http://www.petside.com Blogs about Dogs, Cats and Pets | Petside.com en-us Copyright 2010 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 10:14:48 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification In addition to regular veterinary care, exercise and excellent nutrition, grooming is just another part of essential pet care. Since we are owned by two amazing Oriental Shorthairs, Hubble and Hush Puppy, with their short, close lying coats, if we are not into the shedding season, our grooming sessions basically consist of a few strokes of the Furminator, followed by either running our hands over their coats, or a quick rub down with a dry washcloth to trap any loose hair. It is really a very simple procedure which in fact many pets tremendously enjoy. Some long hair breeds however may require the attention of a professional groomer from time to time. Mats can develop which can be difficult and painful for the pet caretaker to comb through. But are we aware of the full extent of the services that a professional groomer can offer? What I find most fascinating about professional groomers is that through their extensive training is they not only assist with the pet's coat care, and trimming their toenails, but their experienced eyes can detect changes in skin condition and the quality of the hair coat which may reflect an underlying medical problem. They also are alert to the pet's disposition and any behavioral changes and temperament issues which may need further attention. Therefore, professional groomers are really important partners with our veterinarians. There are several conditions which can affect the quality of the pet's hair coat. Poor nutrition, parasites, skin and other allergies, environmental impact and underlying illness can create a lack of a healthy luster and sheen. Often an experienced groomer can determine the causes for a coat that appears unthrifty and dry. In consultation with the pet owner, these possible causes are explored before any solutions are suggested. Additionally, an excellent groomer also knows when veterinary advice is warranted. Most professional groomers have close relationships with veterinarians who make themselves available to render advice when required. Groomers also pay close attention to the condition of the pet's ears. Canines, with their deep ear canals, can readily attract ticks and other parasites. Their ears are prone to becoming dirty and to develop earwax buildup. Although felines have smaller canals, they are equally vulnerable to similar problems. Yeast infestation can be common with cats, as well as ear-mites. Groomers not only thoroughly clean the pet's ears but also can teach owners how to keep their pet's ears free of problems in-between professional visits. Toe nail trimming is another service which groomers provide at the visit. They also can teach owners how to safely trim their pet's nails and how to avoid clipping too closely to the quick which causes pain and bleeding. Our cats actually enjoy nail trimming time, and purr loudly with pleasure while they receive their bi-weekly manicure. Rewarding them with treats following this simple procedure helps to cement our bonds, and also reinforces their excellent behavior. So a visit to a professional groomer is not just a luxurious time at a pet "beauty parlor". It affords the owner an opportunity to become aware of any medical problems and to prevent problems which may be overlooked. Have you used the services of a professional groomer? Share your experiences by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/the-role-of-a-professional-pet.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/the-role-of-a-professional-pet.php Dogs Grooming Veterinary Sat, 20 Mar 2010 10:14:48 -0500 My heart goes out with such deep compassion for all the unwanted, neglected stray dogs, not only in the United States, but around the world. As I read an article in our local newspaper the other day about the thousands of scruffy homeless canines living in Mosquera, Columbia, who are roaming the streets searching for handouts I was crestfallen. The complaints from local residents about these needy canines has once again reached the ears of the town Mayor, Luis Alvaro Rincon, who apparently went ballistic after hearing all the upset these dogs has caused, and angrily, and what I consider to be heartless, spurred on by the loud complaints of a gathering crowd, said, " A street dog is a dead dog." His fists pounding in rage with his verbal volume rising, he continued, "It's an order. Round them up and kill them!" Stray dogs in Mosquera. Credit: Chris Kraul / Los Angeles Times According to the article, the mayor's anger is justified. Apparently this small town, a suburb of Bogota has been for a long time, the dumping ground for dog owners who no longer care about their pets, or have become so financially burdened, that they no longer can afford to house and feed them. There may be up to a total of 30,000 stray dogs when combined with Mosquera, and its two adjoining suburbs, Madrid and Vaca. Mayor Rincon went on to say that he was aware that his words would not be popular with animal rights advocates and environmentalists, but suggested that they come on down and put their money where their mouths are, and each rescue a dog and bring it home. The overpopulation of stray dogs is so enormous, that when driving around the towns, one cannot miss seeing groups of starving dogs walking around foraging for food, and in fact often there appear to be more canines than people roaming the streets. And while Mosquera is one of the fastest growing municipalities with a population of 90,000, the town does not have any Animal Control facility. There is no dog "pound" to help house these strays. With the pressing need of a new hospital, the building of roads and the purchase of uniforms and lunches for the increasing number of poor children, the town considers these items to be a priority over the homeless dog population's needs. And as the stray dog population increases, human health issues arise into a safety crisis. With an increase of 27 percent since 2008, 89 dog bites were reported last year. The City's Health Officer said, "We had more dog bites than measles last year." Fecal dust levels have risen and are alarming to the town's residents. Initially Mayor Rincon's "outburst" created little opposing reaction, but following the release of a video on YouTube of his speech, hundreds of angry phone calls and emails from animal rights groups were arrived at City Hall. An animal activist organizer in Bogota, Albeiro Ulloa, said, "This kind of discourse contributes to disrespect for life in Columbia. Is it that much of a leap from mass murder of animals to that of humans? Last month a march of 300 animal rights defenders bumped heads with a similar group of Rincon's defenders, but eventually tempers cooled and an agreement was made to find a solution to the town's dog population problem. The "capture and kill" order made by the mayor was rescinded and a task force has been formed to raise private money and build a regional dog pound. This panel will additionally change laws to restrict the sale of dogs and enforce vaccination laws. This video uploaded to YouTube by rmudoccenter was shot in Chile where the overpopulation of stray dogs is identical to the Mosquera canines which gives graphically gives viewers what the town faces. What are your thoughts about the stray dog problem? Leave a comment and share them. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/stray-dogs-in-south-america-ca.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/stray-dogs-in-south-america-ca.php Dogs Dogs Health Rescue Safety Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:52:00 -0500 My friends often ask me questions about cats since they know that felines are my passion. So I wasn't surprised to receive an email the other day with the subject line, "What Kind of Cat is this?" Of course I was quite intrigued and eager to check out what I assumed would be an embedded photograph of a rather unusual kitty. But this was not the case. In the email was a link to a video that was so special and compelling that I was deeply moved to share it. I have frequently written about the many endangered species of magnificent animals whose numbers are rapidly declining, due to shrinking habitats caused by the swiftly growing complex agricultural industries which disseminate like weeds around our planet. But as I watched this compelling short film which succinctly and graphically demonstrates how important it is to understand that every living being on Earth is so truly inter-connected, my breath was taken away. I was moved to tears several times as I watched the incredible photography and listened to the impassioned narrator who so poignantly explained the plight of these animals who are, or who will shortly completely disappear from existence. And as I watched in awe, and carefully listened to the narration, I was reminded about how often we take for granted the incredible resources that our living, beautiful blue planet offers us. It is so crucial for us to respect the balance of our all life forms since they are sacred and inter-connected. So it is not just about finding ways to lessen our carbon footprints, global warming and climate change. It is about fully grasping the interconnectedness of all life on earth, from the smallest insect, each and every animal species to the huge and glorious red wood forests. Watch the brilliant nine minute video uploaded to YouTube by NatureOfRealityVids and pause for a moment to reflect upon its message. Please share the video with your family and friends. We all are responsible for becoming more conscious and aware about the future of our planet and the vulnerability of its inhabitants. Photo credits Wikipedia Red-eyed tree frog Hopetoun Falls http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/we-are-all-responsible-for-pre.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/we-are-all-responsible-for-pre.php Dogs Green Video Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:30:27 -0500 Naming a pet is much like naming a child-- It is for me, anyway. I take it super seriously and even created naming criteria: A) The name can't be embarrassing to scream out at the dog park B) It can't be too awkward or goofy that it will scar my pet for life C) It must be unique and capture my pet's personality D) I like people names So, when choosing names for my little bundles of joy, I was very picky. Like our cat, Ralph. When we adopted him from the PSPCA, we left the shelter calling him "Tony". I know, Tony the Tiger? Totally doesn't meet the "unique" requirement, he didn't look like a Tony, and it wasn't a name that captured his essence. So, we figured a new name would come to us once we got him home. And it did. "Tony" moseyed around for a bit and then-- threw up on the floor. He "ralphed". So Tony became Ralph and the name just stuck. Now, Sadie was a different case. When we brought this then petite chocolate lab home, she was just 3-months old. So, we thought ahead. She needed a name which would be "cute" yet authoritative, so when she grew to her full size, the name would still fit the paw. The one loophole in Sadie's naming was my mom was the mastermind behind the naming process. The rest of my family could only vote on her selections. Fine. She came up with some doozies, like Cosmo (that sounded too boyish) Coco (come on...we have to be unique here, people!) Hershey (oh, geez) and Tiffany (what is she, an 80s teen rocker?). That's not to say I don't like these names, but they just didn't seem to mesh with this particular pup. But then, "Sadie" came to her and our ears perked up. That sounded "right". So, we picked Sadie as our winner. The one name, which somehow snuck past my criteria was "Bianca". But, all my sister ever wanted was a dog named Bianca. So, why crush her dreams, right? On first glance, our Wheaten Terrier (or better yet Wheaten Terror) doesn't do the name justice. "Bianca" sounds prissy, pampered, and princess-like. I would expect a "Bianca" to be a fluffy, white fur ball, prancing around the house in a Swarovski crystal collar. But, our Bianca? She's far from girly. Our Bianca is scruffy, has what we like to call "her beard" (the long scruff around her face), rolls in puddles and mud, and has total bed head after a long nap. Still, she is ever-so affectionate, tackles you when you walk through the door, and is a cuddler. These traits seem to work well with the name "Bianca". And it fits. Naming a pet is difficult and we don't always get it right the first time. But, sooner or later, you find a name that's just right. And I'd love to hear your naming stories. How did you name your pets? Do you have criteria? Send an email to stories@petside.com or leave a comment below! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/how-pets-get-their-names.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/how-pets-get-their-names.php Cats Dogs cats dog Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:11:21 -0500 As that universally popular holiday, St. Patrick's Day drew near, I thought it would be interesting to do some extensive research to find accurate information about any historical links between St. Patrick and pets, but sadly to say I came up empty handed. While I was able to retrieve photos and greetings from endless websites which were holding contests for pet owners to enter their most cleverly designed costumes for their pets, which were quite entertaining to visit, as far as anything "meaty" was concerned, I was disappointed not to be able to uncover any fascinating connections between St. Patrick and animals. But nonetheless, how could I permit one of the most celebrated holidays go unmentioned? That just would not be keeping in the spirit of this very happy occasion. Our two cats, Hush Puppy and Hubble frown on dressing up for any holiday event. While it is true that at the beginning of the last football season, Hubble, our white Oriental Shorthair cat who is strongly bonded in a macho fashion with my husband Marty, who is a devoted loyal Giant's fan, actually purrmitted us to photograph him wearing a cap bearing the Giant's logo. But that is as far as it goes. There will be no costuming for our two kitties. We just ain't into it. But I digress. But apparently there are many dogs and cats who enjoy the special attention they receive, and who delight in getting all gussied up for these photo shoots. I imagine that their pawrents take great delight in dressing up their pets for any special occasion, and St. Patrick's Day is certainly one of the top ten events. One of the more fascinating St. Patrick's Day contests in the canine department that I discovered invited dog owners to submit photographic entries of their pets dressed in "appropriate attire" to be judged in a variety of categories. They were: Best "Kiss me I'm Irish", "Hottest Irish Dog Muscle", "Best Irish Whiskey Drinking Dog Attire", "The Toughest Dog" "Dumbest Irish Dog Hat" and to "Die for Rhinestone Irish Dog Collars". You can view some of the winners and catch a glimpse of the costumes which are for sale by visiting the site at: http://www.thepet-boutique.com/st_patricks_day_dog_clothing.htm There were also an abundance of feline photo contests, and several cat blogs devoted to the celebration of St. Patrick's Day. So after all it is highly possible that Marty and I, Hubble and Hush Puppy are in the minority in our opinion. I even found a delightful video uploaded to YouTube by chibudgielvr, whose cat Ranj doesn't mind being dressed up and wishes everyone a very Happy St. Patrick's day. By the way, this video was given the honor of being featured by the Wyllie O Hagan St Patrick's Day Film Festival. So no matter how you celebrate the day, I wish you a very happy one for you and your pets. Are you planning to add a touch of the "green" with your pets? Leave a comment and let us know. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/celebrating-st-patricks-day-wi.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/celebrating-st-patricks-day-wi.php Dogs Holidays Product Reviews Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:15:05 -0500 What can be cuter than doggie siblings cuddled next to each other? Especially when those doggies are a little Lab puppy named Monroe snoozing next to her big Saint Bernard brother Buckeye! We can hear the snores and smell the puppy breath from here! Congratulations Monroe and Buckeye, you are this week's CUDDLE CHAMPIONS! Submitted by: Jennifer Fox Kramer "I think my pups are the CUDDLE CHAMPIONS! This is our 5 month old lab, Monroe with our 2 year old Saint, Buckeye. Monroe loves to cuddle next to her big brother." To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/weekly-cuddle-champion-monroe.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/weekly-cuddle-champion-monroe.php Cuddle Champion cuddle champion cute pet pictures cute puppy Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:51:15 -0500 One of the things I appreciate most about my online animal-loving buddies is how generous they are about sharing pet-related articles of interest. They particularly enjoy items which feature unusual critters and delight in spreading the word about them. So when this fascinating story arrived in my email box the other day, after I picked up chin from off the floor, I thought it worth sharing. I bet that you will get as big a kick out of it as I did. The first word that I associate with Texas is "huge". But not only was I amazed as I read about this unique pet, at first I doubled over with laughter. It appears that a lady in Texas is keeping a gargantuan rodent as a house pet. This oversized rat is named Caplin Rous. He is a Capybara, the largest species of rodent in the world and one that few people know about. Photo credit: Typaldos Just like many other pet companions, Caplin enjoys learning tricks, getting treats and cuddling up in bed with his humans. He also loves to accompany his owner, Melanie Typaldos to the local pet store. In sharing about Caplin, (whose second name is Rous- an acronym for "Rodent of Unusual Size", Melanie said, "People hear the word rodent and they think it's some kind of a dirty word. But many of them are very smart, clean, loving animals". This said, she doesn't recommend that the Capybara is a pet for just anyone. In public, Caplin is generally a "perfect gentleman" and a very loyal pet; but at home he can be very territorial. If he doesn't take a liking to a visitor he is apt to bite. And since he enjoys munching on grass all day, he must have a large grazing area. As a semi-aquatic animal he also requires an environment where he can be near water. However, Melanie and her husband provide the ideal home for their 100 pound rodent resident, since they have acres of open spaces of pesticide free grassy plants surrounding their home in rural Buda, Texas. They have both an outdoor pool for him in which to swim, and an oversized tub for him indoors. This rodent absolutely lives the life of luxury. And when Caplin is not enjoying a dip in the pool, or enjoying a meal, he loves to follow his humans around the house, much like a typical dog or cat. When they are separated, Caplin will often make his displeasure known by making an "eep" sound, to let them know he misses them. Melanie said, "He's very needy but I love him to death. He's very affectionate. He loves to lick my face and forehead and just follow me around everywhere." Oh and yes . . . in case you were wondering Caplin is thoroughly housebroken, using an oversized water bowl kept in their bedroom. Due to her affection and love for their robust rodent, Melanie has made Caplin an "ambassador" for the species. She often takes him for visits to local schools for wildlife talks and visits pet friendly stores to show him off. Speaking about the crowds that gather, Melanie said, "Mostly people are just stunned and amazed. People literally stop their cars in the street and want to take a picture with him ...When we're in public he will tolerate anything. Sometimes kids will surround him to the point that he can hardly move and he's completely calm." Since Melanie is a full time software engineer, she has her hands full managing her time. But as her mission, a labor of love is to educate folks around the world about the Capybaras, with little information online she has created a Facebook account, a Twitter account @CaplinRous, and of course the internet savvy Caplin has created his own blog gianthamster.com. Melanie added, "He's so smart and I absolutely just love him. Being with him is just a lot of fun." Does the thought of being owned by a Capybaras appeal to you? Leave a comment and let us know. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/introducing-caplin-the-worlds.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/introducing-caplin-the-worlds.php Dogs pets Stories World Records Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:32:40 -0500 Last week you learned how you could help feral cats in Brooklyn, NY by purchasing a fashionable tee. This week you can help Small Paws Rescue in a big way. Romeo the Cat is collecting donations for the Bichon rescue in its first ever Bichon Bash for Bailey. Bailey was a courageous Bichon Frise that lost her valiant fight with cancer. She touched the hearts of blog readers and taught them just how strong those little bundles of fur can be. Romeo the Cat chose Small Paws as this month's featured rescue due to its efforts to save, place, and care for Bichons nationwide. The non-profit has rescued more than 7,500 Bichons in 11 years from animal shelters, puppy mills, and surrenders. "Romeo" put together this video to kick off the Bichon Bash. Enjoy! And remember, no donation is too small. Just $1 makes a difference. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/join-the-bichon-bash.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/join-the-bichon-bash.php Dogs Charity dog Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:51:41 -0500 It is completely mind boggling for me to try to understand why there are still some folk who continue to believe that cats and dogs can never get along and in fact to even become close buddies. I just cannot imagine why they feel this way, and I love stories like this that dispel that myth. So this little tale about a dog named Chloe, a canine stereotype-breaking ambassador who became a hero in the eyes of one very lucky Siamese cat will perhaps change the minds of folks who doubt that dogs and cats can and do become inseparable buddies. Chloe (Photo Credit: Care2) It seems that when Amanda and Ron Bjelland, owned by a dog named Chloe, and Willow, a Siamese cat were out on their daily stroll to pick up their morning newspaper, the events which followed their daily routine were destined to become far from ordinary. When the couple returned to their house, Chloe followed them in. Willow, a typically inquisitive feline, remained outside, exploring their backyard. About five minutes later, following their return to the house, Chloe began barking and crying at the glass door which led to their backyard. So when Chloe's barking and crying continued, in spite of her being let outdoors, Ron became somewhat concerned and compelled to check it out. He followed Chloe out to the family's koi pond where he quickly discovered that Willow had fallen through a hole in the ice-covered water. The frightened and freezing feline was desperately struggling to liberate herself from the piercing sharp frigid water. The Bjellands think that Willow may have been imprisoned for almost twenty minutes in the icy pond. Ron immediately rescued the trembling kitty, rushing her indoors to warm her. Of course, Chloe, her heroic canine companion received a reward of a juicy bone for her watchfulness. And as a result of this near-tragedy, it appears that Chloe and Willow have deepened their friendship. According to their owners, even though they ate and slept together, following the incident they seem to have formed an extra special close bond. Of course this story does prove that many canines and felines are capable of very deep friendships. But what I wonder about is if this kitty feels some kind of gratitude toward Chloe, her canine companion. Do you think that animals are capable of this type of emotion? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/loyal-canine-rescues-drowning.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/loyal-canine-rescues-drowning.php Dogs Cats Dogs Rescue Stories Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:40:21 -0500 I have always suspected that my dad's side of the family carries a dominant cat-loving gene. From all the information I have gathered over the years, I discovered that most of my relatives on his side of family are avid feline lovers, who are deeply devoted to their cats. But there is a downside that is related to our passion about which cat lovers are aware. When a beloved cat becomes ill or goes missing, we feel a depth of concern and sorrow which runs equally deep. So when I received a very distressing email from my cousin Judy several weeks ago in which she told me about the tragedy of her house fire, my heart strongly went out to her. I felt compelled to share the story about the fire and Shakti, my cousin's cat, who was named for the Hindu goddess who represents a powerful female principle. Photo courtesy of Cousin Judy An eleven year-old cat, Shakti was an indoor-outdoor kitty since she was adopted as a kitten from a farm stand near my cousin's summer home. A beautiful little kitty with a very short tail, my cousin immediately fell in love with her. After passing the farm owner's interview, the kitten was hers. Once settled in at home, Shakti had free access to their enclosed back yard through a cat-door. She enjoyed basking in the sun and romping through the grass. In retrospect, perhaps her safe outdoor experience helped to save her life. Last month on a freezing cold night my cousin's home was suddenly destroyed by a fire. My cousin and her husband had friends that opened their home to them but their beloved cat, Shakti was nowhere to be found. As soon as the fire broke out, the smell of the smoke and the confusion and noise of the firefighters frightened her into hiding. My cousin wrote," It was very cold outside. Once the fire was out it was getting dark and we had no hope of finding her. The firefighters, aware of our concern, told us that cats are resilient and survivors and reassured us that we would find her." The friends that took them in lived across town. My cousin's home was empty and boarded up. Their neighbors offered to look out for Shakti, and about two days after the fire they saw her and tried to approach her, but Shakti was much too frightened to let anyone near. My cousin turned to her town's extraordinary Animal Control center. They loaned her a huge cat trap with instructions to place something familiar inside it which would attract Shakti. They placed the trap, filling it with clothing impregnated with her scent. Her neighbors baited the trap with food each night and checked it every morning. But as the days went by with reports, "Sorry, no cat" messages, hope for reuniting was quickly diminishing. A kind worker at Animal Control reiterated, "Don't worry! Cats are resilient. Cats are survivors. It's tough love. When she gets hungry enough she'll go into the trap." And, incredibly, on day 16 after the fire, they received a very welcome early morning call from their neighbor."There's a cat in the trap!" Grabbing a cab and rushing over to the blackened house, there was Shakti meowing fiercely, saying, "What the hell is going on here?" Shakti was whisked back to their temporary home and upon her release from the trap, she began purring wildly, rubbing up against them with body language that could only be translated as sheer joy at being reunited with her family. She found a closet in which she felt safe and occupied it for several days. In a follow up email my cousin wrote, "Everything they say about resilience in cats is true. With lots of love and feeding and petting, she's recovered from her PTSD. She's come out of her closet and taken over a comfortable chair in the living room, where she can see what's going on. She's filling out and her coat is looking much better. In our present apartment she can't go out, but she doesn't seem to mind being an indoor cat now. " One of my cousin's friends, an expert in Hindu mythology commented that brave Shakti has lived up to her name. Shakti's story may give some credence to another myth that "cats have nine lives". Of course they have just one. What do you think? Share your opinion in a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/shakti-the-cat-that-lived-up-t.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/shakti-the-cat-that-lived-up-t.php Cats cats Safety survival Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:31:49 -0500 It's a phrase no woman wants to hear: "You look fat." It's a heartbreaking observation when coming from anyone, but I think it hurts most coming from the vet. The vet told me I'm fat during my last appointment with my ever-so gorgeous chocolate lab, Sadie. She took one look at us, put a hand on Sadie's bulky hip and said, "She's a bit overweight and could stand to lose 10 pounds." Gasp! I almost fainted right then and there. Because-lady-when you call her fat, you're calling me, and my family for that matter, hefty, too. A Dutch study linked overweight dogs with overweight owners. This link was not found, however, in cats. So, does this mean in a few years, I would be overweight, too? Or do these jeans just really make me look pudgy? I couldn't help but take it personally. Sadie is my responsibility. Everything from her figure to her shiny coat to her pearly whites are up to me as an owner to primp and polish. I'm obviously not doing a very good job. I am defeated. I can't help but feel like our pets are representations of ourselves. We are so similar in many ways. Sadie is always searching for snacks and begging for treats, I'm always scouring the kitchen for free food at work. Sadie is always munching on something--whether it be a bone or toy, I'm chomping on gum or nearby pen cap. We somehow end up with reciprocal habits. So, when the vet mentioned what I had long tried to ignore, I felt my thighs grow at least 3 inches. My current 5'2'' 120lb frame felt like it morphed into blobby Grimace from McDonald's. I started panicking. I thought curves were in! "Maybe I can stuff her into a doggie corset. That'll suck her in! No, no, they only fit up to 32lbs." "Maybe a pair of Spanx will fit her. If they make Snuggies for dogs, they'll surely make Spanx. No?" "A cinched belt at her waistline?" There is no avoiding it. It's time for a serious change. It's time for a diet. No more trips to Dunkin' Donuts with grandpa (Yes, my dad takes her to DD and they share bagels. So bad.). Despite the bonding and affection she shows when sharing scraps from the dinner table, her health is much more important. Obesity is extremely common, affecting 20 to 40 percent of dogs in the U.S. While Sadie is not obese, I would never want her to suffer from arthritis or respiratory problems, common among overweight dogs. So, we're taking the right steps and I will document Sadie's weightloss journey for you, here on the Petside blog. We all need a support group, right? The two main changes made to Sadie's lifestyle thus far: -No More Table Food. "Sharing food with Sadie isn't going to make her love you any more than she already does." That's what I keep telling myself and my family. So now, she only gets some carrots as treats. This has been a bit challenging, but she's making great progress. -Increase in Exercise A fence is being installed next week. Not only will she get her daily walks, but she'll also get to run her brains out chasing squirrels, rabbits, and well, getting into a ton of mischief. I will keep you posted on her weight loss. But, if you have a pet weight loss story you would like to share, or you would like to start your dog on a diet, send in a photo of your pooch and share your story at stories@petside.com. I'd love to post your dieting "tails" to this blog. :) Happy dieting! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/youre-fat-vet-hits-me-with-har.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/youre-fat-vet-hits-me-with-har.php Dogs dog labrador retriever Weight Loss Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:50:27 -0500 In my over forty years of being owned by felines, I have not yet had the pleasure of the company of any cat who enjoyed traveling. Although I have several friends who extol the joys of taking fun and exciting trips with their cats, so far all of ours have been home bodies. In fact, as you may recall, when my husband and I moved to Florida from New York, while I flew down ahead of him with Mousie Tongue, our Siamese, he had the dubious delight of driving down with our other two cats for the 1200 mile trip. They serenaded him with operatic arias that totally exceeded the atonal compositions rivaling that well known modern composer, Alvin Berg. These mewsical songs almost drove him crazy. For those of you who are familiar with the Oriental breeds, and their cacophonous voices, I am sure you must be totally sympathetic with him. So I don't understand why Hush Puppy, our lilac point Oriental Shorthair is so obsessed with my power wheel chair. There is nothing under the sun that he seems to enjoy more than riding around the house on my shoulder, or perched on one of the arm rests as I ride through the house. Even more amazing is that he appears to be fixated on having to coil his entire body around my neck while we are seated at the dining table. It matters not if we are eating, just talking or working on crossword puzzles. Once I am in my chair at the table, he jumps on my shoulder resting his body around my shoulders. Oh well, it is a very pleasant "fur piece" that warms me in chilly weather. His purrs are so incredibly loud that they actually mimic the racket made by the diesel engine in our new R.V. All I can do is hope that when we have patiently and thoroughly introduced him to what I often refer to as the "monster in our driveway", and he gets his "sea legs," that he will be entranced by the sound of the engine and relax as we journey to visit friends around the country. My husband and I have been doing a lot of research about traveling in an R.V. with cats. Many folks have left supportive posts on the many message boards we frequent, about their enjoyment and the fun they have with their cats accompanying them on their trips. We have all the information we need about how to secure the inside of the vehicle to keep them safe, but I remain somewhat concerned about potential feline escapes. But the thought of a 3, 000 mile journey with two cats constantly exercising their vocal cords is mind-blowing. Of course I will keep you all updated once we set off on our trip and write about our adventures. I do hope that the R.V. will be as magnetically attractive to Hush Puppy as is my power chair. Do your cats enjoy traveling? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/the-cat-who-owns-an-rv-luxurio.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/the-cat-who-owns-an-rv-luxurio.php Cats cats Oriental Siamese Travel Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:18:56 -0500 I always thought that taking one's dog out for a delightful leisurely long walk provided many health benefits for both people and their pooches. Years ago when I personally had the pleasure of dog sitting for Sabina, a magnificent female Great Dane, each afternoon I would dash home from work looking forward to our romp in the great outdoors. I must add that I never figured out which one of us more thoroughly enjoyed our sojourn. All I know is that it was extremely gratifying for me strolling through the woods accompanied by my good friend. Tom Hank's character in the 1989 film Turner & Hooch. Photo via OverOll.com So you can imagine my shock and chagrin when I ran across an article about a 23 year-old English dog-owner who was fined and banned from driving for six months. His crime? He was arrested for walking his dog while seated in his car, with his dog trotting alongside his vehicle. Now this is in my opinion not only dangerous and bordering on cruelty to animals, but the height of laziness. For shame! Paul Ralton pleaded guilty on March 1, 2010 to "not being in proper control of a vehicle". Paul Donoghue, Mr. Ralton's attorney said that Ralton acknowledged, "It was a silly thing to do and there was an element of laziness." Element? I wonder what Mr. Ralton would really consider "laziness." British newspaper quoted Mr. Donoghue as saying that his client, Mr. Ralston, "does not usually drive in such a manner." According to prosecutors, Mr. Ralton was sighted driving slowly along a country lane last December, 2009, with the dog's leash hanging out the car window while his dog walked alongside the automobile. Magistrates in Consett, Northeast England ordered Ralton to fork over a 66 pound fine, (about $100.00) plus court costs. He additionally received three penalty points on his license. Due to his already existing points he is banned from driving his car for six months. Paul Ralton Photo via OverOll.com According to the British Newspaper, "The Sun", following his hearing, Ralton said, "It is a joke. I'm not bothered. I knew I would get three points. I might have saved myself some money not having a car." What I also dearly wonder about is what his dog was thinking as he viewed Mr. Ralton sitting inside his automobile while he was running alongside it. But of course anything I come up with would be pure speculation. Whether or not you are a dog lover, I am highly interested in hearing your reactions to this story. Leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/lazy-dog-owner-arrested-for-wa-1.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/lazy-dog-owner-arrested-for-wa-1.php Dogs Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:09:37 -0500 This cute Papillon looks so comfortable snuggled with the blanket! Congrats on being Cuddle Champ! Submitted by: Leesa "I think my pet is the cuddle champion!! This is my dog, Gizmo, a 2 year old Papillon with a heart of pure gold. He'd cuddle on your lap and give you kisses for hours. He has a forever puppy heart. =]" To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/weekly-cuddle-champion-gizmo-t.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/weekly-cuddle-champion-gizmo-t.php Cuddle Champion cuddle champion cute puppy Papillon Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:16:58 -0500 I've checked it out and I'm lovin' it. This Check MEOWT tee is not only adorable and has to find its way into my wardrobe ASAP, but it's also for a good cause. The trendy shirt was designed by Feral For Life, an organization which supports the efforts of Brooklyn, NY's independent cat rescuers. Proceeds from the shirts are used to purchase food and other necessities for adoptable strays, as well as to buy feed for feral cat colonies in Brooklyn. Now, I don't live, work, or well, ever venture into Brooklyn, but I find the hard work of colony caretakers too hard to ignore. Feral cats live difficult lives in sometime harsh environments. If they survive kitten years, most feral cats only live until about 2-years-old. There are about 90 million feral cats in the U.S. battling weather extremes, starvation and disease. But, if lucky enough to find a colony with a designated caretaker, a feral cat can live a better life. Caretakers provide food, water, medical care and spay/neuter services to the cats, which greatly improves their lives and chances for survival. Each shirt costs $25. Or you can purchase the playful bumper sticker below for $2.50. They're both certainly worth the price. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/check-meowt-cute-tee-for-great.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/check-meowt-cute-tee-for-great.php Cats Charity Donate Feral Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:58:06 -0500 It is no secret to anyone that knows me that I am addicted to the Internet. One of the things that continue to fascinate and intrigue me is the wide variety of diverse support groups that are available to folks in need of help with just a mouse-click. Sondra, one of the people I met through this support group became a dear friend. While we have never yet met in real life, her counsel and loving support meant so much to me. I was thrilled when I learned that she started a second career as a veterinary technician. I think the clinic for which she is working is very fortunate to have her on their staff as she deeply loves and strongly relates to animals. Recently Sondra sent me an email about Molly, a longhair black Dachshund who is one of their special canine patients. She attached an article from her local newspaper which was quite exciting. I could not resist researching more about this very courageous little dog. Molly Sondra wrote that she was one of the technicians who have been helping care for Molly after back surgery last October, when Molly was not able to bear any weight on her back legs. She wrote, "Molly is one of the most endearing and brave little dogs with a very happy personality. Thank goodness her owners were able to do this for her. This is just one of the things that make my job so rewarding." Apparently six year-old Molly is quite an online celebrity. Referred to as the "wander dog" in many featured articles about her posted on the internet, Molly and her owners, Kathy and Johnny Mattox of the Brices Creek area in Craven County, S.C., have had the joy of sharing their home with Molly since she was six weeks old. Kathy was alarmed when she observed Molly was having difficulty walking and was not able to manage the stairs in their two story home. Examined the next day at the Veterinary Specialist Hospital, the CT scan showed a ruptured disc in her back, which was causing her inability to use her hind legs. Even with surgery, the doctors could not assure Kathy that Molly would ever be able to walk again. Even without that guarantee, Kathy decided to allow Molly to undergo the surgery, and the $3,000 surgery was considered a success. Even though Molly cannot walk unassisted, she now uses a wheeled cart. Kathy said, "Molly's vets at the Craven Animal Hospital who treat her, told me about the cart, "which Kathy purchased online for $400. Although Molly's two hind legs remain paralyzed, she is able to move almost normally with the assistance of her cart. Kathy said, "She always uses the cart outside . . . she likes to chase squirrels and rabbits." Molly also enjoys playing catch with her rubber ball. The Mattoxes must express Molly's bladder and anus to aid in her elimination due to her hind-end paralysis. She also is enrolled in Day Care at the Craven Animal Hospital since Kathy and John both work. While she could remain at home, Kathy feels more secure knowing that she is supervised. Molly has come out of her shell after her surgery although she was once a shy and timid little dog. Kathy plans to enroll Molly in a training program to be certified as a therapy dog to inspire people who are disabled. Kathy said, "I want people to benefit from her misfortune. Then they can see her get around and if she can help them that would be a good thing." So it also appears that Molly has a blossoming second career herself which she blends seamlessly with her primary job of sharing love and devotion by a very courageous family. It really is "ability that counts" for both humans and animals, don't you agree? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/molly-the-little-dog-with-huge.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/molly-the-little-dog-with-huge.php Dogs Dogs Special Needs Stories Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:00:48 -0500 I have exciting news for animal lovers in Massachusetts. On March 3, 2010, the House voted 150-1 to ban the devocalization of dogs! The Bay State has taken on this pioneering step to ensure this vitally important and necessary protection of canines. The bill was authored by Rep. Lida Harkins, D-Needham, and co-sponsored by Rep. Bill Bowles, D-Attleboro. Bowles said, "I think basically it is a cruel and barbaric practice." This cruel and unnecessary procedure, along with tail docking and feline declawing, has already been humanely banned throughout the United Kingdom. But, sadly to say I was unable to find any other state in this country that has either passed or that has pending legislation to ban this senseless and dangerous surgery. In fact, California, New Jersey and Ohio have already attempted to broadly ban the procedure without any success. Fortunately the amendments posed by the Massachusetts' Veterinary Association that would have permitted the continuation of the cruel practice of the "cosmetic only procedure" debarking surgery were defeated by the Massachusetts's heroic state legislators. Of course the opponents to the final passage of the bill will be working harder than ever to prevent it from passing. They "erroneously" state that banning the surgery will only result in canine abandonment and an increase of dogs surrendered to shelters. There is no evidence to support this view. With the exception of any serious medical condition, such as throat cancer, the bill bans debarking surgery, which consists of cutting or surgically altering the vocal cords This is done to lessen noise, and to prevent dogs from barking altogether. The surgery is by no means benign. Serious side-effects can result which causes dogs to gasp for breath and to have difficulty eating due to the scar tissue which often forms as a result of the procedure. Serious infections can also occur post surgery. Through their tireless efforts, the unfunded grassroots activists pulled the victory off, much to the surprise of the advocates of debarking surgery, who will no doubt double their efforts to either ban the bill or water it down substantially. Incredibly there are many breeders as well who will also no doubt join the protestors, since they routinely de-bark their breeding stock to prevent neighbors from complaining about excessive noise. Incredibly, some breeders actually perform the surgery themselves. State Rep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera felt so strongly about the need for this bill to pass that she brought her own pet Terrier, Liam, to the proceedings. She told her colleagues that the practice of "devocalization" should be outlawed, as it is inhumane. Here is an excerpt from her speech on the House Floor: "(My dogs) are members of my family. They may not be search dogs who find people...or assistance dogs working with children. But they are special to me. (Devocalization) involves monetary profit, not love of animals. (It) is inhumane and must be stopped. Most people who devocalize their dogs don't take the time and training. Little dogs have a tendency to yelp, it's their only defense. I brought my friend who has sat here for the last 40 minutes and not said a word. He gets love and humane treatment from my family. Please accept this bill as written." And now the bill now heads to the Senate. Massachusetts residents can help by immediately demonstrating support by contacting their representatives. Call, email, or better yet, send a hard-copy letter thanking them for supporting H344. Urge your State (Beacon Hill) Rep and Senator to pass House Bill 344. To find your legislators, phone 1-800-462-8683 If this bill passes in Massachusetts, perhaps other states will follow suit and this barbaric surgery will be banned nationally. Watch the compelling video uploaded to YouTube by enlightenmt1 to learn more about the horrors of de-barking surgery. What are your thoughts about de-vocalizing dogs? Leave a comment and share. Photo Credit: Mixed Breed Dog: Wikipedia http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/pioneer-state-massachussetts-h.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/pioneer-state-massachussetts-h.php Dogs Cruelty Dogs Law Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:22:55 -0500 There are no words to describe this video. It's just super adorable and I had to share!! Watch this pup have a friendly brawl with a trampoline-- looks like the trampoline won. Trampoline Dog - watch more funny videos http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/dog-vs-trampoline.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/dog-vs-trampoline.php Dogs Dog Sports dogs Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:09:10 -0500 I recently ran across some feline-related "words of wisdom," obviously written by a true cat lover which caught my eye, instantly perked my interest, and got me to do some serious thinking. She wrote, "If I saw a cat owner punishing their cat to try and stop the cat doing something that they didn't like, who should I decide deserves to be punished? The person or the cat?" Since a simple definition of the word "punishment" is "A penalty imposed for wrongdoing", we have to carefully compare the thought processes of felines with their human companions. Obviously cats don't think along the same lines as we humans. For a couple of examples: When some folks catch a cat in the act of scratching their furniture, some may consider this to be a heinous crime. A cat pouncing onto a kitchen countertop or dining room table may be considered by some humans to be an almost equally distressing infraction. When a kitty becomes fascinated with an object which is considered, "off limits" and start playing with it, some people go ballistic. With a swift knee-jerk reaction they immediately, in a loud and raucous tone start yelling at the cat, squirting kitty with a water gun or begin to shower them with nasty smelling liquids. They may slap them, rap them on their sensitive noses or poke them, or even worse, banish them to a room. Of course the "poorly behaved" cat has absolutely no idea that a transgression has been made, as it is only exhibiting natural feline behaviors. Some fabric textures are so appealing and attractive and "altitude" is everything, so when their human starts punishing their cats for normal feline behavior, the cat gets very confused and distressed. So we might ask ourselves the question, "is punishing a cat appropriate at all in the first place?" Personally I find no value in punishment at all, since cats do not respond to negative reinforcement as a training method. The word "discipline" is definitely an oxymoron in the feline vocabulary. In fact there are many effective and pleasant methods which can be used in training a cat. Since cats are highly intelligent and sensitive, they quickly learn and respond to positive reinforcement. Rather than teaching a cat to associate a natural behavioral trait which is considered unacceptable with something unpleasant, why not reward kitty for behaving in an acceptable manner. For example: Providing a cat with an appropriate scratching post, covered with a rough textured fabric and is at least three feet in height so they can fully stretch their muscles and clean their nail sheaths is easily substituted for the couch. When kitty uses the scratching post, immediately reward them with a treat and lots of praise. Distracting a cat with a toy when it is exhibiting unwanted behavior is a very effective training method. Cats do learn rather quickly that they receive affection and play time with these types of positive reinforcement. Of course to be a true cat lover rather than just a cat owner, just accepting some behaviors and working around them is the highest form of acceptance. Establishing a true partnership with a feline pays off untold dividends in establishing a close and working relationship. Using punishment as a training method will only result in creating a fearful, mistrusting, stressed out and unhappy kitty. Positive reinforcement and accepting interactions will, on the other hand, highly enhance the experience and delight of being owned by a cat. What training methods have you used that have been effective? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/is-punishing-a-cat-effective.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/is-punishing-a-cat-effective.php Dogs Behavior Cats Scratching Training Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:48:11 -0500 With the 2010 Iditarod this coming weekend, what better way to lead up to the event than with a man sled race in Alaska? Yes. I said "man sled". For the very first time, sled dogs got to sit in the musher's seat and steer four teams of men and women over 75 yards of frozen terrain. Ah, a Husky's moment of glory. The event, sponsored by Snausages, and the hilarity was all in good fun and for charity (even better). Snausages rewarded the teams with monetary donations to charities of their choice. The winning team won $5,000 for Second Chance League. The organization works to find good homes for former sled dogs currently in animal shelters. The remaining three teams each won $1,000 for the Alaska SPCA, Friends of Pets, and the Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue. And since the race wasn't covered on ESPN, Petside pulled some strings to get you the video. Enjoy! (I know I did.) http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/video-sled-dogs-take-reins-in.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/video-sled-dogs-take-reins-in.php Dogs Charity Dog Sports Rescue Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:27:54 -0500 While the big wild cats should not ever be considered as appropriate house pets, in my opinion, the Leopard, a magnificent and mystical big cat, is one of the most strikingly beautiful creatures in the feline species. Their appearance is so compelling to cat lovers that many domestic cat breeders have devotedly worked to bring a "bit of the wild" into our homes in the form of the Bengal cat. The Clouded Bengal permits passionate cat lovers to share their hearts and homes with a domestic cat that so closely resembles the wild leopard. Visit http://www.bengal-cat.net/index.htm to read more about this stunning breed. And while Bengals are becoming more and more popular with feline devotees, the leopard is rapidly becoming an endangered species in India, with their rapidly disappearing habitat. This sad situation breaks my heart. The Leopard thrived beautifully in the areas surrounding Maharashtra and Mumbai for eons but with the development of domestic farming, the scrub jungle environment has been severely threatened during the last decade. When the Government began providing financial incentives to farmers by encouraging them to grow sugar cane, the formerly established working balance between farmers and these gorgeous cats changed drastically. With the destruction of the forests in which the Leopard prospered to make way for sugar cane crops, the leopard was deprived of the ability to forage for the small game that lived in these forests. In order to survive, they had no option but to make their homes in the abundant sugar cane fields. Female leopards were forced to give birth to their young in these sugar cane fields to protect their cubs from other predators. Unfortunately these births concurred with the sugar cane harvesting season resulting in protective mother leopards often attacking farmers approaching their cubs. This caused public outcry. Additionally as the population of the wild prey became scarcer, the leopards had little choice but to adapt to these changes by beginning to hunt goat and cattle, the domestic livestock in the area, and even killing local village dogs. Of course, with their natural habitat disappearing rapidly, they were now living in closer proximity to the local rural farmers who considered them a danger to their livestock, and to their own personal safety. In response to the local farmers' fear, the Forest Department set traps to remove the leopards. While some of the animals were released into the wild, many unfortunate females with a history of attack on humans could not be released and were often confined in small cages no bigger than a small dining room table, in a rescue facility set up by the Forest Department. Only a handful of these Leopards had access to outdoor runs. In 2007, in response to this dilemma Wildlife SOS was invited to partner with the Government to expand and improve the Forest Department's Leopard rescue Center in order to specifically address the special needs of these Leopards. At the same time, Wildlife SOS now provides education about Leopards to the sugar cane farmers and the local people living in the area. If you wish to get involved to help these endangered felines visit the Wildlife SOS website at http://www.wildlifesos.org/rescue to learn more about their organization. You can also donate to help them meet their goal "to help the people to co-exist with leopards with increased tolerance, instead of fearing them". What are your thoughts about preserving our precious wildlife? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/the-disappearing-indian-leopar.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/the-disappearing-indian-leopar.php Dogs Cats Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:44:19 -0500 "How do I train my kitten to use the litter box?",is one of the most frequently asked questions posed on Internet Feline Forums, primarily by new cat owners, or folks who have become frustrated with their kitty's sudden inappropriate elimination problems. In fact, cats that have stopped using their litter boxes are responsible for the majority of cats surrendered to animal shelters. I never gave training a cat to use a litter box much thought, since most cats already possess a natural instinct to eliminate in soil or sand. In fact, in the over 40 years that I have been owned by cats, inappropriate elimination only became an issue when the cat that was soiling outside the box cat was ill or overly emotionally distressed. "Training" a kitten or cat to use the litter box is not in the same category as housebreaking a puppy. Of primary importance to ensure that your kitty uses the litter box is to make sure that your kitten or cat is thoroughly familiar with their "toilet" location, especially if this is a kitten new to the household. Just put the kitten into the litter box. Most of the time this is all that is needed, but there are those times that a young kitten may not be able to get to the litter box in time, so it is wise to provide a second litter box in a more convenient location. In fact, the rule of thumb for cats and litter boxes is one box per cat, plus one. Keep the boxes in a quiet area of the house, but sufficiently available for ease of use. It is generally not appropriate to place a litter box downstairs in the cellar, or in a remote laundry room. Sometimes it is necessary to change the location of a litter box, so it is crucial that your kitty is aware of where the box has been relocated. Most cats do catch on very quickly, which usually will stave off any accidents from occurring. This said, in case there is an accident, it is important never to punish or scold the cat for their mistake. Would you believe that there are still some people who mistakenly insist that "pushing their cat's nose" into its "business" and yelling loudly, or even using a squirt bottle, will lead to a positive result? In fact, these actions only confuse and frighten the cat who has no idea why their person is upset. This type of "training" can only lead to further "accidents" because the cat is now completely confused and upset. Cats do have litter preferences. Some cats prefer sand or garden soil, or wood shavings. But in my experience, a clumping fragrant-free dustless litter is very popular with our guys. Cats really detest scented litter, even though the manufactures of these brand sings their praises. Litter boxes come in many shapes and sizes. I suggest that you experiment with a variety of boxes to observe your kitten's preference. We use high sided covered boxes made by Clevercat.com, with great results. The top is optional, but if you happen to have a "macho" kitty who enjoys "standing up to pee, urine splashes outside the box will never present a problem. Once your kitten or cat is regularly using the litter box if all of a sudden inappropriate elimination occurs, please check with your veterinarian right away. Urinary tract infections, bladder or kidney stones, or emotional stress are all common symptoms that something is amiss. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is required under these circumstances. For additional information, visit: http://www.helium.com/items/1549776-why-cats-start-eliminating-outside-the-litterbox Some cats do enjoy automatic litter boxes. Watch this informative YouTube video: The Importance of Cat Litter Box Placement Please leave a comment and share your experiences with litter box training. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/litter-box-training-is-it-nece.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/litter-box-training-is-it-nece.php Dogs Behavior Cats Litter Training Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:57:28 -0500 This kitten had the entire Petside Team laughing out loud! Congrats on being Cuddle Champ this week! Submitted by: Michael "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION! This is our cat Velco who got his name because he used to hang onto our pant legs like velcro. He is loveable and loves to cuddle up in our laps." To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/weekly-cuddle-champion-velco-t.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/weekly-cuddle-champion-velco-t.php Cuddle Champion cats cuddle champion Funny Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:44:57 -0500 When it comes to safety, you can never be too prepared. As pet owners we all strive to keep our pets happy and healthy. We look at our homes as a safe haven for pets. Nothing could possibly hurt them while they are lounging out on a doggie bed with a good chew toy, right? Well, not exactly. I know I am neurotic when it comes to my pets and their safety. I admit I take things completely overboard. But, I don't know what I would do if something horrible happened to them--especially if it could have been prevented by increased diligence on my part. I worry about the household cleaners under my sink so I stack them out of reach. I check to make sure all of their caps and lids are on tight. I tie up all mini-blind chords before I leave the house each day. I ensure no floss, bobby pins, safety pins, price tags or other potential choke-ables are on top of the trash. I wash my hands at least twice before giving Ralph his asthma medication... You get the picture. But, that's not to say I'm the perfect pet parent either. I let Ralph jump on top of the fridge and explore. Sadie used to eat grapes (along with a ton of other not-so-healthy foods for dogs). Bianca is always running around with a bone in her mouth that's a total choke hazard. But, pets are like kids! It's just so hard to keep an eye on them at all times. They really do get into a ton of mischief. Like one couple's dog in "Vetting: The Making of a Veterinarian" by Dr. Peter Freyburger. The adventurous pup ate a pair of ladies lingerie and ended up having surgery to remove it (turns out, it wasn't his owner's panties--the husband was having an affair! Gasp!) But I digress... Really, all we can do as pet parents, in my opinion, is educate ourselves to the fullest and just try to apply that knowledge as best we can. So to start, it's important to know what's potentially harmful to your pets in your own home. The ASPCA recently released a list of the top 10 pet poisons. Of course, household cleaners were on the list, as well as gardening chemicals (important for your outdoor pets since spring is just around the corner). But, here are the top three poisons to keep your eye on: Human Medications: The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center fielded more than 45,000 calls last year regarding incidents with pets ingesting cold medications, anti-depressants, dietary supplement, etc. Our furry friends find them in drawers, find pills dropped on the floor and just lap them up. So, it's important to store all medication out of reach and make sure you don't leave any lying around. Insecticides: We try our best to protect our pets from fleas and ticks, which is great. But, many people administer flea and tick medications to the wrong species, according to the ASPCA. It's important to consult your veterinarian prior to giving your pets flea and tick treatments. People Food: What we wouldn't expect to be classified as a poison is on the list-- people food. Grapes, raisins, avocado, and chocolate for example can cause vomiting and diarrhea in pets. So, don't go on feeding Fido that guacamole or chocolate cake. Reward him with a friendly doggie or kitty treat instead. All we can do is educate ourselves and be as diligent as possible in providing a safe environment for our pets. So, check out Petside.com's All About Toxins page for detailed info on how to protect your pets (and I will try to tone down my neuroses in the meantime). http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/pet-dangers-lurk-inside-your-h.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/pet-dangers-lurk-inside-your-h.php Cats Dogs Cat dog Safety Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:21:47 -0500 In the olden days of yore in the Wild West, stealing a horse was considered a capital offense, and even today, in some states it still to be an ancient law remaining on the books. Of course it is highly unlikely that someone would be executed for this dastardly crime, nevertheless it is still a serious offense. But what do you think about the act of "dog or cat-napping?" Isn't that as heinous a crime? Family pets are precious to their owners and I feel very strongly about anyone who would stoop as low as "nap" a furry companion. But apparently, as reported by a local New York television station, last week, someone actually stole a dog named Sugar, from Drucie Belman of Brooklyn, New York, and had the gall to then demand a hefty ransom for the dog's return. Sugar Family Photo via CBS.TV online While taking her three year old French bulldog/basset hound mix for a walk in Prospect Park, Sugar ran away from her and her two children for no disclosed reason. Upset and distraught, the family immediately plastered the neighborhood with signs and photographs of the dog in hopes that someone would find her and return her home very quickly. The Belman family was very distressed and concerned over Sugar's disappearance. It seems that Sugar got into the hands of an enterprising "dog-napper" however. The Belmans received a phone call asking how much money they were willing to give for the return of their dog. In an interview with the television station, Mrs. Belman said that the caller asked, "'What are you going to give me for your dog? How much are you going to give me?" In fact, Mrs. Belman was rather shocked by the phone call. Mrs. Belman offered the caller $50.00 as a "reward" for finding the dog. But this offer was not considered to be sufficient ransom for the dog-napper apparently, as he immediately hung up the phone. A few minutes later he called back again and said to a very stunned Mrs. Belman, "Good luck in finding your dog." I feel so very badly for this family who misses Sugar tremendously. For folks living in the Brooklyn vicinity, any "Sugar" sightings should be reported right away to 347-603-2016 or 718-622-3833. Let's hope that Sugar and her owners be reunited as soon as possible. What do you think of someone who could stoop so low as to steal a family pet? What do you think the punishment should be? Please do leave a comment and share your opinion. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/dog-napping-story-comes-to-no.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/03/dog-napping-story-comes-to-no.php Dogs Basset Hound Dogs French Bulldog Law Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:12:33 -0500 While the basic task for a journalist is to remain impartial when reporting the news, there are sometimes circumstances in which it is very difficult to remain emotionally detached. And to be honest, this particular story got my blood boiling. I think that any true animal lover would be similarly affected. According to an article which appeared on the KMBC.com website, the Missouri state Department of Agriculture has initiated an investigation of the eastern part of the state's practice of euthanizing dogs with no veterinary supervision This practice may be completely illegal. Additionally, these procedures may be widespread in the area. This violates Missouri's euthanasia laws, however Jefferson County officials claims that since funds are not available to ensure there is a veterinarian present on the premises each time a dog is euthanized, that the practice is not illegal. Jefferson County Animal Control euthanizes hundreds of animals a year without a veterinarian present. However, the bordering county facilities in St. Charles County, St Louis and St. Louis County claim that they always have a veterinarian on the premises when a dog must be euthanized. According to Missouri law, a veterinarian must make "direct" or "immediate" supervision over the controlled substances which are used for euthanasia. A representative of the state's Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous drugs, Michael Boeger stated that the use of any controlled drugs by shelter staff without veterinary supervision is considered illegal and a felony. However, Chuck Banks, Jefferson County's Executive Director said that he does not think that it is illegal since the state is fully aware of their long-standing practice. James "J.T." Taylor, Animal Control Center manager said, "Until someone comes along and says we're wrong, then we'll change the policy." John Hagler, Missouri Department of Agriculture Director said that their agency started the investigation following a complaint from a family concerning their dog's death and shelter management. Jefferson County killed half of the 3,827 animals that were taken in by their shelter, according to Taylor. On the other hand, Humane Services in bordering St. Charles County euthanized only 20% of the 4,100 animals taken in. Taylor added that the county complies with the law's mandatory supervision requirement through its contract with Dr. Sherry Torregrossa, the veterinarian hired to supervise. However I find it very interesting that according to Dr. Torregrossa, she has only attended the county shelter once in the three years of her contract. Dr. Torregrossa said, "They euthanize most of their animals in-house, and the methods they use there are out of my scope, as well as how they make that decision." As far as I am concerned there is something very wrong with this picture! Since The Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs and the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board are all involved in different aspects of licensing, it remains unclear which agency should be enforcing the regulation. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Donna Krockenberger, a Pevely, Missouri resident who fosters dogs for a rescue group, said that she and a state inspector witnessed a dog stumbling in its cage following an injection given to a dog to euthanize him by a shelter worker. Taylor countered by saying, "The only thing we did wrong that day was forget to close the gate, so civilians came in and saw the euthanasia." However, the county could be in danger of losing its license unless they take corrective action, according to Hagler. But what I find to be most distressing is that the Director of the Missouri Veterinary Association, Richard Antweiler appeared to be justifying the lack of veterinary supervision by saying, "that communities with few vets or resources may have no alternative but to violate the law." His organization is now looking into alternative approaches similar to Illinois which now has a program that certifies euthanasia technicians. What are your reactions to this story? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/violating-state-laws-concernin.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/violating-state-laws-concernin.php Dogs Dogs Law Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:36:05 -0500 I have heard a few "shaggy dog" stories and some tall tales in my day, but this amazing one has nothing to do with a shaggy dog, but certainly is a "tall" tale. In fact, this amazing smooth- haired pooch, a blue Great Dane named George, owned by David and Christine Nasser of Tucson, Arizona has now stepped into the annals of the "Guinness Book of World Records" as the tallest canine on Earth ever recorded. According to an article in the Daily Mail, this "gentle Giant" measures 7 foot, 3 inches from nose to tail, standing at almost 43 inches at the shoulder and weighs in at an astounding 245 pounds, 100 pounds heavier than the average Great Dane. In fact, The Guinness World Records has thrown out the gauntlet inviting other pet owners to measure their pets to see if they too can set some records. The editor-in-chief of Guinness World records, Craig Glenday said, "This record has also sparked great interest in finding other pet records, so we're asking everyone to check their dog houses, scratch posts and under the bed- they just might be living with a record-breaking pet. The categories announced in their search for pet records are the "longest ears on a dog", the "smallest dog", the "oldest dog" and the "oldest cat". It was gratifying to learn that there is no category for the heaviest pet, which will certainly prevent some avid competitors from over indulging their pets to win a title. David Nasser told the Daily Mail that George consumes 110 pounds of food a month, and as a pampered pup, he gets to sleep on his very own king-size bed. I think this is only fair since due to no fault of his own, George became much too large to share a bed with the Nassers. George and David however still do share sitting on the same couch when hanging out in the living room. I can only imagine how strange that must appear to some on-lookers. According to David, when George was purchased at seven-weeks-of-age, he was indeed a very large puppy weighing in at 17 pounds. His paws were so huge that people kept telling the Nassers that George was much larger than the average Great Dane puppy. Little did they know that their delightful dog would set a world record when turned four years old? Even Dr. William Wallace, a veterinarian at the Buena Pet Clinic in Tucson was amazed by George. He witnessed the necessary documentation for the Guinness World Record and said, "In my 45 years of experience working with giant breed dogs, without question, George is the tallest dog I have ever seen." Enjoy your own amazement while watching the video uploaded to YouTube by logolou, featuring David and George. What do you think about this world record setting dog? Leave a comment and let us know. Photo: Incredible Features http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/by-george-hes-got-it-new-talle.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/by-george-hes-got-it-new-talle.php Dogs Breeds Dogs Great Dane World Records Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:59:21 -0500 Now I really feel short. I'm only 1 foot 4 inches taller than--a dog. Giant George, a blue Great Dane in Tucson, AZ, was crowned World's Tallest Dog by The Guinness Book of World Records Monday. He measured in at 3 feet 7 inches paw to shoulder, 7 feet 3 inches nose to tail, and weighs a whopping 245 pounds. Giant George is also the tallest dog in history, taking the gargantuan achievement from the long-standing Tallest Dog, Titan, a White Great Dane in San Diego. Of course a dog with such stature must live like a king, right? Well, he does. Giant George lounges on his own queen-size bed, rides shotgun in golf carts, and eats $300 worth of dog food each month, according to Oprah.com. He also hangs with royalty, like the Queen of Daytime TV, Oprah. George and his owner, David Nasser, met Oprah on Monday. And George was much better behaved than some of Oprah's other guests on the show (ahem, Tom Cruise). The giant was sitting politely on the couch during the interview, rather than jumping all over it. And that's no tall tale. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/great-dane-crowned-worlds-tall.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/great-dane-crowned-worlds-tall.php Dogs Dog Great Dane Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:25:32 -0500 Time passes so swiftly these days that I can hardly keep up with my calendar. And for those of us who wait patiently for the four years in-between the Olympic Games eagerly awaiting its return, it really is quite sobering to realize that nine days of breathtaking competition have already passed, and now we savor those precious fading moments into pleasant memories. And speaking of memory, and are an avid Olympics follower, you might recall that last June 10, 2009, I made a rather spectacular and rather stunning announcement about our two Oriental Shorthair cats, Hush Puppy and Hubble. These two strong feline contenders were both involved in an arduous top secret training in order to compete in a very unique event, held for the very first time, at the 2010 XX1 Winter Olympic Games, "The Feline Sleeping Competition." Serious focus in the Sleeping Competition Since the chilly Vancouver weather is extremely conducive to promote deep and lengthy slumber, Hush Puppy and Hubble both decided that these Winter Games provided an excellent opportunity to grab the "gold" and bring further victory to the United States. After all extra medals are always a good thing. Their world renowned trainer, Professor Morpheus accompanied them and worked feverishly to continue their training. Even though a few gorgeous Silver Persians who were entered in the female sleeping competition turned their heads, and interfered with their concentration from time to time, a few sharp whacks on their ears turned their attention back to the task at paw. And as other contestants began closing their eyes, curling up into balls for fluffy fur, Hush Puppy and Hubble took time to carefully observe their competition. They cautiously checked out the various techniques being used to quickly drift off to kitty dreamland and what the other cats did to maintain a steady and consistent state of sleep. And they aced them! Competing in the "Curling" Event And speaking of "Curling", since the word appealed to Hubble, he entered. He managed to win Silver in the Curling competition. Sadly to report however, he was not that well prepared since he had no idea the sport was such a rigorous game. Therefore, I am happy to announce that their taking the extra time to do their research, along with the hours spent practicing and training has paid off in spades. Last night at the finals, Hush Puppy gracefully and proudly took his place in the center of the winner's podium, bowing his head for the Judge as he placed the Gold Medal around his neck. Hubble graciously accepted his Silver Medal. The stunning Persian female kitty who captured their hearts snored noisily away, winning the Bronze. And as the Paparazzi crowded around the Gold Medal winning feline, pushing and shoving their fellow photographers to be the first one to snap that winning shot destined for publication around the world, Hush Puppy assumed his famous pose for which he will be remembered in the annals of Winter Olympic history. Aren't you proud of our International sleeping hero? Please leave a comment of congratulations for these two heroic victors. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/my-cat-hush-puppy-captures-gol.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/my-cat-hush-puppy-captures-gol.php Dogs Cats Events Funny Olympics Oriental Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:29:56 -0500 Whoever coined the phrase, "Dogs are Man's Best Friends" certainly captured the essence of canines. Not only do they make marvelous companions, when you think about it for a moment these remarkable animals certainly contribute some rather amazing gifts to the human species. They are our devoted help-mates in so many areas in our lives. In the capacity of service dogs, they facilitate greater independence for those who are sight and hearing impaired. As guard dogs, they not only protect our property but they help to keep us safe. They are the staunch and faithful partners of police, firemen and the military. In fact canines have become the most common and essential part of so many areas in our daily lives that we often take them for granted. Recently I ran across an article in the New York Times about dogs which blew me away. In a little known laboratory in Northern California dogs have been trained to help physicians detect certain types of cancer. Two Portuguese Water Dogs and three Labrador Retrievers have been able to detect lung cancer on the breath of cancer patients with close to 100% accuracy. Trained to "sit" when identifying a positive result, Mr. McCulloch reported that from the breath of healthy patients they sat 4 times but did not sit 708 times. On the other hand, from the breath of lung cancer patients, the dogs sat correctly 564 times and only 10 times incorrectly. Kobi. Photo via The New York Times At the Pine Street Clinic in San Anselmo, California, Kobi, one of the dogs in the program, scored high in a cancer-detection experiment. This study was based on previously well established premises, of which scientists have been aware since the 1980's, that tumors emit small amounts of benzene and alkane derivatives which are not present in healthy tissue. Since dogs can detect odors which are incredibly minute, researchers have already established that trained canines will react differently to the dried urine from those folks who are healthy from those with bladder cancer, and can also detect skin cancers. Dr Donald Berry, chairman of biostatistics at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, said, in referring to the "near -perfection in the clinic's study, "is off the charts: there are no laboratory tests as good as this, not Pap tests, not diabetes tests, nothing." While he and other cancer specialists still remain somewhat skeptical, they are definitely intrigued with this data. Michael McCulloch who is the research and lead director for the Pine Street Foundation in Marin County, California said that "the results seemed too good to be true. The dogs were correct about 88 percent of the time in their "diagnosis" of breast cancer, with almost no false positives. This compares strongly to more traditional diagnostic testing, such as mammography. Of course, no matter how accurate these canines are in their diagnostic techniques, scientists stress that while this is a fascinating and while these canine sniffing attributes are fascinating in themselves, of course the goal in these experiments is not to substitute the diagnosis of cancer and other diseases by using dogs, but to find exactly what substances in these chemicals to which they are reacting, and to develop innovative and more accurate technology based on these findings. Dr. Gansler of the American Cancer Society said, "It's not like someone would start chemotherapy based on a dog test. They'd still get a biopsy." I can attest to the fact that when I am not feeling well, our cats are always aware of my stress and discomfort, and appear to want to comfort me. I often joke with my husband that I am getting a free "cat scan", but perhaps my humorous words carry more truth than is generally accepted. What do you think? Leave a comment and share your opinion. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/amazingly-accurate-dogs-detect.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/amazingly-accurate-dogs-detect.php Dogs Cancer Dogs Health Service Animals Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:58:59 -0500 This beautiful kitten took our breath away with her innocent look! Congrats on winning cuddle champion! Submitted by: Marlene "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION! Katie was found at the Tombstone Small Animal Shelter. She named after Big Nose Kate...Doc Hollidays gurl. She's a red point siamese and she so cuddly...all you want to do is smile and hug her..." To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/weekly-cuddle-champion-katie-t.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/weekly-cuddle-champion-katie-t.php Cuddle Champion cuddle champion kitten Siamese Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:31:16 -0500 I am a crazy, pet magnet. Really. Every pet that has entered my life has been, well, a bit odd. Like my sister's goldfish, Gibraltar. She won him at a fair when I was in 2nd grade. He died when I graduated college! My mom swore the day he was brought home he would end up flushed in about a week. But, Gibraltar saw us grow up, sent us on our first dates, saw us off to prom, moved us to college. He was a real part of the family. Our theory on his long life was the microwave. His bowl was directly next to it, so maybe the radiation was some kind of magic elixir? Sure, he lost scales and looked like he was growing a third eye, (I'm sure botox will have the same effect, eventually), but he was alive and swimmin'. I also had a blue bird named Bluey. Ok, so I wasn't the most creative child. Maybe I ate too much glue? But, Bluey apparently was out of Hitchcock's "The Birds". He used to torment and fight with my sister's bird. And when he got loose in the house, forget about it-- it took a couple of hours, and bites, to get him back in his cage. And as I've aged I've still managed to somehow get attached to slightly imperfect pets. Here are the profiles of my current lovable wackadoos: Sadie (a.k.a. Senorita Poopie Pants): 5-year-old, plus-size, chocolate lab, with an affinity for bagels and hatred for squirrels and lettuce. Crazy Traits: Barking until her eyes are blood shot, stealing napkins and napkin rings, snoring, and scratching and sniffing her ears. Bianca (a.k.a. Yanca Bear): 4-year-old Wheaten Terror (I mean, Terrier) with circus-esque talents, and the ability to lick you to the point that you feel like you showered (and yet you feel dirtier). Crazy Traits: Taking flying leaps like a Cirque du Soleil performer, licking all furniture, hiding from the wind, and giving you dirty looks when you sneeze. Ralph (a.k.a. Ralphie): 3 or 4-year-old Orange Tabby adopted from the PSPCA, loves wearing a tie for guests, cuddling with his Teddy Bear, and playing fetch. Crazy Traits: Sharpening his claws on the mattress, chasing me through the condo, and biting me when he gets that crazy look in his eye And me? I'm just your typical animal lover who just can't have enough fur kids. But, don't worry. I know how many pets I can and can't handle. Ok, it's my landlord who told me how many pets I can handle. So, to fill the void, I volunteer my time on weekends at a local animal shelter. I absolutely recommend volunteering to everyone. I am looking forward to sharing and swapping stories about our pets and their shenanigans and the many adoption stories I come across each week. And make me feel better, will ya? I opened up about my nutty bunch. Do your pets have some crazy tendencies? I hope they do--because that's what makes them all the more lovable. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/simply-imperfect-pets.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/simply-imperfect-pets.php Cats Dogs Cats dogs Pet Ownership Training Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:19:33 -0500 When I was a little girl, ages ago, my mother had a favorite fur coat in which she permitted me to cuddle up to comfort me when I was sad or upset. Somehow the furry "blanket" was very soothing. I won't give away my age, but back then fur coats were all the rage and since I was so young I never gave much thought as to how the fur was collected. Apparently my mother didn't either. Of course now that I am an adult, I am strongly against the use of real fur, especially since the faux-variety can be just as attractive and warm. So I was totally delighted when I ran across this interesting item in my email box the other day. Orphaned baby snuggling in donated fur I recently learned that The Humane Society of the United States started an innovative program working along with the Fund for Animals in 2005, "Coats for Cubs", to help orphaned, sick or injured wildlife. And for those folks who just happen to have an unwanted fur coat stashed away in a closet, they can help HSUS in their new endeavor. Why not simply donate these unwanted or unused fur items to the program! You can join those folks that have already donated 2,687 furs in 2009. Fur coats and collars are used for nests, bedding or as "surrogate" parents with which these homeless animals can snuggle in. In their article announcing the program, Michael Markarian, the agency's chief operating officer in Washington D.C. commented, "We use the discarded furs as bedding to give the animals comfort and reduce stress. The fur garments act as a surrogate mother. It is a warm and furry substitute." These coats and other fur items are sent to wildlife rehabilitation centers that rescue skunks, squirrels, coyotes, raccoons, and other species. The program has already provided assistance to thousands of these needy animals. According to Michael Markarian, many of these coats are donated by people who have had a change of heart and feel that the use of real fur is inhumane. It doesn't matter to them whether the animals being used for fur are caught in steel-jaw traps, or farmed specially to harvest their pelts. Markarian said, "This is a great way for them to give back to the animals." A well known wildlife Sanctuary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, The Florida Wildlife Center, has been utilizing coats for wildlife babies for a long time, but donations were difficult to obtain. Staff and volunteers had to hunt down suitable items to be used by visiting tag sales and thrift shops. But after they became affiliated with the HSUS in June, 2009, the center received three boxes loaded with furs, and is now well provided for the upcoming "baby" season. The Florida Wildlife Center presently houses what they think is the largest wildlife trauma center in the United States. In 2009 they cared for 12,000 animals, of which 1,900 were orphaned babies. Included in the population are around 1,000 gray squirrels, Virginia raccoons and Opossums who will benefit wonderfully from the donated furs. Additionally the center is anticipating an addition of around 1,000 baby animals in 2010 due to the closure last year of a nearby wildlife rehabilitation center. So if you are considering donating furs, coats are terrific, but hats and caps are even more greatly appreciated. Since they don't have to be cut up, and are already round in the shape of a nest, they are highly desirable. The HSUS Coats for Cubs drive will formally end on Earth Day, April 22, 2010, but fur donations are welcomed at any time of the year. Donations can be shipped directly to the group, or turned in to any Buffalo Exchange which has stores or franchises in 14 states. Visit http://www.buffaloexchange.com/index.php?pg=4 for locations. With Spring Cleaning just a short time away, don't you think this is a perfect time to make a donation? Let us know by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/donate-your-unwanted-fur-coats.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/donate-your-unwanted-fur-coats.php Dogs Causes Donate Rescue The Humane Society of the United States Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:15:30 -0500 I don't know about what types of unexplainably odd things occur around your house, but recently I have been scratching my head in bewilderment every time I encounter some of the darndest things taking place at ours. For example; inexplicitly the other day, I noticed that our bedroom clock-radio alarm had been changed from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. I asked my husband if he had changed the alarm on purpose so we could sleep in, but he shrugged his shoulders and responded to me in a somewhat exasperated tone, that he had absolutely no idea how this had happened. He went on to remind me, in no uncertain words that "it has been ages since I was able to sleep late . . . and if you take a moment to remember, you know what a light sleeper I am". To make matters even more disconcerting, I found that my TiVo DVR's programming had gone awry. Some of my "Season Passes" had been deleted, and all that was left in programs to be recorded were "Dogtown," "Cats 101", and several nature programs aired on Public Television. All of my favorite mystery shows were wiped away, and all the medical shows that I avidly watch had disappeared entirely. At first I suspected that this old series 2 TiVo was terminally ill, needing professional treatment itself, but when I reprogrammed them one by one, there they were in my "to do" list, as right as rain. Then there is the conundrum of the two desk lamps in my office. I always turn them off when I leave the room, being both ecologically and economically prudent, but there are those times I return to do some work, that the lights are enigmatically glowing brightly. Televisions are turned on; radios start playing, and small objects incomprehensively vanish. In fact one of our cats' favorite toys, a laser light was missing from the spot that I carefully place it in each evening after we play. No matter how desperately I searched for it, with Hush Puppy waiting patiently for me to produce it, I could not find it. He was disconsolate. I adore my first cup of coffee each day! After finally learning how to set the brewing timer, the coffee maker wakes me up every morning with the delicious aroma of freshly made java wafting into the bedroom. And after I finish draining my coffee mug, I tenderly wash it, and thoroughly clean the coffee maker. I add fresh water and coffee grounds and set the program for the next morning. But for the past few weeks I have noticed that the automatic coffee brewer has been making coffee at very odd times during the day. Since this is a fairly new machine, I thought to myself, "This really provides evidence of the planned obsolescence theory. They really do build in very short life spans on these devices". I began to think that we had a resident gremlin on the premises. My husband sweetly purchased me a new coffee maker. But this morning was quite illuminating. My husband and I set up the new coffee machine, and as we began the first cleansing cycle, Hubble, our white Oriental Shorthair cat jumped on the countertop. His body shivered in excitement as he watched the fluid dripping into the carafe. He nudged it with his nose and paw, the tip of his tail quivering. And he tried to stop it! And simultaneously I had that "eureka" moment as I put together the piece of the puzzle fell into place. It seems that we have a feline living with us who is slowly- but -surely trying to take control of our environment. He definitely has a mind like a steel trap. Who said that cats can't communicate? But with the coffee maker, he has been foiled. Its control buttons are placed strategically so that the coffee maker cannot be "accidently" started! At least I have hit upon one area in my life in which that I have the final say. Do your cats covertly run your household or do they take charge more openly? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/the-cat-and-the-coffee-maker-d.