Yesterday marked the second anniversary of a tragedy which will long be remembered. It seems like it was just yesterday that the world came together to mourn the loss of Barbaro, an iconic racehorse.
Both his owners, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Jackson, and his courageous Veterinarian, Dr. Dean Richardson listened to Barbaro and knew that there was nothing more that could be done to give this courageous equine athlete the pain-free quality of life that they valiantly strived to achieve.
This final act of love was performed peacefully, with Barbaro surrounded by those who loved him deeply.
There is something magical about the soul and spirit horses that have deeply touched our hearts. Horses have courageously carried soldiers into battle, entrusting their lives to their mounts. Horses are also trustworthy companions to both children and adults involved in the joy of equestrian sports, which are so popular today. Therapeutic horseback riding for people with a wide range of disabilities has recently come into the forefront as a successful mode of treatment.
So what is it about horses that magnetically draw us to them, inspiring the wide array of books, movies, plays and artwork featuring these magnificent creatures? What motivates us to capture their essence?
While many people have not experienced a personal relationship with a horse, or in fact have had close contact with one, horses seem to have the capacity to cast a powerful spell upon us.
Anyone who doubts that such a spell can be cast needs only remember the opening moments of the 2006 Preakness Stakes, the second leg of thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown. Barbaro, the odds-on favorite to run away with the race, was also the 2006 Kentucky Derby winner. Tragically, his race ended just seconds out of the gate after shattering his right hind leg. That accident might have been the end of Barbaro's story, but of course that was not the case. A powerful phenomenon began as suddenly as that unforeseen accident. People who had never even given a thought to a race horse, let alone Barbaro, gathered around the world to pray for his recovery.
Eduardo Hernandez grooming Barbaro
What prompted this huge outpouring of concern and prayer to begin within hours following Barbaro's injury? What funded the growing depth of feeling and support that grew, not only for Barbaro, but the growing awareness of the plight of all abandoned, injured and needy horses that needed our protection? Several focused networks quickly began building through the Internet, as total strangers gathered together, forming groups with the mission to save those horses from needless suffering.
I was personally deeply affected the moment Barbaro was injured. As I searched the Internet daily for updates about his condition, I became swept up in a truly amazing experience; sharing the depth of feeling with people I had never met, who openly displayed their love for Barbaro, his breeder/owners, his trainer, and the incredibly skilled veterinarians who worked feverishly to try to save him. Even people who had never watched a horse race became involved and he world came together to pray and honor a fallen hero.
And as I write this tribute in memory of Barbaro, It still remains difficult for me without tears welling up in my eyes, even though two years have passed. Along with countless Barbaro lovers, I will always remember his undaunting powerful spirit which inspired us so deeply. Barbaro has touched our hearts forever. His essence lives on in each horse that has been saved, and in every horse that is now loved and protected by the dedicated work which continues by the "Fans of Barbaro."
As Barbaro gallops freely and joyfully at the Rainbow Bridge, we are powerfully aware that as he looks down upon those of us who love and remember him on this day that he is joyful knowing that the "Barbaro Effect" lives on with each and every one of these horses.
Watch this beautiful tribute uploaded to YouTube by TxLady4485:
How did Barbaro affect you? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment.
Cats are creatures of habit and demand schedules that are predictable. I say this as a purrson who is deeply committed to kitty servitude, who willingly chose to devote my life to waiting on them paw and paw. Our furry bundles of joy have taken over our household and make their wishes known openly and unabashedly.
Fur instance; every night as I get ready to go off to dreamland, our lilac point Oriental, Hush Puppy is now deeply steeped in a little ritual in which I must participate, or he won't let me get a full night's rest. If I forget, or am too tired to entertain him, he will either chew my hair or leave the room, pouting, only to start caterwauling in the living room. Those sounds could wake the neighbors, I suspect.
Of course, I was the sucker who initiated this little night time exercise, hoping that I could wear him out sufficiently by expending some pent up energy, prior to bedtime. He would sleep, his brother would sleep and of course, this would purrmit me a good night's sleep.
Right after I feed the boys their nighttime snack, the TV is turned off, the living room lights are extinguished and I slowly and deliberately walk into the bedroom. Hush Puppy is already waiting for me sitting on the floor next to the bed; his eager eyes staring at me as he flexes his feline muscles in preparation for his prey . . . the laser pointer. This toy is used with a great deal of caution and care to prevent an eye injury.
There are even specially made lasers for cats
He begins by stalking the tiny beam of red light, haunches up in the air, shaking them back and forth as he gathers steam for the pounce. And as he chases the beam around the room, his speed rivals that of the fastest thoroughbred race horse. Catching his breath for another onslaught, the ensuing action is his attempt to snare the elusive beam in his mouth. This concentrated play continues for about 15 minutes, when he finally is worn out and loses interest. The ritual concludes by my giving him tummy rubs; his motor running as loudly as an idling car engine. Then he gently slithers inside the covers to go to sleep.
