Walking in the woods with your dog for a delightful jaunt can be a delightful treat. Grabbing a stick to throw for your dog to retrieve however can turn a relaxing romp into a nightmare.
According to an article recently published by the Times Online, Dr. Dan Brockman, Professor of Small Animal Surgery at the Queen Mother Hospital of the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, this very common and popular method of play is extremely dangerous. Dr. Brockman, a practicing veterinarian claims that he and his colleagues treat dozens of serious accidental injuries caused by tossing sticks tossed by their owners.
Thankfully many of the injuries are minor, but life threatening ones can occur as well. They range from simple scratches to the lining of the mouth to limb paralysis, esophageal punctures, blood loss and acute and chronic infections. Since sticks are dirty and sharp they are considered to be a huge danger for dogs to play with. As your dog runs holding the stick in his mouth, puncture wounds can occur easily occur.
Additionally most canines love to chew on sticks which put them at great risk for injury and infection. Small pieces can break off and lodge themselves in your dog's mouth. These pieces are laden with bacteria, fungus and yeast, and resulting infections can be difficult to treat and may even become lethal.
Dr Brockman reports, "A study of both acute and chronic "stick injuries" in dogs, performed at the Royal Veterinary College, has shown how serious these can be. Most dogs that were presented within 48 hours of the injury had surgical exploration of the neck and the majority was found to still have wood in their wounds.
Spinal cord injuries were less common than esophageal damage but the most lethal problem was infection. Several dogs involved in the study died as a result of their stick injury and these deaths almost always involved resistant bacteria and infection that spread from the neck to the chest.
What's more, dogs that were not presented to the RVC until some days after the initial injury typically had serious infections building up around a residual wood fragment. These were challenging to treat, required either computerized tomography or MRI scans to find the fragments and needing one or more operations to remove them. "
So it is indeed crucial to heed these warnings which were provided by Dr. Brockman. While throwing sticks for our pooches to fetch may seem at first glance to be benign, the risks are great and should be totally avoided.
Instead, bring along a Frisbee or other toys to entertain and to provide exercise for your canine companion. It is also crucial to train your dog not to pick up sticks. By your dog learning a simple command it may help prevent a dangerous and potentially lethal injury.
Do you throw sticks for your dogs? If so, will this information change your method of play? Leave a comment and let us know if this was new and helpful advice.
Today Oprah aired a special show all about dogs! The media queen had special guests- both canine and human- to highlight the amazing spirit of dogs and to promote adoption.
One extraordinary canine guest was a greyhound who lost both his right legs in an accident, but has learned to walk with only two legs and still lives a full life.
Desperate Housewives star Felicity Huffman was also on the show via satellite to promote the Iams Home 4 the Holidays adoption drive. Huffman said the goal is to get one million dogs adopted through the drive and educate new dog owners on how to best care for their new pets. To learn more about this program, check out Petside's interview with Felicity Huffman:
Oprah also revisited a special report from last spring on puppy mills. She revealed that since that special, many horrible puppy mills have been shut down and the mill operators are being prosecuted. Enforcement levels are also being raised and the millions of people who viewed the show have been educated on the atrocities of puppy mills.
Petside applauds Oprah for using her show to highlight these important issues!
On January 21 last year I posted my first blog on petside.com. Since that time it has been my sincere pleasure to bring you great edu-tainment about the cats, dogs and other animals we celebrate in our lives.
I've tried to write posts to be funny, serious, uplifting, sad, irreverent and sometimes outrageous--I learned a lot, and I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have.
Today is my last petside.com blog post. Other work commitments, including some exciting and challenging new directions coming in the new year, make it impossible for me to continue with the daily petside.com blog but I hope to contribute an ">article now and then.
Meanwhile, you can always drop me a line via my website at http://www.shojai.com, subscribe to the free email newsletter, listen to my Pet Peeves radio podcasts at petliferadio.com, check out one of my books from the library, maybe even meet at one of my appearances, or at MySpace, YouTube, FaceBook, or or or...
Yes, maybe I have overextended myself. *s*
I am sure that the next purr-son to fill this spot will receive just as warm a tail-wagging welcome as I received. The entire staff at PetSide.com, and the other writers--many my colleagues and friends--have been a joy to work with, and I look forward to future collaboration.
So until we meet another time and place-- Thank you for welcoming me into your extended family.
Y'all pet your fur-kids for me. Love them. Educate yourselves for them. And trust yourself to do what's best for them. It's what we're meant to do.
I have a burning question to ask fellow cat lovers. I may be in need of counseling.
The other day I took a long ride with a friend who is a cat-only veterinarian. I always look forward to the time I spend with her, especially when I am privy to some of her fascinating cases. I realize that she may be "catted out", and not always in the mood to talk about her daily encounters. But even though the topic of conversation changes, I am sufficiently tenacious, sneaky and skillful that I can bring the subject back to her work. I must applaud her for her patience with me.
But this time, as we were driving down the highway en route to our destination, she turned to me blurted out that she is convinced that I am addicted to cats . . . addicted to writing about them, talking about them and spending time with them. I must say that I was rather taken aback by her candor and the word that she used to describe my feline-oriented fervor.
And while she totally gets it that "cat people" love to brag about their cats, tell funny stories about their kitties' antics, and have a strong interest in the field of veterinary medicine's new developments, I suspected she was being polite by acquiescing to my ramblings . . . purrhaps giving me a subtle hint.
Now please don't get me wrong. My friend loves cats! She has a bunch of them herself. But to call me "addicted" set me back on my heels, and I am not sure that this accurately describes my passion for felines. I think that when I am with her, I may be over- absorbed in the world of cats, with such a knowledgeable captive audience by my side. Who wouldn't delight in picking her brain? But, if I have to be honest, I must admit that I will talk to anyone who loves cats, ad nauseum.
It might be just that my denial is setting in, which we all know is a symptom of addiction. If that is the case, so be it. This kind of addiction works for me, and for many other cat lovers in my circle of friends. Hey, the worst thing that can happen is I find a support group of like-minded folks, and introduce myself, "Hi my name is Jo and I am addicted to cats." The chorus will naturally respond, "Hi Jo!"
Folks, I guess I have to face it. My friend may be right. Being honest with oneself is the first step in recovery, right? However, upon second thought, who wants to recover?
Are you able to identify with my problem? What do you think, cat lovers? Are we addicted?
Cats are known for their high intelligence and ability to frustrate even the most devoted felinophile. This little story illustrates my hypothesis.
I feed our two cats separately. This way I know how much food they are actually consuming and I can keep a finger on the pulse of their caloric intake. During meal times, I generally keep Hubble, our white Oriental Shorthair company while enjoys his food and he seems to eat all of his meal if I hang out with him. I feed him in the guest bathroom, and I feed our other cat, Hush Puppy in the hallway outside the door.
Of course, the door to the bathroom is shut during feeding times, which sometimes presents a problem for Hush Puppy, our lilac point Oriental. However, a closed door in our house presents few problems to this ingenious kitty who has an extremely high feline I.Q. and takes closed doors on as a challenge.
This morning, Hubble and I were having a deep and meaningful conversation about the state of the world, while he busily devoured his bowl of Venison and Peas. All was peaceful and quiet until Hush Puppy thrust himself upon the bathroom push-down handle doorknob, in order to gain access to the bathroom to answer an urgent nature call. The door flew open and he immediately jumped into the litter box with a look of relief on his face. How dare I shut him out! I tell you those push-down handles make privacy an impossibility.
But this is only one example that demonstrates Hush Puppy's obsession with doors and doorknobs. One of his greatest delights is to defeat bi-fold doors. They are an open invitation, actually, which titillates his feline wiles. In fact we were forced to hire a handy man to customize the bi-fold mirrored closet door in our bedroom to render it cat-proof. I wish you could have seen the frustrated look he gave me after a couple of attempts to open the door, without success. There is nothing sadder appearing than a cat whose mission has been thwarted.
Not willing to give up his hobby, shortly after a thorough exploration around our house, he found bigger fish to fry! I am beginning to think that purrhaps he was a doorman in a prior lifetime. One never knows. There has to be an underlying motivation, right?
The door to our kitchen pantry is a wooden bi-fold. For years Hush Puppy has ignored it, but since access to the bedroom mirrored bi-fold has been banned, he has become obsessed with the kitchen door. The thudding sound when the door opens echoes throughout the house and can even be heard while I am working in my office. This cat is totally preoccupied now to get into the pantry, even though nothing feline related is stored in it, exemplifying the adage; the joy is in the journey, not the destination.
Is my dilemma unique? Do your cats open doors? Any suggestions to cat-proof our kitchen? Please help me out here, by leaving a comment with suggestions.
Well...I'm not sure. You see, today as I write this blog, it's December 16 (yes, sometimes the entries are written ahead, especially over holidays). So without channeling Santa *s* I really don't know any specifics. I grew up in Northern Indiana where Christmas usually meant cold weather and snowdrifts, and Texas doesn't often match that expectation.
But it does today. We've actually got ice on the roads, and snow spitting from the heavens. It's the purr-fect day for a fire in the fireplace, hot cocoa, and snuggling under blankets with fur-kids.
What's in store for Christmas day? I will enjoy sleeping an extra bit of time--well, as long as Magic will let me. He doesn't really recognize "days off" and the human desire to stay in bed when there's so much to DO. And Seren will take advantage of the extra available laps throughout the day. Ah...bliss!
Shhh, don't tell, but Magic will get some special treats, a stuffed bear, and a new collar. Seren also gets treats, and a new fluffy bed. But they could really care less about such things, compared to spending time with their human loved ones.
I feel the same way. Time together is the most precious gift we can share. Thank you, all my readers, for sharing your time with me this past year.
