Where do those puppies and kittens come from?

I asked at a local pet store, and they wouldn’t tell me.

According to the Humane Society, we should be skeptical of any claims that they don’t come from puppy mills (link here).

According to the American Kennel Club, you should buy a dog directly from the breeder, so you can inspect their premises and ask questions, instead of buying from a pet store (link here).

Better yet, you can get a mutt from the pound for one-tenth of the cost and save a life. Most pet stores agree that selling puppies and kittens is not the right thing to do.  The City of West Hollywood recently passed a law banning this practice (read the LA Times story here; link to the ordinance here as a PDF file).

Sign the petition and ask the City of Burien to take the lead in animal welfare:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/no-pet-store-puppies

- Jim Branson

So…what do YOU think? Should Burien outlaw the selling of puppies in local pet stores? Please take our Poll, or leave a Comment below…

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Have something you'd like to say? Then email us your "Letter to the Editor" by clicking here. Be sure to include your real name and a way to contact you, and, pending our review, we'll most likely post it. Otherwise, feel free to leave a Comment below...]

Our good friend Manuela Horn (aka Burien’s “Yodeling Dominatrix”) alerts us to the fact that her mother-in-law, Susie Watkins, found a small green parrot in the garden outside her office, Realty West Properties, located at 804 SW 148th Street in Burien.

The bird is now safely caged at Manuela’s home, but everyone’s certain it’d be happier reunited with its master/mistress.

Do you recognize this bird?

If you know this bird, please call Susie Watkins at (206) 650-3908 immediately…else suffer the wrath of one of Manuela’s many characters (see Amy Bouska’s video interview of her here).

This just in from BTB Advertiser Richard Doane of Burien Auto Repair – looks like Richard and his wife Sheila are housing one of Burien’s fastest-rising stars – a dog named Ryder!

Ryder, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and lifelong Burien resident, will be appearing in Hallmark’s 100th Anniversary TV Commercial, which will air this Sunday night (Nov. 29th) during the “Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie – A Dog Named Christmas,” which begins at 9pm on KIRO-TV (channel 7).

We’ve been told that the ad will be shown during the first commercial break, so be sure to set your TiVos/DVRs or watch closely for the first 20 minutes.

Owner Richard was recently contacted by Leo Burnett Advertising in Chicago who had previewed thousands of dog videos, and guess what? They selected Ryder to be one of the stars in this commercial, which will air nationally.

Ryder was selected for the commercial based on the following YouTube video clip that Richard shot and posted after his dog’s 1st Birthday about two years ago – it shows Ryder “blowing out the candles” on his birthday cake:

And get this – YOU can help make Ryder the winner of Hallmark’s “Cutest Dog of the Season” contest by voting online here:

www.hhofdogcontest.com/results/current-entries?name=ryder+doane

(Don’t forget to forward the link on to all your friends – let’s see if we can make Ryder a real star!)

According to Richard, for his “acting services,” Ryder was paid $350 which he plans to donate to PAWS to help out dogs and cats less fortunate than himself.

Here’s what Richard had to say:

Ryder was chosen not only for his award-winning talent, but also for his positive attitude and willingness to help others.

When not chasing a tennis ball, Ryder loves to chase birds for fun, and go to the lake with his posse of other Corgis.

He has been a “therapy dog” at the Highline Medical Center, and enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

Remember to set your TiVo for Sunday night’s feature presentation – or at least until the first commercial break!

The 16-year old Burien girl who was accused of using her pit bull as a weapon in an attack on two women in SeaTac has plead guilty to charges of second-degree assault, third-degree assault and minor in possession of alcohol.

The suspect, who is not being named because she is underage, had trained “Snaps,” the pit bull (pictured at left), to attack, according to charging papers (read our June 22nd report here).

Her sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 8th, and she faces between 15 to 36 weeks in juvenile confinement.

Court documents (view/download PDF here) allege that the female and a group of boys were found abusing the animal on June 21st before the two women were attacked by the dog.

“Snaps,” the pit bull used as a “weapon,” will not be put to sleep, and was scheduled to leave King County Animal Care and Control today (Fri. Sept. 11th) so he can live at the Olympic Animal Sanctuary in Forks, WA.