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/the-cat-and-the-coffee-maker-d.php Dogs Behavior Cats Fun Home Pet Ownership Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:04:05 -0500 Birthday celebrations can be lots of fun for both the celebrant and those that gather to honor their special friend. Since today is one of my friend's birthdays, it got me to thinking about birthdays in general, and specifically those of our pets. I began wondering if my husband and I are unique in how we always try to celebrate our cats' birthdays. Cake from My Best Friend Specialty Pet Bakery However, I must admit that occasionally the actual date slips my mind, and I discover too late that I have been remiss. I gotta tell you that I feel really guilty the moment I discover that I have been so neglectful. So I try to rectify it immediately, and plan a special treat for the kitty whose special day has been overlooked. And since my memory is not as acute as it was years ago, I make sure that I have stashed away several gift items in advance for such occasions. We keep on hand a supply of kitty toys, horizontal scratching items, and their favorite catnip. After all, an ounce of prevention is certainly worth the cure. But of course our cats love us so unconditionally that I am immediately forgiven. What is totally amazing to me is that our two kitties are very generous to us on our birthdays as well. And while they both are considered to be "Senior Catizens", they always are right on-time with their gift giving. They also are incredibly right "on the money" with the selection of gifts that they have chosen for us. Upon checking my Internet history, I always find that "someone" has been busy surfing the web, visiting my favorite gift sites and making purchases that I certainly did not authorize! I tell you these kitties demonstrate their amazingly good taste, with presents that are quite imaginative. But guess who gets the bill? Nevertheless they do seem to have a little difficulty wrapping their present. I always wonder how they manage to manipulate the scissors and tape as well as they do. They have this knack for finding pieces of wrapping paper which my husband and I might otherwise discard, pasting odd fragments of different designs together to form a creative collage. Since we don't keep ribbons around the house as they can be dangerous to cats, our presents are often adorned with artificial flowers. I am always greatly amazed at their artistic talent. Photo via 100 awesome things So as I was writing about birthday celebrations with our cats, I started wondering if other folks set aside this special day to dote on their pets, and what types of gifts they give. I can't imagine that my husband and I are unique in showing our affection for our cats in this manner. While some folks may consider that we are anthropomorphizing and behaving foolishly, I am sure there are other people who indulge their pets on their birthdays as well. Please let us know that our deportment is not bizarre by leaving a comment and sharing how you celebrate your pet's birthday. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/birthday-celebrations-and-our.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/birthday-celebrations-and-our.php Dogs Events Fun Holidays Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:48:21 -0500 Looks like Vozzy needs a cuddle after playing in the snow! Congrats on being cuddle champion! Submitted by: Susan "Here is my Vozzy enjoying the snow. He is part beagle/chi/manchester terrier. Vozzy is 8 months old." To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/weekly-cuddle-champion-vozzy-b.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/weekly-cuddle-champion-vozzy-b.php Cuddle Champion Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:11:19 -0500 For many folk who are summoned for Jury Duty, this official "invitation's RSVP options do not provide an easy out if the recipient does not wish or cannot attend without a very compelling reason. Of course Jury Duty is a very important part of our judicial system, and the good news is that the potential juror may even be chosen to participate in a fascinating trial. So it is really wise to keep an open mind. Photo credit: Eirik Newth/Flickr But there are those of us who shudder, whine and complain with our lot, and are not in the least motivated to take part in any court room drama. And some of us actually find some interesting ways to get out of our civic duty and go to extreme lengths to be excused. However, according to the "National Ledger" Sal, a family member who resides with Anna and Guy Esposito in East Boston, Massachusetts, has been summoned to appear in the Suffolk Superior Court on March 23. 2010. When Sal was informed of his status, The Espositos observed that Sal was not a happy camper by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, Mr. and Mrs. Esposito are determined to find a way to get Sal excused. And if Sal was a responsible candidate for this task, the Espositos would not be involved in this endeavor. But you see Sal happens to be a domestic feline. Mr. Esposito received Sal's jury duty summons in the mail and the couple are working feverishly to get this whole matter straightened out, according to MSNBC Mews... er... News! Mr. and Mrs. Esposito suspect that this whole mix-up began when they made an error on the last census form. Anna Esposito listed Sal under the "pets" section on the questionnaire. Anna told MSNBC News, "I just wrote 'Sal Esposito', scratched out the word "dog" and wrote 'cat'. Even though Anna attempted to disqualify Sal, the Jury Commissioner turned a deaf ear on her appeal and refused to correct it. So as of the date of this blog item, Sal is expected to make an appearance on March 23. Since Anna has no intention of breaking the law, she says that if this matter is not cleared up in time, she will be forced to bring Sal to court to report for duty to be in compliance with the notice. However as I think more deeply about it, I have to wonder if Sal was actually approved by the attorneys representing the plaintiff and the defendant, would he prefer to enjoy his 15 minutes of fame, dressed properly for the occasion of course while he sat in the jury box along with the 11 other members serving that day over being excused? After watching the newsworthy video below, uploaded to YouTube by sp4cec00kie, please share your opinion on the story by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/sal-the-cat-summoned-for-jury.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/sal-the-cat-summoned-for-jury.php Dogs Cats Funny Law Stories Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:26:20 -0500 The state of the art of modern human medicine is extraordinary today. Oftentimes we take much of it for granted. Hip, knee and ankle replacement surgeries are commonplace, and have given folks the opportunity to once again be virtually pain-free and able to engage in many daily activities which were at one time, impossible for them. And for those who have undergone these procedures, many consider them to be truly miraculous. But what about our pets who suffer from arthritis, who have been seriously injured and who remain in constant pain? What is now available for our pets who have lost the ability to move about so they can get about comfortably? It appears that British Veterinary medicine has taken a huge leap in that direction. Missy. Photo credit: Dr. Noel Fitzpatrick After a speeding car struck Missy, an eight year-old tabby cat from West Sussex, who had been hiding in a bush for two days, found by her owner, Louise Morris who rushed her for urgent care to veterinarian, Dr. Noel Fitzpatrick an orthopedic specialist and owner of Fitzpatrick Referrals in Guilford, Dr. Fitzpatrick discovered that the kitty had sustained some serious injuries. Her hind leg was broken in eight places, and she had a dislocated knee in the other leg. In an interview with PEOPLEPets.com, Dr. Fitzpatrick said, "Missy was a much loved family cat and not ready to be put to sleep although both legs were hurt badly. She had nasty fractured bones in the arch of one foot and on the other leg, the knee was totally dislocated. Amputation was not an option since the other hind leg was broken in eight places. So I developed an artificial knee which had never before been done." The first thing Dr. Fitzpatrick did in order to perform this pioneering procedure was to fix Missy's broken leg by creating a collagen mesh from a pigs' bladder. Then he placed the broken bones in a combination of pins called Secure Pin Intramedullary Dorsal Epoxy Resin Frame (SPIDER). In explaining the procedure he said, "Basically, Missy's foot was set with pins that stuck out. The bones had to heal that way for three weeks." He then enlisted the help of several other professionals in developing an artificial knee for Missy's other leg. Dr. Fitzpatrick added, "We took a scan of her knee, measured all of her bones, put that information in a computer, then developed a knee out of metal. We worked like an architect would design a building." The greatest difficulty with which he was faced was to be able to craft a metal replacement that was small enough for the diminutive kitty. He described her as "the sweetest and most loving" cat he had met, and his goal was to be able to fashion a replacement knee implant which would permit her to jump and crouch after healing, because her passion is running and catching mice. It took 2.5 hours to complete the surgery in which Dr. Fitzpatrick placed three inch-long stainless steel implants, attaching it with cement to her shin and thigh bones. In further discussion about the surgery, Dr. Fitzpatrick said, "It took four weeks to heal and we are coming to the end of that time. Missy is so happy because she can jump. But we still have her on a leash for another week or more just to be sure." As you can imagine, Ms. Morris is completed thrilled with the results. Dr. Fitzpatrick said, "It is so heartwarming to see Missy cuddle in her mom's arms. They absolutely love her." While this incredible surgery is brand new, since Missy was the first cat in the world to receive a knee replacement, it certainly does open many doors to pets around the world who may benefit from the procedure. It will improve the quality of the lives of many animals, as orthopedic veterinary specialists consult with one another and learn more about how to provide it for those pets in need. What are your thoughts about this promising addition to the field of veterinary medicine? Do leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/exciting-news-in-veterinary-me.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/exciting-news-in-veterinary-me.php Dogs Blogs Cats Health Stories Surgery Veterinary Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:52:13 -0500 It was just about a month ago that I wrote a blog item about the Scratch Lounge to recommend it as a holiday gift for cat loving friends. Subsequently, many of my friends have purchased at least one of these delightful and entertaining scratching devices for their kitties. The feedback I have received is that their cats simply adore these uncomplicated and completely "no frills" products. In fact there is nothing fancy about its appearance at all. At first glance they may appear rather unappealing to humans, but heck, we are not felines. Our two Oriental Shorthair cats continue to recommend them, giving it their "four paws up", which is of course, to them, quite the "cat's meow!". "Accidently" while searching for an enticing video of cats playing on the Scratch Lounge to share, I was fascinated and delighted to learn that not only domestic house cats are drawn to the Scratch Lounge. Apparently the Nature of Wild Works located in Topanga Canyon in Southern California, now home to 45 animals displaced from zoos, who were confiscated illegally owned "pets", injured wildlife, or rescued orphans, have chosen to gift their "wild" cats who reside at the Sanctuary, with several of these items. The Nature of Wildlife's mission is providing lifelong quality care for non-releasable wildlife. They also provide the public with education about these magnificent animals. They visit local schools and teach youngsters about the value of all animal life, and the need to protect endangered species. Their goal is to introduce these animals and to generate respect for all wildlife. Founded in 1995 by Mollie Hogan, The Nature of Wild Works is a 501(c)(3) facility. Ms. Hogan's vision of providing life-long homes for rescued wildlife includes raising the public's awareness of their special needs, and to foster value for nature and the environment. Among the 45 Residents of the Sanctuary include a wide variety of species. To give you an idea of their diversity, I am mentioning just a few of the fortunate animals rescued and given a forever loving home: Phoenix and Pirate, Male Mountain Lions, Envy, a Female Mountain Lion, Panama, a Bobcat, Kato, a Serval, Zuma Puma, a Domestic Calico cat, Sirocco, an Arabian Gelding, Wildfire, a Striped Skunk, Hopi, an Australian Shepherd domestic dog, Elvis, a King Snake and Boxer, a Serval. There is even a turtle and a Barn Owl named Snowman that receives excellent care and an abundance of love. To view all the residents visit http://www.natureofwildworks.org/animals/index.html So take a minute out of your busy day to enjoy the video uploaded to YouTube by Scratchlounge08, and enjoy watching Boxer, Pablo and Pirate having an obvious blast while playing on the Scratch Lounge while listening to some delightful music. Aren't these cats gorgeous? It is so amazing to watch how similarly they respond to the Scratch Lounge as our domestic house cats. Please leave a comment and share your reactions to the video. Photo credit: Serval in Tanzania, Wikipedia http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/big-cats-love-the-scratch-loun.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/big-cats-love-the-scratch-loun.php Dogs Blogs Cats Product Reviews Scratching Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:19:21 -0500 As we walked through the pet product fair at the Pennsylvania Hotel in New York City today (the official hotel of the Westminster dog show), a new product caught our eye. After the Snuggie for dogs, we thought we had seen it all in the world of doggie fashion. That was of course until we stumbled upon the under garment section. The newest invention in dog couture? Thongs. And they aren't just being used to get rid of panty lines. Pants for Dogs (www.pantsfordogs.com), a company offering unique problem solvers to help owners control dog urination and prevent household accidents, is the first to create Thongs for Dogs. The thongs are available in two styles, regular and bikini, and come in a variety colors from sizzling pink to peel me a grape purple. These thongs are more than just a fashion statement; they are a solution to the issue of pet accidents. Dog owners simply insert a human adult incontinence pad or sanitary napkin in the thong and then replace the pad when it is soiled. Whether you are in market for a pet product to help with doggie accidents or you just want to sexy up your dog, make sure you check out Thongs for Dogs. And since you can't buy your dog a box of chocolates this Valentine's Day, why not go with the other cliche gift, sexy lingerie? Just watch out for all the attention your dog and you will be getting. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/thongs-for-dogs-yes-its-true.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/thongs-for-dogs-yes-its-true.php Petside Items Dogs Fashion Westminster Fri, 12 Feb 2010 17:20:33 -0500 Sunday, February 14 is Valentine's Day . . . a day of romance and of course an abundance of love is in the air! It is one of my favorite holidays. And since we adore our wonderful pets and those of us who are incurably romantic will give our beloved furry companions a special valentine present. In fact about three quarters of American pet owners do give holiday presents to their pets, and Valentine's Day is not thought to an exception by avid gift-givers who have pets. But some of the enticing gifts that we receive can be dangerous when our enchanting little darlings are tempted to try to get their little paws or mouths on these presents. Just as any holiday can be fun and delightful for us, we do need to be extra careful with some of the more typical valentine items that we are given in order to keep our pets safe. Chocolate: This creamy, delicious treat is the most popular Valentine gifts given that we adore, but it is highly toxic to both cats and dogs. It contains theobromine and caffeine which are stimulants and may even be fatal if ingested by our pets. Chocolate toxicity is one of the most common poisonings which vets encounter. So do keep these items safely stashed away, out of sight. Shiny jewelry may be very attractive to pets and inviting as a play thing to cats in particular, but small items can easily be swallowed, or chewed on, causing choking or digestive ailments. Those beautiful flower baskets can be very appealing to pets. But many plants are also toxic and potentially lethal as well. The Humane Society of the United States has an excellent website which lists some of the more common dangerous plants. There are over 700 plants that have already been identified as dangerous to pets. For more information, visit the site at: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/plants_poisonous_to_pets.html Candlelight dinners are very romantic, but those flickering lights can be very appealing to our pets to play with. Cats in particular can be very drawn to lit candles. So again, caution is warranted. It is far safer to confine your pet during that special dinner hour while candles are glowing. Of course in gifting our pets, using our creative imagination we can think of many interesting presents for them. From a heart-shaped pink toy, to some highly appealing treats and some extra special doting attention time playing with your pet, you will find that these safe Valentine gifts will be very much appreciated. For more about safety for pets on Valentine's Day, watch this informative video uploaded to YouTube by Ontario Vet College. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39pECizq3AA Do you plan to gift your pet with a Valentine present? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/valentines-day-and-our-pets-so.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/valentines-day-and-our-pets-so.php Dogs Blogs Cats Dogs Health Holidays Safety Valentine Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:09:30 -0500 It would certainly be difficult for cat lovers to forget that most unusual news item which was circulating the Internet awhile ago. The story featured that extraordinary feline - apparently a psychic - Oscar the cat. This rather aloof kitty, who took up residence at the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, located in Providence, R.I. The center specializes in the treatment of patients with severe dementia. These patients are so severely ill that they no longer recognize their family members, and cannot speak. Steere House is often the last step on their lifetime journey. Dr. David Dosa, a professor at Brown University and geriatrician works on the third floor of the facility. He was very skeptical when the staff told him that Oscar was able to predict the death of a patient, by simply curling up beside them during their last few hours of life. But his skepticism quickly faded, after the nursing home staff verified almost 50 precise predictions made by this gifted cat over five years. Dr. Dosa was so interested in this phenomenal feline that he wrote a book, "Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat", which was recently released. Published by Hyperion, the price of the book is $23.99. While initially Dosa was concerned that family members might be put off by the "furry grim reaper", he changed his mind and began to feel that caregivers might actually consider Oscar a soothing comfort. Some people have actually given praise to the feline in death notices and eulogies in newspapers. Dr Dosa said, "People actually were taking great comfort in this idea that this animal was there and might be there when their loved ones eventually pass. He was there when they couldn't be." He added, "Maybe they're seeing what they want to see, but what they're seeing is a comfort to them in a real difficult time in their lives." Oscar, a medium-haired gray and brown kitty, with a white belly, was adopted by the nursing home in 2005. The staff recognized how pets can enhance the quality of institutional living, and that it would also facilitate the transformation of the facility into more of a "homelike" atmosphere, since they become a welcome pleasurable distraction for visitors, patients, staff and doctors. The staff began to take notice when after a year, that Oscar spent his days going from room to room, appearing to check out the patients. He hardly ever spent much time with anyone, but they realized that once a patient had only a few hours to live, Oscar lingered with them. So when they observe Oscar snuggling up with a patient they know that it is time for them to call in their family members. Also, if they lock Oscar out of the room, he will try every trick in the book to get back in. He is on his mission! While most of these critically ill patients appear to take no notice of his presence, it doesn't faze Oscar at all. What was even more extraordinary about this cat's predictions when a nurse placed Oscar in the room with a patient thought to only have hours to live, Oscar left. They thought that Oscar had lost his "talent". But what really happened was that the patient actually rallied for two more days. But Oscar then took his place next to him during his final hours with no further prompting. While Dr. Dosa has no "scientific" theory for the cat's behavior, his theory is that Oscar may be imitating the behavior of the nurses who raised him, or his keen sense of odors of dying cells attracts him to patients near death. He thinks that it may be similar to those dogs that scientists are working with who can detect cancer cells by scent. Even though parts of the book are fictionalized by Dr. Dosa's use of composite case studies for his characters, the names and stories of the caretakers are real. Dr. Dosa has also learned to "live for the moment" as he is tutored by his feline Guru, Oscar the cat, as he watches him enjoy the simple pleasures of a chin scratch or a delightful cat nap. Meet this most amazing kitty up close and purrsonal by watching the video uploaded to YouTube by RWNSD. What are your reactions to this story? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/oscar-the-cat-who-predicts-dyi.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/oscar-the-cat-who-predicts-dyi.php Dogs Blogs Books Health Service Animals Stories Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:36:39 -0500 Sadly, there are those times when the lives of pet owners undergo unhappily dramatic changes. The once happily married couples who can no longer get along, often go through nasty periods of divorce, and what were at one time solid predictable lifestyles fade into obscurity. What may happen to their pets? What about those people who brought a furry companion into their home, only to become bored with it, or no longer want the responsibility of pet ownership? Worse yet, some heartless and uncaring people simply break their commitment to their pet and just abandon their cat or dog, onto the street, leaving it to fend for itself. What often happens to these abandoned pets is that many of them find themselves ending up in shelters through no fault of their own. While some of them will be re-homed and once again enjoy the company of a loving family, many of them languish there awaiting placement. And if they are fortunate enough to have been taken into a no-kill shelter, at least they will be cared for until the time that a new home is found. But many shelters simply cannot afford the "luxury" of the status of a no-kill facility. And while most folks who are passionate about the many animals living in shelters feel a deep compassion for those cats, dogs and other pets who have been abandoned, The Humane Society of the United States is presently announcing an "unprecedented advertising campaign" to reach out to pet lovers to consider adopting a needy pet. They are actively spreading the word about how great shelter animals are as pets in order to increase the numbers of pets given a chance to find a new forever home. The Shelter Project is a partnership between The Humane Society of the United States, Maddie's Fund and the Ad Council along with the network of the Animal Welfare Community. It is a collaborative effort designed just for this purpose. Recently several catchy Public Service Announcements were aired across the country. They are delightful and can be viewed at the Shelter Project's website at http://theshelterpetproject.org/ and by visiting: http://theshelterpetproject.org/#/?page=thecampaign For folks considering adopting, for your convenience there is a delightful feature available in which you can search for adoptable pets in your area. There is also an Adopt-A Gram, an interactive e-card which you can email your friends and family members to inspire them to also adopt a pet. Visit: http://theshelterpetproject.org/#/?page=adoptagram Have you adopted, or are you considering bringing a furry companion into your home? Leave a comment share. Photo credit: Clyde,American Bull Dog- Wikipedia http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/humane-societys-shelter-pet-pr.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/humane-societys-shelter-pet-pr.php Dogs Adoption animal adoption Blogs Cats Dogs Rescue Shelters The Humane Society of the United States Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:34:51 -0500 While I was online the other day, I received a very happy and excited instant message from a dear friend who recently lost "Doc", her beloved old dog at fifteen years-of-age. She had shared her heart and home with him from the time he was a young dog, and always took incredible care of him. Over the past few years, as Doc's health declined, her attachment to him grew even stronger, and his devotion to her deepened as well. So when she knew that it was time to send him to the Rainbow Bridge, to end his suffering, in that final act of love that we can offer our beloved pets, she knew it was best for him, but a huge hole remained in her heart which she ached to fill. While she knew that it was not yet the right time for her to bring a new forever pet into her home, since she is still grieving Doc's loss, miraculously and unexpectedly, she was offered the opportunity to foster a needy dog. It is definitely a win-win situation for both my friend and a homeless hound. Her news got me to thinking about how fostering pets can provide us with the pleasure of the company of a needy animal, while at the same time affording the pet a chance to spend some time in a loving home, with someone who cares about them until a forever home opens to them. But are there any down-sides to fostering an animal? What concerns me the most is how attached I get to any animal that enters my home and heart. At one time, in fact, I was giving some serious consideration about putting my name on a waiting-list to take a puppy who would eventually be trained as a Guide Dog for the Blind, but I was very concerned about how I would feel when that time eventually arrived when I would have to let this dog go; the one with whom I had been so connected with for over a year, and who had shared so many amazing and memorable times with me. Was my temperament suited to such difficult separations? Personally, I don't think it is in my makeup to be able to part with such a puppy. So I decided not to apply. But I really do admire the folks that have the right disposition to be able to do so. On the other hand, for some people fostering may be the perfect solution for them. While they do get attached, knowing deep-down in their hearts that a wonderful forever loving home is the main goal, since fosters are not permanently placed in their homes, they are able to offer many more needy animals the opportunity to find that perfect permanent placement. Have you ever fostered a pet? Did you have difficulty surrendering them when a permanent home was found? Please share your experiences by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/fostering-a-pet-the-joys-and-s.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/fostering-a-pet-the-joys-and-s.php Dogs Adoption Blogs Dogs Foster Pets Service Animals Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:02:31 -0500 Shlyah has the special look of a champion! Congrats on being Cuddle Champion this week! Submitted by: Brain "This is Shylah female siberian husky at two years old." To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/weekly-cuddle-champion-shylah.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/weekly-cuddle-champion-shylah.php Cuddle Champion cuddle champion cute pet pictures cute puppy siberian husky Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:54:47 -0500 Almost every day at precisely 8:35, A.M, while I lazily sit sipping my morning coffee, gazing out my office window, I often catch a glimpse of a few of our neighbors out for their morning run with their dogs. Interestingly, it doesn't seem to make any difference whether they are pedigree dogs or just plain "mutts". They all seem to be having such fun, and I fervently wish I could get out there and join them. Of course I am dog-less in central Florida, but I highly suspect that if I invited Hush Puppy, one of our cats, to accompany me on a jaunt, I would receive a glance that translates into, "she has lost her mind." Even though he was given a name by his breeder that is rather "canine" sounding, Puppy's physical fitness program consists of dashing through the house at breakneck speed with his brother, Hubble, chasing him! Retrieving little pieces of rolled up paper, or a favorite toy are the only behaviors that they exhibit that in any way resembles the canine behavior. So I got to wondering if all dogs enjoy running with their humans, and was compelled to do some research on the subject. I actually was amazed at some of the information that I discovered. According to a fairly recent article in the New York Times online, "Some dogs are bred to go the distance and some aren't." It seems that Michelle Powe, an English teacher in Midlothian Texas, discovered that Mookie, her 90-pound Catahoula, (referred to often as the Catahoula Leopard dog or hound but not a true hound, which was named after the Catahoula Parish in Louisiana and bred specifically to hunt wild boar), was not her ideal running partner. Powe commented, "He kept trying to herd me. "By the end of it, my knees were sore from having 90 pounds constantly bumping into me. It was fun for other people to watch, but not so much for me." During their three-mile run, Mookie kept displaying this breed's typical behavior, nipping at her legs and throwing his rather hefty weight against her. All I can say is "ouch!" Michelle Powe is not unique in assuming that her young, vibrant dog would make a fabulous running partner to accompany her when she was out for a jaunt. She, like many dog owners, thought that since canines love to spend time with their humans, and enjoy running, it would be a match made in Heaven. However, running in the manner that we choose is not something that all dogs enjoy. Many dogs just are not thrilled with running in a straight line. After all, there are those enticing scents which any dog with a mind of its own must investigate. Additionally untrained dogs can wreak havoc for folks out for serious run. Michelle's sister, Alexandra-Powe, a dog trainer in Dallas, and author of a book on dog obedience, cautioned folks considering running with their dog: "Invariably active dog owners wake up one day and say, 'Today is a beautiful day, I'm going to go run with Fluffy,' and they've never run with Fluffy before, and they set off and realize it really stinks running with Fluffy." She suggests that anyone interested in running with their dogs first check the breed's characteristics. She also advises that small dogs, such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers and teacup Poodles may have difficulty keeping up with their humans, running long distances at high speeds. Do you run with your dog? Do you have any additional suggestions? Leave a comment and share about them. Photo Credit: Champion Catahoula dog via Wikipedia http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/running-with-dogs-are-they-all.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/running-with-dogs-are-they-all.php Dogs Blogs Dogs Exercise Health Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:27:47 -0500 Healthy teeth and gums are at the core of the robust physical condition for our pets. To highlight the necessity of maintaining excellent pet dental care, the month of February has been set aside as National Pet Dental Health Month. Dental wellness carries the identical importance to our furry companion just as it is to us! Therefore, why not set aside time this month to have your pet's oral fitness checked out by your veterinarian. This is the perfect time for that annual dental examination and cleaning. Sparkling teeth accompanied by fresh breath is a great reward for both pet and owner. According to Dr. Henry Childers, DVM, the president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, "Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets. Just as the public has come to realize that their own oral health is linked to their overall health, veterinarians want people to understand that dental health care is essential to maintaining the overall health and well-being of the family pet." Unhealthy dog mouth Periodontal Disease is one of the most common occurring conditions, especially in our older pets. The disease begins from to accumulation of plaque that forms on the teeth after eating. This is largely responsible for resulting in "stinky breath" which often becomes unbearable. If the buildup of plaque is permitted to continue unchecked, gingivitis results with gums becoming red and inflamed. Left untreated, gums recede, teeth become unstable with tooth loss and abscess formation occurring. Due to the abundance of bacteria forming on teeth and gums, which is highly accessible to the pets blood stream, internal organs can become infected, which may cause systemic conditions such as kidney failure, liver and heart disease. Healthy dog mouth What are the symptoms of periodontal disease? 1. Red Inflamed gums 2. "Stinky breath" 3. Pawing at the mouth or drooling 4. Hard yellow calculi build up on teeth 5. Facial sensitivity 6. Tooth loss or bleeding gums 7. Poor appetite or unwillingness to eat If your pet has any of these symptoms arrange an appointment with your vet as quickly as possible to initiate dental care. If serious dental disease is present, your veterinarian may have to extract the decayed teeth. However, it is simply amazing to see how well pets adjust with healthier gums, if this becomes necessary. So please don't wait until you observe symptoms. Prophylactic dental care is the best preventative measure. Also ask your veterinarian to teach you how keep your pet's teeth clean in between professional visits. Once your pet is accustomed to this essential part of pet care, this simple task is certainly well worth the time you spend performing it. Do you provide regular dental care to your pets? Leave a comment and share. Photo credits: myminizoo http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/february-is-pet-dental-health.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/february-is-pet-dental-health.php Dogs Blogs Cats Dental Dogs Health Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:31:22 -0500 If I were a companion animal and had my druthers, I would definitely choose to live in West Hollywood, California, as it has to be one of the most compassionate pet loving cities in the United States. As you may recall, West Hollywood was one of the first municipalities in the state to ban the cruel and inhumane practice of declawing cats several years ago. This city became the guiding-light pioneer which helped inspire the passage of further ordinances banning this practice in several other California cities. So yesterday I was both thrilled and heartened to learn the breaking news, that West Hollywood has once again stepped up to the plate. The city now joins South Lake Tahoe, the first city to outlaw the sale of cats and dogs in pet shops in 2009, to become the second city in the United States to ban the sale of cats and dogs in pet shops! Due to the diligent work of the Companion Animal Protection Society, the landmark West Hollywood proposed ordinance which was passed on February 1, 2010, if approved at the second reading, will become effective law on March 19. The legislation was initiated by Councilmember Jeffrey Prang, and was supported by CAPS, the Humane Society of the United States and the Animal Legal Defense Fund. The Companion Animal Protection Society scheduled regular protests in front of the Elite Animal Pet Store, and also conducted an extensive investigation of the puppy mill from which the dogs were purchased by that store. West Coast Director of CAPS, Carole Davis in expounding on what they found during their investigation said, "Dogs were covered in feces, covered with wounds, and extremely stressed out . . . They try to chew their way out, the poor dogs." In an interview with an NBC affiliate, Carol Davis said, "West Hollywood's City Council has shown great leadership, wise judgment and compassion, in taking that action and, by considering an ordinance banning the sale of cats and dogs in our city's pet stores. It will save countless shelter animals' lives locally and will send a strong message to abusive commercial breeders all over the nation." While pet stores will be permitted to continue selling cats and dogs until September 17, 2010, from there on, they will be allowed to give space for the adoption of shelter and rescue animals. An exception was made to allow the sale of "animals that were bred and reared on the premises of the person or establishment," so that small breeders would be able to continue selling their stock, but puppies and kittens from mills will no longer be permitted to be sold by pet stores or off-premises breeders. It is expected that the ordinance will be approved. Carol Davis added that there are also 17 other cities that are presently interested in considering passing similar ordinances and have contacted her already. Become more familiar with the work that CAP has been doing to end the sale of puppy mill pets in pet stores by watching the video uploaded to YouTube by DoggyTV. It is truly amazing what this organization has been doing to protect these helpless animals and well worth watching. I think this is fantastic news! What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let us know. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/west-hollywood-bans-sale-of-pe.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/west-hollywood-bans-sale-of-pe.php Dogs Blogs Cat Dog Kitten Puppy Puppy Mills Shelters Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:29:32 -0500 Of all the atrocities to which human beings are capable, I rank cruelty to animals as one of the most horrendous and unspeakable crimes. When I hear about stories similar to the one below, I am always shocked and deeply distraught. Not only does it break my heart, but it gets me incredible angry. And while my rational mind is cognizant that the people who perform these acts may suffer from deep-seated psychological disorders, I find it very difficult to have any compassion for them at all. As a retired psychotherapist, perhaps I am not being sufficiently professional which would allow me to take those issues into consideration, but I find myself unable to remain emotionally undetached. I think it is high time that we, as animal lovers, set their as a priority and not allow excuses to be made for such violent and sadistic behavior. Considering how the large percentage of acts of cruelty directed at animals often develops into violence toward humans, we must even find ways to prevent it from happening. It has been so frustrating to animal lovers over the past years, that the people who committed these grievous deeds were basically given a slap on the wrist, a small fine and their actions apparently not given a second thought by the judicial system. So it is extremely heartening to me to have read about law enforcement personnel who consider animal cruelty a serious crime. Last week, in Windsor, Ontario, a seventeen year-old boy was arrested by police in connections with the stabbing murder of a three to four-year-old calico cat. Police said that he even knew the cat that was named Cleo, as she was a stray recently found and adopted by his family. Cleo was spayed and sadly declawed which obviously meant that at one time she belonged to someone. Scene of the crime Animal Welfare officers were shocked by the crime, describing the acts as "vicious." The officers were summoned to Atkinson Park in Windsor's west end soon after a local resident reported seeing two young men "kicking and stabbing a garbage bag before throwing it into a swimming pool." These violent acts are so incredibly gruesome that I am refraining from writing explicitly about them. Fortunately the family surrendered their two other healthy cats to the humane society. The teenager was due to be arraigned on two charges: "willfully causing the unnecessary suffering of an animal and willfully killing an animal". If he is found guilty I hope he pays dearly for his crimes. What reactions do you have when you hear about cruelty to animals? Please leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/teenager-arrested-for-cat-murd.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/teenager-arrested-for-cat-murd.php Dogs Abuse Blogs Cats Cruelty Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:05:59 -0500 This puppy caught our attention with her pretty eyes. We would love to learn more about you! Congrats on being Cuddle Champion this week! Submitted by: Kelli Jo Selph "My little cuddler" To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/weekly-cuddle-champion-cuddly-1.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/weekly-cuddle-champion-cuddly-1.php Cuddle Champion cuddle champion cute pet pictures cute puppy Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:40:03 -0500 Since we moved to Central Florida in 2001, I don't really worry that much about those extended cold winters anymore as I always did previously when we lived in New York State. But I still fully remember that I would start counting the days and minutes, until spring would arrive. I would begin to feel my renewal energy return on December 22, the very next day after that shortest day; the Winter Solstice, on December 21. In fact, with the daily addition of two minutes of longer daylight beginning, I always felt exalted and reassured anticipating the return of spring. So you see Ground Hog Day no longer holds any meaning to me at all. At one time, I would eagerly look forward to that beloved Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil's prediction, crossing my fingers that he wouldn't see his shadow. But when he did, my heart would always sink more than a little bit. My husband used to chuckle at me when I gave him the bad news, immediately after I watched the morning television news featuring the chubby little rodent's seasonal forecast. Oh dear, another six weeks of nasty winter weather lay ahead. I personally did not find any humor in it at all. But the other night, for some unknown reason, when we sat down to dinner, the subject of Ground Hog day mysteriously began to take on a life of its own. It might have been due to the extraordinarily unusual freezing weather we were experiencing! My husband and I began reminiscing about that delightful movie, released in 1993, "Ground Hog' Day", starring Bill Murray, and began an animated discussion about the day that we went to see it. It was a late afternoon showing, and when we left the theater, the huge blizzard that had been predicted had already started. We even remembered how we immediately went grocery shopping to stock up on necessary supplies. But I digress. Our Oriental Shorthair cat, Hush Puppy, is a regular guest at our dinner table. He sits on the corner at the end of the table, allowed there since he demonstrates such suburb manners. He doesn't beg. He seems to enjoy being included in our conversations and gets deeply involved. He is such an incredible thinker . . . that one! And as he listened his ears perked forward and I swear I felt his upset growing stronger. He turned to me and clearly communicated his animated upset about his feelings that cats were being discriminated against. After all why would a furry fat rodent be selected to perform such a vitally important prophesy? Cats are far more intelligent and we all know that they have greater talents in the area of prognostication. I can't begin to describe how indignant he became. It was scary! And shortly thereafter, I overheard him informing his brother, Hubble, that he is now launching his campaign to dethrone the Groundhog and replace him with a furry tabby cat! Therefore, I ask all you cat lovers out there: will you join his cause? He is looking for support here. Please do leave a comment and let him know that you are on his side. Punxsutawney Phil will just have to find another occupation. I am sure there is a great position for him somewhere in this country of great opportunity. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/groundhog-day-unfair-to-cats.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/groundhog-day-unfair-to-cats.php Dogs Cats Fun Holidays Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:17:17 -0500 While Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Philippines have already banned the custom of eating dog meat, China remains the largest dog-eating country in the world, with its practice continuing to thrive. Some estimate that approximately 10 million dogs are killed annually in China, brutally mistreated, then slaughtered, since dog farmers say "torture equals taste". Dogs stacked in cages The deplorable conditions, such as a single truck loaded with up to 2,000 canines arriving at the wholesale Hua Wild Animal Market in Guangzhou, spending three days and nights crushed together in tiny cages without food or water. have been witnessed by field investigators from Animals Asia. These dogs are then brutally unloaded and thrown into a pen by a man using a metal tong. These starving and thirsty frightened dogs then fight amongst themselves, only adding to their suffering. All this is done in order to provide their meat to patrons of upscale restaurants in Guangzhou. Additionally canine diseases such as the Parvo virus, Leptospirosis, and Canine Distemper rampantly spread between these caged dogs whose immune systems have already been compromised from their stress. Sick dogs and cats which have been captured are simply flung out of these cages and are often discovered lying injured or dead beside the cages. What is more disturbing is that in some Chinese provinces, the government promotes the dog meat trade, so the process is now becoming more industrialized. Dog farming videos and books about dog farming are now popular items on the shelves of the livestock sections in bookstores. These books advocate horrific slaughter methods in the deluded belief that dogs that suffer the most will "taste better". Imported placid large-breed dogs such as the Saint Bernard are cross bred with local Chinese mixed breeds, are now being bred on huge dog farms destined for slaughter at 4 months of age. As the demand for dog meat increases, some supermarkets are now even carrying canned and vacuum packed dog meat for sale. Group of chained dogs. Photo via www.all-creatures.org But it gets worse! According to investigations, it is not only dog meat that is being sold. Apparently the fur from these slaughtered dogs also have entered both the local and international markets and are being used for "trim" on stylish clothing, and also fashioned into earrings, hair accessories and other trinkets. While Animals Asia is aware of the rhetoric concerning the belief that dogs that are raised and slaughtered humanely for meat is no different than the killing of chickens, pigs or cattle for food, they strongly believe that the practice, even if performed mercifully, would "undermine the tireless and effective work of those Asian countries that have recently outlawed the practice." Since dogs are companion animals they fully believe that these animals should not be part of the food chain. On a more optimistic note, Animals Asia's recent survey on China's largest internet portal, Sina.com, with over 5,000 responses, clearly demonstrated that many Chinese are strongly against the idea of eating our "best friends". Animals Asia advocates more education about dogs accompanies with a concomitant open discussion about how valuable these remarkable animals are as partners, as one of the most viable methods to end the despicable dog meat trade. You can help by signing the petition at Care2 by visiting http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/980306975 Share your thoughts about this article by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/stop-the-dog-meat-trade-in-asi.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/02/stop-the-dog-meat-trade-in-asi.php Dogs Abuse Blogs Cruelty Dogs Law Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:12:02 -0500 In the majority of highly developed countries around the world, we are constantly bombarded with information about healthy diets. Interestingly however, in Mauritania, a country located in North West Africa, for women obesity is both highly admired by men, and is considered a sign of wealth and "good mothering". In fact, female children are often "force fed" by their mothers to assure that they will grow up overweight, in order to attract a suitable husband. But obviously, here in the United States "thin is in", accompanied with an emphasis on physical fitness, exercise and proper diet. After all, those who are obese are at high risk for heart attacks, diabetes, and other serious medical conditions. So I got to wondering why it is that there are so many folks who actually take great pride in their overweight cat's appearance. While there are savvy cat lovers who are very careful about what they feed their kitties, some go to great lengths to publish their "porky" cat's photographs and upload videos to YouTube bragging about what educated and considerate cat lovers view as an "unhealthy" appearance. And after I watched several videos featuring "chunky cats" I was not surprised to observe that they all had very high numbered "hits". Is it at all possible that these overfeeding owners are trying to win the title of "The World's Fattest Cat" and set a Guinness Book of Record award, or entering their cat into some bizarre competition? I find it so hard to believe that these people are not at all aware that there is no disparity between feline and humane robust health, or just choose to shut their eyes and ignore their cat's obesity in preference to win some ridiculous title? This is highly disturbing and upsetting to me. I just can't wrap my head around this behavior. If our two cats spend too much time hanging out on the couch watching ANIMAL PLANET, I get worried. If they are bored and somewhat depressed because I have not been paying enough attention to them, I take the hint and immediately self-correct. I don't free-feed them either. Boredom is one of the main triggers for the desire to over-eat. Felines have very specific nutritional needs. They also require lots of fresh water available all the time, along with an appropriate amount of exercise which utilizes their caloric intake fully. Additionally, interactive exercise provides an excellent opportunity to develop deeper bonds with our kitties, especially for those of us who are not home all day. With the wide variety of fabulous toys on the market from which to choose, we can find toys that will entertain both our cats and their kitty-servants for hours on end. At least the Oregonian Humane Society that rescued Goliath, a stray "flabby" tabby cat who sought shelter in a Gresham garage, nibbling incessantly on stored kibble, ending up stuck in the doggie door, has put him on a weight reduction diet, neutered and vaccinated him, in preparation for finding him a new forever home. Watch the video of Goliath, uploaded to YouTube by the Oregonian News, to catch sight of this pudgy pussycat who weighs in at over 22 pounds. Not so amazingly, the video has already received over 3,657,941 hits. I still purrsonally don't understand the reason for obese cats' popularity, do you? How do you feel about fat cats? Please leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/obese-cats-why-are-they-so-pop.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/obese-cats-why-are-they-so-pop.php Dogs Blogs Cats Health Weight Loss Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:30:30 -0500 It goes without saying of course, that responsible pet owners strive to keep their beloved furry companions as healthy as possible. We endeavor to feed them the best nutrition, make sure they get lots of attention and exercise and provide them with lots of mental stimulation. We love spending time with our pets as they are definitely considered to be a family member. Providing our pets with the best of care also includes annual veterinary checkups, dental care and vaccinations as these routine visits are central to maintaining our pets' robust health. Photo via Bruce Fong Blog But within the past few years, what once was considered to be essential vaccine protocols are now being re-examined to determine which annual vaccines are really necessary and to examine the risks of over-vaccinating. Many veterinarians today are leaning toward individualizing these vaccine protocols based on need, age and the general health of the animal. While core vaccines are administered in order to prevent serious illnesses, canine and feline vaccines also carry the risk of adverse and unintended side effects. Feline and canine vaccines work by stimulating the pet's immune system to respond to a selected infectious disease. These vaccines provide protection against that particular disease to which the vaccine is targeted. Unvaccinated pets, if exposed to these highly lethal and potentially fatal diseases, are at high risk of contagion, resulting in serious and life-threatening illness. So what are the risks in vaccinating our pets? One of the more common dangers is an acute allergic reaction to the vaccine. Anaphylactic reactions can occur shortly after the vaccine is administered. Swellings of the eyelids, difficulty breathing, or muzzle swelling are some of the symptoms. Additionally vomiting or welts on the skin are other symptoms that demonstrate that the pet is allergic to the product. These allergic reactions can occur even if a pet has never had an adverse reaction previously. In felines, the rabies and feline-leukemia vaccine carries the risk of Vaccine Associated Sarcoma, a particularly aggressive and difficult to treat form of tumor, which may develop in approximately 1-10,000 or 100,000 vaccinated cats. Some estimates are greater, according to some studies, ranging in the area of 2-5 cats in 10,000-100,000 becoming affected. According to a safer protocol, cats are no longer being "scruff" vaccinated. The injections are now administered in a leg muscle on a specific side, so if tumors develop, surgery to amputate the affected leg may help prolong the life of the cat. In fact, some veterinarians are now administering these vaccines to cats in the tail, as they can manage without it, if amputation becomes necessary. Other risks for potential side-effects to vaccines are yet undocumented or completely understood. Damage to the immune system which may cause damage to major organ systems is one that has been postulated, but remains unproven. However, we must carefully weigh these risks against the danger of our pets contracting serious diseases if not vaccinated. In consultation with our veterinarian, a balance between under-vaccinating and over-vaccinating may be established. Depending upon on our pet's lifestyle, whether they are indoor or outdoor pets, what exposure they may have to unvaccinated animals, or especially if they compete in shows, all enter into the vaccine protocol equation, so it is crucial to establish an individualized vaccine protocol based on the specific needs of our pets in order to lower unnecessary risk. And while the rabies vaccination is mandated throughout the United States on individualized schedules, talk to your veterinarian about some of the safer products available, especially for felines. What are your thoughts about vaccinations for your pets? Do you vaccinate them on a regular schedule? Leave a comment and share your opinions. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/pet-vaccinations-are-they-safe.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/pet-vaccinations-are-they-safe.php Dogs Blogs Cats Dogs Health Safety Vaccinations Veterinary Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:07:30 -0500 If you asked any of my friends about where my passions lie in regard to animals, while this is certainly no "breaking news" regarding me, most would tell you cats and horses have completely captured my heart. I am able to spend hours talking about these two species with anyone willing to hang out and share my palpable adoration. King Charles Spaniels Photo via Wikipedia But many folks aren't aware that I hold the canines in high regard as well. I love to watch the National or Westminster Dog Shows on Television, with the magnificent competitors vying for "Best Dog" in show. I also get a kick out of watching the handlers and of course the judges, as they evaluate the different breeds within each Division. And while I have had very limited experience living with dogs, I was blessed, years ago, to be able to "baby sit" an incredible black Great Dane named Sabina, with whom I was totally in love. The two of us were inseparable when I was caring for her. Unfortunately, Great Danes and many of the gigantic breeds are not blessed with longevity. My heart was broken when I learned of Sabina's passing at what I consider far too young; at the age of 8 years old. So when I ran across an item titled "Pedigree Dogs Exposed" the other day, while on my daily trip to cyber space discussing the dark side of pedigree dog breeding, I was completely fascinated and was compelled to write about it. The question posed to readers was "What exactly is the problem with breeding pedigree dogs, (or for that matter, cats)?" Is it possible that there are breeders of these gorgeous dogs who are more concerned about winning points than the genetic health of their breeding lines? There certainly is a dark-side to dog breeding and showing which needs light to be shed on it. From my experience with many reputable breeders I know personally, who work very hard to ensure the robust health of their lines, who spend time and often a great deal of money to produce excellent stock, after reading more about the BBC television show, "Pedigree Dogs Exposed "aired here in the USA, it was quite shocking to me to learn about the huge controversy and national outrage caused in Great Britain following the airing of this documentary in August 2008. Furthermore after the BBC documentary was shown, according to the article the BBC pulled airing the well -loved Crufts dog competition which carries the equivalent prestige to the National or Westminster Dog Show here in the United States. The article described the program to feature very disturbing footage at times, along with interviews concerning the ethics of dog breeding. It even hinted at the practice, in some cases to be "immoral" by some breeders far more concerned with those huge wins than the serious health problems they are causing by using breeding practices which only serve to produce puppies with major and heartbreaking genetic deformities. Watch the video uploaded to YouTube by DerPfaffe which graphically and dramatically shows some of these serious genetic problems showing up in certain breeds, discussed in the BBC documentary. I caution that some of the images may be disturbing to some viewers. Should dog breeders continue to put beauty and fame, ignoring the necessity of robust health? Please share your thoughts by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/the-darkside-of-pedigree-dog-b.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/the-darkside-of-pedigree-dog-b.php Dogs Blogs Breeding Breeds Dogs Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:36:35 -0500 Ursa brightened our day with her beautiful smile! Hope this face brightens your day as well. Congrats Ursa, you are the Cuddle Champ this week! Submitted by Stephanie Mock-Boyette "My Malinois Ursa... My big love bug girl! Adopted from the pound at the age of 8... Who could leave that face??" To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/weekly-cuddle-champion-ursa-th.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/weekly-cuddle-champion-ursa-th.php Cuddle Champion cuddle champion cute pet pictures dog Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:58:08 -0500 The other day a friend sent me an email with the subject line "Strange Information about Cats". Of course this piqued my interest, and I just had to take a peek to learn whether there was anything new and exciting about our furry feline friends. And while "curiosity" of course, connected with cats has an ominous ring to it, I braved the fable about cats having nine lives, and began reading some of the fascinating "facts" shared in her email. So without further amew, here are some of the more recent additions to some of the already well established kitty "strange information" which circulates widely on the Internet. Who knows what may really be true or fantasy, however. But even if some of them are fictitious, it still makes for some fascinating reading. After all passionate cat lovers who may be playing a game of Feline Trivia with "in the know" feline friends never know when these items may come in handy. According to the Guinness World Records, "The longest cat in the world" title now belongs to a Maine Coon named Verismo's Leonetti Reserve Red, (aka Leo) who measures 48 inches from nose to tail and tips the scales at a rather hefty 35 pounds. The expression "Get along Little Doggie" came to mind as I was writing this, but that may have been due to an excessive amount of coffee I consumed this morning! Mr. Peebles On the other paw, as of 1997 the shortest domestic cat listed was a male blue point Himalayan named Tinker Toy. He was only 7.5 inches long and 2.75 inches tall. However in doing more research about this, I discovered that according to the Guinness World Records, a new -comer has challenged that title, and is now bestowed upon a kitty names Mr. Peebles, who is six and a half inches tall, and weighs 2.8 pounds. He lives at a vet clinic in Illinois, and is a "wormy runt" saved by a Good Samaritan. In Scotland there resided a cat named Towser who lived at the Glenturret whiskey Distiller distillery who caught 28,899 mice in 20 years. Now I want to know how the owner of that cat arrived at that number. I wonder if she left notches on a scratching post each time she captured one of these little rodents. But nevertheless a rather prestigious predator, don't you think? Towser had a statue erected at the site of the distillery in her honor. Ellie, a brown and black Maine Coon set the record for a cat sporting the longest whisker. It measured 6.5 inches in length as of February 15, 2004. She lives in Woodland Hills, California and belongs to Sheri and Mitchell Rutherford. That had to tickle the Rutherfords when Ellie snuggled under the covers with them. Cats really do have an amazing way of finding their way home when separated from their family. In the United States, a Persian walked almost 1,500 miles in a little over a year to return to her owners. And last but not least, still holding onto the title of the "The Cat that Lived the Longest" continues to remain a tabby cat named "Puss", from Devon, England, who belonged to Mrs. T. Howay. Sadly, Puss passed away one day after her birthday, at the ripe old age of 36 years-of-age, in 1939. Feel free to leave a comment to add any other unusual kitty items of interest that you think worth mentioning. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/weird-feline-facts-real-or-rum.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/weird-feline-facts-real-or-rum.php Dogs Blogs Cats Fun Maine Coon Persian Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:21:18 -0500 Meeting devoted cat lovers from all over the world is one of the things that I most enjoy about hanging out on the Internet. I have had the opportunity to make some incredibly wonderful dear friendships, and it is always exciting to be able to share our passion for cats, no matter how great the distance. I find it fascinating to learn more about how many of our cat-related customs, here in the United States differ from some of the folks across the "pond". For instance, the question about whether it is ok or prudent to let our cats outdoors in our country seems to pose absolutely no problem for my friends in Great Britain. Apparently British cat lovers, from what I am learning, are amazed that many of us in this country prefer to keep our cats indoors. Since cat lovers here in the United States are constantly reminded that indoor cats live safer, longer and healthier lives, my British friends often disagree and obviously think very differently. From what I understand from exchanging information with my British friends, they are totally at ease having their cats roam in their gardens, basking in the sunlight, sniffing the flowers. After all, the enriched environment that all cat lovers strive for our cats exists right in their back yards. Narla So I was not at all surprised when I received an email from my dear friend Ruth who lives in County Durham, England. It certainly exemplifies the lengths to which some folks will go to keep their cats happy in the great outdoors. So I tip my hat to Ruth and her sister Babz, for their obvious devotion to the feline species. The recipient of their tireless passion goes to one particularly lucky elderly kitty, Narla, who belongs to one of their neighbors. It seems that Narla enjoys the warmth of the sun during the nice weather, but is not at all interested in being outdoors in the cold of winter. And in spite of their trying to "entice her in for a warm" Narla prefers the comfort of her own home, and the thought of being outdoors is not to her liking at all. So after seeing an ad in a local paper for a kennel for £15 they thought that it would be grand to put the kennel into the yard, so Narla would have the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds; outdoors but sheltered for warmth. So off they went for a brisk 10-minute walk to have a look at the kennel. After explaining to the seller what the kennel would be used for, she offered it to them for a "tenner" and the bargain was sealed. But now how to get it home? Described by Ruth as "really heavy and bulky" the kennel presented a problem until Babz spied a skateboard in the yard. Of course she immediately asked if they could borrow it, to which the seller agreed. After a struggle, the four of them managed to get the kennel balanced on the skateboard, but alas, it would not fit in the passage from the back garden to the front road. The seller, unhappily interrupting her husband's "tele" time, got him to lend a hand. He gave it a "good shove" and it finally shot through the passage. Ruth described the husband's somewhat curt demeanor and how he smirked at them and said, "Huh, useless women" quickly darting back into his house in order not to miss any more of his T.V. show. Ruth speculated that the sight of the women, the skateboard and the kennel must have been rather humorous to passers-by. But when they eventually made it back home, Ruth said that " A few neighbors looked mildly interested, but with a 'what are THEY up to NOW', look on their faces." She chuckled! I can only imagine what an amazing struggle it was to get that kennel off the skateboard and gifted to Narla for her enjoyment. But Ruth really wants to know, "Was the cat grateful?" I think this story totally demonstrates how a really devoted feline lover can reach creative solutions to problems when it comes to "spoiling" a cat, don't you? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/the-cat-the-kennel-and-the-ska.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/the-cat-the-kennel-and-the-ska.php Dogs Behavior Blogs Cats Pet Ownership Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:30:23 -0500 Attention all animal lovers! Here is a fabulous "Mark Your Calendar" moment! You certainly don't want to miss out on a fascinating and spirit lifting event. So if you are at all interested in what your pets may be thinking and hearing some innovative veterinary practitioners about the work they are doing to improve the lives of your furry friends, you will definitely want to follow up on this breaking news and leave yourself a reminder. If you find these statements intriguing, you will be delighted by "tuning in", to listen to some very fascinating guest speakers. All Paws Pet Talk Radio is thrilled to announce a new radio show series that will launch on Monday, February 15, 2010. For those lucky Californians in the Santa Carita area, just turn your dial to WKTS 1220 A.M. The host of the show is that very popular and well-known animal communicator/pet psychic, Candi Cane Cooper. Candi is not only a pet psychic; she is also extremely active in animal rescue. While horses are her passion, she is concerned for the welfare of all animals, and opens her door to help a wide variety of species. For a delightful experience, please take a moment out of your busy day, to read more about her deep love of animals, while at the same time indulge yourself by enjoying the magnificently soothing music on her web site: http://www.swradoption911.com/ The music is both soothing and will waft you away to some distant lands in your imagination. Read more about Candi and her exciting work by visiting: http://www.thesweetwaterranch.com/welcome.htm Further programming of interest: Annie Greer, Veterinary chiropracitioner is the host for Saturday broadcasts on WIXC 1060 AM at 1:30 p.m. On Mondays, at 8:00 p.m., on WIXC 1060 A.M, the host is Kriss Lee Scott, author of "Peaceful Music for Pets". On Sundays, at 1:00 p.m., on WLBE, 790 A.M, the hosts are Colleen Gordon, Animal Communicator and Dr. Sue Hewlings, Doctor of Nutrition, along with interviews with Tommy Allison. Also on Sundays, at 7:00 p.m., on WTAN, 1340 A.M., the host is The Dog Whisperer, Will Thomas. Programs may be heard through live streaming on the web as well: Please visit these websites: Sundays 1 pm, http://www.wlbe.org Saturdays, 1:30 p.m. and Mondays at 7:00 pm starting January 16 and 18, http://www.wixc.1060.com Sundays 7 pm, starting Jan 17, http://www.tantalk1340.com Saturdays 10:00 am, starting February 15, http://www.homestation.com If you are connected with a Pet Rescue organization and would like to be a guest speaker to talk about your facility, please contact Jack Guberman at jack@allpawsforthecause.com, or call him at 386-624-1187 I do hope that I have whetted your appetite and that you will find some interesting topics when you "tune in" to these shows. I am thrilled that there is live streaming programming available so that we can enjoy these very fascinating guests. Leave a comment and share your thoughts about these shows. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/dont-miss-this-pet-radio-show.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/dont-miss-this-pet-radio-show.php Dogs Blogs Cats Dogs Entertainment Experts Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:58:33 -0500 I could not believe my eyes when I ran across this rather perplexing news item the other day while I was on my daily rounds surfing the Internet looking for things of interest. And as I delved more deeply into the story, I sat in my chair shaking my head in bewilderment. What in the world was this woman thinking when she decided to adorn her cat with a tattoo? How dare she? The hairs on the back of my neck actually stood up straight, in much the same way I imagine any cat's fur would when meeting up with Oksana Popova's beautiful Sphynx kitty, the hairless breed, named Mickey. Now I don't want to start an international crisis here, but apparently in Russia, sadly it seems that cat tattooing is now all the rage. Some folks think it adds another aspect of beauty to their felines. Good grief, aren't cats just gorgeous just the way they are? Give me a break! Popova made the decision to tattoo her cat in order to "celebrate the interesting times" which Russia now is undergoing. Feeling that the tattoo was both appropriate and befitting her cat, she said that she was quite delighted with the outcome. However I wonder how Mickey felt about this procedure which required him to be under anesthesia for three hours in order to acquire the tat of King Tut. Of course animal rights activists are enraged with what they consider to be a brutal and senseless action. Outspoken in her dismay and disgust, Irina Novozhilova, an animal activist who lives in Moscow, stated that she thought the procedure was "barbaric and cruel". She added, "The ethical thinking about animals in Russia lacks behind that of the West. People in Russia mostly buy animals for selfish reasons and anything that happens to them afterwards is a consequence of that." While identification tattoos, which are generally placed on the inner side of a cat's leg only requires shaving a small portion of fur and a very brief period of sedation, the more common practice today of embedding a small micro chip, a relatively painless procedure, is done by a veterinarian or a specially trained technician as these procedures are considered to be very useful in helping owners locate their lost pets. The pro-tattoo folks in Russia claim that the "artful" tattoo is similar, and cannot understand why there is so much outrage about tattooing cats. As far as I am concerned, Ms. Popova has gone beyond the poll in subjecting her lovely kitty to what I think borders on insanity and the height of egotistical behavior. But that is just my opinion, for what it is worth. What do you think? Is all the upset over this tattooed kitty justified? Leave a comment and share your opinions. Photo credit: Balkanpix.com; AP http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/tattoos-on-pets-fashionable-or.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/tattoos-on-pets-fashionable-or.php Dogs Abuse Art Blgos Cats Cruelty Sphynx Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:40:26 -0500 I unhesitatingly admit that we have two highly intelligent cats! They think of the darndest things to do that both amaze and entertain us, yet at other times can turn our hair grey a lot faster, if you know what I mean! Of course both of our kitties are extremely photogenic and enjoy posing for the camera. Hush Puppy, our lilac point Oriental Shorthair enjoys preening himself in front of the mirror, voguing while he admires his beauty. Hubble, our white Oriental Shorthair, is a bit more shy which makes me suspect that he feels that his older brother, Hush Puppy, is being a bit arrogant and egotistical. Hubble has impeccable manners! Now you may wonder what prompted me to brag a bit about our kitties this morning! I think I was inspired by an email a friend sent me about a rather amazing cat named Cooper, whose prowess might be somewhat of a threat to our boys should they run across this blog item when they launch their internet access! I surely didn't want them to think that my admiration for Cooper's talent in any way threatened them. But then again, it might give them an idea that wouldn't be so bad in the long run, and might also help to defray the costs of keeping them in the best of cat food, pet health insurance, toys and cat trees. After all, these feline necessities don't come cheap. I say, "Put them to work to help support themselves!" We all know that "Idle paws are the devil's workshop." It appears that two enterprising filmmakers who own their own company, Deidre and Michael Cross, who reside in Seattle, Washington, adopted a stray tabby whom they named Cooper. Incredibly, it turns out that Cooper himself is quite the photographer extraordinaire. This uniquely talented feline must have chosen the Crosses intuitively, so they could help him sharpen his innate talent and eye for artistic shots. While describing Cooper's artistic proclivities, Michael Cross, a graduate of USC's Film School, who makes feature narratives and commercials said, "We wanted to see what the cat was up to while we were gone during the day." So, for a year, Cooper carried a miniature digital camera around his neck connected to a specially crafted halter and went on his artistic rounds once a week, taking 200-400 shots a day as he produced his own photo shoot of this daily travels around his neighborhood. A Cooper Original So what was the final outcome of this rather interesting endeavor? Michael said, "We found out on the very first roll that yes, he goes into a lot of yards and streets. These were just beautiful shots. That's when we realized this wasn't just a geography experiment to see how far he goes. It became its own documentary art form. If my cat can take photos prettier than what we've taken, what is art? It asks a lot about the intention behind art and how it's interpreted." It also launched Cooper's television debut on "Cats 101". Not bad for an adopted stray kitty! Visit http://www.photographercat.com/2009/12/cooper-gets-a-brother/ to read more about Cooper and the latest developments (no pun intended) in the Cross household. And while Cooper is a very special kitty, apparently there are quite a few gifted animals who long to share their artistry with appreciative viewers. Visit http://clicks.robertgenn.com/animal-art.php to view a variety of interesting artworks produced by some very talented critters. Would you consider becoming a patron of animal arts? Leave a comment and let us know. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/cooper-the-cat-photographer-is.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/cooper-the-cat-photographer-is.php Dogs Blogs Cats Fun Stories Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:40:23 -0500 Mutz beat out some tough competition to land the coveted Cuddle Champion title this week! Congratulations Mutz, we agree with your mom, you are EXTREMELY cuddly! Submitted by Sarah Mudge "It doesn't get any cuter or cuddlier than Mutz. When life takes me down and out and keeps me from moving, Mutzini is right there to give me lovins." To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/weekly-cuddle-champion-mutz-th.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/weekly-cuddle-champion-mutz-th.php Cuddle Champion cats cuddle champion cute cats Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:03:20 -0500 As part of the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti, (ARCH), an agency comprised of professional animal welfare organizations whose mission is to give emergency response services to those animals so devastatingly impacted by the earthquake in Haiti. American Humane has donated substantial funds to ARCH, guided by the World Society for the Protection of Animals, in addition to the International Fund for Animal Welfare. At this time, preparations are being made to provide a mobile animal clinic, accompanied by staff who will be doing outreach work in Haiti. ARCH is also providing special training for these professionals. Additionally, these plans include providing food, clean water and vaccinations for companion animals against rabies. Read more about their work by visiting: http://www.americanhumane.org/protecting-animals/programs/animal-emergency-services/haiti-earthquake-response.html For animal advocates who wish to support their efforts in Haiti, secure donations to the American Humane are being accepted at: https://secure2.convio.net/aha/site/Donation2?idb=0&df_id=1300&1300.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=t2f2kv86q2.app217a In Haiti, already in place since the early 1980s, is the Christian Veterinary Mission (CVM). This group has established a dedicated fund for earthquake relief. At this time three long-term fieldworkers are on site in an area which has been checked as safe. Additionally, the CVM has trained more than 1,000 village-level animal health workers. Right now, according to VVM Executive Director, Dr. Kit Flowers, these fieldworkers are, "Working with the Haitian people to assess the damage, respond to the immediate needs, and understand how to help once again." Folks wanting to donate to the CVM may do so by visiting their site at: https://www.cvmusa.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=2996 The American Veterinary Medical Foundation, (AVMF), also has an ongoing Animal Disaster Relief and Reimbursement Fund. On their website, the AVMF stated, "As the human issues are being addressed by those organizations that support this work, it is also time for those of us concerned with animal welfare to get ready to provide our assistance." Donations may be made to this organization by visiting: http://www.avma.org/vmat/default.asp Please feel free to leave comments with your thoughts and any other organizations that you know about working toward animal rescue. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/help-animals-affected-by-the-h.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/help-animals-affected-by-the-h.php Dogs Blogs Cats Dogs Rescue Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:59:12 -0500 One of the aspects of the Internet I find so appealing is that it not only offers the opportunity for like minded people who adore animals to connect with one another to gather information, spend a bit of time bragging about our beloved pets, and exchange information, it also is a wonderful place in which we can help support animal rescue organizations which work so diligently and tirelessly to assist homeless pets. And the "beauty part" of getting involved is those special rescue organization websites which reach out to folks for support, without having to donate any money at all. It just requires a few moments of our time to visit their site and simply click on their link to help feed homeless hungry pets. FreeKibble.com is an excellent site in which folks may get involved. Visit their site at: http://www.freekibble.com And for folks who love to play games on their cell-phones, FreeKibble.com has just announced their brand new iPhone App called Kibble Katch! This company has created an interesting and fun game where you can catch the falling kibble which falls from the sky, and try and place the kibble in doggie food dishes. And while you are being entertained by the game, you actually get to feed REAL food to REAL homeless dogs. So how does this work? The kibble is sent to FreeKibble.com and will actually be donated to needy dogs. The game is sponsored by Halo and is a delightful novel way to "get a ton more food to the needy shelter dogs!" You can check out their iPhone App at http:// www.freekibble.com/katch. Of course, when you are stuck in heavy traffic with nothing to do and use an iPhone, what could be more delightfully distracting than to help needy canines while you wait for the traffic to clear. I would like to also recommend the Animal Rescue Site. It seems that the site is having some difficulty getting enough people involved to click daily on their link to feed homeless pets, in order to meet their quota of getting FREE FOOD donated daily to abused, neglected and homeless animals. Heck, it only takes about 15 seconds, less than a minute to visit their site and just click on the purple box labeled "fund food for animals for free", each day. It is totally free and certainly simple enough. Just putting a sticky post-tab on your desk top as a daily reminder to visit and click, will be of tremendous help to the organization to continue their pet food donations. Since the site's corporate sponsors and advertisers use the numbers of daily hits to donate food to the animals in exchange for advertising, these hits are crucial. Please do pass the link on to your animal loving friends and ask them to join you in clicking daily. Visit their site at http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3. And while you are visiting, check out other free opportunities to get involved in other important causes. Additionally, if you wish to make a financial donation to the victims of the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake, visit http://shop.theanimalrescuesite.com/store/item.do?siteId=310&itemId=40883&adId=43158&placementId=111637&origin= 100% of all donations will go to charities supporting the survivors. Care2 also has a free food for homeless pets in which you can become involved by clicking. This is another excellent resource in which to get active just using your computer mouse! You can feed these needy animals daily by visiting: http://www.care2.com/click-to-donate/pets/ So will you exercise your fingers diligently and help feed these hungry, needy animals? I sure hope you will join me. Leave a comment and share your thoughts about these free pet feeding opportunities. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/let-your-fingers-do-the-clicki.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/let-your-fingers-do-the-clicki.php Dogs Blogs Cats Charity Dogs Shelters Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:18:40 -0500 Today, as we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday, "now is the time" to pause and reflect upon this brilliant man's gifts to humanity. He was a visionary man who embraced his dream that one day, all people of different races, religions and beliefs would join together in peace and love. Sadly his life was violently extinguished before he was able to experience that great day when Barack Obama, another visionary African American, assumed the highest office in the United States, the Presidency. We can only imagine the joy and inspiration he would have experienced upon having part of his dream realized. However Dr. King's dream was not just limited to his prayers for the healing of relationships between all human beings. He often spoke about his love for animals. His words, "One day the absurdity of the almost universal human belief in the slavery of other animals will be palpable. We shall then have discovered our souls and become worthier of sharing this planet with them." clearly demonstrate his deep love for all living creatures. Dr. King greatly admired that brilliant and exceptional advocate for peace and non-violence, Mahatma Gandhi, whose words, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." speak to the core of Dr. King's abiding love for animals. Clearly there is no difference between how we treat our animals and each other. All living beings must be honored and cared for with great responsibility and respect. The way in which we view and treat all living creatures sets ripples of energy throughout the world, positively or negatively affecting how Dr. King's dream of bringing the world together harmoniously will come to pass. I often wonder, when we observe any of our beloved pets peacefully sleeping, deep in dreamland, if they too hold an inner vision of peace and love between all life's species. Since they have already attained that great gift, the ability to love us unconditionally, isn't it possible that they are also our teachers, just as powerful as Mahatma Gandhi or Dr. Martin Luther King? I would certainly like to think so. As a special gift, watch the video of Dr. Martin King's brilliant "I Have a Dream" speech, with over 8 million views, uploaded to YouTube by superjsuh. It brings today's celebration to life, to inspire and remind us of this great man's dream. What can we do to actualize Dr. King's dream, not only between humans, but to ensure the protection of our animal companions? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/celebrating-martin-luther-king.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/celebrating-martin-luther-king.php Dogs Blogs Celebrity Events Holidays Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:01:33 -0500 Some news items about cruelty to animals are so powerful that they remain circulating around the Internet for many weeks. And while this highly disturbing story was released at the end of December, 2009, it continues to be widely circulated between horrified and enraged animal lovers who are taking action to insure that justice is done! Buddy, a German Shepherd-Blue Heeler mixed breed dog was allegedly brutally killed, by Steven Clay Romero, 37, a resident of Fruita Colorado. Following his arrest, Romero was held at the Mesa County jail without bond over the weekend. His arraignment was scheduled for Monday, January 4 at the Wayne N. Aspinall federal building. According to the news item, Mr. Romero did not understand the allegations, and was "bewildered" by his arrest. Romero is charged with killing a dog by dragging it behind his pickup truck for two miles. A maintenance worker for the Colorado National Monument discovered drag marks and tire tracks in the snow, at around 4:30 a.m., in the area of the Fruita entrance to the park. He found Buddy's body, with a rope tied to his neck, two miles further down the road, according to Romeo's arrest affidavit. Additionally a video surveillance camera clearly showed a double-cab pickup truck entering the park on Wednesday, December 30 at approximately 2:18 in the morning. A dog was in the truck's bed. The truck departed from the park at 2:30 in the morning. A Delta man, according to the affidavit, saw a photograph of the dog which was posted online at GJSentinel.com later on Wednesday morning. He later told authorities that the dog belonged to a friend of his, and that the dog had been stolen the day before from downtown Delta. Information contained in the Delta police report which was also included in the affidavit, stated that a witness took down the license plate of Romeo's truck which tied Romeo to the alleged dog theft. Additionally, when the National Park Service rangers visited Romeo's home, paw prints were found in the snow in his front yard. A neighbor came forward and told the rangers that he observed Romero leave his home at 2:00 in the morning, on Wednesday, December 30, in the company of a dog that was similar to Buddy, the dog in the photograph which was publicized by the Monument staff on Wednesday. Also included in the affidavit, found in Romeo's garage by rangers given permission to search Romeo's home, was rope similar to the rope tied to Buddy. Romero's sister told rangers that the dog was in their home, and Romeo said, "He was going to kill it." The affidavit continued; "She stated he left with the dog late last night and returned home a half hour later without it." However the affidavit does not contain any information about a law enforcement interview with Romeo before his arrest, nor is there mention of the motive for Buddy's torture and ultimate death. According to court records, in the past seven years, Romero has been arrested six times in Grand Junction and Montrose by local police, for a wide variety of charges ranging from trafficking drugs, distributing drugs, and weapons offenses. If convicted of a federal charge of felony cruelty to animals, Romeo faces a maximum of three years imprisonment, a year of mandatory parole and a fine of up to $100,000. For those who are as incensed as thousands of other animal lovers who have expressed their rage over this "alleged" act of cruelty to animals, Care2 has provided a petition to sign online. You can add your signature to the 84,250 already posted. Their goal is to reach at least 100,000 signatures prior to Romero's trial to help make an impact on the outcome. Sign the petition here: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/6/demand-justice-for-buddys-killer Photo credit: National Park Service http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/justice-for-buddy-take-action.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/justice-for-buddy-take-action.php Dogs Abuse Blogs Cruelty Dogs Law Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:34:07 -0500 Recently, I received a very interesting and thought provoking article about a possible alternative method for pet sterilization. Since there are many people who are not able to afford the cost of neutering and spaying, or have limited access to veterinary care, Found Animals Foundation (www.foundanimals.org), in partnership with the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs, (ACC&D) announced the launch of The Michelson Prize in Reproductive Biology at the SPAY/USA Conference, held in Chicago, Ill., In 2008. Since the competition remains open, this remains a unique international competition aimed at finding alternative solutions to the problem of pet overpopulation. The winning competitor who discovers safe single-dose sterilization for both cats and dogs will receive an award of a "whopping" $75 Million prize. Researchers, according the ACC&D, have been close to the discovery of both pet contraceptives and non-surgical sterilants for a long time. However, due to a shortage of funds, scientists have been thwarted and innovative ideas have been cut short in the early stages of research. Therefore the Michelson Prize may stimulate research, according to Joyce Briggs, the President of the ACCD who said, "allowing for ground-breaking approaches in pet sterilization to emerge." The 4th International Symposium on Non-Surgical Contraceptive Methods of Pet Population Control is scheduled be held in Dallas, Texas from April 8-10, 2010. For further information about the symposium, its sponsors, and the Michelson prize and grants in reproductive biology, visit: http://www.acc-d.org/4thSymposium Found Animals hopes that this financial incentive will be sufficient to motivate the brightest and most innovative scientists, some of whom may not even be aware of the pet overpopulation problem, to step up to the challenge with the most modern scientific approaches and will quickly arrive at their goal of an affordable and accessible means of non-surgical sterilization. Today there are several non-surgical contraceptives and sterilization products available for veterinary use. However many of them carry the risk of serious side-effects. Therefore there remains the challenge of finding safe and effective non-surgical methods, in lieu of traditional surgical procedures. For more information about these products, visit: http://www.x-cd.com/therio06/pdfs/3.pdf ACC&D also announced its small grants program for EsterilSol, the first chemical sterilant for use in canines. This small grants program, which consists of a financial limit of approximately $3,000, is directed toward non-U.S. nonprofit organizations in order for them to begin using this new technology. EsterilSol only requires one injection in each testicle, resulting in permanent sterilization in 99.6% of cases when properly administered. Since the injection is virtually painless, the manufacturer of the drug claims that it is a far more humane and safe procedure than traditional castration since requires no anesthesia or recovery time. Additionally it is less expensive, and is also covered by routine care health pet Insurance plans. This drug has been used effectively in Mexico at this time, and has demonstrated excellent results. While I think that these new techniques may give additional choices to pet owners who either are unwilling to risk surgical methods, may have strong objections to altering their pet's appearance, or do not have the financial resources to avail their pets to more traditional methods, I wonder if chemical sterilants are truly are a panacea in reducing pet populations. Will this really solve the problem? What do you think about non-surgical sterilization and contraception for pets? Would you take advantage of them? Please share your thoughts by leaving a comment. Photo credit: Wikipedia http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/non-surgical-pet-population-co.