Above and beyond any fancy-wrapped presents, I've already been gifted with so much. My family is healthy and happy (furred and otherwise). We have a comfortable home. I have heavy insulated socks that keep my toes warm. (Right now, that's a big plus!)
Work is rewarding, sometimes frustrating, but always interesting--with new challenges coming in 2009 that will open new doors.
I can't imagine you'd be taking a break and checking the Internet on this day filled with family, laughter, and fun. Maybe you got a new computer for Christmas? In any event, my holiday wish for you from me (and my fur-kids):
May every day you share love with your pets be better than the day before. When you lose a special companion (as we all will), may you remember the best times with happy smiles, and honor their memory by sharing your life with another pet.
Now then--just for smiles, and because silliness and laughter abounds when we're at peace and surrounded by our loved ones, here's something fun to enjoy. Happy Holidays!
Our two Oriental Shorthair cats, Hubble and Hush Puppy, have been bugging me to purrsonally share their holiday greetings with you all.
I was amazed to find both of them surfing the Internet the other day to find one that was both appropriate and clever. Since we all know that this breed is highly intelligent and gregarious, their message had to be one which demonstrated both of these qualities. They nailed it!
And I also wish you all a very happy and healthy Holiday filled with kitty purrs and doggie kisses.
So without further amew... watch this charming video created and uploaded to YouTube by BarberMedia
There was no snow that night in Bethlehem. Instead, the small cat watched a star-spangled sky from her perch in the window of a stable. She liked the stable, for it was a warm safe place to raise her furry babies, and the innkeeper sometimes left scraps out for her to nibble. Tabby wasn't particularly distinctive, and most humans didn't look at her twice. After all, her short gray/black fur was quite common. But Tabby's striped coat hid a heart bigger than cats twice her size.
This night, though, Tabby was out of sorts, for she'd not been able to hunt and catch dinner. Travelers had poured into town for days, so noisy they disturbed decent cat-folks' rest. Why, they'd even invaded Tabby's quiet stable, a place she had before shared only with other furry creatures. Tabby hadn't minded the human couple--they were calmer than most. She'd left that morning for her usual rounds, but when she returned, the stable was packed with people.
From her perch on the window, Tabby watched the last of the strangers leave. She slipped from the window, and padded silently inside--and froze!
"Meewwww, meewww, meewww," cried a tiny voice.
A kitten? Tabby's ears turn this way and that to find the sound of the kitten's voice. It came from the manger, the very place Tabby often made her own bed. A woman knelt beside the manger, intent on the small mewling that arose from within. Tabby was drawn by the kittenish sound, though she knew her own furry babies were grown to cat-hood. She tiptoed forward very slowly, and passed by a wooly burro, a warm cow, and all the other animals.
The woman looked up, and saw the striped cat. "Oh, little cat," she murmured, "my baby cannot sleep, and nothing calms him this night." She sighed, and turned back to the manger. "How grateful would I be to anyone able to bring him sweet dreams."
And, as Tabby watched, each stable animal stepped forward in turn and tried to soothe the woman's baby. But the kittenish sounds continued, and finally Tabby could contain herself no longer.
Quickly, she washed herself--paws, face, behind the ears, to the very tip of her tail (so as not to offend the child's mother)--and then shyly stepped forward. She leaped gracefully to the manger, and stared into the face of the most beautiful baby (human or kitten!) she'd ever seen. He cooed and smiled, waving his tiny hands at Tabby, and she very carefully drew in her claws and settled beside him. Forgotten was her empty tummy; she could only hear her heart calling out to this sweet human-kitten.
And Tabby began to purr.
The wondrous cat-song filled the stable with overwhelming emotion. The animals listened with awe, and the child's mother smiled as her baby quietly went to sleep.
The child's mother placed her hand gently on the purring Tabby's forehead. "Blessings upon you, Tabby-cat, for this sweet gift given to me and my child," she said. And where she'd touched Tabby's brow, there appeared an "M"--the sign of the Madonna's benediction.
From that day forward, all proper tabby cats are honored with an "M" on their brow for the great service they performed that first Christmas night. And Christmas nights often find Tabby cats staring into the night, purring as they recall a very special child their ancestor once sang to sleep.
Are the holidays going to the dogs, but in the most wonderful way possible? I think so. After receiving this canine rendition from www.nanceestar.com of the popular Holiday song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas", I had to chuckle and share this poochful take off.
Make sure you sing this little ditty to your dog to help with some holiday gift ideas.
On the first day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
The Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the second day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the third day of Christmas my puppy gave to me three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the fourth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the fifth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the sixth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the seventh day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the eighth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the ninth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the tenth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me Ten Christmas cards
I shoulda mailed
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the eleventh day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Eleven unwrapped presents
Ten Christmas cards I shoulda mailed
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the twelfth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
A dozen puppy kisses
And I forgot all about the other eleven days
Enjoy this delightful video uploaded to YouTube by reiserk, of an excerpt of the charming movie, "The 12 Dogs of Christmas". Visit http://www.12dogsofchristmas.com/ to view more about the film.
So if you agree with my question about the holidays going to the dogs, paws for a moment and leave a comment. Happy Holidays!
I sent a note to a couple of my "pet writing" email lists, and asked colleagues to send pictures and a brief description of their recent books. If you haven't already purchased a pet holiday gift, take a look at these--or tuck the idea away for spending those holiday gift cards!
In no particular order, here's part of the bumper crop of pet books for this year. Most of these books are available online or at major bookstores.
Shelly Bueche has a new children's book, "Dog Scouts of America," as part of the Dog Heroes series with Bearport publishing. Dog Scouts of America is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating people about responsible dog ownership. The website http://www.dogscouts1.com/ notes that it's the dog that becomes the Dog Scout, so any age person can hold the leash--and programs are available for different ages.
Susan Ewing offers Cat Flash Cards, written from a cat's point of view. She says they are a light-hearted way to "train" humans on correct cat care.
Melanie Coronetz's new book, In the Shadow of Mercury, is a touching memoir.
A woman's search for identity in middle age leads her to the show ring at Madison Square Garden.
In her new book, Purr More, Hiss Less: Heavenly Lessons I Learned from My Cat (with splendiferous watercolors by Erika Oller), best-selling author, Allia Zobel Nolan chronicles over 100 observations about cat behavior, that if followed, could transpose our fast-paced, self-centered, dog-eat-dog world into a utopia, where it's okay to be "kneedy," and where taking time to chase butterflies, be our brother's keeper, and stare out the window are de rigueur.
Cat-House Sonnets by Margy Ohring, is a collection of 100 poems celebrating cats. The sonnets depict all aspects of feline behavior from eating, sleeping and playing to litter box use.
In Christine Davis's children's book Shelter Dog, the angel dog Hero comes back as a shelter dog and learns things don't always turn out the way you plan--Sometimes they turn out better!
Terry Albert's book, Basset Hound: Your Happy Healthy Pet is the perfect companion to that new long-eared pup.
Cole Massie, a ten-year old boy may have Cerebral Palsy, but he also has all the support a disabled youngster needs. His best friend is his very special Lab/ Golden retriever mix, Iila. Iila, a specially trained service dog, helps Cole, who was at one time completely wheelchair bound, fetching items that he needs, and opening and closing doors for him.
But Iila's greatest contribution is his healing touch as he cheers him on during physical therapy sessions, accompanying him to doctors' appointments and keeping him company when he receives difficult medical procedures.
His mom, Michelle Massie says that, "He calms, inspires and motivates my son far better than anyone ever has."
Cole describes his relationship with Iila as "my furry brother and best friend, and a serious bed hog", Iila hangs out with Cole while he listens to a Harry Potter CD, and helps clean him by licking his face and arms while he is taking a bath. This is one extremely loving and intuitive pooch.
Several months ago, three years after Cole and Iila became a team, brought together by the nonprofit organization, Canine Companions for Independence, Cole underwent a difficult surgery which permitted him to use his feet and free him of his wheelchair.
At first, Cole was understandably frightened about the prospect of surgery, but after his mom explained that he would be able to walk Ilia by himself, without the help of his parents or a walker, Cole whispered to Ilia "I will walk you, Ilia. I will walk you." and agreed to the surgery.
Cole had to travel a long distance for his surgery, but Ilia went with him to be by his side. Happily, Cole is on his way to being able to walk independently and, of course, Ilia will be right by his side all the way through this process. Service dogs are an invaluable adjunct to healing in so many incredible ways. The bond which develops between the dog and their owner provides many tangible and subtle avenues to recovery that cannot be disputed.
Recently Ilia received the ASPCA Dog of the Year as part of the 2008 Humane Awards program at a luncheon this past October, honoring seven other animals and humans with extraordinary stories. Of course this award was the icing on the cake for both Ilia and Cole.
What are your thoughts about the benefits of Service animals? Leave a comment and share them with us.
It was very hard for me to remain impartial when I read this unsettling news the other day. The story was about an "odd looking" cat who showed up with his owner during a fund raising event held in Atlantic City, NJ to benefit The Penny Angel's Beagle Rescue.
The cat and the owner were at the event to have a picture taken with Santa Claus. At the time, President Joan Kerr was busy taking care of the dogs to be placed for adoption so did not pay attention to what which someone told her might be a bobcat. Kerr said "it had absolutely huge paws, like 3 inches around."
Santa, portrayed by Jonathan Bebbington, a resident of Vineland, N.J. was busy holding pets for pictures, when the hefty cat arrived. He thought it might be a bobcat or hybrid.
Even though the cat appeared to be terrified by the dogs in the area, the owner managed to place the cat in Santa's lap, but shortly thereafter the cat could no longer contain his terror and understandably had a hissy fit. He bit Mr. Bebbington several times on the wrist and hand, drawing blood.