It amazes me how some cats are fascinated by laser pointers, while others get bored in a few minutes, after not being able to capture the beam. I was thrilled to find this little video of a couple of enthusiastic cats displaying their predilection for the hunt, and their obvious determination to bag the beam. Aaron Rift's videos are my favorites.
So without further amew, here is his production of "The Cat Diaries, Episode 11:Cats vs. Laser Pointer"
What night time rituals do you participate in with your cats? Share your experiences by leaving a comment.
If dogs could talk, what would they be tell us, and what would we prioritize to be highly important communications?
This very popular video of dogs, prompted by their owners, has already been viewed over 14,275,023 times, since July 2006.
Teaching what appear to be eager pooches, to verbally share that they love us, or to greet us with friendly salutations seems to be high on the scale of canine training these days. If judged by the popularity of this very compelling and humorous item, I think that people are fascinated by how our pooches can formulate words as they copy the sounds that their owners make.
I don't know about you, but I am feeling a little unsettled by this trend. After all, if I could teach my dog to talk, who knows what the consequences might be. The possibilities are endless and are quite disconcerting.
What are your thoughts about teaching dogs to echo back our words? Would you want your dog to talk to you? Leave a comment and let us know.
The state government of Illinois is getting tough on puppy mills. Making it one of their top priorities by joining with the ASPCA, Chicago, Illinois lawmakers and animal welfare advocates have announced Chloe's Bill, a legislation designed to eradicate the worst puppy mills in their state.
Cori Menkin, ASPCA Senior Director of Legislative Initiatives said, "Illinois has a unique opportunity to adopt one of the strongest commercial breeding laws in the country. As commercial breeding increases throughout the United States, particularly in the Midwest, it is reassuring that Illinois is recognizing the need for stronger laws before the prevalence of puppy mills becomes a blight on the state's reputation."
The goals of Chloe's Bill are:
1. Limiting breeders to a maximum of 20 unaltered dogs as breeding stock.
2. Banning anyone convicted of an animal cruelty felony from attaining a dog-breeding license.
3. Mandate that pet stores and breeders to give their customers a complete medical history for any dog purchased.
4. Ban wire flooring in any cages at commercial breeding facilities.
5. Set appropriate guidelines for ventilation, heating and cooling in commercial breeding facilities.
6. Set violation penalties which range from fines to animal seizure and revocation of breeding licenses.
Chloe's Bill is sponsored by State Rep. John Fritchley and State Senator Dan Kotowski. The bill was named in honor of a rescued cocker spaniel; the sole survivor of a Macon County, Il. puppy mill raid. Chloe now shares the heart and home with one of the animal control agents who were involved in her rescue.
A happy canine ambassador, Chloe was present at this past Sunday's press conference, where the pending bill was announced to the public. The puppy mill from which Chloe was rescued is like thousands of others throughout the United States.
These commercial facilities' main concern is making huge profits which are gained with little regard to the animals' physical or emotional condition. These breeding animals and their offspring often live in total squalor, infested with fleas, internal parasites, and are filthy, matted with urine and feces.
"We are not trying to do anything drastic; we're not trying to do anything radical. We're trying to implement standards for what is humane care, for what is decent care." Rep. Fritchey told the media. He mentioned that there may be opposition to the bill, but added that any breeder that did oppose this bill would be suspect as reputable, and consumers should be wary.
The ASPCA will be emailing their Illinois advocates shortly, with guidance on how they can join with them to facilitate the passage of Chloe's bill. If it passes, a potential domino effect will occur resulting in other states finding it easier to pass similar legislation.
How do puppy mills thrive?
Watch this compelling video to learn more about the inhumane commercial puppy mills.
Whenever I read the heartwarming stories which the ASPCA publishes on their website, my faith in humanity is restored. People who not only talk the talk, but walk the walk, demonstrating their unconditional love for animals are heroes in my book.
What really makes me crazy are those who think nothing about abandoning an animal who doesn't live up to their expectations. This particular story really touched me deeply, especially as this unfortunate Basset Hound was only guilty of wandering and found useless for hunting rabbits. In fact, this seems to me to be a doubly cruel to animals, in my opinion.
Since Xavier, a two year old Basset Hound could not cut the muster, the group that owned these hunting dogs, ordered Xavier to be euthanized if a home could not immediately be found.
But Xavier absolutely had a guardian angel watching over him. Working on the farm where the hunting dogs were housed, Stacy Adams stepped up to the plate and adopted him, saving his life. Stacy reported that for two years Xavier only trusted her. "Xavier was painfully shy and had been abused by the people who ran the hunt. My dad tried hard to be his friend, but Xavey was just too frightened. And then one day, while we were watching TV, he just jumped up into my dad's lap. I guess he decided it was time."
According to Stacy, after nine years of sharing her home with him, Xavier, now 11 years old, is bounding with energy, and is far from timid these days. He loves to lounge around, but always communicates when it is time to play. "He simply slaps the ground with his front feet, jumps from side to side and barks that loud Basset bark."
