IDA eNews: 6/28/06

IDA ACTION ALERTS
1. IDA Calls for Federal Investigation of Elephant's Death at L.A. Zoo
2. Report Uncovers Severe Animal Cruelty at Oregon Dairy
3. Promote Freedom for Animals on Independence Day

CAMPAIGN NEWS & UPDATES
1. IDA-India Carries On Tradition of Compassion for Animals
2. International Day for Korean Dogs and Cats
3. Catalonian Region of Spain Moves to Ban Bullfights


IDA ACTION ALERTS

1. IDA Calls for Federal Investigation of Elephant's Death at L.A. Zoo
New allegations expose neglect and violations of Animal Welfare Act


IDA has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) asking for an investigation of explosive allegations concerning the death of Gita, the 48-year-old elephant who passed away at the Los Angeles Zoo on Saturday, June 10th. Gita died prematurely as a result of suffering for many years from ailments that were a direct result of being kept for nearly five decades in inadequate conditions at the Zoo. She is the thirteenth elephant known to die at L.A. Zoo.

L.A. Zoo officials have publicly maintained that Gita was first observed to be down at 5:00 a.m. on the day of her death. However, according to well-placed sources, Gita was first observed in a downed position between 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. the night before her death. The L.A. Zoo has publicly stated that Gita did not receive veterinary attention until 7:30 a.m., meaning that Gita likely suffered for eight hours before she was attended to by keepers, and over ten hours before she received any medical assistance.

If Gita had been cared for during these crucial hours, she may have survived, or at least the suffering she endured in the last hours of her life would have been greatly lessened.

IDA president Elliot Katz, DVM announced the complaint and details of the allegations at a news conference in front of the L.A. Zoo on Tuesday, June 20th. Our official complaint alleges that the L.A. Zoo violated the federal Animal Welfare Act by failing to provide prompt medical treatment to Gita and by holding Gita for two and a half years in an inadequate off-exhibit area under conditions that exacerbated her severe arthritis and foot disease. IDA and other animal advocates had long urged L.A. Zoo officials, city council members and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to send Gita to a sanctuary where she could heal from her debilitating condition, but all refused to take appropriate action to save her life.

Gita's death came just weeks after the L.A. City Council voted to construct a $39 million elephant exhibit that would still be far too small to meet elephants' needs. In the meantime, the Zoo's surviving elephants Ruby and Billy would have to spend the projected four years it will take to complete the construction in their current inadequate quarters waiting for the new "habitat" to be built.

What You Can Do:

- Click %takeaction-LAZooUSDA% to urge Dr. Ron DeHaven, Administrator of the USDA?s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to investigate IDA's allegations that the L.A. Zoo violated the Animal Welfare Act by failing to give Gita prompt veterinary treatment for as long as ten hours before her untimely death earlier this month. Ask the agency to take swift and significant enforcement action against the zoo if the allegations are upheld. You can also contact Dr. DeHaven by postal mail, telephone or personal email.

Ron DeHaven
Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
U.S. Department of Agriculture
4700 River Road
Riverdale, MD 20737
Ron.DeHaven [at] usda.gov
Tel: (202) 720-3668
Fax: (202) 720-3054

- Click %takeaction-LAZooGita% to urge L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to send Ruby and Billy to a sanctuary before they meet the same tragic end as Gita. You can also contact the Mayor by phone, fax, email or postal mail.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
200 N. Spring St., Room 303
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tel: (213) 978-0600
Fax: (213) 978-0750
Email: mayor [at] lacity.org

Click http://www.idausa.org/news/currentnews/letter_usda-060620.pdf to view IDA's complaint letter to the USDA. Also visit http://www.helpelephants.com to learn more about IDA's campaign to help elephants in our nation's zoos.

2. Report Uncovers Severe Animal Cruelty at Oregon Dairy
Demand that Oregon's Attorney General act to protect cows from abuse

A report recently released by the Humane Farming Association (HFA) documents inhumane treatment of cows at Threemile Canyon Farms in Boardman, Ore. The ongoing cruelty is so shocking that dairy workers themselves have stepped forward to blow the whistle on their employer, endangering their jobs and livelihood to expose the abuse.