Mr. Bebbington said, "It had very powerful jaws and big teeth," and could probably have bitten the hand off a baby or small child. He guestimated that the cat, named Benny, weighed about 30 pounds even though he was still a kitten. The cat is expected to reach 55 pounds when fully grown. When the photo was developed, a volunteer attempted to give it to the owner, but she and her cat were long gone. Kerr added that the woman's last words were, "I have a permit and the cat has all his vaccines."
Apparently the owner purchased Benny from a breeder in Wyoming with a price tag of $1,500. The cat was shipped to New Jersey. It was also learned that the owner keeps the cat on a dog lead in her yard, during the day.
The injured Santa washed his six puncture wounds thoroughly and applied some antibiotic ointment before he visited his doctor. He received a tetanus shot, but Mr. Bebbington may also have to endure the painful series of rabies shots unless the owner produces Benny's rabies vaccine certificate right away.
Of course, Mr. Bebbington bears no ill will to the cat and doesn't want anything to happen to Benny. He thought the cat was beautiful, but of course naturally frightened by the ordeal. He just hopes that the owner will come forth with the vaccination records in a timely manner, as his first shot has been scheduled already.
The Santa Paws fund raiser will continue for the next two weekends as scheduled.
I don't know how you feel, but my opinion is that a hybrid or wild cat is not your average pussy cat and needs to be handled with special care. He should not have subjected to a photo shoot under conditions which frightened him so badly.
What was his owner thinking? And why does she leave this beautiful animal tied up in her yard? What other dangers could this cat be subjected to which may further injure someone else? It takes a knowledgeable person to keep a hybrid cat in a safe and supportive environment, and a permit does not guarantee responsible care.
What are your thoughts about this unfortunate event? Leave a comment and let us know.
Surveys indicate that pet people love to give gifts to their pets. So whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Boxing Day, Kwanzaa, Christmas or other holiday traditions, chances are you're looking to "gift" your furry family members, too.
As a behavior consultant, I often recommend favorite products that help with various pet challenges. So I think it's a great time to purchase one of these for under the tree--either for your own, or another pet-lover. Because if Great Aunt Ethel is hard to buy for, chances are she'll love you for choosing an appropriate gift for Fifi.
Some of my favorites include the pheromone-analogue products for cats and dogs. Feliway for cats signals that the environment is safe, so it helps calm stress. Comfort Zone with DAP (dog appeasing pheromone) diffuses canine fear. Both products come as sprays or plug-ins and are available from your local pet products stores or over the Internet.
You can't miss with cats by wrapping up a bit of catnip. It's not only good recreation for kitties, catnip also can be used as a reward for good behavior and a stress-buster for cats feeling depressed.
Puzzle type chew toys for dogs are a hit with the canine corp. Stuff them with tasty treats for even more gnawing enjoyment. I've previously mentioned Kong toys, and Planet Dog's Orbee-Tuff products also are real winners with my Magic.
What are some of your pets' favorites? Tomorrow's blog will share some of my colleague's recent pet books, for the owners out there looking for entertainment, education, and celebration of all-things-pet.
If you think that the holiday season is going to the dogs, you may just be onto something!
As far as I am concerned, Santa Claus is going to have to watch out for some very stiff competition this year if Buzzy, the enterprising yellow Lab, with his impeccable pedigree and status as a prize winning champion, has anything to say about it.
As a fierce competition Rein-dog, along with his dedicated canine companions, Buzzy sure can handle a sleigh with excellence and determination. These dogs are very talented.
Enjoy this entertaining video by John Owren, and sing along with the music during this festive holiday season. The video was uploaded to YouTube by grampianlabs.
Will you be looking to the sky for these purposeful pooches to carry gifts to your households? Leave a comment and tell us!
I received these pictures of a polar bear interacting with a husky through one of my email lists. With a bit of searching, I found the source, which offers even more insight into animals at play.
It seems that this is not such an unusual situation as we'd think. Apparently, wild grizzly bears and wolves have been known to do the same thing.
This seems the purr-fect time of year to celebrate the joy of our different-ness and come together in mutual respect for a little light-hearted fun!
For years I mistakenly thought that the beautiful Poinsettia plant is highly toxic for cats and dogs. I have strictly adhered to warnings and steered clear of decorating our home with them. Having a safe and sound environment for our cats is always a priority.
Happily, while perusing the ASPCA website the other day, I learned that this is not the case at all. In fact it is an urban legend, according to their poison control experts.
The attractive holiday plant, the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) first appeared in the United States in the 1820s. Apparently the myth about toxicity started and spread like wildfire when a two-year old child of a U.S. Army officer supposedly died after ingesting a poinsettia leaf. The fact-of-the-matter is that a 50 pound child would have to eat more than 600 leaves to top the experimental doses which produced no toxic effects.
During the last 12 months, the Animal Poison Control Center followed 84 cases of poinsettia ingestion, resulting commonly in an upset stomach. Dana Farbman, CVT, and ASPCA Senior Manager of Professional Communications said, "Ingestion of poinsettias typically only produces mild to moderate gastrointestinal irritation in pets, which may include drooling, vomiting and diarrhea."
According to Ms. Farbman, veterinary treatment is generally not needed. Pets generally respond well by giving them a few sips of milk or water which diminishes tummy upsets.
You can prevent these digestive problems by keeping poinsettias out of your pet's reach, but with care, you can adorn your home with these festive plants.
However, Lilies, another popular holiday plant is highly toxic. Even small amounts ingested of the tiger, Asian, Japanese show, stargazer and the Casablanca varieties can cause kidney failure in cats and so pet people are wise to avoid having these plants in their homes.
The ASPCA's hotline is available 24 hours a day should you suspect that your pet has had contact with a poisonous substance. They may be reached at (888) 426-4435. Note: There may be a $60.00 fee applied to your credit card. It is also a good idea to keep the phone number of your local Veterinary ER in a convenient location should your personal veterinarian not be available, especially during the holidays.
Some of you will know exactly what I'm talking about, others may think I'm nuts. Regardless... my pets can talk and HAVE their own distinct voice. Ok, granted, my husband and I make up the voices and the words - but I'm telling you if they could talk - we know exactly what they would sound like.
The funny part (or sad part, depends on how you look at it) is that we both talk for them and we both give them the same voice. Let just say that my husband and I sound nothing alike (for obvious reasons) but when it comes to the dog's voice and the cat's voice - we sound identical.
And it's not just the voice per say - but the personality. We THINK we know what they would say and how they would sound. And I swear, I think we are pretty dead on.
So what do they sound like? Well, depends on the mood - of course! Our dog Junior is very happy and a little goofy. He always talks about sleeping and comfort and always wants to know what we are eatting. He always says hello but never goodbye. He tells us he loves us and that he loves his brother but would rather not deal with him... Now to the cat.
Pip hates everything. His favorite word is "No" and "shut-up" is a close second. He tells us to leave him alone and not to pick him up. How do I know this - because I just do. And what does his voice sounds like? He's high pitched and monotone.
So you might be asking... is this woman insane? If you have a pet and talk to him/her and you find that he/she is replying - guess what - you do this too. And if you stopped for 5 mins I bet you could tell me what your pet sounds like and what they're saying. Does that make us crazy? I think not.
Check out this poll saying the majority of owners believe their pets understand them and vice versa!
I recently had the privilege of interviewing Patti Ventre, the founder of the WCFO, Inc (World Canine Freestyle Organization). You may have seen her on the recent Animal Planet "dancing with dogs" special. Musical Freestyle allows you to dance with your dog to choreographed moves.
To learn more about the organization, check out www.worldcaninefreestyle.org and listen to my most recent Pet Peeves radio show at www.petliferadio.com (click on the Pet Peeves logo and browse for those shows that tickle your fancy--or make you hiss and growl!).
Dancing with your dog takes incredible patience, dedication and love between the owner and his or her furry partner. I've taught my cat Seren to sit, sit up, come when called, walk on a leash, wave...and although she's not into dancing, she does have her graceful moves.
If you think it's tough to get a reliable "sit" with your pets, you'll be amazed at the exploits of this "mighty mouse." Enjoy!
Promising Reseach for Feline Infectious Peritonitis and Feline Leukemia
One of the most devastating diseases in cats is Feline Infectious Peritonitis, a lethal infectious disease that is responsible for the death of one in every 100 cats in the United States.
This disease is more prevalent in young cats coming from shelters and catteries. It causes a build up of abdominal fluid and intraocular and neurologic inflamatatory disease in felines younger than three to five years of age. Virtually 100% fatal, there are no preventative vaccines available at this time.
Since this disease often strikes without warning many times after weeks, months and even years after its initial infection, the emotional toll on owners is huge, since owners have formed deep bonds with their cats by the time the disease has been diagnosed.
Save Our Cats and Kittens (SOCK) was started in 1974 as a non-profit group by a group of cat lovers from the San Francisco Bay Area in California. Its purpose was to contribute to research about Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) being done by the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). In the early 1960's and 1970's FeLV was responsible for the death of approximately one-third of all sick cats.
"Socking it to Leukemia's" goals of finding simple and quick diagnostic tools to isolate carrier cats and to develop an effective vaccine were met. This resulted in the ability to perform a simple diagnostic blood test and to protect our beloved felines with a leukemia virus vaccine. While FeLV still remains a major cause of death in felines, great preventative strides have been made in recent years with fewer cats being infected today.
Over the 24 years of devoted service , SOCK has raised thousands of research dollars, and has now "passed its torch" to the Center for Companion Animal Health, (CCAH), UC Davis.
Presently, SOCK has been reactivated by another group of cat lovers to assist CCAH in raising research dollars for FIP. What makes SOCK unique is that this organization is built by people who have personal experience with this devastating disease, and whose support is given to CCAH to an experienced group of researchers in the area of FIP. The SOCK FIP mission is geared to research into the cause, diagnosis, and prevention and cure of FIP and to also provide necessary information to cat breeders, shelters, vets and pet owners to help prevent FIP.