Everyone who meets Xavier falls in love with him. He is a dog lover's dog for sure, today. "He's even great friends with my cat. Last year he had two herniated discs in his neck, and before surgery he let my cat clean his eyes and ears and snuggle with him."
He is not shy in demanding attention, now that he is completely healed. He even considers himself a lap dog, and will put his face in people's laps, giving them little choice but to snuggle with him.
My hat goes off to Stacy and her dad for reaching out to rescue Xavier and giving him another chance for a loving home. What are your reactions to this story? Leave a comment and share.
Are some animals just incredibly courageous or are they born with the hard-wired natural instincts which give them what appears to us are super strength?
As they overcome what humans may perceive as overwhelming adversity, what motivates them to adapt with apparent ease? Or are we just projecting our own inner courage on these special animals, to which we may not be aware, or is it that animals truly live in the moment, and are not burdened with that two edged sword of self-awareness with which the human species is endowed?
Dominic and a pal I have always been moved and inspired by those animals who vanquish major physical limitations and who even appear to lack awareness that they are "different". They prevail with a grace and dignity which astounds me.
Each time I encounter stories about animals who are physically challenged, and how fully they live their lives, I often reflect on how powerful the lessons we can learn from them, which may strongly influence us and perhaps even change the way in which we look at our own limitations.
But really, in actuality it doesn't matter if these challenged animals are acting through their inborn instinct or if it is what we perceive to be courage. For me, their special gift of adaptation is indeed a blessing for them, and one from which we have the potential to get in touch with our own inner strength and resource.
What were your impressions as you watched this incredible video of Dominic, a two-legged Greyhound? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.
I don't get it! I just can't get my head wrapped around how people blatantly and thoughtlessly leave the scene of an auto accident. What makes me even more upset is when a pet is injured in an accident.
Apparently, according to an article, recently published on the ASPCA website, Rafael Lauda struck Gigi, a five month-old Pit Bull puppy and drove away, not bothering to provide any information to Gigi's distraught owner. Unfortunately, Gigi died at a nearby animal hospital from her fatal injuries.
However, shortly after the incident, the ASPCA was notified and started an immediate investigation. The ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement agents were able to arrest Lauda on several charges, including leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury to an animal, and driving with a suspended license. If found guilty, Lauda could be facing over a year in jail.
Dr. Robert Reisman, ASPCA Medical Coordinator of Animal Cruelty Cases gives some excellent advice for people who observe an animal struck by a car. "Regardless of how serious the injuries appear, any animal hit by a car needs immediate attention. Internal injuries may not be visible, but in all instances may be life-threatening."
He also cautions, "Because you may further aggravate a serious injury while moving an injured animal, he or she should be carefully placed on a board, or at the very least, a blanket, and carefully but quickly transported to the closest animal hospital. If there is external bleeding, apply pressure to the wound to limit loss of blood."
The ASPCA urges people walking their dogs to be cautious when crossing a street. They suggest that extension leashes not be used in heavily trafficked areas.
If you witness animal cruelty in New York City, call (877) THE-ASPCA. Outside of New York City, visit their FAQ information by visiting http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_faq
Have you ever witnessed an episode of animal cruelty? How did you handle it? Leave a comment about your experience.
Cat Enters TV News Studio: Helps Tell the Weather!
Folks in show business know that no matter what happens, that the "show must go on".
To prove my point, consider the meteorologist broadcasting in Germany, who, in the middle of his television weather broadcast, was confronted by a very curious stray cat entering the studio. Never missing a beat, the reporter, obviously a feline devotee, quickly picked up the curious cat, calming and relaxing him, while continuing the program.
Perhaps this pretty kitty was in search of warmth, or a quick meal, but could it be that his real motivation may have been to remind the unperturbed meteorologist that the expression "raining cats and dogs" may have a kernel of truth?
Reported on MSNBC the other day, this self-explantory video is both entertaining and very unique.
How might you explain the reason for this kitty's uninvited guest appearance? Leave a comment with your speculations.
I was often tickled, during the Presidential campaign, by passionate animal lovers who included their pets in support of the candidates which they endorsed.
Clever graphics and photos were proudly displayed on the Internet by groups committed to getting the vote out by any and all means necessary. I was delighted and fascinated by their creativity and commitment
And today, as we solemnly install Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States, we long for meaningful change. This event marks an historic milestone toward our nation's destiny. We have demonstrated by our voices and actions that we believe that it is possible for all people to achieve their dreams by joining together for a common purpose: working side by side to fulfill the hopes and promises of a free world.
Cuddled up with our two cats, I spent most of the weekend glued to the television, aching to have personally participated in these festivities. As the cats purred contentedly on my lap, we watched the incredibly moving events leading up to today's inauguration. The spirit of love and inclusivity was palpable as the record-setting crowd gathered in Washington in celebration of peace and equality.