King County Animal Care and Control staff determined that, due to “Snaps” continued aggression towards people, he should not be placed with a foster or adoptive family as is often the outcome for other animals surrendered in criminal cases.

Two independent behavior assessments commissioned by King County from outside experts supported that determination and the recommendation that long term care in a sanctuary was the only option for the dog.

Olympic Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit animal welfare and rescue organization located in Forks, has agreed to take custody of the dog. It provides a place for the care and rehabilitation of dogs that are non-adoptable due to behavior such as fighting dogs, street dogs, feral dogs, wolf or coyote hybrids, and dogs that have killed other animals or bitten people. Staff take their time rehabilitating the animals to ensure the process is done correctly and to help the animals learn to get along with humans and each other while never being placed for adoption again.

The City of Forks does not require nor offer a kennel license; however, the Forks Police and Clallam County Sheriff’s Departments are in frequent contact with the Sanctuary and are very knowledgeable about the facility and the work being done there. King County Animal Care and Control has been in contact with the City of Forks Police Department to alert them to their new resident.

“The Olympic Animal Sanctuary will be a great place for Snaps to rest, heal, and learn to be a normal dog, even if he will never be truly safe for adoption,” said King County Animal Care and Control Manager Nancy McKenney.

The staff at King County Animal Care and Control cared for Snaps while the case of his former owner moved through the justice system.

“This is an example of the hard work our staff does to ensure that every animal has a chance,” said McKenney. “It’s one of the many reasons we only have a 20% euthanasia rate; one of the lowest in the country.”

King County Animal Care and Control extends its thanks to all the Snaps supporters who have e-mailed, called and offered to adopt the dog (several of whom rallied through this very blog).

“Experts agree that this dog is not a good fit for adoption but we encourage his supporters and others to consider bringing home one of the other adoptable pit bulls and pit bull mixes we have in our adoption kennels,” McKenney said.

Situations like the one with Snaps can be avoided through responsible pet ownership. If pet owners are having trouble managing their pet, they’re urged to consult a certified animal trainer.

For more information on responsible pet ownership, please visit the King County Animal Care and Control Pet Tips Page: http://www.kingcounty.gov/safety/AnimalServices/pettips.aspx.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• UPDATE: 16-Year Old Burien Girl Pleads “Not Guilty” In Pit Bull
• An Update On “Snaps,” The Pit Bull Used In SeaTac Attack
• Pit Bull Used As A Weapon In Sunday Night SeaTac Attack Against Two Women

Courtesy the good folks who hang out on the Three Tree Point Yahoo Group (you can join here) comes these photos of a “lost” goat (we kid you not…) spotted on Maplewild Ave SW near the new retaining wall:

Here are some of the notes left in the group thread:

You never know what you are going to see when you are walking down Maplewild…

I’ve seen a lot of strange things down here, but that has to take the cake! Thanks for the smile!  I hope you find the owner!

Goat alert! In an effort to contain the wandering goats yesterday, one of them was confined to a deck below the house just to the south of 16XXX (me), and apparently it is still there. Does anyone know who to notify to come and claim the poor dear???

I think someone was using them to clear the overgrown hill above 33^rd Ave (by the Maplewild Wall). It’s a great idea to clear those hills.

I am sure you are right. I saw the signs and the fence yesterday. There were several goats trotting around this afternoon. Some boys captured and returned one of them. This guy was working free-lance to help clear the weeds along Maplewild during his time of AWOL status.

I called the person that owns the “goat trimmers” business, he’s headed over there now to count heads. His number is 1 877 289 5126 What a co~inkydink!

No word yet on the fate of the “lost” goat, but we presume that it’s safe, and if not, there are plenty of blackberry bushes to eat nearby so it will never go hungry…

Three Tree Point resident Alex Sasonoff sent us this photo he took of what appears to be a very large Lion’s Mane Jellyfish washed up on the beach in Burien last weekend (his dog Dottie is in the pic to show scale):

“It was the largest I have ever seen on the beach – three and one half feet in diameter. I measured it,” Sasanoff said.

