Hey there, all you pet lovers out in cyberspace! While pet "pawrents" are keenly aware about the health benefits received from sharing our homes and hearts with pets, the University of Minnesota Stroke Research Center has been doing a bang up job to scientifically prove what has been heretofore mostly anecdotal in nature. Interestingly, what they are learning is the feline species may be even more helpful in health benefits than their canine counterparts.
There has been a lot of evidence already demonstrated that owning a dog can promote better health by decreasing blood pressure, and giving a boost to the chemical balance in our brains which help us derive pleasure in that special relationship between dog and human.
However, finally through a study of 4, 435 people, followed for ten years, the potential medical benefit of being owned by cats is being actively purrsued. They have so far found that cats apparently are more helpful. They have learned that "People without cats, or who never had cats, had a 40 percent greater risk to die of a heart attack and a 30 percent greater risk to die of any cardiovascular related disease. The study showed no such protective benefits for dog owners"
The lead investigator and executive director of the Minneapolis, Minnesota based Stoke Center, Dr. Adnan-Qureshi reports, "We know that stress and anxiety are factors leading to cardiac disease. If a pet can ameliorate stress and anxiety, clearly having a pet is beneficial. In the past, studies have considered dogs but never cats. This is only one study, but it's a start." While Dr. Qureshi cannot explain why his study, which unlike others, was not able to show any protective value in owning a dog, he says, "Perhaps petting a cat is even more helpful than we thought."
The mystery remains why folks are benefitted by petting a dog. Perhaps it is from the tail-wag response we receive, a canine feedback that is pleasurable to us which can be considered therapeutic. But dogs cannot give us that auditory pleasure we receive from felines . . . that very soothing sound . . . the purr. This study is delving into the "intrinsic medical value not yet discovered."
Dr, Edward Creagan, past president and consultant in medical oncology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, says, "We never even considered studying benefits of cats as a part of the equation because they're considered aloof, and takers and not givers. Of course, these misconceptions and biases aren't true about cats." An owner of two cats himself, Dr. Creagan continues, "We've never really looked at what cats are capable of. This is what preconceived notions will do. It wouldn't surprise me if we learn that cats have equal healthful values to people as dogs."
Since cats not only purr as a sign of contentment, but often purr when in pain or close to death, which is considered to be a form of self-soothing, is it possible that humans respond to the purring of a cat in a similar manner? Dr. Qureshi is considering this possibility and remarks, "If cats are able to self-soothe through purring, maybe the purring soothes humans in some way we don't understand."
I am looking forward to reading more about this study. If it proves that cats genuinely can contribute to our health and well being, and prevent serious illness, I will of course ask my physician for a prescription. With no nasty side-effects and warnings for this "medication", I wonder if my prescription drug insurance will cover the cost!
What health benefits have you become aware of in being owned by a pet? Leave a comment and share. Of course I will use them as back up when I submit my next insurance form.
Safety of Liquid Flea and Tick Prevention Products Questioned
So you wanted to know more about those nasty little parasitic insects, the "Ctenocephalides felis" and the "Ctenocephalides canis" and how to effectively protect your beloved animals from being attacked by them?
Fear not, your search is over. For such a tiny wingless pest, their Latin names trump their teeny size, but not the havoc they can wreak with furry household pets. They are indeed the biggest bane in a pet's existence since they carry disease and other parasites. The mature flea's exclusive dinner menu is the blood of mammals and birds. And speaking about strength in numbers, there are around 2,000 species and subspecies of fleas with which to contend.
Pet owners can have a serious problem of flea infestations on their hands. Very often difficult to control, and requiring professional exterminators to aid in the fight, pet owners seek safe and efficient means to protect their pets from the scourge of flea bites and to keep their environment free of the nagging pests.
I received an email last week advertising a sale on flea prevention products. I had just run out of our favorite product, Advantage, so I eagerly ordered some, especially since our vet is no longer carrying it. I told my husband that I had purchased some which would be shipped immediately. I was rather shocked by his response. He had just finished an article in "The New York Times" about flea control products and their possible dangers. I hastened to read the article myself.
It seems that the Environmental Protection Agency, (E.P.A.) is launching a safety review of flea and tick products for pets. While liquid flea and tick treatments for dogs and cats have been available for over ten years, but due to an increase of complaints of adverse reactions to the products, the E.P.A is keeping a watchful eye on and investigating the safety of these liquid flea prevention medications. They are also warning pet owners that flea prevention treatments may result in serious and possibly fatal side effects.
Topical applications, such as the on-the-spot products have not resulted in any recalls and in May, the E.P.A reported no reason to avoid them now. However they are researching into the large number of anecdotal reports about cats and dogs treated with these products which resulted in hair loss, tremors and skin irritations, according to Dale Kemery, spokesperson for the E.P.A. These reports however have not been backed up by any veterinarians yet.
The E.P.A is evaluating all the data concerning pesticides, warnings provided on labels, and the reported adverse reactions, including pre-market safety statistics which are given in support of the flea prevention products. Their report on liquid flea and tick products is expected to be released in October, 2009. It will be available on the agency's website, according to Mr. Kemery.
Kemery suggests that in the meantime consumers carefully read the product labels and follow them faithfully. He warns users not to apply liquid flea and tick protection designed for dogs on cats and of course, the reverse. He adds that if users notice any negative side effects to immediately take the pet to a veterinarian.
Interestingly, most of the on-the-spot products were intended only for canines, but there are presently over 25 feline-labeled products available.
Please be careful about the products that you routinely use for your pets. Read and follow instructions carefully and monitor your pets after applications to be sure they are not exhibiting any dangerous side-effects. While an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure for our pets, careful use of these products is essential.
Ahhh those lazy, hazy "daze of summer" are now upon us. The summer solstice, (the longest day of the year) arrived in the Northern Hemisphere on June 21, 2009 at 1:45 A.M. EDT, while in the UK on June 21, 2009 at 5:45 UT.
And as the heat and humidity escalates into what can be oppressive for both humans and pets, it is essential to never leave a pet alone in a car, even with the windows "cracked". Depending on where you live, there are several states with laws about leaving pets unsupervised in cars under certain weather conditions, which may result in a hefty fine and or imprisonment.