We are, at last, finding our common purpose by recognizing that we are "one people"; acknowledging and venerating our unique differences. I suspect that the cats somehow knew that something very special was happening, as they did not move once from the sofa on which I was lounging.
Perhaps our pets have tuned into our hopes and dreams of a world which will ultimately join together in peace and harmony. I would like to think so. . .
What do you think? Leave a comment and share your thoughts and feelings.
Naming a pet is not as easy as some folks may think. I mean, consider that the name you give your pet is probably permanent, and may even influence your pet's behavior. So it really behooves us to be very careful in choosing a name.
Now you may think that I am a little "off the chart" crazy in suggesting this and opening the topic up for discussion, but I have come to believe that it is highly possible for a pet to take on the aspects of his or her moniker. So I preface what I am suggesting with my own experience and how it may have just innocently and subconsciously cast our white Oriental Shorthair, Trouble, into the role of his name.
For example, a few months ago, my husband was reading aloud to me from a very spiritual and interesting book, "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. I love to listen to my husband's deep and resonant voice while he is sharing his passion for knowledge and I delight in his enjoyment as he reads to me. It is one of our frequent Sunday morning activities.
As he was reading the first agreement, "Being impeccable with your word", which discusses how the words with which we communicate can either give us a sense of well being, or can be destructive and dangerous, my ears perked up quickly.
Ruiz writes, "If we adopt the first agreement and become impeccable with our word, any emotional poison will eventually be cleaned from our mind and from our communication in our personal relationships, including our pet dog or cat."
My husband put the book down, as he leaned on his elbow, turning toward me and said, "We need to consider re-naming Trouble. We may have inadvertently and without intended malice, named him out of our frustration in response to the physical manifestation of his emotional distress. We may be perpetuating his internal conflict. We need to un-do what has turned out to be prophetic." You see, Trouble was really living up to his name with his often self-destructive behavior which often led to major physical damage to his body, which led to our growing frustration.
My husband's words struck a deep chord and resonated deeply with me. I knew immediately that he was onto something crucial. Had we inadvertently altered Trouble's relationship with his life? Have we, in imposing this somewhat humorous but potentially depreciating name, unknowingly damaged his self-esteem and perpetuated his pernicious behavior?
We express our emotions to our pets with our words, their tones, and even the names we give them. So it stands to reason we can deeply affect them, either negatively or positively. We immediately began to think of alternatives with a similar sound to avoid confusion. He has now been renamed in deference to the fantastic telescope which provides us with amazing photographs of our universe and is, of course a true wonder. Yes, you guessed it, he is now called Hubble.
So we need to carefully consider the bottom-line motivation for the names we choose for our furry companions. I hadn't given it much thought, but after listening to Mr. Ruiz's words, you can bet your bottom dollar that we will be much more careful with any future pet, and only bestow upon them a magical name that will be supportive and encouraging.
As you think about your pet, have you discovered a relationship between the name you gave and their behavior? Consider the question carefully and leave a comment.
Some of the greatest mysteries in the world, which may never be solved, are often presented by the fascinating behavior of our beloved felines. The solution to one of the greatest puzzles, however, concerning how cat fur can wind up on the inside of one's clothing is clearly demonstrated and solved by this photo featured on the Los Angeles Times.
When I ran across this enchanting one, "Something up our sleeve", captured by Blebby of her cat determined to share the ownership of her clothing, it reminded me how common it is that cats can find themselves in some rather interesting positions.
Since cats are often engaged in the quest to locate the most appealing objects in which to hide out we really should secretly monitor their behavior to keep them safe. Of course we must never let on that we know about their hideaways so we have to maintain the appearance that they are pulling the wool over our eyes.
If you are as interested as I am to learn more about some of the more common feline behavioral mysteries similar to their strong attraction to boxes in which to sit or what prompts them to enjoy hanging out in sinks or bathtubs, you can find some delightful photos and videos of felines to tickle your funny bone. Visit the creative photo album at http://yourscene.latimes.com/mycapture/photos/Album.aspx?CollectionID=184
Do your felines frequently find what you consider unique places in which to disappear? Leave a comment and share them with us. Their secrets are safe with us.
Today, many of us are focused on how to most efficiently tighten our financial belts to save money. With the state of our economy today, most pet lovers sharing their hearts and homes with dogs, cats and other critters more than likely are being faced with difficult decisions in planning budgets to care for our pets.
Coincidentally, today I received an article published by The ASPCA which gave helpful and valuable suggestions designed to help pet owners in planning how to save money. The information was so important; it inspired me to write about it. Here are some of their suggestions.
1. Annual checkups and vaccinations are far less expensive in the long run than treating an illness which could have been prevented. While some vaccines are optional, discuss an appropriate vaccine schedule with your vet.
2. Keep your pet's vaccines up to date. While some are considered optional, it is wise to discuss an appropriate vaccine schedule to which you and your veterinarian agree.