I think that this news is exciting and shows a great deal of promise for those of us who are devoted to cats, don't you agree? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.
I love a happy ending, and right in time for the holidays!
This story comes from Steve Blow, a columnist at the Dallas Morning News--and an animal lover extraordinaire. Over a year ago, a black Lab showed up in the back parking lot at the newspaper. This is downtown Dallas, and not a friendly place for a stray, what with all the dangerous traffic. Friendly employees wanted to help, but couldn’t get close to the terrified dog. She ran and hid if anyone came too close.
Dog lovers started calling her “Belo” (the paper is owned by A.H. Belo Corporation), and left out food and water for the frightened stray. She managed to survive on the streets, heaven knows how, dodging traffic and living on handouts. But the recent cold snap reminded these good Samaritans that the black dog faced yet another winter and--well, her luck couldn’t hold. They feared she’d just end up a statistic like so many lost dogs, dead and forgotten…
(quick break while I wipe my eyes and go hug my own healthy, safe and happy doggy…)
Here’s where the story becomes anything but routine. Somebody remembered a story the Dallas Morning News had written about a local gentleman who had great success corralling scared strays when nobody else could. Capp Evans managed to capture Belo on Saturday December 6. A dog sanctuary, Straydog Inc, (http://straydog.org) agreed to take in the dog, and she was routed to a veterinary clinic in Athens for an exam and spay surgery.
Well, not only was Belo deemed healthy and already spayed, she also had a microchip! The information led rescuers to Alisa Holmes of Dallas, who had lost “Shadow” over Thanksgiving weekend of 2007. Alisa had spent weeks searching for her missing friend.
A few days ago, the ASPCA announced their "Success Story of the Week", which thankfully has a heartwarming happy ending to the story. Elsie, the Pit Bull Goodwill Ambassador, a sweet and highly intelligent pooch was sadly was having a hard time finding a forever, loving home. She was being kept at the Western PA. Humane Society (WPHS) for seven months after several potential adoptions fell through.
That is when Becky Torbin, a shelter board member stepped up to the plate. It was love at first sight for Becky. She was enchanted by the "gentle, engaging, affectionate dog." Becky's husband, Herb, was not quite as eager about the prospect of having Elsie join the family, since so often Pit Bulls get a bad rap. But Becky prevailed, emphatically telling Herb, "Trust me on this one."
Elsie, the Pit Bull Good Will Ambassador
It turns out that Herb's decision to take a risk and bring Elise into the family, was an excellent choice. When he was diagnosed with cancer, soon after the adoption, the close relationship that had developed between he and Elsie paid off. She was the only one that he actually wanted to be close to him while he was receiving his chemo treatments. Becky said, “She lay across his chest as he slept on the couch and was the best medicine he could’ve asked for,” Herb is now in remission and doing well, and of course is nuts about Elsie.
Elsie is working her magic on the public as well, as she demonstrates the true nature of the breed. After petting and playing with Elsie folks are surprised to learn that she is a Pit Bull, and many say, “Meeting this sweet dog has completely changed my perception of pit bulls.”
But the best news is not just that Elsie has found a loving family, but she and her "mom" have been selected as the third-quarter winners of the ASPCA Adopt-a Bull contest. The contest features successful adoptions of Pit Bull terriers made at shelters which are made by using the Meet Your Match™ program. Her win gave the WPHS a $4,000 grant and Elsie and her "mom" and the shelter are eligible to compete for the grand prize in the "Vote for Your Favorite Match" online contest to be held in February, 2009.
In recent blogs I’ve preached to the choir about treating pets safely during Halloween and Thanksgiving, so I won’t repeat myself here. Suffice it to say, any holiday can be a time when humans tend to over-do in the food department. Pets can also become pudgy victims of over-indulgence.
Even more dangerous than a growing waistline, the current holiday season poses other risks. They can not only get your cat or dog into trouble by toppling trees or breaking family heirloom decorations, you could end up spending time in the pet emergency room!
You should not let kittens play with ribbons
Keep candles out of pet reach. Curious critters could get burned paw-patting or sniffing the flame. Worse, they could knock over the Menorah, for example, and set the house on fire.
Christmas trees prove tempting to even the best behaved pet. Your dog may decide to baptize the greenery and leg-lift to mark it as his own personal holiday gift. Or he may decide to unwrap the presents.
The kitten views the tree as a nifty kitty obstacle course to climb. Ornaments that sparkle and swing from the branches look and act like the “legal” cat toys and can tempt cats to play and break them. Even worse, holiday “icicles,” the tree needles, garland and other string-type or metal hooks prove deadly if swallowed.
Don’t get me started on the holiday lights! Yikes, those twinkles look gorgeous to us…and to pets, too. One chomp, and the puppy or kitty can end up with burns or worse, and not survive.
Take steps to protect your festivities (and your pets) by making the tree and dangerous décor off limits. Use baby gates to segregate the tree room from pet areas, for example. The “tacky mats” available from home product stores (used to keep area rugs from sliding) may also help keep pets at a distance, if you place them beneath the tree. Pets don’t like to walk in the sticky surface. Or get the plastic carpet runners and place them nub-side-up around the floor surrounding the tree.
Once the packages are opened, pets often have a wonderful time playing in the empty boxes and batting paper around. Just be sure to supervise any play with string. If swallowed, that’s another hazard you don’t want to risk, as it can cause life-threatening injury.
Presidential Pet Update: Socks Back in the White House?
President-elect Barack Obama has chosen a number of former President Bill Clinton’s staff members to be a part of his team, but now the furriest Clintonite is also signed on.
Clinton’s cat Socks may soon be back in the White House!
Since his presidential owner left office, Socks has been living with Clinton’s secretary Betty Curie in Maryland. And Curie was just hired by Obama’s transition co-chairman John Podesta as his secretary. So Socks is in the presidential circle once again.
Unfortunately, the cute and lovable former First Pet’s age is very advanced (he’s 19) and Socks has been battling cancer. He is not expected to live much longer, but has certainly lived a full and exciting 9 lives.
The art of Veterinary medicine and surgery keeps growing by leaps and bounds. I was blown away when I read about the highly unusual surgery performed by the veterinary staff at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston last week.
They were able to reattach a cat's face which was mutilated when Edgar, a four year old long hair feline may have crawled under the hood of the car to stay warm. Edgar had been missing for several days, from her home in Winthrop, Ma. When she turned up, her owner found her in her litter box with part of her face dangling from her head. After her owner recovered from the shock of seeing her beloved cat so seriously injured, she rushed her to Angell Animal Medical Center.
Amazingly, Dr. Michael Pavletic, one of the hospital's surgeons reported that Edgar was actually in better condition than she appeared. She had not lost a lot of blood, and in the one hour long surgery, he was able to reattach her facial skin with 35 stitches. Incredibly, there also was no permanent nerve damage. Dr. Pavletic's prognosis was excellent. With follow up care and medication, she will completely recover from her ordeal. Elizabeth Kendrick, the Veterinary surgical technician was also amazed at the response to the procedure. Edgar was purring, and "asking” to be petted shortly after her surgery. This was one lucky kitty, for sure.
Edgar after her surgery
A professor of small animal clinical services at Texas A&M University, Bonnie Beaver, said that this type of injury is very rare as most cats are instantly killed by car fan belts. She added, "She may have problems later, but the cat was saying, 'I may have lost this life but, by golly, I have eight more."
To read more about Edgar's chilling accident, visit: http://www.theledger.com/article/20081210/NEWS/812100279?Title=Vet_Reattaches_Cat_s_Face
Since even the most indoor environment- acclimated cat may suddenly decide that the great outdoors is tempting and become an escape artist, putting them in danger for serious injury, enriching our homes to help prevent wanderlust is crucial. Ohio State's College of Veterinary Medicine has specifically created an Indoor Cat Initiative designed to enhance the lives of indoor cats. This initiative is devised to help owners learn more about how cats think, insight into their behavior, proper nutrition and to troubleshoot feline problems. Visit http://www.vet.ohio-state.edu/indoorcat.htm for some excellent ideas about how to keep your indoor cat happy and fit.
Purrsonally, I think that keeping cats indoors is critical for their well being. However some folks still consider that this is a cruel practice, and that cats need to have access to the outside world.
What are your thoughts on this controversy? Leave a comment and share them with us.
New York Daily News reporter, Jane H. Furse, reported a touching story this past week about a three-year-old toddler lost overnight in Halifax County. Jaylynn Thorpe apparently wandered away from his babysitter on Friday afternoon and was missing 21 hours while close to 300 people including frantic friends, family and law enforcement officials searched the 17-degree-temperature Virginia woods.
He wasn’t alone, though. Two puppies accompanied the child, refused to leave his side, and slept overnight snuggled up against Jaylynn so the three kept each other warm. The trio had wandered up to a mile in the dark and crossed a highway. He wasn’t found until Saturday afternoon, sitting against a tree with the two beagle-looking pups nestled against him. Rescuers said that when the child was found, the puppies refused to leave his side.
The Hero Puppies
You can read the entire story here. This isn’t the first instance I’ve heard of dogs--or even puppies--being lifesavers.
What about your own dogs? Are they hero material? For many of us in these trying times, simply a warm furry presence that keeps us happy and warms our souls constitutes heroics. What do you think?
The economic crisis is affecting everyone all over the globe, and pets are no exception. Owners having to scrimp and save may find themselves cutting back on toys, buying cheaper food or skipping vet visits. And those losing their houses may have to give up their pets indefinitely.
While it is a serious situation, some people are trying to lighten the mood and people’s spirits.
Actresses Natalie Portman and Rashida Jones (NBC’s The Office) collaborated this year to encourage people to vote in the presidential election and to promote world peace.