And yes, the world’s largest jellyfish do sting – just check out the colorful red and orange tentacles on that guy.

According to Wikipedia:

Lion’s Mane Jellyfish is the largest known species of jellyfish in the world.

Its range is confined to cold, boreal waters of the Arctic, northern Atlantic and northern Pacific Oceans, seldom found farther south than 42°N latitude.

The Arctic Lion’s mane jellyfish is one of the longest known animals; the largest recorded specimen had a bell (body) with a diameter of 2.3 m (7 feet 6 inches) and the tentacles reached 36.5 m (120 feet). It was found washed up on the shore of Massachusetts Bay in 1870. This specimen was longer than a blue whale, which is commonly considered to be the largest animal in the world.

A common species, the lion’s mane jellyfish is well known to divers for its painful, but seldom fatal stings; they are toxic and can cause severe burns. Most encounters cause only temporary pain and localized redness. Although this species is potentially dangerous, only one person has ever been reported to have been killed by this type of jellyfish.

Here’s a video of one of these guys swimming in TTP waters that we previously posted from Youtube user and area diver m4jwilliams:

We’ve received a lot of comments from Readers wondering what the future might hold for “Snaps,” the Pit Bull used “as a weapon” in last Sunday’s SeaTac attack against two women.

We sent an email to Christine Lange, Communications Manager for the King County Department of Executive Services and Facilities Management Division, who replied with this update – basically the case is still under investigation, and the fate of Snaps, (who has been turned over to King County Animal Care & Control), which may be declared a “dangerous dog,” is still undecided:

Thank you for the opportunity to offer an update. We can share that the owner of the dog has surrendered the dog over to King County Animal Care and Control (KCACC). The case is a possible felony open investigation by the King County Sheriff’s Department and we may be required to care for the dog past its 10-day required quarantine period while the investigation continues.

KCACC always keeps public safety, the laws and animal welfare concerns foremost in our work and actions. The laws are such that when a dog causes such severe and multiple bites, it may be declared a “dangerous dog” and is subject to the local regulations regarding confinement, removal from the area, and/or possible euthanasia. At this point, we also do not know if the owners or the children of the owners spent time “training” the dog to attack or defend, so we would have to be careful and consider the safety of placing it with another family or organization.

We appreciate the concern members of the public have expressed on behalf of the dog, and we can always use the help of people who are passionate about helping animals. If anyone is interested in volunteering to be a foster parent to one of our adoptable animals, please visit our web site: www.kingcounty.gov/pets.

Christine Lange
Communications Manager

According to the King County Sheriff’s Department, two women were attacked Sunday night (June 21st) by four young persons using a pit bull as a weapon.

The oldest suspect was a 15 year-old girl. The youngest was 11.

The incident began Sunday evening around 6:30pm in the 13300 block of Des Moines Memorial Drive in SeaTac (map below).

A 63 year-old Seattle woman stopped her car when she saw four kids repeatedly kicking a pit bull dog. She thought the group might need some assistance. However the oldest in the group, a 15 year-old girl, told the women to mind her own business, then tried to pull the woman from her car.

The woman got out the car and was immediately attacked by the girl who repeatedly punched her on the head and back with closed fists. One of the boys in the group ran over with the dog who began biting her. Eventually the four ran off with the dog.

The victim had bruises from the hitting and puncture wounds from the dog to her hand and thigh.

All this was witnessed by a 41 year-old Seattle woman, who followed the group to nearby North SeaTac Park. When the 15 year-old figured out they were followed, she walked up to the woman and head-butted her, then threw punches to her head and body.

Next the dog joined the fray and became increasing violent as the rest of the group egged the dog on. The woman suffered serious bite injuries, including wounds to her head and face, as well as serious gashes and puncture wounds to both arms. Her left forearm was flayed open and the bone could be seen.

Sheriff’s deputies arrived and found the four nearby, still with the dog. All were taken into custody without incident.

The 15 year-old girl was injured by the dog in the melee, and her foot was injured from repeatedly kicking one of the victims.

All four suspects were released to their parents, as the 15 year-old needed medical attention.

The suspects are 15, 13, 12, and 11 years old respectively. All are boys except for the 15 year-old.