3. Annual dental checkups are crucial. Healthy gums and teeth are important building blocks to a pet's robust condition. With patience and practice it is easy to brush your pet's teeth daily. As a part of regular grooming, this small task can help prevent kidney disease and other medical conditions which are costly to treat.
4. Protect your pet from parasites. Talk to your veterinarian about a regular flea and tick prevention program. While many over-the-counter products may be less costly, in the long run they can be dangerous and far less effective. Ticks and fleas carry diseases which can affect both pets and humans so it is wise to use the best products available.
5. Spay and neuter your pets. Spaying a female dog or cat before their first estrus may prevent mammary cancer. Additionally spaying prevents uterine Cancer and dangerous infections. Neutering can prevent most behavioral problems in both dogs and cats. Visit the ASPCA's data-base to find low cost Neuter Spay programs in your area.
6. Often it is cost-effective to have your pet's medical condition diagnosed and treated by a veterinary specialist at the onset of illness. For conditions ranging from eye problems to Cancer, there are experts in the field who may be willing to work within your budget. Additionally there financial service plans available, similar to Care Credit, which is interest-free for the first year of billing.
7. Check out Pet Insurance. Of course, read the "fine print" in potential policies as not all conditions are covered, and not all Pet Insurance programs are the same. Of course it is best to have your pet covered while young and in excellent health.
8. Feed the highest quality diet to your pets. Excellent nutrition is, of course the basic building block for sound health and condition. While bargain store brands may seem appealing, read the labels of the products carefully. Avoid products which contain by-products and choose those that list meat as the first ingredient. Products should fit the guidelines provided by The American Association of Feed Control. Check your local newspapers and online pet stores for coupons and sales for pet food.
What are some ways that you are saving money related to your pets? Share them with us by leaving a comment.
As far as I am concerned, adding a new pet to the family is one of the most exciting and enjoyable occasions. At the same time, there are a few important things to remember when making plans in order to optimize safety for resident pets and to facilitate smoother introductions.
While your new kitten or puppy may come with a health certificate, the newcomer may in fact be harboring an infection that has not manifested itself. Germs and viruses can take time to develop, so it is a good idea to "quarantine" your new pet for at least a week. A timely visit to the vet is always prudent to ensure your new pet's robust health as well and gives you and your veterinarian the opportunity to get a "baseline" for future reference.
If you have adopted a pet from a shelter, or purchased your new family member, it is important that you get any vaccination or veterinary records and any de-worming information from the previous owner. Obtaining the type and manufacturer of vaccines is wise as well. Discuss any incubation periods for common illnesses with your vet.
Once you have established incubation periods and they have elapsed, it will be a lot safer to begin slow and patient introductions. Puppies can be exuberant and want to immediately play with your resident pets, which may not be like minded. Cats in particular need a period of consistent and sensitive introductions. It can take weeks for cats to be able to tolerate a newcomer, whether a kitten or an older cat.
Most of the time older cats may just ignore the fluffy new baby, but they may also tell you in no uncertain terms that they are not pleased all and can communicate their displeasure with hisses and growls. To avoid fearful encounters keep your newcomer confined in one room with food, water and a litter box.
Of course spend lots of time with your new kitten to begin the bonding process. Allow your resident cats full run of the house. They will start introducing themselves by sniffing under the door, since there is a strange new scent emanating from under the door.
A helpful intervention is to rub the new kitty with a towel, then rub the towel on the resident cats. Reverse the procedure. Repeat this for a couple of days so both the newcomer and the residents are familiar with each other's scent.
Be sure to supervise the new kitty when you are ready to release him into your home. An occasional hiss or growl is not necessarily dangerous, but if they are starting to fight in earnest, separate them and start the procedure over again. Some cats will never be best friends, but eventually most will tolerate each other. Giving a treat to cats while they are in the introduction stage is a good idea as well. Also make sure that you allow one litter box for each cat in your home.
While feeding high quality puppy food to your new puppy, and kitten food for your kitten, it is essential that any change in diet is done slowly. Mix in the new food with the one to which your new pet is accustomed, and slowly make the switch to the diet you wish to feed. This will avoid upset tummies. Do not give kittens cow's milk. Cats are lactose intolerant and can develop digestive upset. For a young kitten, only use kitten milk replacement products.
As puppies and kittens are creatures of habit, they will soon learn your family routines. Keep your pets on a consistent schedule and they will thrive. Most of all spend lots of time playing with them, and showing them how much you love them. The affection they will return is priceless.
Have you had experience in introducing new pets to your household? Share any suggestions you feel really work well by leaving a comment.
I love the holiday season, and I hated to see it end. Far too quickly they are over, with the excitement and novelty which generally reverts back to the dull and boring routine. Please don't misunderstand me; I am not saying that there is anything wrong with certitude.
Most of the time, just like my cats, I take comfort in my daily scheduling as it helps keep things orderly and less hectic, but I always miss that extra special time when schedules are put aside and I am more open to being more generous and spontaneous.