Statements from workers allege that some of the male calves are separated from their mothers at birth and left to starve to death. An employee reports, "Supervisors usually shoot unwanted male calves. They don't die right away. Some lie on the floor and bleed out. Some have lied for three hours and are still alive." The dairy reportedly also kills calves by bashing their heads in or by swinging the calves by their hind legs and pounding their heads against the concrete floor.

The report also documents how workers are told to slice off a section of a cow's teat without anesthetizing the animal. The cows' teats are susceptible to infection due to the concrete floors being covered with manure, urine and standing flush water. To make matters worse, workers report the massive farm continues to milk cows with infected teats, a situation that workers first reported in a February 2005 article in the Portland Oregonian newspaper. One worker says, "?the blood and pus draining from the teat will go into the milk when the cow is milked." Another worker states, "The boss tells us to milk the cows even if they know the milk is bad. The milk will look like pieces of cheese."

Several months ago, HFA filed a formal petition with Oregon Attorney General Hardy Myers demanding that criminal charges be brought against Threemile Canyon Farms for animal abuse. Yet in spite of having extensive documentation -- including worker statements, pictures and even video -- Myers has yet to take any action to stop abuse at Threemile. The fact the state of Oregon previously provided a $20 million taxpayer-funded subsidy to Threemile makes the state's inaction even more outrageous.

What You Can Do:

Please click %takeaction-Threemile% to urge Attorney General Hardy Myers to immediately bring animal cruelty charges against Threemile Canyon Farms. To have more impact, also contact the Attorney General by postal mail, phone or personal email.

Attorney General Hardy Myers
Oregon Department of Justice
1162 Court Street NE
Salem, OR 97301-4096
Tel: (503) 378-4400
Email: doj.info [at] state.or.us

Click http://www.hfa.org/campaigns/threemile_dairy_petition.pdf to read an abridged version of the HFA report. Also visit http://www.ufw.org/_board.php?b_code=res_gal&mode=view&b_no=2053&page=2 to see photos of the conditions that animals are forced to endure at Threemile Canyon Farm dairy. (Warning: the pictures are graphic. Viewer discretion is advised.)


3. Promote Freedom for Animals on Independence Day
Help all species gain the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness

Almost every country in the world celebrates an Independence Day to commemorate the anniversary of the day on which their nation achieved sovereign statehood. In this longstanding tradition, Americans have observed Independence Day as a national holiday every year for more than two centuries to memorialize the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It was then, in the midst of the Revolutionary War, that the United States formally asserted its right to self-rule without interference from the British Empire. So it is on the Fourth of July that Americans celebrate the freedoms we enjoy and express our commitment to upholding the ideals upon which our country is built.

The Founding Fathers wrote the Declaration of Independence as a manifesto to proclaim a radical affirmation of individual rights for certain classes of Americans. Since that time, these rights have been expanded to include all citizens, regardless of race or gender. According to the Declaration, "all men are created equal," and "are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights," and "that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." While humans have long benefited from these legally-protected rights, animals are still considered property under the law simply because they are a different species from our own.

It is a tragedy of the greatest magnitude that every year, our society imprisons and exploits billions of living, feeling creatures and ignores their cries for mercy before heartlessly taking their lives for food, clothing, "entertainment" and experiments. To achieve true justice in this world, we must keep fighting for the liberation of these abused animals who, like us, want to live, be free, and pursue their own version of happiness. It is clear that we cannot hope to be free ourselves while enslaving other beings.

Animal advocates are working to end humanity's cruelty toward animals in much the same way as other liberation movements throughout history -- both political and social -- have fought against the oppression of humans. Every day, millions of people are fighting a worldwide revolution on behalf of other species and gradually winning animals' independence from human tyranny, one victory at a time. Perhaps decades or centuries from now, our descendants will celebrate Animal Independence Day, after the slaughterhouses, vivisection labs and other industrial torture chambers are dismantled, and all species live free from cruelty. With this utopian vision in mind, we must do what we can today to bring a new and better world into being.