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/non-surgical-pet-population-co.php Dogs Blogs Cats Dogs Health Neuter Spay Veterinary Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:43:45 -0500 It's hard to resist the smushy face of a pittie, especially when it's as handsome as Dhaygo's! Congratulations Dhaygo, you are this week's Cuddle Champion! Submitted by Vivien F Ariola "This is Dhaygo! My 4 your old blue nosed PITBULL. Vey huggable, snuggable and loveable. Do not let his size make you shy to hug him. His tongue kisses and licks are the best!" To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/weekly-cuddle-champion-dhaygo.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/weekly-cuddle-champion-dhaygo.php Cuddle Champion cuddle champion cute pet pictures pitbull Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:48:17 -0500 I have often shared anecdotes about our lilac point Oriental Shorthair cat Hush Puppy's very "bizarre" eating habits! He is one of the "pickiest" kitties with whom my husband and I have had the pleasure to share our hearts and home! But today, as I was feeding him his breakfast, desperately praying he would eat his morning meal, I got to thinking about whether he was just unusually "picky" about his feeding preferences, or just plain "quirky" when he leads me, basically by the nose around the house, food dish in hand with a pleading expression on my face, indicating the particular location in which his food is acceptable to him. Photo Credit: Hush Puppy at Breakfast, Jo Singer This morning, I took particular notice while Hush Puppy was lounging in his favorite armchair, wrapped in a snuggly flannel blanket, barely getting up to investigate what I was serving as I carefully positioned his dish in front of him, that I might be misunderstanding what I was considered to be "quirky" behavior, or that he was actually communicating to me about his mood, his needs and furthermore what he had in mind for me to do. So I started thinking "outside the box", so to speak, and began reevaluating Hush Puppy's motives for his behavior. I am finally beginning to understand that when this highly intelligent feline is resting comfortably in his armchair, waiting for me to feed him, that he is really hungry! When he has me chasing him all over the house, his appetite is not that strong, so perhaps this is a time for me to stop being so neurotic about his refusal to eat, which always causes me to "nag" the poor kitty to eat. I bet he is not happy with me at all, which only compounds the problem. When Hush Puppy is happily napping on our bed at lunch time, I now consider this to be an invitation for me to feed him, but I still must carefully observe the precise area of the bed on which he will deign to chow down. Sometimes stirring the food with my finger, tamping it down to suit his taste may help, which clues me that the texture may not completely be to his liking. To add to the mystery he obviously enjoys the kitty "treats" of a small amount of high quality grainless dry food that I serve him to ensure there is something in his belly; but only if I feed it to him on the bathroom carpet! He refuses to eat it if it is served in a dish! Now that is a communication that bears a lot of thought on my part. What in the world could that mean? I tell you, learning to understand what he is telling me about how he wishes to be fed sure puts a tremendous strain on me! I am going to have to contact the folks from that famous language- training program, "Rosetta Stone" and beg them to add feline- speak to their repertoire. I imagine though that I am not alone in trying to understand our cat! I bet there are lots of folks who assume that their pets may just be "picky". As I reconsider the whole issue, I am beginning to suspect their behavior may be just a symptom of our not truly understanding them. Rather, I think that our beloved pets are demonstrating some very sophisticated communication. What do you think of my hypothesis? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/animal-quirks-or-sophisticated.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/animal-quirks-or-sophisticated.php Dogs Behavior Blogs Cats Food Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:00:34 -0500 I always enjoy reading Michael Markarian's blog, "Animals and Politics". His blog appears on the American Society Legislative Fund's Website, and always has some very interesting political news that is pertinent to all animals. Two weeks ago, Michael blogged about an issue which is of great importance; change. He reminded us that when the former Senator from Illinois, Barack Obama, was campaigning for election for the office of the Presidency, his overall platform revolved around "change". And change is exactly what is needed in legislations regarding not only our house pets, but all domesticated animals. It is time that we get involved so that these essential needed changes come to the attention of our legislators. Remember that fascinating case that the Supreme Court heard in October 2009 which concerned our first amendment right of freedom of speech? It was the first of its kind in fifteen years. But does freedom of speech trump the rights of animals when cruelty may be involved? While a decision has not yet been reached, let's remain hopeful that the highest court in our country will take the rights of animals to heart and vote in favor of their protection. New causes are coming into the limelight such as the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, and the words of Ben Byrom and Cheryl Woodcock who are passionate animal advocates. It goes without saying that closing puppy and kitten mills is a high priority for many animal welfare organizations. Political activists who love animals are working tirelessly and fiercely to get both local and national legislations passed which will, one day hopefully put an end to this travesty. But it is not only the dogs and cats that need protection from abuse; these laws must be enacted so that our large animals no longer suffer. The Humane Society of the United States and the Legislative Fund developed an agenda for change, many of which were already supported by President Obama during his campaign for office. For more information about his promises, visit http://www.hslf.org/pdfs/senator-obama-response.pdf The time has arrived to "put the money where the mouth is," demonstrated by taking positive steps to have these very important changes implemented as quickly as possible. In addition to shutting down puppy and kitten mills, the Agriculture Department needs to set priorities to enforce slaughter plants, research laboratories and wild life exhibits. The department must also emphasize the importance of any necessary changes which includes a radical improvement of law enforcement by slaughter plants, wild animal exhibits and research laboratories. Steps need to be taken to abolish animal fighting, puppy imports and the "soring" of gaited show horses so they appear more "lively" competition. The poultry that we raise for food must be protected to ensure that the approximately nine million birds which are slaughtered each year have a humane death. There must be a prohibition enacted to prevent the slaughter of sick or injured cattle and, of course, the illicit horse slaughter houses must all be put out of business once and for all. Legislations must finally be passed to prevent these abandoned horses from being transported outside of the U.S.A where they are sold for human consumption exported to foreign countries. The Environmental Protection Agency needs to improve their monitoring of the emissions from factory farms and take climate change seriously. The Agency must more strictly enforce the new laws. HSUS also suggests that an Animal Protection Liaison should be appointed in order to coordinate policy issues, regulations and to coordinate all animal welfare concerns. There are many other significant changes that HSUS suggest in their agenda. For those interested in learning more about H.S.U.S is doing, please visit Michael Markarian's blog at: http://hslf.typepad.com/political_animal/2009/01/a-change-agenda-for-animals.html What changes do you feel important to institute in this New Year? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. Photo credit: Care2 Petition Site http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/necessary-demands-for-animal-p.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/necessary-demands-for-animal-p.php Dogs Abuse Blogs cats dogs Horses kitten Law Puppy Mills Rescue Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:54:56 -0500 The other day I received an email from a dear friend who was grieving over the sudden and unexpected loss of her very beloved Goldfish, Caesar. While reading her words, it somehow felt to me that she was wondering if anyone could appreciate her pain, since it was "only a fish". Her sorrow inspired me to write more globally about pet loss as it is something that most people who live with companion animals have already experienced or ultimately will. And since it is January, my thoughts strayed to memories of a great race horse; one that became the "people's horse." It is hard to believe that it is almost three years since Barbaro; one of the most brilliant and talented, undefeated race horses in our lifetime, was euthanized after a long struggle to save his life. Following a spectacular win at the Kentucky derby in 2006, Barbaro tragically broke down at the start of the Preakness Stakes, the second jewel in the Triple Crown series. He was quickly rushed to the New Bolton Center at the Pennsylvania Veterinary College. His fight to survive soon became an icon of courage to millions of devoted fans who constantly followed his progress. Prayers for his recovery poured out to Barbaro and those caring for him, from all over the world. Online nightly vigils were held to support his recovery while at the same to reach out to those who loved him so much. In spite of the tremendous and innovative treatment which was given him for over 8 months by the very best veterinary surgeons, when his pain became intractable, with the likelihood of his recovery dimmed, he was gently sent to the Rainbow Bridge surrounded by his loving family, to release him from his suffering. But it was not only horse lovers who grieved deeply, who had fallen in love with Barbaro during his racing career; all animal lovers that had become acquainted with Barbaro's story felt an abiding and deep love for the magnificent horse. They too also mourned. Losing a beloved pet, no matter what species; whether it is a furry, feathered or finned companion- animal, the loss is one of the most difficult and painful experiences. To compound our grief are the well-meaning but ignorant people that tell us, "It's just an animal, get over it." Many of us then feel shame and a desperate sense of disconnection from those people to whom we may turn at this most delicate time. It is hard enough for us to sort out our feelings without that sense of betrayal on top of our grief. But do we then barricade our hearts to relationships with other pets in our effort to avoid further pain? Personally I think that it is far more painful to close our hearts to the glorious opportunity, in its time, to the unconditional love that our animal companions offer us. Surely I think that our beloved pets who have died wish us to keep our hearts open to other pets. In fact, I truly believe that they magically send other pets who need us. Those who love animals get so attached to all living creatures that ultimately wend their way into our hearts. I think we are chosen to care for all creatures that God has created and those of us that truly love animals will take that risk to remain open and place them into their hearts. Quoting a woman I highly admire, Gretchen Jackson, Barbaro's owner and breeder, these eight powerful and insightful words she said while she talked about her own feelings about Barbaro's loss, "Certainly Grief is the price we all pay for love", captures the essence of the deep and abounding relationship that develops between a human and a pet, if we only are willing to experience both the joy and the sorrow. The soul is the same in all living creatures, although the body of each is different. ~ Hippocrates Take a moment to watch this beautiful, moving video uploaded to YouTube by humanityhealing. Music: John Denver & Placido Domingo, "Perhaps Love" How would you console a friend who is grieving over the loss of a pet? Please share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/grieving-the-loss-of-a-pet-kee.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/grieving-the-loss-of-a-pet-kee.php Dogs Blogs Cats Dogs Pet Loss Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:43:24 -0500 As far as I am concerned, one of the highest ranking pleasures I derive from living with our two incredible cats, is the nightly ritual of sharing our bed with them. These ever so loving felines immediately burrow under the covers and snuggle close to me. With their body heat of 101.5 degrees, that they emanate, they certainly keep us nice and toasty- warm on those chilly Florida nights! No more electric blankets for us anymore! Now I must add that my husband and I are blessed with two Oriental Short Hair boys that are beyond purrfectly well behaved. But since they so very quickly settle in and drift off to dreamland, it gets me to wondering if they fully realize that they are supposed to be bright eyed and bushy tailed, hunting and stalking any unfortunate prey that have unluckily found their way into our home. Actually cats are not nocturnal creatures. They are considered to be crepuscular in nature; most active at dawn and dusk. We are far luckier than some of our friends who are owned by felines and often complain that their cats are dramatically on the prowl while they try to catch those zzzzzzzs. In fact, the question, "How do I get any decent sleep with a cat that keeps me up most of the night?", seems to be a very common concern. These folks complain that just as they are embraced by Morpheus, they are rudely awakened by a cat who takes a flying leap into the middle of the bed and starts pouncing on their toes. Or worse yet, begins yowling and begging for a bedtime snack. Since many of us are generally not home during the day our cats resort to blissful sleep. So upon our return home, they crave our attention. Often we get busy with household chores, and kitty feels further neglected. We actually set this tug-of-war in motion. I am sure that this is very frustrating and of course I sympathize with their plight. However, this said, many people actually exacerbate their situation by reinforcing kitty's behavior in their attempt to solve the problem. Cats are swift learners. They respond very quickly through reinforcement, which makes little difference if it is negative or positive in nature. As long as the cat is being paid attention, they are getting what they want! Pushing Fluffy off the bed, throwing pillows, raising one's voice and hurling expletives deleted never gets the human's desired results. Kitty is having fun playing, and we are left at the edge of the bed with a huge headache and no sleep! So what are some things that can be done to end these invitations to play when your eyelids are heavy? First and foremost, ignore the cat. This takes incredible patience and determination. Putting a pillow over one's head, refusing to listen or interact, takes nerves of steel. But perseverance pays off. Play interactively with your cat vigorously right before bedtime. Laser lights and feathers on a string toys are just perfect. After exercising your cat offer a bed-time snack. Cats sleep much better on a full tummy! If this fails try shutting your cat out of the bedroom, and providing kitty with an alternative sleeping area, replete with a cat-bed, scratching post, water dish and an automatic feeding device. Most cats however do not appreciate banishment from our bedroom! If your cat starts scratching at the door begging to be admitted, you may have to resort to using an upside-down carpet runner on the floor outside your bedroom door, and applying double sided sticky tape around the area. If you have only one cat, consider getting a feline companion to keep your cat company. After the period of introductions and adjustment is over, you may find that both of your cats will more readily quietly go off to sleep, since during the day they may have worked off some of that excess energy. Take your time, be patient and consistent in whatever course of action you are using, and most of all never give in or your cat will feel rewarded. The unwanted behavior will be perpetuated. What other methods would you suggest in order to get a good night's sleep with a persistent feline? Share by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/sleepless-in-kitty-land-how-to.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/sleepless-in-kitty-land-how-to.php Dogs Blogs Cats Pet Ownership Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:40:11 -0500 Love cats and dogs? Want to learn more about the different breeds? It really doesn't matter which of the species is your preference, because there are two great TV shows now being featured on the Animal Planet channel. The other night, quite by accident, while curled up on the couch, completely wrapped up in my snuggly "TV blanket", I was looking forward to watching a really good movie. I hoped that my husband, with his innate talent for and skillful manipulation of the TV remote, that he would find a really exciting film. Bored to tears, and desperately wanting some serious entertainment to stimulate my brain, I waited with baited breath for a movie to begin. Of course, the moment I relaxed, as my husband surfed the channels, our two Oriental Short Hair cats assumed their favorite position, plastered on their cherished spot; my hip! Then, all of a sudden, while my husband was clicking the remote, quite by accident he landed on a show that totally caught not only my interest but our cats sat up, their eyes glued to the screen. We discovered "Cats 101"! During this delightful 30 minute program, we had the opportunity to learn more about some amazing breeds. I was fascinated by the Selkirk Rex, and to learn that this breed of cat is the only one that was named for a person; a beloved step-father's family name. Read more about this fascinating breed by visiting: www.petside.com/breeds/selkirk-rex.php I really enjoyed the short quizzes that were intermingled with information about all the featured breeds. We continued to watch two more interesting episodes. I instantly added it to our "season passes" on our DVR. I guess I am just that cat-crazy! Some folks wonder if cats can actually see images on the TV screen. While I suspect that some cats could care less about television, but our highly visually developed cat, Hubble, was on it like white-on-rice. He was completely drawn into the program, flicking the end of his tail, with his whiskers pointed forward. In a flash he jumped off my hip and sitting mesmerized in front of the screen. Every time a cat meowed or chirped, his reactions demonstrated that he was totally involved. I had to laugh as I recalled that years ago, as a very young cat, while he watched a special video for cats, "Kitty TV", he actually attempted to get behind the set, in total hunting position, to catch the squirrels and birds that were taunting him. He just knew they were trapped inside that "box". I have not yet checked out "Dogs 101" but I bet for dog lovers this will also be a treasure to view. While "experts" in both species may find these programs somewhat basic, there is always something new to learn! The series is really invaluable to anyone considering adding a pedigree kitten or puppy to their household, as they provide excellent information. I give the shows a rating of "4 paws up"! Cat lovers will enjoy checking out http://animal.discovery.com/tv/cats-101/ for interesting facts and terrific feline humor. For your viewing pleasure, the schedule for "Cats 101" can be found at: http://animal.discovery.com/tv-schedules/weekly.html And for canine devotees, the schedule for "Dogs 101" can be obtained by visiting: http://animal.discovery.com/tv-schedules/series.html?paid=15.14743.127416.37058.1 For those who have already watched the shows, please do leave a comment sharing your opinion. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/cats-and-dogs-101-an-excellent.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/cats-and-dogs-101-an-excellent.php Dogs Blogs Breeds Cats Dogs Fun TV Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:48:46 -0500 Ring in 2010 with a cute wink from this little baby! Congratulations Baby Bella, you are the first Cuddle Champion of 2010! Submitted by Danielle Strenk To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/weekly-cuddle-champion-baby-be.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/weekly-cuddle-champion-baby-be.php Cuddle Champion cuddle champion cute pet pictures Puppy Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:03:52 -0500 Last week, a friend sent an article for me to read, which to say the least, got me rather deeply disturbed. She was rather upset about it and wanted my opinion. Now I am very concerned about our environment and I try my best to be ecologically savvy. I do my part to help keep our environment safer by recycling, using environmentally friendly light bulbs and other contributory simple tasks. But at the same time, I do think that some people go overboard in their attempt to promote ecological soundness. Perhaps I am over-reacting, but this "gem" of research that she sent me, seemed to me to be over the top! According to Robert and Brenda Vale, the authors of a recently released book, "Time to Eat the Dog: The Real Guide to Sustainable Living", apparently our pets are leaving a huge carbon "paw print" on the planet. The Vales who are specialists in sustainable living at the Victoria University in Wellington, man's best friend annually consumes about 360 pounds of meat and 95 kilos of cereal. Photo credit: ABC News This translates, in land requirement which is needed to produce this amount of food for a medium-sized canine has an "annual footprint of 2.07 acres which is twice the amount of energy needed to drive a 4X4 6,200 miles a year which additionally includes the energy needed to by manufacture the car, alone! The New Scientist Magazine confirmed the data provided by the Vales by requesting Mr. John Barrett from the Stockholm Environmental Institute located in York, Britain, to re-calculate these eco- paw prints himself. Interestingly, Mr. Barrett's results were basically similar. Mr. Barrett said, "Owning a dog really is quite an extravagance, mainly because of the carbon footprint of meat." Cats have an eco- footprint of approximately 0.15 hectares which is almost as much needed to drive a Volkswagen Golf for 12 months. Furthermore, goldfish burn enough energy to power two cell phones and keeping two hamsters fed and cared for equivalents the energy needed to run a plasma TV. The Vales added that "Other animals aren't much better for the environment." The Vales caution that our pets' environmental impact is not only in the carbon foot prints that they leave. They continue by reminding us that cats and dogs spread disease, decimate wildlife and poison our waterways. Cats feces is far more toxic than dog poop, and people who flush this waste down the toilets makes a huge negative impact upon wildlife living in streams and lakes. According to the New Scientist, in Britain, with a total of 7.7 million cats, annually over 188 wild animals are hunted, killed and consumed by the feline predators. Broken down into categories, this is an average of 25 mammals, birds and frogs per cat. As one solution to the negative impact our pets are making on our environment, Mr. Vale suggests that we feed our pets a reduced protein-rich meat diet. He says, "If pussy is scoffing 'Fancy Feast' -- or some other food made from choice cuts of meat -- then the relative impact is likely to be high. If, on the other hand, the cat is fed on fish heads and other leftovers from the fishmonger, the impact will be lower." However, what Mr. Vale may not fully grasp is the necessity of high protein meat diets, especially for the obligate carnivore, the housecat, to ensure its robust health. It seems to me that he neglects to fully consider the nutritional needs of our pets. Of course, this research has certainly made a negative impact upon pet lovers, who consider their pets essential to their well being and their inner psyche-environment. Since it has been established that a purring cat can lower our blood pressure, and the friendship which develops between humans and their pets is deep and long lasting, do the Vales stop and consider these factors into their equation? I think not. What reaction do you have to this research? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/pets-worse-than-suvs-for-the-e.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/pets-worse-than-suvs-for-the-e.php Dogs Blogs Green Pets Tue, 05 Jan 2010 10:12:55 -0500 There is nothing quite as thrilling as watching a magnificent horse galloping through a field. With its mane and tail flowing, this sight can bring tears of joy and adoration to our eyes. And yet there is nothing more heartbreaking and stomach turning, to read about how some of our gorgeous, oftentimes companion animals, may end up on the dinner tables of wealthy people in distant lands. Photo credit: Freedom's Flight by Care2 While slaughtering horses sold as meat for human consumption, those destined to be served as a delicacy on dinner plates is illegal in the United States since 2007, there are a huge number of illegitimate slaughter houses remaining operational around the country. Many of them are found in South Florida, close to an area which is famous for its lure to vacationers. Richard Couto, who works for the South Florida Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals suspects there are over 100 illicit slaughter houses, presently existing in the Miami-Dade, Florida area that are brutally killing horses, keeping them in filthy conditions. Incredibly, some of these once vibrant horses are gutted and taken apart while still alive. But it is not only horses that are brutally slaughtered at many of these filthy facilities. Chickens and pigs are also slaughtered inhumanely and in disgusting, unsanitary conditions. There is no attempt to be humane at all as turning a fast buck is their singular motivation. Many of these illegal operations are located in rural unincorporated areas within the county, on dirt roads, surrounded with thick vegetation. These companies are open to the public with signs advertising "animals for sale", both in English and Spanish, but only those in the "know" really know what they are selling. Couto said, "You don't have to be a rocket scientist after walking the properties and seeing the dead carcasses, the guts in the trash bins, the slaughter tables, the knives -- all of the tools of running this type of operation is right in front of you," Couto and Freedom Flight From the Web But most of these broken down or "useless" horses that sold to unscrupulous "dealers" for meat, are not as fortunate as one very lucky Thoroughbred, Freedom's Flight, an ex-racing horse. After being injured as a two -year-old while racing, even finishing third though his leg was broken, he ended up on one of these Miami-Dade County slaughter facilities. Once worth thousands of dollars as a race horse hopeful, he was sold for $50 to the facility. But during a raid on the illegal slaughter house, in which Couto participated, this magnificent horse was rescued by the South-Florida Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals, adopted by Couto, given a second chance for a fresh and meaningful life. After his recovery and rehabilitation, he once again resembles that horse worth thousands of dollars. In fact he may soon become a movie star. Both the SPCA and Couto are hopeful that he will be cast as one of the horses portraying Secretariat in a forthcoming Disney movie made about the famous racehorse. Couto, affectionately referred to as a well deserved nickname, "Kudo" said, "Prior to his rescue, I didn't know that illegal slaughter farms existed in the country, let alone under my nose in my own county. It really made me buckle down and basically dedicate my life to shut this industry down. It's become personal for me." He added, "Taking a horse that could barely walk and could barely hold his head up, and seeing what we saw today, it just shows you what a little bit of love and a little bit of food and a little bit of therapy can do for an injured horse." With police looking for the perpetrators who committed horse slaughter crimes, a reward up to $22 thousand is offered, for information leading to the capture of the people responsible for the horse slaughters. Of course it is not just those horses, chickens and pigs that are brutally treated and considered fair game for a quick sale. The kitten and puppy mills, with their unscrupulous breeders keep animals only to turn a quick profit, with these helpless animals treated miserably. When will our society wake up and take a stand to end all animal abuse of any kind? There has to be a solution somehow. We cannot just rest on our laurels and assume that heroes like Richard Couto and others who courageously step in for the welfare of these animals can do this alone. It is up to all of us who love animals to take a stand and demand better protection for our beloved animals. Watch the video uploaded to YouTube by Kudo2020, about Freedom's Flight's rescue from a slaughter house in South Florida. Warning: Some of the material is very difficult to view. Read more about what you can do to help by visiting: http://www.spca-sofla.org/freedomsflight/freedom.htm What have you contributed to help end cruelty to animals? Leave a comment and share your experiences. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/illegal-horse-slaughter-in-flo.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/illegal-horse-slaughter-in-flo.php Dogs Blogs Cruelty Horses Law Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:27:49 -0500 Making New Year's resolutions is not my strong suit. Of course I can think of many things I want to change, but for me, after the inspiration passes, at the end of the day, I don't follow through. I have to admit is a symptom of my not being sufficiently organized or disciplined to maintain the energy flowing. So this year I decided that it was time to end my procrastination about keeping the promises I make to myself and follow through with these commitments. Naturally, seeking the sage advice of a respected Guru is always helpful. One of my most deeply revered teachers used to remind us, in his lectures, that "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear." So it was no coincidence, (as my most important resolution to ring in the new year is to doggedly adhere to a strict schedule to help ensure that I get enough sleep), that an email arrived in my box the other day with the purrfect role model and guide to assist me through this step. I am eternally grateful to the kind friend who must be psychic! Since felines are the master of sleep, this very tuckered-out kitten has now become a "mews" and inspiration. Not only is this sleep-provoking production, uploaded to YouTube by VideoBooN, (with close to 10 million hits so far), one of the most popular videos on the Internet, but it is also one that ranks very high in the Awwwwwwwww factor scale. What an adorable Persian Kitten! Enjoy it as long as you can remain awake! I purrvantly wish that your year ahead is filled with an abundance of joy, love and serenity, and of course, an overflow of head- bonks, purrs and wagging tails. What kind of resolutions have you made so far? Will you seek counsel from your pets to help you keep them? Please share your plans with us by leaving a comment. Photo by Joni J http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/mew-years-resolutions-so-hard.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2010/01/mew-years-resolutions-so-hard.php Dogs Blogs Cats Holidays Kitten Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:15:29 -0500 Since today is New Year's Eve, I considered writing about tips to keep pets safe on this holiday, but that just didn't "sing" to me. I wanted something very special to end 2009. So I started searching for just the perfect story to end the old year and ring in the new. I had about given up on my quest when, of course, the miracle happened. I opened my email and found a story that both riveted and touched me while at the same time exemplifies the theme of change. And while it is not specifically about New Year's Eve, it is one that demonstrates how important it is to be open to unexpected changes in our lives. This wonderful story is about Ricochet, a young female puppy who was selected for her wonderful temperament, to be a service dog for the disabled. She excelled in her training and soon accomplished all the necessary skills to perform tasks for which she was trained. She blossomed as the perfect canine with a perfect career. However, after completing nine months of training, Ricochet discovered that chasing birds was far more fun than being a service dog. Of course her newly found passion proved potentially very dangerous and inappropriate for the job to which she was intended. Ricochet's owner, Judy Fridono, who lives in Escondido, California, was to put it mildly, terribly disappointed. But this disappointment turned to triumph when she began to train Ricochet for surfing in the ocean. Fridono said, "I didn't want her to just become a pet dog. So rather than focus on what she couldn't do, we focused on what she could do. And that was surfing." Ricochet's expanded training began on a boogie board in the puppy pool. She immediately demonstrated excellent balance. Nicknamed, Rip Curl Ricki; she entered her first surfing contest. Fridono then started the "Surfin' for Paws-abiliites as a fund raising drive. Their first goal was to raise $7,000 to help Patrick Ivison, a paraplegic teen ager, who was run over by a car when he was one year old. Patrick had been surfing adaptively for seven years, but needed a partner to be able to handle the special board which is built for two. Ricochet was the perfect partner for him. Presently Ricochet is heading a fundraiser to assist Ian, a six year-old boy with a traumatic brain injury following a tragic car accident which claimed the lives of his parents. So on this New Year's eve, which opens the door to many possible turns and twists on our paths ahead in the coming year, I thought this compelling and beautifully filmed video uploaded to YouTube by docchat, chronicling Ricochet's development, talent and gifts , and the abrupt change in the direction of her life beautifully illustrates this theme. The inspirational song, "Do I Make You Proud" was written by Taylor Hicks. Read more about Ricochet by visiting: http://www.dogtipper.com/blog/2009/09/surfer-dog-fundraises-for-quadraplegic.html And of course, my very best wishes to all, for a joy filled New Year's eve; one that is safe and filled with love. Photo credit: dogtipper.com http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/opening-to-changes-in-the-new.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/opening-to-changes-in-the-new.php Dogs Blogs Dogs Service Animals Training Thu, 31 Dec 2009 10:29:32 -0500 "On Demand" is a fabulous feature provided by our cable company! When I am bored with nothing exciting to do, I frequently spend time checking out interesting movies or a television series which I somehow missed but wanted to see. It is great for catching up on previous episodes making us more familiar with the show's history. So the other night while checking out what was available for viewing, my husband spotted a film released in 2008 that at one time would not have "called" to him. Thankfully his taste in cinema has changed drastically so I was able to see it. I can't believe that not only had I had missed it while it was being shown in the movie theater, but that I had never heard of it. "Marley and Me" a thoroughly delightful and compelling movie that moved me so deeply and was so compelling that I had to write about it. In fact, I cannot remember a movie I have recently watched that made such a strong impression on me. I laughed a lot, and cried for hours at the very touching conclusion of the film. And even though my first passion is cats, what struck me so incredibly is that even though the movie's plot revolves around Marley, an incorrigible Golden Labrador retriever, the film will appeal to anyone that has ever deeply loved a pet. The two main characters in the film are John and Jenny Grogan, portrayed by Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston. Both are writers that work for rivaling newspapers. While Jenny is assigned feature front page news items, John is relegated to writing obituaries and unremarkable local news such as a fire in the garbage dump. He is offered a twice weekly column in which he can write about his life experiences, and what he feels passionate about. John's delightful humor and accessible column becomes a huge overnight success. Jenny wants to have a baby, but John isn't all that enthusiastic, so upon the advice of a friend buys her a puppy which he hopes will fulfill her maternal desires. On the car-ride home, John names the puppy Marley in honor of Bob Marley as he was listening to Reggae music. Marley and his constantly outrageous antics soon becomes the star in John's column which has increased the newspaper's circulation substantially. The couple seeks professional help in the guise of a professional dog trainer, Ms. Kornblut, whose performance by Kathleen Turner is a hoot! Kornblut is totally incapable of teaching Marley any manners and throws her hands up in disgust, summarily and furiously dismissing him from the training class. It is apparent that Marley is a very strong minded pooch who has his own "Marley "way of seeing the world and interacting with humans. Fortunately both John and Jenny understand Marley's emotional makeup and accept him exactly as he is, even tolerating his very strange behavior due to his inordinate fear of thunder and lightning. There is one brief moment, after Jenny's third child is born, when she suffers a "meltdown" due to Marley's antics. She puts her foot down, and in a fit of anger demands John to get rid of him, but happily changes her mind once she remembers that he is part of their family. Marley is welcomed back home. Interestingly, since the film spans 14 years of Marley's life, 22 different yellow Labrador retrievers were used in making the movie. I won't go into the entire plot since it is impossible to convey the intricate and emotional story in words to do it justice. Its emotional flavor must be savored personally. All I can add here is that this is such an incredible film that I have added to our DVD library to enjoy over and over again. I also stocked up on tissues! While many of you may have seen "Marley and Me", I do hope I have sufficiently whetted the appetite of those who have not. I welcome your comments. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/marley-and-me-a-delightful-fam.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/marley-and-me-a-delightful-fam.php Dogs Blogs Dogs Product Reviews Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:17:11 -0500 Wilson won us over with his surprised expression and adorable big ears. He just looks like he's saying: "What? I was napping!" Congrats Wilson, you are our Cuddle Champion this week! Submitted by Added by Kathleen Gobos "This is Wilson, my 5 year old Bull Terrier. He is the most affectionate dog I ever met. He LOVES to cuddle and must always be in the middle. There's a saying that Bull Terriers don't sit near you, they sit on you! and it's true, he's the light of our lives." To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/weekly-cuddle-champion-wilson.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/weekly-cuddle-champion-wilson.php Cuddle Champion bull terrier cuddle champion dog Tue, 29 Dec 2009 17:12:48 -0500 Are the holiday doldrums descending upon you? Are you plumb tuckered-out after all the festivities accompanied by the traditional "pigging out" on all those rich and savory treats? If so I have a remedy to restore your spirit as you prepare for New Year's Eve! Now is the time to get involved with some gorgeous calico cats that have plenty of what some folks refer to as "catitude". They are guaranteed to enliven you as they perk you up! This delightful mini movie produced and directed by The Cat Diaries, sure put some spring in my step this morning, when I ran across it. In fact, I really think there should be a new Oscar cat-egory created and should be awarded to the film maker, for his exciting, creative and spell binding presentation. This high-adventure film is filled with humor, drama and lots of tension, inspired by the obvious passion and knowledge of the feline species for which The Cat Diaries is famous. It also contains a fleeting moment of interesting feline behavior which clearly demonstrates the expression, "chewing one's ear off". It makes me wonder just exactly what she was saying to her kitty companion as they battled over possession of the cat tower. I shudder to think about it. I suspect whatever she was communicating may even be "X" rated and not fit for a family oriented website! But then again I have a rather unique and jaded imagination at times. But the film raises many serious questions to which you may be able to answer while you are watching. Serious mind-boggling issues such as "Is it really true that calico cats have more than their fair share of "catitude"? Or is that dirty sneaker objectionable to the feline family? It seems to me that even the kittens are expressing their views on the noxious odors which apparently are emanating from it. I am positive that you will find some other thought provoking items upon which you can cogitate. But it really doesn't matter whether or not you find the video full of challenging issues about cats at all. Just take a moment out of your day, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, put your feet up and spend a few delightful minutes watching the captivating footage; then share it with your feline loving friends. I purrsonally give it a "four paws" up! I do hope you enjoyed this production as much as I did! Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/the-cat-tower-a-sure-cure-for.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/the-cat-tower-a-sure-cure-for.php Dogs Cats Fun Holidays Play Product Reviews Video Tue, 29 Dec 2009 12:12:14 -0500 When I read about pet owners who, due to the state of today's rotten economy, find themselves suddenly faced with house foreclosures so may have to make the heart wrenching decision to relinquish a beloved pet. Sadly, of course this is due to the scarcity of pet-friendly residential rental housing. But it seems that California is right at the top of states passing pet-friendly legislations. In fact pet loving San Franciscan Ethical Insurance policy holders may start looking forward to these supportive legislations which are passing through the city government for consideration. I love reading stories like this one! Photo credit: Washingtonpost.com According to the San Francisco Examiner, "A package of proposals aimed at making it easier for animal owners to live in rented housing is currently being scrutinized and will either go through or be aborted in January." It is hoped that they will be voted upon favorably for a variety of reasons. Passage of these legislations are crucial since only 50% of available rental properties permit pets, although San Francisco is a city where 80% of the residents are tenants with many of them discriminated against. Hopefully this will help to alleviate these difficult decisions that so frequently must be made by people trying to find a suitable apartment or home rental residence. Additionally, the present discriminatory regulations that landlords chose to impose may account for the huge numbers of strays and abandoned pets annually brought to shelters."The motivation is to get more people available to foster and adopt rescued animals", said, Sally Stephens, the Commissioner for Animal Control and Welfare Chairwoman. Another compelling reason to be considered for passing these legislations is to attempt outlawing discrimination of pet owners and to mandate an allotment of a percentage of housing units to be deemed as "pet friendly". But until pet-friendly legislations are passed throughout the entire country, it is highly suggested that pet-owing renters negotiate with potential Landlords who may deny a rental agreement or requiring unfairly large deposits in order allow pets in their rental units. There are folks who do succeed in striking a bargain with Landlords. For more information and suggestions, visit : http://doglaw.hugpug.com/doglaw_025.html and http://www.ehow.com/how_8073_landlord-accept-pets.html Have you ever been discriminated by a Landlord when trying to rent with a pet? How did you handle it? Leave a comment and share your experiences. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/landlords-and-pets-pet-friendl.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/landlords-and-pets-pet-friendl.php Dogs Cats Dogs Law Pet Ownership Mon, 28 Dec 2009 12:13:54 -0500 My passion for felines is hardly a secret to anyone who knows me. There is something so exquisite about the species; something so mysterious, so charming, so compelling, so extremely intelligent and soulful, that my heart just melts in their presence. A snow leopard (uncia uncia), photo by Bernard Landgraf (2005) The other day, in conversation with a friend about why certain people are more drawn to animals than others, I learned that people who really do love them are actually programmed before birth to be drawn to them by a unique gene that brings out this emotion. Those folks who are not so inclined toward animals are missing the essential animal loving gene. I found this fascinating and it certainly explained something I have given a lot of thought to over the years. When I was just a little girl, my family and I were in the country having a picnic lunch near a wooded area. From out of nowhere a pregnant cat fell out of the tree to which I was leaning against, landing on my head, and desperately trying to gain her balance, scraped my face rather deeply with her hind claws. Of course I was frightened, and began to cry, but I was far more concerned that the kitty was ok, and was disconsolate until my father found her to be unharmed, resting in a patch of sunlight. It was only when I knew that she was ok that I started to worry about myself and my injuries. Over the years I have assumed that I inherited a "cat loving "gene from my father, but after that brief chat with my friend, and doing a little bit of research, was I convinced that my father passed on the animal loving gene . . . not specifically for cats. I am eternally grateful to him. While I generally write about our domestic cats; those small versions of their magnificent large cousins... the big cats who roam wild in the jungles and deserts around the world and for which we must be so careful to preserve in order that our children and our children's children will be able to enjoy their beauty forever, call to me. So when I accidentally discovered this very beautiful video which is indeed a celebration and tribute to the magnificent big cats rescued and protected by Big Cat Rescue, I was compelled to share it in celebration of Christmas day. It is my special holiday gift to all who share the genetic propensity for loving animals. Enjoy the video uploaded to YouTube by BigCatRescue. The cats obviously are having a wonderful time playing with the Christmas trees and the music is enchanting. Happy Holidays! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Yyk0bi2k2k Information from Big Cat Rescue: "Enrichment is a very important part of caring for captive animals; at Big Cat Rescue we maintain a program making sure that all our cats receive enrichment on a regular basis. A special treat for the cats at this time of year is left over Christmas trees that are donated by local stores. Watch as our lions, tigers and leopards enjoy playing with their trees" Were you aware of the "animal loving" gene? Share your opinions by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/a-christmas-celebration-tribut.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/a-christmas-celebration-tribut.php Dogs Cats Rescue Video Fri, 25 Dec 2009 10:52:37 -0500 I don't know about how others go about decorating for the holidays, but when I have a gorgeous Christmas tree standing in the middle of my living room, at first I always get a bit overwhelmed. At first I get to wondering if I will be become inspired sufficiently and imaginative to be able to construct a really beautifully adorned presentation. After all the holidays only come once a year and I just love to attractively and creatively render an arrayed tree worthy enough to grace our home in celebration of the season. Photo credit: The FunTimes Guide.com I generally get on the phone and call all my friends for ideas. Most of them have some fantastic suggestions, but when I try to follow their instructions to the letter, the tree just doesn't suit me. I know I am rather picky and probably a bit neurotic about this entire process but that must be the "inner critic and perfectionist" that constantly lives in my brain. It is painful, I tell you. Then I often resort to summoning my across the street neighbors who are incredibly creative and imaginative. We work for hours designing a tree that might even win an award if I entered a contest. But when they leave there is always something missing and I go off the deep end, compulsively wracking my brain. But this year is going to be different. No more pain and suffering for me! Would you believe that I found the answer to my prayers in an email sent by a very compassionate and understanding friend who was well aware about how distraught I had become. Thus, "man's best friend" came to the rescue in helping me to accomplish what no human was able to do. I just watched this little video and got some incredible ideas. These dogs sure were not barking up the wrong tree! I invite you to spend a few minutes of this oh so adorable canine Christmas tree decorating instructional video uploaded to YouTube by norcsii. And from the huge number of hits now exceeding 3,413,082, it certainly makes me feel better to know that I am not the only one who is nervous. I am just wondering if all those folks who have already watched the video were scratching their heads while gazing at a bare evergreen standing in their living room, sharing the same anxiety as me. What do you think? Please leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/how-i-overcame-my-christmas-tr.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/how-i-overcame-my-christmas-tr.php Dogs Dogs Holiday Seasonal Thu, 24 Dec 2009 10:38:21 -0500 I am constantly amazed when people approach me to say that cats and dogs are "enemies", and cannot ever be friends. It makes me wonder where in the world they got that information. These dangerous and ignorant rumors seem to persist, in spite of all the evidence to the contrary. I call it "dangerous", as it may prevent people who may want to adopt a dog or cat but are afraid that their resident pet may inflict serious injury on the newcomer to the household, when this is far from the truth! With "proper" and patient introductions, dogs and cats can get along extremely well, and in fact can become best buddies. Years ago, I had the pleasure of watching my friend's huge black Great Dane interacting with Snowball, their little white cat. At first I was a little concerned about how Snowball would react to the Dane's display of affection, but after a short time I was relieved to find that she absolutely adored being carried around the house by her canine companion, tenderly held by her head! If I had just heard about this unusual method of transportation I would have been quite upset, but the cat thoroughly enjoyed the very careful and gentle attention. In fact, she would approach the oversized dog requesting to be carried to another part of the house! So when I recently ran across this wonderful little video I was delighted to be able to share this very sweet and touching video that so vividly depicts the loving relationship that the "Tuxedo" black and white cat shares with a very loving Golden Retriever. rebass10, the pawrent of these two adorable pets, described their video, uploaded to YouTube, which has received tremendous exposure and popularity, by commenting, "Our Golden Retriever & Tuxedo Cat are best buddies. Here's examples of how they keep each other company". Enjoy also the fabulous music performed by Jeremy Bass, whose music can be found at http://www.myspace.com/jeremybassmusic I think that this video is very appropriate for this time of year to grace the upcoming Holiday Season, with its message of peace, love and acceptance. So take a few minutes to experience Stanley and Gabrielle's delightful companionship. How do you feel about dogs and cats sharing a home? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/can-cats-and-dogs-really-becom.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/can-cats-and-dogs-really-becom.php Dogs Behavior Breeds Cats Dogs Pets Training Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:19:55 -0500 There is something so beautiful about the special relationship between a dog and a cat. Bongo and Chiflas are best friends and this week's Cuddle Champions! Congrats guys! Submitted by Theresa Long Rodriguez "Bongo is a rat terrier/cocker spaniel mix. We got him from Jack Rusell Rescue. He is very intelligent and a lot of fun. You can tell him to bring a toy and tell him which toy you want and he will run and get it. He is very loyal and so loving. Chiflas is a polydactyl cat with extra toes on the front and back. We rescued her from a feral mother who we captured to take to animal services. She is so loving and smart and follows her brother Bongo around everywhere. They are inseparable." To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/weekly-cuddle-champion-bongo-a.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/weekly-cuddle-champion-bongo-a.php Cuddle Champion cats cuddle champion cute pet pictures dog Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:51:00 -0500 As far as I am concerned, there is nothing more relaxing, enjoyable and uplifting than an hour stretched out on a warm massage table, receiving a much needed "treatment" by a highly skilled massage therapist. With soft music playing, scented candles glowing, adding both ambiance and healing aroma for a total experience of calming energy, I cannot think of anything more delightful during stressful periods in my life. Since massage has been used for thousands of years for humans, its health benefits cannot be disputed. So it makes perfect sense that the life of animals can be enhanced by experiencing and enjoying the healthful aspects of massage therapy. Lon Black, Certified Pet Massage Therapist, working on a happy client. Photo credit: Brian Crumley It has been well documented that dogs, cats and even horses not only receive a lot of positive energy but also pleasure and relaxation when massaged. According to licensed pet massage therapists, when properly done, a full body massage can enhance an animal's life. Pet massage is very similar to human massage as it is defined as the purposeful and "therapeutic" manipulation of both the skin and muscles. Practioners claim that their clients' pets sleep more soundly and have increased appetites. Additionally, dogs may enjoy longer walks with their owners. Cats also can benefit through the bonding process with their "servants", and can help alleviate any muscle or joint pain. Both dogs and cats benefit from massage therapy, as it can help alleviate stress caused by separation anxiety when pets are left alone for extended periods of time. It also increases circulation, relaxes tight muscles and can increase joint and muscle flexibility. Massage is considered an excellent addition to training for athletic pets who participate in agility events. Since massage therapy releases endorphins, the natural pain killers in the body, it increases their feeling of well being. Some pets will even permit and even enjoy gentle massaging of their gums, since circulation in the mouth is enhanced; it helps promote dental health and stronger teeth. Joint problems and arthritis in older pets can respond positively to gentle massage. Manipulation of joints and muscles helps to keep them stronger and more flexible, increasing range of motion. It is important, however when considering massage therapy for your pet to locate a professional pet massage therapist, in addition to evaluation by your vet to insure the safety and suitability for therapeutic massage for your pet. A trained and certified pet massage therapist can teach pet owners how to use safe techniques for in-between professional visits, thereby extending the benefits of therapy. For a list of licensed and certified pet massage therapists visit: http://www.petmassage.com/info/members.htm Take a moment and watch this very relaxing video of a certification session for a pet massage therapist. This is what you can expect from pet massage therapy. But I warn that you too might fall asleep along with the English bulldog who obviously is in the "zone". The video, uploaded to YouTube by Monique0469 beautifully demonstrates the "Joy of canine massage". What are your thoughts about pet massage therapy? Share by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/massage-therapy-for-pets-a-boo.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/massage-therapy-for-pets-a-boo.php Dogs Alternative Medicine Care Health Pets Wellness Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:17:11 -0500 I am beginning to think that purrhaps Simon's Cat is graced with the powers of prophecy. I know this is a very strange statement, but let me explain why I got that feeling. Photo credit: www.christinahandleystock.com I haven't seen even one flake of snow in almost nine years. Yes, it is true! We traded in the cold weather with its accompanying blizzards, sleet; icicles hanging off the barren tree like silvery ornaments and of course those frightening frozen pipes, for the heat and humidity of Central Florida. I do admit that the winters were getting rather tiresome as far as shoveling out our cars which were constantly buried in gigantic mounds of solid white stuff, but at the same time I get very nostalgic now and then, and often long for those wintery days with schools and offices closed and just hunkering down, staying warm, and watching nature's spectacular beauty. Now, please don't throw any snow balls at me. I am very aware of the recent storms which swept the North Eastern states. I found myself watching the Weather Channel, probably as an old habit catching up with the whiteout conditions, or perhaps just to enjoy the panoramas. And I have to admit I was a bit jealous; but only for a few minutes. But back to cats ... and perhaps cats and snow (ps. see great pets in snow photos here!). I remember our cats staring out the window, trying to get a grasp on the situation, but were fascinated by the falling flakes. They would actually sit and stare outside for long periods of time, just gazing at the whirling white stuff. I always wondered what was going on in their heads, and what they were thinking. I guess one of my friends must have been reading my mind and perhaps being kind to me, because yesterday, in my email box was a brand new addition to those amazing Simon's Cat videos. It got me wondering if somehow Simon's Cat was addressing all of us cat lovers who may also have some questions about what reactions their kitties may have when they gaze out at the bright and beautiful blanketed landscape. I would like to think so. But I will let you decide after you watch this really adorable short Simon's Cat presentation. Just put on your imaginative thinking caps, and enjoy the show. Leave a comment and share your thoughts about Simon's Cat's adventures in the snow. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/snow-snowbeautiful-snow-anothe.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/snow-snowbeautiful-snow-anothe.php Dogs Books Cats Fun Seasonal Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:02:49 -0500 The other day, while going through my email, I ran across an interesting and rather thought provoking piece, sent by a fellow Cat Writer's Association member. Photo credit: www.Flowers.vy Apparently several years ago, Steve Dale, blogger and journalist wrote a feature about feline flea control. Shortly after its release he received an angry email from a very upset PeTA supporter, who challenged the article, asking "How dare you write about killing fleas!" Trust me that woke me up immediately and got my full attention. I was astounded! While I respect life in all of its forms, as far as I am concerned there are limits to my tolerance for some species. I guess I am not that "enlightened". And while I have rescued spiders and lizards that make their way into our home, carefully catching them and placing them tenderly outside in the garden, it is a proven fact that fleas and other insects are carriers of a variety of nasty diseases and parasites which are highly dangerous to both pets and humans. Of course the most common parasite carried by fleas is Tapeworm which can wreak havoc with our pets and mosquitoes carry heartworm among other dangerous hitchhikers. I got to thinking about different beliefs to which some people subscribe. Some spiritual practices forbid the killing of any living creature. There are animal welfare groups that consider owning a pet is a form of "enslavement" and that no animal "deserves" to become a family pet. And while everyone is entitled to an opinion and to engage in their spiritual practices, I just find it very difficult to decide where to draw the line. After all, using save flea control to prevent our pets from a rather torturous and dangerous exposure to these "pesky" insects seems to me to be prudent. So I started researching the topic, and was reminded about the interaction President Obama had with a fly during a recent interview for CNBC. Obama actually spoke to the fly, saying, "Get out of here," as the fly buzzed around him. Since the cheeky insect paid no attention to instructions, even daring to land on the Presidents arm, Obama killed it with dispatch. He added, "That was pretty impressive, wasn't it? I got the sucker." While the President received much kudos for his swift reaction to the uninvited visitor to the White House, apparently PeTA called the action an "execution" and wanted the leader of our nation to show more compassion for even this teeny life form. The group presented him with a device that traps house-flies where they can be humanely released. A blog on PeTA's website explained, "In a nutshell, our position is this: He isn't the Buddha, he's a human being, and human beings have a long way to go before they think before they act." Bruce Friedrich, a PeTA spokesman said, "We believe that people, where they can be compassionate, should be, for all animals". Some people even referred to President Obama's action as "fly murder." There was such a to-do about this event, that within hours dozens of videos featuring President Obama's reaction to the fly were uploaded to YouTube and viewed over 750,000 times. Watch the video of the President and the fly, uploaded to YouTube by TheManin444. There are some folks who keep what we may consider to be very exotic creatures as pets, so where do we draw the line? Does anyone have the right to impose their values on anyone? What do you think? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/is-killing-fleas-and-flies-ani.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/is-killing-fleas-and-flies-ani.php Dogs Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:27:10 -0500 Recently I wrote about the H1N1 Flu and some cautionary measures for pet owners to take. The other day, I received an email from our feline-only veterinarian containing information provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association in regard to cats, in particular. According to the AVMA website, updated, December 10, a Pennsylvania cat died from the 2009 H1N1 influenza. Photo credit: Three Eyed Gymp: Flickr This was a 12-year-old domestic shorthair, who became ill on November 3, after a family of four had been ill with flu-like symptoms. The cat had stopped eating, was lethargic and had difficulty breathing. X-rays taken by their vet demonstrated pneumonia, but the cat did not respond to antibiotic treatment, with the pneumonia getting worse. On November 6, 2009 the cat died. While nasal swabs collected tested negative for the H1N1 virus strain, tissue samples taken during necropsy did test positive for the virus on November 14. Further in-depth testing confirmed the presence of the H1N1 virus. Another cat died on November 24, from the H1N1 virus in Oregon. Again, X-rays demonstrated pneumonia and fluid accumulation in the cat's chest. In this case, nasal swabs did test positive for the H1N1 virus strain by the Oregon State University Diagnostic Laboratory. This was an eight-year-old spayed female with a history of allergies, nasal discharge and chronic sinusitis. The cat was aggressively treated with Tamiflu, but did not respond to the medication. Once again, the owner had been sick with a severe respiratory disease which was confirmed as an H1-N1 infection. In France, the Director of General Health made an announcement that a five-year-old neutered domestic shorthair cat had tested positive for the 2009 H1-N1 flu virus, becoming infected after two children in the household had been sick. Fortunately in this case, the cat fully recovered in 6 days. The AVMA website posted an interesting Q&A section, dated December 8, which gives further information about the H1-N1 virus, and which pets are more susceptible. It also provides information about the Dog Flu as well. Here are some of the highlights: "Q: What are the clinical signs of 2009 H1N1 flu virus infection in pets? A: So far, the clinical signs observed in ferrets and six cats have been respiratory problems, such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose/eyes, and possibly fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and respiratory abnormalities. It resembles most other viral respiratory infections. Two of the six cats died from severe pneumonia. If there is a history of recent flu-like illness among the pets' owners and the pet begins showing signs of respiratory disease, a high index of suspicion of 2009 H1N1 influenza exists. Keep in mind that dogs currently have their own flu virus, the H3N8 influenza (canine influenza) virus, going around. So far, this flu virus has only been spread from dog to dog. Dogs infected with the canine influenza virus show the same clinical signs as dogs with kennel cough - fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, coughing, and maybe a runny nose. Q: What quarantine measures should we take when handling an animal suspected to be infected with H1N1? A: Right now, we don't know the likelihood that an infected pet will spread the 2009 H1N1 virus to other pets or to people. Therefore, we recommend managing pets that are suspected or confirmed to be infected with the virus in the same manner as a pet with a viral respiratory infection: proper quarantine, hygiene and sanitation measures are important. Although we don't know the risks of transmission of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus from pets to people, we can't say it's not possible Q: Should infected pets be treated with antivirals? A: Most people infected with the 2009 H1N1 flu virus have recovered with only supportive care and have not needed antiviral treatment. At this time, we have no reason to believe the situation is any different for pets. The decision regarding the use of antivirals, such as Tamiflu, should be based on the severity of the animal's illness and clinical judgment. Please keep in mind that these products are not FDA-approved for use in pets and there is limited research or clinical information regarding the efficacy, safety and dosing of these products for pets. Inadequate dosing of antivirals could increase the risk of treatment failure, adverse events and/or antiviral resistance. The necessity of antiviral treatment should be weighed against these risks." To read the entire FAQ section, visit: http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/new_flu_virus_faq.asp How concerned are you about H1-N1 flu and your pets? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/h1-n1-virus-in-felines-informa.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/h1-n1-virus-in-felines-informa.php Dogs Cats Health Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:55:25 -0500 The expression, "Strangers are just friends you have not yet met" is really true for those of us who "hang out" on the Internet. Yet I am always amazed when I run across one of these "strangers" who enter my life for just a brief connection, or one which continues to grow into a lasting friendship. But no matter if the contact is short or long lasting, I am of the opinion that these encounters are always for a reason and are not made by accident. A few weeks ago, while indulging in one of my favorite past times, helping folks with feline-related issues, a question was posted that really caught my attention. Anna, the cat's owner, was seeking further information about a situation concerning her kitty, Loki, a fifteen month-old Bengal whose behavior had recently changed radically, and who was vomiting frequently. Loki had already undergone a day long stay at the veterinarian's clinic revealing that Loki may have been injured seriously, resulting in a diaphragmatic hernia. All of Loki's abdominal organs had moved into her chest, which required delicate surgery to repair. Read more about this condition at: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2139&aid=262 Loki before surgery There was something in the manner which Anna asked her question that touched me. It was apparent that she was not seeking medical advice in lieu of getting appropriate veterinary for her cat, but was clearly looking for support to deal with Loki's care, and for some helpful suggestions. I offered Anna a few ideas to consider discussing with her vet, and sent her an email asking her to keep me updated. For some yet unrevealed reason Loki was frequently on my mind, and I was eager to receive news about her. But as I think more about it I think that it was Anna's willingness to do whatever it took to aid in her cat's recovery. Happily, I am able to report that at this time, Loki is doing well and is on her way to healing. Since so often I find it extremely frustrating when people ask questions about their pets that may turn out to be serious medical conditions, but yet are unwilling to seek professional diagnosis and treatment for them. It appears that they are looking for "free advice" for these questions to which even if legitimate veterinarians were answering, would be impossible to provide without a clinic visit. As far as I am concerned if we take on the responsibility of caring for a pet, there will always be those unexpected medical emergencies which are frequently accompanied by costly financial expenses. It is incumbent upon up to find creative ways in which we can find the funds to appropriately care for them. So it was indeed a welcome breath of fresh air to find Anna and her beautiful courageous cat, and to briefly touch the life of someone who not only cares deeply for her pet, but is a responsible and caring owner. Loki after surgery The other day Anna sent me some photos and shared in an email, "Despite the vomiting we feel Loki is doing awesome, truly a different cat than the sad girl we brought home after her surgery. She's playing and interacting (slowly) with our other girl Moss. Also a cute little fact is since her surgery Loki has been purring for us, usually she would only ever purr for Moss our other cat. Very interesting! Thanks again so much for taking interest, it's nice to see someone who truly cares for animals like you! :) I have enjoyed reading your blogs, there is really good info in them." Receiving this good news was a wonderful holiday-season "gift". Encountering truly responsible and caring pet owners like Anna is a treat and a delight. It really inspires me to continue reaching out to folks that take pet ownership so very seriously. What experiences do you have meeting pet lovers on the Internet? Please do share with us by leaving a comment. All photos taken by Anna http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/anna-and-loki-an-inspirational.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/anna-and-loki-an-inspirational.php Dogs Health Pet Costs Pet Ownership Stories Veterinary Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:25:27 -0500 Dunk'n's water drinking antics made us smile and his owner's devotion to this lovely kitty made our hearts melt. Congratulations Dunk'n, you are this week's CUDDLE CHAMP! Submitted by Dee Coleman Huston "Here's my cuddle champ Turkish Van cat, 10 Yrs old with diabetes & inoperable fibrosarcoma. He has always tested his water with his paw before drinking it, dip & tasted several times, then go about drinking as normal cats do. That' how he got his alias name of Dunk'n (not Dunkin, or Duncan) >^,^ He's my cuddle bug" To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/weekly-cuddle-champion-dunkn-t.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/weekly-cuddle-champion-dunkn-t.php Cuddle Champion cats cuddle champion cute cat pictures Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:22:30 -0500 Still stuck on some holiday gift ideas season? There is still time to let your "fingers do the walking" to find those special last minute presents for your pet loving friends. At the same time, you will be giving a gift that keeps on giving, as the proceeds go to very worthy animal rescue organizations. So this is a definite win-win situation for both you and needy animals. This year I am featuring some of my favorite animal rescue charities that I consider to be among the very best welfare organizations. The products that they have for sale are excellent and will make wonderful presents for your pet loving friends. Of course it goes without saying that your pets may enjoy some extra special gifts as well! So here is the list that I have put together and I hope you will enjoy shopping at their sites. This year I purchased a few gifts for our kitties. It sure is hard to keep them hidden in the hall closet until December 25, but I am doing my best to overcome my temptation to speed things up. After all, there would be nothing under our tree for them if I gave in! The American Humane has some fabulous gift offerings. You can read more about their work by visiting them at http://www.americanhumane.org/ You can enjoy convenient shopping by visiting: https://secure2.convio.net/aha/site/Ecommerce?store_id=3021&VIEW_HOMEPAGE=true&FOLDER=0&TYPE=&NAME=&JServSessionIdr004=ptpicofki3.app23a Of course I am quite partial to Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary in Middletown, N.Y. Visit them and learn all about what they are doing to help cats, dogs and other homeless critters at: http://www.petsalive.com/ Visit their gift shop at: http://www.cafepress.com/petsalive If you are a Dog Town fan, I am sure you are aware that they are part of Best Friends: http://www.bestfriends.org/ While Best Friends don't have a gift shop, there are interesting things to look at on their site. Of course you may elect to make a donation to their worthy cause. https://www.bestfriends.org/donate/give.cfm?tc=WDGENA The Animal Rescue Association (http://www.anraa.org/) has some amazing gifts for sale that are both geared to pets and to humans! Go shopping at: http://stitchhounds.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=20 Some folks love to go shopping for shoes! Personally, I can't stand it, but these shoes are not for humans. These beautifully decorated horseshoes make delightful gifts with the proceeds going to one of my all time favorite rescue groups, Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue (http://www.angelacreshorsehavenrescue.com/), in Glenville, Pa. These shoes are delightful and of course are filled more good luck than anyone could need! Go shoe shopping at: http://www.shoeshoppingwithangelacres.com/ The Tree House Humane Society (http://www.treehouseanimals.org/index.html) is well known for their work in cat rescue. Their store has an abundance of feline related gifts for that cat that has "everything", and also for feline loving humans. Visit their online store at: https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/treehouse/giftstore.jsp I am positive that you will delight in the wide array of gifts available from these websites. Enjoy your shopping, and of course have a wonderful holiday season. If you know of other pet-charitable organizations that offer gifts, please leave a comment and share them. Photo credit: Horizontal Integration Flickr http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/holiday-gifts-and-pet-rescues.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/holiday-gifts-and-pet-rescues.php Dogs Gifts Holiday Holidays Rescue Shelters Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:37:30 -0500 Recently I am finding articles about pets that are so compelling and touching to read. It is certainly rewarding to learn about people who take the time and make the effort to help animals that are suffering and in need of care. Last month, Kathy, an animal shelter worker living in Tennessee, discovered a starving Rottweiler at the side of a road. Amazed by the dog's friendly nature, who trustfully responded to her attention, Kathy knew that this dog belonged to someone, and was not a victim of abuse. Naming the dog "Ella", she explored the entire area carefully, and found a "nest" where the dog had been sleeping. Surrounding the nest, she found a toothbrush, a comb, a candle and a razor, which were personal items appearing to belong to someone. Ella And Kathy's memory was jarred as she continued to search for clues. Remembering a serious car wreck that occurred a few weeks prior along this stretch of highway, Kathy immediately contacted the Tennessee highway patrol. She learned that there was a family involved in the wreck, and fortunately all of them survived. Apparently Ella was overlooked during the rescue, since she may have been thrown from the car at the point of impact. She had spent a few weeks just trying to stay alive, drinking from a nearby drainage ditch, waiting hopefully at the scene that her family would return and rescue her. But sadly her family believed that their beloved pet had died in the accident and was not found. The American Humane Association, upon learning about Ella's plight, along with the family's financial strain from their huge medical bills which resulted from the accident, got involved. They learned that the money that the family had to spend on medical care were from funds they had set aside to buy a new home. They provided the money for Kathy's animal shelter to take care of Ella, while the family worked toward getting back on their feet. Of course Ella's family was thrilled to see her and that she was alive and so beautifully taken care of, but unfortunately they were not yet in a financial position to take Ella back to their new home. At this time Ella is living in a loving foster home, receiving the best of care. The family is hopeful that they will be able to reunite with their beloved dog in the near future. Since this is the time of the year when we reach out to those who are in need, the American Humane Association is asking for donations to help them in their work to provide assistance to needy pets who are separated from their families. They are specifically requesting donations to help fund the American Humane Association's Foreclosure Pets Grant program. The American Humane Association explains: "Shelters and animal rescues across the country are seeing a surge in the number of animals surrendered due to foreclosure situations. People, with nowhere else to turn, are looking to shelters for assistance in caring for their pets, either temporarily or permanently. To help, American Humane Association offers Foreclosure Pets Grants, which go directly to shelters so they can help these families and provide housing and medical care for displaced animals, so they never have to turn one away." For people wishing to help donations of any amount can be made at the American Humane Association's secure website at: https://secure2.convio.net/aha/site/Donation2?df_id=2140&2140.donation=form1 Donations can also be directly mailed to: American Humane Association 63 Inverness Drive East Englewood, CO 80112 What action would you take if you found a lost pet at the side of the road? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/american-humane-association-fo.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/american-humane-association-fo.php Dogs American Humane Association Rescue Shelters Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:04:15 -0500 A couple of weeks ago an absolutely adorable kitten video was widely making the rounds. But this one is so incredibly fetching, that avid cat lovers cannot help but smile from ear-to-ear no matter how many times they watch it. And while this captivating little piece of "movie making", captured by Rosa, a 15- year-old aspiring film maker only lasts about 17 seconds, it seems to have completely captured felinophiles hearts. At the time of this writing there have been close to 10 million hits since its release. That has to say something about folk's reactions to it. Not only is the video extremely popular, it has apparently taken on some stellar notoriety! The young film maker has had far more than her 15 minutes of fame! Her video was featured on CNN and highlighted by Kristen Bell on Craig Ferguson. In an interview with a French journalist at LePost.fr, Rosa shared that the diminutive fur ball named Attila Fluff does not belong to her, but is one of her friend's kittens. And can you imagine? Attila's owner has not yet commented about how she feels with this overnight fame and popularity. Who knows, perhaps a full length feature film may be in the works. But would it be possible to maintain over an hour's worth of "awws and ohhhs" to which a full scale production of this utter kitten cuteness would contain? I purrsonally would think that folks would be leaving the theater en masse to run out to find a kitten or a cat to adopt and love on, as a result of the good press which the film would engender. Hey, that may not be such a bad idea, since there are so many of these wonderful feline friends needing forever loving homes. And while I simply adored the antics of this adorable kitten responding to the anonymous hand, nagging reality reared its head, calling out to my rational side; as a reminder that it is never wise for folks to play with kittens or cats using hands or fingers. It really does reinforce instinctual feline behavior which may lead to unwanted scratches. So it is always far more appropriate and safe to toss a toy, or bring out that feather on a string which delights all felines. So whether or not you have watched this video uploaded to YouTube by rozzzafly, do take a few seconds out of your day for an enchanting experience. Did you receive your daily allotment of kitten delight? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/cute-kitten-video-17-seconds-o.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/cute-kitten-video-17-seconds-o.php Dogs Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:16:21 -0500 I don't know how you feel, but as far as I am concerned, dogs should just be dogs. With the huge selection of a such an enormous variety of so many breeds which are so very appealing and beautiful just the way they are, I cannot wrap my head around why people fuss with them so intensely, manicuring and primping them so at least to my eyes they look like animated stuffed animals. For example, take this carefully coiffured canine who has been groomed to the "nines" while he awaits his turn to be shown at the Expo Can Mexico International Dog competition held in Mexico City this past September. While those two clips used to keep the hair out of his eyes may make it easier for him to view his surroundings, his facial expression does not appear to me to be very happy. I even wonder if the clips used for this purpose were at all comfortable for him. Does he seem embarrassed at all to be seen in public with such a fancy hairdo? I bet he would be thrilled to be able to roll in the dirt, chase a newspaper delivery boy down the street, and dig up bones that he was permitted to carefully bury. I actually don't have anything against dog shows. Years ago I was very active in the Cat Fancier's Association as a breeder of Siamese and Russian Blues and frequently entered my cats into competition, and of course enjoying the occasional Grand Championship award. I often wondered in amazement how the dedicated long hair exhibitors patiently and lovingly groomed their gorgeous felines, and while they went to great extremes to show them off in all their glory, while groomed them so patiently, each hair in place, their appearance always seemed natural to me. The cats seemed to enjoy the extra combing and fluffing, which often put them into the spotlight with a hefty win! But somehow when I see their canine counterparts all "guzzied up" with their colorful frills and decorations, some of these pampered pooches just seem somewhat artificial to me. Perhaps I am just a "natural" gal, and am missing something. What do you do to groom your dogs? Would you take the time it would require to have your canine companion resemble this little guy? Please leave a comment and let us know. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/the-pampered-pooch-is-this-goi.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/the-pampered-pooch-is-this-goi.php Dogs Blogs Dog Shows Grooming Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:10:37 -0500 California kitties with intact claws can now breathe a sigh of relief this morning. Last night by a 4-1 vote, the Burbank City Council voted to outlaw declawing cats in their city, becoming the 8th city in the state to pass a declawing ban. The one dissenting vote was cast by Mayor Gary Bric, who did not support the ban. High five for declawing bans! Happily, Burbank's population of 100,000 has the potential to save lots of claws! Cat lovers around the country, who deplore the inhumane practice, are thrilled with the announcement. The City has now joined West Hollywood, Santa Monica, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Culver City and Berkeley with this feline-friendly legislation, ahead of a state law which will prevent cities and counties from passing any bans after January 1, 2010. The ordinance takes place immediately. Additionally, Marin County is considering a resolution to protect cats in the county, since time is running short for their council to put it on their agenda to pass an ordinance. According to an article in the "Burbank Leader" dated December 8 at 11:00 PM, after two hours of public testimony, Police Captain Janice Lowers, who oversees the Burbank Animal Shelter recommended that the council go ahead and pass the ban. Vice Mayor Anja Reinke said, "Even though it's a small issue, I think it's still important for the city of Burbank to support an issue that is morally the right thing to do," Veterinarian Armati May, in support of the ban, added that the ban was necessary to protect cats from excruciating pain and potential lameness to which cats are at risk from the surgery. She added, "It's gotten to the point where the veterinarian profession has failed to educate itself. Even the name 'declaw' is a misnomer. It doesn't adequately convey what this procedure entails." The surgery, performed by Veterinarians consists of the amputation of the last joint of each toe on the paws to completely remove the nail bed. Post surgical pain is horrendous, often with insufficient pain control administered post-surgery. Common behavioral problems following the surgery are for cats to stop using their litter boxes and to start biting. However, should veterinarians consider that a medical situation such as an injury, any abnormalities of the claw or illness in which they determine that declawing is absolutely necessary; the ordinance will permit surgical intervention. Cat lovers in the United States, who abhor the practice of declawing cats hope that a National ban will follow in the footsteps of these forward-thinking California cities in the near future. Since there are already over 37 countries around the world that have already passed bans on the practice, there are a huge number of veterinarians who believe the surgery is inhumane and completely unnecessary. It is well documented that providing cats with appropriate scratching posts, cat trees, stimulating environments in addition to keeping claws trimmed, is highly recommended over declawing, in order to preserve the health and well being of our beloved felines. How do you feel about Burbank's passage of their declaw ban? Leave a comment and let us know. Photo Credit: Advice.com http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/burbank-joins-7-other-compassi.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/burbank-joins-7-other-compassi.php Dogs Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:27:47 -0500 The picture of brotherly love, RJ and Cade taking a nap together made us go "AWWW!!" this week. Congrats guys, you are this week's CUDDLE CHAMPIONS! Submitted by Kati Huber "RJ is a 5-year-old rottie mix and such a cuddlebug. All he wants is to give and receive love. Cade is a 2-year-old pitt mix, and once he's exhausted his almost endless energy supply, he is quite the cuddler, too." To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/weekly-cuddle-champions-rj-and.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/weekly-cuddle-champions-rj-and.php Cuddle Champion cuddle champion cute pet pictures dogs pet picture of the week Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:33:26 -0500 I never ever want to again hear that "cats are not intelligent, therefore cannot be trained". I don't know about your cats, but ours are definitely eligible for a membership in Mensa! They have taken any training we have given them to the nth degree. Not only are they brilliant and quick learners, they certainly have turned the tables on us and are busy "training their trainers". Since Hush Puppy is an extremely finicky feline, not only in his favorite foods, but also in which parts of the house he prefers to hang out. Not only that, he has me completely wrapped around his little paws when it comes to feeding time at our house. But it is not just about which brands and flavors of food that are to his liking, it is the method he uses to he lead me around the house, letting me know precisely where he wishes to be served. For example: Breakfast consists of a half of a three ounce can of premium kitten food, mixed carefully with warm water, into a smooth consistency that meets his standards. He prefers his food mashed and whipped into a texture that suits his taste. But that is not the whole story. I don't mind preparing his food just the way he likes it, but it gets a bit disconcerting to have to follow him from room to room, imploring him to eat, until he finds precisely his purrfect location which inspires him to eat. Sometimes it is on a living room chair covered with a blanket, or it could be on one of our couch pillows. Location, location, location!! Lunchtime is not that much easier. This consists of the remainder of the kitten food, which must be served on our bed . . . and exactly in the right placement. If I don't figure out just where he wants to be fed, he sulks, leaving the room, having me following him to guess where a suitably alternative spot will get him to eat. The other day it was inside a cardboard box in the foyer. I tell you I get anxiety attacks at meal times. Dinner time, at precisely at 5:30 PM is a half a jar of beef and broth baby food. He will not touch cat food in the evening at all. He used to enjoy turkey and broth baby food, but at the time of this writing, it is only beef that will tickle his fancy. Dinner is generally served on one of the platforms on the "designer" style cat tree which graces our living room. Hush Puppy obviously prefers a stretch before supper, followed by this tasty meal which he eats slowly to savor this costly offering. Hubble The before- bedtime snack must be served on the top of one of our couch pillows. If I don't feed him there, he just won't eat. There is nothing more upsetting to me than his missing a meal, and he sure knows this. I can just imagine the wheels turning in his pretty little head thinking of more ways to "educate" me. Hubble, on the other hand will eat anything, anywhere, at any time. He has a voracious appetite and spends considerable time searching under the dining room table, grazing on the carpet to make sure that any tidbit of food that may have been dropped accidently is instantly consumed. I sometime refer to him as a feline vacuum cleaner when it comes to eating. He has very subtle ways of making sure that I cater to his whims. His adorable face with his big blue eyes melts my heart, of which he is keenly aware. I hope you can identify with what I am talking about. Please leave a comment and let me know if I have really been thoroughly trained. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/are-cats-trainable-and-who-tra.