But the beautiful duo also has an interesting plan to save the world from economic collapse.
Watch this video from funnyordie.com to hear more about their idea:
Recently, several media outlets have been running stories about what our pets say about us. Who knew that your choice of a loyal companion could tell the world what type of person you are? Some studies even show that we sometimes pick a pet because they look like us. If that’s the case than I must be pretty cute, because my dog is adorable!
Which leads me to breaking pet news – a new puppy has joined the incoming administration. No, he hasn’t been picked to sit on any committees, or run any major offices but he does have a very important role - he’s Joe Biden’s new companion. It’s being reported that Vice-President Elect Joe Biden has beaten the Obamas in the race for a presidential pet. This past weekend, Joe Biden purchased a German Shepard puppy in his home state of Pennsylvania. So, I have to wonder, what does this breed say about him?
The German Shepard is known for it’s courage, heart, and keen senses. They are the top breed used as guard, police and military dogs and are known to be highly intelligent. They are also very loyal, protective and can be strong willed. Ok – I have to say, I like what I hear.
If it is true that our pets say something about us, then I think a German Shepard seems like a good pick for Vice-President Elect Joe Biden. Now, the question on everyone’s mind is, what type of dog will the Obamas pick? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
Final though - pets are awesome. Here's another example of why:
For you dog fans out there that enjoy cooking for your canines, and have likeminded friends for whom you have been searching for that extra special holiday gift, here is an excellent suggestion.
The 53-page “Bone Appetreat, a New Cookbook That Has Gone to the Dogs" is a treasure which will find its way into people's kitchens all year long. Written by Laurie Southall, a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Allergist, delightfully weaves her love for the canine species throughout this unique and enchanting cookbook. She provides an extensive choice of recipes, ranging from full course meals to yummy treats which are easy to make, but most importantly, will please the most finicky dog.
Author Laurie Southall
All Ms. Southall's recipes are wheat-free. She also gives her readers a wide variety of vegetarian options from which to choose, as well as those which are soy, corn, dairy and egg-free. Describing her book, Ms. Southall writes, ""The recipes in Bone Appetreat provide healthy alternatives for dog owners who would prefer for whatever reason - even if just for fun - to make their own treats. They are not only nourishing but as my dog Stanley and our other enthusiastic canine testers can vouch - tasty too."
In this canine cookbook, you will find recipes such as Chicken Paw-Migana, a tempting biscuit, and Ruffogies, a soft treat in which sweet potatoes are the main ingredient. There even are recipes for special occasions, which include "Sammy's Upside-Down Cake." Other intriguing temptations include, Barko's Beef Biscuit, Orange, and "Ruffy" and Tail-a Wagging Meatballs. I had to chuckle when I found one called "Hoggin' Dogz, which is a sausage shaped item baked in the oven.
Most of the ingredients are easy to find in local supermarkets. Other items can be found in health food stores, or specialty grocery stores. The recipes produce between 180 to 250 canine treats which can be stored in the fridge, or frozen for later use.
The Winn Feline Foundation, in Partnership with the Miller Trust, has awarded $116,5000 to fund five studies important to feline health. Among these are studies covering hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the most common heart problem of domestic cats, as well as FIP and a specialized type of bladder stones.
The cat heart disease has been traced to gene mutations in Ragdoll and Maine Coon cats but not all breeds have been evaluated and the gene doesn’t account for all cases. So in this study, researchers are looking closely at Siberian cats.
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a deadly disease of cats, caused by infection with feline coronavirus that usually lives in the cat’s gut and causes no problems. But if it mutates, certain cats develop the disease when it infects the immune system. The study looks at differences between the gut versus immune system virus, to help better understand how the disease works.
Calcium oxalate is the most common urinary stone that cats develop, and can cause problems with urination including life-threatening obstruction. Little is known about the genetic influence of certain cats that seem to suffer from these stones. So the researchers plan to look at how bacteria in the cat’s intestinal tract may influence the risk and development of these stones, genetic influences and predispositions, and perhaps lead to new treatments.
Persian cats, the most popular breed throughout the world, can inherit progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) that leads to blindness by 15 weeks of age. (PRA has similarities to retinitis pigmentosa, a common inherited blindness in people.) The researcher plans to analyze genetic markers to try and create a genetic test that identifies carrier cats so they won’t spread the mutation.
I recently received an email announcing the website created by President-Elect Barack Obama's staff: http://www. Change.org. It is a social action network which allows folks the chance to give suggestions for the new administration when Mr. Obama takes office on January 20, 2009. It is an inviting site where people can get involved, take action and also connect with folks with similar interests and issues. It is free and very easy to join.
Coincidentally, a gal with whom I am acquainted on the Internet, who’s passion for animals is unrivaled, sent me a copy of a suggestion she made to Change.org, that neutering and spaying all cats should be mandatory to reduce the number of unwanted cats languishing in shelters to be adopted, or worse yet, are homeless, roaming neighborhoods in search of food and shelter. So of course my interest was piqued. The information I found while researching the issue was very interesting.
Chicago's Aldermen Ed Burke and Ginger Rugai working with with PAWS Chicago (http://www.pawschicago.org/) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) have already forwarded a proposed mandate spay/neuter program in Chicago. According to their proposal, all dogs and cats over the age of six-months must be altered unless they meet the criteria for exemption.
Mandatory spay and neuter laws may keep more animals out of shelters, but could also hurt some reputable breeders.
Those include a valid veterinarian certificate that for medical reasons the animal cannot be neutered, and valid dog and cat breeders, whose breeds meet the standards of the commission and are registered with a registry or association committed to the health and safety of the breed who are kept for breeding or showing purposes, service dogs as defined by Illinois state law, law enforcement dogs and dogs owned by guard dog companies. But Illinois is not the only state with pending bills to mandate neutering.
If the new ordinance passes, it may effectively put small reputable breeders out of commission, as the proposed mandate would end the present exemption which permits residents who occasionally have a litter for sale, to be deemed an "animal care facility" and have to pay $330.00 for a license. In order to qualify for a "breeding license" the breeder would also have to submit to a criminal background check and home inspection. Cat breeders would have to pay $100.00 per cat, annually. The transfer of a retired breeding or show cat or dog, to another person, even a relative would necessitate providing personal information to the commission and a personal and criminal background check.
The American Kennel club strongly opposes this proposed mandate because of the impact it will have on those reputable breeders and individuals who are current or prospective dog owners.
In its place they suggest enforceable laws that protect purebred dogs, and a strong educational program which is designed to promote the safety and welfare for all dogs. You can read more their response to the proposed mandate and read what other states are doing by visiting: http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=3502. The Cat Fancier's Association has also responded negatively to the proposed mandate. Read their response at: http://www.cfainc.org/exhibitors/alert-IL-Chicago7-12.html.
While my friend’s suggestion is well intentioned, and I appreciate her concern, at the same time I fear that mandating neutering and spaying of all dogs and cats may open a can of worms. After reading the AKC and CFA responses to the proposed mandate which seems unenforceable and cumbersome, it seems to me that a mandate may prevent many dogs and cats from finding good homes. Additionally, the impact upon reputable breeders of purebred dogs and cats may make it very difficult for a prospective cat or dog owner to find the pet of their choice without jumping through many hoops.
The Bach Flower Remedies are a very popular and safe treatment for emotional issues in people--and pets. You find these at health food stores. They are considered “vibrational medicine” that helps address any kind of emotional turmoil that might lead to health or behavior problems.
Holistic veterinarians and Bach practitioners generally recommend using single remedies to treat the issue. Mimulus is good for soothing fears, for instance. Vervain calms nervous energy, rock rose helps with terror, and vine cools down aggression.
A pre-mix of five essences called Rescue Remedy is recommended for any sudden type of stress. What’s nice about Bach flower essences is that using the wrong one accidentally won’t cause problems--but using the right one usually works pretty quickly. The product comes as a liquid that you dilute and can add to a treat or drip onto the pet’s ear or paw pad. There’s also a spray, and I believe a cream product may be available.
However, the newer “Pastilles” (candies) version poses danger to our pets! That’s because Xylitol sweetener has been added to some of the Pastilles formulations. That’s the artificial sweetener found in chewing gum that I’ve blogged about before, and can be poisonous to pets.
The company has been advised of the problem. At least some of the websites that sell the Bach remedies now has warning labels on Xylitol-containing products to avoid giving to pets. Cats don’t tend to have a taste for sweets anyway, but sweet-loving dogs would be at higher risk.
How do two people become friends? They see something in each other that they like. Share the same interests, go to the same places, maybe even have the same taste in clothes.
So then, how can a friendship between a dog and cat be explained? Is it because they live in the same house? Share the same owners or better yet, have the same parents? Then would it was stand to reason that two pets – both four legged but opposite in almost every way, be more like siblings than friends?
When I look at the relationship between my dog and cat, I can clearly see they have a bond. At first, I would say that they are friends but when I really think about it - they are certainly more like brothers.
There’s the sibling rivalry: when one gets more praise, the other gets jealous. The jealousy: when one gets a treat, the other must have one. The sharing: Pip sleeps with Junior on Junior’s doggie bed and trust me, I’m not so sure Junior’s happy about sharing. But he’s the older brother, and these are things you must do.
And then, there are the fights. The occasional swat or bite…which never comes from Junior. My cat is the bully in this house. Junior never bites, never chases, and never raises a paw. He must know that being a dog, and being the older brother, he could crush Pip. Sometimes I don’t know how he refrains from kicking Pip’s butt.
Poor Junior. Pip antagonizes him by staring. He just sits and watches Junior, never looking away. When Junior turns his body, or moves, Pip follows - never taking his eyes off him. That’s when I step in. Not because I’m scared what Junior will do, but because Junior cries and whimpers. Being a Pit Bull and having the undeserved reputation that they do, you might think that he would be the bad one.