What You Can Do:

There are many practical ways you can help animals this Independence Day. For example:

Host a meat-free barbeque:
While your neighbors char the flesh of cows, birds and other animals on their backyard grills this July 4th, host an alternative barbeque featuring delicious veggie burgers, tofu dogs, veggie shish kebobs and other vegan vittles. Visit your local health food store for the best selection of mock meats and dairy-free cheeses. Your habitually omnivorous family and friends may not even be able to taste the difference!

Protect animals from loud fireworks:
Noisy fireworks pose a danger to both your animal companions and wild species, whose hearing is much more acute than our own. Panicked dogs have been known to jump through screens and windows, break out of tethered collars and leap over fences attempting to escape the loud percussive explosions. In the days immediately following July 4th, shelters are often inundated with calls from panicked guardians looking for their lost dogs and cats. Here are some ways to protect your animal friends:

- Keep your animals indoors during firework displays: do not bring dogs to these events unless you know from experience that they are used to the noise.

- Close the windows and curtains and leave the radio or TV on to dampen the sound of detonations.

- Make sure your animals are wearing collars and tags so they will be identifiable should they escape your home, and have them microchipped in case these fall off while they are lost.

Studies show that loud noises can also affect wildlife, disorienting birds so that they fly into buildings or far out to sea. The smoke and fallout from fireworks also contaminate natural habitats. Write a letter to the editor of your local paper informing readers about the dangers that fireworks pose to animals and urging the use of nontoxic and nonpercussive pyrotechnics. Visit http://www.newslink.org for media contact information.

Help win independence for captive elephants:
Zoos exhibit elephants to increase attendance at the expense of their welfare. Because of the efforts of IDA and other ele-friends, a few zoos have acknowledged that it is inhumane to keep pachyderms in small enclosures for the entire lives and sent the elephants from their zoos to sanctuaries where they now live on hundreds of acres of naturalistic habitat. You can help IDA win independence for captive elephants by joining our Elephant Task Force! There are opportunities to get involved at various levels, from simply visiting your local zoo and documenting conditions with your camera to making phone calls and organizing demonstrations. Visit http://helpelephants.com/youcando.html for more information.


CAMPAIGN NEWS & UPDATES

1. IDA-India Carries On Tradition of Compassion for Animals
Animal rescue and rehabilitation is all in a day's work for dedicated advocates

India has a long cultural tradition of caring for animals that stretches back thousands of years to the beginning of this ancient civilization. For example, many of the country's greatest spiritual leaders -- from the Buddha to Mahatma Gandhi -- were vegetarians who actively advocated kindness to animals. IDA is proud to be a part of this great history by working with IDA-India, a non-profit organization that has been saving animals' lives since 1997 and our newest international partner in the crusade for animal rights. We are pleased to give this update on the recent activities of our colleagues at IDA-India.

- In the course of a typical month, IDA-India's animal hospital provides treatment to about 650 animals and sterilizes over 400 dogs and cats, helping to stem overpopulation. After repairing their old ambulance, the hospital now has two vehicles that are able to respond to emergency situations.

- During the month of May, IDA-India President Goodicia Vaidya rescued several birds. April and May are the hatching period for crows, and cuckoos lay their eggs in crows' nests. After the cuckoo eggs hatch and the parent crows notice cuckoo fledglings in their nests, they usually push the helpless chicks out. Good Samaritans recently handed two such abandoned babies over to IDA-India, so Goodicia gave the cuckoo fledglings refuge in her home. She also rescued a baby Egret and a colorful Kingfisher and released them back into the wild.

- IDA-India Vice President Fizzah Shah also spent some of her time recently saving birds. She rescued two ducks from inhumane conditions and took them to her farm where they now float happily in the pond and spend their days enjoying the greenery with the other waterfowl. One Sunday, when she was on holiday with her children, she received a frantic call from a hotel at the other end of the city that an injured kite had fallen and needed immediate help. Her family agreed to change their plans in order to rescue the bird. After driving a long distance to Powai, they picked up the kite and brought him back to a volunteer who specializes in treating injured birds. The hotel staff was very happy with IDA-India's response, since they had called nearly 20 animal rescue organizations but nobody had responded.