I don't know about you, but I have given up on New Year's resolutions. They are usually made in reaction to something I don't care about myself, or to put it in a more positive vein, to set goals which will keep me more health conscious, but no matter how hard I try to stick to them, I have found that resolutions have a way of backfiring on me. They even can create more inner turmoil as I berate myself for not living up to those promises I made.
So I came to the conclusion that the way I need to view this exercise is to look at them as decisions which will support a positive outcome. I need to learn to view them as enhancing my life rather than just an empty chore. But Pet New Year's Resolutions are something totally different. After all, we are talking about my cats here.
So I sat down the other day and made a list of things that will not only help me to be a better pet parent, but also to give my cats a richer experience. I also felt it would help to strengthen my resolve by sharing these "pawsolutions" as well. After all, you can always ask me if I am following through.
1. I will pay more attention to our cats. When I am busy researching and writing, I often lose track of time, but my kitties always remind me by their little "songs" that they consider I am neglecting them. Resolution: Set aside at least one hour a day for total attention to the cats
2. Making sure that my house is as cat proof as possible. I want to keep them healthy and safe. Resolution: Carefully examine all nooks and crannies for hidden dangers. I will keep an eye out for potential pet-hazards in my home. We recently had to replace all our push down doorknobs with round ones. I recently expounded on the subject of our talented Oriental, Hush Puppy's incredible obsession of defeating doorknobs.
3. Keeping my cat's nails clipped regularly. Since one of my cats "purrfurs" to sit on my shoulder, his needle like claws will be a constant reminder if I am neglectful.
4. Since regular brushing and combing our pets' coats not only facilitates bonding, it tends to keep fur at bay to help prevent those pesky hair balls. It also keeps cloth furniture more pristine. I know I will be reminded to keep this resolution when I see my couch becoming a mass of white fur.
Am I forgetting anything? Please add your ideas for prudent pawsolutions by leaving a comment. Perhaps we can establish some really excellent ideas to enhance our pet's lives.
Are you are seeing spots in front of your eyes? No need to phone up your eye doctor for an appointment. And while the best way to reach a solution to a problem is not thinking in terms of black or white, you have full permission to do so today. So just wipe your eyes and enjoy this very spotted birth announcement.
According to the BBC Leicestershire News, a prolific Dalmatian, named Buttons, with delivery assistance from her veterinarian Con Hassett and his team, delivered the puppies very quickly by Caesarian section, in what may be a record breaker contender for a litter of puppies. Paul Hoskins, a Leicestershire Dalmatian Club representative said, "It is the biggest (Dalmatian) litter I have ever heard of.
Photo credit: Geoffrey Robinson, Rex Features
While the birth announcement was made on January 10, 2009, this amazing litter was quite the Christmas present for her owners, Adam and Nicola Morley of Melton Mowbray, being born on December 23, 2008. The litter is thought to have set a UK record by the British Dalmatian Club.
Mr. and Mrs. Morley have their hands full, feeding the ravenous gang and trying to keep up with the growing puppies. They plan to keep one of them and they will more than likely name him Rudolph.
Buttons, a celebrity in her own right, is the daughter of the dog starring in the roll of Dipstick in the Disney sequel film 102 Dalmatians. She also gave birth to a litter of 15 puppies in 2007.
Photo credit: Geoffrey Robinson, Rex Features
As far as her record setting status, the Guinness World Book of Records still holds the record for Tia, a Mastiff, who in 2004, delivered two dozen pups. But Buttons is claiming the record for the Dalmatian breed.
Read more about the Disney Film, "101 Dalmatians" here!
I wonder just how Button and her human caretakers are faring with the huge responsibility that 18 puppies necessitate, don't you? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.
Whenever a group of cat lovers get together, of course the conversation inevitably turns to feline behavior and a lively discussion often ensues about a few of the more curious antics in which our kitties have indulged. While we may suspect that our cats behave uniquely, we soon learn that many of our felines have much more in common than we realize.
While talking with a friend the other day, she gave me a suggestion for an interesting topic which may actually be something with which many folks who are owned by cats may identify.
She wondered if all cats follow their humans into the bathroom, making privacy a rare commodity. It was something that I had occasionally considered, but never had the audacity to inquire about, as some folks might consider it personal information! But I will take a calculated risk to openly discuss this concern.
At our house at least, privacy in the bathroom is almost impossible, unless one is willing to slam the door in the face of a cat who follows in your footsteps. It seems that our cats are compelled to use their litter box "coincidentally" when we are on the commode. I am not sure if this behavior is due to a "contagious" urge or some kind of competition, but since this behavior occurs so frequently I am ready to state that I don't think these are random acts.
Our cats haunt me during my morning ablutions. While I am soaking in a luxurious bath, both are riveted to the bathtub rim, Hubble often takes a drink from the hot, soapy liquid, purrhaps thinking that this is his very own extra large water bowl. Hush Puppy, on the other hand seems to prefer to soak the end of his tail, maybe practicing for some deep sea fishing excursion upon which he intends to embark.