In fact, in California the Penal Code reads, "No person shall leave or confine an animal in any unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the health or well-being of an animal due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, or lack of food or water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability or death."
The 2006 California bill goes continues; "Moderately warm temperatures outside can quickly lead to deadly temperatures inside a closed car. For example, within one hour an outside temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit can cause unhealthful conditions inside a vehicle that can adversely affect the health, safety or well-being of an animal.
"With the vehicle windows left slightly open, an outside temperature of 85 degrees can cause a temperature of 102 degrees inside a vehicle within 10 minutes, and 120 degrees within half of an hour. A healthy pet, whose normal body temperature ranges from 101 to 102.5 degrees, can withstand a body temperature of 107 to 108 for only a short time before suffering brain damage or death."
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have shown that parked cars can heat just as quickly on mild days. "Even if the temperature is a relatively cool 72 degrees, the inside temperature of the car will reach 117 degrees within 60 minutes of turning the car off (and will top 108 degrees within 30 minutes!). Leaving the windows open 1.5 inches made no difference in the final temperature or the rate of rise. Cooling the car with an air conditioner before parking made no difference in the final temperature, but did delay the peak by 8 minutes.
On hot days, the rate of rise is the same, but dangerous temperatures can be reached within 5 minutes of closing the car doors, even if the windows are cracked. Overall, when the outside temperature was anywhere between 72 and 96 degrees, the inside temperature rose by an average of 32 degrees in the first 30 minutes."
In the state of California this crime may be punishable by a fine not to exceed $20,000, imprisonment in state prison, county jail, or both.
Massachusetts, Illinois and Idaho are a few of the states with similar laws on their books.
If the weather is hot and you find a pet left alone in a car, even with the windows cracked, this is considered to be an emergency. Call 911 and report the situation. You could be saving a pet's life. You can also help by spreading the word. Visit http://www.mydogiscool.com/ for more information and to obtain flyers for printing to be posted in your neighborhood.
What measures do you take to protect your pet when you leave your car? Please share your suggestions by leaving a comment.
The "dog days" of summer are upon us. While we may enjoy excursions to the beach and our family picnics, with the increased heat, humidity and frequent rainstorms, Mosquitoes, those teeny but highly dangerous insects, also take advantage of the warm weather. Thriving under these conditions, breeding in any standing water they find, they are a serious threat to our household pets. These pesky bloodsuckers carry a plethora of disease.
One of the most common of these dangerous diseases that threaten our furry companions is Heartworm. Spread by the Mosquito carrying this parasite, it can easily infect our pets. Heartworm infection is a very serious threat for both cats and dogs. These tiny insects can find their way into even the most rigorously protected homes. Open the door for a second and one of these nasty parasite carrying pests can wreak havoc. While dogs are generally at greater risk than cats, felines are also highly vulnerable to heartworm infection.
Heartworm potentially may lead to heart failure and other medical conditions. Dogs who have been recently infected may show no clinical symptoms, but heavily infected dogs may show symptoms such as mild cough, exhaustion after even moderate exercise, depression and lack of appetite. Cats may display symptoms that are quite similar to other feline diseases; lack of appetite, hacking cough, weight loss, gagging and difficulty breathing and lethargy. Often these symptoms can be incorrectly diagnosed as Feline Asthma, or allergic Bronchitis. However, in actuality, these cats may be affected by a newly named syndrome called Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease, (H.A.R.D)
In a recent study released by the American Heartworm Society, "DVM Newsmagazine" reported that there is evidence that the incidence of Heartworm infection is on the rise in three areas in the United States. These are the gulf coast, northern California and the east coast.
Last fall, a triennial survey was sent to over 40,000 veterinarians. The most recent results from practices spanning around 2,200 counties represented in the survey reported that positive cases rose in 31 states. These reports were based on heartworm testing, climate trends, and growing client bases. It is possible, however that the "rise" in cases may be due to more frequent testing leading to positive diagnoses.
The president of the American Heartworm Society, Dr. Sheldon B. Rubin has some strong words about heartworm disease. He calls it "inexcusable. He said, "There is no reason a dog (or cat) should have heartworm disease today. If we can get more animals on prevention, we will get the numbers of heartworm-infected animals down. It is a serious problem."
The good news is that Heartworm is completely preventable. Today, there are monthly Heartworm preventatives available on the market. However, these preventative medications should only be given to a pet only after being tested with negative Heartworm results. I highly recommend discussing Heartworm prevention with your veterinarian. This simple treatment can save many pets' lives. For more information about Heartworm, see the Canine Heartworm Fact Sheet.
Do you routinely give your pets Heartworm prevention treatment? Leave a comment and share.
The Pet Industry in Japan has been blossoming over the past few years and continues to bloom. The number of pet dogs in Japan alone has reached an astounding 13 million or more over the past 10 years.
Of course this industry has attracted numbers of ancillary businesses, such as those specializing in dog sunglasses, doggie clothing, fancy collars and leashes, and any other product that you can imagine having to do to delight and dress up the canine species. Doggie day care centers and spas which provide the highest degree of pooch pampering are becoming popular with dog owners who wish to offer their pets the crème de la crème of canine care.
But can you believe that canine-centered restaurants are also opening their doors? Get this . . . these dog food franchise cafes are featuring the tops in canine cuisine. "Deco Dog Restaurant" is one of them. Their unique menu offers "sweet potato scones, chicken, cheese, vegetables and dog sweets" to tickle Fido's palate with these delectable treats. Trumping these offerings, some of these establishments also offer "doggie etiquette" and yoga classes as well.
For folks who live in apartments where dogs are not permitted, guess what? There are doggie rental services available so these folks can experience the pleasure of spending time with their favorite animal. Many of these agencies will even attempt to provide the renter's favorite breed as well. Rentals can range from several hours to many days. As of 2008 there were over 134 dog rental facilities open for business.
So if you live in Japan with your dog all decked out but has no place to go, why not enter him into a doggie fashion show? After all "putting on the dog" is totally acceptable. Pet Fashion Week is a two day event that has been held annually at a department store in Tokyo for the past six years; dogs are paraded on a custom-sized red carpet so they can "strut- their- fashion- stuff" in style.