- Fizzah also received a complaint that a stray female dog had given birth to a litter of puppies, and that a garbage van had come soon after and taken them away. She told the secretary of the building society that she would file a complaint with the police under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act if the watchman did not immediately bring the puppies back. IDA-India's Inspector Kiran Indulkar accompanied the watchman and retrieved the puppies, though unfortunately they found only three of the four pups who were so callously dumped.

- In April, a group of donkeys were given a new lease of life when their "owner" was charged with animal cruelty. He beat a lame female donkey and a pregnant female donkey mercilessly when they refused to walk any further. After the animals were seized, they were so exhausted that the pregnant female collapsed due to malnutrition and fatigue. The other donkeys were also hungry and were trying to nibble at what little grass grew on the roadside. The handiest things available were biscuits, which they consumed voraciously by the packet. The Bombay SPCA van came and took both the donkeys to the hospital. After a month, the lame donkey was discharged and given back to the "owner," while the pregnant donkey remains in the hospital. Once a week, IDA-India Inspector Indulkar pays the "owner" and his donkeys a visit to ensure their well-being. The "owner" has been warned that all his donkeys will be confiscated if he abuses any of them again.

Please visit http://www.idaindia.org to learn more about IDA-India's programs to help animals.


2. International Day for Korean Dogs and Cats
IDA and other animal advocates to protest on July 20th

In an effort to shine a spotlight on the illegal trade in dog and cat meat in South Korea, IDA has again teamed up with Animal Freedom Korea (AFK) ( http://www.animalkorea.org ) to hold our 2nd annual International Day for Korean Dogs and Cats. This year's global day of action, co-sponsored by Korean animal protection groups CARE and KAAP, will be held on July 20th, 2006, to coincide with the first of Korea's "Bok days" (literally, the hot, dog days of summer). South Korea's dog meat consumption increases during this time of year because some superstitiously believe they can keep cool by eating animals who do not sweat.

Last year, IDA and AFK successfully organized activists from a dozen countries - including Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Columbia, Ireland, Mexico, Peru, Russia, South Korea, Spain and Tanzania - for this international day of protest. In the U.S., demonstrators converged on Korean consulates and embassies in New York City; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta, Ga.; San Francisco and Los Angeles, Calif.; and Portland, Ore. to oppose the illegal eating of cats and dogs in South Korea. Visit http://www.idausa.org/campaigns/korea/int_day_7_05.html to see pictures of last year's events.

IDA extends our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made last year's International Day for Korea's Dogs and Cats so successful. Please join us again this year on July 20th as we urge the South Korean Government to enforce a ban on the consumption of dogs and cats and introduce meaningful legislation to protect the animals in Korea.

What You Can Do:

IDA will hold events outside of Korean consulates in several major American cities on July 20th to protest cruelty to dogs and cats in Korea. Please join us for this important global day of action (see below for details on the San Francisco and Los Angeles protests: more details to come on other cities).

What: San Francisco protest against Korean dog and cat meat trade
When: Thursday, July 20th from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Where: Republic of Korea Consulate General in San Francisco, 3500 Clay Street (near Laurel Street - click http://tinyurl.com/qmhje for a map)

What: Los Angeles protest against Korean dog and cat meat trade
When: Thursday, July 20th from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Republic of Korea Consulate General in Los Angeles, 3243 Wilshire Blvd. (at New Hampshire Ave. - click http://tinyurl.com/kdbu7 for a map)

- Organize a protest at the Korean Embassy or Consulate nearest you on or around July 20th! If you don't live in a city with an Embassy or Consulate, you can still organize a demonstration in a busy location with a lot of foot traffic. Write to koreandogs [at] idausa.org and we'll add your event to our protest page and send you posters and leaflets.

- Sign IDA's petition ( %takeaction-koreandogs_06% ) urging the Korean Prime Minister to strengthen his country's Animal Protection Law and prevent cruelty to dogs and cats killed for meat.