Deputies turned the dog over to Animal Control.

Sheriff’s detectives will likely file felony assault charges against at least the 15 year-old.

View Larger Map

From BTB Reader Marsha Hargrave comes this email about a missing Bernese Mountain dog, lost in Boulevard Park on Wednesday May 6th:

LOST 5/6/09

MISSING FROM BOULEVARD PARK

SCARLETT IS 4 ½ YEARS OLD, 88LBS.

SHE WAS RECENTLY FROM OREGON SO SHE DOES NOT KNOW THE AREA.

PLEASE CONTACT MARSHA IMMEDIATELY IF YOU SEE HER –

CELL 206-819-5087

SHE MAY COME TO YOU BUT SHE IS PROBABLY EXTREMELY SCARED.

SHE HAS HER “HOME AGAIN” NUMBER & HER NAME AND OREGON PHONE NUMBER ON HER COLLAR.

BTB Reader Amy Thomson sent us this alert about a dog (pictured above) she found this week:

Found this sweet, lovely dog running loose up 28th Ave. SW near 100th on Wednesday, May 6th around 4:30 PM.

She is red, with one crumpled ear, and an age-whitened face and muzzle.

She had no tags, no license, and no microchip.

She was trailing a leash.

If she’s yours or if you recognize her, please contact me at amy (at) jetcity (dot) com.

She misses her people.

BTB Reader Sally Irvine sent us the photo above, of herself feeding an apparently lost male Golden (aka “Chinese”) Pheasant bird Thursday in the Hurstwood neighborhood of Burien.

Sally says:

“I live in Hurstwood and have been visited by a Golden Pheasant, he ate out of my hand today.

The zoo thinks he is most likely an escapee from someone’s private aviary. I would like to try to find his owner so a coyote doesn’t get him.”

According to Wikipedia, the Golden Pheasant is:

“…native to forests in mountainous areas of western China but feral populations have been established in the United Kingdom and elsewhere.

The adult male is 90-105 cm in length, its tail accounting for two-thirds of the total length. It is unmistakable with its golden crest and rump and bright red body. The deep orange “cape” can be spread in display, appearing as an alternating black and orange fan that covers all of the face except its bright yellow eye, with a pinpoint black pupil.

Males have a golden-yellow crest with a hint of red at the tip.

Despite the male’s showy appearance, these hardy birds are very difficult to see in their natural habitat, which is dense, dark young conifer forests with sparse undergrowth. Consequently, little is known of their behaviour in the wild.

They feed on the ground on grain, leaves and invertebrates, but roost in trees at night. Whilst they can fly, they prefer to run: but if startled they can suddenly burst upwards at great speed, with a distinctive wing sound.

Although they can fly in short bursts they are quite clumsy in flight and spend most of their time on the ground.”

So, has anyone out there lost a male Golden Pheasant?

If so, please email us immediately and we’ll connect you with Sally, who will help you retrieve your bird.

Here’s a reminder from BTB Reader Stephanie Breslin, who sent us the photo above – please refill your bird feeders during winter weather:

This might be a good time to remind people to fill their bird feeders and as is demonstrated here check them to make sure they didn’t ice up over night!

The normal food source for our feathered friends under the ice and snow or frozen on the trees…

The Port of Seattle posted a pretty cool video of salmon migrating up Miller Creek on its website devoted to the third runway, because it relates to the restoration of Miller Creek:

“…part of the mitigation program for the construction of the soon-to-open third runway is the restoration of Miller Creek to a natural environment.

A major sign of success was videotaped for the first time since restoration was completed – spawning salmon returning to the creek:”

This seal pup was spotted and photographed on the beach at Three Tree Point Sunday afternoon Oct. 19th around 3pm:

According to the Washington State Department of Ecology:

If you see a harbor seal pup alone on the beach, do not disturb them ­ It’s the law.

Human encroachment can stress the pup and scare the mother and other adult seals away.

For your safety and the health of the pup, leave the pup alone.

Do not touch!

Do not wrap a pup in blankets (seals are protected by blubber and blankets will cause it to overheat.)

Do not try to feed a pup. (Incorrect feeding can cause a pup to die.)