But I am positive that Hubble is mocking me as he sits on the bathtub ledge, primping and preening in his fastidious grooming, paying strict attention to the area between his toes. And if that is not enough of an insult, brushing my teeth is nigh impossible as they both try to play "catch" with the toothbrush.
But Hubble's most bizarre habit is his insistent inspection after I shampoo. He tugs at my hair persistently and chews on my wet locks in his feline version of the Inspector General to ensure that my hair is cleaned to his standards . . . or he was hired by the shampoo manufacturer as a taste tester. I am not sure about this.
But one really never knows for certain what motivates cats' behaviors. They are designed to remain veiled in mystery.
Do your cats join you in the Jon? Do they supervise your bathing routines? Gather your courage and leave a comment about your experiences with privacy invasions in your bathroom.
Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) has released its list of the most popular pet names of 2008. It searched its database of over 466,000 registered pets to find the most common - and usual - names given to cats and dogs.
Unlike pet names of the past like Fido and Rover, "people" names are now dominating the lists, with one name taking the top spot on both the cat and dog lists.
Other pet owners got creative with their pet's monikers. Names making the most unusual list include Meatwad, Edward Scissorpaws and Sparklemonkey.
2008 Most Popular Dog Names
1. Max
2. Bailey
3. Bella
4. Molly
5. Lucy
6. Buddy
7. Maggie
8. Daisy
9. Sophie
10. Chloe
2008 Most Popular Cat Names
Top names
1. Max
2. Chloe
3. Tigger
4. Tiger
5. Lucy
6. Smokey
7. Oliver
8. Bella
9. Shadow
10. Charlie
Is your pet's name on the list? Or have a funny or unique pet name? Leave a comment and share the story of your pet's name!
Maya, the newest cub born at the Palm Beach Florida zoo, in the Tropics of the Americas jaguar exhibit, has created quite a stir.
While she was quite shy as she stepped out to make her debut on Monday, January 5, 2009, as soon as her mother joined her, she warmed up to the public, completely enchanting them.
Viewed online by thousands of her fans, this was an exciting event as was the zoo's announcement of her naming through popular vote. The name Maya received almost half of the 2,459 votes cast.
Her name was first nominated by a registered nurse at St. Lucie, David Lipps of Stuart, who won the first prize of a dinner for six at the zoo, catered by the Ritz-Carlton, valued at $600.00.
Born in October, 2008 to her mother, Nabalam, and sired by her father, Muchacho, Maya was the fifth offspring of the pair.
Lois Frankel, the West Palm Beach Mayor, in tribute to Maya's arrival, proclaimed this month Jaguar Conservation Month. The jaguar has also been designated as the Zoo's first Priority Species for Conservation.
The name Maya is rooted in spiritual history, which may have inspired Mr.Lipps to submit the name to the zoo. The jaguar is an animal deeply steeped in Mesoamerican spiritual life. All major Mesoamerican civilizations prominently featured a jaguar god. As an integral part of Shamanism, the jaguar was essential in their religious traditions.
Their Shamans believed that the jaguar to be a spirit companion and had the power to protect them from evil spirits as they moved between the spirit world and the earth. This was predicated by their ease in trees and water, and their facility to hunt both during the daytime and at night. Their habit of sleeping in caves, often associated with the deceased ancestors, gave them special connection and spiritual powers.
Clay jaguar from Monte Alban, provisionally dated from 200 BC to AD 600. Height: 56 cm (22 inches
This little cub has been bestowed with a powerful moniker. I wonder if little Maya is aware of her legacy. What do you think? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.
It seems that even our pooches may be aware of the difficult economy these days. Last week, according to an item published by the associated press, a capricious canine pulled off a daring shoplifting caper at a supermarket in a Salt Lake City suburb.
It is possible that he may have been casing out the joint on earlier visits to the store since he knew exactly where the item of his interest was located.
Unfortunately he was caught on a surveillance video snatching a rawhide dog bone toy valued at $2.79. He made a hasty escape out the door.
I wonder if he was thinking, "To the victor belong the spoils". I also wonder if his owner is aware of his canine pal's brazen behavior, what he will do about it and if his doggie may find himself ending up on "America's Most Wanted"
Watch the incredible video of the feature on KSL-TV uploaded to YouTube, by SwimmingPolarBear which clearly demonstrates the purloining pooch's behavior.
While I am in no way condoning canine thievery, at the same time I must admit that there is a part of me totally motivated to cheer him on.
What is your reaction to this dog's demeanor? Leave a comment and let us know.
India, the first cat who belonged to President and Mrs. George W. Bush, passed away yesterday, according to an article published in Huffingtonpost.com, only a few weeks before the President Barack Obama and his family will take up residence in the White House.
Laura Bush's office announced Monday, that India, an 18 year old black Domestic Shorthair died peacefully at home in the Executive Mansion.