Please visit http://www.idausa.org/campaigns/korea/korean.html to learn more about IDA's efforts to stop the Korean dog and cat meat industry.


3. Catalonian Region of Spain Moves to Ban Bullfights
Autonomous region's Parliament votes to protect bulls under animal cruelty laws

Sub page of http://idausa.org/campaigns/sport/bull/bullfighting.html
The autonomous community of Catalonia, Spain took steps last week toward a ban on bullfighting in the region, which encompasses nearly 7% of the country's total population. Deputies in Catalonia's regional parliament voted 74 to 51 in favor of extending existing animal cruelty laws to the bulls killed in this cruel bloodsport. The motion now makes an outright bullfighting ban in Catalonia possible.

Bullfights are a cruel spectacle of human dominance over helpless and debilitated animals. Bulls are weakened with drugs before the bullfight even begins, and their horns are shaved to throw off their equilibrium. Picadors and banderillas first stab the animal with spears and pics, draining his blood and strength in preparation for the matador, who taunts the bull for several minutes before stabbing him between the shoulder blades. Often, the bull remains fully conscious even as the matador and his team carve off his ears as trophies.

Catalonia's vote follows large public protests in the region's capital city of Barcelona, which two years ago was declared an "anti-bullfighting city" after more than 250,000 residents put their names on a petition opposing bullfights. Barcelona is not the only city in Catalonia that sees bullfights as barbaric. Another 22 municipalities followed Barcelona's example by making similar declarations. In addition, according to a survey conducted by the Spanish animal protection group Association for the Defense of Animal Rights (ADDA), 71% of Catalonians oppose bullfighting.

Reflecting this shift in Spanish culture away from acceptance of animal abuse, attendance at bullfights is on the decline across the country as more people recognize the inherent cruelty of killing animals for "entertainment." However, even with massive public opposition and shrinking audiences, a change in the law is needed to actually outlaw bullfighting in Catalonia. Given the momentum rapidly gathering behind the measure, animal advocates are hopeful that the bloodsport will be banned before the end of 2006.

What You Can Do:

Bullfights are mostly attended by foreign tourists who enter the arena thinking they will be entertained and leave disgusted and horrified at what they have witnessed. Let officials at the Spanish embassy know that you will not travel to any regions of Spain where bullfighting remains legal.

Embassy of Spain
2375 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20037
Tel: (202) 452-0100
Fax: (202) 833-5670
E-mail: embespus [at] mail.mae.es


Invest in Compassion: Give a Gift that Gives Back

A Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) is a combination gift and investment that allows smart investors to increase current income while helping stop animal abuse and exploitation. When you establish a CGA, you transfer cash or securities to IDA and, in return, we pay you a guaranteed, fixed payment for the rest of your life. You can even name someone else as the beneficiary, or annuitant, of a gift annuity. Generally, the older you are when your gift annuity begins, the higher your scheduled payment. Upon your passing, or that of the last survivor of a "two-life" annuity, the principal underlying the annuity then becomes available to IDA.

The benefits of an IDA Charitable Gift Annuity include:
- The security of fixed interest income of up to 11.3% for the lifetime of you and/or a loved one.
- A charitable income tax deduction for a portion of your gift in the year it is established.
Reduced capital gains taxes (if your annuity is funded with long-term, appreciated securities).

For more information on establishing a Charitable Gift Annuity (including interest rate information as proposed by the American Council on Gift Annuities), or to learn about other Planned Giving options, please contact IDA's Planned Giving Coordinator Nicole Otoupalik at (714) 389-2823 or via email at Nicole [at] idausa.org .

Cool Ideas for Sizzling Summer Days
by Jan Allegretti

For five days straight the temperature has soared above 105 degrees. The humidity stays low in this part of the world -- often below twenty percent, sometimes into single digits --so it's easier to beat the heat here than in more humid climates. But we live "off the grid," and our solar power system can't handle the energy demands of an air conditioner. Since our water comes out of a spring in the hill, we need to be efficient with our usage. And while it's great to have all these windows to let in the view of the mountains, it can be a little like living in a greenhouse. So I take a special interest in discovering creative ways to keep Savannah cool here at home, and also on the road.