Most of the exhibitors say the reason they compete is that their dogs love wearing clothes and showing off. The owners also enjoy watching their competition and learning about all the new fashionable canine wear to "spoil" their pets. Of course much of the clothing is not only attractive but is utilitarian, since little boots can protect sensitive paws while walking on concrete and protect them from inclement weather. Fancy sweaters can provide warmth, and both of these items also help keep them clean. What more could one ask for?
Enjoy this humorous and enchanting video of a doggie fashion show held in Tokyo a few years ago, uploaded to YouTube by uzoouk:
Isn't "putting on the dog" lots of fun? Leave a comment and share your thoughts!
Ok . . . it is true that dogs can attack postal workers and can present a risk to carriers and I absolutely understand some of their concern toward "threatening canines", but I just about fell off my chair with this story that I ran across online, yesterday.
It seems that Illy, a very active and rambunctious kitten may have thought that a mail-carrier's hand was a new and fascinating toy. I mean can't you just imagine how fascinating and appealing those magnetic dangling moving fingers which appeared through the mail slot in the front door might entice a curious kitty?
Illy a six month old mixed breed kitten has "allegedly" attacked a mail carrier whose hand while delivering mail through a mail slot in the door. And to boot, this postal worker has become so fearful of delivering mail to Mr. Kenneth Ridge's home that a strong warning letter was sent to Mr. Ridge warning them "to discipline the kitten or to face a delivery ban."
Photo credit: Roland Hoskins Dailymail.co.uk/
Kenneth Ridge, 65 and his son Bradley, 30, were stunned at the tone of the letter which called Illy's playful behavior an "attack". Oh my gosh . . . a fierce and dangerous kitty resides in a South-West London household. My knees are shaking in terror.
Upon reading the warning letter, Mr. Ridge said, "Reading this letter you'd think I had a Rottweiler at home, it really was ridiculous. Illy is a kitten, she's very small and friendly and was just playing." He continued by adding, "We weren't here, but it seems some mail was put through the letterbox and the post woman's hand was scratched." The post office officials claim that this carrier suffered a bad cut to her hand while putting mail through the letter box in question.
Here is what the letter sent to Mr. Ridge by an office manager at Royal Mail said:
"I am writing to let you know that, on the 6th of June, our postman was attacked by your animal in your premises while delivering mail to your address.
Animal attacks are a major cause of injury to Royal Mail staff and so I am writing to seek your co-operation in preventing a repeat of this unfortunate incident. I must advise you that, if any further incidents of this nature are allowed to take place, I shall have no alternative other than to consider suspending the delivery of mail to your home."
Now think about it for a moment . . . suppose this injury was caused by a sharp edge in the mail-slot and not caused by Illy at all? Don't you think that Illy deserves a fair trial? Blaming Illy is a serious allegation and without any proof that she is the guilty party, this seems like a rather unfair assumption on the part of Royal Mail. I cannot imagine how a small kitten could cause this kind of severe injury. So my bet is on Mr. Ridge's purrfectly logical explanation.
Do you think that Illy is being judged unfairly? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.
I remain ambivalent about animal cloning, especially the copying of genetic material from animals which are considered to be "pets" in nature. I am concerned that some people who are motivated to clone their pet to "replace" a beloved one may be very disappointed that their "new" pet is not identical in personality or show those unique antics while its appearance is strikingly similar. They may not be open to allowing the cloned pet into their hearts unconditionally.
However this particular story about cloning a heroic and very special dog touched me deeply and gave me pause to examine reasons why the procedure may open very worthwhile doors.
Mr. James Symington, a retired Canadian police officer now residing in Los Angeles, entered an essay contest in 2008 in which he explained why he thought that Trakr, a search and rescue German shepherd who located the last survivor stuck in rubble subsequent to the terror attacks on the Trade Towers in New York City, on September 11, 2001. A biotech company, BioArts International, gave the cloned puppies to Mr. Symington.
On June 14, Mr. Symington had his first meeting with the pups. According to a statement by BioArts International, the meeting was a very emotional one. Mr. Symington told BioArts staff, "They're identical -- down to the smallest detail. Few dogs are born with exceptional abilities -- Trakr was one of those dogs. And if these puppies have the same attributes as Trakr, I plan on putting them in to search and rescue so they can help people the way Trakr did."
The procedure was headed by Dr. Hwang-Suk who produced the first canine cloning in 2005, and took place in South Korea at the Sooam Biotech Research Foundation.
The team headed by Dr. Hwang used genes obtained from Trakr, and replaced them in random dogs. After the eggs were stimulated and had grown into embryos, they were implanted in surrogate mothers.
While the goal was to create only one puppy, the outcome amazingly produced five genetically identical puppies born to the surrogate mothers. The first cloned puppy was born on December 8, 2008, and the final puppy was born on April 4, 2009.
One of the search-and-rescue volunteers, Rick Cushman, personally observed Trakr's discovery of the fifth and final survivor, Genelle Guzman on September 12, 2001 and was happy to learn that Trakr had been cloned. He said, "If Trakr hadn't picked up her scent, we might not have known she was there. They helped save her life."
However, there is a bitter-sweet ending to this story. Trakr died two months ago at the amazing age of 16 years old. But fortunately his genes will live on in these miraculous puppies.
Watch the compelling video of the story by visiting the YouTube Video made by CBS News Online
.
What are your thoughts about this heroic dog's cloning? Leave a comment and share.
Photo credit: Damian Dovarganes / AP
I love funny cat videos and l enjoy sharing them with our readers. Sometimes I spend hours searching YouTube, one of my favorite sources for just that purrfect one to include in my blog posts. Since there is an abundance of creative and innovative budding movie "directors" uploading videos of their precious kitties, it sometimes becomes a dauntless task for me to choose a super-exceptional one.
I have often featured Aaron Rift's delightful productions of his series, "The Cat Diaries", and am thrilled that his kittens and cats have tickled the fancy of a growing bunch of kitty loving followers. His clowder of cats and kittens, the stars of his entertaining productions, are obviously adored and cherished. Mr. Rift's strong knowledge of feline behavior is obvious. Most importantly his cats appear to be having a delightful time as they play and romp in front of his camera.