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/are-cats-trainable-and-who-tra.php Dogs Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:13:59 -0500 You should have seen the huge, knowing smile on my face when I opened an email from a friend the other day, about a rather unique and unusual physical therapist who specializes in working with children. He certainly doesn't wear a white coat, which can be frightening to youngsters, but he does sport a black and tan fur coat which seems to appeal to the kids. At only one foot-tall, he is far shorter than the patients with whom he "treats", but the children don't seem to mind one bit. He takes his position as a therapist on the "staff" of the Miami Children's Hospital very seriously, arriving every Tuesday in a diminutive "wheelchair". You see, Dr. Lance is a 5 year-old Dachshund therapy dog. Animals are well known to be the best therapists, not only for children, but for adults as well. The expression, "Physician, Heal thyself" may definitely apply here! Since Lance gets just as much pleasure being petted by pediatric patients as they receive from him, his job must be very emotionally healing to him. I can only imagine that he must feel a great sense of purpose in being of service to these children. He visits them, ambulating in his chair to get close enough for them to touch him. They are delighted by his hospital calls, and of course there is no fee for his service Photo credit: AP Caio Stinchi, who resides in Coconut Grove, Florida, said, "We decided to turn his situation into something good". Two years ago, Lance woke up unable to move, according to Claudia Machado, Mr. Stinchi's wife. Lance was brought to the University of Florida's veterinary hospital in Gainesville, where "Super Lance", (the name he is called at the hospital where he "works") was diagnosed with a second-degree herniated disc, a condition that can affect the breed. Unfortunately the diagnosis was made too late. There was irrevocable damage to his spinal cord, which rendered him paralyzed. Claudia was devastated, fainting in the veterinarian's office when she received the heart-breaking news about Lance. She and her husband consider him to be their "only son". But after they were able to process what Lance was going through, Claudia said, "But you have to pick up the pieces and make the best of it." After considerable research about what they could do to make Lance's life more comfortable, they learned they could order a custom-made wheelchair for their beloved dog. Claudia remarked, "The wheelchair was a natural thing for him. He got movement back. He was moving around the office as he always would. It was the coolest day of my life because I could see in his face that he was excited to be moving around." However, the paralyzed dachund's new mobility was only the start of a totally brand new life and unexpected lifestyle for Lance and his human family. Since they had experienced what most people would consider a tragedy, they started researching about how Lance's disability might bring hope and change for sick children struggling with their own losses. They discovered Therapy Dog Inc., an organization based in Wyoming that tests, trains and registers therapy dogs throughout the country. Therapy Dogs certified the courageous little dog in 2008. The couple also became "certified Pet Handlers". They registered him as a therapy dog at Miami Children's Hospital, where he makes his rounds every Tuesday, visiting children recovering from illness or surgery. Of course, Lance is not permitted to bark or lick the faces of the patients or families while he is on duty. And while Lance's paralysis prevents him from wagging his tail, he raises his ears to show his pleasure. His undaunting spirit and joi -de-vive is totally contagious to both patients and staff. Read more about Lance and his amazing contribution by visiting: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/1328982.html Have you had experience with a handicapped pet? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/lance-the-long-little-doggy-ch.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/lance-the-long-little-doggy-ch.php Dogs Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:11:09 -0500 Of course I am preaching to the choir here to all our cat loving readers, but it makes no difference. And after I state my views, I will ask you a thought provoking question in an attempt to gather support for my feline-oriented views. You see I am being held hostage by two very vocal cats who are insisting that I check this out. They are holding me at paw- point and if I don't acquiesce to their demands, I am sure that the consequences will be very serious. I mean . . . why take a chance disregarding such a simple favor? If I set a precedent here which advocates neglecting these requests I am sure I will pay dearly. Before I get into the question itself, I feel obligated to confess that in my circle of friends, I am famous for spoiling our cats. Since I am always searching for novel feline-friendly items to interest and indulge our beloved kitties, since providing an enriched feline environment is an essential part of prudent cat care. So when I ran across these items the other day, after I stopped drooling and checked my bank account carefully to see if it was feasible for me to purchase any of them, I felt compelled to share some of these rather unique and innovative products to which any pampered pussycat would enjoy. For example, take this very creative item designed by Sandy Lam, aptly named, "The Catain". This is a curtain made for cats and is available at http://www.moderncat.net/2008/05/18/curtains-made-just-for-kitty-introducing-catain-by-designer-sandy-lam/ This attractive product is designed expressly to give your "mountain climber" cat the option of reaching those lofty heights to which felines are attracted while at the same time hopefully discouraging them from swinging on your draperies. Purrhaps this is a clever solution but I wonder how kitties will be able to distinguish the feline version from the real thing. It does give me pause to reflect. But check out their website and decide for yourself. While you are visiting, check out their collection of scratching posts. These are the times I wish I was a pampered ball of fur! The Cat Connection offers a wide variety of fabulous stuff which will definitely result in your impeccable feline showering you with affection, if you decide gift them with a few of the items offered for sale. And if you ever are concerned about your work schedule interfering with the type of quality time that your kitty deserves, The Cat Connection "has your back". Their "Cat Sitter" DVD will afford your favorite feline "hours of action packed animal footage enhanced with the sounds of nature. Cats actually think they are in the great outdoors!" And for those who detest the grungy sight of a litter box out in the open, take a "gander" at a very serious piece of furniture which tastefully camouflages the cat "toilet". Of course this is a high ticket item. Visit the website at: http://www.thesophisticatedcat.com/litter_grooming/index.html to view several choices in color and style. Finally: My question is; Do you think I am going overboard just fantasizing about bestowing similar gifts upon our cats, or would you too be inclined, (if money is no object, of course) to "spoil" your cats with abundant delight? Leave a comment and let me know. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/how-to-truly-spoil-a-cat.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/how-to-truly-spoil-a-cat.php Dogs Blogs Cats Product Reviews Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:36:48 -0500 If you asked any of our friends to describe our cats, one of the first things they would tell you is that we have a strong propensity to spoil them. In fact, many of our friends tell me that when they come back in their next lifetime, they want to be reincarnated as one of our cats. Why? Because our philosophy is that cats should be spoiled. I mean after all, cats so incredibly enrich our lives, showering us with their love, their warmth and of course, those soothing purrs that can lull us peacefully into dreamland. If you visited our home, you would see a huge assortment of feline-related items placed liberally in almost every room in our house. We have vertical scratching posts, horizontal cardboard scratchers and several cat trees which our cats so thoroughly enjoy. Upon awakening, the first thing in the morning finds Hush Puppy dashing off like a streak of greased lightning flying to the cat tree in the living room, raking it, climbing to the top and giving his muscles, joints and claws a fabulous work-out. He tells me there is nothing better than a big stretch after awakening. I really didn't think we would need another scratching device, but a friend told me about the Cat Scratch Lounger, a rather unique cardboard horizontal scratcher that was also a "lounge" in which cats love to sleep. I was initially a bit skeptical but decided that it would make a good holiday present for the cats. I jumped onto the internet and ordered one immediately. It arrived in about ten days and I carefully stashed it in the hall closet, tucking it behind the winter coats that we never wear anymore since moving to Florida. Heck, they would never find it there! Hush Puppy with the Cat Scratch Lounge But I do often have difficulty disciplining myself to be patient and wait for the holidays to arrive to dole out my gifts, but I always manage to invent very "sensible" excuses for gifting our cats ahead of time. This time I managed to convince myself that I was only "testing" this scratcher so I could suggest it, with conviction, to folks as a suggestion for holiday gifts to give to friends who share their homes with felines, or, of course, to consider giving one as special gift for their own kitties. So with not a trace of guilt, (ahem), I pulled it out of the closet and presented it to Hubble and Hush Puppy. They stared at it for a moment, but once they caught a whiff of the mesmerizing catnip which was packed in the box, at no extra charge, they immediately began an interesting confrontation, discussing which of the two would be the "test pilot". Of course Hush Puppy won that argument paws-down and claimed it as "his". He does allow his brother "cat scratching lounge" time. Hubble just loves catching 40 winks within the snug and safe cardboard walls. So our cats have given me purrmission to share what we discovered as the Holiday season is upon us now. This very cat-friendly horizontal model is available by visiting http://scratchlounge.com/index.html Do you also find excuses to spoil your kitties? Please leave a comment so I can increase my repertoire. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/the-cat-scratching-lounge-an-e.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/the-cat-scratching-lounge-an-e.php Dogs Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:06:20 -0500 With the H1N1 aka "Swine Flu" continuing to be a hot topic in the news, folks are concerned about whether the virus is contagious to their pets. Early in November, the Department of Public Health in Iowa made an announcement that a cat became infected with the virus shortly after a family of three became ill with Flu symptoms. And while infectious disease specialists thought that cats and dogs were less susceptible to the virus than pigs, turkeys, ferrets and humans, recently their thinking has definitely been changed. The ailing 13-year-old indoor-only cat was taken to the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center, at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine for treatment where a diagnosis of H1N1 was confirmed by the collective work of the Iowa Department of Public Health, The State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, Immunobiotics, the Translational Comparative Medicine, Center for Advanced Host Defenses, the USDA, and the IDALS Animal Industry Bureau. And while the family and the cat made a complete recovery, according to the Pet Health Examiner, it is "clear that cats can become infected with the H1N1 influenza virus. Sadly, the last reported case has been fatal." Oregon Cat with H1N1, photo from Pet Health Examiner Recently a cat, living in Oregon, succumbed to the virus, becoming ill a week after being exposed to child living in the same household exhibiting flu-like symptoms. The cat exhibited symptoms of labored breathing, and was diagnosed with pneumonia by the veterinarian. The cat died on November 7. Necropsy results were positive for the H1N1 Influenza. Samples sent to the National Veterinary Service Laboratories for confirmation are still pending, however. The diagnosis at this time is presumptive for H1N1. The cat was one of four felines in this household. Nothing has been reported yet about the health of the remaining cats. The AVMA and veterinary experts recommend that a few simple precautions should be taken to minimize the possibility of pets becoming ill through contact with humans. They suggest that if household members are displaying flu-like symptoms that folks wash their hands thoroughly, avoid close contact with pets for the duration of illness, covering nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. Naturally, sharing the bedroom with pets during illness should be discouraged, and giving pets an alternative place to sleep is prudent for the duration of the virus. Be on the lookout for symptoms of illness in your pets: lethargy, coughing, sneezing, labored or difficult breathing and loss of appetite, especially if someone in the household has recently been sick with the flu. If these symptoms develop, immediately contact your veterinarian. For more information about which species of pets are at risk for contracting the virus, visit: http://www.examiner.com/x-7468-Pet-Health-Examiner~y2009m10d26-H1N1-influenza-Swine-flu-Which-pets-are-at-risk What concerns do you have about the H1N1 virus and your pets? Share them by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/h1n1-flu-and-pets-some-caution.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/h1n1-flu-and-pets-some-caution.php Dogs Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:59:00 -0500 We just couldn't resist the charm of this sweet bundled up kitty! Congratulations Lilly, you are this week's Cuddle Champion! Submitted by Laura Marinelli "All bundled up makes my kitty-baby a Cuddle Champion!!!!!" To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/weekly-cuddle-champion-cuddly.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/weekly-cuddle-champion-cuddly.php Cuddle Champion cats cuddle champion cute cat pictures Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:22:12 -0500 I am certain that anyone who recently read about Oreo, the young, abused Pitbull mix, rescued earlier this year by the ASPCA, who suffered severe injuries after being thrown off a 6 story building roof, only to be euthanized as considered "vicious", and not given a chance to prove otherwise, will not easily forget the tragic story. The other day, a very thought-provoking story appeared on the Care2 website concerning Oreo's law, a pending Legislation inspired by Oreo's senseless euthanization. It was introduced in the New York State Legislature by Assemblyman Micah Z. Kellner and State Senator, Thomas K. Duane. Oreo Modeled after Hayden's Law, a similar legislation passed in California to prevent adoptable dogs from being euthanized, Hayden's Law would have given Oreo the opportunity to be rescued by Pets Alive and rehabilitated slowly, with great care and compassion. She would still be alive today. And if Oreo's Law passes in New York State, perhaps a nation-wide law will follow, preventing the needless killing of any dog that can be rehabilitated and adopted by a forever loving home. In the Care2 article, author Alicia Graef writes, "There were no guarantees that Oreo could have been rehabilitated. Additionally, while a no-kill sanctuary offered to take her, she would have been left with little contact with other animals or people. Would that have been a good life for such a social animal?" This misleading statement is completely inaccurate. Had the author researched further, she would have learned, that in fact Oreo would have been provided lots of contact with humans, as staff and trained volunteers worked with her to rehabilitate her toward their goal for her being truly adoptable. Additionally, a special outdoor run was prepared for her where she would have had visual contact with other dogs, until such time that she was psychologically and physically ready for actual contact with canine companions. The article continues to pose the question if the wording of the pending New York State bill might be an invitation for any shelter with a 501c designation, (an organization with a tax-free status), to be able to request possession of any dog, whether or not they are qualified to skillfully handle the animal, to correctly assess their temperament and medical needs, have sufficient funds and resources to adequately care for them, and to rule out "hoarders". However, Oreo's Law legislation in the New York State Senate clearly defines what is considered to be a suitable adoption facility. It reads, "No animal should be put down by a shelter if a reputable humane or rescue organization is willing to assume responsibility for its well being." I cannot imagine that any facility would not be inspected prior to allowing claim to a needy dog. In my opinion this pending New York State legislation falls under the guidelines set by The Animal Law Coalition, which states, "There should be some provision to allow the public shelter or agency to make sure the organization is not hoarding or engaged in criminal activity, that it's owners and employees have no history of animal abuse or neglect, and is capable of providing proper housing and care, veterinary and otherwise, and any training or socialization the animals may require. It would be important to assure the organization has an adoption program that places animals in carefully screened homes to find the best person to care for and manage each animal." So rather than throwing the baby out with the bath water by negating this humane pending legislation, it makes sense to me that feedback given to the co-sponsors to ensure the addition of any needed amendments which would provide stronger safeguards in the wording of the bill. Personally I think that "Oreo's Law" is a doorway to help prevent any further needless killing of dogs that are potential candidates for adoption from loving families. Read more about the controversy by visiting: http://www.examiner.com/x-16635-SF-Animal-Shelters-Examiner~y2009m11d25-Understanding-oreos-law What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/understanding-oreos-law.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/12/understanding-oreos-law.php Dogs Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:07:19 -0500 The other day I ran across a story about those famous stray dogs that hang out in the Moscow subways. My first reaction was to admire the pluck and courage of these canines, but as I delved more deeply into it, it made me very sad to discover that many folks consider this rather amusing. There are already several videos of these dogs uploaded to You Tube under the category of "Jokes". As far as I am concerned there is nothing funny about the difficult existence and unpredictable lives these intelligent and plucky dogs must live. Their struggle only serves to demonstrate their undaunting spirit, facing each day as a new challenge. I could only feel a deep concern and admiration for their courage and will to survive under very difficult circumstances. In the article published by EnglishRussia.com, the headline read: "Stray dogs are commuting to and from a city centre on underground trains in search of food scraps." According to the article, these dogs board the "Tube" each morning, jump off at a familiar station stop, make their way up to the Moscow streets to beg and scavenge for food. They have developed special tactical skills in order to effectively "hustle" people for a handout. Once they are finished with their daily quest, they descend back into the bowels of the city returning to the subway cars where they spend the night, sleeping on seats or in protected corners of the subway cars. Interestingly, they prefer to choose the quietest cars in the front or back of the train, working together in the morning to make sure they get off at the right stop. They also have learned to judge their timing impeccably so they wake up at the precisely correct hour, almost all the time. The reason for this unusual canine behavior, according to scientists who have studied them, may have started after the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s, with Russia's new capitalists moving from the industrial complexes in the center of the city to the suburbs. One of the scientists, Dr. Andrei Poiarkov, of the Moscow Ecology and Evolution Institute said, "These complexes were used by homeless dogs as shelters, so the dogs had to move together with their houses. Because the best scavenging for food is in the city centre, the dogs had to learn how to travel on the subway -- to get to the centre in the morning, then back home in the evening, just like people." From Dr. Poiarkov's observations, he suspects that these dogs actually seem to enjoy their daily routine, and appear to like commuting. He added, "They jump on the train seconds before the doors shut, risking their tails getting jammed. They do it for fun. And sometimes they fall asleep and get off at the wrong stop." These clever canine commuters have also learned how to cross roads safely by observing traffic lights. Dr. Poiarkov claims they also use "cunning tactics to obtain tasty morsels of their favorite treats, Shawarma, a kebob-like snack very popular with Moscow residents. They sneak up behind any unsuspecting person eating one . . . barking loudly to distract them, forcing them to drop the tidbit. They have also mastered the skill of playing "cute dog" with children, staring into their eyes, looking doleful to gain their sympathy. He said, "Dogs are surprisingly good psychologists." But I am not convinced that these dogs are happy and healthy subway riders. It seems to me that perhaps Dr. Poiarkov may be anthropomorphizing and is projecting his personal interpretation on the dog's behavior. I think it has to be a very difficult and dangerous means of survival for the Moscow strays. What do you think? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment. Photo Credits: EnglishRussia.com http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/moscows-canine-commuters-a-tou.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/moscows-canine-commuters-a-tou.php Dogs Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:37:26 -0500 The expression, "The teacher appears when the student is ready" is one which I to which I highly subscribe. I think that this simple statement is one of the most straightforward bits of advice for those of us who may be thinking about embarking upon a "spiritual journey", or just a deeper understanding of ourselves and may even be seeking out a guru. Simply put, "have faith." I also truly believe that when we are considering bringing a new pet into our homes and hearts, and have set out on a quest to find one, or even if we have no consciously strong desire at all to get a pet, it is in reality the dog, cat, bird, horse or reptile that is reaching out for us and are sending us very strong signals and vibrations that we magically "pick up" and draw us to them. Buddy and Donna: photo by G.Marek My across the street neighbors, Donna and Gerry lost their beloved old dog awhile ago. They needed time to grieve and were in no hurry to adopt a puppy. It just was not the right time for them. They sure missed him and both of them were inconsolable. However, a few months later, while still not in the market for another pet, a skinny flea infested funny looking little dog started appearing on the street a couple of blocks from their house. He seemed so downcast and was obviously not being cared for by anyone. If a dog ever needed a home, this emaciated wiry canine with his big bright beautiful eyes, and whose tail wagged so fiercely whenever they approached him, this guy was the one on the top of the scale. It only took a few days before they made their decision to snatch him up off the street and bring him into their house. You would not believe how quickly the magnificent transformation that this flea-bitten, skinny pooch underwent with the loving and compassionate care that Donna and Gerry bestowed on him. They named him Buddy, which totally describes the relationship that they have with him. Buddy follows Gerry wherever he goes, and spends his evenings cuddling with Donna, who is simply crazy about him. Buddy's caring veterinarian, who worked all kinds of magic restoring him to health, estimated him to be about three years old, a part yellow Labrador retriever and Terrier. Of course one might speculate that their rainbow dog may have felt the depth of Donna and Gerry's grief and sent this little guy to them to help lift their spirits and heal their hearts. We will never fully know the extent of the mystical connections we share with our beloved pets. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/the-perfect-pet-will-find-you.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/the-perfect-pet-will-find-you.php Dogs Adoption Blogs Breeds Pet Loss Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:07:38 -0500 Thanksgiving heralds the beginning of holiday season in full swing. This is the time of year that many of us begin to count our blessings. We may spend some extra moments to focus our attention on the joy and happiness we feel from sharing our hearts and home with our beloved pets. Our furry and feathered companions are awesome teachers, if we just "listen" to what they have to tell us. The spirit of the holidays is very special to me and one that I treasure deeply, and one in which my heart always opens. So the other day, when a friend sent me an email containing these wonderful photographs, I began to think that it is indeed possible for us to overlook the petty differences that we find in our fellow humans, and learn a few things from our animal friends. I marveled at these pictures which clearly illustrated that while in nature we consider that animals do have "natural enemies" that somehow instinctual reactions can be overcome. I mean, if they can do it, why can't we? And as I gazed at this first photo, my mind began to wander a bit, and I started to think about what possible conversation might be going on between this cat and mouse. It was obvious to me that the mouse was highly excited about something and wanted to share it with his feline companion. So perhaps the dialogue might go something like this: Mouse: Pssst! Boy do I have something to tell you! Cat: Tell tell, I am all ears! Mouse: If we can get along so well, why can't those two legged giants do the same thing? Cat: Heck if I know! But I do think that they may be shocked by our friendship! Mouse: I was thinking the same thing. But perhaps we are excellent role models and we should make hay while the sun shines. Cat: I totally agree with you! Mouse: So let's spread the love and maybe we can transform the human race! Cat: You have lofty goals, and I am getting sleepy. Mouse: Well let's show them that we are best friends. I bet they will get the hint! Cat: "Two leggeds" can be very stubborn, but I think that they are fairly intelligent. Mouse: Well this is the season to open their eyes! Let's sign on for the job! Of course the second photo says it all; the picture is worth a thousand words! So as we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, let's all open our hearts to receiving the bounty of love. Our cats and I wish you the most wonderful holiday filled with love and laughter, joy and peace. Did you hear the same conversation between this "odd couple"? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/a-happy-thanksgiving-to-all.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/a-happy-thanksgiving-to-all.php Dogs Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:04:57 -0500 There are few things that attract cats more magnetically than their favorite toys. Our two cats seem to be able to hunt down even the most raggedy worn out frazzled mouse that was stashed away under the couch or our bed. It may be that they save them for their equivalent of a "rainy day" when awakening from a nap and my husband and I are not home, or I am busy writing. Of course their all time favorite continues to be the "Rosi Rat" cat toy, which I wrote about in depth awhile ago, http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2008/11/favorite-cat-toy.php They also adore those realistic tiny fur covered mice that have sometimes even frightened some of our visitors with their phenomenal resemblance to a live mice. After hours of play however, we often find them deposited either in the litter box or floating in the toilet. UGH. I cannot understand the motivation for their extreme burial rituals. Real fur toys seem to appeal to their inner "wild cat" which remains hard wired in the brains of our tame domestic house kitties. Plastic, wool and rubber toys just don't pass the muster, at least with our two boys, and I consider them potentially dangerous. Hubble will attack a wool toy with gusto, but he tends to chew and suck on it and I am always worried that he will ingest the toy with the possibility of causing a major digestive upset or a blockage. Feathers on a string are always on the top 10 of the cat toy hit parade, but since they are designed to be used interactively with kitty servants, they are not suitable when we are not available. However, over the past few months, I began some serious thinking about these fur toys and feeling an inner conflict concerning the humane ethics involved with toys manufactured and covered with real animal fur. Since the majority of these toys is made of rabbit fur and is imported from China, considering the country's deplorable relationship to animal welfare and is well known to be abusive, I am becoming increasingly loath to buy them. In China, these small animals are raised and slaughtered under the most inhumane conditions. Often kept packed in small dirty cages, with no room to even turn around, some are even skinned alive, then tossed aside to suffer a horrible death. European and North American fur trapping and farming methods are no better and can also fall into the abusive category, very similar to those of the Chinese. Fur labeling is often inaccurate and deceptive and what is sold as rabbit fur may actually be harvested from other fur bearing animals, such as dogs, raccoon dogs, and even cats. And while these animals are raised for their fur, it is also possible that stray animals or people's pets are stolen right off the street. I even wonder if there is such a thing as humanely farmed fur. In an article I read, the author wrote that after contacting one of the leading manufacturers of fur mice toys, she was told that while the fur they use is imported from China and is indeed humanely obtained from rabbits. My personal jury remains out on this, however, so color me suspicious. I have decided to not buy fur toys for our cats anymore. What is your opinion on this issue? Leave a comment and let us know. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/furry-cat-toys-are-they-ethica.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/furry-cat-toys-are-they-ethica.php Dogs Blogs Cats Cruelty Toys Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:26:06 -0500 Chelsea is not only a cutie but a doggie athlete and an aspiring musician! She is a dog agility star and is learning to play the bongos! We would love to see a video! Congratulations Chelsea, you are this week's CUDDLE CHAMPION! Submitted by Suzanne Sublett Pluta "Chelsea is a four year old Chihuahua who trains and competes in dog agility. She's also in training to play the bongos!" To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/weekly-cuddle-champion-chelsea.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/weekly-cuddle-champion-chelsea.php Cuddle Champion Agility chihuahua cuddle champion Dog Sports pet picture of the week Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:16:30 -0500 Getting together with friends and family at Thanksgiving is a yearly tradition which many people celebrate. There is nothing that can compare to the appealing aroma of holiday food cooking wafting through the house from the kitchen, being prepared with love and affection from recipes passed down from generation to generation. And while we enjoy the mouth-watering rich foods served on this special day, we should take some time to make plans to ensure the safety of our pets. After all, too much of a good thing can be dangerous for them. That Tempting Turkey: Over the years we have all heard those humorous anecdotes about cats jumping up on the dining room table, making off with that prized bird, or the family dog innocently laying under the table waiting for those scrumptious scraps. Turkey is an extremely rich meat which may cause digestive upsets if overfed. If we want to share part of our bounty with our furry friends, it's preferable to set aside a small portion of white meat turkey to be served after the hustle and bustle of company is over. Make sure the meat is well cooked to avoid salmonella poisoning. Be extremely careful to remove all small bones as they can easily splinter, lodging in the throat, causing choking. Larger bones are highly dangerous. These bones also splinter and can cause intestinal injury. Watch children carefully to make sure they are not feeding bones to your pets. Certain spices and herbs can be harmful to pets as well. Sage and other herbs contain essential oils which can cause gastric distress and central nervous system depression if consumed in large quantities. So be on the safe side and do not give your pets stuffing. It goes without saying that raw bread dough is a huge "no no". According to ASPCA experts, raw dough, if ingested, reacts with pets' body heat, causing it to rise in the stomach. Pets who ingest raw bread dough may experience vomiting, bloating and extreme abdominal pain. This can become a life-threatening emergency, with surgery that may be required. An apple a day may keep the "doctor away" for humans, but onions and garlic is toxic to both dogs and cats. While felines are more sensitive to them, these items cause a breakdown in the red blood cells, which may result in anemia. And while small qualities of garlic which may be added to some commercial pet foods are not considered dangerous, please refrain from feeding any table foods in which they are contained. Chocolate and foods or beverages containing caffeine are also highly toxic to pets. It is highly suggested that no desserts be given as a "treat" either. To keep it very simple and safe for our cats, when we celebrate Thanksgiving with our friends, we confine them to our bedroom until all food is cleared away. Not only does this prevent any accidental feeding, but as we greet our company at the door, that tempting outdoor escape is completely thwarted. After the dishes are safely tucked into the dishwasher, we invite our cats to visit with our guests. As our guests prepare to leave, we once again confine the kitties to the bedroom. "Why spoil a joyous holiday evening with a disaster?" is our motto. With these few safety tips you will be assured of having a wonderful and pet-safe Thanksgiving! Please add any other suggestions that you have found helpful, by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/thanksgiving-safety-tips-for-p-1.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/thanksgiving-safety-tips-for-p-1.php Dogs Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:47:50 -0500 It will be a very long time before I stop wondering about Oreo; the beautiful dog who was cruelly abused and tortured by her owner, only to be rescued by the ASPCA, treated intensively to heal her painful injuries, but then mysteriously and abruptly euthanized with what I consider to be an apparently flimsy excuse. I am haunted with questions about such a senseless death. In reality could this courageous young dog have been saved? I am a huge fan of "Dogtown", a most informative, compelling and heartwarming TV show. I follow the series, eagerly awaiting each new episode. Dogtown, located in Southern Utah is part of Best Friends Animal Society Sanctuary. I marvel at the loving care the staff gives these dogs, many of whom are considered "vicious," aggressive and not suitable for rehoming. I am deeply touched by the compassionate, patient care the staff gives these dogs, holding a positive vision for these dogs' rehabilitation to have the opportunity to find a forever loving home. Oreo, Minutes before euthanization So I got to asking myself, "Are there dogs that are really not candidates for rehabilitation?" I felt compelled to learn more about it and contacted Pets Alive, the No Kill sanctuary, located about 90 minutes from New York City, in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains Additionally Pets Alive is modeled on and works closely with Best Friends. This facility generously and caringly made an offer to the ASPCA prior to Oreo being euthanized, to take her and keep her forever, to work with her to restore her to sanity. I spoke with Matt DeAngelis, the Executive Co- Director of the facility. I asked him my haunting question, "Are there really dogs for which rehabilitation is impossible?" He replied, "That is an excellent question." He elaborated, telling me that in the 25 years he has been working with dogs, there was only one he encountered that could not be rehabilitated, most likely due to the dog's medical condition. This particular dog was held at a "Kill" shelter and had a seizure disorder. While ten years have elapsed since he met that dog, he continues to wonder if there was something he could have done to save the dog's life. He quoted Kerry Clair, the Co-Executive Director's words, "We are all they have." His passionate philosophy is that a homeless and needy dog must never be killed when a humane solution exists. And he truly believes these solutions are possible, if someone takes the time and makes the effort to find them. Pets Alive's website clearly shows that they made several outreach attempts to the ASPCA in order to spare Oreo's life but these offers were repeatedly rebuked. Even though Ed Sayers, the President of the ASPCA described Oreo as vicious and claimed that their rigorous attempts to rehabilitate her were fruitless, DeAngelis and the entire Pets Alive staff were eager to offer her a permanent and caring home to get the opportunity for patient rehabilitation. DeAngelis added that it would be almost impossible to work with Oreo while she was recovering from her injuries and still suffering from her severe pain, both physically and emotionally, following the brutal trauma that she experienced at the hands of her former owner. It takes a very long time for a dog like Oreo to regain trust of humans. At Pets Alive she would have had that opportunity. Since the ASPCA never visited Pets Alive Sanctuary, although Sayers was invited to tour the facility but declined, Sayers' claims that "Due to the extreme emotional and physical strain Oreo suffered, her living conditions at a sanctuary would have been anything but natural, and her quality of life would have been poor at best. She would be forced to live a life of isolation, with extremely limited contact..." How could he know this if he never investigated the offer? A dog run at Pets Alive According to DeAngelis, at Pets Alive Sanctuary, this is far from the truth. "Every single one of our dogs have people that interact with them. Even our "red" dogs are taken out on day trips - for ice cream and overnight stays by volunteers. There are always people here that can work with all our dogs." Preparations to house Oreo were carefully made assuring her comfort, giving her their "Senior Room" and an outdoor run where she could see other dogs, and receive the caring slow process of rehabilitation in secure surroundings. But Pets Alive's hopes of being able to help this tortured dog were dashed upon the rocks of rejection by the ASPCA. However, Oreo's tragic death was not totally in vain. As a result, legislation will be introduced that closes loopholes to save the lives of thousands of injured and abused animals in New York State. Modeled on an existing law in California, the bill will be named "Oreo's Law" in her memory. For more information about Oreo and the Pets Alive facility, visit: http://www.petsalive.com/ We would love to hear your reactions to this story. Share your thoughts by leaving a comment. Photos courtesy of Pets Alive http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/every-dog-deserves-to-be-saved.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/every-dog-deserves-to-be-saved.php Dogs Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:01:10 -0500 I never understood the expression, "dumb animal". My hackles definitely go up when I hear anyone referring to them in that manner! I emphatically believe our cats are highly gifted with a rather astronomical IQ. I swear they can read my mind and so often respond to my yet unspoken thoughts. For instance, when I begin walking in the direction of the fridge to get Hubble's daily medication, no matter what time of day, he immediately takes off in a blur of white fuzz, often leaving me totally frustrated with a plastic bag in my hand. When I am just considering doling out some kitty treats, both of our cats are at my feet, looking up at me with that manipulatively loving expression, eyes sparkling. I swear they are smiling at me and follow up with several eye blinks which melt my heart. Kitty kisses are so precious. But I must emphasize that while they are behaving in this manner, there is nothing in my hand, nor have I removed the treats from the drawer in which they are stored. While I am completely convinced that they have ESP down pat, I started thinking about whether they actually understand spoken language. So, of course, I had to start researching what some of the more scientific conclusions which may have been published on this topic. As I delved more deeply into my investigation, I was reminded that during the 1970s, researchers were able to teach Chimpanzees to read and use sign language. While of course they do not have vocal cords which permit understandable verbal speech, they definitely possess the brain power which enables them to communicate their thoughts and feelings very clearly. Dogs can easily learn and respond to a rather large number of spoken commands, and parrots are quite adept at learning how to speak human words. Unfortunately we have no way of knowing if they really understand the words they are speaking. Cats are certainly capable of learning their names, and if they are in the mood will come when called. In my over 40 years of living with felines, I am absolutely positive that they do know the words, "no" and "get down" but choose to ignore them most of the time. That is just the essential nature of the cat! Many people think they own their cat, but truly passionate cat people are hip to the real deal . . . they own us. I discovered a children's book, "I'll teach my dog 100 words", written by Michael Frith, and noticed how the title alone clearly demonstrates how "dog people" enjoy bragging about canine intelligence. Stanley Coren, a human psychologist who has done extensive research on canine intelligence suspects that the average trained dog is capable of learning at least 160 words, rivaling the verbal skill of a human toddler. And while I could not find any scientific study on the number of words that a cat can understand, according to Wiki Answers, "cats rule". It is thought that cats respond mainly to voice inflection and also to clicker training. More than ever I now believe the phrase "dumb animals" is a myth which clearly needs to be dispelled. I am willing to bet my bottom dollar, that those of us who share our hearts and homes with pets, whose observations which may not be strictly "scientific" will support my hypothesis that animals do communicate not only with one another, but to their human companions far more extensively than many people may be aware. Leave a comment and share your experiences in communicating with your pets. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/communicating-with-animals-doe.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/communicating-with-animals-doe.php Dogs Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:28:28 -0500 There are some stories about animal rescue that arrive in my email box each day that warm my heart and reaffirm my positive feelings that there are many people out in the world that love animals and deeply want to help them. Folks dig deeply into their pockets and contribute their hard-earned dollars to help needy, abused and neglected animals in order to find new, forever loving homes, or adopt special needs pets that have been overlooked and remain neglected in overcrowded shelters. Of course, I am always overjoyed when I hear about the many happy outcomes in which our forsaken and rejected animals are given a second chance to receive the care they so richly deserve. But yesterday was not a day in which my heart overflowed with joy. In fact, when I read the story which was sent to me by a dedicated and passionate animal rescuer, I could hardly contain my rage and anger. The subject line in her email simply read, "Betrayal by the ASPCA". Oreo after being rescued Dubbed by the ASPCA as their "miracle dog" last June, shortly after the ASPCA quickly responded to reports that a one-year-old dog named Oreo was intentionally thrown off a sixth floor Brooklyn building roof top, by her abuser, she was rescued. She had also appeared to have been beaten in the past, which was substantiated by several neighbors residing in the building who reported sounds of the dog being struck. The ASPCA nursed Oreo back to health and arrested the perpetrator. But here the "happy" part of the story abruptly ends. According to the "San Francisco Animal Shelters Examiner", in an article entitled "The Meaning of Oreo", last Friday, the ASPCA killed Oreo, in spite of the fact that a No Kill shelter had offered to save her. Ed Sayers, the President of the ASPCA chose to kill the dog instead of handing her over to Pets Alive in Middletown, New York who offered to keep her. Pets Alive is a member of the Mayor's Alliance for New York City. The ASPCA is also a member of the alliance. The public was in favor of Oreo being saved, and the No Kill Shelter had offered her lifetime care. Sayers claimed that the dog was aggressive and dangerous. What animal lovers nationwide are incredibly furious about is that most aggressive dogs, with patience, kindness and special training can be rehabilitated. Sayers issued a press release in which he claimed, "We are all upset by this", and emphasized that Oreo was truly vicious. He went on to claim that a lifetime in a sanctuary would provide a poor quality of life for the dog, so the decision was made to euthanize her. Even though Pets Alive is a facility with experience in rehabilitating aggressive dogs and is a highly respected and credible shelter Sayers chose to take this dog's life, prematurely. Additionally, Middletown, New York is only a little over an hour's drive from New York City. I cannot understand how the ASPCA could act in such a reckless and irresponsible manner. If they truly respect the lives of helpless animals, and are dedicated to save them, why would they disregard the compassionate invitation made by Pets Alive? No matter how I try, I cannot get my head wrapped around their decision to kill the dog without offering her another chance at finding love and protection. To say that I am upset about this is a huge understatement. I am livid! Read the full story by visiting: http://www.examiner.com/x-16635-SF-Animal-Shelters-Examiner~y2009m11d16-The-meaning-of-Oreo What are your thoughts about Sayers' action? Leave a comment and share them with us. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/betrayal-by-the-aspca-oreos-st.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/betrayal-by-the-aspca-oreos-st.php Dogs Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:04:09 -0500 Over the past few weeks, several California cities have passed ordinances which ban the declawing of cats. And while cat lovers who abhor this inhumane and cruel surgical procedure are thrilled with the City Council Members decision to pass these bans, according to an article published in the "Los Angeles Daily News" on Monday, November 16, apparently there are some people who are not as equally thrilled. Photo credit: Michael Owen Baker/staff photographer LA Daily News Nancy Bonus, a psychologist in Van Nuys, pictured to the left with her cat Petunia, remarked that the cat shredded the chair prior to being declawed. She spoke out passionately about her concern regarding the bans. Saying she "dearly loves cats - whether they are declawed like the two she keeps as pets, or still have their claws like those she cares for when they wander into her yard", Ms. Bonus is troubled by what affect the ban will have on the local cat population, whether domesticated or "wild", if the City Council passes their final vote on the proposal to ban declawing, scheduled for Tuesday, November 24. She said, "I'm just not sure they have thought this out. I worry that it means fewer people would be able to have a cat as a pet and more would be put in shelters and euthanized." It also appears there are still many cat owners who are concerned about these bans. They feel that declawed cats are easier to keep since declawing prevents furniture destruction, accidental scratching to humans and pets. They are concerned that the bans may result in more cats being surrendered to shelters at high risk of being euthanized. On the other hand, proposing the ban, Paul Koretz, City Councilman, along with other critics strongly views the procedure as inhumane. It is amputating the last joint of the cat's paw. In response to those who argue that many more cats will end up in shelters should these bans pass, Mr. Koretz said, "It is a common argument against declawing. The reality is there are more cats that end up in shelters who are declawed because it is not unusual for them to exhibit bad behavior after being declawed." Here's the rub! Shelters are not documenting reasons for cats being surrendered or if the cat is declawed. People relinquishing their cats may share inform shelter workers if unacceptable behavior is the cause, following declaw surgery, but shelter workers are far too busy to document them. So no one knows if the ban will result in fewer cats surrendered for a couple of years after the bans are in place. With few reliable studies available which support the information which veterinarians and other protestors use to refute these bans, how do they know? A growing number of veterinarians refuse to declaw cats. Dr. Michael Fox, writer and distinguished veterinarian, in a United Feature Syndicate publication wrote, "Declawed cats tend to bite more, in part because their first line of defense, their claws, has been removed. Cat bites are much more dangerous than the occasional scratch because of possible infection. Without claws to hold and manipulate things, declawed cats tend to become more oral, mouthing and chewing more." Dr. Jean Hofve, DVM and author writes, "Since animal shelters and humane societies are prime dumping grounds for cats with behavior problems, personnel there should have a realistic and practical view about whether declawing keeps cats in their homes, or creates worse difficulties." As far as published studies go, Dr. Gary Patronek, after speculating that declawing may protect cats against relinquishment went on to say: "After adjustment in a multivariate model, declawed cats were at an increased risk of relinquishment". Dr Hofve's interpretation is "that declawed cats who developed another unwanted behavior (as 1 out of every 3 declawed cats do, according to published data) were very likely to end up in the pound. These cats are usually unadoptable because they developed a behavior problem subsequent to declawing, and are likely to be euthanized." Read more by visiting http://www.dailynews.com/ci_13797072?source=rv&_requestid=3915505 What are your thoughts about this controversy? Leave a comment and share them. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/bans-on-declawing-cats-causes.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/bans-on-declawing-cats-causes.php Dogs Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:38:33 -0500 Kate is 6.5 pounds of pure cute! Congratulations little Kate, you are this week's CUDDLE CHAMPION! Submitted by Diedre Dee Coleman Huston "Ahhh, here's a CUDDLE CHAMPION for sure, Kate is 16 months old and 6.5 whopping pounds of joy. Her daddy is a Long Hair Chihuahua and her mom is a Toy Poodle." To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/weekly-cuddle-champion-kate-th.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/weekly-cuddle-champion-kate-th.php Cuddle Champion chipoo cuddle champion pet of the week Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:52:18 -0500 I have been fascinated by the round robot- Roomba vacuum cleaner ever since I saw it advertised such a long time ago. The Roomba is a vacuum cleaner which enables users to reach all those difficult places, while at the same relaxing and being entertained by watching it circle around on its own, without any help, was very appealing to me. But no matter how hard I tried to convince myself that it was a necessity, I could not justify the expense. Since we have a relatively decent canister vacuum cleaner that works perfectly well, and gets up all the dirt very quickly, it seems like a frivolous purchase. In addition, our cats have already learned to tolerate the vacuum cleaner noise fairly well, and no longer dash under the bed in abject terror. In fact they are rather blasé about the entire process. So I began wondering what other uses I could find to convince my husband that it might be a really good idea to get one. It even amazes me how strongly I am determined to get one of these unique home helper items to help me with my household chores. By now you must realize that I am really into this quest. I have a friend that owns one. She thinks it is a hoot and I am green with envy. And out of the blue, just as if my fairy godmother was looking out for me, wanting to gift me with something I truly coveted, an email arrived in my mailbox from a friend which actually gave me the answer for which I was so earnestly searching! Apparently the Roomba Vacuum cleaner can be used as a cat toy which will amuse both feline and human. You may wonder how I arrived at this conclusion. I have to admit I was influenced by this very cute video, uploaded to YouTube by texasgirly1979, which convinced me that Hush Puppy, one of our more adventurous kitties, might find the Roomba to his liking. After all, the video promoted the Roomba as the "CATillac" Driver. My next step is to try to convince my husband that this could be an essential tool to help enrich our cats' environment to which we strive to achieve all the time. Watch this very amusing little video which clearly demonstrates how much fun a cat can have riding a Roomba. Now that you have viewed the video, do you think I have a ghost of a chance of convincing my husband to buy one? Leave a comment and please help me out with any promising suggestions. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/the-catillac-of-vacuum-cleaner.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/the-catillac-of-vacuum-cleaner.php Dogs Blogs Product Reviews Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:44:14 -0500 In my opinion hardly anything rivals the delight of sharing our hearts and homes with our four-legged furry companions. It is unimaginable to me not to have the extreme pleasure of snuggling up with our cats for an afternoon nap, or hearing the patter of little paws as our two cats fly around the house at breakneck speed, leaping upon a cat tree or just chasing each other while hunting for a favorite toy, if we no longer had the joy of living with kitties. But being owned by pets is not all fun and games. There is that rather unpleasant "poop patrol" which dog people must embark upon, and those endless trips to the litter box to scoop them thoroughly keeping them immaculate to suit the taste of any discerning feline. While animals are certainly not the biggest contributor to toxic pollutants in urban waterways, their waste is just one thing, when combined with other factors which add up to a serious problem. Since a dog or cat resides in four in ten households, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturer's Association and up to 40 percent of dog owners do not bother to pick up their dog's feces it is easy to see what kind of impact our pets can make on our environment. So the not so pleasant task of picking up after your pet is not just to please your pets and prevent nasty odors from assailing sensitive noses; it is both environmentally sound and healthy. So now that you have walked your dog, and carefully scooped up the waste, placing it in a plastic bag, and have cleaned your litter boxes, what do you do with the waste? We all know that animal feces if left behind, it will ultimately end up washed into a storm drain by street cleaners, or rainstorms. This fetid matter impacts our rivers, streams and lakes, carrying dangerous bacteria and polluting our aquifers. It also negatively impacts wildlife and fish. Canines carry Coliform bacteria that may cause serious illness to children and older folks. It is especially dangerous as it contains E.Coli and Salmonella. Cat feces can also carry parasites such as toxoplasmosis and roundworm which can affect both humans and other animals. Gardeners are especially at risk since outdoor cats frequently defecate in flower beds and vegetable patches. What we can do to help: Here are a few things we all can do to protect our environment from animal-related disease. 1. When walking the dog, bring along an eco- friendly grocery bag. Bring along an extra bag to share if you run across someone who left theirs at home! 2. Consider providing litter boxes for outdoor cats to use in preference of the garden soil. 3. Never flush cat's waste down the toilet. Dispose of it properly in the trash. 4. Gardeners can lay one inch chicken wire over soil beds to prevent cats from defecating on them. 5. Check for animal waste at least once a week in yards or property. Proper Disposal of Pet Waste: Make sure to double bag litter or dog waste. Securely tie and dispose it in the garbage. If you live in a home with a yard, another option is to bury pet waste at least one foot deep and 100 yards away from any well, lake, ditch or stream. Pet waste decomposers, which work similarly to mini- septic tanks, are available at local retailers and online. They break down the waste to a ground absorbing liquid. There are pet waste pick-up services. Check out your yellow pages for a local provider. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/pet-waste-disposal-tips-to-kee.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/pet-waste-disposal-tips-to-kee.php Dogs pet waste pets Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:00:41 -0500 Many people consider Friday the 13 an unlucky day. In fact the scientific term, "paraskevidekatriaphobia", has been given for this irrational, morbid fear of Friday the 13. Some folks refuse to leave their homes, and those that do venture into the great outdoors, watch carefully not to walk under ladders, or step on the cracks on sidewalks. Photo credit: Wikipedia: Lilith The Cat People who are worried about Friday the 13 have had three opportunities in 2009 to be afraid . . . very afraid. The dates of these three challenging calendar events are February 13, March 13 and November 13. The good news is that in 2010, Friday, August 13 will be the only occurrence of this oftentimes dreaded date. The fear of Friday the 13 can be quite dramatic. Dr. Donald Dossey, author and founder of the Stress Management Center/Phobia Institute reports that as many as 21 million Americans fear the day. Symptoms can range from mild anxiety to full blown panic attacks. Some folks actually celebrate this event. Parties are often held, some fund-raising and charitable organizations hold their functions and events on Friday the 13th. Concerts, wine tasting nights and art exhibitions are often held to celebrate the day. This day is not always gloomy for everyone! In fact, there are those that consider themselves lucky to be born on Friday the 13th. Lottery ticket agents are often kept very busy, with people taking extra chances to beat the odds. According to CNN.com, a British couple who purchased a lottery tickets on Friday the 13 won $17 million, shortly after a mirror in their home fell off the living room wall and smashed to pieces. However, In Brazil if Friday the 13 falls in August, it is considered to be unluckier than any other Friday the 13. Of course the black cat, steeped in mystery and fable is generally associated with Friday the 13. These cats have been given a very nasty and uncalled for reputation. Some folks think, "What could be unluckier than a black cat crossing your path, or appearing under the ladder that is so carefully avoided?" The black cat is considered by many folks to be either a diabolical sign or completely at the other end of the spectrum, a bringer of good fortune. Read more about these very maligned or adored felines by visiting: http://www.petside.com/the-sidewalk/black-cat-myths.php What is your take on black cats and Friday the 13? Are you worried? Leave a comment but don't scare us too deeply. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/friday-the-13th-unlucky-or-a-f.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/friday-the-13th-unlucky-or-a-f.php Dogs Blogs Cats Events Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:01:53 -0500 One of the most frequently asked questions appearing on many interactive pet- related websites are those requesting help naming a new kitten or cat. Many of the responders offer a long laundry list of "cute" names, depending on the cat's description or photograph provided by the asker. However, I think that naming a kitten or cat should be considered a very serious undertaking and one that never should be done in haste, or taken lightly. After all, as the cat servant becomes more familiar with their new kitty and the name chosen proves to be totally inappropriate, think of the confusion that the poor feline may experience when names are changed rapidly. The naming of a kitten or cat carries a high degree of responsibility but many folks lack the patience to discover a suitable and appropriate name for their new kitty. This can cause some pretty disastrous results. Photo credit: Jo Singer Rather than picking a name off a website, or choosing a name that someone else is suggesting, it is far better to wait and spend time getting to know the newcomer. Each kitten and cat has unique behavioral antics that endear us to them. A kitten may have a particularly unique appearance that may suggest a more suitable and catchy name as well. For example: My husband and I were given an adorable seal point Siamese as a wedding gift, years ago. Even though he was 4 months old, he was the cutest tiny ball of fluff. We fell in love with him the minute we set eyes on him. He came to us with a fancy long registered name, "Brown Toast", prefixed by the name of the cattery. His name was longer than he was, in fact! As we gently let him out of the shipping carrier in which he arrived after his long airplane voyage, we instantly felt that the name that was given him was totally wrong. After spending time with him and observing his little purrsonality quirks, with his endearing habit of licking us with his incredibly long tongue whenever he was petted, coupled with his diminutive size being the runt of the litter, his name came to us in a flash. As he was an oriental-type cat, and I am an avid pun-maker, the name "Mousie-Tongue", a play on Chairman Mao-Zedong nailed it. And not so amazingly he responded to the name immediately. The Vulcan "Mind Meld" had obviously been affective. I always advise people be patient and wait for their kitten or cat to "reveal" his or her name. Keeping our ears and eyes open for the obvious hints being offered, letting our innate intuition guide us, will always lead us to that purrfect handle. What method do you use to name your cats? Leave a comment and share your techniques. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/naming-a-cat-a-serious-underta.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/naming-a-cat-a-serious-underta.php Dogs Blogs Cats Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:34:20 -0500 Dispelling ancient myths is one of my favorite hobbies. I especially love to debunk those urban legends that have been passed down from generation to generation that pertain to cats. Those as "Men don't like cats", and "Cats are sneaky" are some of my all time favorites. I also love watching cat related videos which are both humorous and well made, which this little piece certainly fits the bill in both departments. The background jazz is very appealing as well. But after you finish watching the hysterical, thigh slapping video of a French kitty uploaded to YouTube by HolaKenty who so does such a tremendous job at thoroughly discrediting one of the most popular ones, "Cats hate water", you will have to admit that it certainly demonstrates that some cats are fascinated with the "wet stuff". I particularly found this attractive kitty's rather unique technique of washing his face and ears a complete delight. I also think his particular drinking contraption far surpasses any of those costly automatic water fountain dispensers, which our cats hated due to its very unpleasant noise. I wonder if I can teach our cats to help themselves to our kitchen faucet when they are thirsty . . . but on second thought, living in Florida with the exorbitant cost of water, perhaps this is not so wise. I sure hope that this petite chat's human pawrents have reasonable water rates. Do your cats enjoy drinking from the faucet? Leave a comment and let us know. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/ce-petit-chat-aime-leau.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/ce-petit-chat-aime-leau.php Dogs Behavior Blogs Cats Fun Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:10:16 -0500 Bella's owner claims that Bella is the "Ultimate Cuddle Champion." How can we disagree? Have you seen this face? Submitted by Ashley E Sanderson "MY Bella is the Ultimate cuddle champ. Just look at those rolls" To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/weekly-cuddle-champion-bella-t.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/weekly-cuddle-champion-bella-t.php Cuddle Champion cuddle champion cute pet pictures pet of the week puppy pictures Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:40:12 -0500 The month of November is targeted as National Pet Diabetes Prevention month. Since this is a serious and complicated condition which affects many pets, it is very helpful for pet owners to learn to recognize the symptoms, to become familiar with the causes, what measures can be taken to prevent the disease and how it is treated. Diabetes is a condition in which the body lacks insulin. This may occur when the pancreas cannot produce sufficient insulin, or when the body cells are resistant to it. Glucose or sugar is carried by the hormone insulin for the body's use, and without it the body cannot use glucose, so it remains in the blood stream causing high blood glucose. The disease is often referred to as "Sugar Diabetes" or more correctly called, Type I or II diabetes, or diabetes mellitus. What are some of the causes of diabetes? Obesity and lack of exercise are the main causes of diabetes in both humans and pets. Since overfeeding, giving too many treats and failing to provide sufficient exercise to keep pets at a healthy weight, we are the ones who are, for the most part, responsible for causing this condition. Feeding our pets the proper diet based on their weight, size and age and the amount of daily exercise we provide them can make a huge difference. What are the symptoms of Diabetes in pets? In the early stages of the disease, pets may show little or any symptoms, so annual veterinary checkups, including blood and urine tests are essential. Pets may start exhibiting symptoms of Diabetes such as excessive thirst, frequent urination and urinary tract infections, sudden weight gain or loss, increased appetite, or total lack of appetite, weakness, muscle atrophy and poor coat condition. In dogs, cataracts may appear, and in cats the hind legs may become weak and the cat may start walking with a wobbly gait. How is Diabetes treated? A medication such as Glipizide, in felines, helps to stimulate the pancreas's production of insulin release or reduces the production of glucose. Dogs generally have type1 diabetes, so oral hypoglycemic drugs are not as effective. If the pancreas is not working at all, these drugs are ineffective. Daily insulin shots may be prescribed by the veterinarian. While the diagnosis can be frightening to owners who may become intimidated by the thought of having to inject their pets, veterinarians are skilled in teaching clients how to do perform this life saving measure. Special diets may be recommended as well. Keeping our pets "fit and trim", providing regular veterinary care in addition to feeding the most appropriate diet and limiting those treats, are the most effective ways to keep diabetes at bay. For more information about diabetes in pets, visit http://www.2ndchance.info/diabetes2.htm Have you ever had a pet with diabetes? Please share some of your experiences in a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/november-is-national-pet-diabe.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/november-is-national-pet-diabe.php Dogs Diabetes Health pets Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:02:00 -0500 The sleepy little town of Dudley, Massachusetts, located in Worcester County, in the Worcester metropolitan area, (population in the 2000 census of 10,006) is certainly not feline friendly. In this writer's opinion the town made a terribly tragic mistake last Monday night, when they passed an ordinance making it illegal to own more than three cats without having to obtain a residential kennel license at a cost of $50.00. Voters added this language to the town by-laws, so folks, it is a done deal! It seems that a neighborhood feud over the 15 cats owned by town resident Mary Ellen Richards is the reason for this ordinance's passage. According to the "Telegram & Gazette of Worcester" one neighbor blamed Ms. Richard's cats for ruining his yard. Another neighbor accused Ms. Richard's cats for being responsible for her two-year-old daughter contracting hand-foot-and mouth disease (Coxsackie virus) from a cat toy that may have come into contact with cat feces. Ms. Richards who is actively involved with Willy's Kitty Angels Rescue, an organization which traps feral and stray cats to help control the feline population. She takes these cats to free clinics to get them neutered or spayed, and then place them in foster homes outside the town. She says that all of her own cats receive appropriate veterinary care and are current in their vaccinations. The Town of Dudley is fining Ms. Richards $100 a day for keeping more than three cats in the home she has owned since 1997. In an interview with the "Telegram & Gazette" she said, "This is the worst thing in my life to happen, this whole thing." In comments made by readers of the newspaper's website, it was obvious that some people strongly supported the town's decision, while some thought it was ridiculous. One commenter, who signed her name as "Cat Mommy" posted, "When will we need licenses to have more than three children? This is stupid. My cats live inside and don't bother anyone. Hope they can sleep at night knowing that some lovely cats will be put to sleep or left outside in the cold now. Shame." Another reader who was supportive of the ordinance posted, "I fully agree with them having to get a kennel license to have more than three cats. I currently have more than three dogs and in my town I have to have a kennel license for that so why should cats be any different. Especially when cats are allowed to roam free and dogs have to be leashed." What gets me all riled up, making the hair on the back of my neck bristle is how narrow and limited the thinking was that went into the writing and passage of this legislation. Did the council take the time to consider the impact that this law may have on shelters, especially for cats that are in desperate need of adoptive homes? What effect will this law have on that abandoned orphaned kitten found wandering the streets? I shudder to think about it. What were these lawmakers thinking when they passed this ordinance? Do you think this ordinance is fair? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/a-three-cat-law-is-this-fair.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/a-three-cat-law-is-this-fair.php Cats cats Law Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:00:16 -0500 "Seeing eye dogs" are one of the most valuable aids for the visually impaired. These highly trained dogs both enhance mobility and enrich the daily lives of the folks who have come to depend on their canine companions. With the various types of support that these service animals provide today, folks who are utilizing the assistance of these dogs, have a far greater degree of independence, and opportunities available to them through this incredible partnership. Photo credit: Golden Labrador Retriever Dogs Blog The American Veterinary Medical Association defines service animals as, "The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and other animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well being of both. This includes, but is not limited to, emotional, psychological, and physical interactions of people, other animals, and the environment." It is very commonplace today to encounter guide dogs along with their owners at hotels, stores, on airplanes and trains or just walking around through the neighborhood. And while Seeing Eye dogs are now readily accepted around the world today, apparently 36 year-old Laura Eitjes, a resident of Tauranga, New Zealand, ran into a disturbing situation while vacationing with a friend and her guide dog, Rua, according to a recent "Bay of Plenty Times" report. She and her friend and dog were asked to leave the holiday accommodation where they had been lodged for one night. On the second night, the owners of the inn, a husband and wife couple, forced them out of their lodgings due to Rua's presence, even though Ms.Eitjes explained that Rua was a guide dog. And when the wife blatantly refused to listen, Ms Eitjes tried to reason with the owner of the inn to no avail. Eitjes said, "I tried to explain to her that Rua was a guide dog and guide dogs had certain rights. But I was cut off at every attempt, and she flatly refused to let Rua back in." Fortunately they were quickly able to find other accommodations and were welcome to remain for the remainder of their vacation. Upon returning from holiday, Ms Eitjes complained to the Human Rights Commission about her ordeal. The HRC offered the two parties mediation. The inn owners refused and took the case to the HRC Review Tribunal. Robert Hesketh, the OHR Proceedings director said that this was the first time proceedings were issued in a case where a visually impaired person was denied accommodations for the use of a guide dog. Following a long and drawn out battle, the inn owners agreed to an out-of-court settlement in Ms. Eitjes received an "unreserved apology" and in a "landmark" settlement, won $8,000 in compensation. Eitjes has donated $5,000 from the proceeds to the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind's guide dog services. My blood was boiling when I read about this very unfair incident. The saying that "ignorance is bliss" certainly does not apply here as the ending of the story may not have been as fortunate. What were your reactions as you were reading this item? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/blind-woman-wins-legal-battle.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/blind-woman-wins-legal-battle.php Dogs Blogs Dogs Law Service Animals Travel Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:04:24 -0500 Good "mews" for cats residing in several California cities! Yesterday the San Francisco Chronicle published the long hoped for announcement that the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, with an overwhelming vote of 9-2 approved a proposed ban on the practice of declawing cats, unless it is for legitimate medical reasons. Supporting Council members referred to the procedure as a "barbaric practice". Supervisor Bevan Duffy spoke before the vote was taken saying, "This is important legislation to recognize that the de-clawing of cats is unnecessary, cruel and creates more problems than it solves." The two dissenting votes were cast by Supervisors Michela Alioto-Pier and Sean Elsbernd The legislation, written by Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, includes a provision that anyone violating the ban may be subject to a fine of up to $1,000, or up to six months in jail. Supervisor Mirkarimi said, "It is well documented that it is a form of torture, and animal cruelty." The ban now needs Mayor Newsom's signature, and due to the 9-2 margin it will withstand any veto attempt. West Hollywood already has a ban in place prohibiting the declawing of cats since 2003. On November 2, 2009, a key committee of the Los Angeles City Council passed an ordinance banning the procedure, calling it animal cruelty. Councilmen Bill Rosendahl and Paul Koretz voiced the opinion that the surgery causes cats "unnecessary pain, anguish and permanent disability". A cat lover and owner himself, Councilman Rosendahl added, "Anyone who cannot handle the claws of a cat should not have a cat to begin with". Councilman Koretz in his capacity of lawmaker in Sacramento unsuccessfully tried to enact a statewide ban in 2003. However he was able to win the passage of a bill prohibiting the declawing of exotic animals, which of course, includes the "big" cats. On October 12, 2009 Santa Monica passed their ordinance banning cat declawing. On Tuesday night, November 3, Nancy Krasne, Mayor of Beverly Hills sent an email message to people who contacted her in support of their pending ordinance banning declawing in the city. It read, "We are banning this cat mutilation procedure in Beverly Hills, but on all animals.", and thanked them for their support. Even though Malibu recently rejected their pending ordinance, they are now discussing a city-wide resolution recognizing that it is an inhumane procedure. Declawing is illegal or considered grossly inhumane presently, in over 37 countries around the world as it is considered extreme cruelty to animals. Just think: the passage of these humane ordinances will even lead to a boost in California's economy. Over the lifetime of a pet cat, professional nail trimming provided by veterinary clinics far exceeds the cost of one declaw surgery. Couple this with sales of cardboard and sisal scratching posts nail clippers, plastic claw covers and attractive cat trees will fetch tidy revenue. If you wish to help, your supportive phone calls and emails are needed before Friday morning for Los Angeles. Please send "thank you "emails to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors as well. For further information visit The Paw Project at http://pawproject.org/ Personally, I am hoping that the rest of the country will soon follow in the footsteps of the courageous and forward thinking legislations which are being passed in these California cities. We must end the common practice of routine cat declawing. It is barbaric. Please share your thoughts about what is generally considered to be a controversial issue by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/cat-declawing-ban.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/cat-declawing-ban.php Cats cats Declawing Law Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:31:15 -0500 Biggie and Louie are this week's CUDDLE CHAMPIONS! Congrats guys! You look ever so cuddly rolled up together in the tiny bed! Submitted by Alyson Fischer Amsterdam Biggie and Louie are brothers who love each other so much that they share a bed that's only meant for one kitty! They have to snuggle up to stay on it and they look super cute! They were found in a box on the side of a road a few years ago but now clearly have a loving family who just adores them. To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/weekly-cuddle-champions-biggie.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/weekly-cuddle-champions-biggie.php Cuddle Champion cats cuddle champion cute cat pictures pet of the week Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:42:32 -0500 When I first visited Jamaica many years ago, I found myself falling in love with this magnificent country. But it was not only the view of emerald green mountains peering over the lush trees, and the sound of the crystal clear blue-green ocean crashing against the white beaches and the delightful music that captured me, it was the heart of the people who were so hospitable and gracious. I yearn to return for another visit in the near future. So the other day, while perusing the news online, I ran across a story that I had to share with our readers. It is about the world's fastest man . . . Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt . . . and the work he is undertaking to promote and boost Kenyan conservation efforts for their endangered wildlife. These fabulous animals are at serious risk for extinction due to climate change, habitats threatened through human encroachment, and trophy hunting. Bolt, who is presently the world's record holder in the 100 and 200 meter races has adopted Lightning Bolt, a three month-old cheetah. He paid $13,700 for the formal adoption and will be contributing $3,000 annually to help pay for the cat's care at an animal orphanage in Nairobi. The Kenyan Wildlife Service (KWS) is the recipient of these funds. Three cubs, who were abandoned by their mother in a game park, were rescued by the KWS. Lightning Bolt is one of these lucky babies. Bolt, on a four-day visit to Kenya was eager to see the various species of Kenya's wildlife, but admitted he was scared of the lions. While he was initially uncomfortable to pet an adult cheetah named Sharon for a photo shoot with Raila Odinga, the Kenyan Prime Minister, but after he saw that she seemed rather harmless when a stand in petted her, he relaxed. He seemed quite at home when handling his cheetah cub. Lightning Bolt is presently the size of a mature domestic house cat. He seemed delighted to bottle-feed the cub while the cameramen photographed them. When asked if he was still afraid of the cheetahs, he replied, "Yes, I was, but not anymore.". Julius Kipng'etich, the head of the KWS, described Bolt's meeting with the cheetahs as "the first time in history where the fastest animal and the fastest man will meet." Cheetahs are incredibly swift animals, and very accomplished predators. They can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. And while this baby cub is adorable and friendly, Cheetahs are, and should remain wild animals. It breaks my heart how some people even consider that these majestic felines are suitable to become house pets. In my opinion, no matter how tame they may appear, these cats must continue to live in their home environment whenever possible. I so admire the work that the KWS is doing to protect and maintain these beautiful animals. It is crucial to the survival of this species. Check out the video uploaded to You Tube by the Associated Press for a charming minute of Cheetah delight. Don't you agree that if adding a "touch of the wild" to our home is our heart's desire, we can more appropriately adopt a beautifully spotted domestic cat in need a forever loving family? Leave a comment and share your opinions. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/when-i-first-visited-jamaica.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/when-i-first-visited-jamaica.php Dogs animal adoption cats cheetah Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:32:39 -0500 As far as I am concerned, and I think that most animal lovers would agree, it makes absolutely no difference which animal species touches our hearts and with whom we fall in love. Whether it is a cat, dog, horse, bird or fish, these delightful beings quickly weave their way inside us and become part of our extended family. They give us an inordinate amount of unconditional love and acceptance so it goes without saying that if something happens to disturb that relationship which has developed with our beloved pets, it can be extremely stressful and emotionally draining. So you can just imagine how upset I was yesterday when I ran across a very disturbing e-mail with this story. I decided to write about it, just in case there are any folks who live in Texas or surrounding environs who may be in a position to lend a hand to help these people become reunited with their very special four legged family member. Apparently, three days ago, while waiting for assistance to fix a flat tire on their white Ford F-350 truck parked at the Town East Mall in Mesquite Texas, Ed and Angela Preston of Sunnyvale decided to have a bite to eat. When they returned to the parking lot they were horrified to discover that the truck and trailer in which their miniature donkey, Red Sunset, or "Sunny", (the name the little guy prefers), was loaded, had been stolen. The Prestons who have shared their hearts with dozens of miniature donkeys for more than eleven years are particularly concerned about Sunny since he is only 6 months old and needs a special diet and shelter. Mrs. Preston said, "He's just a little baby, and he can't fend for himself. Time is really of the essence at this time. He's been gone three days now, and he's a baby." People have already contacted the Prestons informing them that they have seen their truck and trailer glimpsing what may be Sunny around the Metroplex. They also received a call from a woman who spotted some children playing with a donkey near Kiest Boulevard, but at this time Sunny and the truck and trailer are still missing. Apparently none of these contacts have panned out. The Prestons are naturally very worried. The Prestons are afraid that Sunny and the trailer were dumped in favor of scrapping the truck for spare parts. Mrs. Preston and her husband don't care a hoot about the truck and trailer. Their little donkey is all that matters to them. Mrs. Preston commented, "You know some people say, 'Oh, it's a donkey. No, it's like our kids." The white Ford is carrying the license plate "DNKEY". The trailer is gold and tan and has a bumper sticker "Got Donkey". The Trailer license plate is DDXX20. If anyone in the area has any information about this lost donkey, please contact the Mesquite police and e-mail the Prestons at infor@hillcountryminiatures.com. Let's send out some special "vibes" to help the Prestons find Sunny very quickly. I am sure they would deeply appreciate some of our prayers as well I can't understand how some people are so thoughtless and cruel when it comes to animals, do you? What are your thoughts about this situation? Leave a comment and share. Photo Credit: Preston family photo of Sunny http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/miniature-donkey-stolen-owners.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/miniature-donkey-stolen-owners.php Dogs pet theft pets Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:52:27 -0500 The U.S. slaughters 5 million healthy pets annually! Shelters are overburdened with pets needing homes. The majority of these unfortunate animals have been surrendered to shelters when owners become tired of caring for them, are bored with the novelty of owning a pet, or the pet no longer fits into the lifestyle of the owner. What I cannot ever get my head wrapped around is how often these pets no longer are considered family members, and how people think of them as "disposable" possessions. The other day I received an email containing a poignant and compelling dramatic fictional "rescuer's answering machine" from a friend who is personally deeply and passionately involved in rescue work; finding foster homes, locating forever loving families in which to place needy pets, while at the same time running a very busy real estate business. I want to acknowledge how in awe I am of her tireless commitment to help improve the lives of so many homeless animals. While this piece of course is not a true answering machine recording, it sums up all what I consider to be "lame" excuses for giving up a pet that was perhaps once treasured and taken into a home with the promise of responsibly caring and cherishing a living and feeling animal, "until death do us part." I have included the most compelling options offered. The author is unknown, but the work is deeply appreciated by rescuers all around the country. A RESCUER'S ANSWERING MACHINE Hello: You have reached ARK. Due to the high volume of calls we have been receiving, please listen closely to the following options and choose the one that best describes you or your situation: Press 1 if you have a 10-year-old dog and your 15-year-old son has suddenly become allergic and you need to find the dog a new home right away. Press 2 if you are moving today and need to immediately place your 150 pound, 8-year-old dog. Press 3 if you have three dogs, had a baby and want to get rid of your dogs because you are the only person in the world to have a baby and dogs at the same time. Press 4 if you just got a brand new puppy and your old dog is having problems adjusting so you want to get rid of the old one right away. Press 5 if your little puppy has grown up and is no longer small and cute and you want to trade it in for a new model. Press 6 if your dog is sick and needs a vet but you need the money for your vacation. Press 7 if your relative has died and you don't want to care for their elderly dog because it doesn't fit your lifestyle. Press 8 if you are going to threaten to take your ten year old dog to be euthanized because I won't take it. Press 9 if you want one of our PERFECTLY trained, housebroken, kid and cat-friendly purebred dogs that we have an abundance of. Press 10 if you have already called once and been told we don't take personal surrenders but thought you would get a different person this time with a different answer. Press 11 if you want us to use space that would go to a stray to board your personal dog while you are on vacation, free of charge, of course. Press 12 if you want us to take your female dog who has already had ten litters, but we can't spay her because she is pregnant again and it is against your religion. Press 13 if your cat is biting and not using the litter box because it is declawed, but you are not willing to accept the responsibility that the cat's behavior is altered because of your nice furniture. Press 14 if your two year old male dog is marking all over your house but you just haven't gotten around to having him neutered. Press 15 if you need a puppy immediately and cannot wait because today is your daughter's birthday and you forgot when she was born. Press 16 if your new love doesn't like your dog and you are too stupid to get rid of the new friend (who will dump you in the next month anyway) instead of the dog. Press 17 if you went through all these 'options' and didn't hear enough. This press will connect you to the sounds of tears being shed by one of our volunteers who is holding a discarded old dog while the vet mercifully frees him from the grief of missing his family. Visit ARK's Website for more information about them. http://arkfl.rescuegroups.org/ And Press 18 and leave a comment to share your reactions to this piece. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/an-animal-rescuers-answering-m.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/11/an-animal-rescuers-answering-m.php Dogs Adoption Blogs Rescue Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:33:14 -0500 After the hugely disappointing decision by the Malibu, California City Council on October 12, in which they rejected the passage of its pending ban on declawing cats, it was great news for cat lovers to learn about the successful passage of the declaw ban ordinance passed on Tuesday, October 27, by the City Council of Santa Monica, with an overwhelming vote of 6-1. While there will be a second reading of the pending ordinance, in the Paw Project's announcement of the victorious result they wrote, "Unless something very odd happens, it will become law. All seven Councilmember's spoke out against declawing for owner convenience and against "packaging" declaw surgery with spaying and neutering. We are very grateful to them all for taking the time to consider seriously this issue." Close to 40 people attended in support of the ban. Included were between 5 and 6 local California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) member veterinarians and a representative from the HSVMA. More than 20 people attending spoke out in support of the passage of the declaw ordinance. Speaking out against the passage of the ordinance were three non-local CVMA veterinarians along with two other people. Several other City Councils in California still have proposed bans pending to ban the declawing of domestic cats. These cities are Berkeley, Beverly Hills, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Since these ordinances must be passed before December 31, 2009, due to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's veto of a bill which would have allowed cities and towns to pass declaw ordinances at any time, it is essential that people who wish to take action to help prevent this cruel and unnecessary procedure, to act immediately. It only takes a few minutes to register your opinion. Contact representatives of each city in support of the passage of the pending bans. You do not have to be a resident of California to express your feelings and to encourage the City Council to pass their pending ordinances. Public opinion is very effective in swaying undecided members, and every voice counts. Here are the dates of the upcoming hearings: 11/2 - Los Angeles Public Safety committee hearing 11/3 - Beverly Hills 1st City Council hearing Visit The Paw Project Website for further information with the names of representative to contact and other suggestions about how to become involved. http://www.pawproject.com/html/what.asp Thank you for participating in this crucial cause to represent all the cats who cannot speak for themselves. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/santa-monica-passes-ordinance.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/santa-monica-passes-ordinance.php Cats Cats Declawing Pet News Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:12:23 -0500 Today, October 29, is a very important and special day in the lives of cat lovers. I actually am thinking of recommending to the powers that be that this extraordinary occasion should be considered to gain the status of a legal holiday making it easier for us to spend the entire day lounging around, pampering our beloved pussycats. Of course I am referring to National Cat Day which is celebrated annually on this date. So I am boldly ready to initiate a movement to make October 29 a national holiday. The reasons I am considering taking such drastic action is to make it far easier and less stressful for cat lovers to take the day off openly without having to invent little white lies, or offering up some lame excuses for our absence from work. While this is a lovely fantasy, the likelihood of this happening is slim to none, so what else can we do the honor our adorable felines and make the day even more special for them? Some suggestions: We can plan to set aside extra time pampering our kitties by giving them a new toy and playing with them. It goes without saying that presenting them with a few delicious, nutritious treats will meet with great delight. How about some luscious fresh cat nip to round out the evening? We can help promote cat adoptions: It is very helpful to talk to people who may be considering a pet about the joys of being owned by a feline. We can also spend time spreading the word about how older cats make such wonderful pets since they are frequently easier to care for than those rowdy and rambunctious kittens. Anyway, kittens are adopted very quickly while the more mature cats are often overlooked. We can also make a commitment to get involved in the welfare and protection of felines. Volunteer at a shelter; spread the word about the importance of neutering and spaying; take action in local and national political issues in which we are passionately interested. It is a cinch to buy several extra cans of cat food and a couple of bags of cat litter at the supermarket and donate it to our local shelters. Additionally, shelters always have a need for new cat toys, litter boxes, and other feline related equipment. If considering adopting a kitty, visit a local shelter or adoption agency today. Let's show off our love for cats by proudly wearing one of our best cat t-shirts or wear that beautiful feline-themed jewelry. If we all get involved, even if it doesn't reach legal holiday status, we can make National Cat Day both fun and meaningful for cats. Hubble will be celebrating by dragging his favorite scratch-toy out once again since it is impregnated with his favorite: Cosmic Catnip. What are you planning to do to celebrate this most auspicious event? Tell us in a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/today-is-national-cat-day-lets.