Marfa Dog News

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Jeff Davis County Humane Society to Adopt New Name

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Amendment to Dangerous Dog Law Passed

The Texas legislature passed HB 1355, cited as "Lillian's Law" in memory of Lillian Stiles. The act is also dedicated to the memory of. Fannie Pearl Pharms, Cheryl Marie Floyd and all other victims of unprovoked dog attacks. HB 1355 requires all dog owners to properly secure their dogs on their property, regardless of whether the dog has been declared a "dangerous dog" in the past. The bill provides that the dog owner can be held criminally responsible if the dog causes serious bodily injury or death at a location other than the owner's property in an unprovoked attack and if the owner, by criminal negligence, failed to secure the dog. This bill provides that the crime is punishable as a third degree felony for serious bodily injury and as a second degree felony for death. The bill also provides defenses to prosecution for many professionals who deal with dogs on a regular basis.

Unlawful Restraint of Dogs Law Passed

The Texas legislature passed HB1411, prohibiting dogs from being "unreasonably restrained" between the hours of 10pm and 6am, within 500 feet of a school, and during extreme weather conditions. The law takes effect in September. Restraint is defined as a chain, rope, tether, leash, cable or other device that attaches a dog to a stationary object or trolley system. An unreasonable restraint uses a collar that is pinch, prong, choke or improperly fitted to the dog; is a length shorter than the greater of 5 times the length of the dog or 10 feet; is in an unsafe condition; or causes injury to the dog. It is disappointing that, apparently during the hours of 6:01am and 9.59pm, owners can still restrain their dog however they wish.

Are You STAR Material?

If so, think about volunteering your time to the Jeff Davis County Humane Society's Shelter Training and Rehabilitation (STAR) Volunteer Program. Be a Critter Coach or a Creature Teacher! For more information about the STAR Program, contact JDCHS Executive Director, Laura Langham.

Vive Le Bistro!

Ruidoso, NM - Le Bistro is at the west end of midtown Ruidoso New Mexico. It is a classic French bistro with a great wine and beer list. The food is wonderful and it goes without saying that dogs are welcome in the outdoor dining area. When in Ruidoso, do as the French do - take your dog to dinner. Vive le France!

Paisano Hotel

Marfa - Find outdoor dining at it's doggone best at Jett's Grill in the Hotel Paisano courtyard. Don't let the "Grill" fool you. Jett's is not burgers and beer. The hotel owners love dogs, but you will need to ask your Jett's server for a bowl of water for your dog. Cozy is still training some of the wait staff. Jett's is open 7 days a week for dinner only.

squeeze Restaurant

Marfa - Take your well-mannered, friendly dog with you to lunch at squeeze Marfa, a sandwich shop with a wonderful outdoor patio. Staff cheerfully serves your best buddy a doggie dish of water while you sip on healthy fruit squeezes, smoothies, exotic teas, coffee, or imported Vollenweider chocolate. Eclectic and delicious menu will please any palate. Your dog will love the squeeze experience and so will you. Tell them Cozy sent you!

Hurricane Katrina Animal Victims

Louisiana, Mississippi - The most costly disaster in US history has left people and dogs without homes. Lucky dogs are in temporary shelters with their owners. Thousands of dogs were left behind when owners evacuated their homes. The ASPCA, Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association, University of Louisiana Veterinary Medicine Dept, the Humane Society of the US and other national organizations, local humane societies, clubs and individuals are working hard to provide relief to dog victims in the areas affected by the hurricane. Please contribute what you can to aid these organizations in their relief and re-homing efforts. Unfortunately, many scams have been devised to make money from the disaster. Donate only national or local organizations with which you are familiar.

Thunderbird Hotel Offers Dog-Friendly Accommodations

Marfa - Your dog(s) will love staying at the newly renovated and oh-so-trendy Hotel Thunderbird in Marfa. In keeping with the Donald Judd legacy, the hotel is Minimally furnished with custom designs and original artwork. For your four-legged friend, a dog bed, dog bowl and a doggie guest package await his or her arrival. All well-mannered, well-behaved dogs are welcome. There is a non-refundable $10 per day per dog charge. A $100 refundable deposit is required.

“Good Citizen Dogs” Recognized by the State of Texas

Austin, Marfa - The state legislature of Texas recently passed an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) resolution, joining other states and the U.S. Senate in recognizing the importance of responsible dog ownership, and the fact that dog-related problems are most often caused by irresponsible owners, not the dogs or the breeds themselves. With an increase in breed-specific legislation being introduced in several states, it's good when so many states acknowledge that it is the owner who is responsible for their dog’s behavior, no matter what the breed. CGC evaluators in Texas, along with Representative Corbin Van Arsdale, worked hard for this legislation recognizing the importance of responsible dog ownership.

The American Kennel Club “Canine Good Citizen” program began in 1989 as a way to encourage responsible dog ownership. The certification program rewards dogs with good manners at home and in the community. Through the CGC 10-step test any dog owner can achieve nationally recognized certification for their dog, purebred or mixed breed. The test also serves as part of a screening tool animal-assisted therapy program participation. Viewed as the first step in dog training, CGC lays the foundation for other dog sports such as obedience, agility, rally, tracking and performance events. The CGC program is the model for similar programs put into place in England, Australia, Japan, Hungary, Denmark and Canada.

Additionally, police and animal control agencies use Canine Good Citizen for dealing with dog problems in communities, and some 4-H groups around the country use CGC as a beginning dog training program for children.