Photo credit: Brandi Hoenig This being said, during my journey through the YouTube selection of kitty-land the other day, I ran across a video that really set me back on my heels. Taking into consideration the British idiom, "One man's meat is another man's poison" and allowing for the possibility that some folks find even "twisted" humor to be appealing, I still cannot wrap my head around how anyone can find anything funny about the video, "Whack-a-Kitty" Even the title sets my teeth on edge. It sounds like a mafia production to me.
While its creator, rbelluso may consider that this will appeal to cat lovers, it amazes me to what lengths some people will go to get their "15 minutes of fame". The video description reads, "A litter of kittens replaces mechanic moles in a live version of the classic carnival game. But don't worry for the cats' cerebral health -- the mallet is doing less whacking and more gentle petting. It's time to play Whack-A-Kitty! It's like the game Whack-A-Mole on cute overload. We had a lot of fun making this video and so did the kittens."
While the video included a disclaimer in big bold letters, "PLEASE NOTE THAT NO KITTENS WERE INJURED IN THE MAKING OF THIS VIDEO", it is hard for me to buy that these adorable young kittens would not be adversely affected with what appears to me as aggressive and insensitive tactics. I would imagine that these little balls of fluff might become rather head-shy from being "bopped" repeatedly by an ominous appearing material- covered mallet repeatedly descending on their delicate heads.
So without further amew, take a moment to watch the video to which I am referring.
Am I missing something here? Purrhaps I have lost my sense of humor, or am overreacting? Please leave a comment with your reactions.
I am constantly blown away by the many variety pet products on the market designed to make life easier for owners. As I have lived with cats for most of my life, and never had to worry about "housebreaking", since most cats are instinctively "hard wired" to do this on their own. But of course with the canine species this is not the case. Proper house-training is essential.
This morning, after washing and changing our three litter boxes, I grabbed a second cup of Java, went online to check my email. While perusing "new mail" I ran across a fascinating advertisement for an indoor potty for dogs.
What a concept! My curiosity piqued, I immediately googled "indoor potty solutions for dogs". I was amazed at the many products available for dog owners as an alternative to the great outdoors when the weather is nasty or for those who live in high rise apartments where it may be a juggling act to get Fido to the street in time to relieve himself. Yes Virginia, there are litter boxes for dogs! It is also suggested that this may be a really good way to start house training a puppy.
Most pet stores carry litter boxes for dogs. They are readily found on the Internet. It is important to choose a box that is appropriate for your dog's adult size. There are commercial litters brands on the market designed specifically for dogs, using recycled paper pellets, wheat and corn based litter, cedar chips and pine sawdust. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) suggests that using clay litter be avoided since those dogs prone to eating clay litter may develop intestinal distress, or even an obstruction in the lower bowel.
Training a dog to use a litter box is very similar to traditional house training. Learning to recognize the signs that your dog needs to go "potty", such as sniffing the floor, or circling, is the time to put your dog into the litter box. After the dog finishes a meal is another good time to introduce the litter box.
But wait . . .
There are many other products available to train a canine to use indoor "facilities", for both the convenience of owner and dog. Many of them are pads that are covered with either real grass or artificial turf.
The Wizdog: According to the manufacturer, the Wizdog indoor toilet can "alleviate many of those puppy housebreaking problems - without any extra work from you! It's a smarter, cleaner and more efficient way to house train any puppy or older dog indoors." This device is suggested for those dogs required to "go potty" indoors. Whether inside the house, in a pen or garage, this is an efficient training tool as well as an indoor solution. It is also perfect for young puppies who have not completed their vaccinations, much safer than outdoors. Learn more about this product by visiting: http://www.squidoo.com/wizdog
PETaPOTTY is an indoor "toilet" for dogs that is a patch of grass housed in a shallow plastic container. It has a slide- out- tray underneath which catches the drippings. It comes in three sizes. The prices range from $179.99 to 259.99 depending size. Real grass or synthetic grass is available. Read more about this product by visiting: http://www.doggienews.com/2005/01/petapotty-indoor-dog-potty.htm
The UGODOG is another indoor potty for dogs which is carries a smaller price tag. In 2008 pads for this product ranged from $0.30 to $0.50 per pad. Read more about this device and reviews by visiting: http://monkeeworks.com/goUGODOG
What are your thoughts about indoor "toilet accommodations for dogs? Leave a comment and share.
I don't know about your kitties, but mine are enthralled with anything in which they can crawl into and hide. While cardboard cartons suit these requirements almost perfectly, they may not be the most attractive items to display in the living room or den.
Since Hush Puppy thoroughly scent marked one of the cartons in which his cat food arrived, we squirreled it into the bedroom, where he could happily ensconce himself, but I felt a little guilty about depriving him of a "get away" in our dining room. So I started a search on the internet to find something that would be both attractive and at the same time offer him his "safety" spot.
During my search online, I soon learned that there are so many wonderful pet products on the market today, that it was very difficult for me to find one from which to choose. While I knew exactly what I was looking for, my fingers wandered from site to site, and the "eye candy" that I discovered was totally delightful. I felt like a kid turned loose in a candy store . . . but finances always raise its ugly head and some of the items were very far removed from my budget.
So what kind of "gadget" will satisfy aesthetics, surfaces attractive to cats for scratching purposes, a place to hide and just the right size and shape? After a long and entertaining search, I was amazed to find a very attractive product that completely fit the bill to a "T". My search was over! I was bubbling over in excitement and anticipation as I hit "send" to complete my order.
Available at Petfooddirect, a reputable online pet supply store, Omega Paw Cat Cozy Kingdom is now one of our cats' favorite play stations. The product description, "The Omega Paw Cat Cozy Kingdom has a unique hexagon shaped cat house is framed with beautiful carpeting and finished with a decorative cap in the top and bottom", is one that is absolutely "right on!"
I liberally rub the top with catnip, and sit back, waiting to be entertained by two cats vying for first "dibs" in possession. Hush Puppy also loves the little plastic "comb" teeth that frame the inside area of the "kingdom" for a satisfying facial rub. Hubble prefers to attack the catnip scented carpeted top, digging his claws into it with gusto.
The price is also amazingly attractive. This sturdy item sells for $21.59, is easy to assemble and arrives in a box measuring 17L x 17W x 12.8H. Shipping weight is 6 pounds.
If you are interested in ordering the item, visit this link.
Do you cats have their favorite hiding areas? Leave a comment and tell us about them.