When President Bush's twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna were 9 years old, India joined their family. Barbara named her after baseball player Ruben Sierra, known as El Indio. President George W. Bush formerly owned the Rangers team. India also had two nicknames, "Willie" and "Kitty".
Even though the Bushes' two dogs, Barney and Miss Beazley were frequently in the public eye, overshadowing their cat, India was beloved by the family. She appeared in the first family's holiday video with her two canine companions.
The First Lady's press secretary, Sally McDonough said, "India was a beloved member of the Bush family for almost two decades. She will be greatly missed."
According to her biography, she preferred "tuna-flavored kitty treats" and her usual hiding place was under the bed, since hiding from her owners was an activity in which she excelled.
When we lose a beloved pet, we grieve. As part of our family, the loss can be devastating. I send my deepest condolences to the Bush family at this time. And while they mourn their loss, India is now one of the Rainbow Bridge's newest residents. I am certain that she will be greeted with open paws by those who have come before her, and that she is once again happy and healthy, as she waits to be reunited with her human companions again.
Please leave words of comfort for the Bush family with a comment for them. Thank you for your kind thoughts.
This group continues to work tirelessly to fulfill their mission to "protect animals from suffering and cruelty caused by human actions."
Founded in 1954, HSUS promotes non-violence is every aspect of their work. In order to share some of their many achievements and victories made in 2008, HSUS created a video which clearly and poignantly highlights many of their campaigns which made history for animals
And as the old year retires and the new year rings in, this video uploaded to YouTube by HSUS ends their year by sharing some of the powerful work they have done to protect animals.
As I watched this video, I was inspired to share it with the animal lovers at Petside in order to wish everyone a joyful New Year. Let's hope that this coming year brings even more awareness of the value of all animal life, and recognition of their importance to the human species. After all, we are their voice.
I must confess that I am a "Yahoo Answers" addict. A site where folks can ask questions about their favorite topics and interact with some pretty knowledgeable folks Yahoo answers provides some excellent resources. I enjoy answering questions and helping folks with their cats. As it is a two-way street, I also get some excellent ideas from the well informed cat people who make the time to share their knowledge and support. You can visit the site at http://answers.yahoo.com/
The other day I ran across an item about an interesting feline condition with which I am sure you cat people out here have had experience. But what I did not know is that some feline devotees are suggesting their veterinarians add it to the Veterinarian's DSM diagnostic code as T.U.T.S. 0008. I highly suggest that veterinarians should also be educating clients about this frequently occurring condition more commonly is known as Toys Under the Stove.
Of course as an avid cat lover, my interest was piqued when I discovered a lively discussion occurring on Yahoo Answers, started by Kia, a cat lover who was at the end of her rope. She needed immediate help to deal with her problem. I had to jump in! Once I read the question I was laughing so hard my cats started peering around the doorway at me as if I had lost my mind.
So now that we have identified exactly what is T.U.T.S.syndrome, our next step is to identify the best ways to handle it and prevent it from happening. Since it is so very common with folks who keep cats, I am sure that if we put our heads together we may come up with some excellent suggestions
Kia poignantly shared, "After looking under the stove, I found enough catnip mice to start a colony, and was unable to retrieve them". She continued to elaborate on the problem as she expounded upon other varieties of T.U.T.S. "Very similar to toys under the fridge, (T.U.T.F.S.), is much more dangerous than toys under the couch, (T.U.T.C.S.)". My heart sank and went out to her as she asked for suggestions how to "block the influx of furry mice sliding underneath the stove". This was crucial to her as she rents her home and cannot replace the stove with a less vulnerable bottom.
After diligently "googling" for hours, researching about the syndrome to provide some intelligent and easy suggestions to solve the nightmare of T.U.T.S, let me share my slightly edited version of my answer to Kia.
"This is a serious condition which requires immediate attention! It was wonderful of you to give a "diagnosis" of this common behavior which has been plaguing cat people since the dawn of the history of cat keeping. It was great that you once and for all gave it a name so others can gain from your experience.
This being said, I do however think that the syndrome is incurable. You might try using some fine mesh screening obtainable from your local hardware store and attach it to your stove bottom so the little furry mice toys cannot gain access. But trust me, after being frustrated in the attempt to hide their stash in a safe place; your cats will more than likely start a collection under your fridge, as they instantly progress to T.U.T.F.S.
Happily, this cloud has a silver lining. When you move you will find a treasure trove of toys which you can recycle which once again can be then hidden in your new residence. But do check for missing items; one of our cats purrloins my husband's watch on a regular basis. They are such talented little thieves.
I do hope my suggestion works and good luck to you. I totally empathize with your frustration. "
What experiences do you have with these common syndromes, and what has worked to prevent them? Please share your ideas by leaving a comment.
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I have always been moved and inspired by those animals who vanquish major physical limitations and who even appear to lack awareness that they are "different". They prevail with a grace and dignity which astounds me. 