But that’s the misconception – he would NEVER touch Pip. Pip, a little stray cat we found on the Palisades Interstate Parkway (hence the name Pip) is the one starting all the trouble.
And finally, there’s the love. Like now, as I sit and write this, Junior is laying in my bed using Pip as a pillow, his head resting comfortably on Pip’s warm little body.
Pippy doesn’t seem to mind, but rather likes the attention. Every morning when I let Junior outside on his dog run, it’s Pip who sits by the door watching and meows when Junior wants to come in.
Just the other night when Junior was in trouble, it was Pip who was sitting outside the door waiting for Junior to be let out the bathroom (this is where Junior runs to when he’s bad and we often shut the door to give him a time out).
So, this holiday season, take a lesson from your pets and be thankful and happy for your family. Because regardless of your difference, family is the one thing you can count on. They’ll offer comfort if you need it, share with you - even if they don’t want to, watch out for you, and love you no matter what.
Final thought. Pets are awesome. Here’s another example of why .
This time of year is one of my favorites. The joy of sharing the holiday with close friends and family is something to which I look forward each year.
Finding gifts can be challenging, however, so I decided to search the Internet this year so I could honor not only my animal loving friends with charming items, but also contribute to animal welfare at the same time. This is what I discovered:
If you are thinking about some special items with which to gift your feline and canine pals for the upcoming holidays and like me, racking your brains for unique holiday presents for the animal-loving humans in your life, your search may be over. I found some of those purrfect gifts and holiday cards that proclaim love for animals, while helping a favorite humane charitable organization.
This year, give the gift of helping animals!
Here are some excellent gift suggestions that take the drudge out of shopping and save wear and tear on your car as well as save money on gas!
Many animal welfare groups have some amazing gifts to offer, and portions of the proceeds from purchases will be donated to help animals.
Just think -- you can do your holiday shopping from the comfort of your own home; avoid crowds and long lines while giving to these excellent organizations. That's what the holidays are all about! This is a win-win situation for all concerned.
Check out these well known animal welfare groups. The links to just a few of them are below:
Some cats love the idea and play in the water (ew!) and others need a bit of how-to instruction. If you want to do this right, check out the Cat Seat at http://www.catseat.com which offers an innovative product that trains cats to use the facilities. You don’t even need a spare toilet with the new system that first sits on the floor, and later transitions to the commode.
However, kitties typically don’t flush. So you will need to take care of that part of the process yourself. And no, I do not generally recommend that you teach cats to flush the toilet. Here’s why--they may become so enamored of the water-rushing that they neglect other *ahem* important functions.
Cats are interesting animals. I will admit, I’m a dog person. I just love the constant companionship. I love the snuggling, licks, and playful times we share. That being said, I’m sure there are lots of cats out there that do this. Unfortunately, my cat is not one of them. Pip runs and hides when strangers come over, he has never licked me in the 9 years that I’ve had him, and he never let's me pick him up. I love that little cat though (although, in the rare times visitors have spotted him, I ‘ve been told he’s not little at all).
He’s cute, if I do say so myself, and he’s so darn strange.
For example, one of Pip’s favorite things to do is drown his toys in water. He loves the little mice with catnip in them and runs away with glee every time he’s given one. But within hours, if not minutes, the poor little toy mouse will be found floating helplessly in Pip’s water bowl or in the toilet (it’s not fun fishing the poor thing out of there). Why he does this, only Pip knows.
I guess I shouldn’t complain because a cat in the UK is stealing things and bringing them home. This cat is literally going out into his neighborhood and coming back with old socks, half-eaten food, dead mice and birds and within the last year, has brought home 35 stuffed toys.
Frankie finds his treasures, and does the old drag and drop right through his kitty door, leaving them in the same spot on his owner’s floor. Now, the owner is putting up signs to try to return the items to the lost owners.
When my husband and I moved from New York to Florida many years ago, one of my dearest friends gave us our first housewarming gift; a book about Feng Shui. My friend visited shortly thereafter, walking with me around our new digs, making suggestions about where to put certain items.
She explained that by doing this, we could balance the energy in our house to promote our good health, happiness and good fortune. I must admit I was skeptical at first, but after reading more about this ancient Chinese practice, I soon realized that what she was advising was very wise.
We followed her instructions carefully, which definitely helped us to feel more at "home" after our relocation.
Translated into English, Feng Shui is "wind” and "water", which are the two natural forces of Chi, (energy). Therefore, according to this practice, we can improve the quality of our lives by carefully arranging furniture, artwork, photographs and other objects in our homes. Each room and area in the home carries certain energies which need to be observed and heightened.
However, it appears that our pets may also benefit from Feng Shui. Paula Brown's book, "Fur Shui" has taken this practice to another level altogether. In her book she focuses the healing art for pets. In an excerpt from the Fur Shui website, Ms. Brown explains how animals can be affected by their environment.
Hubble, engaging in his "fur shui" method
“Whether you have a dog, cat, bird, or goldfish, you and your pet reverberate with chi, the mystic flow of life. FUR SHUI offers a serious but lighthearted overview of how we can easily improve the quality of life both for our furry (and non-furry) friends and for ourselves. You’ll learn that animals are full of natural energy and have a pervasive desire to provide emotional support to their caretakers. By understanding the simple principles in FUR SHUI, you’ll immediately see that our pets have the power to improve our health, protect our homes, and commiserate with us on work, money, and love.”
We can easily observe how our pets are affected by the activity in our households and how our emotions impact them. So it is logical that by paying attention to their environment, as well as ours, giving them the most appropriate support, they may also thrive and flourish more readily.
I’ve heard the warnings and read the articles but have never taken any steps to secure my Christmas tree from my pets. So I’m not sure why I was shocked to find my newly decorated tree on the ground with pieces of glass ornaments scattered on my floor. How could my well-behaved dog knock down this massive tree? And why didn't I buy unbreakable ornaments? The thoughts were racing.
You never think that it could possibly happen to you, but it can. Not only was the tree knocked to the ground, but my dog so kindly peed on it. At first, the anger set it and I yelled at Junior. As he often does when he’s naughty, he ran into the bathroom (I don’t know why that’s his hiding place). So, I closed the door and began to clean up the mess. But as I heard his muffled cries, I knew Junior was sorry.
And I just have to note, Pip, my cat, was also milling around. I have to wonder, did he take part in this mess? Was there some other story behind this disaster? How do you punish a cat?
As the anger subsided, the internal dilemma began. Clearly I can be upset about the tree knocked to the floor, right? –Or should I be? Isn't it my fault for not following the rules and securing my tree? As for the puddle underneath, isn't it pet nature to pee on a tree? He IS a male dog. Plus, Junior is generally a great dog and as I look at his white eyebrows, gray cheeks and sad eyes, my heart melts. This 11-year-old dog has been a loyal companion, best friend – and I realize, I may not have many more Christmases to spend with him.
What's a few broken ornaments and some urine? It’s nothing a broom, mop and a squirt of Febreze can't fix.
The moral of this story: Secure your tree so you won’t have to clean up a mess and yell at your pets. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
One final thought – pets are awesome. Here’s just a another example of why
Planet Dog recently re-designed their website, and added an Interaction section. I really like this company not only for their innovative doggy products (that’s Magic with some of their Orbee Tuff ® “fruit” puzzle toys he loves); they also give back by donating a percentage of every purchase to the Planet Dog Foundation, which promotes and celebrates programs that enable dogs to serve and support their best friends. In turn, it is donated back to non-profit canine service programs nationwide.
"As a small company doing big things, our goal will always be to improve the world around us by giving back to our community, our workforce and the environment," says Alex Fisher, Planet Dog's Founder. “Our internal mantra is ‘think globally, act doggedly’. The mantra helps keep us focused on the higher cause for which we entered this industry,” adds Fisher.
Magic with his Fruit Toys
The new Interaction section offers information about product safety, animal welfare and reducing your dog's carbon paw print. There’s a monthly e-newsletter “Woof”, and a national public service campaign promoting doggy adoptions. You can even submit a favorite picture to the “Canine Moment” section. If featured on the homepage as the Canine Moment, you receive a $200 shopping spree at planetdog.com.
Since January of 2006, Planet Dog Foundation has given more than $350,000 in grants and in-kind donations that support and celebrate canine service programs nationwide. For more information and a full list of programs and grantees, please visit www.planetdogfoundation.org.
I think that kittens are people magnets. Even folks who are not wild about cats are drawn to the adorable kitten antics which entertain humans for hours on end. This being said, I am often asked what is the best age to adopt or purchase a kitten. It amazes me that folks adopt kittens long before they are sufficiently mature, often resulting in developmental problems that lead to poor adaptation and difficulty in training.
Reputable breeders agree that optimally kittens should remain with their mothers and litter mates until they are at least 12 weeks-of age. With some purebred kittens it is even suggested that folks wait until kittens are 14 weeks old. As this is a crucial learning period for the little ones, the extra time spent with mom and siblings allows them to mature, to bond with humans and to become fully socialized.
Waiting these extra weeks also allows kittens' immune systems to develop, to have received their first vaccines and fully litter trained. They should be eating a high quality kitten food as well, before going to their new homes. These first three months are crucial in the development of a kitten into a happy and healthy adult cat.
Once you have found that purrfect ball of feline fluff, it is an excellent idea, (while your kitten reaches the ideal age, ensuring a smoother transition to your home,) to prepare for your new arrival. You will need a litter box of course, and a fragrance free, dustless brand of litter. Stock up on the same kitten food which your kitten is being fed and if you plan to make a change, make sure you do it slowly. Kittens have delicate digestive tracts. You will also need ceramic or metal food and water dishes, as plastic bowls can cause feline acne. Add some cat toys and a scratching post, and some books on cat care to keep on hand and you will be fully prepared. Petside.com has some excellent and handy information about kittens as well.