Recently there have been a shocking number of horrendous deaths of dozens of innocent cats as a result of wanton acts of cruelty to animals; serious crimes allegedly performed by two attractive teen-agers. The news about these crimes has been flooding the media and is very alarming in nature. It is mind boggling to even attempt to conceive the motivation for such blatant brutality and malevolence. Cheyenne Cherry's story was but the first of two startling and highly disturbing recently breaking news.
The second story began on May 13, 2009, when cat lovers residing in the Miami- Dade area in southern Florida started living under a dark cloud of fear for the safety of their beloved kitties. A serial cat killer was on a spree of abuse and cruelty, resulting in the mutilation and brutal slaying of more than a dozen cats.
Photo credit: Miami Herald.com On Sunday, May 14, 18 year-old Tyler Weinman was arrested and charged with 19 counts of cruelty to animals, 4 counts of burglary, and 19 counts of "improperly disposing of an animal body".
In an early morning statement, yesterday, Florida State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said, ''Our communities of Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay have been on edge for many weeks now because of the horrific and unspeakable slaughtering of many of their beloved feline pets. I sincerely hope that with his arrest, the residents will feel relieved and their cats will be safe once again. It is expected that the vicious crimes that have plagued these communities will not be repeated.''
Days before his arrest, several area residents while attending community meetings concerning the slaying of these felines, mentioned seeing someone fitting Weinman's description. They also said that the teen-ager lived in an area which allowed him access to both neighborhoods where the these cat killing rampages took place.
While Weinman personally posted supportive messages hoping that the killer would be found, on an Internet Facebook site, "Catch the Cat Killer" created by friends of the suspect, police said that there were additional suspicious postings on the site that in conjunction with the information provided by the residents, lead them to his arrest. Weinman's attorney, David Macey says his client is innocent of all charges and will plead him "not guilty".
After learning about Weinman's arrest, one Cutler Bay resident, Thomas Shad, whose cat, Miss Kitty, a small feral cat that he and his wife had fed and cared for a year, was one of the cats killed during the killing spree and discovered behind an abandoned house. Mr. Shad said, "It's shocking to think that someone who lives right here and is our neighbor would do something like this. Now we feel like we can let our cats out of the patio. Perhaps we have part of our life back." They have adopted a new kitten, Miss Prissy.
A news conference was called for 10 a.m. at Palmetto Bay City Hall, and a hearing was set for the suspect on Monday afternoon.
I recently learned about an act of cruelty to animals that was so disturbing that it has taken me over a week to write about it without dissolving into tears. It not only infuriates me and breaks my heart, but it causes me to wonder how people in authority, who have the power to intervene and prevent such blatantly depraved and sadistic and vicious acts of cruelty to innocent animals.
Last week, The ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement agents arrested Cheyenne Cherry, a teen-age girl who lives in The Bronx, in New York City after they were called in to investigate smoke complaints. Upon entering the apartment, Tiger Lily, a two month- old kitten was discovered dead after Cherry allegedly broke into the apartment, put the kitten into the oven, turned up the heat and left her to die.
Tiger Lily The kitten's remains were brought to the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital where a necropsy was necessary to be performed by veterinarians to even determine the kitten's gender. Upon her arrest, Cheyenne Cherry told authorities that it was "just a joke". If she is found guilty of these charges, Ms. Cherry could receive up to ten years in prison.
Ms Cherry stands accused of breaking into her former roommate's apartment with the intention of "playing a joke and to mess up her apartment", to which she confessed. She has been charged with cruelty to animals in addition to multiple counts of burglary, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and arson. Prior to this arrest, Ms. Cherry was also arrested for kidnapping a dog for ransom while armed with a BB gun and then trying to collect the ransom money after the owner advertised a reward for its return. She received a "slap on the wrist" as punishment and was let go without bail.
So I wonder if ten years in prison is an appropriate sentence. Will it be sufficient to serve as an example which may prevent others from engaging in this despicable behavior? While it certainly trumps the sentence that Michael Vick received for his horrendous treatment of his dogs my concern is that at her appearance at the Bronx Supreme Court before Criminal Term JUDGE J.Byrne, that he will take "pity" on her when her lawyer shares any grisly information concerning her life as a child.
He may argue that she may have been cruelly treated herself and while I abhor cruelty to children and feel compassion for those who were subjected to cruelty themselves, this is not, in my opinion an excuse that should be entertained for leniency. I feel strongly that there is an urgent need for stronger laws on the books which put people on notice that cruelty to animals will no longer be tolerated.
I think that this incident provides an excellent opportunity for this judge to set a strong precedence which may have far reaching implications throughout the entire United States and which may even make an impact on the laws in countries around the world.
Kittens Chase Cheeseburger: A Bit of Friday Feline Humor
One of the most humorous websites to which avid feline fanciers are drawn is icanhascheezburger.com.
This website affords cat lovers with a creative bent a library which contains lots of preloaded photographs with which to play. The site invites folks to write humorous captions for the photos and submit them to the site. There is always a contest going on where fans vote for the best of the best. This being said however, learning how to speak "cat" is essential before dipping one's paws into the water, (so to speak,) with aplomb and comfort. But once into the swing of things, it can become addictive.
While "cats speak" is a favorite communication modality for many cat lovers, it can be a rather tricky language in which to become purrficient. However this being said, with practice one can fairly easily become fluent in the fine art of "meowing". Some folks get so wrapped up in this ancient language that special online chats have been provided so people can more naturally learn this rather ancient language. One of the more popular chats is held on Friday nights at the Meow Chat Cat Chat, from 9-10 PM Eastern Time. All you need to do is pick a name, sign up and join in the fun!
To sign up visit: http://chat.pethobbyist.com/
So in keeping with this theme, I am happy to announce that Aaron Rift, a talented feline oriented and knowledgeable video maker has done it again. With his passion for cats, and of course his awareness that the "symbol" of a cheeseburger can immediately evoke gales of laughter from cat people in the "know", his recent video, produced by Thecatdiaries, titled, "Cats Chasing Cheeseburger" is indeed a delight.
Enjoy watching these charming kitties take the bait and try and catch that oh so evasive taunting cheeseburger. I am sure you will find it entertaining.