I've gathered a list of my favorite tricks, and I'd like to invite you to share yours. Let's pool our best ideas. Take a look at what I've included here (many of these are tried and true techniques that might already be in your repertoire; others may spark a whole new burst of inspiration) then send me your favorites -- you can email them to AskJan [at] idausa.org with "Cool Ideas" in the subject line. In my next column I'll pass the best ones along so all the dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents and other animals we love can get through these soaring temperatures in comfort.

Here at home, the first line of defense is to keep the heat from entering in the first place. You're probably used to closing curtains or blinds to keep the sun from shining in, but don't overlook the idea of adding a layer of thermal insulation, especially where the light is most intense. Most skylights are designed to gather sunlight all day long, and may be the greatest source of heat overall. There are many types of insulation you can buy, and just a few yards stretched over skylights and any windows that bring in the most light will make an enormous difference for a one-time investment. For an inexpensive home-crafted solution, try fixing aluminum foil directly against the glass surface. That will reflect a great deal of light and heat and keep everyone in the family more comfortable. If you're able to use an air conditioner it will drastically reduce your cooling costs.

If you live in a dry climate an evaporative cooler, or "swamp cooler," is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to an air conditioner. It includes a fan that passes hot dry air across a wet fibrous surface; as the water evaporates it lowers the temperature of the air. There are models designed specifically for energy efficiency that will run off a solar panel or DC battery. Search online for < "evaporative cooler"+solar >.

Even with your best efforts your home may still be uncomfortable on the warmest afternoons. In any case you and your animal friends can't stay inside from now till October, so you've probably developed an arsenal of methods for cooling the animals themselves when it's warm indoors and for spending time out in the yard. Here are some of my favorites:

- Water and moving air are Savannah's best friends on the hottest days. I keep a fan in all the places in the house where she likes to sleep, and a spray mister bottle within reach. Since dogs -- and cats -- don't have sweat glands, I keep her body wet with the sprayer and keep the air moving around her so the evaporating water cools the surface of her body. When the breeze begins to kick up in the afternoon we go outside, but on the warm days I keep the mister handy out there, too. Better yet, a gentle spray with the garden hose gets her wet down to her skin. That's particularly important with cats and thick-coated dogs.

- A lightweight cloth (terrycloth works well) soaked in cool water and stretched across the torso is an extension of the spray mister idea.

- Rummage through your dog's stash of winter sweaters stored in the closet. If there's one that's not likely to stretch when wet, soak it in cool water and let it do hot weather duty.

- Soak a thick towel in water and place it on the floor or on the bed in front of the fan. As the air moves over it, once again the evaporation will lower the temperature of the air --instant on-the-spot swamp cooler!

- I once found a great deal (just twenty dollars!) on a used twin-sized water bed. I set it up in a shady spot on the deck, and on hot afternoons it was the coolest spot around. It's amazing how well that large thermal mass retains the lower temperature of the cooler times of day. There were many afternoons that summer when I asked Savannah to move over a bit and share it with me.

- Choose a bed that elevates your loved one off the ground to allow the air to flow underneath. Most are made for dogs, but cats enjoy them, too. Do an internet search for < dog+bed+PVC > or < dog+bed+hammock >.

- Fill a plastic jug or large plastic bag with water and freeze it, them place it (or several) at the edge of the bed. It will generate a bit of cool air, and if you wrap it in a soft towel your friend may enjoy leaning against it while he sleeps.

- Add ice cubes to the water bowl. This may have more entertainment value than actual cooling effect, but if it encourages your friend to drink more it's well worthwhile. Try making flavored cubes using vegetable broth, fruit juice or another of her personal favorite taste treats.

- A child's plastic wading pool might be buckets of fun for your dog -- or at least an effective way to get a thick coat good and wet for cats and dogs who aren't drawn to the water. Remember that small animals may have difficulty getting out of a pool even if it's only a few inches high, so don't let them have access to it when you're not there to watch. Also, those small pools heat up quickly in the sun, and can be a gathering place for wasps and other bugs, so plan to change the water daily.