Watch this delightful video by Unrealragdolls of two month-old blue point Ragdoll kittens playing. While it appears that they are just having a blast, these kittens are learning about their environment, honing their social skills and gaining the confidence that will help them become treasured pets in their future forever homes.
What do find most enjoyable about kittens? Let us know by leaving a comment.
Every community wants to help animals but few have the resources to do all they need. Take a page from how PACC managed to fund their pet project.
My colleague, Debra J. White, is a passionate advocate for homeless pets. Recently at the Cat Writers Association conference she told me about an extraordinary fund raising effort by Phoenix Animal Care Coalition (www.PACC911.org).
In addition to hosting offsite adoptions, PACC’s emergency medical fund helps about 80 rescue groups with veterinary bills for injured or sick animals. To raise funds, they organized an event called “Hope For The Animals.” The group collected fine jewelry and other donations for a fundraiser, sold ads in a program booklet that listed adoptions, spay/neuter and health care resources, and offered $65 tickets to the event. Local artists painted “hope chests” with animal themes, which were auctioned at a gala luncheon in January. The event sold out with 450 guests and raised $200,000, all of it going to the emergency fund.
Hope Before
The big winners are the animals--and maybe you can create a similar fundraiser in your area. “Each of the many rescue groups in the Phoenix area are eligible for up to $1,600 a year to pay vet bills, excluding spay/neuter,” Debra told me.
Hope After
Let’s put a furry face on who benefits. Debra enclosed before and after pictures of Hope, a mutt found on a Mexican street in 2004 by an Arizona State student visiting family. “Her bills were more than $1,600 but the group raised the money to pay for her extended care,” she says. Today Hope lives with several other dogs and cats, and is fully recovered.
It appears that many Japanese animal lovers cannot bear to be far away from their pets, even when they are busy in their work-a-day world. A couple of creative solutions have solved a dilemma many of us in the U.S. face daily.
The Cat Café in Tokyo house 14 feline residents which visitors can play with on their lunch hour or later in the day after work all for a reasonable fee.
Mr. Takafumi Fukui even quit his job in a television game company to open the Cat Café where his love for felines can constantly be expressed. Read more about it by visiting here.
Cat "employees" at the Cat Cafe in Tokyo
I write with a modicum of assurance, that while this other novel idea may be one which is unrivaled, at the same time I am having a little trouble wrapping my head around whether this monkey business is a good idea.
According to an article I ran across online the other day, a Japanese sake house in the Tokyo area has employed a pair of macaque monkeys as waiters to serve patrons drinks with the additional responsibility of handing out towels to their customers. These macaques are named Yat-chan and Fuku-chan. While both of these little guys are also household pets, their owners had them certified by the "powers that be" to become bona fide employees.
According to Reuters, "Yat-chan first learned his new profession by just watching me working in the restaurant. It all started when one day I gave him a hot towel out of curiosity and he brought the towel to the customer," Kaoru Otsuka, the 63-year-old owner of the tavern, explained.
A Macaque
Since Fuku-chan is the younger of the two, his task is mainly to give out towels to patrons to clean their hands prior to being served, which is a Japanese custom. The older macaque is permitted to serve drinks as well as dispensing towels. I guess he is of legal simian years to be able to handle alcoholic beverages.
They are paid for their work in soya beans, and only work a maximum of two hours a day. Quoting Takayoshi Soeno, a sake house regular, "The monkeys are actually better waiters than some really bad human ones,"
The owner of the Saki house has since added three baby monkeys to his collection, hoping that he can also train them to join the other macaques in his tavern.
Do you think that this a fair to the macaques?
After you watch the video, leave a comment with your opinions.
I’ve blogged before about dogs and cancer, and how some special canines seem able to detect body changes in people that alert them to illness.
A colleague pointed me to this video, a fascinating look at how researchers are training dogs to smell cancer in the breath samples of human patients. And by studying cancers in dogs, we may discover new treatments for cancer in human and canine cancer patients.
You’ll hear from Dr. Katherine Skoropski, Assistant Professor of Oncology at US Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Joseph Tuscano, Associate Professor at the UC Davis Cancer Center.
Even if you're in California or Florida, these days winter is winter. In my human world, that means there's no way out of the three tire replacements I am forced to bite the bullet and pay for today to ensure safety on icy and snow-laden roads. Ouch. In My Sheltie, Maxi's world, it means sporting an extra coat.
Now who could think up such a cool idea? No need to go and buy doggie clothes. When his system detects that it's getting chilly outside, he just...grows an extra coat! Of course, these extra coats have a little difficulty adjusting to the heat settings on our thermostat indoors, so shedding is noticeable at this time of year. But when Maxi hits the nippy air and his paws dig into the snow drifts, there's no happiness like the winter comfort he was made for on those blustery isles of Shetland to the far north of Scotland.
Our friends at Bark Busters sent along some great tips for your pet during winter:
Beware of cold temperatures. While many dogs can be safe in outside temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit with proper shelter (see below), puppies, smaller dogs and older dogs should not be left outdoors when the temperature falls below 40 degrees. Shorthaired dogs, such as Chihuahuas and greyhounds, can become immediately chilled after leaving the warm house, so they will need a sweater put on before going outside.
Keep older, arthritic dogs inside. These dogs should not be left outside under any circumstances. Escort older dogs outside for toileting. If the yard has snow or ice, use a leash since older dogs can easily fall and seriously injure themselves.
Watch for signs of frostbite and injury. Dogs’ ears, paws and tails are especially susceptible to frostbite. Initially, frostbitten tissue may appear pale or gray in color, and the area will be cold and hard to the touch. As the area thaws, it may become red. In severe frostbite, within several days the tissue will start to appear black. If you suspect frostbite, bring your dog into a warm location and soak the affected area in lukewarm water for about 20 minutes. Contact your veterinarian. If your dog plays on ice or hard, frozen dirt, his paws are susceptible to cuts as they slide across these rough surfaces. Watch for chewing at his paws during long walks or periods of play. Always wipe your dog’s feet after a walk in the snow to remove ice and salt deposits from the road. Salt irritates a dog’s paws and can be toxic if ingested. Use only pet-safe ice melt.
Keep an eye out for hypothermia. If you notice shivering, lethargy, low heart rate and unresponsiveness, bring your dog into a warm area, place a light blanket over him, and call your veterinarian.
Eliminate the possibility of poisoning. Unfortunately, dogs like the sweet taste of antifreeze, which can cause sickness or death if ingested. Make certain that all antifreeze containers are well out of reach of dogs, and thoroughly clean any spills immediately.
Provide a protective shelter. If your dog stays outside much of the time in the winter, make certain that his doghouse meets certain minimum criteria. It needs to be raised a couple of inches off the frozen ground or concrete. The inside needs to have a blanket, cedar shavings or straw, which should be changed frequently to keep them warm and dry. Add a flap to the door, and face the doghouse away from the weather. The size of the doghouse should be large enough so your dog can sit and stand, but small enough so his body heat will be retained in the house.
Supply fresh water. Use a plastic water bowl to ensure the dog’s tongue does not get stuck to cold metal, and change the water often to keep it from freezing.
Provide an appropriate amount of food. If your dog remains active in winter, he’ll burn more calories in the cold—and needs about 10 percent more food to compensate. If your dog becomes less active in the winter, try to keep him from gaining extra weight by cutting back his food and making sure you continue taking him for walks and playing with him.
Further train your dog during the winter while inside. Dogs that spend less time outside during the winter may become lethargic—or, in some cases, may become hyper. The best way to keep your dog active or to use his excess energy is to cause him to think. Providing 10‑15 minutes of training daily on basics such as sit, stay, come, and walking on leash will energize the lethargic dog and cause the hyper dog to be more tired. Providing 10‑15 minutes of workout twice a day will be even better.
I am constantly amazed at the continuing interest and outpouring of people's desire to help President Elect Obama deal with one of the most urgent decisions facing him after his Inauguration in January, 2009; finding that perfect puppy for his daughters.
And while some folks may not consider this a top priority with all the gloomy news about our economy and the difficult times we are going through at this time, it makes perfect sense to me that people who love animals find a good deal of joy in being able to give their support to the First family.
But are humans the only beings who want to have their voices heard? If a picture is worth a thousand words, then I greatly suspect that Teeto, an adorable six month old Shih Tzu puppy who shares his heart and home with Vicki, one of my online buddies, is sending a very powerful message to President-elect Obama with his personal opinion about what he considers to be the best breed to grace the White House as “first pooch. “
Teeto, the next White House pet?
However what has me wondering is exactly how Teeto actually convinced his owner to set up this photo op and how he is going to make sure that the Obama family will receive his advice.
If you have any suggestions which will facilitate Teeto with his mission, please let him know by leaving a comment.
It’s interesting to me the different play-styles of our pets of choice.
Cats love to stalk and then chase feather toys, then fall on one side to bunny-kick into submission. Dogs enjoy playing fetch or “tug” games. And when they finally are ready to “kill” the toy, it’s a shake that does the job. Magic has endless fun playing with assorted “bear” toys. Of course some cats play fetch, and some dogs enjoy stalking games. That’s what makes it fun!
Is a new puppy in your future? Perhaps your child asked Santa to fulfill a holiday wish. If so, please take a look at the new AKC S.T.A.R.sm Puppy Program. (www.akc.org/starpuppy)
Designed to offer new pets a paws-up on their road to becoming a Canine Good Citizen, “S.T.A.R.” stands for Socialization, Training, Activity and a Responsible owner, all of the things a puppy needs to have a good life.