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/today-is-national-cat-day-lets.php Dogs Adoption Cats National Cat Day Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:10:53 -0500 While Halloween actually falls on October 31, folks who celebrate start preparations several days in advance. Pumpkins are carved, costumes are designed and a huge amount of candy is purchased to offer all the little ghosts, goblins, fairy princesses and even those scary monsters, showing off their fabulous costumes roaming around the neighborhood making their annual appearance. And on the evening of Halloween, doorbells start ringing incessantly with groups of children, sometimes accompanied by a parent, singing that old familiar "trick or treat" chorus refrain. While this holiday event is lots of fun, mainly for young people, it is that annual night in which we must pay special attention to our pets to keep them safe. We often get a kick out of the parade of the colorful procession of costumed children, but they may not have the same effect on our pets. Those masked "bandits" are often frightening and disorienting to them. The constant opening and closing of doors provides a tempting escape opportunity and candy, left in uncovered containers near the door, are highly dangerous and potentially deadly to our furry friends. Is it possible to ensure a successful and secure celebration of Halloween night? Of course it is. Observing a few cautionary measures will result in our pets' safety with our heightened enjoyment of the night as well. Here are a few tips which will help keep our cats and dogs, and other household pets safe and sound. 1. Keep all pets indoors on Halloween. Black cats are especially targeted for mischief and are at higher risk of injury or abuse. 2. Dogs may be extremely frightened by masked and costumed masked visitors. Dogs may become aggressive from fear, so to prevent any injury to your canine or trick-or-treaters, plan to kennel your dog for the evening, or safely confined in a room away from noise and distractions. Cats are far happier and more secure tucked away in a bedroom far from the door. It is a good idea to tune your radio to a station with soft, soothing music as well. 3. Lighted candles are attractive and add ambience to your Halloween decor, but are very dangerous if pets are left unsupervised. Curious pets may accidentally knock over candles. Use artificial electric candles and jack-o-lanterns that flicker realistically but are very safe. 4. If you plan to go trick-or-treating with your children, refrain from bringing pets along. While it can be fun to show off pets wearing costumes, as long as they are not averse to wearing them, they can be easily frightened by strangers. Make sure to supervise any pets wearing costumes to make sure that they are not restricted in any way, and can breathe easily. It goes without saying, at the first sign of discomfort, immediately remove the costume. Personally I think that the fur coats our pets wear cannot be excelled! 5. Keep all chocolate and artificially- sweetened candy away from pets. Chocolate is highly toxic, even in small amounts, and artificial sweeteners are also poisonous to pets. Common sense goes a long way to make Halloween fun and entertaining. Keeping pets safe and secure makes celebrating a lot less stressful and more highly enjoyable. For additional information watch the video, uploaded to You Tube by Better Pets, which offers extensive safety tips. What plans are you considering to make your Halloween a safe and fun event? Share them by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/halloween-safety-and-pets-some.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/halloween-safety-and-pets-some.php Dogs Blogs Food Holiday Holidays Safety Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:56:25 -0500 Congratulations to this week's CUDDLE CHAMPIONS Bailey, a hound mix, and Fin, a chihuahua. They look so comfortable and snuggly! Submitted by Susan Million "I think Bailey is a Petside Cuddle Champion because that is ALL HE EVER WANTS TO DO! He is a sweet 5 year old hound mix that is as soft as a velveteen rabbit and thinks he's the size of our 17 year old chihuahua Fin, who he is seen here snuggling with:) Bailey's goal in life is to snuggle, that's all, nothing else :) " To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/weekly-cuddle-champions-bailey.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/weekly-cuddle-champions-bailey.php Cuddle Champion cuddle champion dogs pet picture of the week Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:10:34 -0500 While she may not have been chosen as a contender to win the prestigious Van Cliburn International Competition for pianists in 2009, this young lady certainly demonstrated sufficient virtuosity of the feline purrsuasion, thus will be receiving the ASPCA's Cat of the Year Award at their Humane Awards luncheon to be held at the Pierre Hotel on October 29 in New York City. Nora, the fabulously gifted feline about whom I recently wrote was selected not only due to her mewsical talents, but this kitty, who was adopted by Betsy and Burnell Yow of Philadelphia, Pa., is one of the spunkiest cats to grace an animal shelter in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. The shelter staff considered her to be "bossy" noticing she was not very well received by the other cats. It is even conceivable that they may have wondered if a swift adoption would be possible for her. But the Yows obviously saw something special about this feisty grey tabby kitten, bringing her home to join their established clowder. According to the ASPCA report, Nora was named after the surrealist painter, Leonora Carrington. The kitten with a "feisty" purrsona, immediately took her place as the alpha feline among the Yow's four other cats. However, her musical talents were not revealed until she was about one year old. Betsy Yow, a music teacher, noticed that Nora was fascinated by touching the keys on her piano. It soon became obvious that stroking the keyboard was her favorite pastime. Several newspapers describe her musical outpouring as a combination of "free jazz" and Phillip Glass. She soon became a hit on YouTube with over 20 million page views, even inspiring a symphony to be written in her honor by a Lithuanian composer. And while the ASPCA acknowledges Nora's extremely unique talents, they have bestowed this honor upon her to demonstrate that shelter pets should not be considered "castoffs". These lovely animals are, in fact, amazingly wonderful pets just waiting for the opportunity to find forever loving homes, blossoming into truly incredible companions. The ASPCA concluded their exciting announcement by saying, "Nora is a true testament to the spirit of the Humane Awards, which every year honor exceptional animals as well as inspiring individuals who have dedicated their lives to animal welfare" Watch the video uploaded to YouTube by burnellyow to watch of this delightfully gifted kitty purrform. Please leave a comment of conCATulations for Nora and her family for their outstanding achievement. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/aspca-cat-of-the-year-award-an.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/aspca-cat-of-the-year-award-an.php Dogs ASPCA Blogs Cats Events Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:57:19 -0500 Over the weekend I received an email from the Care2 petition site asking people to sign a petition targeted at the U.S. House of Representatives. Pending now is a proposed bill in Massachusetts banning the practice of canine devocalization, often referred to as "convenience devocalization" or "debarking". Photo: Jack Russell Terrier This is a surgical procedure which is highly controversial. It is sometimes performed on felines as well. The surgical method of Devocalization surgery is done by cutting the animal's vocal cords through their oral cavity or by an incision in the neck. It permanently stops or reduces the volume of the sound of barking or meowing. In the United Kingdom this procedure is considered to be a form of mutilation and has already been banned. Here in this country, the surgery is legal, and many rescue and animal protection organizations, along with dog and cat lovers have been attempting to also have the procedure outlawed in various states. At this time no bills have been passed to ban the procedure, but an amendment now only permits devocalization performed under anesthesia by a licensed veterinarian. The American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) position on canine devocalization is, "Canine devocalization should only be performed by qualified, licensed veterinarians as a final alternative after behavioral modification efforts to correct excessive vocalization have failed." Devocalization surgery can cause hemorrhaging, difficulty swallowing, breathing problems coughing or gagging and creates serious health risks for these animals. It also prevents animals from communicating if a dangerous situation arises, or to alert the owner that something is wrong. Since "excessive" vocalization is generally caused by improper training or socialization methods, boredom, stress, frustration or separation anxiety, it seems to me that owners should be consulting canine or feline behavioral specialists to get to the bottom of these behavior problems, and to humanely deal with them. As many as 35% of dog owners already report excessive barking, but from where I sit, they may be more concerned with being sued by unhappy neighbors which may result from these excessive vocalization episodes. One strong advocate in support for "convenience devocalization" surgery is Charlotte McGowan, an AKC dog show judge for over 30 years and author of "The Shetland Sheepdog in America". She states, "There is a move around the country by animal rights interests to outlaw the practice of debarking dogs. So much misinformation about this procedure abounds that it is truly time to set the record straight. As a dog breeder for over 40 years, I can tell you that debarking in the hands of a well trained veterinarian is a very useful tool for breeders and owners and it saves lives. I have had a lot of dogs debarked over the years and the usefulness of this procedure should not be ignored. I know friends who have used debarking for decades with no ill effects on the dogs." Read more by visiting: http://www.naiaonline.org/articles/archives/debark_qna.htm In my opinion, this practice of silencing the voice of a dog is outrageous and inhumane. With appropriate training and care these "problem" vocalizations can be remedied. Do you think that devocalization surgeries should be banned? If so, please join the over 10,000 people who have already signed the Care2 petition by visiting: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/192425248# and contact your representatives to propose a nation- wide ban. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/canine-devocalization-surgery.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/canine-devocalization-surgery.php Dogs Blogs Cruelty Dogs Surgery Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:14:21 -0500 Ain't it the truth? The older we get, the more quickly time flies by. It seems like just the other day, that Hush Puppy, our lilac point Oriental Shorthair joined our family. It was love at first sight for the small enchanting kitten and me the day we visited his breeder. The fur ball instantly jumped in my lap, climbing up onto my shoulder, purring his little heart out with such a deep decibel vibration that he could be heard from the other side of the room. The breeder was thrilled with our chemistry and just two weeks later, carrier in tow, she delivered him to our house. The kitten immediately made himself at home with not a minute of timidity or apprehension. He gave the house the once over, purring the entire time, meeting up with our resident Siamese, Mousie Tongue, who bopped him on the head just once, letting him know who was boss. But we all knew that Mousie was mistaken in his evaluation of the situation. Hush Puppy had arrived! Boss kitten on the premises! Having lived with Siamese cats for many years, cognizant of their high degree of intelligence, their affectionate nature, and how they just weave their way into their human's hearts in an eye blink, and also being fairly fluent in feline body language I have to admit that I was stumped when observing Hush Puppy's tail language. One doesn't have to be a rocket scientist to know that a bushy tail is a signal that a cat is either frightened, or angry. But I was very confused when I saw that his tail was getting "bushy', starting from the base and working its way up to the tip. Since he was obviously "blissed out", purring with delight, on his back, tummy presented vulnerably, I had no idea what he was trying to communicate to me. And with a sheer stroke of luck, as I "surfed" the internet, "googling" my question about tail talk, I spotted his breeder online. I immediately sent her an instant message asking her if this was "normal" behavior for this kitty. I could almost detect her delighted laughter as she replied. She simply typed, "Happy tail". My brow furled as I said to myself, "Huh?" As our conversation continued, I was getting a bit embarrassed for not being as knowledgeable as I should have been. Since I had been breeding and showing cats for many years, one might think that I would be familiar with this behavior. But this was completely new to me. To make matters even more dismaying, as I was rubbing his belly, he instantly stretched out both his back legs, parting them, almost like a ballet dancer preparing to leap. The breeder simply typed, "This line has a genetic pre-disposition to respond to pleasure this way." Hush Puppy, bushing his tail with contentment. Photo credit: Jo Singer So today, while my husband and I were eating lunch, Hush Puppy jumped onto the table, and stretched out on his newspaper. Of course the minute I began talking to him and petting him, the tail bushing action started almost immediately. Since I have been accused of making up this story, I grabbed my BlackBerry camera to gather the evidence. Who knows, I might enter this photo into a contest one of these days. I wonder what a good caption might be. Leave a comment and please help me out with something "catchy." http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/the-bushy-tailed-cat-a-fluffy.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/the-bushy-tailed-cat-a-fluffy.php Dogs Behavior Blogs Cats Siamese Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:16:20 -0500 One of the hottest topics of discussion now is the "Flu". With the H-1-N-1 virus (Swine Flu) flooding the media, with ensuing discussions about who are at greatest risk of contracting it, and whether the vaccine is sufficiently safe or if mandatory inoculations for certain populations to prevent its spread should be mandatory, I am sure that we are absolutely besieged with information. So to further bend your ear, did you know that there is a new flu virus going around to which dog owners should be aware? Interestingly it is a mutation of the H-3-N-8, the equine flu. It is simply referred to as the "canine flu". Thus far, according to our veterinarian's staff they have not seen anything similar affecting the feline species. The good news is that there is no evidence that dog flu is contagious to humans at this time and it is rare for a virus to travel from one species of animal to another. Ellie Mae. Photo credit: Vicki Jasch While there is a vaccine available which Dr. Bob Reich of the Animal Medical Clinic advises, is not one that is mandatory. In his advice to owners, under certain conditions in which he goes into detail, he suggests "If they travel with dogs or board dogs a lot. If they use doggie daycares, they probably should. It's highly contagious. The entire dog population has no resistance to it. If you have 100 dogs in a kennel, one dog comes in with the flu; it's just like daycare, every dog's going to get it." At this time, Canine Flu is considered to be an endemic virus since there are sporadic outbreaks reported in certain areas. According to the ASPCA, the states that have reported outbreaks at dog race tracks are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Texas, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Outbreaks occurring in pet dog populations have been reported in California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, the state of Washington, and Washington, D.C. The reports are from cases in rescue groups, animal shelters, pet stores, boarding kennels and veterinary clinics. So how does the Canine flu affect dogs? Symptoms of the disease can range from mild to severe illness. Affected dogs generally have a soft, moist cough, yellow-green nasal discharge, if the dog contracts a secondary bacterial infection. These dogs generally will run a low-grade fever that can last up to 30 days even if they are receiving treatment. Dogs with the flu have diminished appetites as well. More severe forms of this flu can cause high fevers and difficulty in breathing due to secondary pneumonia. This is generally not a fatal disease in dogs, and is generally overcome between 10-30 days without any complications. Similar to the human flu, however, while not common, deaths can result, and are commonly caused by secondary infections such as bacterial pneumonia. This virus is very contagious between canines as it is airborne and since it has recently emerged, there is no natural immunity which dogs have been able to develop. The ASPCA also advises, "While there is currently no reliable rapid test available to veterinarians for diagnosing canine influenza, tests are available at certain diagnostic labs. For more information, contact your local veterinarian." People can help the spread of Canine Flu between dogs by following some common sense suggestions offered by the ASPCA. "Any dog infected with Canine Flu or as any other respiratory disease should be kept away from other dogs until the illness completely resolves. Solutions as simple as soap and water are effective disinfectants for eliminating the virus from surfaces. To help reduce the risk of spreading the virus, gloves should be worn when handling infected dogs or cleaning contaminated cages." For more detailed information about Canine Flu, visit: The American Veterinary Medical Association's Canine Influenza Page. Are you worried about your dog catching the Canine Flu? Leave a comment with your concerns. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/the-dog-flu-a-recent-canine-vi.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/the-dog-flu-a-recent-canine-vi.php Dogs Blogs Dogs Health Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:20:40 -0500 It gives me a great deal of pleasure to share my excitement to talk about the second year's outstanding Pet 'Net event being held by Petside.com. Bloggers and editors are raising their voices in an effort to heighten the awareness of pet owners to the many dangers to which pets are at risk. Petside is coordinating and featuring 28 pet different pet sites joining together with a common purpose to focus on one of the most important topics; pet safety. Each of the blogs/sites will cover a different safety aspect and will provide pet "pawrents" with ideas and suggestions to keep those beloved furry family members safe and sound. Joshua Fried, the Director of Petside.com said, "Common household dangers threaten our pets on a daily basis. By raising our collective voice at once, we hope the Pet 'Net Safety Event will focus much-needed attention to these important issues." His words definitely set the perfect tone for this highly worthwhile event. This Pet 'Net event could not be held at a more relevant time of the year since we will soon be getting ready to celebrate a series of festive holidays with our friends and family members. Thus it is crucial to keep in mind the necessity of taking the extra time and care to keep our pets protected from harm. Petside will be covering this very critical topic in depth. Other sites will discuss special safety advice for senior pets, while some will provide information about dangerous household products, giving suggestions which will reduce the risk of accidental poisoning and other hidden perils around the home. Pet Travel safety and first aid hints will also be presented. Petside also joined forces with the Associated Press in conducting a poll to collect data which reflects people's attitudes and behavior in regard to the safety of their pets. The results of the poll were released today. See them here! Some of the other participants in the event include the LA Time Pet Blog, About Com Dogs and Cats and Veterinary Medicine, The Baltimore Sun Pet Blog, and Aarff.com. For more information about this very exciting and worthwhile event, visit: http://www.petside.com/wellness/pet_net_safety_event_2009.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/pet-blogger-event-helps-promot.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/pet-blogger-event-helps-promot.php Dogs Blogs Events Safety Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:21:06 -0500 When it comes to the subject of litter boxes and litter, there is hardly anything more controversial to cat servants. We can talk ad infinitum extolling the merits of various types of boxes, different brands of litter and sometimes it even results in hissy spats between us. I tell you . . . when it comes to discussing kitty's toilet preferences, the fur can fly! Of course, as a feline sanitation expert, I am able to boldly claim that the best brand in the world even carries that word in its brand name. World's Best litter not only is ecologically friendly, since it is manufactured from corn, contains virtually no dust, and for those of us with septic systems, it is flushable. It clumps nicely, and is easily bagged and dumped into the trash to be disposed of without dangerously impacting the environment. Hush Puppy Photo by: Jo Singer Cats generally prefer fine grained, soft litter, but it is best to experiment with a variety of litters, using several boxes, and observe which brands are more attractive to your cats. Of course, if you notice any special preferences, it is a great idea to provide more than one brand all the time. While it may be more inconvenient to us, it will certainly far better please our kitties. If my cats were able to make a sales pitch for the type of litter box with which they are enamored, they would suggest, paw's down, the Clevercat litter box. At 15 inches high, 20 inches long and 15 inches wide, with an optional 9 -inch hole snap on top, with plenty of turning around room, this box is more than acceptable to our cats. Additionally, even though our cats are neutered, with their "macho" personalities, they prefer to stand up and "spray", so there is never any mess to clean up outside the box. This was a huge problem for me before I discovered this very clever cat-friendly product. Cats can be very picky about what they deem acceptable in which to dig. If the litter is not up to their standards, it can result in most unpleasant consequences. Inappropriate elimination is one of biggest problems that cat servants face. While this issue may be caused by a urinary tract infection so checking with your veterinarian is crucial, very often the problem is caused by perfumed litter, or not of the right texture, or an insufficient quantity of boxes available, depending on how many cats reside in the home. Litter box problems can also arise due to conflicts between resident cats. Since some cats refuse to use a box that another cat has used, the rule of thumb is one box per cat, plus one. Additionally cats often prefer to defecate in one box and urinate in an alternate box. Litter box placement is also a key factor in assuring their use. Keeping litter boxes in remote locations is not appealing to cats, as they prefer them within easy range. Placed in an area in which your cat can view people or other cats approaching, makes them feel more secure. Older cats may not be able to quickly run up stairs, so providing litter boxes on different levels in the home is very cat friendly. Most cats prefer at least a depth of two to three inches of litter in the box. It goes without saying that the box must be kept scrupulously clean and scooped out several times a day. As litter level drops, add clean litter. We wash our boxes out every two to three weeks with a mild detergent, rinsing it carefully, and then replacing it with fresh litter. To be honest, litter box management is both an art and science. Many people don't realize how greatly we can influence the way in which our cats utilize their facilities appropriately, eliminating many of the problems associated with litter boxes. Watch this short video for further information by a veterinarian, uploaded to YouTube by expertvillage. How do you handle litter box issues in your home? Leave a comment with your great tips. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/litter-box-management-the-key.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/litter-box-management-the-key.php Dogs Behavior Blogs Cats Litter Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:56:03 -0500 Gizmo and Mizo are this week's CUDDLE CHAMPIONS! Congrats guys, you are really CUDDLY! Submitted by Caitlin Ryan "Gizmo and Mizo are super cute and snugly cuddle champions! These brothers love each other very much." To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/weekly-cuddle-champion-gizmo-a.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/weekly-cuddle-champion-gizmo-a.php Cuddle Champion cuddle champion cute cat pictures cute cats kitten pet of the week Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:24:07 -0500 While visiting the American Humane's web page the other day, I found an item that so clearly demonstrated the importance that pets can play in our lives, that I was compelled to share the story in case our readers had not seen it. Since I have often written about the growing number of incidents of animal cruelty and talked about how child abuse is so frequently linked with cruelty to animals, I felt that this article clearly demonstrates this frightening connection. We are all aware of the fact that so many of these crimes are committed by youngsters who have been abused themselves and whose behavior, if not detected, punished and appropriate treatment provided, will go on to continue their heinous crimes of torture often " graduating" to abusing people. Oreo According to the article I read, a 9-year-old girl was sexually abused by her stepfather. When the little girl talked with the prosecuting attorney she told him that there was a witness, and "someone else" knew about it, but he was unable to "talk". Her adored pet cat, Oreo, was the "someone else" to whom she was referring. She went on to tell the attorney that each night, her brave kitty would remain outside her door and hiss at the attacker when he appeared. And while Oreo was trying to protect the little girl, Oreo also became a target for abuse when her step-father brutally kicked him away from the door to gain access to her room. After listening to the little girl's story, the prosecutor was inspired with a fantastic idea. A veterinarian was called in to examine Oreo, and it was discovered that Oreo had sustained injuries which were consistent to being physically abused. The veterinarians report was entered into evidence and shared with the jury, to demonstrate that violent behavior was in fact, occurring in the home. This evidence gave strong credibility to the little girl's assertions. And while Oreo could not "speak", his injuries spoke volumes in support of her allegations and that she was being honest. Due to the strength of the evidence presented in this case, the little girl's stepfather was found guilty and sentenced to an extensive prison term. Both the little girl and her very loyal and courageous kitty were finally able to feel safe in their home, which all humans and animals clearly deserve. You can read more about American Humane and the link between animal abuse and child abuse by visiting the American Humane webpage http://www.americanhumane.org/human-animal-bond/programs/the-link-of-violence/ http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/animal-and-child-abuse-the-lin.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/animal-and-child-abuse-the-lin.php Dogs Abuse Blogs Cruelty Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:57:02 -0500 Pet "pawrents" and concerned animal lovers residing in California can now breathe a sigh of relief, thanks to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's stunning veto of two pet related bills pending in the California State Assembly. On Tuesday, October 13, through the collective efforts of fervent animal welfare groups, dog and cat fancier's organizations backed up by the huge number of vocal pet lovers, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed California's pending anti-pet legislations AB 241 and AB 1122. Had these bills passed, their outcome would have had a strongly negative impact on pet owners and of course their pets. Assembly Bill AB241 would have made it "illegal to have more than a combined total of 50 "adult" dogs and cats with intact sexual organs. The word "Adult" was not defined. Excess animals must be placed, altered or destroyed within 30 days. The bill authorizes certain officers to investigate a violation of such provisions and to lawfully take possession of an animal kept in violation under certain conditions" Governor Schwarzenegger's veto message reads: "To the Members of the California State Assembly: I am returning Assembly Bill 241 without my signature. This measure would make it a crime for any person or entity to own or control more than 50 unsterilized adult dogs or cats for breeding or raising for sale as pets. I support measures designed to prevent animal cruelty and that punish persons engaged in the abuse of animals. However, this measure simply goes too far in an attempt to address the serious problem of puppy mills. An arbitrary cap on the number of animals any entity can possess throughout the state will not end unlawful, inhumane breeding practices. Instead this measure has the potential to criminalize the lawful activities of reputable breeders, pet stores, kennels, and charitable organizations engaged in raising service and assistance dogs. For these reasons, I am unable to sign this bill. Sincerely, Arnold Schwarzenegger" Assembly Bill, AB 1122 would have made illegal giving away or selling a live animal on any highway, street, parking lot, public right -of-way, boardwalk or carnival. This bill has been amended several times, to permit kittens and puppies to be sold at shows. However, the implications for the passage of the bill would prevent the sale of kittens or puppies at shows, unless certain requirements were met. According to the Cat Fancier's Association, "The conditions for an exemption would be so impossible to ascertain or assure that it renders the exemption meaningless". Governor Schwarzenegger's veto statement: "To the Members of the California State Assembly: I am returning Assembly Bill 1122 without my signature. I am concerned with the scope and unintended consequences of this bill and that it does not assure the humane and ethical treatment and welfare of animals. This bill has unknown costs associated with the enforcement and implementation of prohibiting the sale of live animals in specified venues and could drive the selling of animals underground or to private sites. For this reason I am unable to sign this bill. Sincerely, Arnold Schwarzenegger" The "Senate Bill SB250 makes it illegal to own, keep or harbor a dog with intact sexual organs, except as specified. It makes it illegal to have an intact cat or dog remain outdoors and it requires a "certificate of sterility" as proof in order to do so. It also requires reporting of the sale of an unaltered cat or dog and sterilization of any cat or dog impounded for any reason, for the violation of this law if cited for the violation of another law. Following its passage in the Senate, SB250 failed on the Assembly Floor 28-42 with 41 votes needed for passage. Supporters of the bill were not able to get the necessary votes after being noticed for reconsideration. It has been converted to a "two year bill "at the request of the author, and will be brought up again in January 2010. So this bill is not dead yet. This is really positive news for California residents, don't you agree? Leave a comment and tell us how you feel. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/governor-schwarzenegger-protec.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/governor-schwarzenegger-protec.php Dogs Blogs Law Puppy Mills Rescue Service Animals Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:56:01 -0500 WARNING: This blog contains photos of these dog carpets. It seems lately that pet lovers are besieged with news items that talk about acts of cruelty to animals. But today I received an email which contained information about one of the most chilling and brutal ones that I have ever encountered. There are a wide variety of "Halls of Shame" on the Internet today to which the public's attention is called concerning dangerous and toxic products. There are also those which put the spotlight on people who offer services that are highly questionable and considered treacherous. But this particular act of cruelty is one that I believe trumps them all. This one calls attention to two "monsters in disguise as artists". These "artists", in Bolivia produce carpets made of dogs. Of course they had to kill the dogs to weave their evil products, and used a municipal service in LaPaz. Ondrej Brody and Kristofer Paetau visited Bolivia to embark upon what they considered to be a political statement. In a 2008 interview, Brody said, "The dog carpets are essentially about society's hypocrisy. It questions the special status that dogs and cats have in our, western society. Although we can see that in China, despite the local culture and cuisine, the pet culture is on its rise as well. The Bolivian experience was about hypocrisy as well, but it involved on a larger and direct scale mechanisms and structures within the society". In talking about the carpets he said, "We requested to obtain 10 sacrificed dogs for our "installation". This seemed to be a perfect paradox. A hunting carpet from a dog that is being hunted by the society". In my opinion, Ondrej Brody and Kristofer Paetau should immediately be arrested for cruelty to animals and if found guilty face severe punishment. Additionally, their carpets should be banned from every museum around the world, starting with the museums in Bolivia. If this story gets your blood boiling, join me and the over 2,635 animal lovers who have already signed this Care2 petition requesting that Juan Evo Morales, President of the Republic of Bolivia to ensure the humane treatment of these street dogs. He must instruct all local municipal services to take charge of all the strays and cannot in any way condone these wanton acts of cruelty. According to the petition site, these "artists" kill 100 dogs per week in the production of these carpets. Sign the petition at: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/dog-carpets-are-not-art-but-murder For additional information, visit http://www.brodypaetau.com/?page_id=119 What were some of your thoughts or feelings when you read this item? Please share by leaving a comment. Photo credits: Care2 Petition Website http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/dog-carpets-are-not-art-they-a.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/dog-carpets-are-not-art-they-a.php Dogs Abuse Blogs Cruelty Dogs Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:23:46 -0500 To say that those of us who passionately abhor the practice of declawing cats are disappointed by the decision that the City of Malibu, California made yesterday, Monday October 12, with their vote against a motion for a citywide ban on declawing cats, is a huge understatement. Numerous people sent emails, letters and faxes imploring the City Council to support a ban, following in the footsteps of the West Hollywood, California's pioneer and courageous ban which is in place, as it is in over 37 countries around the world as it is considered cruelty to animals. Since cats need their claws to be able to balance, stretch and mark their territories, and is of course their first line of defense, depriving them of their claws can have serious and painful implications, with many declawed cats refusing to use litter boxes, resort to biting, and often end up surrendered to shelters where they are considered unadoptable. The USDA has already banned the practice of declawing big cats in the United States. Dr. Mark Nunez, President of the California Veterinary Medical Association, (CVMA) and Dr. Timothy Metzger, President of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association, (SCVMA) and other CVMA members travelled to Malibu to testify at the meeting held in the evening. Dr. Dana DePerno, and Dr. Lisa Newell from Malibu testified against the pending declaw ordinance by saying that they only perform the procedure as a last resort. Dr Nunez said, "We do not want to see cats declawed routinely. We do believe that it is an option of last resort. We believe that this should be a decision between a cat owner and their veterinarian. The decision should be made by the professionals; it should not be made in the City Council chambers." Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem, Sharon Barovsky disputed information provided by the people who were proposing the ban. She claimed that the research she had undertaken in regard to the declaw bans that already exist in many European countries proved to be not true. What is most disturbing about her statement is in fact, that in the United Kingdom declawing was outlawed by the Animal Welfare Act of 2006 which clearly prohibits ""interference with the sensitive tissues or bone structure of the animal, otherwise than for the purposes of its medical treatment". Declawing was extremely uncommon even before the 2006 Act and many people had never seen a cat that had been declawed. Most British veterinarians consider the practice inhumane and refuse to perform the surgery unless there is a compelling medical reason. In the Guide to Professional Conduct of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, regarding declawing it is stated that it is " "only acceptable where, in the opinion of the veterinary surgeon, injury to the animal is likely to occur during normal activity. It is not acceptable if carried out for the convenience of the owner ... the removal of claws, particularly those which are weight bearing, to preclude damage to furnishings is not acceptable." Additionally, Finland, Estonia, the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland are other European countries where declawing cats for non-medical reasons is always illegal under their laws against cruelty to animals. While the CVMA's stand on declawing states that any medical decision should be made between the veterinarian and client, and that veterinarians must provide education and counsel to clients on all medical procedures that the "unintended consequences of cat declaw bans will be cat relinquishment and euthanasia" In fact many declawed cats are routinely surrendered to shelters due to unacceptable behavior, and healthy young cats are frequently euthanized. Visit http://www.thecattherapist.com/dont_declaw.htm for more information. SB 762, the bill which prohibits cities and counties from passing ordinances that ban medical procedures that are already legal statewide, was sponsored by the CVMA in 2009. However there are a few remaining California cities still considering passing an ordinance to ban the practice of declawing cats and must do so before the 1/01/2010 deadline. These cities are Berkeley, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Santa Monica With such a wide variety of alternatives to declawing available today, such as rough textured scratching posts and cat trees and plastic covers for claws, I find it difficult to understand Malibu's very disappointing decision. What is your opinion on the results of the Malibu failure to pass the declaw ordinance? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/malibu-california-rejects-pend.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/malibu-california-rejects-pend.php Dogs Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:43:32 -0500 October 16 is the ninth annual National Feral Day. This day is celebrated by cat lovers across the country with the goal of spreading the word that feral cats are happy and healthy living outdoors, and to educate the public about how Trap-Neuter-Return, (TNR) programs actually make a significant difference in the lives of these very special felines. This year, Alley Cats Allies are geared up for their biggest campaign yet, and credits this to their "ambitious advertising and outreach efforts". To date, with the greatest number of people participating in the event to date, their inspiring message will reach many people to take action in support of our country's cats. Thus far over 75 individuals have already planned events which include neutering local cats, building shelters for the cats' protection during the winter, and helping to educate the public about this amazingly strong and vibrant member of the feline community. Alley Cats Allies reports that hundreds or even thousands of cat lovers will participate by displaying the National Feral Cat posters in their communities. TNR programs are specially designed for feral (wild) cats who survive and thrive outdoors. These programs are highly successful and as such are widely utilized. These programs help to reduce the population of cats and to maintain healthy populations. These cats help to reduce the number of rodents as well as communicable feline diseases which can be spread to domesticated felines. Feral cats are different than stray cats. They are domesticated cats which have either been abandoned, or have never had contact with humans. Found in both urban and suburban areas, some living in barns or farms, these cats generally will not let humans touch them. TNR programs are very effective in reducing stray cat populations as well, and prevent the needless euthanasia of cats that often end up in overpopulated shelters. For more information about how to get involved in a TNR program, visit: http://ezinearticles.com/Feral Since National Feral Day, (NFCD) provides cat lovers to help improve the welfare of cats around the country; you can get involved in helping the welfare of these cats throughout the country. NFCD is the ideal opportunity to share your love for felines. 1. Make plans with your cat loving friends to help organize a TNR effort in your community. 2. Educate people about these outdoor cats and how they help keep the rodent population under control. 3. Organize a bake sale, and donate the profits to Alley Cat Allies. 4. Since the holidays are approaching, ask your craft making friends to make some attractive cat toys filled with catnip as gifts for their cat loving friends. Contact Alley Cat Allies at: donate@alleycat.org 5. Visit the Alley Cat Allies website to download or purchase their attractive poster. Place them in strategic locations in your neighborhood to help publicize this very special day. Leave a comment with other ideas in which folks may get involved. Let's help make this annual celebration a spectacular success. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/national-feral-day-october-16.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/national-feral-day-october-16.php Dogs Blogs Cats Events Feral Rescue TNR Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:32:08 -0500 This little Yorkshire Terrier puppy named Chloe is this week's CUDDLE CHAMPION. How cute! Submitted by Patricia Villa Sarasty To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/weekly-cuddle-champion-baby-yo.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/weekly-cuddle-champion-baby-yo.php Cuddle Champion cuddle champion cute pet pictures yorkie puppy yorkshire terrier Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:52:00 -0500 What actually determines our first amendment rights concerning "freedom of speech?" one might ask. Is it permissible for blatant acts of cruelty to animals which are, under the guise of "artistic creativity", featured in videos and film, to be permitted to fall under the protection of the first amendment? On October 6, the Supreme Court started considering a case titled "US v Stevens. At the heart of the case is a statute which makes it a criminal act to possess, sell or make videos or other distribution of films depicting violent acts of animal cruelty. The outcome of this case may result in either the protection of innocent animals, or, on the other hand may uphold the Exception (b) below, which is very disturbing. Photo Credit: USA Today In 2005, Robert J. Stevens, residing in Virginia, received a sentence of 37 months imprisonment for selling videos which violated the "Depiction of Animal Cruelty Act ", (18 U.S.C Section 48) a 10-year old statue which is part reads:"(a) Creation, Sale, or Possession.-- Whoever knowingly creates, sells, or possesses a depiction of animal cruelty with the intention of placing that depiction in interstate or foreign commerce for commercial gain, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. (b) Exception. -- Subsection (a) does not apply to any depiction that has serious religious, political, scientific, educational, journalistic, historical, or artistic value. (c) Definitions.-- In this section-- (1) the term "depiction of animal cruelty" means any visual or auditory depiction, including any photograph, motion-picture film, video recording, electronic image, or sound recording of conduct in which a living animal is intentionally maimed, mutilated, tortured, wounded, or killed, if such conduct is illegal under Federal law or the law of the State in which the creation, sale, or possession takes place, regardless of whether the maiming, mutilation, torture, wounding, or killing took place in the State; The intention of this statute is to end the sale of "crush videos" which featured women in stiletto heels, piercing the body parts, or crushing small animals such as kittens, chicks and puppies under their feet. Unfortunately, the producers, directors and distributers of these films, which carry strong sexual innuendos, were impossible to prosecute since their identities were not able to be determined. Steven's chilling videos included, among other acts of unmistakable acts of cruelty to dogs, gruesome images of pit bulls attacking a domestic pig to teach it to hunt wild boars and were advertised for sale in various sporting dog publications as "training" videos. Stevens argued that his videos were made for training purposes instructing dog owners which demonstrated the improper way to train pit bulls to hunt. The US Appellate Court for the Third Circuit overturned the trial court's decision on Steven's appeal, and additionally nullified the statute which eliminated any exception to the First Amendment for animal cruelty. Saying that the prevention of animal cruelty was "appealing . . . to our sensibilities" but found that such "appeal was not a "compelling governmental interest, in the context of freedom of speech". Therefore § 48 failed strict scrutiny because "it serves no compelling government interest, is not narrowly tailored to achieve such an interest, and does not provide the least restrictive means to achieve such an interest." This case will test Judge Sotomayor's promise to opine by "principle over the prejudicial elements of the crime". It is indeed alarming that the Supreme Court could consider ruling in favor for the right to produce and distribute films which depict such blatant acts of animal cruelty under first amendment protection. Since child pornography is not shielded by the first amendment, why isn't the protection of innocent animals just as compelling? What is most disturbing is that the staging of "crush videos" can be punished by local authorities, with prison sentences and hefty fines levied but may ultimately fall under the protection of the Supreme Court's decision. The Supreme Court may find these videos and films abhorrent but will they truly examine the extent of what qualifies for First Amendment protection. We must wait for the Court's decision, which will be published later this year. But according, to "Talkers Magazine", "the tone of the hearing implies that the justices are leaning toward affirming the decision of the Court of Appeals in overturning the law." Why does this fine line even exist between the Constitutional First Amendment guaranteeing freedom of speech and the press, and the protection of animals from horrendous abuse? Leave a comment and share your opinion. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/freedom-of-speech-vs-animal-cr.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/freedom-of-speech-vs-animal-cr.php Dogs Blogs Cruelty Law Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:05:41 -0500 Most passionate cat lovers will love this touching account about a friendship that developed between a very unlikely pair of baby animals that connected with each other out of necessity in their attempt to handle and survive the devastating destruction of their home territories. The moment I saw this heart-touching photograph that I found the other day, which has widely been circulating around the Internet, my first reaction was to marvel at how deeply ingrained nurturing instincts must exist for such a deep bond to develop between two species, who under other circumstances would never connect in friendship. In fact, we can learn a great deal about compassion and unconditional love from this compelling story. Two weeks ago, a very unlikely pair of baby animals became best friends. The Jesuita Fire that raged in Santa Barbara, California created the situation in which these frightened animals formed their very unique connection, shortly after they were rescued near Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's ranch. The three week-old bobcat kitten found in Carpenteria was close to death from dehydration, and the baby fawn, only three days old, rescued from the fire, found one another and snuggled closely together for several hours, under the desk in the Santa Barbara County Dispatch office. I can only speculate about how the rescue personnel reacted to this "odd couple" connection, as somebody took the time to snap their photograph and was therefore able to preserve this rather amazing demonstration of affection and emotion. According to Santa Barbara rescue personnel, due to their stringent regulations, separate species are never housed together. But due to the chaos which the fires created, and an overwhelming number of animals requiring rescue, there was hardly a choice about where to situate all of them. After running out of crates which were large enough to could temporarily house the baby fawn, the kitten immediately ran toward the fawn and "love at first sight" prevailed; instantly bonding the pair. I am still deeply moved each time I see the photograph, and wonder if their budding friendship would continue if they had been permitted to remain together. What do you think? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/fawn-and-bobcat-an-odd-couples.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/fawn-and-bobcat-an-odd-couples.php Dogs Blogs Cats Rescue Stories Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:07:56 -0500 For folks that are owned by a very special dog and who frequently long to take them along for company on their daily stroll when shopping at local stores or visiting areas which may not be that "dog friendly", Nicole Fuller, who writes for the Baltimore Sun's pet blog, "Unleashed" may have just arrived at a rather innovative idea that just may offer the perfect solution. This one sounds rather compelling, although some canine fans may be concerned that dogs may not be quite so thrilled with this arrangement. Fuller's miniature pinscher, Tigger, now enjoys traveling around in luxury riding in a dog stroller which she purchased especially for him. Using the stroller, Fuller is able to bring Tigger anywhere she wants. She now can visit clothing chains, pharmacies, and even shop in her favorite grocery store with no hassles. Fuller claims that the stroller works beautifully an so far no one has complained or given her a hard time as she pushes her darling pooch along. Photo credit: AP According to Fuller, prices for this puppy perambulator range from $40.00 to $200.00. She was able to find a stroller advertised by a popular pet chain for $74.99 on eBay for only $49.95. Of course having a "puppy shower" permitting dog people to register for this item is something to consider. Since many dog lovers frequently use "baby" in talking about their pets, it really is not that unrealistic. And, as a special treat maybe someone special will even give it as a gift at the party. While observed by passing strangers on her rounds, some folks give Fuller a strange look, but the majority of people is entertained and comments that her dog in the stroller is very "cute." Of course, taking it to the extreme, Robyn Crook from Tauranga, New Zealand, featured in the photograph at left, makes good use of a baby stroller designed for triplets. It must be really quite an eye-catcher for folks when they watch her meander about with her 18 Chihuahua-cross dogs, on her routine daily outings. What are some of your opinions regarding the use of a dog-stroller or a baby-stroller with a dog? Would you buy one for your pet? Leave a comment and tell us how you feel. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/dog-strollers-what-do-you-thin.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/dog-strollers-what-do-you-thin.php Dogs Blogs Dogs Product Reviews Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:11:14 -0500 Please forgive my oversight by neglecting to write about one of the most famous celebrations that happen at the beginning of the fall each year. October 4 is the date of the annual Feast Day celebration which commemorates St. Francis of Assisi, the patron Saint of all animals and God's creatures It is one which that so many animal lovers look forward to and participate, bringing their beloved pets to participating churches where they are blessed. Photo: Dog blessed in Amsterdam, New Zealand via Huffington Post St. Francis, who lived approximately between 1181 to 1226, was the founder of the Franciscans. There are many stories about his life which highlight his amazing ability to communicate with animals. Some of the more famous stories talk about how he was able to tame a wolf that was terrorizing a small village, and that he was often seen preaching the gospel to birds. In his "Canticle of the Creatures, an Ode to God's Living Things, St. Francis wrote, "All praise to you, Oh Lord, for these brother and sister creatures." Since the bond between humans and their pets is often very deep. It is generally based on true unconditional love. This extraordinary day is celebrated by a very special event, the annual Blessing of the Animals, in cities, towns and villages around the country. This celebration is both unique and very moving to the animal owners who participate. St. John the Divine In New York City, this fall, Father Joe Koury, pastor at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church blessed 17 dogs and cats, using an aspergillum, a holy metal instrument to sprinkle all of the animals with holy water. Father Koury said, "This is a relatively simple ceremony, but it's also very important to do this to realize that animals are also a part of God's creation. Saint Francis said, 'Those who will exclude any of God's creatures from shelter or compassion and pity will deal likewise with their fellow man." At St. John the Divine, the magnificent gothic cathedral, camels, tortoises and birds were those among the animals that took part in their 26 year annual tradition of Blessing of the Animals celebration. All the animals traveled the entire length of the 900-foot long cathedral, for the first time in many years. In Long Beach, California, over 300 animals and their owners took part in the festive blessing event, which included a widely diverse group consisting of a serval wild cat, ground hog, Tawny Owl, squirrel monkey monitor lizard, 7' albino Burmese python, coatimundi, kinkajou, kestrel falcon, desert tortoise and a horse. Enjoy the video of the event uploaded to YouTube by justinrudd, and experience a few moments of the blessing ceremony. Have you participated in any Blessing of the Animals events? Leave a comment and share your experiences. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/the-blessing-of-the-animals-st.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/the-blessing-of-the-animals-st.php Blogs Events Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:39:58 -0500 I run across the "darndest" questions while helping cat owners on a popular question and answer website in a cat community. A few days ago I almost fell off my chair giggling when I found this rather unique inquiry by a cat owner who wanted help with his kitty's apparently odd behavior. It sure caught my eye! The subject line read: "What's up with my cat's tongue fetish?" The question was: "The little freak licks anything and everything. Sometimes she's going after moisture; licking the sides of the sink, bathtub and the condensation off the outsides of drink glasses. (Yes, we keep her water bowl full.) She licks other things as well. She licks me. I've caught her licking the sticky tape on the lint roller several times. But her very favorite thing to lick is the television remote control. She's positively obsessed with that. I'm guessing she likes the hand sweat on it. What's up with my freaky kitty?" Memories of our beloved now angel-seal point Siamese cat washed over me, and even through my laughter, I could not help reminiscing with some sorrow that still remains following the loss of our amazing seal point Siamese several years ago. He behaved almost identically. I paused for a few moments remembering our wonderful cat and the joy that we shared with him for far too short a time. He passed away after a long and complicated illness when he was only 8-years-of-age; far too young and much too soon. He was indeed my soul-mate kitty. Then I cleared my throat and wrote this reply. Photo: Mousie Tongue by Jo Singer "Several years ago we shared our heart and home with a Siamese cat named Mousie Tongue. He received that name when my husband and I observed that every time we touched him his very long and active tongue became activated, as if we had pushed a button on a battery powered toy. Of course we named him as a play on words and a pun on Chairman Mao Zedong. Mousie Tongue licked almost anything if he was petted. Every time our kitty was touched by a human hand, his tongue immediately got busy. It didn't seem to matter what the target was. In fact, one particularly poignant moment stands out in my mind. A now very dear cat loving friend was visiting me for the first time. She was wearing a low cut dress. The second she began petting him, that long and highly active tongue was out and moving in the blink of an eye. He immediately aimed for her cleavage and, trust me, he never missed his mark. Fortunately my friend thought it quite amusing. We still recall that moment with great affection. This said, I suspect your TV remote is impregnated with your scent making it attractive. Her licking you may be what she considers "grooming you"; a strong show of affection and trust". This is an honor! Of course I would be careful to thoroughly cat-proof anything that may be in reach of her eager tongue to ensure her safety. Cat's tongues are covered with barbs so once any soft material gets caught on it, they cannot spit it out. It is then on its one-way trip down into the stomach and may cause intestinal damage. Also please be cautious with beverages that contain caffeine or chocolate if she is eager to lick the outside of glasses. These are both toxic to felines. Your cat is not a "little freak". Many cats share this passion and "fetish" so enjoy her just the way she is. Do your cats have any bizarre habits that you consider "fetishes"? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/fascinating-feline-behavior-wh.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/fascinating-feline-behavior-wh.php Dogs Behavior Blogs Cats Siamese Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:58:09 -0500 Mars and Chi Chi are this week's CUDDLE CHAMPIONS! Submitted by Jill Miller To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/weekly-cuddle-champion-mars-an.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/weekly-cuddle-champion-mars-an.php Cuddle Champion cuddle champion cute pet pictures pet of the week Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:37:15 -0500 The Internet is indeed a "domain" where so many activities are happening; where people who live miles apart, not only within the boundaries of the United States, but around the world can gather together to take action in support of issues which are important to them. It really is quite amazing what like-minded folks can accomplish, networking in cyberspace. Many animal lovers are strongly opposed to animal testing. Since today with the growing number of sophisticated new methods of testing, which do not rely on live animals to be subjected to often painful and inhumane procedures, medical procedures and protect testing can be effectively accomplished effectively and efficiently. Since the EU Council of Ministers is preparing to finalize positions arrived at about the revision of the Directive 86/609 concerning animal experiments, preparations are being made for people who wish to get involved to make their voices heard in the "Make Animal Testing History" in Brussels. At the time of this writing, already there are over 58,000 people who have joined together to march in Cyber space with them. There are only a few more weeks left where your opinions can be registered, and you are all invited to participate in the virtual march. The target goal is 60,000 marchers, and with your help this number may be easily accomplished. If everyone takes a moment to contact by email, five friends, family members, or colleagues, and invite them to participate in the Make Animal Testing History virtual march it would help assure that their goal will be greatly exceeded. This final effort from supporters can make a huge difference in protecting animals as well the growing need for the replacement of animal experiments through the discovery of additional non-animal methods. Your friends can become involved by joining the virtual march at: http://www.makeanimaltestinghistory.org/the-march.php At this time, EU Member State experts are talking about their respective positions, and very soon the Council will start negotiations with Member of the European Parliament. Should the process move swiftly, new EU laws on animal experiments could reach agreement prior to the end of the year. While this movement is taking place in Europe, international participation works globally to effect meaningful social change for animals around the world. It does so by its influence on corporate policies, increasing and sensitizing the public to the plight that animals face in live testing, and helps to prevent exploitation of animals and "industrialized" cruelty. Learn more by visiting: http://www.hsus.org/hsi/about_us/offices_and_staff/hsi_europe/ Read more about Four Paws, the international animal welfare and rescue charity that focuses on hard-hitting campaigns, has four sanctuaries for rescued bears, a stray animal project and a wildlife reserve in Eastern Europe, by visiting their site at http://www.fourpaws.org.uk/website/output.php So let's get our cyber feet in motion and take part in a very important march to help this very crucial cause. I personally plan to be part of this endeavor, and I invite you to join me. Those in the USA select Non-European Country and click on United States of America. Please leave a comment with your "pledge" to help. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/cyber-marchers-needed-to-help.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/cyber-marchers-needed-to-help.php Dogs Blogs Causes Cruelty Events Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:54:21 -0500 A huge number of people were moved deeply by the recent story about "Sticky the cat", the sweet young feline that was so cruelly wrapped in duct tape and then abandoned. Fortunately the conclusion of this story has a happy ending, in which Sticky was adopted by a loving family, and a Philadelphia man was arrested as the prime suspect in the commission of the crime of cruelty to animals. However, it was difficult to be able to see just how beautiful this kitty really is. The pictures which circulated widely around the Internet were graphic photos taken before she was released from her duct tape imprisonment. Several folks inquired about if it were possible to see "Sticky" devoid of her silver binding. In order to end the story completely, here is the photograph taken shortly after the caring staff at PSPCA patiently and lovingly liberated her from her taped prison. Check out the video uploaded to YouTube by The Associated Press. It features the entire story from the heartbreaking beginning to its wonderfully fortuitous ending. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4R9wjjoeNI Isn't she adorable? Share your feelings by leaving a comment. Photo Credit: AP/Fox http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/final-chapter-in-the-sticky-th.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/final-chapter-in-the-sticky-th.php Dogs Abuse Adoption Blogs Cruelty Rescue Stories Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:30:46 -0500 Yesterday, some fantastic breaking news widely circulated around the Internet. I do so love happy endings to stories about animal cruelty, and this is one that will "stick" with me for quite a long time as I am sure it will with all animal lovers. It was just only the other day that I wrote about the beautiful tabby kitty who was so cruelly wrapped in duct tape, and how a rather substantial reward of $2000 was offered for the capture and conviction of the perpetrator of this brutal crime. This story touched a huge number of people and "Sticky" won the hearts of thousands of animal lovers around the country. In fact, PSPCA received $2,075 in donations by people who mentioned "Sticky". This was an amazing response to a kitty in need! Photo credit: Philly.com While a handful of calls claiming ownership were received, according to Liz Williamson, the spokesperson for The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, (PSPCA), none seemed legitimate since no one followed through. Ms.Williamson said, "They were given the opportunity to come in and meet with our officers and prove ownership. Only one person even set up an appointment and that person did not keep the appointment." However, more than 100 requests were made to adopt the adorable kitty who had endured such a blatant act of torture, and were considered on a first call- first serve basis. A family that wishes to remain anonymous has now provided a forever loving home for "Sticky". This said it is not known if this family will continue to call her Sticky. I do hope that this generous and loving family will ultimately come forward and end the mystery. To make this good news even better, James Davis, a 19-year-old Philadelphia man, was arrested on suspicion of executing this crime. According to the Associated Press, Davis, if found guilty, will face both a sentence of two years in prison and a minimum fine of $1,000. In commenting about Davis, Ms. Williams said, "He did not have any previous convictions or complaints related to animal cruelty," The delicious icing on the cake is PSPCA reported that since the "Sticky" case made such an impact on animal lovers, the number of cats adopted from the shelter rose nearly four-fold over the previous year at this same time. PSPCA staff attributes the increase to the huge amount of publicity that Sticky's case engendered. It is indeed heartening to know that cruelty to animals is finally being recognized as serious crimes which warrant more than just a slap on the wrist. I am far more optimistic that law enforcement personnel will persist in the arrest and conviction of those who inflict torture on these innocent creatures. Please share your thoughts about this breaking news, by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/happy-endings-sticky-the-cat-f.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/happy-endings-sticky-the-cat-f.php Dogs Abuse ASPCA Blogs Cats Cruelty Rescue Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:42:48 -0500 My dear pal Di is one of the most passionate dog lovers in my circle of friends. She really has a special touch with dogs and easily relates to them based on her excellent understanding of the species. So when I received an email from her the other day with the subject line "Dangerous Breed: Please Read", it certainly piqued my interest. It seemed very unlike her to pass on such a strong cautionary message. Based on all the positive contact we have shared, I was alarmed and very curious so I hastened to read her email. We have had several in-depth conversations about various breeds which explored whether there are dogs that may warrant extra attentiveness, or if it is the way in which canines are handled and trained is more responsible for the manner in which dogs behave. While there is an abundance of highly erroneous information circulating that warns people about a variety of breeds that are extremely dangerous, I think that this information really gives an unnecessarily bad reputation to many members of the canine species. Personally, I don't think that any particular breed is potentially more dangerous than others. Of course there are some characteristics in different breeds that may cause them to be more protective of their owners and may require specialized training, but as far as I am concerned it is all in the handling and bonding which creates a positive interaction between a human and their dog, that makes for safe pets and very satisfying relationships. It is only common sense to never leave a small child or a visiting tot alone with the family dog unsupervised. But the message in the email, somehow did not really match the astounding photograph which accompanied it. As I read the photo caption, "Only one little moment was enough for the following to happen", I hesitated for a moment, feeling anxious that I was about to view a graphically gory depiction of a terrible accident, which would of course break my heart. You cannot imagine my relief when I finally allowed myself to glance at the picture. But this respite only lasted a few seconds. Immediately my heart went out to this "dangerous Pit Bull", the breed that receives the most unfair and inaccurate publicity. I realized that this strong warning was not, in fact, coming from a human source. Instead, this particular warning targeted humans sent from a very patient but more than likely frustrated pooch. The email was signed, "Thank you! The Dog" Now does this dog resemble a dangerous canine? Leave a comment and share your opinions. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/is-this-dog-dangerous-you-deci.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/10/is-this-dog-dangerous-you-deci.php Dogs Blogs Breeds Dogs Pit Bull Safety Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:04:03 -0500 It seems that the degree of cruelty to animals knows no boundaries with vicious people thinking up such horrific ways in which to torture these innocent and helpless creatures. In a totally bizarre form of animal cruelty, reported by the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, (PSPCA), somebody, who in my opinion exhibited one of the more shocking and alarming demonstrations of sadistic behavior to an innocent feline, wrapped the entire cat from head-to-toe in sticky duct tape, abandoning it to fend for itself. Thankfully, a local woman noticed a "strange" feline by her fence, and when investigating it, she saw that this frightened and tortured kitty was wrapped so tightly in duct tape, that the little female kitty was not even able to walk. She called the PSPC Humane Law Enforcement officers, who came to the rescue, and took the cat to the PSPCA's animal hospital for a thorough medical examination. The terrified cat had to be sedated in order to allow the staff to slowly and methodically remove the tape, cutting it with a surgical scissors designed for removing bandages. The procedure took about an hour to complete. Photo credit: PSPCA PSPCA's PR associate, Liz Williamson said, "She actually looks really great for having gone through all that." And with relief added, "It did not remove a lot of fur." The kitty, who remains in fairly good condition under the watchful care of the PSPCA, was named "Sticky" by the staff. Amazingly, after suffering such cruelty, she only required an IV infusion to relieve her mild dehydration. Also, since she was found to be healthy and not at all malnourished, it is assumed that this is a kitty that belongs to someone who may be looking for her. The staff also thought that Sticky was not wrapped in the tape for a very long period of time. There is an investigation going on at present to learn more about what actually happened. Since there is no determination yet whether Sticky has a rightful owner, she is not available for adoption at this time. Sticky was described as a very lovely cat who gets along so well with people that she more than likely is a kitty who has been treated well and taken care of by a human companion. A $2,000 reward is being offered by the PSPCA for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who actually so cruelly wrapped the cat in duct tape. If anyone in the area can help and has more information or even knows who "Sticky's" owner is, please immediately contact the PSCPA's cruelty hotline at (866) 601-7722. What was your reaction to this story? If the person who performed this horrific act of animal cruelty is located, charged and convicted, what do you think the punishment should be? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/are-there-no-limits-to-animal.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/are-there-no-limits-to-animal.php Dogs Abuse ASPCA Blogs Cats Cruelty Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:40:50 -0500 Cleetus is a Puggle (Pug and Beagle mix) and this week's CUDDLE CHAMPION! Submitted by Betsy Wolf To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/weekly-cuddle-champion-cleetus.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/weekly-cuddle-champion-cleetus.php Cuddle Champion cuddle champion cute pet pictures pet of the week Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:50:14 -0500 I passionately savor the first morning cup of coffee each day. I definitely look forward to my daily ritual of sipping the steamy beverage as I read my email and chat online with friends. I even set it up to brew the night before, so it will be ready and steaming hot, beckoning me with its tempting aroma which motivates me to "rise and shine". I enjoy collecting different flavors and brands, and from time to time order enticing and unusual coffees with which I can experiment. But the other day I ran across an interesting item which alerted Java lovers about a rather esoteric holiday, National Coffee Day, celebrated on September 29. This was definitely news to me so I began reading about it with delight. Now you may wonder what coffee and cats have in common. Cat people know that caffeine is highly toxic to felines. But here is the corker. It seems that Bennett's Fresh Roast Coffee shop, located in the Fort Myers Florida area, in celebration of this little known holiday will sell for one day only, the world's most expensive variety of coffee on the market, Kopi Luwak, which is also known as . . . get this . . . "cat-poop coffee." I have to admit I shuddered, but continued to read on. The coffee is harvested by only a few South-Asian nations, which include Indonesia, Java,( the country for which coffee is nicknamed) and the Philippines. The Kopi Luwak beans are passed through the digestive tract of the civet, after eating the sweet berries containing the beans, but fortunately for unique coffee lovers civets are not able to digest the beans. Civit photo courtesy of Seattle Times Blog This beautiful animal is a cat-like mammal but more closely related to genets and linsangs, (read more about them by visiting http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/) and are related to the feline species since they are included in the same sub-order as all felines. At first glance they might even be mistaken for domestic cats. Interestingly civets are also referred to as 'Toddy Cats.' Kopi Luwak coffee's flavor is described as "earthy" and "musty". Seeing how much I love coffee, I might even venture to give it a try if I lived closer to Fort Myers. Hey! You never know when this information may come in handy. With the holidays approaching and family games such as Trivia brought down from closet shelves, knowing about Kopi Luwak might just bring your score over the top and crown you as the undisputed winner. Would you be sufficiently brave enough to try a cup of Kopi Luwak if it was available in your area? Leave a comment and let us know. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/celebrate-national-coffee-day.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/celebrate-national-coffee-day.php Dogs Blogs Cats Events Food Fun Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:44:05 -0500 World Animal Day (WAD) is celebrated on Sunday, October 4. This special event was started at a convention of ecologists in Florence in 1931. Its target focused upon the dilemma endangered species face and, as a group, to find ways in which they could be protected. The project grew over the years to now include all species of animal life. October 4 was chosen as the day to celebrate around the world, since it is the Feast Day of the patron saint of animals, St. Francis of Assisi. MISSION STATEMENT - WORLD ANIMAL DAY To celebrate animal life in all its forms To celebrate humankind's relationship with the animal kingdom To acknowledge the diverse roles that animals play in our lives - from being our companions, supporting and helping us, to bringing a sense of wonder into our lives To acknowledge and be thankful for the way in which animals enrich our lives The Official WAD website, http://www.worldanimalday.org.uk, was launched on October 4, 2003 in the United Kingdom with many groups, organizations, animal shelters, clubs, schools, places of worship joining in to contribute and to help make this day an annual event which is extraordinary. The world-wide celebrations are not restricted to any country, and are not geared toward any political group, nationality, religion or ideology. While October 4 is quickly approaching, there is still time for people who wish to join in and help celebrate to ensure that the tradition continues. Folks who have websites featuring animals are invited to feature the holiday on their sites, and those who are involved in blogging about animals are also welcome to post special blog items to highlight how important animals are in our lives. Help promote the event by adding these very informative links. Photo credit: Jessie Cohen NZP Photographer So whether you are a part of a rescue organization or a group whose mission is to promote the welfare and safety of animals, or even if you are just a passionate animal lover, WAD encourages everyone to participate in a way which is unique for you in sharing your love of all animals around the world. Visit the WAD website for information and inspirational ideas to help make this day a truly exceptional and successful endeavor, and to share in commemorating your love and respect for animals and helping to disseminate your individual thoughts and feelings about what animals contribute to our lives. Just the thought of the world being without the wide variety of animal species which enrich the planet so magnificently is one which is very hard to conceive without great sorrow. Helping to make the whole world aware of just how special they are to us, and to remind folks that it is everyone's responsibility for ensure that all species survive. For ideas about how to get involved and participate, visit: http://www.worldanimalday.org.uk/get_involved.asp There is a huge list of organizations that have contributed by promoting World Animal Day Check them out by visiting http://www.worldanimalday.org.uk/supporting_websites.asp Remember that World Animal Day belongs to everyone, in the identical manner as the animals which this very special celebration calls to our attention. What can you do to help spread the word about World Animal Day? Thank you for starting your immediate participation by leaving your comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/world-animal-day-get-involved.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/world-animal-day-get-involved.php Dogs Blogs Events Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:18:50 -0500 Have you ever met people who claim they can communicate with their dogs and have no problem understanding what they are "barking"? I often wonder if this is pure fantasy. Is it possible that they are just imagining a conversation in "words" or if they are somehow connecting telepathically with their pooch? Accompanying this breaking news with a flourish of a drum roll, here is some exciting information for all you dog lovers. Apparently there is an innovative "scientifically" designed device about be released on the market so there will be no more "wondering" what your dog is trying to tell you. Just think! A "real" conversation may actually become a reality! What an exciting concept! But it may be awhile before it is available for sale in the United States. A Japanese toy company, TakaraTomy will soon be marketing the "Bowlingual" Voice dog collar. It includes a microphone worn around the dog's neck and a digital reader which the company claims to "translate barks into one of the six emotional states: happy, sad, frustrated, threatening, needy or assertive". This said . . . photo credit: Photo: Yoshikazu Tsuno, AFP Aceves, a 30 year-old resident of San Diego, Ca, and devoted dog owner is not "sold" on the concept. She highly doubts that it will work. She said, "Since I have personally trained [my dogs] according to the different sounds that they make, I don't know that I would really trust the collar's telling me what they want. I don't feel like all dogs do the exact same bark." There are canine experts that say dog barks cannot even be translated into human concept or words. Kathryn Lord, a doctoral candidate at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, majoring in organismic and evolutionary biology added, "But it's hard to see the world or feel the world like they do. When we say a dog feels something, it's probably not exactly that". However, the Japan Acoustics Laboratory provided the "research and development and consulting as well as aiding speech, acoustics and radio waves", for the creation of the canine conversation-converter's Bowlingual Voice's mechanism, according to a press release. The manufacturer claims that this device provides spoken translations of the barks of up to five dogs at a time. The company also includes in addition to the translation function of the collar, basic instructions for owners, a schedule planner, a guide to understanding canine body language and a quiz for the owner to test his dog knowledge. At this time the Bowlingual Voice is not for sale west of Tokyo. The list price of the item is 19,950 yen - which converts to approximately $220 U.S. The scientific community's involvement in this product however still has not convinced the skeptics that this "ingeniously designed" collar will work. Melissa Reinckens, 30, a New York City attorney thinks it would be really "cool" to communicate with her dogs more intelligently. However she thinks the TakaraTomy claims are rather far-fetched. Her comment, "I don't doubt that there are a range of emotions, but a mood ring? Come on," kind of says it all. Would you consider yourself to potentially be in the market for a "translating collar device" in order to better understand your dog's moods? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/new-collar-claims-to-translate.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/new-collar-claims-to-translate.php Dogs Behavior Blogs Dogs Fun Toys Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:48:35 -0500 I love to share exciting news! Last night an email popped up on my BlackBerry which just made my entire evening a lot brighter. I was so excited about what I read that I had to immediately share it. On Thursday, September 23, the "Earth Times" reported that in a "5-1 vote, Santa Monica City Council passed a motion on Tuesday, to draft an ordinance that restricts the practice of amputating the toes of animals, also known as 'de-clawing'. " City Council Members, Kevin McKeown and Gleam Davis, presented the motion requesting that should this ordinance pass, that it must be enacted before December 31,2009 in order to be enacted, as an already pending state law exists, SB 762, which will limit the ability for any bans for medical procedures which are considered by animal lovers to be inhumane. McKeown was passionate in his presentation to fellow Council members. He said, "We are not talking about a pampering manicure for cats. De-clawing is inhumane mutilation and provides no direct therapeutic benefit to animals." As many cat lovers already know, de-clawing is not the simple removal of the nail. It is the amputation of the last digit of each toe on the paws, which includes the bone in which the nail-bed rests. Paw Project billboard Dr. Jennifer Conrad, DVM, founder of the Paw Project, an organization whose mission is to educate the public about the detrimental and permanent damage which declawed cats suffer as a result of the surgery, for which there are no medical benefits, reached out to McKeown and the Council, speaking for these animals that have no voice, stating their case eloquently. The Paw Project has already protected captive wild cats, as a declaw ban now exists, with the USDA forbids its licensees to perform this surgery. West Hollywood, California was the pioneer to ban declawing in its city. However opposition to the ordinance quickly arose. Mark Nunez, representing the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) an organization that supports the business interests of veterinarians, presented the case that veterinarian's right to practice medicine as they see fit would be affected, and that many more cats would be surrendered to shelters for destroying furniture and carpets. Even though statistics do not bear out this argument, it is one of the main reasons that are used as ammunition to stop de-clawing bans. The CVMA was successful in their suit against West Hollywood in 2004 to overturn its 2003 ordinance, but in 2007, the California Court of Appeals "upheld the right of cities to outlaw procedures that they deem inhumane." In an obvious political move, the CVMA has pushed for a bill (SB 762) which would effectively prevent any other cities in California from instating these bans which is good news for practicing veterinarians who can continue to profit from performing these surgeries without further restrictions. If Santa Monica passes this pending legislation, the city will indeed be in a race to beat the January 1, 2010 deadline when SB 762 is instituted. Several Santa Monica veterinarians have testified in support of the pending anti-declaw ordinance. Dr. Armaiti May, a practicing Santa Monica veterinarian said, "De-clawing is a completely unnecessary procedure. It causes pain, complications and behavioral problems like litter box aversion. There are humane alternatives," What may surprise you is testimony given by Christienne Metropole a representative of the Santa Monica animal shelter, the Stray Cat Alliance. She reported that the majority of cats surrendered to shelters have already been declawed. But what is even more disturbing is due to unacceptable behavioral problems which often result from declawing, coupled with the hardship of finding new forever loving homes for these cats, many of them are healthy felines who are prematurely and unnecessarily euthanized. The Santa Monica City Council has directed staff to draft the anti-declaw ordinance and return it for a vote by November. For more information, please visit www.pawproject.org Santa Monica City Council staff has been requested to draft the anti-declawing ordinance, which will be voted upon by November. What are your thoughts about legislations which protect our pets? Do you think the government has a right to make these decisions, or that they are crucial to their welfare? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/santa-monica-likely-to-pass-an.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/santa-monica-likely-to-pass-an.php Dogs Blogs Cats Declawing Law Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:13:27 -0500 Have a nice Bidet! Chocolate is a Black Forest Norwegian Cat and is very excited to be our very first CUDDLE CHAMPION! Submitted by Lyndsey Cooper To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/weekly-cuddle-champion-charcoa.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/weekly-cuddle-champion-charcoa.php Cuddle Champion cuddle champion cute pet pictures pet of the week Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:35:13 -0500 If you're a fan of popular music from the "fifties", of course you will remember one of the most celebrated songs, recorded in 1952 by Patti Page. "How Much is that Doggie in the Window?" hit the top of the charts, taking the number one spot in 1953. To refresh your memories, the song was about an adorable little dog on display for sale in a pet store window. The first lines of the song are, "How much is that doggy in the window? The one with the waggily tail. How much is that doggie in the window? I do hope that doggy's for sale." Photo credit: China Daily I will bet my bottom dollar that just the opening verse more than likely inspired lots of folks to quickly visit their local pet store to purchase a perky pooch. No one really wondered from where these puppies originated, nor gave it a second thought. But as I gave it more consideration, I began to wonder what the public's reaction would be today. What inspired me to write this item was promoted by an email I received the other day from a popular music website. It invited readers to "take a trip down memory lane" and rate the song and give feedback. The site additionally shared with their readers that the song is one of the staff's favorite "golden oldies". But as I watched the video, listening to Patti Page extolling the virtues of the cute little doggy, I started feeling that their high praises for the song was really not "politically correct". It is not necessary to dwell upon how countless pet lovers have already become increasingly aware and sensitized to the inhumane methods employed to produce the countless number of puppies and kittens for sale whose final journey ends them up prominently showcased in pet stores. These pets for sale are often confined in a tiny wire cages or on exhibit as window attractions unprotected in the hot sun. But fortunately, puppy and kitten mills, including back yard breeders, are under the gun thanks to the innumerable animal protection organizations whose primary mission is to raise public awareness about the deplorable and cruel conditions to which these animals are subjected. These institutions work tirelessly and passionately to get these mills shut down, with many of these breeders brought up on charges of cruelty to animals. After you watch the video uploaded to YouTube by Rwlf and listen to the song with an "educated" ear, you may share some of the same feelings and thoughts that I had. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AkLE4X-bbU If this Patti Page smash best seller was first introduced today on the airwaves, would it quickly soar to number one on the "hit parade?" Leave a comment and share your opinions. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/how-much-is-that-doggy-in-the.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/how-much-is-that-doggy-in-the.php Dogs Blogs Dogs Pet Ownership Puppy Puppy Mills Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:13:53 -0500 Does your brand new couch squeak when you sit on it? While these couches often have a break-in period that may have accompanying whoosh or "cheeping" The story of a very special sofa is one which I can't wait to share. According to a news item now circulating the Internet, Matthew Hurst, an employee of The Goodwill Industries was called to the back room of their facility in Huron, Ohio by two workers who had just received a donation of a beautiful sofa from a woman from the area. The couch was in excellent condition and one that the store employees thought would sell easily. Photo credit: Kaila Voight However the workers were somewhat concerned when they heard the sound of a cat emanating from the area in which the sofa was stored. They searched the area feverishly but no kitty was visible. As they got closer to the sofa, the noises became more insistent and louder. It became obvious that there had to be a kitty in the couch. Quickly pulling the cushions off the sofa, with no cat yet to be found, the workers cut up the lining. Lo and behold a little grey and black kitten's head emerged. It was apparent that the tiny feline could not have been more than six weeks of age. But unfortunately, the woman who had donated the sofa had not requested a donation receipt and with no contact information there was no way to reach her. So what was to become of this diminutive feline who unwittingly ended up becoming part of the gift to the Goodwill facility? Of course Mr. Hurst was completely prepared to take the kitten home, but fate intervened. A customer shopping in the store saw the little kitten and love at first sight prevailed. She offered to adopt the kitten on the spot, saying that the kitten would be welcomed warmly by her three other cats. I would say this kind lady got more than a bargain if she purchased any items that day! But was this really a happy ending? The woman who had donated the sofa called the Goodwill store the next day to report that she had a missing kitten, and wondered if the baby kitty happened to have been inadvertently caught in the sofa. Mr. Hurst informed the woman that in fact they had found the kitten, and that a customer offered to adopt it and had happily left the store, kitten in tow. The woman was thrilled that her kitten had found a forever loving home, and gave the store permission, after-the-fact, for giving the kitten away. So the only unfortunate part of the story was that in order to be completely certain that there were no more kittens trapped in the couch, the store employees tore the remainder of the sofa apart, cutting it to pieces. While the sofa was no longer a potential sales item, at least a very relieved kitten was adopted and is living happily with a very kind customer. It goes without saying that it was indeed a very lucky thing for this kitten that no one sat on the couch to test its comfort quotient. The moral of the story is; of course always look a gift-sofa in the mouth to make sure that there are no "surprise" items residing within its depths. I do love magical endings, don't you? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/customer-gets-more-than-she-ba.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/customer-gets-more-than-she-ba.php Dogs Adoption Blogs Cats Fun Stories Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:16:45 -0500 Being owned by felines is a sheer delight. I cannot even imagine what my life would be like without at least two cats lounging on my hip while I am watching television, or flying through the house at break-neck speed, finding something that catches their interest and hunting it down. Their soothing purrs help to send me off to dreamland, and the warmth of their bodies on cold winter nights is so therapeutic. Playtime at our home can be a three ring circus, especially when our cats find a stash of old toys and proudly bring them to us with their eager invitation to play. They have very creative minds and can turn just about any item in our home into an object that catches their attention, including us in their discoveries. They keep us constantly amused by their antics. Photo credit: Maia C But sharing a home with two very active cats does have one major drawback. Yup, you guessed it! It is those dreaded shedding seasons. Their fur seems to be magnetically drawn to our clothes; our couches and carpets often resemble a well manicured lawn dusted with a mist of freshly fallen snow. Of course I vacuum like crazy and run around the living room armed with double sided sticky tape in an attempt to keep the level of feline fuzz at bay. But most of the time it is a losing battle and if often seems impossible to maintain a level playing field. I must admit I was getting somewhat distraught and frustrated. I regularly brushed and combed their coats, following with a good rub down with a towel. Their smooth coats gleamed and felt like silk, but in an hour or so, one would never guess that our cats had been so carefully attended to. I knew there had to be a more effective solution so started on a journey to find a more suitable grooming contraption that was worth its salt. Surfing the Internet, I checked out a wide variety of combs, brushes and other suitable gadgets. Not one of them fit the bill until; miraculously I discovered a video uploaded to YouTube by htadothk. I was overjoyed as I watched in amazement the efficiency and ease of this little grooming tool. The clincher for me was the cat's obvious enjoyment while being groomed. I "googled" Furminator and eagerly whipping out my credit card, I quickly ordered one. With my purchase confirmed and shipping promised within a few days, I eagerly awaited for the package to arrive. When the item was delivered, I eagerly opened the box, carefully removing the Furminator and carefully read the instructions. I gently approached Hubble, our white Oriental Shorthair. As I slowly began to groom him, his body arched and stretched out. Emanating from his body was the deepest purr. His vibrations clearly demonstrated he was enjoying not only my attention, but the sensations he was feeling as I used this new grooming tool. My husband, a born skeptic, had to admit that the huge pile of white fur which the Furminator removed was indeed impressive. The results have been phenomenal. We no longer need snow shovels to keep our living room furniture pristine, and our cats have fewer hairball episodes. This is a product well worth its cost. I highly recommend it for both cats and dogs. Enjoy viewing a very relaxing and entertaining demonstration of the Furminator in action. What are your thoughts about the Furminator? Leave a comment and let us know. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/the-furminator-a-grooming-impl.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/the-furminator-a-grooming-impl.php Dogs Blogs Cats Grooming Product Reviews Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:53:00 -0500 I am often totally amazed when I talk to some folks about felines, when they tell me they consider cats to be "standoffish" and aloof. They do not consider them to be very affectionate. I scratch my head in bewilderment and wonder on what planet they spend their time. I really suspect that they have heard these "old wives' tales" which have been passed on by people who are quite uninformed about cats, and sadly they believe it! They cannot have actually spent any time with kitties, which of course those who are feline-fluent rightly know cats are one of the most affectionate, intelligent and delightful species of all. This said, cats can be very subtle in their display of affection. Totally different from dogs, who express their love through tail-wagging and covering us with an abundance of wet sloppy kisses, felines show their adoration and trust using body language which to those who are not familiar with them might completely miss those signals. So I thought it prudent to share the many techniques which felines use to bring even the most inexperienced potential cat lover up to speed and quickly dispel that "old wives' tale" myth. This may also open unexpected doors for people new to cats so they may expand their relationship with kitties. Eye blinks: When a cat meets a stranger for the first time, they often give them an unblinking stare. Since they have not yet developed trust, so they are wary. Cats that feel trusting and affection for a human often blink at them. Now you may wonder why that is a positive sign. While it is not exactly the "wink" that humans use to express affection, (although it makes a lot of sense that may be the origin of that very commonly used method of "flirting" between people), but when a cat closes its eyes for a moment in the company of another cat, it is a gesture of trust and acceptance. This trusting behavior translates to interactions with humans as well. So if your cat presents you with half-closed eyes, and blinks at you, you have received a kitty "kiss". Grooming: When your cat allows you to groom him, this is another sure sign that kitty trusts you and feels affectionate toward you. Not only are cats cleaning each other when they indulge in one of their favorite pastimes, they also use this form of communication as a stress-reliever and a way to build mutual bonds. And if you are very lucky, if your cat offers to groom you, you have actually been accepted as part of his feline "family". Head Rubbing: When a cat purposely rubs its face on a human, since there are scent glands on their faces which are used to mark their territories, this can both mean affection, and that they are claiming the human as their "property". Cats also rub their faces on a wide variety of objects around the house, so it is fun to see which possessions are their favorites. Head "butting" is yet another common display of loving. Belly Display: This is one of the most profound acts of trust that a cat can bestow on a human. This vulnerable act is one that needs to be truly appreciated and respected. This said, however, it is not necessarily an invitation for a belly rub, so please approach a cat in this position very cautiously. Kneading: A cat kneading against your body is an act of sheer contentment, trust and true adoration. Often this is accompanied by drooling, which is the ultimate display of pleasure. This behavior originates when they are newly born kittens, and helps stimulate milk flow from their mother. Highly regressive and instinctual, when your cat kneads you this is a supreme expression of delight and love. Have I neglected any other signs of feline affection? Leave a comment and add to the list. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/how-cats-display-affection.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/how-cats-display-affection.php Dogs Behavior Blogs Cats Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:47:11 -0500 Attention all Mean Kitty fans! I have some exciting breaking "Mews" to share! Sparta, "The Mean Kitty", the famous YouTube feline of renown has taken one more step toward stardom. Along with his "brother" Loki, their television debut will be featured on the Bonnie Hunt Show today, September 17. Cory and Sparta. Photo Credit: Mean Kitty Album Cory Williams, the stellar video maker, whose two beloved kitties, Sparta and Loki, will be interviewed focusing on the methods he uses to capture his two fabulous felines on video, along with his philosophy about cats. An interesting sides note by the way; Cory just recently tied the knot with his fiancé, and is now a happily married man! I bet Sparta and Loki are ecstatic about this new development. Cory describes the purpose of his Mean Kitty Channel, as a reminder to everyone that pets are not just "a piece of furniture in our homes . . . even though they can look that way sometimes." He makes his videos, not only as extremely humorous and enchanting entertainment, but also to demonstrate creative ways in which we can interact with our cats. This is a cat lover who takes his mission very seriously. Visit the Bonnie Hunt website for further information about location and viewing times in your area. This said, if you sadly happen to miss the show, you can catch clips of the interview shot while taping the program. According to Cory, Sparta was quite comfortable during the interview and taping, however Loki's reaction was quite different. Loki was always a bit shyer than his best feline friend, Sparta. Watch the video and enjoy a few fun filled minutes of what promises to be an extraordinary show. I do hope that you are able see the entire program. Purrsonally, I could watch Cory's videos all day and never get bored. Do you feel the same way? Leave a comment and let us know. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/the-mean-kitty-makes-his-telev.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/the-mean-kitty-makes-his-telev.php Dogs Blogs Cats Celebrity Events Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:29:27 -0500 With all the innovative advances in veterinary care today, happily our pets' life expectancy has significantly increased by several years. This said, we need to understand the needs of our senior pets so we can continue to provide the optimum care to greatly enhance their health and happiness. Spanky, Age 20 Older pets tend to need more sleep, so often nap more frequently. Their appetites may change as well, and they may consume less food. Senior pets may react negatively to a lot of commotion and loud noises in the home and since their sense of hearing may diminish, they may not respond to our voice as readily as they did when they were younger. You may notice cloudy eyes, and less acute vision, and their coats may become more rough and dull. Of course all of these changes should be carefully monitored by regular veterinary care. Oral care is very important as our pets age as part of senior wellness exams. Your veterinarian is your senior pet's best friend, as well as a source of information and support to you. Accidents can happen. Older cats and dogs may occasionally soil floors and carpets if their nature calls are urgent and they cannot get outside or reach a litter box in time. Be patient with your seniors, and do not admonish them. Cats may become arthritic so providing them lower sided litter boxes, or a step that reaches a high sided box is very helpful for them. Since urinary tract infections and kidney problems can also cause accidents, it is essential to talk to your vet about litter box changes. Wee Wee pads for dogs are very helpful and can help prevent house soiling. Chandar Age 19 It goes without saying that an appropriate diet for elder pets is one of the cornerstones to more robust health. Talk to your vet about lower calorie pet foods, since senior pets are generally not as active as they were in the past. It is crucial to prevent obesity, which can lead to many serious medical conditions, such as Diabetes, heart and kidney disease. While prescription diets can be very helpful, some senior pet owners are finding that nutritious raw diets can help to provide a well balanced and calorie conscious feeding program. Since vision and hearing acuity diminishes, pet-proofing the home becomes very important in keeping senior pets safe. Obstacles in the home can become difficult for pets to negotiate, and climbing stairs may become difficult as well. There are pet-sized stairs that are available on the market which can ease these problems and make life a lot easier for seniors. There are also orthopedic beds which may be purchased to give older dogs the support in which to doze more comfortably. Do make sure that any soft items are thoroughly washable in case accidents occur. The most important thing is to continue lavishing an abundance of love on your aging pets. They thrive wonderfully, knowing that you are there for them, giving them a sense of security, especially when they may feel anxious about their bodily changes. It is indeed a gift to be able to share many wonderful years with your once young and vibrant pet who has reached their golden years. This bond is very special and one, in my opinion, is a great honor. Have you cared for a senior pet? Please share any further suggestions for their care by leaving a comment. Photo Credits: DBDustBuny http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/special-care-tips-for-senior-p.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/special-care-tips-for-senior-p.php Dogs Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:27:02 -0500 I was shocked this morning when I read an announcement made by In Defense of Animals, that in Korea, almost two million dogs are slated for slaughter after they are caged and tortured. They are then killed, butchered and sold as a delicacy meat for human consumption. These miserable and unfortunate dogs are kept on display in crates in the marketplace, so customers are able to select one of their choice for purchase and butchering. What is even more horrific is that these dogs are "intentionally abused" according to In Defense of Animals, prior to slaughter and sale. The Korean Government and Han Duk-soo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea is being targeted by Defense of Animals to immediately begin enforcing the existing law under the Korean Animal Protection Act and to also strengthen the law by adding an amendment to prohibit dogs and cats from being slaughtered for meat for human consumption. In fact, most Koreans abhor this practice and consider these acts of torture and killing to be extremely disturbing. Additionally it is actually an "urban legend" that the practice of killing and eating dogs is based on any ancient long standing cultural mores or customs. This brutality continues due to the government's passive support of the practice, turning a blind eye. This is driven by the huge profit incentives which the industry enjoys. Corruption abounds as the industry persists in promoting the outrageous myth that sexual potency is enhanced by eating the meat of dogs which have been severely mistreated. Animal lovers can and must raise their voices now to support In Defense of Animals in the work they are undertaking at this time. Let the Korean government become aware of our outrage about this horrendous industry by taking a few minutes to sign the Care2 petition. Let's speak up for these innocent animals who have no voice and put this industry permanently out of business. Sign here: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/624025766 Will you sign the petition to take a stand? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/help-end-the-torture-and-slaug.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/help-end-the-torture-and-slaug.php Dogs Blogs Causes Cruelty Dogs Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:44:45 -0500 For the passionate cat lover, there is no other member of the animal kingdom more magnificent than the big cats. Their beauty, regal stature and effortless movement are breathtaking. It is indeed fortunate that we are able to share our lives by having a "taste" of the large felines through their smaller domestic cousins; the domestic house cat. Our diminutive kitty companions provide us the opportunity to observe feline behaviors which are attributed to cats in the wild. Sarah running. Photo credit: A.P. But when our cats fly around the house at breakneck speed chasing something to which we may not be aware, no matter how fast their speed, they are no rival to the amazing Cheetah, who is capable of reaching speeds of up to 64 mph for short distances. Fit Domestic housecats can sprint at about 30 mph, while trained human athletes lag behind at a paltry 28 mph. This may explain why it is so difficult to catch a kitty. You may wonder what brings me to write about speed statistics. They lead up to an amazing story that grabbed my attention the other day. It re-awakened my awe for one of the most gorgeous species of cat, but sadly, one whose population is rapidly dwindling. The Cincinnati Zoo recently announced that Sarah, their almost nine year old cheetah "ambassador" has just beat the 2001 land-speed world record for mammals. Not only has she surpassed the speed of a male Cheetah in South Africa who covered 100 meters in 6.19 seconds, but she has done it twice. Not only has she displayed a huge talent for running, but she has proven that gender makes no difference as far as speed is concerned. While Sarah never personally raced against Usain Bolt, the great three time Jamaican Olympic gold winning sprinter, she actually surpassed him by three seconds in the time it took her to run the 100 meter dash when she clocked in at 6.16 seconds and again at 6.13 seconds. What makes this more amazing is Sarah has been in captivity for most of her life. Sarah's blazing record serves to help call attention to the plight of the Cheetah's endangered numbers. The Cincinnati zoo reports that the spotted felines' population has dropped about 10 percent today from the 100,000 counted in 1900. The Cincinnati Zoo staff has fallen in love with the Cheetah. They are strong advocates for the protection of this species. The zoo has been nurturing more cubs than any other facility in the world. And it appears that Sarah is not their only record setting Cheetah. Moya, who died this past January, was a record holder for more than a year, before his brother, Nyana, a resident cat in South Africa stole the title from him. The winning torch is now carried by Sarah. Take a moment to learn more about the Cheetah and to watch Sarah in action. This video was uploaded to YouTube by CincinnatiZooTube. No animals were harmed in the making of the video. The "animal" that Sarah is hunting is an artificial animal attached to a pulley contraption. How did this video affect you? Please share your feelings by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/sarah-the-cheetah-ambassador-s.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/sarah-the-cheetah-ambassador-s.php Dogs Blogs Cats Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:57:14 -0500 Whenever I run across a compelling anecdote that I know will touch the hearts of our readers, and even though this very appealing little tale has been circulating the Internet for many years, each time I read it, it continues to tug at my heart strings. Even if this is a fable or "fairy tale" and the story is not true, that a writer took the time to compose a "message" that is so exquisitely compelling and which truly speaks to the highest level of humanity and unconditional love, then I highly applaud the author for his or her very laudable imagination. I felt this item was both a glorious and inspirational way to end the week as it so diverges from the many things happening in our world which are so deeply disturbing. It is also dedicated to the memory of and a tribute to all those who lost beloved pets eight years ago on 9/11. So without further ado, here is one of the "kindest" "gifts" given to a very sad little girl by an anonymous postal worker employed in the "dead letter" office of the United States postal service. This was the letter she discovered quite by accident. "Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words: 'Dear God, Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her you will know that she is my dog. I really miss her. Love, Meredith' We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had. Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, "When a Pet Dies." Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note: "Dear Meredith, Abbey arrived safely in heaven. . . Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by. Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much. By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love. Love, God" I think you will agree that it is indeed reassuring that there are people in the world who are so generous with their love. How did this story affect you? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/a-letter-of-love-from-a-postal.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/a-letter-of-love-from-a-postal.php Dogs Blogs Pet Loss Stories Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:28:24 -0500 Our lilac point Oriental Shorthair, Hush Puppy, can be a handful at times. Now please don't get me wrong, his brother, Hubble is no slouch, but in the "keeping me on my toes" department, Hush Puppy wins the prize paw's down! While his inquisitive nature is quite entertaining at times, I must confess that his antics have turned my hair a deeper shade of grey. Whenever I hear an unfamiliar sound in the house, you can bet your bottom dollar that I immediately attribute it intuitively to just another of his fascinating escapades. I cautiously roam around the house in dread of what kind of mischief he has gotten into, or what prank he has been planning while I was away to let me know that he was not thrilled by my absence. After all, the willing cat servant must be on call 24/7, according to my calculations. As an example, the other day, after I finished my morning ritual of reading my email while sipping on a cooling cup of coffee, I forgot to close my office door. Since I have a laptop, and am very protective of it, the cats are not permitted in the office while I am working. Going into the living room, I didn't give it another thought until I settled down on the couch to watch the morning news, and catch up on the latest worldly developments. All of a sudden I became aware of a very familiar computer sound emanating from my office. In the blink of an eye I jumped up and ran into the office, only to catch Mr. Hush Puppy lounging on the keyboard in the act of what I assumed was enjoying its warmth. Each time he moved of course, a different web page came into view. The minute he spied me glaring in disbelief, he hastily jumped off the keyboard. So purrhaps my assumption was incorrect. His dismount at breakneck speed had me wondering if he was trying to hide the fact that his "surfing" the "net" was in search of "kitty" porn, or attempting to sign up for that famous feline Internet dating service, Fenominal Felines. Since Hush Puppy didn't even take the time to dump the cache, I was able to trace his browsing history, which only reinforced my suspicions. I just hope he is not planning to form an Internet "paw pal" relationship with a feline that doesn't return his genuine desire for friendship. But no matter what engendered his deep interest in my laptop, I am fairly certain that he was inspired by watching this little video uploaded to You Tube by boenzo2006, whose cat was highly motivated as evidenced by the energy he exerted in his quest to find something meaningful. But just in case viewers wonder about the condition of the laptop, the video maker assures us that it was not damaged. Do you think I am on the right track after watching the video? Please leave a comment and reassure me that I may once again be overreacting. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/is-hush-puppy-in-search-of-rom.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/is-hush-puppy-in-search-of-rom.php Dogs Behavior Blogs Cats Fun Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:09:31 -0500 I was chatting with a young man the other day, who was getting ready to go off to an out of town College for his freshman year. He was very excited about being away from home for the first time, and beginning his educational journey, but at the same time, he was very concerned about leaving his cat at home with his parents. Apparently his kitty suffers from separation anxiety whenever he goes away for even a few days with his buddies on a camping trip. His cat mopes around the house, acting depressed, with little appetite. He described his kitty's behavior as "lethargic and easily agitated" even when his parents are home. He feels his cat is inconsolable when he is gone for any long periods of time. Since he cannot take his kitty to school with him as pets are not permitted, he was very concerned about the health and well being of his beloved pet. He felt as if he is abandoning him while in pursuit of higher education. He also considered himself somewhat of a "dork" for feeling this way, and asked me if his worries are unfounded. He was really quite conflicted about whether he should have opted to attend a local college. This got me to thinking, especially at this time of year, if other young people bound for college are experiencing similar anticipatory anxiety and concern with even perhaps some guilt for leaving their pets at home if the relationship between them is rather exclusive. While there is an abundance of information available on the Internet to help people grieving over the loss of their pets, there is a dearth of information about how to help a pet who feels the loss of a beloved human companion. I thought about what he was telling me and after mulling it over for awhile, this was the advice I gave him. At the same time while acknowledging his concern, I told him that I could not tell him that his fears were totally unfounded. Cats and dogs often become so attached to their favorite human companions that they actually "grieve" their owner's absence. It can take several weeks or more for pets to deal with the loss they are experiencing, but generally they do adjust and become more involved with other family members. I suggested that he leave several items of clothing impregnated with his scent. This can be very comforting to pets who are at a loss without their best friend. Leaving an adequate supply of his cat's favorite food and treats can help to assure that proper feeding is not interrupted, but it is crucial not to encourage finicky feeding behaviors. Feliway diffusers are quite helpful as they give off "puffs" of a product which mimics peaceful cat pheromones. But what can be most reassuring for his cat, is for his parents to become more deeply involved with the daily care of his cat. Spending time playing with him, grooming and feeding him, are helpful and creative ways to give the attention he needs and which will build a stronger bond between them. He told me the suggestions I gave him were both useful and helped to alleviate some of his fears. I look forward to his updating me when he returns for his Thanksgiving break. What other hints do you have which may further help those young people who are college bound? Leave a comment and share your ideas. And check out the Top 10 Pet-Friendly Colleges in the U.S. to see schools that welcome pets! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/helping-pets-adjust-when-kids.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/helping-pets-adjust-when-kids.php Dogs Behavior Blogs Cats Health Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:03:49 -0500 Have you noticed that time is moving like greased lightening? It feels to me that summer has just begun and yet here we are already approaching the fall season in a matter of days. Of course fall heralds the imminent holidays which are knocking upon our front doors once again. I gotta ask you, where does the time go? I do have some interesting and exciting news however, that will delight animal lovers who are starting to wrack their brains about what presents to buy. This morning I received an email from an animal lover, a charming and delightful woman who is deeply involved in animal rescue and pet adoption outreach. Her news was so exhilarating that I couldn't wait to share it. This is definitely an opportunity to buy some tantalizing and delicious wines to gift pet loving friends while at the same time help in a very crucial humane endeavor. Aristocats, Inc. has just released news about this opportunity! Aristocats, Inc.'s mission is completely focused on the work leading to the rescue and protection of unwanted felines which otherwise would be euthanized. They ensure that all their rescued felines and spayed or neutered to prevent further unwanted kittens from being born. Forever homes are found for their friendly felines, and rescued feral cats are carefully relocated or returned once they have been altered. Their mission also includes educating folks about the responsibilities of owning pets, the tragedy of pet overpopulation, and how neutering and spaying can save the lives of so many pets. Photo credit: Sonadora Aristocats, Inc., in partnership with Humane Cellars announces the 2009 Humane Cellars Charity Wines: 2009 HUMANE CELLARS CHARITY WINES: Proceeds from the sale of these wines offered by Humane Cellars benefit Aristocats, Inc, will support Aristocats Inc.'s in their mission of providing care and placement of our nation's felines. Here is a list of the fine wines which are available for sale and their description: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc & Sparkling White Wine * Cabernet Sauvignon-Smooth, rich and intensely fruity, with the aroma of fresh berries. You'll notice soft, velvety tannins on the finish with this organic and vegan friendly cabernet. * Chardonnay - Lively and unoaked, this crisp, medium-bodied organic and vegan friendly wine has lovely straw-yellow hues and aromas of apricots, apples and tropical fruits. * Merlot - Our deep red organic and vegan friendly merlot is estate-grown and handcrafted - a soft, well-balanced wine, with aromas of black pepper and red fruit and a velvety, spicy finish. *Œ Pinot Noir -Layers of ripe red fruit flavors are among the distinctive features of this organic and vegan friendly varietal. It's fresh on the palate, with a long, lingering finish. * Sauvignon Blanc - This crisp, mouth-watering organic and vegan friendly wine captivates with refreshing tropical and citrus fruit flavors, and a clean, well-balanced finish. * Sparkling White Wine -A delightful sparkling Spanish wine from Catalonya. This is a delightful aperitif or a refreshing drink to accompany after-dinner sweets. Grapesurfer is America's Charity Wine Shop. Fine wines are paired with great charities. To date, Grapesurfer and their sister company, Charity Wines, http://www.charitywines.com, have donated over $1.2 million to nationwide charities and is regarded as the fastest growing, philanthropic wine company in America. Their mission is to engage charities and encourage them to utilize these programs and share their vision of creative fundraising through fine wines. They do this by using their wine experts and marketing power to help raise as much money as possibly for their charity partners. Sales and Ordering Information: You may purchase these delightful wines by visiting http://www.grapesurfer.com/aristocats. For more information, contact Jennifer Perez at 321-441-6481 or at aristocatgirl@hotmail. There is more information about the wines and how the proceeds are being distributed at the website. I think this is a fabulous opportunity to help a very worthwhile cause, don't you? Leave a comment and share your opinion. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/aristocats-rescue-group-announ.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/aristocats-rescue-group-announ.php Dogs Adoption Blogs Cats Charity Gifts Rescue Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:07:19 -0500 For all of you "longhair" music and cat lovers out there, here is a rare purrformance that I highly suggest you must not miss. Not only will you meet a charming feline, but she is also a kitty who has extremely fine musical taste. Photo credit: www.myspace.com/briciuu I am positive that many of you felinophiles have been already been delighted by Nora. Her name is almost synonymous with classical keyboard performances. But just in case you have not had a chance to listen to her play, or have purrhaps forgotten, she is that adorable cat who possesses such extraordinary talent and who not only spontaneously plays the piano, but also thoroughly enjoys playing duets along with her feline servant. Nora practices diligently and even sits in on the piano lessons which her devoted human companion passionately gives to those aspiring to master the ivory keys. This said, a creative classical composer found Nora on the internet. After "discovering" her, that fabulous feline with the highly trained "ear" for melodious harmony, Maestro Mindaugas Piecaitis composed a brilliant show piece to feature Nora. Her stellar purrformance, accompanied by the Klaipeda Chamber Orchestra is now a huge hit all over the Internet. The highly dissonant and technically challenging composition was written especially for Nora. I don't know about you, but as a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, I was incredibly impressed with such technical excellence which only Nora's two well trained paws could master. Although I practiced for hours trying to hone my technique and artistry, I was not able to even approach Nora's level of virtuosity. Nora is certainly a piano-playing pussycat without rival. Grab a cup of coffee, kick your shoes off, and be prepared for 4 minutes of delight listening to the CATcerto (the entire performance) uploaded to YouTube by sanmartinfields. You can also visit Nora's website for more feline musical offerings and breaking MEWs at: http://www.ravenswingstudio.com/NoraWeb/nora_home.html Has Nora inspired you to give your cats piano lessons, and if so do you think their talent will be an addition to or some unwanted competition to which Nora may be not be thrilled? Leave a comment and let us know. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/the-catcerto-nora-the-cat-purr.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/the-catcerto-nora-the-cat-purr.php Dogs Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:54:06 -0500 I often am amused by some of the very unusual subjects cat owners inquire about as I indulge in one of my favorite hobbies; helping folks in a popular cats' community devoted to questions concerning folks with kitty concerns. In fact volunteering on that website has substantially added to my repertoire of feline knowledge for which I am eternally grateful. However, the other day I just about fell off my chair in amazement when I ran across this particular one which I am paraphrasing. "I've had this cat for just over a year now. My mum has this strange habit of picking earwax out of her ear with a pen. I noticed that when she put the pen down, my cat ran as fast as she could, to save her life, to lick the pen. I considered for a moment that my cat was a "psycho" cat, but I got to wondering whether this was unhealthy for him, and if indeed it is really strange for a cat to do this. Please help! " Signed, 'Waxing and Waiting, in Great Britain.' Photo credit: MSN Lifestyle Message Board I was instantly compelled to research the question, not only to help the curious cat keeper, but one never knows if a question like this might come up in a feisty Trivia game. "Always be prepared", is my motto! So off I went to Google-land in search of authentic data about what motivates a cat to be attracted to ear-wax. After all, it is incumbent on any cat lover to gather any piece of useful information to help in the care of their kitties. Here was my response: "Dear Waxing and Waiting In Great Britain. Thanks for your very unique question concerning your cat. While it may appear a bit bizarre to you, there is nothing dangerous about your cat's attraction to earwax. There is a logical reason for cats to be drawn to the substance it. Interestingly, someone actually did a scientific study about this topic to complete her nursing degree. So it seems that this is a rather common habit in which cats indulge. This is what I found. A feline's taste buds are not sophisticated. Cats only have about 500 taste buds compared to humans who have close to 10,000. Felines compensate for the difference with a huge number of olfactory receptors. But similar to humans, they respond to the four basic taste types; bitter, salt, sweet and sour. Of course the "sweet" receptor is their weakest. Some people even suspect that cats cannot taste "sweet" at all. Cats therefore combine their sense of smell with their sense of taste to decide if a food is appealing to them. Since the main components of earwax are sloughed off dead skin cells and sebaceous fluids and are composed of triglyceride fatty acids, cholesterol esters and waxes, it is high in protein, which cats crave as obligate carnivores. Earwax is bitter and sour, so not attractive to humans, but cats may delight in grabbing a "fast food" protein offering of what we consider to be distasteful. The sour and bitter components of ear wax pales in comparison to the opportunity of ingesting what they may consider to be a "wholesome and nutritious aroma." This also explains why our cats spend a huge amount of time grooming each other's ears, digging deeply inside to clean them, and I am relieved to know why Hubble has chosen to undertake the chore of diligently cleansing my ears. Are your cats also ear "freaks"? Leave a comment and let us know. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/cats-and-earwax-what-is-that-f.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/cats-and-earwax-what-is-that-f.php Dogs Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:49:32 -0500 And this little piggy went, "wheeee wheeee wheeee" all the way home". While we may not commonly consider the pig to be a household pet, there is something magical about them, as far as I am concerned! Not only are they highly intelligent, they are very affectionate, and have a great sense of humor. One of my friends shared her swanky New York City apartment with one, taking her out for daily walks, much to the entertainment and delight of her neighbors. While I have never met Lisa Pia, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, it seems that we are on the same page when it comes to this amazing species. The Pias were enchanted by one, and decided to add her to their family. This said . . . "According to a recent article I found in the Boston Herald online, Mrs. Pia is presently engaged in a battle with the city of Fayetteville, fighting a ban against Loopey, their one-year-Potbellied pig, as their precious family pet. Their reason? Loopey is a special friend and is considered by the Pias to be their autistic eight-year old son Anthony's "therapist". Since he doesn't like dogs, they were thrilled when he fell in love with Loopey, making an immediate connection with her. The family was devastated when the city inspectors demanded that Loopey be returned to the ranch from where she was purchased, since pigs are banned from city limits. Loopey, an 80 pound Pot Bellied Pig had her own private "digs" in their back yard, but she kept a constant nightly vigil with Anthony, sleeping on a pillow in his bedroom. After receiving a letter from the city, Mrs. Pia said, ""I was, 'Oh, my God, my son. My son has cried himself to sleep every night wanting her back home." Mr. and Mrs. Pia are entreating the Fayetteville City Council to reconsider their case as a special one, asking them to "rethink" the ban so that Pot Bellied pigs can be classified as household pets and service animals for the disabled. Keith Bates, a Councilman, fortunately, is on their side. He is urging the council members to vote to amend the ordinance, suggesting that the city permit one potbellied pig per household, providing that their weight does not exceed 125 pounds. However, it appears that this pending amendment may not pass so easily. Two council members, Val Applewhite and Wesley Meredith both voted against the city taking the first step toward amending its ordinance at an August Council session. I fervently hope that Mr. Bates will be able to persuade the council to fully understand the depth of Anthony's relationship with Loopey, but also how essential she is to him. After all she is not only his beloved pet but also a bridge for him in order to more readily learn to communicate. To become more acquainted with this very enchanting animal, watch the video uploaded to YouTube by leannthepotbellypig, who named her Vietnamese potbellied pig for the famous singer, Miss LeAnn Rimes. What are your thoughts about potbellied pigs considered as pets and service animals for the disabled? Leave a comment and share your opinions. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/pot-bellied-pigs-family-is-fig.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/pot-bellied-pigs-family-is-fig.php Dogs Blogs Law Pet Ownership Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:10:40 -0500 While this story about our uninvited houseguest may not be considered "newsworthy", or a "hot off the press" item, I am beginning to wonder if Hush Puppy, one of our Oriental Short hair cats, has become proficient in using my Blackberry to gain access to the Internet when we are sleeping. I started considering this possibility shortly after Vincent came to visit. I will share my reason for my suspicious nature later on in this saga. Vincent has been hanging around our home for a couple of weeks now. He spends his time divided between the master bathroom and the kitchen where we have a bowl of fruit handy for snacking. He seems to especially love those ripe, sweet bananas. We have been desperately trying to evict him, but he is one determined and skillful intruder. So you may ask, "Who is Vincent and why are you so determined to be rid of him?" It is very conceivable that some of our more "mature" readers may have already accurately guessed to whom I am alluding. Our Vincent was named in honor of Vincent Price, the star of the original movie, "The Fly". Hush Puppy Photo credit: Jo Singer Vincent is a housefly who constantly flits around our bathroom mirror, buzzing in our ears, flaunting his undaunted spirit. He appears to enjoy teasing us for our inability to capture him. I know he is thumbing his nose in delight as he watches our futile attempts. Of course, at the same time, we are earnestly listening for any sounds of those chilling and frightening pleas of "help, help!", with which those of you who are familiar with the film totally recall. Not only is he completely brazen, but the other day he was sufficiently nervy to flitter into our bedroom where Hush Puppy was fast asleep. The first thing he did, in an apparent act of defiance was to "buzz" around Hush Puppy's ears. This leads my husband and I to suspect that Vincent may have an unconscious death wish. Awakened from his deep slumber, Hush Puppy instantly jumped into action. Paws raised, tail lashing, hind end shaking excitedly, he leapt into the air, sadly to miss his mark. Like a trapeze artist, he repeatedly "flew" back and forth between the bed and the dresser, following Vincent like a hawk, stalking him as deftly as a wild jungle cat in pursuit of its prey. Vincent laughed in his face alighting on the ceiling out of reach, sadistically taunting our very frustrated kitty. Poor Hush Puppy, embarrassed and despondent, his ego deflated, hopped back onto the bed, curled up and went back to sleep. Purrhaps he will remember the episode only as a bad dream. But if Hush Puppy is using my Blackberry to "surf" the "net", he needs to again watch, "The Cat and the Fly", Simonscat's brilliant and popular video, for further clues to finally be able to capture Vincent and restore our household to sanity once again. Are your cats skillful hunters? Share your stories by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/unwanted-house-guest-hush-pupp.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/unwanted-house-guest-hush-pupp.php Dogs Blogs Cats Fun Stories Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:04:29 -0500 It appears that Hospice facilities where services designed for terminally ill patients with palliative and respectful care are able to share their final days with those they love, is no longer reserved just for humans. Inspired by many people who have experienced hospice care for a family member and have been moved deeply by the dignity at the end of life, some veterinarians are beginning to explore offering hospice services for terminally ill pets. Rather than spending the end of their lives cooped up in a hospital cage, separated from loved ones, the concept is starting to be embraced by veterinarians who are teaching their clients to administer pain control medication, holistic care and assisted feeding at home. And while some pets are only able to survive for a short time, others respond and can live, with this supportive care, comfortably for years. Kathryn Marocchino, founder of the Nikki Hospice Foundation for Pets located in Vallejo, California comments, "These are the people who consider pets a part of the family and want to do whatever it takes to be there for them up until the end." She added, "It is a service, I think, people are going to be asking for more and more." A group of about 100 veterinarians around the country are beginning to add this service to their regular practice. The Argus Institute at Colorado State University in Fort Collins is one of the facilities which are solely dedicated to end-of-life treatment. The Nikki Foundation's annual symposium which will be held at the University of California, Davis, in September will bring many practitioners from around the country to learn more about end-of-life care for pets. This conference will hopefully bring more veterinarians on board to be able to offer hospice care to their clients. According to Marocchino, there is a growing interest from human hospice workers as well, and are planning wings to their human facilities for terminally ill pets. There is at this time a renovated two-story house located on 20 acres which serves as both their non-profit business offices for the foundation and also has an area for inpatient care area for those families who are not able to financially, physically or emotionally provide care for their terminally ill pets in their own homes. A long time human hospice social worker, Sharen Meyers notes that there are times when people hasten to euthanize their animals when there are no available alternatives, and feel tremendous guilt, feeling that they have "killed" their beloved pets when receiving a "terminal" diagnosis. When hospice care is an option, most people will opt for it, feeling that they are contributing to the well being of their pet and taking an active and loving part at the end of their pet's life. Meyers, who also runs a pet loss support group says, "When people walk through the hospice process thoughtfully and consciously, it lessens the intensity of the grief afterwards." This loving, caring alternative service is one that pets and human caretakers will surely benefit. It gives me a greater sense of security and feeling of peace knowing this will be a choice that I can make when those difficult decisions must be made. Would you choose Hospice care for your pets? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/hospice-care-innovative-servic.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/09/hospice-care-innovative-servic.php Dogs Blogs Care Cats Dogs Veterinary Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:25:25 -0500 This past weekend I was overwhelmed with reports of Animal Cruelty. It seems to me that there have been an increasing number of reports of people arrested and charged with the crime of cruelty to animals. Those recently released were about 17 year-old Cheyenne Cherry and her 14 year-old side-kick's brutal acts of animal cruelty, followed by the arrest of 18 year-old Tyler Weinman, a serial cat killer from Florida, charged with the murder of 19 cats, are only two of those that were highly publicized on the internet, within the past few months. Late last week, The ASPCA flooded email boxes with the highly disturbing story about Sean Lynde, a New York City resident who "allegedly" killed four cats, and seriously injured two others, owned by Rachel Strate, his former girlfriend. Of course it was no surprise to learn that Lynde has a history of violent behavior. He was indicted by the Manhattan Grand Jury of felony aggravated animal cruelty, misdemeanor animal cruelty, aggravated harassment, stalking and criminal mischief. He was released on $5 thousand bail and he pleaded "not guilty". According to the ASPCA news release, Lynde's cat killing spree began in the fall of 2008 when he moved in with his girlfriend, Rachel. I won't go into all the horribly disturbing details of his violent brutality toward these cats, over four months time, as these descriptions have been already widely circulated. But what I find equally disturbing is how Rachel turned what seems to be a blind eye to what Lynde claimed were coincidentally sad "accidents" that were happening to her cats, and who "naively continued to bring more kittens into the home. It was not until January, 2009, that the ASPCA received an anonymous tip which initiated their investigation, leading to Lynde's arrest. Stacy Wolf, Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel for the ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Department commented, "Incidents like these are especially chilling. An individual who can commit such violent acts against multiple pets over a period of months is someone who the criminal justice system needs to take serious notice of." And if this story alone was not sufficiently upsetting, the shocking report about a Louisiana veterinarian's alleged wanton acts of animal cruelty I read, was even more disturbing. Apparently, the Westbank Jefferson Parish contract Veterinarian, Dr. Marcy Miranov, went to the Eastbank shelter and removed 18 dogs from their "adoptable" kennels, some of who had already been adopted and just awaiting pickup, along with 13-15 cats and kittens, euthanizing them all with no pre-sedation, by lethal IV injection, without any apparent logical reason. According to information found, Dr. Miranov was not authorized to be at the Eastbank Shelter, unless a medical emergency warranted her visit, based on her contract. These "killings" were not authorized by any shelter staff or medical personnel. The kennel manager did not do anything to stop this, perhaps due to some shelter inner "politics". It was only when The Eastbank shelter veterinarian, Dr. John Edwards arrived at 9:00 AM that these killing stopped. He was reported to be horrified at what he saw. An investigation has been called for. Read more about it by visiting: http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/08/louisiana_spca_to_investigate.html Are these reports evidence that animal cruelty is on the rise? Do these investigations that result in criminal charges and arrests mean that these crimes are being taken more seriously? What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/is-cruelty-to-animals-on-the-r.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/is-cruelty-to-animals-on-the-r.php Dogs Blogs Cats Cruelty Dogs Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:55:05 -0500 Do you think you are owned by the "Cutest Dog" in the world? If you think you are, now is the time to get that digital camera dusted off and get involved in the first-ever "Cutest Dog Competition" which kicked off on August 1. The contest is open for entries until October 23, 2009. Sponsored by All-American Pet Brands, maker of the premium dog- food brands Bow Wow Breakfast™ Cereal and Grrr-nola™ Natural Dog Food and partnered with DOG.com, iBeatYou.com and Promoting Group this contest is offering a grand prize of $1 million dollars and the title of the nation's "cutest dog for the top winner. And with a $5 thousand dollar award for the three runner-ups, these prizes will sure keep those adorable pooches in the manner to which they long to be accustomed. Tuffy, Week 3 Winner The contest is open to every dog owner in the United States and gives the opportunity to show off their adorable dogs to the world. The finalists from all the photo submissions will all be in the "running" to win the top prize. So it is very important to get those shutters clicking as often as possible to not miss the deadline of October 23, 2009. Public online viewers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite entries, to pick the 12 weekly semi-finalists who will each win $5 hundred in cold-hard cash. Additionally, 4 finalists will be picked from the highest number of public votes, and they will win $5 thousand. A panel of judges will then select the finalist for the title of nation's Cutest Dog who will romp away energetically wagging its tail with the grand money prize as well. This win will be announced on Thanksgiving Day. It was additionally announced that the Bow Wow Million Dollar Look-a- Like has been broadened with the Cutest Dog Contest and will include more of the 75 million dogs in the U.S. So those who entered previously will be automatically entered as well. If you are interested in taking part in this exciting event, visit www.cutestdogcompetition.com or the All American Pet website at www.aapbrands.com/ for official contest rules. It is a darn shame, as far as I am concerned that I have a cat named Puppy who is ineligible. But of course one cannot judge a book by its cover. Purrhaps another time? Are you fired up enough to get those cameras busy and have a chance to win fame and fortune? Leave a comment and let us know. Of course if you do enter and are one of the lucky winners selected, I will have to interview you. Get tips on taking great photos of your dog here! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/cutest-dog-contest-with-great.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/cutest-dog-contest-with-great.php Dogs Blogs Dogs Fun Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:01:21 -0500 I have often fantasized about being able to receive a "tax break" and listing our cats as dependants to be an excellent idea. Since my "fantasy" seemed so bizarre, especially during these difficult financial times, that it was a totally frivolous and unrealistic notion. At the same time however, it seemed like a very sensible solution in order to help defray the costs involved in taking care of our furry "kids". I also thought that perhaps it would provide an incentive for folks to be able to more easily afford necessary veterinary care which so often is relegated to the back burner due to serious monetary constraints. So I was thrilled to receive an email the other day, providing some exciting news, from an avid cat loving friend who does so much to help stray and feral cats. Amazingly the subject matter was just about this topic. It seems that animal lovers who understand are so often on the "same page". Missy Woodward, a Stray Cat Alliance board member met with Thaddeus McCotter (R), a U.S. Representative from MI, to talk about a promising new legislation which he introduced which may help to give pet owners a tax break for qualified expenses. The deduction would be based on regular pet care, veterinary expenses and any other costs involved in connection with the pet (s). The bill is titled, "H.R.3501- Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years", whose acronym is "H.A.P.P.Y.". The requirements are the pet must be a legally owned domestic living animal residing with the owner. Those animals used in research or business will not qualify for the deduction. If the HAPPY Act is passed, I am sure it would help so many pet guardians. The ASPCA presently estimates the annual cost of caring for just one cat to be approximately $700, and if adding the expense for veterinary care of the treatment of any major medical condition or injury, these costs can rise astronomically. The passage of this bill would be "mewsic" to the ears to those of us who care for kitties. Additionally for folks volunteering in animal rescue, these deductions would certainly help to defray the out-of-pocket which can be very high. Adding to the equation, folks who are thinking about adopting pets from shelters would get that much needed tax relief, thereby making it far more attractive in this difficult economic climate to move ahead with an adoption. More needy pets would find forever homes, which is a definite "win-win" for humans and pets. Right now the bill resides currently with the House Ways and Means Committee. And, if you consider this to be a legitimate and realistic legislation, you can take part in helping by supporting Stray Cat Alliances request to write your U.S. Representative to urge them to become a co-sponsor and support the HAPPY Act. Congressman McCotter reminds us, Congress listens to their constituents and your voices make a difference! You can snail mail, email, call their office or fax your support of this pending bill, "H.R.3501" the HAPPY bill for pet lovers. Together we can and do make a difference. This video uploaded to YouTube by DoggyTV features all the point you can include in the messages you send your Representatives. What are your thoughts about this pending bill? Share your ideas by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/proposed-tax-break-for-pet-own.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/proposed-tax-break-for-pet-own.php Dogs Blogs Cats Dogs Law Pet Costs Pet Ownership Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:15:48 -0500 Some fashion shows just appeal to me and I enjoy watching those attractive models prancing down the runway in their unique attire, which often is frequently exotic and dreamlike. I also wish I could wear some of those fancy duds. But that is a totally different story and is not really relevant to this interesting story. However, this particularly unusual fashion show really perked my interest and I really do wish I lived close enough to actually attend. Perhaps someone brighten our day and will "YouTube" the event so that everyone can share in what sounds like will be an outstanding treat, and one that of course helps homeless animals. Today, August 26, Rescues & Runaways will its campaign with a fabulous fashion show and entertainment, and if you live in the Duluth, MN area, you might even see the show on local television. It will be held at the Maurices' home office. Maurices fashion show is being held to support Rescues & Runaways, a new nationwide effort by maurices to help local animal shelters to take care of the animals in their care. Over 700 Maurices' stores, in 44 states will be also hosting pet-theme fashion shows, beginning in September. Local models will be walking the runway accompanied by a pet that is ready to be adopted. Can't you just visualize those gorgeous slinky models wearing fashionable Maurices fashion items to show off their fabulous fall line accompanied by a fabulous feline or a darling dog that can easily be adopted by an animal lover ready to offer them a permanent forever home? These shows are being held in partnership with their local animal shelters. A special charm introduced by Maurices, will also be sold which benefits the American Society for the Prevention of Animals® (ASPCA®). This is a "limited edition" Friends for Life Charm which commemorates that very special bond that develops between humans and their pets. What a fabulous idea to give as a stocking stuffer for a pet loving friend, which at the same time also gifts the ASPCA and their tireless work to ensure the safety of all animals. Offered for sale at a very reasonable $5.00 it will be available at all maurices stores starting mid-September through October 31. The ASPCA and its national outreach program will receive $2.50 for each charm purchased. Maurices is also offering a minimum contribution to the ASPCA of $50 thousand dollars. Maurices is also reaching out to folks in the communities in which their stores are located, to support local shelters, asking folks to bring in supplies, food, and other pet related necessities to their stores. And guess what? Those that contribute during this campaign will receive as a "thank you", a coupon worth 20% off one regular priced item in their stores. This seems like a win-win situation for everyone supporting a company whose goal is to raise more than $100 thousand. I think these events will help maurices reach that goal. What do you think? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/a-unique-fashion-show-to-benef.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/a-unique-fashion-show-to-benef.php Dogs ASPCA Blogs Cats Dogs Events Fashion Shelters Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:48:53 -0500 "There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." This famous quote, attributed to Sir Winston Churchill, definitely sets the stage as an introduction to a very significant and moving story about the healing relationships that are formed between humans and animals. Whether they are pampered house pets or powerful horses, it makes no difference. "There is indeed a reason why animals have made such an impact upon the lives of so many people, and that sharing one's heart and home with a pet is calming and soothing to us. Holding a purring cat can lower blood pressure, and elevate our mood. In fact, pets can be a strong "social" indicator in the prognosis for recovery from heart attacks and other major illnesses. Physicians frequently are now prescribing pets for patients who are stressed out, lonely, depressed, or are dealing with a variety of emotional disorders. Animal assisted therapy is now widely used for patients not responsive to traditional treatment. Autistic children often begin communicating to dolphins since it may be far less threatening to them than people and dolphins apparently "tune in" well with these special youngsters and invite verbal contact. Therapeutic horseback riding is now a recognized and "main stream" treatment modality that holds great promise in working for widely diverse medical conditions, ranging from physical disabilities to emotional, behavioral, learning disabilities and substance abuse issues. The healing power of pets and animals is no mystery. The contribution that they make to our lives has been thoroughly documented scientifically and by anecdotal stories as well. I recently discovered an "animal miracle" on the Internet that Alan Thicke, a well renowned actor, producer, song writer and TV talk show host who is passionate about animals and who fully understands how these "magical relationships" which often spontaneously develop between a suffering human and an unconditionally loving animal can work its wonders. Mr. Thicke recently featured this touching story on one of his TV shows. As I watched, I was deeply touched and reminded about the love I shared with some amazing horses over the years, and the joy I felt in their presence. They became my best friends and contributed their vitality and spirit which always left me feeling that all was right with the world. The video, uploaded to YouTube by Phyllis1221, the woman that the story is about, eloquently tells the story about Phyllis who through a series of unfortunate events became emotionally bankrupt, an alcoholic, jailed, and deeply depressed. She no longer had a reason to want to live. But then Shag-Ra, a horse who also was in need of love and attention changed her life forever. This is a wonderfully uplifting video to which I think all animal lovers will attune. It certainly inspired me and I hope it will leave your heart singing as well. The Song "LOVE LED ME TO YOU" was written and sung for Shag-Ra and Phyllis by Wayne Rostad, host of "On the Road Again" for their story of love. What were your reactions to this compelling story? Please leave a comment and share them with us. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/animal-miracles-the-healing-po.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/animal-miracles-the-healing-po.php Dogs Blogs Cats Dogs Pet Ownership Service Animals Stories Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:16:54 -0500 I was rather heartened when I read an item from the "San Francisco Examiner" the other day, written by Joshua Sabatini. The story featured how the San Francisco Board of Supervisors is considering legislation which would ban the practice of declawing cats in the city. It was exciting to learn that this proposal is making headlines in local newspapers and also appearing supportive to the cause. The item appeared in the City Hall Politics area, "Under the Dome". For cat lovers like me, along with the growing majority of felinophiles who consider the unnecessary and routinely performed declaw surgery of cats to be inhumane, it was indeed good news to learn that on Tuesday, August 18, San Francisco Board of Supervisor, Ross Mirkarimi requested the city attorney to draft a legislation that would ban this practice in the "City of Lights". If it passes, San Francisco will join the city of West Hollywood to become the second municipality in the state of California to have passed laws making declawing cats illegal. According to the Examiner, Mr. Mirkarimi used some wry humor in his opening remarks to introduce the legislation. He started his presentation by asking, "Do I hear a knock, knock or a scratching?" Then using his best cat impression he added, "Meow, Meow. Well I cannot knock. Meow, Meow. Or scratch. Why is that Mr. Kitty? Meow, Meow. Because they took my claws away and I don't have any knuckles". After his dramatic presentation, Mr. Mirkarimi became deadly serious in his presentation, and said, "Therein lies the problem. Cat declawing is a cruel and painful procedure." Hopefully the San Francisco Board of Supervisors will get this pending legislation swiftly made into law. If it doesn't pass before January 1, 2010, due to a veto that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger used in legislation which contained a proposed ban, sadly the San Francisco proposal will come to an untimely demise. Since West Hollywood's ban was passed prior to the 2010 date, it will be upheld and remain the only city in the state to have a law on its books to protect cats from this procedure. For those who wish to get involved and express support to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors now, please visit: http://www.sfgov.org/site/bdsupvrs_index.asp?id=7271 On their website are easy to access direct email forms to reach all the individual member of the Board. It only takes a few minutes to let your voices be heard. If this proposed legislation passes, perhaps other states will follow the example of the San Francisco Board, and get involved in protecting the cats of their individual constituencies. What are your thoughts about the San Francisco Board of Supervisor's proposal? Please leave a comment and share with us. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/san-francisco-board-of-supervi.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/san-francisco-board-of-supervi.php Dogs Blogs Cats Declawing Law Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:53:03 -0500 Even if I am only "preaching to the choir," most of us all are far too aware of the thousands of pets in need of compassionate and caring human companions. These homeless animals are just waiting to be adopted into loving homes that can provide food, shelter, stability and veterinary care in an environment that they so richly deserve. So of course I was thrilled to learn about and couldn't wait to share the news about Petside's exciting project. Teaming up with Petfinder and AnimalAttraction, Petside will donate $1 to the Petfinder.com Foundation, for the next 10,000 people who join AnimalAttraction's FREE online community for pet lovers. What makes this so special about Petside's fund-raising project is that registration is free and only takes a couple of minutes to sign up. Petside's goal is to reach $10,000 donated. This is a simple and fun way to make a difference in the lives of needy animals who crave a kind human touch. Petfinder.com Foundation "helps support the thousands of animal organization members of Petfinder.com. They raise funds which help not only pets waiting to be adopted, but also the folks that care for them. Supplying funds and equipment, their tireless work touches thousands of needy pets to have happier and healthier lives, and assists those people involved in their care and rescue to be able to do a better job. AnimalAttraction is an online community in which pet lovers can connect with one another while at the same time giving back to our pets that give us so much unconditional love. This is a place where you can have fun, post your "people" profile, your pet's profile and make "Pet Pals". This is an interactive community where information can be shared in forums; you can enter and vote in photo contests, and find like-minded people with whom to communicate. And it is entirely FREE! Every time a new member joins, $1 is donating to the Petfinder Foundation to help them find forever homes for homeless pets. $31,134 has been raised so far by AnimalAttraction memberships, which helps pets in need. So please take a moment to visit Petside's link where you can sign up to join AnimalAttraction's FREE online community by going to: http://www.petside.com/pet-charity-drive.php. Just think; by joining AnimalAttraction, you will not only have fun becoming a member of their community, at the same time you will be "contributing" to a very worthy cause. What could be better than that, I ask? http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/exciting-petside-project-help.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/exciting-petside-project-help.php Dogs Adoption Blogs Causes Charity Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:36:06 -0500 I find incredibly heart-touching stories about cats while surfing the Internet. And while I usually do not write about specific special needs kitties that need homes, this morning I received an email from a friend that deeply moved me and I was compelled to write about this special cat. Miraculously there may an ardent cat lover, living in the Springhill- St. Petersburg, Florida area, or someone willing to travel, is reading this with an open heart, and may consider adopting this beautiful Lynx Point Siamese mix kitty in desperate need of a forever loving home. Noah. Photo: Ron Thompson, "St. Petersburg Times" Dorothy Swanson, a foster "pawrent" with the rescue group Home At Last Pet Adoptions, fostered Noah for months while awaiting a permanent home. Sweet, affectionate and playful, Noah got along famously with Swanson's other foster cats. Noah weaved his magic, leaving deep inroads on Swanson's heart, and when she learned that there was a possible "forever" home with a Pasco County woman, she was thrilled with the news. But there is no fairy tale- ending to this story. The new owner had Noah declawed and allowed him to roam, even though this rescue agency strongly advises potential adopters against it. Noah now has been returned to Swanson, who may have to euthanize this sweetly dispositioned kitty as he has contracted a fatal illness; Feline Leukemia. Wearing an electrified dog collar made to give an animal a jolt when they attempt to cross a buried electric wire, Noah was found walking in the Trinity area, along State Road 54. He was picked up and taken to a thoughtful veterinarian who discovered his microchip that carried his "home" information and brought him back to Home at Last Adoptions. Michele L'Heureux, agency president remarked that such returns are rare, and said, "This is the worst one we've ever gotten back." Since Noah was healthy when adopted, he probably contracted Feline Leukemia from another cat, who may have bitten him. Feline Leukemia weakens the immune system, and has been considered a "death sentence" for felines. Fortunately today however, this is no longer the case. There are treatments available which can greatly prolong a healthy life for them. For more information about this, visit: http://felineleukemia.org/ Swanson was heartbroken and brought Noah back to her home, but because she fears risking the health of her own cats and the other kitties she fosters so cannot let him mingle. He is now confined in a back bedroom where he lives alone. Swanson is very upset about his "imprisonment" and isolation. Since Noah is an "escape artist", since he longs for feline and human companionship, Swanson is understandably concerned about the healthy felines that live with her. She remarked, " He's not content in there, being that he's in isolation. I love him so much. I was going to see him through to the end, but it's not a quality of life for him.'' But finding a home is not that easy. Swanson added,"It's going to have to be someone who is willing to have their heart broken." While Noah appears perfectly healthy at this time, he remains contagious and must be rehomed to a cat free household or with someone with a cat that has Feline Leukemia so both cats can enjoy feline companionship. He must be kept indoors. Home at Last will waive adoption fees for Noah, and will also contribute limited funds toward his medical care. L'Heureux added that Noah's case is a powerful lesson about why cats should not be allowed to roam. Noah also has won her heart, and she feels that he would make someone a wonderful pet in spite of his rather traumatic past. She added, "He's a wonderful cat, beautiful, sweet and Siamese.'' And while his lifespan may be shortened, he has lots of love and companionship to brighten the heart of any cat lover who will adopt him. Do we ever know how long our cats will live? Swanson said, ""He loves other cats. He loves to have someone to sleep with. He likes to be scratched and petted. He'd probably love to be a lap cat, if given the opportunity.'' For anyone interested in finding out more about Noah, and can either provide him the appropriate home, or knows someone who would be a super caretaker for him, please contact: Home At Last Pet Adoption's Website at: http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/FL483.html Contact Information is: Home At Last Pet Adoptions, Inc., P. O. Box 4533.Homosassa, FL. 34447Phone: 352 476-7444 or 352 476 6832. Email: halpetadoptions@yahoo.com I invite your comments about this story, especially if it has touched you, as well. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/noah-a-special-needs-cat-despe.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/noah-a-special-needs-cat-despe.php Dogs Adoption Blogs Cats Special Needs Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:04:19 -0500 Simonscat, a hugely talented cartoonist and cat lover, creates some of the most hilarious feline-oriented videos on the internet. It is a pleasure to watch his work as Simonscat obviously appreciates the true essence of the Cat. He manages to precisely capture those incredible antics for which our miniature predators are famous. I often wonder if he has been channeling one of his own cats, since he really seems to understand and is able to communicate feline behavior so magnificently. The other day a friend sent me a link to Simonscat's most recent production. First uploaded to YouTube.com on July 24th, the video already has received over 1,432,266 views. I got such a kick out of the video that I was compelled to share it. I will almost guarantee that all your felinophiles out there will find it quite amusing even if you have already viewed it. This video has extensively been making the rounds. What really tickled me the most was our cats' reaction to the demandingly plaintive vocalizations that Simonscat describes as, "a hungry cat resorts to increasingly desperate measures to catch a housefly", which were hilariously portrayed by the featured feline star, as he slowly became obsessed in his "hunt" for a tasty treat. Both cats' eyes were riveted to the screen, and Hush Puppy even raised a tentative paw to touch the screen, perhaps to lend some support to the frustrated kitty. So sit back and relax for a couple of minutes and prepared for the delightful treat in store for you accompanied by an abundance of giggles. Have you ever watched your cat on the prowl trying to catch unsuspecting prey? Leave a comment and share about the outcome. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/the-cat-and-the-fly-eye-candy.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/the-cat-and-the-fly-eye-candy.php Dogs Behavior Blogs Cats Fun Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:17:34 -0500 I was not aware that a Patron Saint for dogs existed until a friend sent me an email suggesting it as an interesting blog item about which to write. August 16 is celebrated in Languedoc, a province in France, in memorial commemoration of a little known saint, Saint Roch. Born around 1295, he is venerated in churches throughout the province and is specially invoked by faithful Catholics for protection against Bubonic Plague and other infectious diseases. Saint Roch In reality, however, it appears that Saint Roch was never a real person. His biography was created based on the life of someone else. His "story" was expanded and built into a legend through Church legends. Nevertheless this is a day which is celebrated annually. The legend however, claims that Roch was born around 1295 at Montpellier. He was born to an Italian mother and the Governor of Montpellier. It was claimed that he was deemed "sacred" as a very young child, as his mother nursed him while she was involved her practice of a religious fasting regime. It is said that around the age of 20, and upon the death of his parents, he gave up all his earthly goods, distributing them among the poor and started his journey as "mendicant" pilgrim. He tended to the sick during the plague epidemic, in public hospitals around Cesena, Rome and Acquapendente. It is rumored that he performed some miraculous cures, and he was able to even heal sick cattle. However, when he reached Piacenza, he himself succumbed to the Plague. He was banished from the town and was forced to live in the forest. He drank water from a spring that "miraculously" appeared, and would have starved if not for a hunting dog belonging to a man named Gothard who actually brought him bread each day. Gothard followed his dog that was bringing bread to Roch, and became a believer and follower himself. Roch recovered completely from the Plague, which was also a sign of a miracle. Yet upon his return to his native town, he was accused of being a spy by his uncle and was tossed into jail where he remained for five years. His death occurred on August 16, 1327. Townspeople recognized his birth mark and he was canonized as The Saint of Dogs in honor of the hunting dog that saved his life, in addition to his many miraculous cures. He was also credited with many other cures against pestilence. Of course this type of legend and story is a rather common one which has been attributed to many other saints. In addition to being the Patron Saint of Dogs, Saint Roch also is the Patron Saint of Cholera, epidemics, skin diseases, diseased cattle, knee problems, and relief from pestilence. Do you believe that "ordinary" humans can perform "miracles" and have special healing connections with animals? Leave a comment and share your views. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/st-roch-the-patron-saint-of-do.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/st-roch-the-patron-saint-of-do.php Dogs Blogs Dogs Holiday Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:24:22 -0500 Michael Vick has been given a second chance and opportunity to carry the pigskin to victory. Many of his fans will be thrilled that Vick is "back in the saddle" and will be seen on TV screens around the country and by his fans attending the games. This said, I am not one of the folks who are excited about his reinstatement to professional football, and in fact, am concerned that a message is being sent to young people in particular, that animal abuse is no big deal. Pending approval by National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell, Michael Vick, who was released from Federal prison in Leavenworth, Kansas in May, could play for the Philadelphia Eagles' two final pre-season games and join the team by the sixth week of the football season, in October. Vick was offered a two-year contract, to play as back-up Quarterback. It was reported that Vick will receive $1.6 million for his first year, with a second year-option worth $5.2 million. Vick can also boost his earning potential with an additional $3 million in "incentives" over the two years of his contract, as reported to Len Pasquarelli of ESPN.com. While the Eagles owner, Jeffrey Lurie, a passionate dog lover himself, said his decision to contract Vick was not taken lightly and was difficult to make. He said, "The question eventually I had to ask is, going forward, is Michael going to be a negative force in society the way he's been? Is he going to be responsible for pain, suffering, disappointment, disloyalty, criminal behavior? Or is he going to have an opportunity and be committed enough to become a force for good?" Read more of Lurie's moving statement upon hiring Vick for his two year contract by visiting: http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/ Meryl, a Pitbull terrier rescued from BadNewz Kennel, learning agility training as part of her rehabilitation program. However, there are many animal loving Eagles' fans are not quite so enthusiastic about Lurie's decision. Within 24 hours of the announcement, a group appeared on Facebook, "Eagles Fans against Vick" with hundreds of members contributing their disappointment, along with other messages protesting Vick's return to professional football circulating on the Internet. A lifelong Eagle's fan, Tilton Tighe, upon learning that Vick had been hired by the Eagles, told the "New York Times", "I cried. Now I have to hate the Eagles. Now I don't have a team to root for anymore. There's no possible way I could ever root for them again. It makes me sick."In a statement issued by Hot Dog Collars, an online pet store specializing in sport's oriented pet items, announced that they had already discontinued sales of any Eagle's theme pet products. In fact, their webpage that featured Eagle's paraphernalia has been reconfigured for people to instead donate to the Philadelphia S.P.C.A. Donna Reynolds, The co-founder of the BAD RAP rescue group that played a huge part in the rehabilitation and re-homing of many of the Pit Bulls rescued from the BAD NEWZ kennel posted a blog message of sympathy to the dog rescuers in Philadelphia. She wrote, "My heart sank for Philly when I heard the news of Vick signing with the Eagles. I can only imagine some animal workers may be so utterly discouraged that they throw their hands in the air and leave the city that has decided to embrace a man who laughed . . . laughed . . . while dogs were crying out in pain." Vick, perhaps in response to the outrage expressed by animal lovers learning of his contract with the Eagles, stated in a press conference, "Having committed an act that was cruel and unethical and inhumane, I understand to a certain degree. Our country is a country of second chances. I paid my debt to society." Apparently the president of the Humane Society of the United States, Wayne Pacelle, agreed with him. Watch the video uploaded to YouTube by The Karate Kid II, of a press conference which launched Vick's "Please Don't Pelt Me with Objects" tour. What are your opinions about the Eagles' decision to hire Vick? Please share by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/michael-vick-returns-to-pro-fo.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/michael-vick-returns-to-pro-fo.php Dogs Abuse Blogs Cruelty Dogs Law Pit Bull Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:21:57 -0500 Cheyenne Cherry, a 17 year-old woman, plea-bargained for a one year imprisonment for the crime of cruelty to animals. While I consider the sentence to be no more than a "slap on the wrist", since she will no doubt be released within 6 months, her unspeakable act of cruelty, in concert with her 14 year-old accomplice, of placing a helpless kitten, into an oven, as a "joke", leaving the apartment so as not to have to hear the kitten's tortured screams. This was one of the most despicable and blatantly violent crimes of animal brutality I have encountered. Cherry is expected to begin her jail-time after being sentenced on September 2. Tiger Lily, the kitten killed by the two girls For animal lovers, it will be a long time before the memory of Cheyenne Cherry and her 14-year-old accomplice's ineffable act of cruelty to animals will be forgotten. This heinous crime has stirred the outrage of animal lovers throughout the country to take action, with harsh petitions created on the Internet aimed at the courts, expressing their anger and urging the judge to show no leniency. A huge public outcry arose after a plea bargain was reached for Cherry. Recently information was released with an update about what punitive decisions were reached concerning Cherry's young accomplice: The 14 year-old "partner in crime", a teen mother of a four-month old baby girl, who is presently serving time for an unrelated crime in a juvenile detention center in the Bronx, NY, pleaded guilty to burglary and aggravated animal cruelty. She will spend 18 months in juvenile jail for her participation in the murder of Tiger Lily, the 8 week-old kitten, according to the New York City Law Department. Since she was sentenced as a "juvenile", her name was not released. According to Joseph Pentangelo, the ASPCA's Assistant Director, she openly told investigators that she assisted Cherry in "tossing the kitten into the oven, after setting it to 500 degrees", and helping to destroy the kitten's owner's apartment. The ASPCA has been overwhelmed with angry phone calls according to Pentangelo. For further information visit: http://www.nydailynews.com What are your reactions to this breaking news? Do you feel that justice is being served and that an explicit and powerful message is being sent which clearly demonstrates the severity of the crime of animal cruelty is being made? Leave a comment and let us know. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/cheyenne-cherrys-juvenile-acco.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/cheyenne-cherrys-juvenile-acco.php Dogs Abuse ASPCA Blogs Cruelty Law Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:04:30 -0500 The other day, a friend emailed with an interesting suggestion for a blog item. She was wondering what it would be like if for some unknown reason, having a pet share our hearts and homes was all of a sudden prohibited and we were no longer permitted to have furry, feathered and finned as companions. Since I had never dreamed of this as a possibility, I had to take some time to carefully think about what she was asking. So even considering this question for a moment upset me so greatly that I actually became speechless. Who in their right mind would even entertain that hypothetical and inconceivable notion? Since most of us assume that our pets are family members, being deprived of their unconditional love and loyalty would leave a huge hole in our hearts, and change our lives immensely. Such devoted companionship is a privilege which is earned and one which is treasured immensely. While there are folks who don't share our abiding love for the non-human species who contribute to our lives in such amazing ways, I always feel that these folks haven't had the opportunity to really explore the deep bonds that develop between humans and animals. It actually makes me sad when I meet some of these folks who actually have not experienced the depth of relationships we have with our pets which we may so often take for granted. The world would become a rather dull and lifeless place for me. Waking up without our two cats purring by my face, patiently waiting for me to awaken to give them breakfast, and indeed if I linger too long in dreamland, a gentle paw patted on my cheek to remind me that I am way behind in their schedule, is something to which I have become completely accustomed, and which brings me a great deal of joy. Then of course, watching them play in delight with a new toy, or finding something around the house that catches their interest, always keeps me amused and deeply honored that they trust me sufficiently to let me in on their little games. I particularly enjoy our cat Hubble who frequently gifts me with a long and thorough "shampoo", which is incredibly relaxing. I almost always fall asleep when he is busy making sure that no predator will be able to detect my scent. Cats and horses have contributed so much to me over the years. Not only with their loving and trusting personalities, but they have given me many opportunities to meet so many wonderful people with whom I have become close friends who share that incredible gift; the ability to love and be loved by the animals in their lives. Would your life be significantly changed if you could no longer be in relationship with a companion pet? Leave a comment and tell us how you feel. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/life-without-pets-what-would-t.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/life-without-pets-what-would-t.php Dogs Blogs Pet Ownership Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:44:00 -0500 Last week we published an item about how "cosmetic" surgery for pets is slowly becoming out of fashion, and how one day, in the near future will hopefully be completely eradicated. But when I read about this particular "elective" surgery for a dog with a biting problem, it just set my teeth on edge, (no pun intended). It actually makes me shudder to think of some of the lengths to which pet owners will resort, even though I am positive they are at their "wit's end" in frustration, when there is always a more humane solution if one searches hard enough, in my opinion. Photo credit: LA Times The story was about a six year-old American Eskimo dog named Cotton. His owner, Diane Krieger "adores" her dog, but Cotton had a serious biting problem which, of course could lead to lawsuits and other issues with which to deal. According to the article in the "LA Times", Krieger tried many suggestions from dog experts, even consulting with Cesar Millan, the "Dog Whisperer", to no avail. She didn't want to euthanize her beloved canine, so she consulted with her veterinarian who referred her to a specialist to undertake a rather controversial procedure, "Canine disarming" the dog to render it less aggressive. Dr. David Nielsen, a veterinary dentist, performed the $1,600 surgery, using a laser to shave 4 millimeters off of Cotton's sharp teeth, followed by buffering the trimmed teeth to a smooth finish with a "human grade" composite, much the same as human "caps". After the surgery was completed, Dr. Nielsen said, "most dogs are intelligent enough to understand they are no longer knife-damaging biters, but more like pinchers at best." The American Veterinary Medical Association is, however, does not agree that "disarming" surgery as a method of behavioral control is prudent as it does not address the underlying problem in the first place. Yet at the same time, according to the "LA Times" the American Veterinary College leaves the door open for very "selected cases" as an option to help control biting behavior. While Cotton still is somewhat aggressive toward strangers in their home, apparently his bite has weakened. It will take some time to discover if this "cure" for his behavior works, and if it was worth not only the cost, but Cotton's first line of defense if he needs them for real. While I do not consider myself an expert about dogs, it seems logical that with the right canine behavioral therapists working together with this dog, a solution that was far less radical could have been accomplished. It takes time, effort and patience, but this "disarming" strategy that by-passes learning precisely what the underlying problem caused Cotton to bite, may lead to other behavioral issues which may also be very difficult with which to deal. Dogtown and Best Friends canine behavioral specialists deal with their charges in a most humane and caring manner. Most of the very difficult dogs for which they care do turn the corner and are adopted out to forever loving homes, without resorting to such radical strategies. What are your thoughts about this procedure? Please leave a comment and share your feelings about the topic. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/disarming-dogs-a-sound-behavio.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/disarming-dogs-a-sound-behavio.php Dogs Blogs Dogs Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:02:40 -0500 Did you ever think that owning a dog can help you trim your waistline? Yup, folks, this may be true. Photo credit: Ruth Fremson/ The New York Times According to "San Francisco Chronicle" restaurant critic, Michael Bauer, who recently an article about how he is losing his "unwanted" pounds, shared that he finds dining out every night helps him to remain trim and healthy. He does not visit chain restaurants. He only dines at independent establishments. Since he is eating food prepared by "talented" chefs who have a passion for creating not only delicious meals, but those that are nutritionally balanced and very healthy to boot he thinks he is onto a very easy and painless method of losing weight. He wrote, "I have a feeling that if I didn't eat out every night, I'd be one of those fighting the battle of the bulge." So what does that have to do with keeping those unwanted pounds at bay? He explained his theory to the "Summer Tomato Blog" that his strategy for overeating is to always set aside part of his meal in a "doggie bag" to bring home to his beloved dog. In fact, he feels guilty if he doesn't follow his nightly ritual which began with Bella, a rescued pound Australian Shepherd mix. She particularly delighted in chicken, according to Mr. Bauer, who said, "She loved chicken and other leftovers. She had the most expressive eyes, and if I didn't bring her something she would give me this soulful, questioning look." While Bella has now passed away, Sheba, a rescued Brittany spaniel now shares his heart and home. Sheba had food allergies at one time, but with careful choices of appropriate protein, she now has a wider variety of meats that she can eat and enjoy. Apparently, Mr. Bauer brings home pieces of chicken, lamb, beef or pork to his happily awaiting Sheba. But of course not all table scraps are good for any of our pets. Cooked chicken bones, chocolate, caffeine and raisins are but a few of these foods that should always be avoided. Dogs can enjoy a wide variety of lean meats, grains and vegetables, however. But for our feline friends, a rich diet of grains is not easily digested and can cause gastric disturbances and other medical problems as well. Some nutritional experts suggest that canines should avoid grain as well. But I suspect that if Mr. Bauer is walking to and from these elegant restaurants that serve such mouth-watering fare that may be one of the other reasons that his waistline is shrinking. After all, there is nothing like an after-dinner constitutional to fight those bulging tummies, in my opinion. What do you think of this weight-controlling method? Would you care to give it a try? Leave a comment and share your thoughts with us. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/can-owning-a-dog-trim-your-wai.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/can-owning-a-dog-trim-your-wai.php Dogs Blogs Dogs Health Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:02:34 -0500 If Shakespeare were contributing to Petside.com he might title an article concerning this frequently posed question rather poetically; "To bathe or not to bathe a Cat?" While some folks feel that bathing a cat is part of their regular care and is necessary, many cat lovers will vehemently disagree. Since most cats are thoroughly fastidious about their hygiene and spend a large percentage of their waking hours grooming themselves to keep their coats immaculate and odor free, bathing a cat is generally not considered to be a part of routine care. Self grooming is in fact, a survival strategy that has served the feline species very successfully, I may add. This said, there are those times when a cat does need a bath. Cats can find themselves getting into some very smelly substances due to a mishap, or in longhair cats, if the fur gets too oily, he or she may need some gentle assistance from their "pawrents" to restore the coat to a healthier condition. Some cats do have oily skin which may require that dreaded intervention to which we certainly do not look forward. This said, there are some cats that do enjoy a bath and present no problems at all, but in my experience those cats are not in the majority. There are many articles available on the internet that give excellent suggestions about how to efficiently and effectively give a cat a bath, so I won't take your time to write about the "how to's" of cat bathing at this time. What actually inspired me to even broach the subject was an email I received the other day, which looked at bathing cats from their purrspective. I was on the floor laughing so hard at some of the possible thoughts going through a kitty's mind as the sound of the bathtub being filled with warm water reached their sensitive ears, and was inspired to share them with our readers for a chuckle. I could just see those felines' inner wheels spinning before, during and after being thoroughly drenched and lathered up. Here are just a few offered by the author who cleverly delved into their cat's minds. "A few thoughts on cat baths" . . . By: the Cat 1. "'But you said you loved me." 2. "You will pay, as God is my witness, you will pay." 3. "You call this water warm??? Get a thermometer PLEEZE" 4."I don't think I like you anymore." 5. "You Lied!!!" 6. "No, I'm not your 'Good Little Kitty' anymore." 7. "I want my Mommmmyyyyyy!" or I prefer ... "Meowmee" And my favorite: 8. "No, no, no, no...NOOOO!!!" Please leave a comment by donning your creative thinking cap, and add a few of what you suspect your cats may actually be thinking if, Heaven forbid, a bath is called for. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/what-your-cat-is-thinking-duri.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/what-your-cat-is-thinking-duri.php Dogs Blogs Cats Fun Grooming Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:38:53 -0500 Another week has come and is almost over. So the fun of ending the week with an upbeat and humorous blog item is an idea to which I highly subscribe. Of course I am assuming that those of us those who regularly visit Petside.com, love animals and enjoy reading about them. It goes without saying that this is a "no-brainer". Photo credit: Ahisgett There are so many reasons which endear us to our furry and feathered friends that it is impossible to list them all. In addition to the unconditional love that they willingly offer us, and the fun we have playing with them, their endearing antics often trump the most hilarious comedy shows on TV. I discovered this rib tickling video the other day and just about fell off my chair laughing. I had to make sure that our cats didn't get a chance to view it, as giving them any further ideas that might build their rather extensive repertoire of pilfering items around our house. After all, we are still missing a few watches, eye glasses and other items that we have had to replace. I imagine when it is time for us to move, we will eventually find them under the fridge or the stove. Our cats are such brilliant little thieves. I am positive you will get your daily laughter and "awwwww" quotients while watching some of these fabulous felonies spontaneously performed by a wide variety of representatives of the animal kingdom. But what I found most comical are the expressions on the faces of those folks who are being brazenly robbed in broad daylight, out in the open, not at gun-point either, without even a hint of remorse or guilt. The "Animals that Steal" video was uploaded to YouTube by NC576. I have to remind myself to send a note of appreciation very soon. Do your pets pilfer? Leave a comment and share any amusing stories with our readers. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/pets-who-steal-why-do-they-do.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/pets-who-steal-why-do-they-do.php Dogs Behavior Blogs Cats Fun Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:06:23 -0500 I have viewed some really amazing cat videos on YouTube over the years. This morning, however, while searching for a particular one I wished to share, I "accidently" found this one, which so incredibly trumped the video I had planned to feature; I was deeply inspired to write something about it. African Wildcat photo via Wikipedia In my opinion, the person that created the video certainly displays a great love, understanding and admiration for the feline species. It clearly and imaginately demonstrates how over time how so many of our housecats have "morphed" into the many breeds of cat, each with their unique shape, color patterns and even their distinct personalities. I was blown away seeing how these different breeds may have come to exist through skillful selective breeding by cat fanciers with strong vision. But what I found so extraordinary about this video is that we can see in real time, a fast-forward through the evolution of the feline species. Not only was it entertaining, but quite informative. Included in the video are, the American Curl, American Shorthair, Birman, Black cat, British Shorthair, Burmese, Egyptian Mau, Exotic, Ginger Cat, Havana Brown, Himalayan, Ruddy Abyssinian, Maine Coon, Oriental Shorthair, Persian, Ragdoll, Russian Blue, Russian Siberian, Turkish Van, Scottish Fold ( both shorthair and longhair) Siamese, Sphynx, Tabby, Tuxedo, and domestic and of course the original African wild cat. I do hope you do take the time to enjoy this rather unique four- minute-long video as much as I did. I actually was moved to tears from the great love and appreciation I hold for our cats, while viewing the video uploaded to YouTube by Falcongeorge. It was, for me a true tribute to our beloved felines and their incredible journey through history and one which I could not wait to share with other cat lovers. Visit http://www.youtube.com/user/falcongeorge for more enchanting feline videos. Were you moved by this extraordinary feline journey? Please leave a comment and share your feelings. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/feline-evolution-a-pictorial-j.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/feline-evolution-a-pictorial-j.php Dogs Blogs Breeds Cats Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:38:54 -0500 "To buy or not to buy. That is the question!" While it is highly unlikely that Hamlet asked this question about pet health insurance, it was one that rattled around in my brain for several years. Since most pet insurance programs don't cover pre-existing conditions, it seemed to me to be a waste of money, as many of our veterinary costs are due to Hubble's chronic illness. On the other hand, my nagging thought was; what if one of our cats became seriously ill with a condition that was not pre-existing? I had to carefully consider costs of diagnosis and treatment which could mount substantially. Those unexpected factors became the deal maker and ultimately "sold me" on purchasing a health insurance policies for our cats. Photo credit: www.pethealthcover.com A lot of research went into the selection of the plans we have in order to get the biggest "bang" for our bucks. Our plans cover annual wellness exams, which include dental work, vaccinations, blood and urine tests, coverage for major illness (no pre-existing conditions, of course) and any necessary surgery. Fortunately we purchased these plans when our cats were seven years old. Obtaining health coverage for older pets can be very expensive. There is a wide choice of coverage offered by most pet health insurance plans. Ranging from basic coverage, to plans that cover very comprehensive care, it is very important for buyers to carefully read what is included. My strongest suggestion for folks considering health insurance policies for their pets are to enroll them when they are young and in excellent health. The cost of plans is very reasonable early on, with slight adjustments as pets age. Believe me; it is much more cost effective than purchasing a policy when a pet has reached middle age and may already have minor health issues. Here are a few suggestions to help in selecting an appropriate policy: 1. The Internet is an excellent place to start a search. Begin your research by "Googling" Pet Health Insurance. Different levels of policy provided coverage are listed. Convenient online quotes are provided by most of the reputable companies. Determine if the provider pays a percentage of the bill or a fixed rate. Most policies cover accidents as well as illness, routine veterinary care and many require annual wellness exams, which may be completely covered, depending on the veterinarian's fee. Some policies even cover routine preventative dental cleanings. 2. Check if the cost of specialized care is included in the cost of the policy. A policy that covers cancer treatment will most likely be more expensive, but in the long run may save a lot of money. Ask about deductibles. Inquire about multi pet discounts as well. Some companies do cover pre-existing conditions, but the cost of these policies will be considerably higher. 3. Ask about age requirements as many companies will not insure older pets for health-related services, but only cover treatment for accidents. Many pet health insurance companies also cover exotic animals, such as birds, reptiles, rabbits, hamsters and other small mammals. Since over six million dogs and cats are annually diagnosed with cancer, with today's innovative treatments available, care can become quite costly. According to an article on eHow about pet health care, "Veterinary costs have doubled in the past ten years. $12 million is spent on pet health care annually in the U.S., with over 80 percent of that amount paying for unexpected illness or accident." What are your thoughts about Pet Health Insurance? Leave a comment and let's talk about it. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/pet-health-insurance-is-it-wor.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/pet-health-insurance-is-it-wor.php Dogs Blogs Pet Costs Pet Ownership Product Reviews Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:15:58 -0500 I was very pleased to run across an article online which gives me hope that some of the unnecessary cosmetic surgical procedures performed on pets in the USA are being viewed in a more humane light by some veterinary practitioners. Last week, according to "USA Today", Banfield, The Pet Hospital, one of the most frequently used network of animal hospitals in the USA, headquartered in Portland Oregon, announced that that tail docking, devocalization and ear cropping in dogs will no longer be offered as services provided by their clinics. Ear cropping photo courtesy of: www.care2.com Tail docking and ear cropping is a popular procedure which is generally preformed for cosmetic reasons to comply with breed standards, in the United States. Debarking or devocalization, while a fairly uncommon procedure used to keep dogs from barking, remains a controversial surgery which involves the full or partial removal of a dog's, (or even in some cases a cat's) vocal chords. The American Veterinary Medical Association passed a resolution last year which strongly opposes these procedures and urges its elimination from these breed standards. I applaud the AVMA for taking this stand, as medical justification for the procedure is rarely necessary for the health of these dogs for which the surgery is routinely performed. In a statement made by Karen Faunt, vice president for medical control quality advancement at Banfield, "After thoughtful consideration and reviewing medical research, we have determined it is in the best interest of the pets we treat, as well as the overall practice, to discontinue performing these unnecessary cosmetic procedures. It is our hope that this new medical protocol will help reduce, and eventually eliminate, these cosmetic procedures altogether." However she added that the procedure will continue to be performed on pets in cases where it is medically necessary. New York, Vermont, and Illinois are some of the states at the forefront to outlaw these practices. In Europe these practices have fallen out of fashion. However the American Kennel Club has been vehemently fighting any attempts to have these laws put on the books. They claim that "as prescribed in certain breed standards, (they) are acceptable practices integral to defining and preserving breed character, enhancing good health and preventing injuries, and that any interference that these procedures are cosmetic and unnecessary is a severe mischaracterization that connotes a lack of respect and knowledge of history and the function of purebred dogs." Many American breeders would happily stop the practice, but they are concerned that their dogs won't win in the show-ring so routinely continue the surgeries when puppies are new born. Docking and cropping are most frequently performed on hunting dogs such as boxers, Schnauzers, Great Danes, terriers, some Spaniels and Doberman Pinchers. The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association congratulated Banfield, The Pet Hospital, for their corporate decision to stop these procedures at their 745 hospitals around the United States, Dr. Barbara Hodges, the HSVMA Veterinary Consultant said, "This decision represents a significant step for the veterinary community in placing the health and welfare of our canine patients above aesthetic preferences or human convenience." However, she added, "We look forward to Banfield taking similar action on behalf of felines by discontinuing cat declawing at its clinics." Perhaps Banfield, The Pet Hospital is considering cessation of declawing cats, as they at least are no longer openly advertising this service as part of their Optimum Wellness program, which at one time was suggested as part of prudent pet care. It seems to this author, at least, that if this were true, that the breeds that are commonly "cropped" and "docked" would be born with "cropped ears" and "docked tails" as survival based mutations to preserve their robust health and safety, and cats would be born without claws. I bet my bottom dollar that the dogs and cats would agree with me. Please share how you feel about these cosmetic procedures routinely performed by pet owners by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/cosmetic-procedures-for-pets-s.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/cosmetic-procedures-for-pets-s.php Dogs Blogs Breeds Health Surgery Veterinary Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:34:38 -0500 I sometimes wonder if Hush Puppy, one of our cats, actually eavesdrops on the conversations my husband and I have when we decide where to go out for dinner. Our conversation revolves around which restaurant is most appealing to both of us. I think I have actually observed Hush Puppy checking out our discussion. Now you may question my motives for gathering information and support from our readers who are feline fanatics, but trust me, I am about at my wit's end with one of our cat's very strange dining behaviors. Hush Puppy curled up on the couch: Dining in style. This highly adored kitty, our lilac point Oriental Shorthair has been known to be a picky eater but give me a break! Recently he has insisted in my feeding him in different locations around the house, ranging from a private little "grotto" in the living room, to "breakfast in bed" on our sofa. He even finds the top of his cat tree a desirable location for me to serve him up his favorite meal. No longer content with being fed upon a very attractive placemat with a most attractive feline design on the floor in front of the bathroom, while his brother, Hubble is feasting in the bathroom on top of the sink, (Hubble has a special diet so they need to be separated). Puppy has me chasing him around the house to cater to his every wish. Sometimes he will begin eating in one location; only to finish it in a totally different spot. What is even more time consuming is his insistence for me to keep him company while he dines. He is driving me nuts, folks. I am beginning to have fantasies of donning a black dress with a little white lacey apron, and serving up his meals on Spode china dishes, offered up on a sterling silver tray. Of course I am highly motivated to give into his whims because it is so important for cats to eat. Some people have suggested that I am spoiling him, only reinforcing this behavior and suggest that I just wait until he is good and hungry to motivate him to eat where and when I feed him. But many folks don't understand that a cat should not go more than 24 hours without eating, because this puts cats at risk of developing a serious liver condition, hepatic lipidosis. So I thought this would be a good time and place to air my concerns and seek advice about whether I am going overboard in an attempt to keep him healthy and well fed. Would you be willing to become a feline "waiter" or "waitress" under such circumstances? How would you handle this problem? Please leave me a suggestion by commenting. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/feeding-that-finicky-feline-am.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/08/feeding-that-finicky-feline-am.php Dogs Blogs Cats Diet Food Pet Ownership Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:26:59 -0500 There is a plethora of cat lovers who may have a serious question about whether the statement, "Cats control us" is true. So it doesn't surprise me to learn that in fact, recently a group of scientists have taken on the fur-raising endeavor to research if this is true. Of course, passionate cat lovers already know the answer and many of us in fact, are quite aware that we have chosen to be willing "servants" to the feline species. After all, the expression, "Dogs have masters; cats have slaves" is one to which any avid cat lover highly subscribes. According to findings published in a recent edition of Live Science, "Household cats exercise this control with a certain type of urgent-sounding, high-pitched meow. Apparently this feline communication meow type sound is produced by a combination of a high-pitched cry and a purr. The report suggests that some cats make this purr-cry sound to plaintively "request" food; that many humans find these mixed calls difficult to ignore as they consider them annoying. In my opinion, this seems to me to be a rather upfront and straightforward means for cats to impart to their purrson that their meal may be "overdue "in their opinion. Karen McComb of the University of Sussex said, "The embedding of a cry within a call that we normally associate with contentment is quite a subtle means of eliciting a response. Solicitation purring is probably more acceptable to humans than overt meowing, which is likely to get cats ejected from the bedroom." It seems that cats really do have our "number" and know just what sound will get the desired effect. Since cats are highly intelligent, they quickly learn the difference between what works and what will fall on "deaf ears" to "play" their human most effectively. Additionally, based on previous research, it was found that there is a similarity in a cat cry and the sound of a human infant cry. McComb postulates that the purr-cry may "subtly take advantage of human's sensitivity to cries they associate with nurturing offspring and including the cry within the purr could make the sound less harmonic and thus more difficult to habituate to. What I found most fascinating about what inspired McComb's research is that she got the idea for the study based on her own cat's early morning communications . . . you know that one . . . the constant sound of purring in one's ear requesting breakfast be served immediately. After discussing her own experience with other cat owners she learned that most reported the exact kind of behavior. Since her expertise is in communication in mammals, she decided to undertake investigation into the "manipulative" meow. However, it was difficult to set up the experiments since cats easily communicate these sounds to their owners, but resist doing it with strangers. McComb trained cat owners to record their pet's cries, both when asking for food, and at other times. 10 cats were recorded during this experiment. When the recording were played for 50 human participants, some of whom were not familiar with cats, the results were quite interesting. All of the participants surmised that the combination purr and cry were food related sounds while the random meows were less urgent or harmonious to the ears. And when the recordings were re-synthesized, removing the combination purr-meow, "the human subjects' urgency ratings for those calls decreased significantly". McComb continued adding, "We think that cats learn to dramatically exaggerate it when it proves effective in generating a response from humans." and that their cry is present at low levels in normal purring. She also thinks that "it seems to most often develop in cats that have a one-on-one relationship with their owners rather than those living in large households, where purrs might be overlooked." The results of the experiment was published in the July 14 edition of the journal "Current Biology" I think I am going to pay more attention to our cat's vocalizations to find if they agree with McComb's research. Do you think that cats do really control us? Leave a comment and let us know. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/do-cats-control-us-and-how-do.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/do-cats-control-us-and-how-do.php Dogs Behavior Blogs Cats Pet Ownership Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:14:33 -0500 For those dog lovers who are avid followers of the life of our "First Dog", Bo Obama, I just learned some sad news today. Martha B. Stern, Bo's breeder and a passionate Portuguese Water dog lover, passed away at the age of 72, on July 21. The Portuguese Water dog enthralled Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Stern when they first encountered them at the 1980 Westminster Kennel Club dog show, according to the "Houston Chronicle". President of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America in talking about Mrs. Stern said, "She was a longtime breeder and had a fine reputation." Photo of Bo Obama credit: Alex Brandon, AP One of the nine puppies born at Martha and Arthur Stern's Texas Kennel, "Amigo Portuguese Water Dogs" was given to the First Family, by Senator Ted Kennedy to fulfill a promise made by President Barrack Obama to his daughters when he was on the campaign trail. Senator Kennedy also owns three Portuguese Water Dogs who were bred by these outstanding breeders. Shortly after Bo was selected by Senator Kennedy, Mrs. Stern made a rather humorous prediction for the highly energetic puppy. She said, "He's going to be a little gentleman, believe me -- until he sees that fountain. He'll be splashing around and saying, 'Where's the fish? Where's the fish?' We're expecting great things of that little fellow." Bo, however is doing beautifully in his relatively new "digs", enjoying a loving and forever home in the company of his very famous family, romping and playing at the White House, and of course privy to all the interesting and fascinating events happening there. Sometimes I wish I could trade places with him to be on top of all the breaking news. For anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution, the family requests that donations be made to the Portuguese Water Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 203, Parker Road, Pa, 19457-0203, or directly to the AKC Canine Health Foundation, 8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 300, Raleigh, N.C. 27617-3901. Reputable and prudent breeders work diligently to improve their breeds, don't you agree? Leave a comment and let us know how you feel. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/first-familys-dog-breeder-pass.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/first-familys-dog-breeder-pass.php Dogs Blogs Breeds Dogs Obama Politics Portuguese Water dog Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:11:52 -0500 I am a sucker for creative, entertaining cat videos. It is not uncommon for me to spend a good deal of time on YouTube checking out those that have catchy titles or themes. And when I find one that tickles my funny bone, I am apt to share them with my friends. This said, however, when I first ran across the "Mean Kitty" video series on YouTube, I was totally put off just by the title. I was prepared to grit my teeth as I launched the first of many of Cory William's short films. After all would a true cat lover have named his works "Mean Kitty? But I found myself giving into my "cat-like curiosity. I had to check it out for myself. Photo credit: Cory Williams I was totally prepared to watch a video that was lacking in affection for cats and the understanding of the true nature of the feline species. To be honest, my back was about to arch in protest. And, if I had a tail it would have been bushed like the preverbal bottle brush. Finger poised in readiness to write a nasty comment, I was not at all prepared for my positive reaction. I found myself not only delighted by what I was watching, but as soon as the video finished, I immediately began checking out all of Cory's "Mean Kitty" series. I soon learned that he is a very devoted cat lover with a huge following of dedicated fans who have fallen in love with Cory's cats. I learned that Sparta, a beautiful young Egyptian Mau that Cory adopted and who has captured his heart has Feline Leukemia. Cory's fans were devastated and thousands of well wishes were posted on the site. Articles started appearing on the Internet about Sparta with excellent information about FeLV (http://stanford.wellsphere.com/pet-health-article/sparta-the-mean-kitty-diagnosed-with-felv-and-a-post-on-living-well-with-feline-leukemia/582734). And while some folks may think that Cory plays too roughly with Sparta, the deep love and understanding between these two is evident. After all, 22,251,451 views of the "Mean Kitty Song" video say a lot! That is a record number of hits by folks who obviously love Sparta and Cory. And our cats and I are in awe! "Mean Kitty" now has his own channel where more recent videos are posted along with updates on Sparta's health. It is gratifying to learn that he is doing very well, and that he has been re-united with his feline pal Loki, who was vaccinated. You can follow all of Cory's work at: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=TheMeanKitty&view=videos I do hope you enjoy watching Sparta and Cory's relationship as much as I have. Have you become a Sparta "fan" by now? Leave a comment and let us know. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/mean-kitty-sparta-an-internet.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/mean-kitty-sparta-an-internet.php Dogs Blogs Cats Health Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:12:34 -0500 When I was a kid, Captain Midnight was my favorite "super hero". While many readers here on Petside.com may not remember him, (I am certainly "dating" myself), his adventures on his radio show was something to which I eagerly awaited with bated breath, each day. While Mighty Mouse is one of the most famous "animal" heroes to enchant and delighted children around the world and Spider Man so popular today, I was very excited to run across a spectacular feline candidate, that if chosen to join the ranks of super "idols" will no doubt trump anything that Captain Midnight or Mighty Mouse or Spider Man have to offer. Photo of Charlie courtesy of "Mail Online" His name is Charlie. He is a seven year-old cat that lives in Great Britain in the lap of luxury, pampered by his proud owner, Hannah Smith, of Denny, Falkirk. A fearless feline for sure, he regularly climbs and scales a thirteen foot wall of a block of flats, to reach Ms.Smith's first floor residence. An impatient pussycat tired of waiting outside to be let indoors after being "purrmitted" out for his morning stroll and a breath of fresh air, Charlie quickly learned to put his "super powers" to work. This allowed him entrance to his residence, by using his very strong front claws while at the same time gripping the roughcast wall with his hind legs. Using this unique technique he can climb the balcony, walk to the door, take a seat and loudly "meow" till someone opens the door for him. What is fascinating about this unusual story is Ms. Smith also owns two other cats that have absolutely no interest in being "copy cats" to Charlie, and are quite content to just watch their adventurous feline companion perform his antics as he climbs the wall. According to an article on "Mail Online", Ms. Smith remarked, "'I got Charlie as a wee kitten and out of the litter he was the one that looked most mischievous and I liked that about him. He's certainly lived up to his reputation. I think it is totally incredible how Charlie is able to climb up a roughcast wall." Clinical veterinary officer for the charity Pets protection, Beth Skillings, marveled at this talented tabby, saying, "Charlie seems to have an impressive ability to climb. Whilst most cats are able to shimmy up trees, to escape danger or find a safe resting place, it's unusual to see a cat scaling such a high wall. He must have very strong claws" And if you still are in doubt that this story is not just an urban legend "hoax", watch the video uploaded to YouTube by redbullubder. Now that you have experienced Charlie's daring deeds, don't you agree that he should be added to the list of true super "heroes" to be admired with awe? Leave a comment and let us know what you think. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/charlie-a-feline-super-hero-in.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/charlie-a-feline-super-hero-in.php Dogs Blogs Cats Stories Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:00:50 -0500 Once again the Michael Vick story is back in the news. Last Monday, July 20 Vick completed serving his federal custody sentence for participating and promoting dog fighting. Vick, prior to his arrest and conviction for his involvement in the horrific activities in which his Virginia dog fighting facility, "Bad Newz Kennels", had been the highest paid player in the National Football League, (NFL). American Pit Bull Terrier Not only did Vick receive jail time, he was also released from the Atlanta Falcon's football team and an indefinite suspension from the NFL, but his stellar position in the game of football, of course, has been permanently tainted and his role-model status has been forever sullied, in my opinion. At the same time, the notoriety of this particular case has certainly focused on crimes of animal cruelty with the concomitant need for stricter laws and punishment for these crimes, which is the only silver lining connected with the Michael Vick case. But should Vick be permitted to once again earn his livelihood by playing professional football? Should he again be rewarded with a salary which can only be described as a "fantasy" for most working folks? Does he have the right to return to his stellar place in the world of sports? Recently, Mr. Ed Sayres, the President and CEO commented, "The question isn't whether he deserves to earn a livelihood. The question is whether Mr. Vick should be able to re-join the ranks of elite athletes in the NFL." Mr. Sayres continued by saying, ". . . the facts are clear: Mr. Vick participated in a six-year pattern of illegal activity. His plea clearly stated that along with these activities, he savagely electrocuted and beat dogs to death after they lost their brutal fights. This was not a one-time transgression or crime of passion--this was a multi-year pattern of behavior that demonstrates a startling lack of moral character and judgment. "Given the stature of what it means to be a part of the NFL, it is crucial that Mr. Vick first express remorse for what he has done--something that he has yet to do throughout his incarceration." There are, of course, supporters who feel that Vick should be reinstated to the NFL as quickly as possible. In fact, while Vick was in jail, according to "Breaking News 24/7 online", Vick was offered a one-year contract, by the New York minor league team, The Albany Firebirds as soon as he is reinstated by the NFL. His salary of course will be a fraction of what he is used to receiving. The contract would pay him only the league standard of $200.00 a week, plus a $50.00 bonus for a win. The contract also includes a provision that Vick make a $100,000 donation to a local Humane Society. I wonder if Leopards ever do "change their spots". Since Vick has not expressed the remorse to which Sayres refers, does that mean that he has not sufficiently changed his behavior and morals to enable him to return to the game of professional football? What are your thoughts about his future? Leave a comment and share them with us. Pit Bull Breed Profiles: American Staffordshire, Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, French Bulldog http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/michael-vick-should-he-be-retu.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/michael-vick-should-he-be-retu.php Dogs Abuse Blogs Celebrity Dog Fighting Dogs Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:10:06 -0500 Often I am highly amused with some of the creative questions I discover while indulging in one of my favorite hobbies; answering questions about cats. A couple of weeks ago I discovered one concerning a common feline behavior that had me laughing uncontrollably and I finally "grokked" that common Internet expression, "rolling on the floor, laughing out loud, (generally abbreviated as ROTFLOL). I was very close to doing it myself. But the question brought back some fond memories, way back when I was totally naive about cats and their quest for a tasty snack. Photo credit: Serena Bowles The asker queried, "So you just got home from work, and you're starving....? You take a piece of chicken out of the freezer (yeah you forgot to defrost it last night) and place it on the counter to defrost at least a little before you toss it in the pan. You sit down to check your email, and when you walk back to the kitchen, you realize your cats have been licking the chicken for oh . . . about a good 5 minutes. The question is . . . do you still eat the chicken . . . ?" She later added, "Important announcement: I totally ate the chicken and it was delicious." I responded while trying to contain my peals of laughter, "Bon Appetite! At least you were able to salvage your supper. I think it is purrfectly fine. While I am sure you washed it before you cooked it anyway because raw chicken can be loaded with bacteria which "come back to life "in the defrosting process. So your cats might have been at greater risk of bacterial contamination than you were, since it was still raw. I am aware of the plethora of cat treats on the market, but this is the first time I have heard of 'chicksicles'. "Years ago, before I realized that cats were likely to be attracted to thawing meat, I left four frozen lamb chops on top of the kitchen counter to defrost. Off I went to work and was gone for several hours. I hastened home to cook them, mouth watering in anticipation of a delicious meal. To my dismay, all that remained of this very expensive dinner were four bones, completely stripped of meat, amply scattered around our house and , of course, three cats wearing a Cheshire cat grin. Fortunately my husband had a great sense of humor so we headed out to our favorite local restaurant. You were indeed a very lucky lady to have been able to salvage your chicken dinner." Get ready to ROTFLOL when you watch this video uploaded to YouTube by RodsChevrand. Leave a comment and share how you would have handled a similar situation. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/chicksicles-anyone-sharing-a-m.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/chicksicles-anyone-sharing-a-m.php Dogs Blogs Cats Food Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:56:12 -0500 There is nothing more frustrating for those of us who love to photograph their pets than to have your animal take that perfect pose, and being stuck without having a camera handy. I can't tell you how many times I have felt "ripped off" from a stellar shot and immediately become inspired to grab my camera to attempt to recapture that moment. Of course it is always too late by then and our cats are already bored so refuse to cooperate. What is equally exasperating for me when I do manage to have my camera in hand with all my creative juices flowing is our cats' total lack of interest in being photographed. Their total unwillingness to collaborate with me no matter how I cajole them can be totally exasperating. Photo of Duffy by Melody Saudners With all the magnificent feline photography I have had the pleasure of viewing, and actually having an artistic "eye" for that purrfect photo; it finally dawned on me that it was about time that I started searching for some answers from professional animal photographers to learn just how in the heck they are so successful. I discovered a few wonderfully talented and creative professional shutterbugs that were willing to share some of their trade secrets to aspiring photographers, so am passing on their suggestions, and I eagerly look forward to trying them out. Pet photographer, Amanda Jones, http://www.amandajones.com/, featured in "The New York Times", and who appeared as a guest on "Good Morning America", suggests the use of "plenty of bribes", a huge amount of patience, and to not use a flash attachment She claims that these simple tricks will help immeasurably. Erin Neumeyer, www.ephotola.com, professional pet and child photographer, based in Venice, California, suggests that facial close-ups captures the pet's essence and creates a super photo. Using squeaky toys can grab their attention and get them involved. Placing the pet on a table instead of attempting a floor shot helps prevent them from wandering, which is a sure way to lose that spectacular pose. Melody Saudners, http://melodysaundersphotography.com/, stresses that one of the essential ingredients in successful pet photography is utilizing the relationship you have with your pet. Of course it is preferable to have a relaxed animal having a great time while being photographed will certainly yield some amazing shots. She also suggests that "candid" shots can be fabulous as the essence of the pet is highlighted without "stilted" poses being set up. The alternative to getting those portraits is hiring a professional to do the job. While Amanda Jones charges $1,400 for a simple studio shoot, Melody Saudners' photographs start at $125 per session. For a more deluxe session, she also has at her disposal a pet masseuse who will relax your pet for an additional fee. Contact information for the above photographers can be found at their websites. See Melody Saudners in action and get more tips by watching the video uploaded to YouTube by better. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/how-to-take-great-photos-of-yo.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/how-to-take-great-photos-of-yo.php Dogs Blogs Fun Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:53:05 -0500 The other day, while pursuing one of my favorite hobbies, answering questions pertaining to cats on a popular question and answer website, I ran across a question that upset me deeply. The asker wanted to know how to go about adopting a wild Lynx cat and make it a house pet. I wondered what might be prompting this question, and amazingly I simutaneously found an article highlighting a story online about the discovery of Lynx kittens being born in Colorado. I assume the asker did too. Lynx kitten photo: Colorado Division of Wildlife/AP22 photos While a little cub is enchanting and oh . . . ever so tempting . . . in my opinion however, these are wild cats and need to be respected and treasured just as they are. What is more concerning to me is that the beautiful Lynx cat, with their magnificently tufted ears and large padded feet are now listed as "threatened" on the endangered species list. Native to Colorado, their numbers were almost wiped out completely in the early 1970s from poisoning, trapping, logging and environmental development. These said, an exciting announcement by the Colorado Division of Wildlife was made about the discovery of 10 Lynx kittens in the spring of 2009, and are the first babies documented in the state since 2006. Biologists monitoring the replenishment of the mountain feline are cautiously optimistic by their birth. With the delicate and dwindling wildlife population, especially the low numbers of snowshoe hares, the Lynx cat's main hunting source, biologists have not seen any kittens in two years, so the arrival of seven male kittens and three females in five dens has been thrilling for them. Over 200 Lynx cats imported from Alaska and Canada in 1997 have been released in Colorado since 1999, but the actual census of the population of the Lynx cats in the state still remains unknown to biologists. Lead researcher for the Colorado Division of Wildlife, Tanya Shenk, said, "We hope this is an upturn. What's exciting about it is, there were enough lynx out there to get us through our first low," referring to the irregular population of Lynx cats which are tied directly to the population of the snowshoe hares. In order to produce successful litters of Lynx kittens, the snowshoe hare population must be able to provide adequate nourishment for the cats. The best news is that rather than offspring from the imported Lynx cats, these kittens were born to two native Colorado Cats, and are third-generation Colorado Lynx, which demonstrates a "significant milestone of the Lynx re-introduction program." Colorado Division of Wildlife lead biologist Rick Kahn said, "We are very close to achieving all of our goals for the lynx reintroduction. We have had successful breeding and we have had Colorado-born lynx reproduce. Our next goal is to determine if our level of recruitment is exceeding our mortality rates over a couple of years. We are very encouraged by the results this year and are hopeful that these animals will contribute towards a sustaining population for Colorado." Do you agree that people shouldn't keep Lynx cats as pets? Please share your opinions by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/the-lynx-a-suitable-house-cat.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/the-lynx-a-suitable-house-cat.php Dogs Blogs Breeds Cats Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:45:27 -0500 One of the biggest crackdowns on dog fighting in the history of the United States took place last week, on July 8, 2009 by Federal and State agencies, with the help of the ASPCA. So far eight states have been involved; Illinois, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Iowa, Texas, Nebraska and Missouri, with arrests made in all these states. ASPCA Team members in Missouri assisting in the raid Under the direction of the Humane Society of Missouri's (HSMO) Animal Cruelty Task Force, nearly 400 dogs were transported to a safe and secure location. While the dogs await final disposition by the U.S. Federal Court, they will be cared for and protected at this facility. The ASPCA will ultimately be responsible for evaluating dogs who are appropriate for adoptable, based on their behavior and health. It may be possible for many of the other dogs to be retrained and eventually find new forever homes. ASPCA President and CEO Mr. Ed Sayers commented, "The ASPCA is determined to protect the nation's pets from dog fighting and other forms of brutality. Animal cruelty cannot be tolerated, and we are proud to lend our support to federal and local agencies to ensure that these abusers are brought to justice." The special ASPCA forensic cruelty investigation team, which includes disaster rescuers, field service investigators and the nation's top forensic veterinarian, Dr. Melinda Merck will lend a hand to collect evidence for the prosecution of criminal cases, based on a request of the HSMO. The Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation Unit of the ASPCA, which is equipped with medical equipment for animals in need, will be active in this endeavor as well. Dog fighting is now a felony in all 50 states, and, as such, is banned throughout the United States. Those individuals who are arrested on charges of subjecting dogs to fighting, if found guilty may face up to five years imprisonment. The ASPCA needs your support. It takes substantial amount dollars to fund programs such as this, and to be able to rescue and re-home many of these dogs to forever loving homes. Most of them have never known the touch of a gentle, kind hand. But with generous support, this work can continue, and will additionally, allow their experts to gather necessary evidence to build cases against people who continue to break the law, and prosecute those engaged in such cruelty to animals. For those who wish to help the ASPCA with this project, visit their website at: http://www.aspca.org/. Scroll down to the story about their rescue of fighting dogs. What feelings are engendered by you when you hear about the continuation of dog-fighting? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/huge-crackdown-on-dog-fighting.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/huge-crackdown-on-dog-fighting.php Dogs Abuse Blogs Cruelty Dog Fighting Dogs Law Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:01:05 -0500 That ever so hot topic concerning whether a ban should or should not be instituted on the practice of declawing cats is back in the news once again. San Francisco, California is presently considering legislation which will ban the practice of declawing cats, as the result of strong advocacy against it, presented by an animal welfare advisory board to San Francisco's Board of Supervisors. Strong opposition to this pending legislation was made by the California Veterinary Association, among others who present the argument that this decision should be made only between the cat owner and his or her veterinarian. On the other hand, support for banning feline declawing was presented by the San Francisco's Commission of Animal Control and Welfare, since they just as strongly feel the surgery is predominantly performed for cosmetic purposes, and rarely for a clinical condition which warrants it. They feel that preserving cats' claws is far more crucial than keeping furniture pristine. Many people who consider declawing their cats are not precisely aware what this surgery entails. Since the claw is attached to the last joint of the toe on the cat's paw, to remove the nail necessitates amputation of the entire joint. Commenting on the practice of declaw surgery, Dr. Nicholas Dodman, Director of the Behavior Clinic at Tufts University school of Veterinary Medicine and Professor of Behavioral Pharmacology said, "The inhumanity of the procedure is clearly demonstrated by the nature of cats' recovery from anesthesia following the surgery. Unlike routine recoveries, including recovery from neutering surgeries, which are fairly peaceful, declawing surgery results in cats bouncing off the walls of the recovery cage because of excruciating pain. Cats that are more stoic huddle in the corner of the recovery cage, immobilized in a state of helplessness, presumably by overwhelming pain. "Declawing fits the dictionary definition of mutilation to a tee. Words such as deform, disfigure, disjoint, and dismember all apply to this surgery. Partial digital amputation is so horrible that it has been employed for torture of prisoners of war, and in veterinary medicine, the clinical procedure serves as model of severe pain for testing the efficacy of analgesic drugs. Even though analgesic drugs can be used postoperatively, they rarely are, and their effects are incomplete and transient anyway, so sooner or later the pain will emerge." 39 countries have already banned the practice of declawing. They are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Wales, Yugoslavia. West Hollywood, California, and Norfolk, Virginia are U.S. cities that have also banned what is considered to be an inhumane practice. For additional information on declawing, visit an excellent article written by Dr. Christianne Shelling, DVM: http://www.declawing.com/ Do you think it is appropriate for county or state government to have the power to legislate the practice of declawing cats, or should it be left up to the individual owner and their veterinarian to make the decision? Leave a comment and let us know what you think. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/san-francisco-considers-bannin.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/san-francisco-considers-bannin.php Dogs Blogs Cats Declawing Veterinary Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:59:03 -0500 Summer is once again upon us. Folks may be starting to plan for much needed vacations or perhaps considering that business trip. Getting away can be exciting and fun, but as far as I am concerned they are doubled-edged swords. When I am making plans for an extended excursion, my first concern are arrangements for our cats. I have to tell you it can create quite a bit of anxiety for me. Since some pets are not overly fond of travel, especially those of the feline purrsuasion, since schedules and their regular routines fly out the window. Since travelling in a moving vehicle can be very stressful for pets, it may be a cause for concern. So what options are open for pet parents who choose not to take their furry companions along for the trip? I prefer not to board our cats, since relegating them to cages, no matter how luxurious the space, is simply not my acceptable. Judging by the occasions when it was necessary to hospitalize them overnight at the veterinary hospital, when they both went on hunger strikes and burrowed under towels for the entire stay, this seems like a very poor alternative. In my experience, I find that a reputable pet sitter is a far more preferable. Our cats enjoy the comfort and familiarity of their home, and their routines can be kept intact. While I have had many excellent experiences with reliable "sitters" in the past, sometimes the best of the best are very busy and unavailable when they are needed. Therefore it is important to make plans far in advance. This includes interviewing the prospective sitter, introducing your pets, getting references and gathering any other information which is deemed essential. The best pet sitters we have used are veterinary technicians who "moonlight." Knowing that our cats are cared for by someone who is trained to recognize any problems which may arise makes me sleep a lot better when we are away. Licensed and bonded pet sitters are also, in my opinion, more reliable and knowledgeable. In fact, The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) recently announced the launching of a new nationwide certification program for professional pet sitters around the country. This program was created by owners of established pet-sitting businesses committed to assuring that pet owners have access to well-trained professionals Certification will assure clients that the sitter has met specific, objective criteria through online study and testing. Training includes courses on pet care, nutrition, health and behavior, and also includes pet-first aid approved by the American Red Cross. These certified pet sitters will then be able to display the NAPPS-certified logo on any of their promotional material, so clients will know that they are indeed, legitimately certified. This is definitely exciting news! For more information about Pet Sitters, visit: http://www.petsitters.org/index.cfm?section=PetOwners or read the article Pet Sitters: While You're Away, the Pets Should Play! If you cannot take your pets with you when you travel, what arrangements do you make? Leave a comment with your experience. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/planning-for-pet-care-while-yo.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/planning-for-pet-care-while-yo.php Dogs Blogs Care Travel Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:04:31 -0500 An angry and unrepentant teen ager, shortly after pleading guilty to charges of animal cruelty and attempted burglary at the Bronx Supreme Court in front of Judge Margaret Clancy, stuck out her tongue to a crowd of animal rights advocates waiting to learn Cherry's sentence, and said, "It's dead, bitch!" To refresh your memory, I wrote a blog item several weeks ago shortly after Cherry's arrest. Photo Credit: Lombard/Daily News Cherry was arrested after she allegedly stuffed an eight-week-old kitten named Tiger Lily into a lit oven and left the kitten to die a horrific death. Additionally, Cherry and a 14- year old accomplice trashed Valerie Hernandez's apartment, destroying furniture, stealing DVDs and food. Upon her arrest, she told the arresting officers that killing the cat was "just a joke." During her court appearance yesterday, Cherry denied that she put the kitten in the oven, and blamed her 14 year-old friend, and told the Judge, "I didn't let the cat out." Authorities said that the pair left the apartment quickly as they did not want to hear the dying cat's cries or desperate scratching at the oven door" After a plea bargain was arranged, Ms. Cherry was sentenced to only a year in prison. In fact, more than likely she will only serve 6 months of her sentence. Prosecutor Jennifer Troiano said that the reason that the plea bargain was accepted was that her 14-year old "cohort was more culpable" for the heinous crime. The younger girl will face charges in family court due to her young age. Cherry, who is now in jail for a probation violation will be formally sentenced on July 31st. She also waived her right to appeal, and agreed not to keep a pet for three years. However, this is not Cherry's first offense connected with cruelty to animals. She was arrested a year ago for dog-napping a teacup Yorkshire terrier using a BB gun to threaten the owner. She also had a prior arrest for robbing a man at gunpoint for an iPod. More than 20,000 people signed an online petition for the sentencing Judge to see, advocating harsh punishment for Cherry. While the dozen animal rights advocates were "thrilled" that Cherry would do time for this crime, they consider her highly dangerous. I don't know how you feel about the plea bargain arrangement, but I for one am highly disappointed that based on such horrendous acts of cruelty, and prior charges of "kidnapping a dog at gun-point, it seems to me that a one year sentence doesn't even equal a "slap on the wrist" and will certainly not set any strong precedence for which judges sitting on future cases of animal cruelty will have any leverage to substantiate the appropriateness of stronger sentences. Do you think that Cherry's sentence was fair? What are your feelings? Please leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/cheyenne-cherry-sentenced-to-o.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/cheyenne-cherry-sentenced-to-o.php Dogs Abuse Blogs Cruelty Law Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:41:49 -0500 When a dear friend introduced me to Aaron Rift's creative "The Cat Diary" YouTube videos awhile ago, I was thoroughly enchanted. His skillful photography coupled with his choice of music and sound effects were purrfect. With his keen eye and understanding of feline behavior, his mini productions are very absorbing. Highly entertaining, I looked forward to every new episode. One of my favorite "dramatic" series is his "rubber chicken" collection. While bordering on the "dark side" of humor at times, I find them to be an utter delight. With the blend of humor and "dramatic" mystery, they can be riveting. However, most of the time I am laughing so hard that when our cats catch me watching one, they give me that "oh no . . . not again" look; you know the one to which I am referring! It is frequently accompanied by several very slow eye rolls and perhaps even a soft sneeze or two. Purrhaps it is they are allergic to watching me viewing these feline oriented video productions. But most of the times they turn their back and slink off into another room and promptly fall asleep. But I have been puzzled for a long time about how many cats own Aaron. I have a burning curiosity about his cat population. He features such a wide variety of feline stars that make appearances in his work. He certainly has my curiosity piqued. And while he has taken the time to add a FAQ feature on his website, there is a dearth of information about his purrsonal cat clowder. Personally I think this is a huge oversight and may result in an inordinate amount of "hissing" from his audience. Of course he is entitled to maintain his privacy, but gee whiz, the kittens in his features are so darned appealing. Inquiring minds "knead" to know. This said, after spending time investigating his website, I was thrilled to learn that the chickens used in his "Rubber Chicken Vs Cats" series were purchased at Dollar Tree, that he uses stage blood and not ketchup for those dastardly violent scenes and no kitties were harmed in the creation of his videos; that all the fight scenes were filmed while his cats were playing with each other. The rubber chickens however, may not have fared so well. One of my favorites is one of his longer productions, "The Cat Diaries, Episode 5: The Mouse and the Mirror Visit". And an unexpected short homage to those mountain banjo and guitar pickers, Earl Scruggs and Lester Flatt playing "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" hits the spot. So, without further amew, take a moment to sit back, put your feet on your desk and enjoy this amusing production. You can view all of Aaron Rift's work by visiting http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=thecatdiaries&view=videos Are you becoming an Aaron Rift fan? Leave a comment and let us know. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/the-cat-diaries-a-must-see-vid.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/the-cat-diaries-a-must-see-vid.php Dogs Blogs Cats Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:34:23 -0500 July 14 is a special day for me. It's my birthday! I felt it would be fitting to make one heartfelt wish to celebrate my special event! I fervently wish that all people around the world would take a moment to really appreciate all the amazing animals that grace our planet, and make a vow to never do anything to harm them. I invite everyone to join me in my wish as well. Today, July 14, 2009, a special hearing will be held in Massachusetts to learn if HB 344, a bill introduced to prohibit the devocalization of dogs and cats will move forward to possibly be added to Massachusetts's existing state animal protection law. While there is a loophole in the proposed bill that permits this surgery to devocalize a dog or cat if there is a medical condition for which this surgery is needed, (and I cannot for the life of me imagine what condition would call for this very inhumane procedure). Breaking the law would put the practitioner at risk of punishment for up to 5 years imprisonment, and/or a fine of $2500. Needham High School student, Jordan Star, is the "earth angel" that inspired this bill. After meeting a dog that had been devocalized, she was so moved by what she thought was morally wrong, and was motivated strongly to take action to make an impact to protect dogs and cats. Democratic House Majority Whip Lida E. Harkins and Republican Senator Scott P. Brown reached across the aisle in a truly bi-partisan manner, to co-sponsor the bill. Should the bill pass, it will be named "Logan's Law". Logan, a Belgian Sheepdog was devocalized and then abandoned. Logan was adopted by Tom and Gayle Fitzpatrick. Gayle is the founder of the Friends of the Plymouth Pound, "a shelter that is "a tax-exempt, non-profit group dedicated to the rescue and adoption of abandoned cats and dogs on the South Shore of Massachusetts". Both the ASPCA and The Humane Society of the United States are supporters of this pending bill. The American Animal Hospital Association, the American Veterinary Association and the ASPCA all feel strongly that devocalization surgery should only be performed as a last resort. My personal feeling is that this procedure should be banned completely. It is not only a risky and dangerous surgery, which can cause infections and may result in hemorrhaging or aspiration pneumonia. This surgery is banned completely in the United Kingdom, as is declawing, and docking tails and cosmetic surgery on ears in dogs. Dogs and cats must be able to verbally communicate, not only to others of their species, but to all animals and, of course, to their human caretakers. If they have no voice, how will they be able "tell us" how they feel or to warn us of impending dangers? We all have read anecdotal stories about how cats have warned their caretakers, possibly saving their lives and of course we have all experienced a barking dog announcing a stranger on the premises, or even alerting their person to a serious threat. With compassionate, patient training and understanding about what motivates dogs and cats to "vocalize" excessively, we better understand them. Will you join me in my birthday wish? Leave a comment and let us know. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/debarking-and-devoicing-cats-a.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/debarking-and-devoicing-cats-a.php Dogs Abuse Blogs Cruelty Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:26:42 -0500 Today long distance relationships today are no longer unique. With the advent of unlimited long distance phone service, cell phones, pagers, internet communication and those weekend travel specials offered by many airlines, "togetherness" through spanning the miles, is commonplace. But this "togetherness" story may be quite out of the ordinary. It is a heartwarming and enchanting saga about a British couple, Rose and Chris Rasmussen, who lived in suburban London. It seems that a little black and white kitten, named Sparky tugged at their heartstrings from 4000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. It was love at first sight the moment they discovered this ball of fluff on Petfinder.com. Adoptions through Petfinder.com are by no means unusual, but this little kitten named Sparky was waiting for a forever loving home at the Clare County Animal Shelter in Harrison, Michigan, where he was their unofficial mascot. Instead of having Sparky shipped from the United States to their home, the couple decided to set out on an adventure to visit Detroit and Chicago before going to the shelter and making the adoption official. Rose Rasmussen told the "The Morning Sun of Mount Pleasant" soon after arriving at the shelter, "He took me here on the other side of the Atlantic, I thought they would say 'you guys are completely mad." Sparky had to be microchipped, get a Rabies vaccination and a blood test to insure he was immune to the disease, and lots of paperwork had to be done, prior to departure for home. Sparky will have to be quarantined for 6 months upon arriving in London. I wonder if Sparky, once he is finally able to take up his rightful residence at the Rasmussen home, will ever know deep down inside what an amazing cat he truly is to have been able to touch the hearts of two purrfect strangers from so far away? What do you think? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment. Photos: The Morning Sun http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/not-so-close-encounters-of-the.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/not-so-close-encounters-of-the.php Dogs Blogs Cats Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:04:34 -0500 If I am fortunate enough to come back another lifetime as a different species, I want to return as a rich and famous animal lover's pet. I want to be doted upon and spoiled even more than I presently treat our two cats. I think I deserve it. Many of my friends have already requested to come back as one of my pets for this reason. But herein lays a great dilemma. If I am to come back in my present form to accommodate them, then I am doing double duty. I treat our cats similarly to the lifestyle I want to experience, but of course to a lesser degree. It just isn't fair to make promises to them I am unwilling to keep. Consider socialite Paris Hilton for example. Her pampered pooches, Marilyn Monroe, Tinkerbelle, Prince, Harajuku Bitch, and Dolce, along with nine other dogs all get to live in the lap of luxury, living in one "fancy schmanzy" dog house, in Beverly Hills. It is a "mini Doggie Mansion". Paris has even added photos of it to her Twitter page. She tweeted, "I may have spoiled them a little too much. But how can I not? Just look at those sweet lil' faces, they deserve to be treated like my lil' prince and princesses :) I love my babies," She has replicated her mansion in miniature and decorated it with tiny pieces of furniture, a balcony, a black chandelier, a spiral staircase and has even installed air conditioning to keep her pups comfortable in hot weather. And to add to this high roller life style, Paris has also provided them a stylish wardrobe so her dogs will always be ready for an exciting night on the town. She also gave them "Chewy Vuitton" beds. So on these hot and humid days I think I will spend some quality time fantasizing about the future and start making a list of those celebrities that have animal loving children who will be about ready to welcome me when the time is right and I somehow manage to make contact with them. I think I had better create a Twitter page of my own and extend my social network to these appropriate "kids". Do you think I am being unrealistic? Do I want too much? Please leave a comment but try hard not to totally burst my bubble. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/can-humans-be-reincarnated-as.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/can-humans-be-reincarnated-as.php Dogs Blogs Celebrity Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:02:33 -0500 Jim Arnold is one of the most creative animal photographers I have run across while journeying around the Internet. We have been communicating on and off for several years now, so whenever I receive an email from him with a photo attachment, I can hardly wait to download his files. I always know that I will certainly have a treat in store for me to relish. About a year ago, I wrote a blog item featuring two Vizsla puppies actively playing with a water bottle. The article is in our archives and can be viewed by visiting: http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2008/06/viszla-puppies.php to refresh your memory. I am constantly amazed about what puppies consider to be fun playthings, but this breed is highly intelligent and apparently full of themselves. They play with all stops open, and of course they are fabulous eye-candy since they are stunningly beautiful. Jim always captures these qualities so adeptly since he possesses strong insight about these dogs, and deeply understands the characteristics of the breed. Photo credit: Jim Arnold So the other day, I was pleasantly surprised by yet another intriguing photograph of a stunning Vizsla female named Cookie, sitting in a veterinary clinic waiting room, posed regally on a chair. Jim describes her demeanor by writing, "I just thought she was posed on that chair for an Oil Portrait similar to what John Singer Sargeant might have done in his time." I just about fell of my chair laughing when I read his words. Cookie is the mother of all the puppies that Jim has photographed in the past. You can read more about Jim Arnold, and view more of his amazing work, by visiting his blog at http://jim-arnold.blogspot.com/ I was seriously considering writing a "creative" piece about what might be going through a dog's mind while waiting patiently for an appointment with her vet, but I think I will leave that up to our readers with an opportunity jump in and do just that. I look forward to reading your imaginative comments and please do feel free to completely anthropomorphize about Cookie's feelings as freely as you can. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/a-dogs-thoughts-in-a-vets-wait.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/a-dogs-thoughts-in-a-vets-wait.php Dogs Blogs Dogs Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:59:10 -0500 There are many things to which a dyed-in-the-wool cat lover can become addicted, especially in the "spoil the cat" arena. I have to admit that I am an inveterate shopaholic when I find items with which our cats are apt to become intrigued. However, sometime I wonder if I am more excited about new products than our cats. Since I have had some sobering experiences opening a box containing something that I consider will bowl our kitties over with delight, only to find that the carton in which the item was packaged was far more appealing. I hope I am learning to be far less impulsive and more discriminating. A few weeks ago I got an email advertising a huge sale, which included free shipping, on cat trees which piqued my interest. While our living room is already adorned with a rather attractive and sturdy tree that has sadly become a bit threadbare, tattered and torn in places, (just the way cats really love them, actually), so it was easy for me to succumb to the wily advertisement. With three platforms and two tunnels, and an inviting and easily accessed hammock, hanging near the bottom, with its very reasonable cost, my credit card flew from wallet all by itself. In two easy steps, the cat tree was mine! But buyer's remorse set in immediately. Needing assembly of course, and with my two left thumbs useless in this operation, I vividly recalled some rather testy moments in just putting a desk together with my husband. I immediately began to feel rather inadequate to the task. To assuage my discomfort, I immediately lassoed Jerry, our across the street neighbor, to lend a hand in setting the tree up when it arrived. He agreed immediately; after all he is very skilled in things mechanical. The box arrived within the promised ten day delivery window. I immediately rang up Jerry to come on over. Shortly after he had a chance to examine the pieces, Jerry felt it would be a rather easy procedure and would be assembled with dispatch. Tools were provided but the instructions consisted only of a schematic diagram which one needed to have an engineering degree to translate. Jerry wasn't intimidated at all! However, shortly into the task, beads of sweat started pouring down his forehead as he attempted to connect one of the bolts. Cursing softly under his breath, Jerry rushed home to gather more appropriate tools. It appeared that one of the pre-drilled holes was filled with glue and required reaming. This "no brainer" project was beginning to be alarming. Happily, after a couple of hours, Jerry was able to connect all the nuts and bolts and erect the cat tree. However, it was quite humorous to have two feline supervisors who remained in the room for the entire event, testing the tree during all the stages of its construction. After it was finished, they claimed it as theirs! Mercifully this is a top number on their hit parade of cat accessories. All cat trees are not created equal. It is important to make sure that the cat tree is safe and secure. The base must be broad enough so it does not topple over when feisty felines hurl themselves upon it. If shaky, the tree can be a real danger to an unsuspecting kitty. I recently learned about a 12 week-old kitten that knocked over a tree, resulting in a serious injury. It is wise to place the tree base as close to a wall as possible for added balance and stability. I was thrilled that we were able to fulfill all these requirements with our new cat tree. Would you believe that shortly after we finished this project, I discovered this short instructional video posted on You Tube by the company, Spoilmykitty.com, which gives step by step directions on how to assemble their cat trees? It was rather anti-climatic to say the least! Did you ever assemble a cat tree? If so what was your experience? Please share with us by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/assembling-a-cat-tree-not-be-a.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/assembling-a-cat-tree-not-be-a.php Dogs Blogs Cats Product Reviews Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:00:04 -0500 According to a recent article in "The Times Leader", The Luzerne County, Pa. SPCA has launched an innovative and creative program to facilitate the adoption of cats over a year of age. From now through September 30, the shelter will waive their regular nominal adoption fee of $50.00 and offer their older cats through a unique ""Free to a Really Good Home" strategy. In clarifying this "experimental" adoption program, Vince Sweeney, the executive director of the SPCA said, "It's not unusual for us to get 30 to 40 cats a day. We've got them stashed everywhere" With over 150 cats living at the shelter longing for loving, forever homes, this plan was initiated out of desperation. S. John Wilkin/The Times Leader Sweeney added, "We've never done this before. As far as I know, no animal welfare organization in Northeastern Pennsylvania has tried this, but we've tried everything else. We've begged people to adopt cats. Everywhere we go we mention the heartbreak of the cats. It becomes a matter of health and sanitation and we have to make terribly hard life and death decisions to euthanize."(Referring to the increase of cats surrendered to the shelter between the months of March and September.) Older cats are generally more difficult to place than kittens since most potential adopters are drawn to the cuddly balls of furry energy. Through their special limited-time offer, the SPCA will give cat lovers a great opportunity to experience the very special joy which an older cat can provide. In contrast rambunctious kittens that can make even the most devoted cat lover's hair turn a bit greyer at times, mature felines can be a far more serene delight. Sweeney added, "I find cats to be very interesting and in most cases very affectionate. They all have their own personalities and some of them are very quirky, so they are fun and they are fun to watch." Sweeney explained the rationale for the "cat giveaway" program, by saying, "We never did make money on adoptions. By the time you have the animal here a few days, spay or neuter it and give it shots, you don't even break even. This isn't about the money. It's about the heartbreaking fact that there just aren't enough homes for all these wonderful cats." Of course there are a few strict requirements for potential adopters. A few of these include: - No animal leaves the shelter without being spayed or neutered. - A potential adopter must be over 18 or have parental consent. Parents must be contacted by the shelter before an adoption can be made. - For those renting their residence, the landlord's contact information must be provided. The landlord must provide permission the tenant to have a pet. - A pre-adoption form is required I.D. in the form of a driver's license is preferred. The adopter must sign a pre-adoption contract promising that the cat will never be declawed. To read more about adoption requirements, visit: http://www.spcaluzernecounty.org/adoptions.html Feline fans are well aware that cats are lower maintenance pets than dogs. Cats thrive on an abundance of love and petting, good food, a wide variety of toys and a few scratching posts and a cat tree which affords the cat a place for vertical exploration. I am very hopeful that the SPCA's program will be highly successful and that many older cats will find forever loving homes. If you are interested in adopting an older kitty from this shelter, please contact the shelter at: http://www.spcaluzernecounty.org/ What do you think about this unique adoption strategy? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/free-to-a-really-good-home-a-u.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/free-to-a-really-good-home-a-u.php Dogs Adoption Blogs Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:57:46 -0500 Caboodle "cat" Ranch is located in Ponte Vedra Beach, in St. John's County, 18 miles southeast of Jacksonville, Florida. I got to tell you that if I were a stray cat eking out a living, I would be one happy kitty to be invited by Craig Grant to join his colony of cats living in harmony at Caboodle Ranch. Gate House at Entrance to Ranch Created by Mr. Grant, in 2003, this sanctuary is one of the most unique no-kill "shelters" I have yet encountered. Cats who have been "kicked out" of their homes by thoughtless people, and who have led very difficult lives have found a permanent home due to Grant's adoration for felines. Some that he has rescued have been starving or wounded strays he has found. Craig has also rescued cats that have been locked in cages for extended periods of times, languishing in shelters, and waiting for forever loving homes. Grant has created a wonderland for abandoned kitties. They have an abundant 30 acres of land upon which to roam, complete with nature trails and tree forts, and even underground dens which he has made for them. Craig maintains the property and is often followed by groups of very happy and thankful cats keeping him company on his daily chores. His only goal is to provide a safe haven for cats, and while he says it is not always easy, his mission is to give them the love and care that they deserve. Grant travels a 250 mile round-trip several times a week to his job to earn money in order to have sufficient funds which he lavishly spends on his kitty ranch. While he does receive some outside contributions made to the sanctuary which helps provide veterinary care and food, the lion's share of dollars comes from his own pockets. All the cats are neutered or spayed and have received their necessary vaccinations. He makes regular appointments for all the cats who reside on his property. At the present time, there are about 500 cats residing at the ranch. In case you are wondering how he got involved in this prestigious project, Grant eloquently chronicles the history. He says, "I was renting a two bedroom condo by the beach with my son. It had all the comforts and conveniences of home. Nice furniture, a short walk to the beach and close to work. Then my son moved out on his own for the first time. He left his cat, Pepper, with me because he couldn't take it with him. I didn't like cats but I agreed to keep him. I wasn't used to being alone and I guess Pepper wasn't either. We slowly began to get along. A couple months went by and I found out Pepper was pregnant. Oh great, now what? She had five kittens. I wanted to give them away because I didn't want my beautiful home destroyed, but my son told me they had to stay with their mother for 8 weeks. Over that time I learned that every cat had his own unique personality and it wasn't long before the kittens were swinging from my curtains. I didn't care. Something had changed... I didn't want to give them up. But with six cats, complaints started from the condo owner and the neighbors. I knew I had to look for other places to go. They weren't safe in the neighborhood." Apparently the man, who formerly didn't like cats in the least, fell in love with them and became truly inspired to build this amazing sanctuary. I am blown away by his obvious devotion and got such a kick by his statement, "I no longer have any of my old furniture; material items aren't important to me anymore. My cats have made me happier than I've ever been. They truly are the best friends I've ever had." Catch up on the latest news about the ranch at: http://caboodleranch.livejournal.com/ And visit the photo gallery to meet some of the cats. http://www.caboodleranch.com/Photo_Gallery.html Caboodle Ranch has just launched a "booster" fund- raising drive to help vaccinate the cats. After you watch the video, if you wish to contribute, you may either write him at: Caboodle Ranch P.O. Box 299 Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl, 32004 To donate to the 'Booster' fund, please go to PayPal directly. From there, choose the 'Send Money' option, and send to: donations@caboodleranch.org Please share your thoughts about Caboodle Ranch by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/caboodle-ranch-an-amazing-feli.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/caboodle-ranch-an-amazing-feli.php Dogs Adoption Blogs Cats Rescue Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:52:13 -0500 Many of us are planning a festive Independence Day celebration on July 4. We are looking forward to that mouth-watering barbeque of hot dogs and hamburgers, potato salad with onions or maybe a delicious vegetarian delight which contains garlic. While garlic and onions are safe for humans, they can be dangerous for cats, so care is needed if our kitties are hanging out with us while we "party". www.smalldogclothing.com/index.php?main_page Of course it is essential that we plan ahead to ensure our pets' safety and security. Independence Day is one of the most perilous holidays of all that we celebrate. As the sun goes down, and evening is upon us, considering the easy access to fireworks that many people have, there will certainly be an abundance of loud, frightening pyro-novelties lighting up the sky. While we may consider them exciting and beautiful, remember that dogs and cats have far more acute hearing than we do. Dogs can hear things 250 yards which humans can only hear from a distance of 25 feet. Cats have exquisite and sensitive hearing and can become easily frightened and confused. So without further amew, here are some pet safety tips to make July 4 a happier and healthier day for your furry friends: 1. Keep your pets indoors. It is recommended to leave them home. We keep our blinds closed and soft music playing if we go out to celebrate and confine them to our safe bedroom. 2. Even if you have a fenced in area for your pets, they can easily escape over a wall if sufficiently frightened. 3. If you must walk your dog during a fireworks display keep your canine leashed. Make sure that proper ID tags are on the collar just in case he or she gets away from you. 4. If you feel that your pet needs to be sedated, please consult with your vet before administering any medications, especially those made for human use. Have a safe and happy July 4! Watch this very informative video uploaded to YouTube by Better, with many more tips and suggestions about how to keep your pet safe. Please leave us some comments with further suggestions for pet safety on July 4. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/independence-day-safety-for-pe.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/independence-day-safety-for-pe.php Dogs Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:00:04 -0500 While indulging in one of my favorite pastimes the other day, answering questions about kitty care, I ran across an interesting, thought-provoking inquiry. It was posted by a cat lover who has a great sense of humor and who has discovered one of the great mysteries about the feline species. I was able to virtually visualize her shocked facial expression following this inexplicable event occurred in her home. She wrote; "8 cats in the house and a mouse just ran across my foot? Did the mouse make a wrong turn or does somebody need to be fired?" Photo credit: http://courses.umass.edu/phys120/ However after giving considerable thought to her dilemma, I was compelled to answer with a rather dry response, devoid of jocularity since her question was obviously serious and of considerable concern. I felt I had to be supportive while giving credence to her understandable puzzlement. My goal was to put her mind giving her the benefit of my rather extensive experience with a similar issue. I do hope that I have covered all bases and that my answer was clear and concise. I leave this up to our dear readers to decide. "It appears that you have some cheeky mice visiting your abode! With 8 cats in residence, one would think that this brazen critter would have at least caught a "whiff" of feline presence, and had the sense to delay his sojourn into your domicile until late at to explore your premises in search of a meager meal and avoid a premature demise. Purrhaps Shasta, the elder kitty to whom you refer, may assist you in offering some object-oriented educational session with your kitties, as your retired, resident expert. She can share her former superlative hunting techniques, stressing the importance of keeping their "fur mom's" residence free of felonious field mice. After all since you feed your kitties, don't they owe this service? Of course I am positive that you have provided them an abundance of catnip mice upon which to practice! Please feel free to share this factual spine tingling tale based upon one of our cat's highly tuned instinctual drives and add it as part of your kitty undergraduate curriculum, "Effective and Easy Rodent Control". Of course, you have my complete purrmission. Once upon a time, my husband and I were owned by a blind seal point Siamese female named Yo Yo. At the time we lived in a rather small and insignificant house in a wooded area in the suburbs of New York City. When she was about 11 years old, with her eyesight failing from Feline Retinal Atrophy, to our surprise she developed a passion for hunting the tiny little critters that made their way into our home. One night I was awakened abruptly by a strange dream. I sat straight up in bed, beads of perspiration dripping from my forehead from terror. To my shock and dismay, I discovered a dead mouse in my hand! Yo Yo, my darling, now angel soul mate kitty, was sitting on my tummy wearing a Cheshire cat grin plastered on her face, as proud as punch. Her gift to me was not really appreciated at 3:30AM. I quickly awakened my husband with what must have been a blood curdling scream. He very kindly and swiftly gave the limp, lifeless furry creature burial at "sea". Trust me that the sound of the toilet flushing was very reassuring. This action however did not dissuade Yo Yo one iota from purrsuing her love for the hunt. We were, actually, very proud of her penchant for capturing intruders of the rodent species. Even though I do my best, I will never forget that terrifying dream and the ensuing events, with the memories of the sound of the flushing toilet emblazoned in my memory. Purrhaps this is a timely opportunity to change that popular nursery rhyme to "One Blind Cat! See how she hunts" in memory to our courageous and devoted kitty. What do you think? Leave a comment and share any further suggestions. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/when-the-cats-are-away-will-th.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/when-the-cats-are-away-will-th.php Dogs Blogs Cats Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:38:48 -0500 A new dog flu virus has made an appearance, according to an article published by the New York Times, "Science Times" on June 29. A flu virus which jumped from horses to dogs 5 years ago has now reappeared and is of great concern to dog owners. Sophie and Pugsly, adopted from Mid-Atlantic Pug Rescue Jacquelyn Martin/Associated Press Photo The breeds which are more vulnerable to contracting the H3N8 dog flu are the Pekingese, the Pug and Shih Tzus with their "pushed in" noses and dogs that already have other underlying health conditions. Apparently the virus does not affect humans, thankfully. Most of the cases discovered so far are from New York City's northern suburbs, Denver, Philadelphia and Florida. One of the discoverers of the virus, Dr. Cynda Crawford of the University of Florida veterinary school said, "I don't think we know what this virus is going to do yet." Dr. Crawford has been working with the virus since January 2004 when one-third of the greyhounds at a Florida dog race track died with symptoms of pneumonia and a strange cough. In the following year she discovered the virus in seven states and learned that it could be passed along to other dogs through rubbing noses and sharing water dishes. She also learned that humans could carry the virus on their clothes as well, thereby spreading from dog to dog. It was feared that 1 percent to 10 percent of the country's 70 million dogs might fatally succumb to this virus. Dr. Crawford's prediction of the number of fatalities has been proven to be true. Her estimate is that it kills 5 percent of the dogs that contract the virus. If one factors in the fatalities at shelters that have euthanized their canine population, and disinfected their cages, the estimate grows to about an 8 percent mortality rate. What is very interesting, in contrast to this canine virus mortality numbers, is that the human Spanish Flu in 1918 killed about only about 2 percent of those who contracted the disease. Fortunately the virus has not spread as actively as had been anticipated. While found in 30 states around the country, the virus is concentrated in areas where dogs share close living conditions, such as kennels, shelters, pet stores and dog training schools. Owners of these establishments have been prudent in turning away any dogs that appear ill, which has slowed down its progress. Dr. Crawford said, "Probably over 10,000 dogs have been infected, but I can't say whether it's 20,000 or 30,000. In a population of 70 million, that's a drop in the bucket." Since it has taken five mutations for the virus to jump from horses to dogs, the co-discoverer of the virus, Dr. Edward J. Dubovi, of the Cornell University veterinary school, added, "it is probably not as well adapted to dogs as it could be". He added that with another mutation or two, it "could make it a very serious issue, but it takes a certain density of dogs to keep it going". Dr. Crawford added that, "It really puts a strain on their ability to breathe. They can't move air in and out of their lungs. The first vaccine for the H3N8 virus has already been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture. Are you concerned enough about the H3N8 virus to talk with your vet? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/new-canine-virus-and-vaccine-a.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/07/new-canine-virus-and-vaccine-a.php Dogs Blogs dog Health Safety Veterinary Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:59:58 -0500 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. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/are-cats-more-beneficial-to-ou.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/are-cats-more-beneficial-to-ou.php Dogs Blogs Health Pet Ownership Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:03:49 -0500 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. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/safety-of-liquid-flea-and-tick.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/safety-of-liquid-flea-and-tick.php Dogs Blogs Fleas Safety Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:43:25 -0500 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. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/pets-left-alone-in-cars-danger.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/pets-left-alone-in-cars-danger.php Dogs Blogs Safety Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:10:05 -0500 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. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/heartworm-a-rising-threat-to-o.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/heartworm-a-rising-threat-to-o.php Dogs Blogs Health Heartworm Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:22:16 -0500 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! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/putting-on-the-dog-in-style-in.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/putting-on-the-dog-in-style-in.php Dogs Blogs Dogs Fashion Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:44:47 -0500 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. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/kitty-goes-postal-needs-an-imp.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/kitty-goes-postal-needs-an-imp.php Dogs Blogs Cats Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:31:30 -0500 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 http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/heroic-dog-cloned-successfully.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/heroic-dog-cloned-successfully.php Dogs Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:23:07 -0500 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. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/whack-a-kitty-a-humorous-or-ha.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/whack-a-kitty-a-humorous-or-ha.php Dogs Blogs Cats Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:51:37 -0500 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. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/indoor-potties-for-dogs-a-doab.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/indoor-potties-for-dogs-a-doab.php Dogs Blogs Dogs Product Reviews Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:27:33 -0500 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. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/paw-cat-kozy-kingdom-a-cats-de.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/paw-cat-kozy-kingdom-a-cats-de.php Dogs Blogs Cats Product Reviews Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:53:22 -0500 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. There has also been a string of other cat killings in Florida, with no arrests made so far. Visit http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami-dade/story/1097433.html for more information and to watch the video of the story. What reactions have you had to these reports and what do you feel may be motivating them? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/florida-teen-charged-with-19-c.