So before you attempt to caption a photo, please leave a caption in order to practice your best "Cat speak" and hone your skill.
For those folks who reside in the Baltimore, Maryland area, or for those who may be planning a trip in the near future, there is a wonderful treat in store for you.
Additionally if dogs are your passion and you are also a dedicated bird watcher who enjoys perusing art shows, Mimi Little, an animal lover and talented artist who paints both dog portraits and pictures of wild birds is holding a fascinating art exhibit until the end of June.
For the past two years, Ms. Little has been working on dog portraits. Her work is not traditional by any means. Her goal is to capture the essence of her subjects by highlighting the dog's personality, focusing on their eyes, their body language, and special qualities and also what she understands they are trying to communicate to her.
She uses a multimedia approach, incorporating collage, important objects to the owners, and may even add crystals to her artwork.
In this unique exhibition, Ms. Little is also featuring her delightful series of shore birds from Florida.
She will also be leading workshops for those who have an artistic bent, on Saturday, June 13 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. She will be teaching a less formal method of painting, utilizing a wide variety of mediums and methods to bring subjects to life. The fee for the class is $50.00.
The exhibition will be open until June 30 at Annemarie Garden, so there is still time to plan a vacation and include this on your itinerary.
After your read this story, you may consider that my husband and I are just "daft", but we have recently become aware that our two Oriental cats, Hush Puppy and Hubble, are not so secretly in training for that brand new special event, "The Feline Sleeping Competition" to be held for the first time in the 2010 XXI Winter Olympic Games.
Vancouver was elected as host for the event and with their icy-cold weather which greatly aides in promoting deep and lengthy slumber; they have chosen this venue for their debut. Although this novel competition has not been officially listed on the official Olympic website at this time, our cats are not in the least concerned.
Hush Puppy in training They have already hired an expert feline slumber trainer named Morpheus who frequently checks in with them via email, requesting they regularly send updates about the length and depth of their sleep He wants to know about any distractions causing them the most difficulty.
At the moment Hush Puppy and Hubble are struggling with heavy-duty interference caused from tempting cooking aromas of their favorite dishes which emanate from the kitchen. Another conflict is the occasional tiny lizards that may accidentally wander unnoticed into the house when the front door is opened.
This being said, Hush Puppy has already started working on a secret solution to these distractions. However he refuses to share any information regarding this with us. After all, he doesn't want to spill the beans and offer assistance to the many other kitties who have also already qualified for the competition.
With less than 317 days to go until the Opening Ceremony of the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games, our cats are training constantly each day for hours on end.
You can watch one of their carefully choreographed training sessions which I captured in this revealing video, but please do not share it with any of your cats. They may just decide to throw their paw into the ring and become even stronger challenging competitors.
Do you think your cats are sufficiently talented to become a threat to our "boys"? Leave a comment and let us know, so we can prepare . . .
Did you know that June 7-13 is Pet Appreciation Week? I just found out about that today. I sure dropped the ball on this important event, and wonder how I could have possibly missed such an important time of the year.
My cats are not at all happy about that... and they are letting me know how they feel. After all they want to be appreciated.
But I think that I may have "psychically" tuned into this week long celebration without consciously being aware of the dates. It is possible that our cats may have given me a subliminal message. I actually purchased a Furminator grooming device to assist me in removing the remnants of their winter coat. I was impressed . . . and wow . . . their coats felt so silky after I finished. I was shocked at the amount of fuzz that came off their little bodies, since I brush and comb them regularly to maintain a healthy and attractive coat. Well, the Furminator got a huge paws up as evidenced by their deep and resonant purrs.
I also got them a new cat tree. I found a sale, "by accident' while doing some research about cats, and I can't wait until it is delivered. After all, it is always a great idea to have a few cat trees around the house, and our cats heartily agree! The only problem that I foresee is that I have no talent for putting things together. This medium-size cat tree has a rather complicated assembly process from what I could glean from the photograph.
The manufacturer touts it as a very simple process, but the jury is still out. Hey . .. the price was right and shipping was free! I suspect I am going to have to lasso my husband for this task. I shudder in abject terror as I picture my husband and I crawling around the carpet, searching for stray nuts and bolts, trying to read the schematics and decide what goes where. Stay tuned for a blow by blow progress report once the tower is erected.
So to celebrate Pet Appreciation Week with aplomb, here are some humorous suggestions I ran across for those folks who love their pets and want to demonstrate their appreciation. In addition to spending extra time with your pets, offering special treats after their evening supper, and bestowing lots of hugs and kisses upon them, of course:
- Join them by eating your dinner on the floor.
- Learn to purr. After all there is nothing better than direct communication.
- Bury a juicy roast beef bone for your dog.
- Present your cat with a dead rodent. This demonstrates that you know how to hunt. Your kitty will appreciate that.
- Roll in something very malodorous with your dog.
- And while this activity may endanger global warming, eat lots of cabbage or baked beans, adding a carbon footprint, donating to the methane production in the house.
My favorite suggestion was:
- Give your dog a canine kiss. Lick your dog's face.
So without further ado, have a wonderful time celebrating this auspicious occasion. Get creative and your pets will so appreciate your appreciation.
What are some ways you might consider showing your pet appreciation? Leave a comment and let us know your plans.
There is something about that special unique bond which develops between a dog and its owner. It is often magical and can grow incredibly deep. It may even be mysterious in how it began.
I encountered such a story on the Internet the other day. I was deeply moved as the chronicle unfolded. It absolutely left paw prints on my heart.
Last week, a well beloved, five-month old puppy arrived here in the United States, after being shipped to Richard Hutchinson, the brother of the fallen hero, Major Steven Hutchison. Major Hutchison, who owned the dog, was the oldest soldier killed during the war in Iraq. Also a Viet Nam veteran, he was sixty years old. He was killed in an incident on Mother's Day, May 10.
His brother Richard said, "From my understanding, he may have been targeted by the insurgents. His whole team's mission was to secure the border of Iraq and Iran. They were making a lot of changes in the way they do things and apparently it didn't sit well with the insurgents."
Major Hutchison's team found her when just a little puppy only six weeks old. She had a broken back hind leg and was in great need of medical care. Her leg was casted, and she received loving care by the team. Major Hutchison named her Laia, after the famous "Star Wars" character, Princess Leia, as it was his favorite movie. It was love at first sight between these two. She had him wrapped around her paws.