Do not try to force a pup into the water.

Keep pets and children away from a pup.

Shortly after these photos were taken, several neighbors who were watching from a safe distance decided to scare the pup back in the water, citing previous experiences where the babies have ended up being “baked” on the beach and passing away.

First we reported on large six-gilled sharks swimming in Burien waters, and now we’ve discovered that there are also large jellyfish here as well – specifically “Lion’s Mane Jellyfish” (the world’s largest known species of jellyfish, and yes, they do sting) taped off Three Tree Point by area diver m4jwilliams:

Now here’s how to enjoy a nice B-Town summer day – put your cat on a leash and take him to a restaurant with outdoor seating:

That’s exactly what Sal’s Deli employee Crystal Aquino did Thursday with her cat, Casper (insert “Casper the Friendly Cat” reference here) at The Mark Restaurant in Olde Burien.

Cyrstal also has a pet bunny rabbit named “Kitty” that she takes out as well (on a leash of course).

When asked if she ever takes Casper and Kitty out on leashes together, Crystal said:

“No way – that’d be like taking two 2-year olds out at the same time!”

Next to the B-Town Blog booth at the Burien Farmer’s Market (open ‘ti 6pm) is the “Worm Mama,” and she’s got plenty o’fresh worms still available:

Fresh worms. Not for eatin’.

Worms for eatin’ courtesy “Worm Mama.”

The band is playing, the clouds are breaking, it’s lunchtime and the Burien Farmer’s Market is open until 6pm.

Spotted so far today:

“This place is for da boids.”

The B-Town Blog booth will be here until 3pm-ish. Come say hi!

Proof that, despite the recent soggy gloom, Spring is really here – amazing video of a male Chickadee building a nest by digging rotten wood out of an old alder stump near Eagle Landing Park:

This video courtesy of YouTube user 98166n.

Found on seattle-tacoma craigslist > seattle > lost & found yesterday:

FERRET FOUND! (West Seattle Burien White Center)

Ferret found – 112th and 21st ave sw. yesterday.

We kept it overnight and are taking it to the Kent Animal shelter today.

Email: comm-634849888@craigslist.org

Someone please get their animal back before it ends up sleepin’ wit’ da fishes in Kent!



Sadly, the lost dog we found the other day near Three Tree Point is still, well…lost.

Who is the rightful Master to said creature?

When oh when will you retrieve your lost pal and return the world to the joyous, secure and loving place it once was?

Now the poor thing lies on the side of SW 172nd, wet, dirty, alone…waiting…

Found in the middle of SW 172nd Street, just below the hairpin turn from Sylvester, near the Soundview B & B.

Poor thing looks like a terrier of some sort, with a ring around its eye.

It appeared to be a bit worn out, and was actually on its side in the middle of the street!

Is this your lost dog?

Courtesy 98166n comes this ironic video of a beautiful Bald Eagle taking off at B-Town’s Eagle Landing Park.

Be sure to crank your speakers and listen closely for its “call” shortly after take off:

View Larger Map

Last week, we found a rather odd Valentine’s Day-related Craigslist Ad from a guy who lives in B-Town:

I’M LOOKING FOR A FEMALE BEARDED DRAGON FOR MY MALE TO MAKE HIM HAPPY ON VALENTINES DAY.

IF YOU HAVE A FEMALE YOU WANT TO GET RID OF AND SHE IS 14″ OR LARGER (MY MAKE IS AROUND 12″), SEND ME A EMAIL AND POSSIBLE A PICTURE AND I WILL CONTACT YOU ASAP.

I WANT HER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE..

THANKS!!

j_scaman@msn.com

Well obviously he hasn’t found one yet – here’s his latest ad posting from yesterday:

I’m looking for a FEMALE Bearded Dragon.

I have looked at 3 that said they were female and in fact, they were all males.

If you have a female or think you do, please email me some pics if possible and if you don’t know, I can tell you what to look for.

Let me know your asking price for her only.

Willing to pick up asap

j_scaman@msn.com

Come on, people…can’t you tell the difference between a male and female lizard?

And will someone just go buy this poor guy a female Bearded Dragon?

Valentine’s Day is almost here!