Any puppy is eligible. Owners enroll the youngster in any puppy or basic training class that is at least six weeks long and instructed by an AKC Approved Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. To find a CGC evaluator in your area visit http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/cgc_bystate.cfm
Could this puppy be a S.T.A.R.?
Puppies can begin training once they’ve received necessary vaccines and they can enroll in AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy at any point up until their first birthday. The program encourages early training and socialization to help make well-adjusted dogs that won’t end up in shelters because of behavior problems, says Dr. Mary Burch, AKC CGC Director.
After finishing the training course and passing the STAR Puppy Test, you’ll receive:
• A frameable certificate
• AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy medal
• AKC Puppy Handbook
• Discount enrollment in AKC Companion Animal Recovery (microchip identification)
• Subscription to monthly e-mail newsletter that includes training tips
Thinking about adopting a dog? Why not consider opening your heart to an older dog.
Since puppies are snuggly, cute and adorable, they are often the first to be adopted, leaving older dogs languishing in shelters, needing homes.
But puppies require more attention and training than mature dogs. Many older dogs are already housebroken, are easier to train and have outgrown the "terrible twos" stages of development, which consists of chewing furniture and other objects around the house while they are teething. Puppies can even try the patience of the most avid dog lover due to their high spirits and boundless energy.
Looking for an easy-going companion? Adopt an older pet!
On the other paw, older dogs tend to be quieter and settled, and unlike puppies, what you see is what you get. This is especially true in mixed breeds, where it is more difficult to assess the size, appearance and behavioral traits as adults.
Since dogs look to humans as their leaders, frequently an older dog will bond more easily with their human companion. While some dogs may take a longer period of time to adjust to your http://www.petside.com/news/pet-friendly-homes.html">household, an older dog, given patient and consistent attention, often turn out to be far easier than a puppy in the long run.
The bond that develops with an older dog is very special and has proven to be one which is deep and long lasting. While some behavioral problems are established, many of them can be addressed through patient re-training. However you can more easily avoid a canine personality that may conflict with your lifestyle and family as you carefully check out a potential adoptee.
Folks that I know who have adopted older dogs often tell me that they feel there is a special and unique bond which develops between them. They feel good about contributing the love and care to a dog who may have been passed over due to their age. They also sense that their dogs really appreciate them a lot.
If adopting a purebred, take the time to research the breed’s characteristics. If they are available, check out any veterinary records to assess your potential dog’s health history. If you can, have your veterinarian give your potential canine companion a thorough examination and discuss any underlying medical conditions which may be revealed, and what kind of care you will have to provide.
While there may be some health issues that may be present in an older dog, from what folks tell me, the benefits far outweigh the problems. The affection, care and dedication given to an older dog can be returned, tenfold.
Resources for Older dog adoption Information: http://www.srdogs.com/index.html
What are your thoughts about adopting an older dog? Share them by leaving a comment.
Last weekend, shoppers descended on stores all across the country to get a jump on holiday gift buying. Because of the downturn in the economy, people are looking more closely at expenses and spending. But veterinarians caution that now is NOT the time to scrimp on preventive care, because that could cost more in the long run.
Take heartworms for instance. You may think that cold weather kills the devilish mosquitoes that spread the illness. While in a perfect world that’s true, but the widespread flooding across the country increased mosquito populations, which can increase risk in even indoor cats and dogs, according to Dr. Sheldon Rubin, the president of the American Heartworm Society and a Chicago area veterinarian.
Yep, I said “cats.” While dogs are the definitive host and, if infected, can be cured with expensive (sometimes $1000+) treatments (now THERE’S a hit in the pocketbook!)--cats also are frequently affected by heartworms. And they can’t easily be treated--but feline heartworms can be easily prevented.
Feline heartworm disease has recently been redefined as Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD), an infection that can often lead to severe lung disease (often mistaken for asthma or bronchitis). Cats with heartworms often have no signs before they simply die.
My dog Magic and cat Seren(dipity) both take monthly heartworm preventive medications. For me, it’s simply not worth the risk, especially since N. Texas where I live has such ify weather, a warm thaw in February can hatch new mosquitoes.
The American Heartworm Society has partnered with the American Association of Feline Practitioners and Pfizer Animal Health with the KNOW Heartworms campaign. Learn more at www.knowheartworms.org
When my friend purchased a Roomba, a robotic machine shaped more like a Frisbee than a traditional vacuum cleaner, which was invented to "self clean" hardwood floors and carpets, thereby taking out the drudge of household chores, she called to update me on her cats' reaction to it.
She said that her domestic shorthair neuter, Rao, and her Ragamuffin neuter, Baby, desperately tried to avoid it "by flying through the living room and dining room at sofa level."
After a couple of days, Rao just avoided the room in which it was cleaning, but Baby began to stalk it, hunting it down perhaps to conquer it, or to save his human companion from danger. But after a year, both cats are bored with its presence and have shrugged it off.
However, it seems that Shelby, a protective Shiba Inu, may possibly consider that the Roomba is a metallic enemy which perhaps needs to be hunted down and eliminated from his household.
The Shiba Inu, also known as the Shiba Ken, is an attractive canine who originates from Japan and is the smallest of their clan. Bred for hunting, he resembles the Akita, although much smaller in stature. While Inu is the Japanese word for dog, Shiba refers to a species of red shrub. Since most Shibas are red, and used for hunting mainly in the wild shrubs, perhaps this is how this breed got its name. Shiba Inu is sometimes also translated as "Little Brushwood Dog".
His owner, dragonfly1030 uploaded an entertaining video to YouTube, demonstrating Shelby's reaction to a shower gift she received.
In the battle between the Roomba and Shelby, does anyone win paw’s down? Leave a comment and share your opinion!
During my lifetime, the art of human medical and surgical procedures have taken incredible leaps and bounds in healing conditions that just a few years ago may have been considered impossible. What blows me away is how these procedures have been adopted in the field of Veterinary medicine, which will allow our pets with serious medical issues to be treated.
While many of these surgical protocols are still in its infancy, a few forward thinking veterinary surgeons are becoming pioneers in the field, taking on individual cases which more traditional practitioners have refused, by using techniques which were once performed only in human medicine.
The other day, I was fascinated reading about two incredible procedures performed by a veterinarian in Australia, which was published by The Herald Sun, Victoria, National and Australian News.
One such person is Dr. Chris Preston, a Veterinary surgeon practicing in Melbourne, well known for taking on cases which are considered risky, using techniques which were reserved for human surgery. He has performed a bone marrow transplant on his own personal pet, Bailey, a terminally ill Bernese Mountain dog suffering from Lymphoma, a common form of Cancer. Bailey is the first dog in Australia to undergo this procedure.
With the help of Dr Angela Frimberger, a world famous animal oncologist brought in to assist in Bailey's treatment. Dr. Frimberger removed 400 ml of Bailey's bone marrow, and after two weeks of chemotherapy, the marrow will be returned to his body.
While neither Drs Preston nor Frimberger are positive that this untried procedure will save Bailey's life, they both are committed to prolong Bailey's life without side effects. If the transplant is successful, however, many new doors will be opened with which other animals may be treated.
Dr Preston has also undertaken the challenge to treat Kramer, an injured three-legged Australian Kelpie dog, making him the first canine to be fitted with a custom designed metal frame permitting his damaged muscles to heal.
Credit: Three legged Kelpie Kramer by Alex Coppel
With the state of the art veterinary medical procedures growing so quickly, it seems to me that what was considered unique and novel may someday become fairly commonplace and within the financial reach of pet owners around the world. Hopefully veterinary health insurance will help defray some of the high cost of these treatments which will be able to add years of high quality life to our sick and injured pets.
What are your thoughts about these new techniques which are developing in the field of Veterinary medicine? Leave a comment with your opinions.
What does it mean to be a therapy dog? The question came up in our household this week when the Thanksgiving Holiday brought with it a number of emotions from humans ranging from gratitude (for all blessings), sadness (for those no longer to share the Thanksgiving table), celebration (the open door for visitors and merrymakers) … to contemplation (the quiet meditation that comes after excessive, non-stop, belly-busting eating).
Throughout it all, Maxi, rose to the occasion. He was wagged his tail when the doorbell rang; he tirelessly participated in the ‘chase the sheep toy’ with novice visitors seeking physical entertainment; he went out for ‘extra walks’ with guests who insisted on going for a stroll (even though Maxi hates the rain); and of course he indulged in the never-ending stream of head rubs, shoulder-massages and even coat-brushing that came his way every five minutes.
Without questioning us, Maxi took part in both scheduled and spontaneous social activities that come with a national holiday, including a little separation anxiety at the end.
This begged the question in our household…why not let’s apply for Therapy Dog certification. If one dog could bring so much peace to a household, surely those living in institutions might benefit. He’d be great, we affirmed.
We did the research, printed out the application form and prepared the check…but there was something wrong.
We knew it and so did Maxi. It’s highly possibly that despite all the good nature of a Shetland Sheepdog, there is a problem and he is not perfect.
It all started when my husband used his ‘alpha dog’ voice to summons Maxi upstairs. It’s not that Maxi doesn’t understand the word ‘Come,’ it’s that he thinks about it first and weighs the odds before responding.
As would most humans, after the fifth time my husband’s voice escalated the command to a near scream that added the dog’s name (just in case he wasn’t sure who he was speaking to). “MAXI, COME!!!!!!!!!!
At this point, Maxi had firmly decided that my husband did not offer any incentives or rewards, and that in fact, ‘Going…in the other direction would be the best move.
So, it seems that we have been out-foxed by Therapy Dogs International. Have they made up a test that is simply impossible to pass? We were bound to get an ‘A’ in all the other categories, but ‘Coming on command…’ is not happening.
We’ll see. Maybe on the day of the test, Maxi will be in the mood.
What do you think? Would your dog make a good Therapy Dog?