Richard and his wife, Nancy flew in from Phoenix, Arizona to meet Laia. He said, "I probably shipped over $300 worth of supplies to him for the dog... dog food, collars, leash bowls, deworming medication, all kinds of stuff." Nancy added that her brother-in-law "lived for that dog." In retrospect, it certainly appeared that a new long distance connection was building between Laia and Richard.
Due to the efforts of a close friend of the fallen soldier who made contact with the organizers of the SPCA Internationals Operation Baghdad Pups program, Laia was given safe passage to the United States to begin her new life. She will live with a contracted friend of Major Hutchison in Michigan.
SPCA Internationals Operation Baghdad Pups mission is to provide veterinary care, and also to arrange transport out of the war zones for soldier's companion animals.
I think you will agree that they deserve huge thumbs up for providing Laia the opportunity of a forever loving home and honoring the memory of Major Hutchison.
400 Year-Old Mummified Cat Discovered in Home Renovation
Many years ago, during renovation of my small house, circa 1901, contractors found the inner walls lined with old newspapers published at that time. Most of them were still in relatively excellent condition. Used at that time for primitive insulation, many of the articles were fascinating, and with gentle handling I was able to salvage several pieces, restore and frame them.
Many of them were about horse racing, and advertisements for equine "patented" medicines. Some even were offering cats and dogs for sale. So I think that cat loving history buffs and those who are interested in anthropology, will find this fascinating newsworthy item to cover all the bases.
Photo credit: APEX Recently, according to an article in the Telegraph.co uk, a 400 year-old mummified cat was discovered in the walls of a cottage under renovation. It is thought that the cat was placed within the walls of the cottage years ago to ward off evil spirits.
According to Mr. Richard Parson, a local funeral director and present owner of the cottage, his neighbors told him that the cat was also found behind the walls 20 years ago, but was replaced by the former resident. The cat is still in recognizable condition, with intact claws and teeth.
Mr. Parson told Telegraph.co uk, "The builders were stripping one of the bathrooms upstairs and this little fellow came to light. It is quite scary looking and is a lot bigger than a normal domestic cat. I cannot throw it away so we plan to put it back on completion of the building work.
"But my wife is not all that keen on it, as she says she will have bad dreams. There has been a local myth, a legend, that there was a cat buried in the house but of course we had no idea where that was. We were also told about a child's boot left in the house because it was once used as a cobblers', and was supposed to bring luck. I am not a superstitious man but the cat is a little bit of village history and adds charm to the property."
During an interview, the witchcraft and folklore expert, Marion Gibson, from Exeter University explained, "Cats were often put into walls as some kind of good luck charm. It seems to have been quite a widespread practice across the European continent. They seem to have been designed to keep away witches, the evil eye, bad luck, vermin, or anything that can be seen as a threat to the house."
I find it odd then that black cats are still considered to be "bad luck" omens by many people. After all, if cats have the power to ward off anything evil, it seems to me that they are quite precious and need to be worshipped.
Do you consider felines to be "good luck" to their owners? Leave a comment and share your thoughts about the article.
Often when we entertain guests at our home, when they see our cats, one of the first questions they ask, especially by their children is, "Do they bite?" This always reminds me of an interaction between a young man and one of the grooms at the barn in which I kept my horse, when asked about a horse standing in the aisle on cross ties awaiting his rider, "Does he bite?" to which the groom nonchalantly replied, "he has teeth."
I am not generally that terse with our guests, but the fact of the matter, this is one of the most straightforward answers to this questions I have ever heard. While I am more compassionate with our guests and try to educate them about how to approach our cats the correct way, accidents can happen, especially if upon approaching a strange cat can be frightening to them.
So it is with the Canine species. Dogs can appear cute and cuddly, but even the most well mannered dog can be unpredictable at times, depending on the circumstances. We all remember that famous incident with one of the White House correspondents who approached Barney, the former President Bush's adorable Scottish terrier with poor "dogequette". He immediately received an unexpected painful nip.
In fact, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually, with one in five bites requiring medical attention. It was reported that over 31,000 people required reconstructive surgery after being bitten, in 2006.
Dr. Nick Jourlies, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians commented, "Most dogs are friendly, with no intentions to cause harm to anyone. But sometimes, they act aggressively toward strangers for a variety of reasons."
So how can dog bites be avoided?
1. Avoid startling a dog. Be quiet in their presence, and make no sudden moves.
2. Do not run from a dog or startle it. If approached by a strange or threatening dog, remain motionless.
3. Do not pet a strange dog without letting it see you. Always allow the dog sniff you first.
4. Always avoid eye contact with a dog.
5. Roll into a ball if knocked over by a dog. Cover your head, and if possible, remain still.
6. Do not bother a dog that is eating, sleeping, or a female caring for her puppies.
7. And most importantly, avoid unfamiliar dogs or any dog that is behaving strangely. Stay away from them if possible to prevent confrontation and injury.
8. Share this information with your children so they are fully informed about how to and how not to interact with unfamiliar dogs, making their outdoor playtime safer.
If you or your child are bitten:
1. Clean the wound with running water and apply pressure.
2. Teach children to immediately seek assistance from an adult to get any necessary medical attention.
3. Contact your physician or go to the emergency room if a fever develops or the wound becomes red, painful, swollen or exhibits other signs of possible infection.
4. Call 911 in the case of a severe attack. Facial wounds can be very dangerous and immediate medical care is prudent.
5. Most dogs with owners have been vaccinated for Rabies. However, contact your local health department, or animal control. Contact your physician. Tetanus shots for adults and children are often recommended.
Yesterday morning, as I read the news online, a short piece caught my eye and inspired me to write this blog entry. It was how Nancy Reagan, five years after her husband's death, she still feels his presence. Mrs. Regan, who will turn 88 in July, was interviewed by "Vanity Fair". She said that she still misses her husband, "an awful lot." A deeply devoted couple, Mrs. Reagan still talks with her late husband. She said, "It sounds strange, but ... I see Ronnie. At nighttime, if I wake up, I think Ronnie's there, and I start to talk to him. It's not important what I say. But the fact is, I do think he's there. And I see him"
In a poll following the article, "Do you ever "talk "to or "see" a deceased loved one?" the results favored those who do with 53% responding positively. Negative results: 47%.
