakness for spaghetti.)
• Warm-hearted (She is a very affectionate dog, loves to give kisses and has the sweetest personality.)
• Energetic (Every night at 10 o'clock she gets this sudden burst of energy... she wants to play "wrestle, wrestle" with ALL her teddy bears and she runs hairpin turns around the furniture.)
• Easy-going (She usually sleeps in until about 10 a.m. every day, she spends most of her day just lying around in the sun on the deck or by the storm door watching people go by.)
• True friend (She always has to be by your side, on your lap or sitting on your feet.)
• Important (She is the center of attention at all our family functions and in all our family discussions, we always joke, "well, what does Sweetie think?".)
• Elegant (She loves to be dressed up, have her nails painted and wear glued on earrings. She really is quite the *DIVA*. Who knew a 12lb dog could bring so much joy and happiness to my world. She is the best thing that could've happened to me. I couldn't imagine life without her.)

Autumn Hernandez

Got A Story?

If you have a story that you would like to share with us for a future edition of our newsletter or for publication on the JDHF web site please get in touch. We would love to hear from you!

Collaboration With Diana Kunin

A marble, tennis ball, rope, rock, sewing needle, toy, newspaper, kotex, coin, sock, underwear... no, these are not part of a disaster survival kit. This is a partial list of the many objects a dog can swallow. These are items that can cause gastrointestinal obstruction or blockage. Some dogs are indiscriminate eaters and if the object can fit into their esophagus, they will swallow it.

These episodes can be very frightening and stressful for the owners. Without prompt care and close supervision with your veterinarian, these dogs could very well die. Foreign bodies are not the only cause of obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. Obstructions can be caused by tumors growing inside or outside the intestine causing a blockage of food and liquid from flowing through. Pyloric stenosis (a thickening between the stomach and its outflow into the small intestine), can cause the stomach to back up with food and liquid which will cause vomiting. Intussusception is another cause of obstruction. This is when the intestine slides over itself as in a telescopic effect.

Dr. Stan Kunin DVM

Symptoms of obstruction are usually vomiting, no interest in food, a painful abdomen making the dog either very restless or extremely lethargic. These dogs need to be seen as soon as possible, whether at your regular day time veterinary clinic or at an after hour emergency care facility. A full physical exam will need to be performed to check for other symptoms. Some warning signs, such as tenderness while palpating the abdomen, are a clear indicator that something is not normal. Vital signs need to be assessed and monitored to search for things like a rapid heart rate or an abnormal coloration of the mucous membrane. Also, determining whether the animal is dehydrated is important to ascertain as well. One vital diagnostic tool would be to x-ray the abdomen. The doctor will establish if a foreign object is evident, or whether the stomach and intestines are showing signs of distress. A dense foreign body such as a rock, metal, rubber, or bone will show up on the radiograph. However, paper, plastic, plant materials, clothing are not always apparent. Before further diagnostic steps are taken, the patient will be started on intravenous fluid therapy, antibiotic, and pain relief. More tests may be indicated, such as an ultrasound, barium swallow, or endoscopy. A decision will be made on whether to do a wait-and-see approach and treat conservatively, or if immediate surgery is necessary.

Sometimes, an owner will noticed foreign objects in the stool without the dog showing any symptoms. These dogs are lucky. Other times the owner will actually see the dog swallow something whole like corn on the cob. Some of these dogs will also be lucky and show no signs, passing the object through with no issues, while others will start vomiting and becoming disinterested in food. No matter the case, a visit to your veterinarian is of utmost importance. If the dog is stable and not showing any signs of distress, sometimes you have time on your side and can wait to see if the foreign body passes. Daily x-rays may be needed to check the progress.

Unfortunately, when dogs are in distress, they will require surgery. The foreign body could be stuck in the stomach, small intestine or large intestine. Sometimes a simple incision into one part of the gastrointestinal tract is all that is needed to remove the object. Other times, it can get very complicated. An object can be stuck both in the stomach and the intestine at the same time. Socks can do this along with ropes, and any other long objects. In these cases, multiple incisions are made to remove the object(s) in pieces. There are a few cases when the intestine is severely damaged and will necessitate a partial removal of the intestine. The post operative care is very important in order to watch for any complications. The hospital stay can vary from one night to several nights.

There is no way to guarantee that a dog won't eat an inanimate object. However, there are ways to minimize these mishaps aside from watching the dog's every movement 24/7.Try not to leave clothing or small toys lying around. Keep your garbage cans out of reach so your dog doesn't forage. Keep food that is wrapped in aluminum foil out of reach, as dogs will swallow the foil which can cause an obstruction. In regard to play toys and chews, make sure all objects are large enough to prevent them from being swallowed whole. Also, make sure the objects are not easily broken so sections are not chipped off and swallowed. When a toy is worn down and/or brittle looking, get rid of it. For example, when the skin of a tennis balls begins to peal off, it's time for a new ball, as the skin of the ball can cause an obstruction if swallowed. Be as vigilant as possible. In so doing, the high cost of veterinary care can be avoided. It can certainly eliminate the time and expense of preventable veterinary care. Most important, it can greatly reduce any unnecessary pain for these dogs, and of course save many of their lives.

About Dr. Stan Kunin

Stan Kunin DVM graduated from UC Davis in 1978 and has had his own practice in Woodland Hills, California since 1986. Dr. Kunin is a special veterinarian who was born 80% deaf, but the weakness in his hearing has helped to give him a 6th sense about animal care and the wellbeing of his patients.

In a regular series of articles for the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, Dr. Kunin shares his thoughts, opinions and advice on animal matters.