- There are a variety of cooling collars, vests and mats designed to stay cool for long periods of time when wet. Some are made from beads or crystals that hold large amounts of water and maintain the evaporative cooling effect by keeping the moisture in contact with animals' bodies. Use these with caution, as there may be some leaching of unsafe substances onto the coat. However, items that keep cool moisture encased in a sealed outer layer can be helpful. These, too, are most often marketed for dogs, but can work just as well for cats, rabbits or other small animals. Try an internet search for < dog+collar+cooling >, < dog+vest+cooling >, or < dog+mat+cooling >.

- For animals with a thick coat, regular grooming to promote natural shedding of the undercoat will help keep them cool. The long top coat can actually help insulate them from hot temperatures and sun, so think twice before you consider shaving.

We all know the last place any animal should be on a hot day is locked in a car. Temperatures inside can rise to killing extremes in minutes. Even when we park in the shade, as the sun moves and the shade moves with it, that car can quickly become an oven. If your dog is large, his body heat alone will increase the auto's interior temperature.

Still, there are times when a road trip is unavoidable. Better yet, there are times when our nonhuman family members can join in the fun on summertime outings. Even when outside temperatures are moderately warm, we need maximum vigilance to be sure our animal friends are comfortable in the car. Many of the ideas for staying cool at home will travel well—keep that spray mister bottle close at hand, and all those cool sweaters, beds and frozen plastic jugs can also be part of your traveling kit. Here are a few ideas that work especially well when you head into -- or out of -- town:

- Freeze a plastic jug of drinking water to take with you. It'll stay cool all day long.

- Give your friend a good soak just before you get into the car. It'll give her a good head start on a cool journey. Keep her wet along the way with your spray mister bottle, or keep an eye out for places with safe access to a hose or other running water.

- Spray the bed your dog uses in the car with a mist of water. The wet surface will help keep the surrounding air cool, and give him a cool surface to relax on while he watches the scenery go by.

- Just as you take steps to keep the sun out of your home, look for opportunities to do the same in your car. Sitting in the direct sunlight shining into a side window makes it all but impossible to stay comfortable, even in an air conditioned car. Tinted windows make a significant difference in the interior temperature. You can also screen out direct light with a shade designed for car windows. Google < car+window+shade >. In a pinch, tuck the end of a beach towel between the top of a window and the door frame.

- Let your animal friend do your errands with you. In many communities, more and more businesses welcome polite animals to join you while you shop. Don't be afraid to ask. There've been many times I've met shop owners who are surprised by the request, but who thoroughly enjoy meeting Savannah and having her bring her special energy into their stores. In several cases those shops have become "animal friendly" as a general policy, to the benefit of other dogs in town. In our area dogs are welcome in the feed stores, of course, but also hardware stores, book stores, office supply stores, even the credit union. Try it -- you may start a new movement in your community!

- Remember that your dog's pads are sensitive, and avoid hot pavement or sand. Minimize walking on sun-baked surfaces, and opt for shade or grass instead.

- Avoid exercising in the heat of the day. Your dog will follow you anywhere, and may not stop when he gets overheated. Restrict vigorous activity to cool morning and evening hours.

It's getting on toward evening here, and it seems the heat wave may be breaking. The breeze has shifted around so it's bringing in that cool ocean air from the west. My friend Bec just called to tell me about her dog Lilly's response. Lilly is a shiny, blacker-than-black little girl with a long back and short legs like a Dachshund, and a husky chest and the gregarious exuberance of a Lab. She spends most of her time in motion, but in the pressing heat this afternoon she stretched out next to Bec, with her head on the windowsill, silently watching the neighbors passing by. As the first cool breeze drifted in through the screen, the tip of Lilly's tail twitched twice. A moment later another breeze came through, stronger this time, and her tail took on a full thump-thump-thump. She closed her eyes and let out a long, grateful sigh.

Lilly, I couldn't have said it better.

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Do you have a comment or a question? Is there a topic you'd like to see addressed in this column? If so, send a message to Jan at AskJan [at] idausa.org . It won't be possible to respond to all emails personally, but she will welcome and read every one.