The loss of a beloved family member, whether it is a cherished human, or adored pet can result in complicated and difficult emotions with which to cope. Often the relationship we form with our pets can be deeper than with our human family members and friends. Since the love we share with our pets is often uncomplicated and unconditional, making it safer, these connections become a supportive and vital part of our daily lives. And when our pet dies, our grief can be overwhelming.
I was very moved by Mrs. Reagan's courage in sharing her private thoughts so honestly and openly. And her words gave me a jumping off place to open a discussion about those of us who us who have lost pets and also continue to feel their presence.
Immediately a friend came to mind whose cat passed away suddenly and very unexpectedly, years ago.
Shortly after his death, one of her other cats began performing a very unique behavior identical to the cat that passed away. This was something that he cat did each evening ; turning on a touch lamp which was at her bedside It was of great comfort to her, feeling he was contacting her. Another friend continues to feel the presence of one of her dogs that resides at the Rainbow Bridge. She treasures that contact.
Mousie Tongue I often see a bright white light flash late in the evening, in a room favored by my angel-kitty Mousie Tongue. At first I thought it was the reflection of a neighbor's car pulling into her driveway, but after a thorough investigation this proved untrue. At the same time I also sense his sweet purrsonality. And as the anniversary of his death approaches, one of my cats has suddenly started to lick my hair and "groom" me, which was typical Mousie behavior.
I must admit I am relieved that I am not the only one to feel contact with a departed pet. It is comforting to be validated that there a possibility for a genuine attachment that will never be broken. Since Mrs. Reagan remains connected with her late husband, perhaps this gives further credence that this is real? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.
The expression, "put your money where your mouth is" certainly is appropriate for what the Seattle Humane Society is doing for homeless cats! Their offices have gone to the felines! In fact, most of their administrative sites have become homes to many cats in their care. The main administration building has provided feline-friendly and stimulating environments for their kitty residents who live "rent free".
Photo by vtengr4047 Cared for by the staff, they reside in temporary quarters until they can be adopted. These lucky kitties are supplied with inviting crates in which to hide, a variety of litter boxes, separate feeding stations and many other niceties designed for their comfort. This also greatly expands the number of cats for which the Seattle Humane Society can provide shelter.
Since they are not caged, what is really extraordinary appealing for these "office dwellers" is that they have the opportunity to interact more normally with people. Skitterish and shy cats can blossom through human contact which may make them far more appealing to potential adopters. Being free to roam and explore within their safe office perimeters, they also have the chance to exercise and play. So while they are not living in their permanent loving homes, at least they are getting a taste of the "good life" which of course results into transitions to new homes that are easier for both the cat and the folks who will adopt them.
But what is even more enchanting in this story are the roles that these feline office dwellers play while in residence. One such cat is named ZeldaZelda. Her present job is office receptionist. Her "job" description, beside purring and looking beautiful, includes keeping company for folks working the phones and as the official guest greeter.
There are many pussycat perks that go with this assignment, such as hanging out in the windows for sunbathing, free roaming of the reception area which generally results in lots of lap sitting with concomitant petting. Her predecessor, Princess, the former "ruling queen" of the reception area has been adopted into a forever loving home, where she has traded her office reign for her new role as queen of her permanent castle.
And while the office staff is often sad to lose their kitty co-workers when they are adopted, of course they are at the same time thrilled about it. It really seems that these transitional office homes are a win-win situation for all concerned. I bet that these kitties consider the arrangement to be the "cat's pajamas!"
For folks who reside in the Seattle, Washington area, all of the office cats are available for adoption. For more information, visit the Seattle Humane Society website at: http://www.seattlehumane.org/adopt/pets/cats/all
Can you think of anything more fun and enchanting than spending your work day surrounded by cats? If you do, please let us know by leaving a comment.
Cat Falls 26 Stories and Lives: One "Lucky" Feline
The expression "curiosity killed the cat" thankfully did not prove true in the case of one very curious kitty, a New York City high-rise apartment dweller.
Since the urban legend "Cats have nine lives" continues to persist in spite of scientific evidence to the contrary, happily this three year old cat believed the legend but he definitely used up several of his lives the other day.
Lucky, a grey and white striped male kitty, who resides in an apartment building high above the streets of Manhattan, fell out of the window of his owner's 26th floor apartment. His human "pawrent", Keri Hostetler's window was only open six inches, but this cat on a mission managed to squeeze through the opening in an attempt to perch on the windowsill, perhaps to get a better view of his world.
Across the street, workers were caulking windows on the 30th floor and spotted the cat on the narrow ledge. John Hayes, one of the workers who spied the cat in imminent danger, said, "The cat was on the ledge and we saw it trying to turn a corner. But there was no ledge for him to step on. My partner told me to get my camera, so I did.
Later, in an interview with "Good Morning America, Weekend Edition" Hostetler said, "I came back up from doing laundry and saw that the room where the window was open -- the door was open, I rushed in to the window and saw the window washers kind of waving for me." Since she had been searching the apartment for Lucky and not finding him, she immediately knew just what they were trying to tell her. I can only imagine what terrifying feeling that must have been for her.
Hostetler said, "It was the worst day. If you have children, I imagine that that relationship is somewhat similar for mine for a pet since I don't have kids yet. He's awesome. And he's been with us. He goes with us on trips. He flies to see our families, so it was devastating, at first."
What was even more incredible is that Lucky only suffered minor injuries. After a brief hospitalization, he's safe and sound, back with his loving owner. She hopes that this story serves to warn other high-rise cat owners to be very careful with their cats.
Watch the amazing video of the entire story, uploaded to YouTube by Psam7716.
Do you agree that pets are often named based on their personalities? This kitty's owner must have been psychic. Share your thoughts about this story by leaving a comment.
However, finally through a study of 4, 435 people, followed for ten years, the potential medical benefit of being owned by cats is being actively purrsued. They have so far found that cats apparently are more helpful. They have learned that "People without cats, or who never had cats, had a 40 percent greater risk to die of a heart attack and a 30 percent greater risk to die of any cardiovascular related disease. The study showed no such protective benefits for dog owners"