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/florida-teen-charged-with-19-c.php Dogs Abuse Blogs Cats Cruelty Law Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:05:14 -0500 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. For more details of the story, watch this video uploaded to YouTube, by ErickWithNoK. If you are moved to take action, a petition which will be presented to the Judge is available for signing at: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/332/petition-to-have-cheyenne-cherry-tried-as-adult You may also write the Judge directly with your views: Judge J.Byrne, Bronx Supreme Court, 265 East 161 street, Bronx, New York 10451 (718) 618-3000 ext 1144 Defendant: Cheyenne Cherry Case Number: 36193C-2009 Please leave a comment with your reactions about this story. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/sign-the-petition-animal-cruel.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/sign-the-petition-animal-cruel.php Dogs Abuse Blogs Law Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:10:45 -0500 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. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/kittens-chase-cheeseburger-a-b.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/kittens-chase-cheeseburger-a-b.php Dogs Blogs Cats Fun Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:05:23 -0500 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. For more information and how to enroll in the class, visit: http://www.annmariegarden.org/AboutUs/Contact/contact.htm And, of course for those planning to bring their dogs with them and are looking for canine-friendly activities and sites, visit http://www.visitmaryland.org/PRESSROOM/Pages/MarylandHasGonetotheDogs.aspx Do you include your dog while you travel on vacation? Leave a comment and share your experiences. Photo Credit: Baltimore Sun http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/canine-and-wild-life-art-exhib.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/canine-and-wild-life-art-exhib.php Dogs Blogs Dogs Events Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:16:27 -0500 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 . . . http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/feline-olympics-start-training.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/feline-olympics-start-training.php Dogs Blogs Cats Events Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:55:48 -0500 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. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/pet-appreciation-week-june-7-1.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/pet-appreciation-week-june-7-1.php Dogs Blogs Events Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:29:53 -0500 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. Watch the compelling video by visiting: http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=86700&catid=158 What was your reaction to this story? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/laias-journey-a-saga-of-myster.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/laias-journey-a-saga-of-myster.php Dogs Adoption Blogs Dogs Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:55:28 -0500 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. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/400-year-old-mummified-cat-dis.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/400-year-old-mummified-cat-dis.php Dogs Blogs Cats Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:09:03 -0500 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. For more information about dog bite prevention visit the CDC Dog Bite Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Dog-Bites/biteprevention.html Also listen to their podcast at http://www2a.cdc.gov/podcasts/player.asp?f=11206 Have you been bitten by a dog? Leave a comment to share your experience. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/dog-bite-prevention.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/dog-bite-prevention.php Dogs Behavior Blogs Dogs Safety Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:31:43 -0500 I AM EVERYWHERE: by Julia Amelia Morrison Listen can you hear me, though I am gone away? Watch and can you see me, as you toil through your day? Can you smell my presence, or feel my tender touch, the wonder of the life we shared, the life you miss so much? Please, hear the gentle tinkling, of the wind chimes in the breeze, of the soft wind a door's opening makes, will put your heart at ease. Watch the dancing flowers, or autumn leaves skipping by, they dance and skip like I did, before I had to die. The heady scent of catnip, the fresh smell of summer sun, the smell of leather harnesses, remember our days of fun. The caressing touch of butterflies, the feel of blankets warm, remember how we cuddled, when ere there was a storm. Although my body failed me, my soul is forever there. Just look and touch and hear and feel, for I am everywhere. Catnip Hill Studio, Copyright © 2000, All rights reserved Poem reprinted by permission of the author 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. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/are-connections-with-pets-eter.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/are-connections-with-pets-eter.php Dogs Blogs Pet Loss Politics Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:24:22 -0500 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. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/feline-office-workers-unique-a.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/feline-office-workers-unique-a.php Dogs Adoption Blogs Cats Shelters Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:41:43 -0500 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. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/cat-vs-high-rise-apartment-one.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/cat-vs-high-rise-apartment-one.php Dogs Blogs Cats Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:16:46 -0500 I have never given much thought to access doors for pets, since our two cats are never purrmitted outside without supervision. This being said, while surfing the Internet for items of interest, I ran across some interesting and vital information about safety issues concerning what many people consider a real convenience for pets that have access to the great outdoors whenever they wish. However, Sean Kane, president of Safety Research & Strategies, has been researching this issue nationally. According to Mr. Kane, in the past 10 years more than 100 children have drowned or nearly drowned and have otherwise been injured when they climbed through pet doors to get outside. Mr. Kane learned of these incidents through public health specialists and news items, The Consumer Product Safety Commission and sadly, though the offices of coroners and medical examiners. Mr. Kane stated, "But the total number to date underestimates the true scope of the problem because most accidental drownings are classified only by cause of death or injury and do not identify how the child accessed the water. Child-injury researchers are well aware of the link between pet access doors and child injury and death, but many parents and caregivers do not appreciate the risk associated with use of a pet door, and how young children can drown, become lost, wander into streets, or otherwise become seriously injured or killed after exiting a home through a pet door." Kane suspects that people think that since the common size of these pet doors generally approximate a standard sheet of paper or even smaller, that they are totally safe to install in their homes. They feel that their children are too large to be able to crawl through pet doors. However, the weight of an average three year old boy weighs about 38 pounds and can very easily fit through the opening. After all, some of our medium sized dogs and cats use the doors without any problem at all. Of course since the safety of our children is a priority, there are alternatives to these rather flimsy flap-style portals. There are doors with locking mechanisms and several that are operated by a dog's radio collar. Of course, if you happen to have a pool in your backyard, personally opening the door to let your dog out is the safest method to prevent tragic accidents. Since many parents are not aware of the danger that most pet doors can present, one parent set up a web site to spread the word. You can visit this site at http://www.PetAccessDangers.org/ She is hoping that this website will reach enough people that pet door companies will consider making changes in design to make them safe. Watch the ABC Good Morning America feature about the dangers of pet doors by visiting: http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=7564779 Would you install a pet access door in your home? Leave a comment and share your opinions. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/pet-doors-are-they-safe.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/pet-doors-are-they-safe.php Dogs Blogs Product Reviews Safety Fri, 29 May 2009 12:32:49 -0500 Pet owners continue to be concerned about the food they buy for their pets. I occasionally hear from folks whose dogs or cats may have become sick after eating regularly fed pet food, but from a different bar code batch of a recalled food. They are wondering if the product is responsible for their illness. As a result some people are considering switching their pets to a more "natural" food, similar to what they would eat in their natural habitat. They are considering feeding a raw diet, commonly referred to as B.A.R.F (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food). According to an article I found through the North American Press Syndicate- New York, NY, USA, "better nutrition can lead to better health- for both you and your pets." Of course, when considering changing your pet's diet, it is important to first discuss your plans with your veterinarian. A raw diet may not be appropriate for all pets. However, pet owners are becoming more aware that many common conditions such as allergies, obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, dental disease and poor coat condition can be the result of a poor diet. Some commercial pet foods, while being touted as the "best" possible nutrition, often contain ingredients that can trigger these conditions. Grain in cat food, for example, is often responsible for digestive problems in felines. Raw food diets are considered by a growing number of pet nutritionists to be an excellent alternative solution to promote better pet health. Dr. Doug Knueven, a holistic veterinarian, author and pet health expert, is a strong advocate for this diet. He says, "There is a benefit in offering various proteins to your pet. If he were in the wild, your dog would catch a rabbit one day, eat a chicken another day and so on. Feeding a variety of proteins is just one more way you can feed a more natural diet." Since feeding a raw diet can be time consuming and labor intensive, one of the products on the market, which makes feeding a raw diet easier is Nature's Variety Raw Frozen Diet. Dr. Knueven remarks that, "Nature's Variety offers the most nutritionally dense, biologically appropriate diets for dogs and cats. You can actually feed less food and your pet will be more satisfied. Raw-fed dogs and cats live longer, healthier and happier lives." When switching to B.A.R.F, it is important to gradually introduce the new diet to avoid dietary upsets. Learn more about B.A.R.F by visiting: http://www.dmoz.org/Recreation/Pets/Pet_Food_Preparation/BARF_Diet/ Read about other commercially prepared B.A.R.F Diets by visiting: http://www.barfworld.com/ and http://www.healthypetdiet.com/ Do you feed your pets a B.A.R.F diet, or are you considering it? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/barf-biologically-appropriate.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/barf-biologically-appropriate.php Dogs Blogs Diet Food Thu, 28 May 2009 17:05:13 -0500 Aaron Rift, the photographer and producer of "The Cat Diaries" series, one of the most creative and imaginative cat videos on YouTube, has directed yet other highly entertaining and thought provoking short films, featuring Ninja, a very wise twenty year old cat who may even become a feline guru who will assist you through some of life's purrplexing passages. In this creative video, Ninja, an elder cat who purrsesses great wisdom, is a feline that Mr. Rift turns to with his crucial questions. These thought provoking issues, which have been posed by brilliant thinkers throughout the centuries of course, are not new to us. But in order to be able to fully receive Ninja's guidance while viewing this offering, it is essential to quiet oneself, breathe deeply, center and enter into a state of true spiritual openness and intellectual emptiness. Please take a moment to prepare yourself to become "as one" with the "seer" in a highly informative interaction between a very intelligent and experienced feline and his human "seeker". Uploaded to YouTube by Thecatdiaries, Mr. Rift invites his viewers for a moment of intellectual and emotional stimulation and to also marvel at Ninja's remarkable responses to his very important and thoughtful questions. Enjoy this moment of bliss which is more than likely very desirable to serenely end of another busy work week. What did you learn though this experience? Please leave a comment and share your insights with us. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/elder-cat-shares-wisdom-of-the.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/elder-cat-shares-wisdom-of-the.php Dogs Blogs Cats Tue, 26 May 2009 11:00:50 -0500 A few weeks ago I introduced Jilli Dog, the most adorable basketball playing Yorkshire terrier. So it became obvious to me that I am compelled to "cop" to the truth here. I have to admit I have become one of Jilli Dog's greatest fans, and often surf the 'net for articles and videos that feature this certified therapy dog's amazing talents. After all she is the world's only poker playing pooch! Being a fairly decent poker player myself, I think it would be far more prudent for me to just "kibbutz" at the table as I am rather reluctant to sit down with Jilli Dog and her trainer, Rick Caran. Between those two I might easily fall prey to their obvious playing skill and might be taken to the cleaners. So I guess I will just sit back and relax as I watch those unsuspecting gamblers trust their luck in a game of "Five Card Stud" with these two proficient poker players. For a delightful experience, take a moment to watch this clever and entertaining video uploaded to YouTube by looneytoobs. "Canine" inspire you to play a hand or two, even as you watch your pile of chips dwindle into oblivion? Leave a comment and let us know if you are interesting in the challenge. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/poker-playing-pooch-wins-it-al.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/poker-playing-pooch-wins-it-al.php Dogs Blogs Dogs Mon, 25 May 2009 11:00:50 -0500 Many folks have noticed and commented that our blue-eyed white Oriental Shorthair neuter, Hubble appears to have a damaged eye. People have written me inquiring about if his eye is missing, or if he has lost vision in it. Since Hubble's eye condition is fairly common, I thought that sharing his story may be helpful to others whose cats may be similarly affected. Our phone rang late one evening, almost nine years ago. The call was from an Oriental Shorthair breeder from whom we had adopted Hush Puppy, our lilac point Oriental. She excitedly told me that she had a two month-old blue-eyed white kitten that she thought we might be interested in adopting. She cautioned, however that the kitten was born with "Feline Ocular Herpes". Born with a membrane covering his left eye, rendering him blind, she had already scheduled him for surgery by a veterinary ophthalmologist. The plan was to remove most of the membrane in order to restore nearly normal vision. After she emailed me a photo of this adorable kitten, we did not hesitate for a moment, and arranged plans to adopt him as soon as he recovered from the surgery and any necessary follow up treatment with ocular anti-viral medication. Our adoption "fee" was the cost of the surgery. We were thrilled and eager to have Hubble join our feline family. When he was three months old, he was delivered to our home in New York, where he immediately was accepted by our resident kitties. I often suspect that Hush Puppy knew this was his "little brother" as he took a special interest in the little white ball of fluff. Hubble continues to be monitored regularly by our veterinarian. Of course he is one of her favorite patients, as he is so cooperative and easy to handle. His eye specialist continues to mistakeningly think that Hubble is a female since he is so beautiful and such an excellent patient. From time to time, when necessary he may require special medication for his eye, and sadly his cornea has been compromised by scarring from the virus resulting in limited vision. However he has developed amazing visual compensatory skills and can still spot a fly on the wall from across the room. While no cure for Herpes is available at this time, fortunately anti-viral ocular medications are routinely prescribed to control the condition Additionally, L-Lysine, a synthetic version of the essential amino acid which helps to control viral replication, is also recommended as a supportive adjunct to anti-viral medications. Both of these are geared to lessening the frequency and severity of outbreaks. Veterinarians also suggest that keeping a cat as stress-free as possible is very valuable in the control of Herpes, as stress is one of the leading causes of relapse. Learn more about ocular herpes by visiting: http://www.peteyedoctor.com/620635.html Would you adopt a kitten with ocular herpes? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/ocular-herpes-in-cats-my-kitty.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/ocular-herpes-in-cats-my-kitty.php Dogs Blogs Cats Fri, 22 May 2009 10:25:27 -0500 Most people consider their pets to be part of the family. Many of us refer to ourselves as "fur moms or dads" or even "pawrents". So it is very understandable that when one of our fur "kids" is under the weather, we promptly seek advice from their family doc . . . our veterinarians. After a thorough examination, often veterinarians prescribe medications. But what about those of us that find it difficult to administer tablets or capsules, and often liquid medication dispensed by our vets, is so distasteful to our pets that most of it ends up on the carpet. Thus we find ourselves chasing Fluffy or Fido through the house to make sure that every drop of the precious medication is administered. And what about medications that are difficult to find? In fact, we had a cat many years ago, who was prescribed a drug that had been taken off the market for human use, but was the most appropriate medication to treat his condition. Since no local pharmacy carried it anymore, and our vet did not dispense it, we found ourselves in a dilemma. Thankfully our vet referred us to Island Pharmacy, a veterinary compounding apothecary, which of course had the medication in stock and was able to dispense it with her prescription. Interestingly, there are many medications which are no longer prescribed for humans, but are ideal in the treatment for our furry friends. The medication was shipped to us right away and arrived two days later. Now that is convenience in a nutshell! Online veterinary pharmacies provide a handy alternative to local drugstores for many pharmaceutical products, and for those of us who care for chronically ill pets, they can be a boon. Refills are easy to order and many of them offer free shipping. According to an article I found online the other day, one of these online pharmacies, VetCentric, published some interesting data obtained from their recent survey of pet owners about veterinary care that included prescribed medications: "96% of pet owners stated that it was important to be able to order their pet's medication through their veterinarian to ensure that the vet remained involved with the pet's care (51% stated that this is "very important") 90% of pet owners stated it was important to have the convenience of home delivery for their pet's medications 87% of pet owners stated it was important to have automatic refills of the pet's medications so they didn't have to worry about missing a dose 87% of pet owners stated it was important to have a variety of medication forms and flavorings that make it easier for pets to take their medications" VetCentric's policy is, "The program includes free 2nd day shipping for first fills and free standard shipping for all refills when the prescription is set up to automatically refill. Complete information about the program is available through the recently launched compounding microsite at www.vetcentric.com/compounding." While Island Pharmacy does not offer free shipping at this time, they do carry a wide variety of veterinary medications compounded with flavors that are appealing to pets, which of course makes it easier to administer. Visit http://www.islandpharmacy.com/site/1420401/page/45029 for contact information and to read about what they offer. While our local pharmacy does compound medications for pets, I find it more convenient to have these items delivered directly to my door. It makes much less work for this "fur mom" at any rate. Read more about online veterinary pharmacies at: http://petcare.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_buy_pet_medication_online Have you had experience with online veterinary pharmacies, or would you consider ordering from them? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/the-scoop-about-online-veterin.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/the-scoop-about-online-veterin.php Dogs Thu, 21 May 2009 10:09:06 -0500 Michael Vick, the former National Football League star player for the Falcons, was released from a Kansas prison, early this morning. He will then begin home confinement in Virginia, according to one of his attorneys. Vick hopes that he will eventually be reinstated to his career as a professional football player and work toward restoring his public image. Larry Woodward, one of Vick's attorneys said, "It's a happy day for him to be starting this part of the process. He looks forward to meeting the challenges he has to meet. His first priority is spending time with his children and his loved ones". A former big time earner, during the completion of his home confinement sentence, he will be permitted to leave his home and work for a $10 per hour job on a construction crew, and other activities arranged with his probation officer. New rules will be set for him when he begins his three year probation period upon his release from Federal custody. What I find fascinating is that Vick says that he wants to work for the Humane Society of the United States, (HSUS). Vick met with Wayne Pacelle, the president of HSUS after he requested a meeting with him while he was at the federal prison in Leavenworth. He wants to contribute to a program which is geared toward ending dog fighting among urban teens. What gets me wondering if this is an authentic desire to make a positive impact on these teens, or is it a way for him to be ease his return to his professional career in football. Vick's fall from glory began in April 2007 raided his cousin's Surry County property in Virginia, during a drug investigation, with the resulting seizure of dozens of dogs discovered on this property. Some were seriously injured, and equipment used in dog fighting was found. Three months later, a federal indictment was issued, and three of his "Bad Newz Kennels" partners were charged with an interstate dog fighting conspiracy. At first Vick denied any connection with them and all pleaded "innocent". Eventually, however all four admitted their guilt and were given prison sentences. Vick received the longest of the sentences and received a three-year suspended sentence after pleading guilty to State dog fighting charges. Outlined in the indictment were the horrendous details about the dogs that were hanged, electrocuted, drowned and subjected to other acts of cruelty. However, due to the public outcry and outrage which ensued after the Vick story was released, several states tightened their laws about dog fighting. This drew public attention to the horrors surrounding the dog fighting industry which all dog lovers pray will help to end this cruel and inhumane "sport" permanently. Some loyal supporters still feel that Vick's punishment was more severe than deserved due to his celebrity profile and that people make mistakes in judgment. What are your thoughts? Do you feel that Vick's punishment fits the crime? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/michael-vick-released-from-pri.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/michael-vick-released-from-pri.php Dogs Abuse Blogs Dogs Pit Bull Wed, 20 May 2009 11:07:52 -0500 Stories about "coincidences" which seem to randomly occur online always capture my interest. I am particularly enamored with stories pertaining to animals. Of course I am of the opinion that while we may think that we are searching for that purrfect furry companion, I suspect that somehow these pets have their very well developed radar working full blast and they find us. Of course the proof is in the pudding, so to speak, and I think that this little "tail" certainly gives a lot of credence to my suspicion. One of my internet pals, and blog mentors, JJ, also known to the blogosphere as Astaryth, is also a very talented photographer and writer. Since networking is very popular with bloggers, we get to meet some of the most amazing people, and learn so much about their interests and hobbies. JJ, a follower of the blog, "Putting the Fun in DysFUNctional", found a delicious entry with compelling photographs of some adorable kittens a few weeks ago while reading the entry, http://luvmydoxies.blogspot.com/2009/04/wordful-wednesday-kitten-edition.html. She also follows the blogger on Twitter where she read a "tweet" that these fostered kittens were being neutered and spayed in preparation for an upcoming adoption event. JJ contacted her since she lived nearby, to tell her that one of the kittens had already made paw prints on her heart. Visiting the local PetSmart where the adoption event was being held, she saw the little black and white kitten, and after holding her, it took only a nanoseconds to decide that the little tuxedo ball of fur had captured her heart; a permanent loving home had been found. Of course, a very special name was in order. Taken from the Greek Mythology, she was named Nyx, (the primordial goddess of the night). Of course her tiny paws will grow big enough to fit that very powerful moniker. It seems that Nyx felt totally at home from the very moment she arrived at her permanent new digs. In her email announcing her new family member, she wrote, "My husband just laughed and laughed when I got home. I've almost exclusively had black cats all my life. My D.K. which I had lost to cancer at 13 two years ago was a tuxedo. I had said when I was ready for a new kitty (yes, it took a long time) I was going to get something besides black, and -definitely- not a Tuxedo because I miss D.K. so much. "Nyx walked into our house and into our hearts. There was none of the usual getting used to being in a new place. She came in, checked the place out, and within an hour it was as if she had always been with us. Her foster Mommy obviously did a wonderful job of giving her confidence in herself. She is just a delight and makes us laugh and laugh. She and Morgan, our Corgi, accepted each other within minutes of her coming into our home and they are both my little loves, and I look forward to many years of love, laughter, and joy from the two of them." Now I ask you, isn't this just one of the most magical adoption stories you have read? I do believe that "when the pupil is ready the teacher appears." I bet that Nyx has already taught JJ a few things. Nyx has reminded me that remaining open to a window of opportunity to receive the love that a pet can offer, (even if in our rational minds it is not something we might consider), that we have been chosen. It is a good thing to surrender to that magic. You can follow JJ's blog and see her beautiful photography by visiting: http://adventuresofaneclecticmind.blogspot.com/ Have you ever said "yes" to a pet that was a surprise to you? Leave a comment and tell us about it. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/the-black-and-white-kitten-a-m.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/the-black-and-white-kitten-a-m.php Dogs Tue, 19 May 2009 15:44:41 -0500 I must preface today's rather unusual blog item with a few introductory remarks. By now it is more than likely apparent to our readers that I am an avid animal lover. All felines have captured my heart, and while my experience with canines is less extensive, I am very fond of them and eager to learn more about this amazing species. It is also no secret to anyone, that I am passionate about horses, and actively involved in supporting legislations designed to protect our beloved equines from cruelty, neglect and slaughter. Photo credit: AP Photo/Garry Jones This being said, on Saturday, May 16 at approximately 6:00 PM, my husband and I, along with our two cats, Hubble and Hush Puppy, made ourselves comfortable in front of our wide screen TV. Two weeks ago, we all watched the Kentucky Derby together and were blown away by Mine That Bird's phenomenal win, so we were all eagerly awaiting the running of the Preakness Stakes. Now you may think I am fabricating a tale here but believe it or not, our cats must have intuitively "picked up" our enthusiasm and anticipation. They usually just flop on my hip and catch their "zzzzzzzs" but they were wide awake and watching, just as they did for the 135th running of the most exciting two minutes in horse racing; The Kentucky Derby. Of course this past Saturday's Preakness Stakes was a record-setting day in horse racing. For the first time since 1924, during Calvin Coolidge's Presidency, has a filly won the Preakness Stakes; the second leg of the Triple Crown. This is one of the most prestigious races in the Sport of Kings. I was immediately struck by the interesting coincidence that the filly named Rachel Alexandra's talented jockey shared the same first name as the former president. "This has to be a good omen", I thought. And I beamed when Calvin Borel rode the filly to victory. The crowd went wild! With Mine-That-Bird, the 50 to 1 long shot Kentucky Derby winner right behind her, that fabulously athletic filly, Rachel Alexandra captured the Black- Eyed- Susans, by one length. However, once the race was over, and all the hoopla was done for the day, our two cats assumed their usual position . . . glued to my hip . . . and back into dreamland. I do imagine however, that I caught one of them, as he drifted off for his nap, wishing it was possible for him to become a feline companion to such a gorgeous filly. After all, he is aware that most horses enjoy an intelligent and affectionate feline to keep them company. Experience the excitement by watching the re-run of the race by visiting: http://jtwoo.blogspot.com/2009/05/whoa-nellie-rachel-alexandra-first.html I personally am thrilled that this filly finally ended the drought of a distaff win. If you watched the Preakness Stakes, were you surprised at the end? Share your experience and leave a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/watching-the-preakness-stakes.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/watching-the-preakness-stakes.php Dogs Blogs Cats Mon, 18 May 2009 15:08:29 -0500 Another week has come and gone. I bet you that most of us are all shouting, "T.G.I.F". With aching sore shoulders and a disgruntled back caused by sitting at my computer for hours on end, I, for one, am looking forward to a relaxing weekend. But come to think of it . . . purrhaps a soothing massage may be just the ticket to gently launch me into a much needed restful and peaceful space. But where can I find the best masseuse? I think I have located one that is just purrfect for me. In fact, on one of my internet surfing adventures, I ran across a short intriguing video uploaded to YouTube by chadamoc7 promoting a promising professional massage therapist. Now all I have to do is to make an appointment. I just hope he has an opening. He obviously has earned his motto, "The paws that refreshes". It would indeed be a doggone shame if the video did not relax you. We knead to know if there were beneficial effects from watching, so please leave a comment and let us know . . . either way! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/the-paws-that-refreshes-tgif.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/the-paws-that-refreshes-tgif.php Dogs Fri, 15 May 2009 12:07:17 -0500 I must applaud the ASPCA's tireless work in regard to exposing the deplorable conditions of puppy and kitten mills around the country. Late last week, I learned about a victory toward that end, which was won through the efforts of Dr. Melinda Merck, the ASPCA Senior Director of Veterinary Forensics. In March, 2009, the conviction that she helped obtain, by her testimony at the trial of Kathy Bauck, the operator of Pick of the Litter Kennels in New York Mills, Minnesota. This breeder not only sells animals to pet stores, but also on the Internet and has housed, on the property up to 1,300 dogs of at least 32 different breeds. This breeder was first arrested in August 2008, charged with an array of counts of torture, animal cruelty and also practicing veterinary medicine without a license. However, on March 24, her four and a half day trial which included six hours of jury deliberation, she was cleared of all felony charges, but was found guilty of four misdemeanors; one count of animal cruelty and three counts of animal torture. It is this writer's opinion, however, that the punishment may not fit the "crimes". While the ASPCA and other animal welfare groups work diligently to stop these abuses, I strongly feel that individuals sitting on juries in cases like the one cited above, need to take stronger action in order to support the groups who are so motivated and dedicated in their attempt to end these inhumane acts toward innocent animals. Jason Smith, a free-lance animal cruelty investigator started working at Pick of the Litter in early 2008, in order to collect evidence against Ms. Bauck. He provided the Otter Tail County Sheriff's detectives with videos and his personal testimony of the alleged abuse occurring at the facility. Included in the footage of the videos were starving and injured dogs and showed Ms Bauck dipping dogs into vats containing insecticide. Dr. Merck was contacted by the veterinarian working with the prosecution about a month before the trial was scheduled. She said, "I was asked by the prosecutor to review all the video and case files and provide expert opinion." Since Pick of the Litter had a history of complaints and citations dating back to a 2006 cease-and-desist order from the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine in response to learning that Ms.Bauck was performing surgery on her animals without a license, both the facility and Ms.Bauck were no strangers to the ASPCA investigators. Bob Baker, ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Initiatives Investigator said, "Kathy Bauck has been a chronic problem. I visited her facility in 1998 and reported her to the USDA for violations of the Animal Welfare Act--but as far as I know, there was no follow-up on the part of USDA." One has to wonder why there was no follow up action at that time. On Friday, May 1, after her sentencing hearing, Ms. Bauck was given 90 days in jail, 20 of which are to be served immediately. Only if she violates her probation, will she have to serve the other 70 days. Additionally, she was also sentenced to 80 hours of community service by the officiating judge, who added that she must allow unscheduled inspection visits in all areas of her facility if she plans to continue her participation in the operations of the kennel. What is it going to take to once-and- for- all shut down such a facility that demonstrates incompetence and lack of concern for their animals? I just don't understand this at all. What are your thoughts about puppy and kitten mills? Do you feel that these facilities should be banned from doing business? Leave a comment and share your opinions. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/aspca-helps-get-animal-cruelty.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/aspca-helps-get-animal-cruelty.php Dogs Abuse ASPCA Blogs Puppy Mills Thu, 14 May 2009 12:43:35 -0500 Is your cat a "wool eater"? Have you discovered your cat chewing on items around your house which puzzle you? While not extremely common, there are kitties that seem to delight in ingesting objects which can totally mystify and frustrate their caretakers. In fact, I cannot recall how many times I have been asked about why some cats seem to be magnetically attracted to non-food items and appear to eat them with gusto. In my experience, Siamese and Oriental Shorthairs seem on the top ten hit parade for consuming these unusual items, demonstrating a passionate zest for wool sucking and chewing on wooden objects. But of all the cats with which I have shared my heart and home, the weirdest one was a half-Siamese neuter named Nemesis, whose obsession for wool nearly drove me crazy. One night when my husband was taking a shower, without thinking, he left his expensive brand new wool bathrobe on the bed. Several minutes later I heard a blood-curdling shriek emanating from the bedroom. I dashed into the room, worried that he may have fallen; thankfully he was fine. But I fell on the floor laughing after discovering that Nemesis had chewed a gigantic hole in the back of my husband's bathrobe. The "cupboard was bare", so to speak. My husband became unglued as he modeled his "air conditioned" bathrobe and of course he was highly concerned about our cat. Two hours later, much to our relief, Nemesis upchucked the remnants of his "bedtime snack". The ingestion of non-food items for both cats and humans is due to a condition called Pica. The underlying cause of this disorder is not precisely understood, but it is by its very nature, extremely dangerous to a cat, since indigestible items can become lodged in the intestines and cause considerable damage. A few of the more popular objects range from wool, leather, wood and shoes, to rubber, silk, rubber bands and even children's plastic toys. Some experts theorize that this condition may be caused by nutritional deficiencies, or even feline leukemia, or feline Aids. If your cat is dining on non food delicacies, it is crucial to arrange an appointment with your veterinarian. A practical and easy first line of defense which protects your cat and your possessions is to keep these objects away from your cat and stored safely out of reach. I also had a kitty that loved to chew on my stuffed animals, so sadly I had to relegate my collection into the closet. For more information about Pica with helpful hints how to manage this condition, visit http://www.vmth.ucdavis.edu/home/beh/feline_behavior/pica.html Have you lived with cats who had this disorder? Share your experiences and any suggestions that you found useful in dealing with Pica. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/cats-with-pica-strange-eating.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/cats-with-pica-strange-eating.php Dogs Wed, 13 May 2009 13:41:07 -0500 I was rather amazed and somewhat alarmed at the results of one of the most recent polls on Petside.com. The question was "How often do you take your pet to the vet?" The results were: (28.57%): once a year (12.99%): every 3 months (18.18%): twice a year (40.26%): only when they're sick or need shots After I participated in the poll and learned that I was in the 18.18% of responders who picked "twice a year" as an answer. What concerned me greatly was the rather overwhelming majority of folks who take their pets to the vet only when their pets are sick or need "annual" vaccinations. Based on my 40 plus years of experience being owned by some amazing kitties, I feel strongly that that it is crucial that all pets minimally have annual wellness exams performed by a vet. Once a health baseline is established, it is much easier for our veterinarians to catch any subtle changes in our pet's physical condition. Since animals age approximately seven times more "rapidly" than humans, it is far more essential that annual exams are performed to rule out any serious illnesses, any physical discomfort and hidden injuries. Since my cats are now senior "catizens", they receive bi-annual exams. Additionally, as our pets get older, routine blood tests and other diagnostic tests given will be able to facilitate the diagnosis of any serious underlying medical conditions. Early detection and treatment can add many years of excellent quality to our pet's lifespan. Aging pets are at risk for diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid conditions and other medical problems. If these conditions are discovered early they are far easier to be successfully treated or controlled. Additionally the cost of veterinary care through early detection is frequently far less expensive than a condition which has remained dormant or undiscovered for long periods of time. Annual visits allow our vets to monitor our pet's weight more accurately. Since obesity is a common problem for our pets, due to overfeeding, giving those extra yummy treats too often and lack of exercise, the annual examination is an ideal time to discuss any needed dietary changes. Overweight pets are at high risk for heart disease and other serious medical conditions. Annual dental checkups, especially in older pets are essential to their overall health as well. Checking for and treating cavities, bad breath and oral infections can prevent a host of systemic problems, and help preserve our pet's wellbeing. There is nothing more rewarding to pet owners than a bright, white pet smile! The annual exam also provides us an opportunity to discuss any behavioral problems which may have presented themselves. Litter box avoidance and personality changes are often a sign that something is amiss. So that famous saying, "an ounce of prevention prevents a pound of cure" certainly applies to remind us to arrange those annual veterinary exams. How often do you bring your pet for a complete head to paw examination? Tell us about your veterinary schedules by leaving a comment. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/veterinary-checkups-how-often.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/veterinary-checkups-how-often.php Dogs Blogs Health Veterinary Tue, 12 May 2009 13:14:45 -0500 Ahhh ....the "dog days of summer" will soon be upon us, but apparently for one special Dachshund, counting the number of those hot and sultry days might indeed be difficult. The Guinness Book of World Records presented this senior "dogizen" a certificate naming her as the World's Oldest Dog. Chanel, bless her little doggie heart, just turned twenty one on May 6, 2009. I am truly impressed! Chanel was also presented with a visit to a doggie hotel and spa to for further pooch pampering. Jamie Panas, a spokesperson for the Guinness Book of world records said, "Chanel is the Guinness world record holder for the oldest living dog." A veterinarian's certificate was presented as well. Photo credit: Meredith Daniels, Newsday / MCT In "dog" years, Ms.Chanel has reached the incredible age of 147. The former record holder was a dog named Butch, who lived to the astounding age of 28, which calculated into dog years to be 198. This little lady is seriously doted upon by her fur "mom", Denise Shaughnessy, a high school principal's secretary. She adopted this canine celebrant when she was just a tender six week old puppy, from a Virginia rescue shelter. While Chanel could run circles around most folks when younger, she takes it easy these days. She tires easily, suffers from joint problems, a benign tumor on her hind leg, and must wear dark glasses to protect her eyes, which are covered with cataracts. She does take short daily walks, but prefers to lounge around the house most of the time. Taking everything into consideration, Chanel continues to live a protected peaceful life in the company of her loving owners. According to Mrs. Shaughnessy, she takes excellent care of her and commented during the birthday celebration, "I treat her like a person." While providing Chanel the best physical care and feeding her nutritious dog food may be mainly responsible for her lofty age, I would bet my bottom dollar that Chanel must also have inherited some powerfully healthy genetics that have contributed to her extended long life. But no matter what the reason, The Shaughnessy family definitely has reason to celebrate this auspicious occasion. So Happy Birthday from all of us to you, sweet Chanel. You are truly an inspiration for all pet lovers in the world. Watch part of the birthday celebration with the video uploaded to YouTube by miolesou. Do you think that advanced veterinary care and improved nutrition has extended the lifespan of our pets? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/worlds-oldest-pooch-turns-147.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/worlds-oldest-pooch-turns-147.php Dogs Blogs Dogs Senior Mon, 11 May 2009 13:36:39 -0500 While I have often written about some of the exciting and promising research which scientists working in tandem with veterinarians are using to treat dogs and cats, many of these procedures may positively impact the treatment of humans as well. But after I read this "breaking news" in the field of animal research, I am also compelled to express my dismay and concern about some of the lengths researchers are going to in order to find "cures" for human diseases. A group of scientists in South Korea have recently announced that they have "engineered" four beagles that "glow red" through the use of cloning techniques. These scientists hope their research will develop cures for humans. Photo by AP Photo/ Seoul National University, HO Ruppy two days old: the world's first transgenic female beagle dog carrying fluorescent genes The South Korean scientists are presently working with four beagles, all of whom are named "Ruppy", a name which combines "ruby" and "puppy". The dogs appear to be "normal" beagles in daylight but they glow red using ultraviolet light. Their thin-skinned nails and abdomens appear red even to the naked eye. Professor Lee Byeong-chun, the head of the research team at Seoul National University calls them "the world's first transgenic dogs carrying fluorescent genes; an achievement that goes beyond just the glowing novelty." Professor Lee told the Associated Press, "What's significant in this work is not the dogs expressing red colors but that we planted genes into them." The team has identified, through DNA tests, the dogs as clones of a cell donor, and announced their accomplishment on "Genesis", the Journal Website. U.S. and Japanese scientists have already cloned fluorescent pigs and mice, but this development is a breakthrough since this is the first time modified genes have been successfully cloned in dogs, according to Professor Lee. Skin cells extracted from a beagle by the team who inserted the fluorescent genes into the dogs, implanted them into eggs, and then inserted them into a local mixed breed surrogate female dog's womb. While further details have not been announced so far as research is still continuing, Dr. Lee is hopeful that this procedure will lead to finding new treatments for conditions like Parkinson's, a genetic disease. Veterinary professor Kong II-keun of South Korea's Gyeongsang National University said, "We can appraise this is a step forward" toward finding cures for human diseases. What is important now is on what specific diseases (Lee's team) will focus on." Read more: "South Korea claims to have cloned glowing dogs to help cure human diseases" by visiting http://www.nydailynews.com While I feel strongly that research geared to find cures for both human and animal disease continues, why can't scientists use "in vitro" methods as an alternative to experimenting on live animals? Usually more accurate, in vitro is far easier to perform, is less expensive, and most of all does not require using live animals for research. With the modern techniques available to scientists today, I cannot understand the continuation of using live animals in research geared to human medicine. Perhaps I am alone in my feelings, but it really gets to me. What are your thoughts about live animal research in the field of human medical science? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/glow-in-the-dark-dogs---medica.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/glow-in-the-dark-dogs---medica.php Dogs Fri, 08 May 2009 11:09:10 -0500 Springtime is the season when those of us who enjoy gardening and landscaping are once again busy mowing lawns, visiting nurseries to buy those beautiful plants and in general decorating and getting our green thumbs working. We are relieved that winter is a thing of the past, and we passionately spend time in our gardens, we enthusiastically plant shrubs and flower beds. Even though some plants may be quite attractive, at the same time, we need to exercise caution and be mindful of the types of plants that we bring into our homes, no matter how appealing, or how beautiful they may be. Many plants appear benign but some plants can be extremely toxic and hazardous to our dogs and cats. One of these horticultural lovelies, The Sago Palm while it is an attractive houseplant is also highly toxic to pets. According to an article I found while recently researching poisonous plants, the sago palm, also known as the Coontie Palm, Cardboard Palm, cycads and zamias; Scientific name: Cycas revoluta, zamia species, is a plant that causes severe reactions, such as vomiting, melena, increased thirst, bruising, gastrointenteritis, blood problems, liver damage and failure which may result in death. Family: Cycadaceae Toxicity: Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Horses Toxic Principles: Cycasin The ASPCA has seen an increase of more than 200 percent sago palm and cycad poisonings since 2003, most of them have resulted in fatalities. Veterinary toxicologist and vice president of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant warns that all parts of the plant are toxic, "not just the seeds or nuts". So, dear gardener and plant lovers, please take the extra time to research plants with which you plan to surround your home, whether it is in your garden or in your home. Visit the ASPCA's website which lists toxic plants at http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/ If you suspect your pet has ingested any toxic plant, call your veterinarian immediately or call the ASPCA 24 hour hotline poison control center directly at: 1-888-426-4435. What precautions do you take when adding plants to your garden or your home? Leave a comment and share your experience with us. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/keeping-your-garden-and-home-s.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/keeping-your-garden-and-home-s.php Dogs Blogs Safety Thu, 07 May 2009 10:16:59 -0500 Having lived with felines and involved in the fascinating world of these magnificent creatures for over 40 years, both as a former CFA registered breeder of Siamese, Oriental Shorthairs, Burmese and Russian Blues, and also as a concerned cat servant and writer, I have yet to find a topic which is more explosive and controversial, which also sparks a huge emotional reaction for cat owners, than the subject of declaw surgery. While this item is not designed as a debate, I felt that presenting the facts rather dispassionately, providing them may help owners to make a more informed decision. The USA has not banned this practice, though twenty-five other countries around the world have already made the surgery illegal, as it is considered cruelty to animals. What concerns me more are the number of people who elect to have their cats declawed, are not routinely given all the facts about what declaw surgery entails, so are not completely informed. As a result, owners are often shocked by common post-surgical complications, protracted pain and behavioral problems which declawed cats often display. A few concerned veterinarians in the United States are already refusing to perform this procedure. While the American Veterinary Medical Association's stance on declawing reads, "Declawing of domestic cats should be considered only after attempts have been made to prevent the cat from using its claws destructively or when its clawing presents a zoonotic risk for its owner(s) and adds, "It is the obligation of veterinarians to provide cat owners with complete education with regard to feline onychectomy", it is not my experience that this information is freely shared with clients. In fact, many people are shocked by post-surgical complications and behavioral problems which frequently occur after the surgery has been performed. According to the Humane Society of the United States, (HSUS), "People choose to declaw their cats for a number of reasons: Some are frustrated with shredded drapes or furniture, some are worried about being scratched, and others simply feel that a declawed cat is easier to live with. In many cases, cats are declawed preemptively, as a part of a spay/neuter package offered by veterinarians, even before claw-related problems occur". "Declawing is not a simple surgery", HSUS continues. "Too often people believe that declawing is a simple surgery that removes a cat's nails, the equivalent of a person having her fingernails trimmed. Sadly, this is far from the truth. Declawing traditionally involves the amputation of the last bone of each toe and, if performed on a human being, it would be comparable to cutting off each finger at the last knuckle. Declawing can leave cats with a painful healing process, long-term health issues, and numerous behavior problems. This is especially unfortunate because declawing is an owner-elected procedure and unnecessary for the vast majority of cats." Here is additional data extrapolated from a study of cats that were declawed. Published 2/1/03 on CourierPostOnline.com, "Eighty percent of the cats that are surrendered that are declawed are euthanized because they have a behavioral problem.... Declawed cats frequently become biters and also stop using litter boxes... One or the other...," said William Lombardi shelter director, Gloucester County, New Jersey. A study of 163 cats that underwent onychectomy (declawing), published in the Jul/Aug 1994 Journal of Veterinary Surgery, showed that 50% suffered from immediate postoperative complications such as pain, hemorrhage, and lameness; and long-term complications, including prolonged lameness, were found in nearly 20% of the 121 cats who were followed up on in the study. It is this writer's opinion that declawing is an unnecessary procedure. With patient and consistent training and seeking alternatives, a cat's claws can be safely preserved, resulting in a happier and much better behaved kitty. What are some alternatives to declaw surgery? Actually they are rather simple and relatively inexpensive when compared to the cost of the procedure with possible serious side-effects. * Provide your cat with a rough textured scratching post that is high enough to allow the cat to stretch out fully. *Cats need their claws to be able to stretch and balance. A cat tree is an excellent alternative as well. *Soft paws, (vinyl coverings glued to the claw) prevent scratches and damage to property. * Learning to trim your cat's claws, keeping them short and blunt works wonders to prevent scratches. For more information about declawing visit: http://maxshouse.com/Truth%20About%20Declawing.htm and http://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/claws03.html What are your feelings about declaw surgery? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/feline-declawing-the-straight.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/feline-declawing-the-straight.php Dogs Blogs Cats Declawing Wed, 06 May 2009 14:44:45 -0500 I am a complete sucker for all animals. As a result I throw caution to the winds. Frequently it is "love at first sight" and I get hooked quickly. I am not just talking about our common house pets such as cats and dogs, gerbils or even ferrets; I must admit I am absolutely fascinated by domestic mice and rats. Don't tell anybody, but when we lived in upstate New York, I even went out of my way, to feed a family of little grey house mice that visited us when pickings were slim during the height of winter. My heart went out to an adorable brown mouse on our kitchen floor early one morning, while he was sitting up on his haunches staring at me with the saddest deep brown eyes. How could I refuse a meal to such a starving little critter? Of course I limited their nutritional supplementation to the kitchen, a room in our house which was off limit to our cats. My husband was very worried about my sanity, but fortunately for the teeny mice...he did not thwart my need to nurture them. Don't worry, no harm came to any of us; they only showed up early in the morning to grab a bite and then retreated back to the outdoors once spring arrived. So after extensive research I was delighted to learn that domesticated mice and rats make excellent pets. While their wild brethren can rank high on the list of rodents considered pests since they may carry disease, they also are an integral part of our ecosystem. However, the domestic varieties bear little resemblance to their wild counterparts. Domesticated for over a century, these diminutive darlings still are not completely accepted. They continue to be highly misunderstood species by many people who remain prejudiced against them. With limited space in our homes, or if we reside in apartments where cats and dogs are not permitted, why can't folks consider them as an ideal substitute for more traditional pets? After all they take up little room, are inexpensive to care for, are highly intelligent and affectionate to their humans, and are entertaining to watch. They actually interact with people much in the same way as our canine and feline companions. They rarely bite and once an owner learns the correct way to handle them, they can be trained easily. However since they are gnawing animals, they should not be permitted to roam the house freely, as wooden furniture may be just too tempting to ignore. And if you happen to have a resident feline, with introductions made carefully and patiently, domesticated rats and cats can become the best of buddies. If you doubt the veracity of this statement, take a moment to watch this amazing video uploaded to YouTube by chibudgielvr. What blew me away is that the video already has over 4,222,884 hits. Chibudgielvr writes, "Rat loves cat... cat tolerates rat. A really cute interspecies relationship :) My rat, Peanut, follows (my cat) Ranj around everywhere! She gives him kisses and hugs." The charming background music is "Sock Hop" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Don't you wish that the world's diverse population would get along so well? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/the-rat-that-loves-cats-a-less.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/the-rat-that-loves-cats-a-less.php Dogs Tue, 05 May 2009 13:22:25 -0500 I am constantly amazed at the astounding procedures being developed in the field of veterinary medicine today. With each and every new treatment I read about, it get a great deal of hope that should one of my pets become ill with a serious and difficult to manage condition, that there is a ray of sunshine on the horizon. Cody's story is just one of many innovative treatments which are being explored by progressive veterinarians around the country. Coty, a very active and robust Alaskan Husky living in Richmond, Utah, got hit hard with degenerative arthritis. His owner, Dan Miller said it was hard to watch his dog, once capable of 40 mile runs lose mobility. He said, "Painkillers never really seemed to make a difference, at least in her stride, the limp in her stride." She was treated with the many standard arthritis medications available, including glucosamine and acupuncture, but nothing seemed to help her to really make any significant progress. Mr. Miller was, of course was quite devastated with apparent options to help his beloved dog. But that was when North Logan vet Dr. James Israelsen of the Mountain View Veterinary Health Clinic came to the rescue, suggesting stem cell treatment as a possible alternative. And since the procedure was very expensive, Dr. Israelsen even offered to perform the treatment at cost in order to cover his clinic's expenses, and payments to the Vet-Stem of San Diego. On March 16, 2009, Dr. Israelsen removed about 60 grams of fat from Coty. He shipped the material to Vet-Stem, in a specially prepared temperature-controlled container. Vet-Stem then extracted stem cells from the dog's fat, shipping them back to Dr. Israelsen's clinic. Dr. Israelsen then injected the cells right into Coty's elbow, the joint that was affected. This process took about three days to perform. According to Mr. Miller, although Cody is not yet showing any signs of progress so far, Dr. Israelsen says that this is not uncommon. He says it may take between one and three months from the time of the injection for improvement to become evident. Dr. Israelsen is indeed a pioneer in the field of veterinary stem-cell treatment, as most practitioners use more traditional drugs and therapies, many of which have been used for humans over the years. And if it works on Cody, perhaps his success will open many doors for human treatment as well. So you bet I will be doing a heck of a lot of research online shortly to learn of any updates about Cody's progress. How do you feel about non-traditional treatments for pets? Leave a comment with your opinion. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/stem-cell-treatment-for-arthri.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/stem-cell-treatment-for-arthri.php Dogs Arthritis Blogs Mon, 04 May 2009 10:31:33 -0500 I love receiving gifts! When the UPS man delivers packages to the front door, generally I know what products I have ordered, but the other day a mysterious box appeared. I had no idea what was in this cardboard box. The only clue was the return label marked "entirelypets.com". What in the world did this package contain? My curiosity piqued, I could hardly wait to open it! I don't know about your cats, but I have, on several occasions, caught our two kitties surfing the Internet. Of course, since they are predators by nature they enjoy hunting! New cat products are of particular interest. While reading is not their strong suit, they sure can recognize a cat toy that strongly appeals. In fact, I suspect that my two fur kids are gifted with a special form of feline only E.S.P (extra sensory purrception). Since Mother's Day is around the corner, my two delightful felines obviously thought that the name of the holiday was "Mouser's Day", and since I have not been blessed with human children, the cats took pity on me and found me a present. Of course, logically this gift was based upon the research they undertook to ensure that I would enjoy playing with this intriguing toy as much as they would. I am sure they must have secretly planned hours of uninterrupted play time with this new gadget. Bless their little furry hearts! They bought "us" an Undercover Mouse! I quickly assembled it, and placing it on the floor, I immediately turned on the power. Driven by three AA batteries (not included), the little mouse tail hiding under the bright yellow plastic sleeve ran around in circles at varying speeds, tantalizing my cats unlike any other toy they have in their collection. I was mesmerized and overjoyed that they were having so much fun. This toy is not one that will soon become boring! Since we have developed a real fondness for the Undercover Mouse, my cats have pleaded with me to spread the word by writing this short review. Hubble and Hush Puppy are lovingly reaching out to all kitties who enjoy Internet access and who may be carefully purrusing the optimum "Mouser's Day" present. They said, "Rest assured, fellow felines, this toy will be a huge hit in your home. Just make sure that you order spare tail and feather wands with your order to keep the fun going." To have a first paw experience of the toy, watch this short video. We think it will clinch the deal! Have you noticed any unusual charges on your credit cards lately? Just ask your kitties about them; They may give you one of those "Cheshire Cat" smiles. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/happy-mousers-day-fabulous-cat.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/05/happy-mousers-day-fabulous-cat.php Dogs Blogs Cats Fri, 01 May 2009 09:42:08 -0500 There is something about the "Dogtown" series, aired weekly on National Graphic TV, which I find to be incredibly moving and compelling. I look forward to each new weekly episode which features individual heartwarming stories about "unadoptable" dogs rescued from horrendous circumstances and caringly rehabilitated so they may hopefully have a second chance at finding a new and forever loving home. Some of these dogs were a group of Pit Bulls rescued from Michael Vick's dog fighting establishment. Some were dogs lost or abandoned during hurricanes and other natural disasters and some are just strays, roaming city streets in desperate need of food, shelter and medical care. Some were dogs languishing in animal shelters, scheduled for euthanasia, deemed unadoptable due to advanced age, or unacceptable behavioral issues. Dogtown's mission is to "protect and serve our animal friends, including pets of all sorts." During the hour show, which goes by all too quickly, not only do we get to meet some of the wonderful canine residents, we are also able to observe their progress. I am always highly impressed with the methods the trainers use which patiently reestablishes trust in humans.. Each dog is individually assessed and handled with the goal of placement in a permanent home when the dog is ready. Those dogs which are emotionally damaged too deeply to be safely placed will of course have a forever home at Dogtown. Viewers will get deeply involved in the material presented. You will laugh, you will cry and you will get downright angry at times. I highly recommend this series, not only for dog lovers, but for anyone who is passionate about animals and who cares about their welfare. I highly recommend the Dogtown series. Friday, May 1 is the third episode in the series. The show features Chico, a Border Collie Mix with strong prey drive. Trainer John Garcia takes on a highly challenging project with this unpredictable dog. Airtime is Friday Nights 10:00 PM EDT. Check your schedules for local broadcasting times. Read more about the show at: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/dogtown/all/Overview and http://www.bestfriends.org/dogtown/ If you miss an episode you can catch up at http://www.bestfriends.org/dogtown/index.cfm?csid=2759&csii=3725&csit=Set Watch clips of the show at: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/dogtown/4099/Overview?source=link_bfs_20#tab-Videos/06594_00 Has my description of the show inspired you to watch? Leave a comment and let us know. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/04/review-dogtown-a-series-with-a.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/04/review-dogtown-a-series-with-a.php Dogs Blogs Dogs Pit Bull Rescue Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:04:39 -0500 You may think that I am a bit "around the bend" when you read this item further, but please lend me a sympathetic ear. I am in desperate search of some support from my fellow feline fans, as my pressing need is good night's sleep. It has been ages since the great god Hypnos has bestowed upon me the gift of slumber, and I have actually forgotten the last time I had a night of undisturbed, blissful unconsciousness. So what is at the root of my insomnia? It is time to point my finger at our lilac point Oriental Short hair, Hush Puppy. I lie awake wondering what kind of mischief he is up to when he is not snuggled close beside me at night. I know he is scheming to get me, and as I toss and turn, beads of sweat dribble down my forehead. It is certainly not a pleasant sight. His goal is to get his "kneads" met and since he has a long attention span, if I don't pay attention to him when he wants it, I am in store for a very unpleasant battle of wills. Hush Puppy's all-time favorite trick is to continuously and vigorously pounce upon my top sheet, until I begrudgingly succumb to his urgent need to play, or to be petted. With his voluminous purr roaring in my ear, and his paw delicately patting my nose, it is really difficult to resist his invitations. I try; but I am never successful. Even if I manage to drop off to dreamland, Hush Puppy will grant me a brief respite but the moment day breaks he insists on being fed . . . after all it is breakfast time for a hungry feline. I lay back momentarily, wondering if a feline-oriented time zone has been discovered. Hush Puppy doesn't care either way. However, I am certain that I am not alone with this dawning dilemma and there are folks here in cyber-space who has similar sob stories to tell. In fact, I was delighted to find this compelling little video made by Simonscat that proves that my melodrama is not unique. So I am sure you will get a giggle out of it, as you identify with the haggard human subjected to his cat's demands. This is the epitome of Demando Cat in action. "A hungry cat resorts to increasingly desperate measures to wake its sleeping owner." What do you do to ensure yourself a full night's sleep? Leave a comment and please help me out here! http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/04/demando-cat-to-sleep-or-purrch.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/04/demando-cat-to-sleep-or-purrch.php Dogs Behavior Blogs Cats Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:41:50 -0500 Your puppy is hiccupping frequently and you are getting worried. Of course as a puppy "mom" repeated hiccups can be alarming. This being said however, it is generally normal behavior in a puppy. Hiccups can begin right after eating a meal, but can occur anytime and can persist for a few minutes. Hiccups are caused by an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm which causes an intake of air which is stopped suddenly when the glottis closes. The diaphragm is a muscle which separates the abdomen from the chest, and enables the lungs to breathe in air. When the diaphragm contracts, air is drawn in quickly but the glottis, a part of the "voice box" cuts the air off. Of course if a puppy or even an adult dog hiccups and regurgitates their food on a regular basis, this is a red flag signal to make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. For a puppy, hiccups without regurgitation are generally not a sign for alarm. However, regurgitation, which is the act of suddenly upchucking undigested food or water with hardly any effort by the dog. Vomiting on the other hand requires heaving, wrenching and abdominal activity and it generally takes more time and effort on the part of the dog. Frequent Regurgitation after eating in puppies can be caused by abnormalities of the esophagus which may be the result of a birth defect that may require surgical intervention. An interesting theory about hiccups postulates that they are "an evolutionary remnant of earlier amphibian respiration". If the theory is correct, hiccups may be associated to neurological pathways in immature animals, but it is assumed that as these pathways are replaced in adulthood and hiccups should decrease as the animals mature. What amazes me is that there are some folks who think that hiccupping puppies are so cute that they have actually gone out of their way to capture these antics on video. Watch this video of an adorable gently hiccupping Rottweiler puppy uploaded to YouTube by Louiouise. Did you ever see a puppy or dog hiccupping? Leave a comment and let us know. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/04/puppy-hiccups-are-they-normal.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/04/puppy-hiccups-are-they-normal.php Dogs Behavior Blogs Dogs Puppy Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:13:20 -0500 There is nothing quite like a group of avid cat fanciers getting together socially. Of course the conversation always turns to our kitties and a lively discussion ensues as quickly as you can say "meow." We are always on the fast track talking about the newest developments in the field of feline veterinary medicine, the hottest new toys on the market, and popular new products to entertain our cats designed to enrich their environment, and of course, comparing litter boxes, litter and that controversial subject; dry cat food vs. canned. So in an attempt to find out which foods were more nutritious and healthier for my kitties, I decided it was time to get the latest "scoop" by doing my research. The first thing I did was to ask my veterinarian for her opinion, going to the "horse's mouth", so to speak. When she told me that while she was in veterinary school, as far as education in the field of feline nutrition was concerned, what she told me surprised and somewhat alarmed me. You may find this hard to believe, but in her school's curriculum, only one day was devoted to the subject. And most of that was provided by a pet food manufacturer's representative to ensure that their products adorned the shelves of veterinarians entering into the field. Since she is really smart and skilled in the art of feeding kitties, I asked her what she had to do to educate herself about this fascinating and highly important aspect of feline care. She replied that she reads a lot of articles written by experts in the field, and does considerable research on the Internet. And I have to tell you that she has given me some excellent suggestions over the years about the most appropriate cat foods and most importantly, what makes these cat foods so crucial to keep my cats well fed and healthy. Since cats are obligate carnivores and require meat as the primary mainstay in their diet, we decided that it would be best to switch them over to an all meat feed. Cats do not digest vegetable protein easily and carbohydrates are difficult as well. Most dry food contains 30-50% carbohydrates so it makes sense to feed moist food which has meat as the primary ingredient, contains no grain or by-products to be the most effective diet. For cats addicted to dry food, however, there are now a few products on the market that contain no grain. My cats are thriving on an all meat diet, with far fewer episodes of digestive upset. They also maintain their "boyish" figures and are a perfect weight. And no more finicky behavior lets me know that meal times are a delight at our house. To read more about the moist food vs. dry food debate, visit "article Feeding Your Cat: Know the Basics of Feline Nutrition" by Lisa Pierson, DVM, an expert in the field of feline nutrition. http://catinfo.org/index.htm Do you feed dry, canned, semi-moist, a combination? Leave a comment and share your results. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/04/wet-vs-dry-the-great-cat-food.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/04/wet-vs-dry-the-great-cat-food.php Dogs Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:35:36 -0500 California, here we come!" . . . Concerned animal lovers may be inspired to sing this popular song as the great Golden State does it again . . . coming up with a novel solution to help animals in shelters that desperately need forever homes, and the folks who are planning to adopt them. And if this bill passes and is successful in its intent, perhaps the rest of the country will follow suit which will help both needy pets and the people care about them. "Assemblyman, Cameron Smyth is suggesting a creative pet-loving solution to the burgeoning government-run animal shelters in the state. He recently introduced a bill designed to both help the economy through tax breaks and hopefully raise the numbers of pet adoptions from these overcrowded animal shelters. This proposed tax deduction will be offered to anyone who rescues an orphaned animal from a government run shelter. The proposed bill is Assembly Bill 233, and if it passes, a write-off of $100 adoption fees will be granted. In California, presently the average pet adoption fee is between $100 and $150. By helping to defray the cost of feeding and housing homeless animals, and to inspire folks to adopt pets from shelters, in my opinion, Assemblyman Smyth has come up with an excellent win-win solution with this bill. Here are some statistics from an article I read the other day about this proposed bill: *California takes-in 800,000 homeless pets annually. *The state pays out $250 million to care for the animals. *The proposed tax deduction would cost the state $1 million which would enable the program to pay for itself after the first 800 adoptions. Bill 233 seems to me to be a far more appropriate plan than Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposal to *add* a tax for pet-owners. Considered to be a "luxury tax" Governor Schwarzenegger's plan would tax services for pets, including veterinary care. This just doesn't seem fair to me at all. This is simply penalizing pet owners for taking good care of their pets. On the other hand, critics of the proposed bill are concerned whether this tax write-off will be sufficient to stimulate pet adoptions from shelters. Since the income tax in California ranges from 1 to 10.3 % the actual amount of the suggested write off of $100 would reach a maximum of only $10.30, which doesn't really make a viable dent in the expenses incurred from owning a cat or dog. However California animal welfare and rescue organizations support Assemblyman Smyth's proposed Bill 233, since he has demonstrated his own personal concern for shelter pets by promoting shelter pet adoptions, and organizing an adopt-a-thon at the Capitol buildings in Sacramento. It certainly appears that his heart is definitely in the right place. At least he is paving the way for some financial relief, and acknowledging the importance of the role that pets can play in the lives of humans. If I were a Californian, he would sure get my vote! Do you think this is a workable plan? Would you be more willing to adopt a pet from a shelter if you received a tax write-off? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/04/adopt-a-shelter-pet-get-a-tax.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/04/adopt-a-shelter-pet-get-a-tax.php Dogs Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:42:43 -0500 A few weeks ago, while answering questions in an internet cat community, one in particular jumped off the page since I so strongly identified with the asker. Her question: "I like the smell of my cat; please tell me I'm not the only one". I had to chuckle and reminisce for awhile before I could answer. So once again I am going "public". For years I had been keeping a deep dark secret! I was far too embarrassed to share about what I considered to be a very strange habit. I was hiding the fact that I secretly sniffed my cats. Now you may think that this is a bit bizarre, but once I discovered that our Oriental Shorthairs, Hush Puppy and Hubble, have a "nutty" scent, quite different and unique from other cats I have sniffed, I was doomed. I am a habituated "sniffer." I carefully hid this truth for ages concerning my sniffing addiction. But one night, when my cat Hubble seriously injured himself and needed an immediate trip to a veterinary emergency clinic, while the doc was treating him, we started to talk about our cats. I felt sufficiently comfortable to bite the bullet and I shyly shared that I sniff my cats and how much I enjoyed their scent. She laughed and told me that she preferred chewing her cat's ears to sniffing. Since I had never considered that possibility, the next day, I sneakily nibbled on Hush Puppy's ears, and discovered that his ears were in fact, "tasty". But I must warn readers there is a downside to gentle ear chewing; they may become rather soggy if one overindulges. "Moderation in all things", is my motto. Emboldened, since my "confession" was not ridiculed by the ER vet, I became more courageous. It was about time for me to take the next step; checking out with other cat people if they also indulged in cat sniffing. Initially cautious at first, I began asking my cat-loving buddies if they ever sniffed their cats or nibbled on their ears. I was rather amazed and felt totally liberated when I learned that lots of folks enjoyed sniffing and nibbling. Since people were forthcoming and honest, sharing little tidbits of information comparing our sniffing and nibbling techniques, a group of online friends who were avid sniffers and nibblers began networking. It was rewarding to watch how this group was growing, as folks freely admitted how much they enjoyed these small acts of love directed toward their cats. It soon became evident that there was a need to organize a cat sniffer's chat where folks who might still be "closet" sniffers could gather and feel less isolated. One of the most ardent sniffers and I decided to initiate a Friday evening "Sniffer" chat. We were astounded by the number of folks who showed up in the room, with most everyone attending in a "sniffer" screen name. Of course I took the name "Troublesniffer." The chat was a huge hit! I wish there was another Sniffer chat available. Who "nose" though...? Someone might just jump on in and start gathering a group of devoted sniffers and nibblers again. I sure hope that an enthusiastic cat sniffing purrson may be sufficiently inspired to step up to the plate. How do you feel about cat sniffing and nibbling? Please leave a comment and share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/04/confessions-of-a-cat-sniffer.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/04/confessions-of-a-cat-sniffer.php Dogs Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:14:03 -0500 While most cities and small towns have stringent laws about picking up after our dogs while walking them in public areas, there is a huge amount of doggie poop which is not properly disposed of is a health hazard and, of course very unappealing. While at one time dog poop was not considered to be a major danger to our health, (with the exception of specific bacteria which causes a disease called Toxicarias), scientists have now retracted this assessment and warn people to be very cautious and careful in disposing doggie doo. Some folks allow their dogs to run freely on public and private beaches which, as bacterial levels rise and tides roll in, those levels may even force lifeguards to forbid folks from going into the water. Storm drains which frequently spill into the water supply may contain E-coli, Salmonella, Giardia and fecal Coliform bacteria. Dog poop often sullies our parks and other public areas designed for recreation and all in all this is a rather disgusting and very unsanitary situation. Of course, this is not at all ecologically sound for humans or other living creatures. Blizzard, a Hungarian Sheepdog, using "industrial strength" pooper scooper So what do we do with all this excess poo? Some horticulturally minded folks mix dog poop into worm farms as a fertilizer, but this formula is not considered to be appropriate for vegetable patches. It can work for shrubs, trees and other garden plants. Far better is horse or cow manure, which can be purchased at any gardening store. What about a "Doggie Loo?" An excellent alternative to burying doggie doo in your gardens or just putting it into a bin is to get a dog "toilet". You can get buckets designed with holes in the bottom. You simply place it in a convenient location on the ground on top of bed of stones, add a special enzyme which is designed to break down the raw material, and when the bucket is filled just pour water into it and the treated waste will simply flush away. Since there is no risk to your plants, you can just hide the bucket in your garden. If you can't find pre-made buckets, you can make one easily as described above. Just use an active enzyme drain cleaner product, made for septic systems. They only contain good bacteria and are not harmful or toxic. These products are available at hardware stores and supermarkets. If using pellets, use a teaspoon dissolved in water about once a month to keep the bacterial colony fresh and active. Most responsible dog owners carry plastic bags in which to dispose of their dog's solid waste. However these plastic bags are not degradable so are not "green". Happily, biodegradable/degradable bags are available designed to do the job effectively. With two types of 100% degradable dog waste bags which can be purchased though Animal Management Services. These bags, when exposed to light, heat or moisture will break down the waste. There are also products which contain micro-organisms as well. Another excellent product is the SkooperBox: This box is constructed with 100% recycled paper, starts out as flat, and contains a convenient leash clip. All you have to do when your dog does its business is to open the box, scoop the poop, and hang it back on the clip, and it is ready for you to dispose. You can learn more about SkooperBox by visiting their website at http://www.skooperbox.com/ What are some suggestions you can add to help keep our environment green during dog-walking sessions? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/04/canine-waste-management-keepin.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/04/canine-waste-management-keepin.php Dogs Blogs Dog Green Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:39:00 -0500 During the many years I have been owned by cats, I have had several occasions to need to ship them by air, or carried onboard with me to fly in the cabin. The last time I flew with a kitty, was on September 14, 2001. We made reservations several weeks in advance, and abided by the airline regulations for the size of the carrier. Unfortunately, the seat to which I was assigned was next to a woman who was allergic to cats. Trust me... it was not a pleasant experience to be switched from seat to seat. I always worried when I had to ship a cat for breeding, or was receiving a kitty from a far off location where personal handling was not possible. I was anxious about the quality of care my cats would receive, even though I insured every cat for the maximum amount. Since I had heard blood curdling gloom and doom stories about lost cats and cats escaping from carriers, missing at the airports, I did not rest until my cats were once again safely in my arms. Shipping a cat in the cargo bay of an airplane can be a very anxiety provoking experience. So you can imagine how interested I was the other day to read about Pet Airways, a new carrier that flies pets and only pets. Their advertising reads, "With Pet Airways your pet will be safe and comfortable, flying in the main cabin, not in cargo. From check-in at our Pet Lounge, and throughout the flight, our Pet Attendants will be caring and catering to all your pet's needs. You can even monitor how your pet is doing." I consider this to be the "Cat's meow" and a "doggie delight" if one can afford this height of luxurious pet travel. Pet Airways is a Delray Beach based company, launching its service on July 14, 2009 and plans to start their operation with dogs and cats only. Their service opens with flights between regional airports in New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles. The company claims that it is the first all pet airline. The company is using commuter planes operated by Suburban Airlines. According to founder and executive vice president, Alysa Binder, "the average fare will be about $250 each way, noting that will vary on pet sizes and needs." Considering fares that two of the major carriers serving the Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach airports charge; Delta Airlines fees are $150 each way for carry-on pets, and $275 each way to carry pets in the cargo hold and United Airlines round trip cabin fees are $350.00. So Pet Airway's fees are not that far out of line considering the specialized services they provide. I am interested to learn how successful this company will be after they have spread their wings, so to speak. However it appears there is an overwhelming interest in this new company's alternative travel service. When I attempted to visit their website, I received this message, "We've been bitten by such a high demand of traffic and reservations that our system is currently over capacity. If you would like to make a reservation, send an email to reservations@petairways.com. We apologize for the inconvenience and our site should be back up shortly." If you were planning to transport your pet, would you consider flying your furry friend with a pet-only provider? Leave a comment to share your thoughts. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/04/pet-airways-friendlier-skies-f.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/04/pet-airways-friendlier-skies-f.php Dogs Blogs Travel Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:43:38 -0500 Petside is celebrating "Green is Universal" this week, so let's gather round for a discussion about one of our "favorite" topics; litter and litter boxes. With the wide variety of brands and types of litter available, there are many kinds of litters which will help keep our environment pristine and are completely "Earth friendly". So if you are "Green" conscious and looking for ways to "chip in "why not help by protecting our planet, and go the extra mile. Get onboard and use degradable cat litter! Did you know there are a few products that can be used in your garden as mulch or add a decorative touch around your shrubs? If I have captured your attention, read on! Years ago, before I was aware of the carbon paw prints which the litter I was using was creating, my favorite litter was made of clay. Inexpensive and readily available, (in fact I purchased tons of the stuff through my local auto repair shop, which was used to absorb oil spills), until I learned that clay litter was not only was a hazard to the environment, our cats, and humans, since the silicon particles which it contains is very dusty, but also that clay litter is manufactured using Strip Mining, a process which is very destructive to the environment. Heavy equipment used in Strip mining, removes a thin layer of the earth in order to "mine" a seam of clay. Strip mining destroys thousands of acres of land by removing millions of tons of soil. According to an article I read, "native lands are acquired with leaseholders kicked off their land so that these mining companies can get to it." This doesn't sound appealing no matter how cheap it is! So what are alternatives to clay litters? I began an exhaustive search to find the purrfect litter for our cats. I immediately ruled out those brands impregnated with perfume designed to hide obnoxious odors. Most cats abhor them. I tried pellets made of recycled newspaper, but my cats objected. I offered litter made from straw pellets, which also received an immediate "paws down." I was about to pull my hair out in frustration, until I found a brand made of cedar shavings! Our cats purred contentedly, and the deal maker was that I could scoop up the solid waste and dump the box directly into the woods or around my garden for mulch. Additionally, after the shavings were dry, I used it decoratively around our shrubs. This made for a real win-win situation. But after attending a cat show where a demonstration of corn kernel based litter was being held, I was really impressed with its clumping qualities, and that it was both septic safe and flushable. I purchased a package, and gave it a test drive with a spare litter box. My cats were thrilled! They far preferred it to the cedar litter, which saved me time and energy with no reason for further dumping! I was also impressed with how fresh the litter remained with prudent scooping. I have been using it for almost ten years now. While I have never tried the other alternatives, they are made from Kenaf plant pellets manufactured from a fast growing hibiscus plant and products made from cellulose fiber A word about litter boxes: We use Clevercat brand. This large, tall box has an optional cover with an off- center hole. The top has ridges which help to remove litter from cat's paws; a handy addition. The boxes are easy to keep clean and since they are ruggedly constructed they last forever! Since my two neutered boys are macho at times, standing up in the box to pee does not result in a huge mess which other boxes may cause. We know live with two happy cats who make no complaints about their bathroom facilities. What "Earth friendly" cat litter do you use? Leave a comment and let us know. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/04/litter-litter-everywhere--lets.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/04/litter-litter-everywhere--lets.php Dogs Blogs Cats Green Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:28:36 -0500 One of the best things about being owned by a cat is the delight we experience when playing with them. I get such a kick out of hanging out with my kitties using interactive toys. Not only do my cats get a workout, but so do I. Often I get tired of playing far more quickly than they do. One of their favorite toys is the "Feline Flyer". With feathers connected with a hefty piece of string to a "fishing pole" wand, a short chain connects them. The toy perfectly mimics a bird in flight, both in sound and motion. My cats leap into the air with such determination and accuracy which I suspect would have even made Rudolf Nureyev jealous of their talent. It is indeed a breathtaking sight to watch them as they attempt to catch the unsuspecting avian. These toys are available at any large pet store and are quite cost effective. Feather replacements are available and one should keep several on hand, since cats often catch them in their mouths which ultimately diminish their flight capability. Of course any toy involving string should be stored where your cats can't get to it when you're not around to supervise. However, my cats remember my hiding place, therefore when I open my dresser drawer where I stow the toy and they go into "hunt" mode immediately, waiting for the fun to begin. Warning: These toys are highly addictive to cats! For your viewing pleasure, watch this charming video uploaded to YouTube by Lnt999. Since he is using a real fishing pole, he added this important cautionary note, "This is a cheap fishing rod, with the fishing line taken off and replaced by thicker string used in the construction of vertical blinds, with a feather on the end. I suppose you could use any toy really. The beauty of it is that you can then "Cast" the toy as far as you want, for extra fun. And you can "Reel it in" too. Hours of fun with this! DON'T USE FISHING LINE WITH YOUR CAT, IT'S DANGEROUS!!! Do you use "Flyers" or other interactive toys with your cats? Leave a comment and share. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/04/fishing-for-fun-interactive-ca.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/04/fishing-for-fun-interactive-ca.php Dogs Blogs Cats Play Toys Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:14:34 -0500 Throughout history, people have both worshipped and hated cats. It appears that cats can cause powerful positive emotions as well as negative ones. This being said, while surfing the internet the other day, I was rather excited to run across a blog on the Internet titled, "The Progressive Egyptian" devoted to the celebration of modern life and preparation for the cats' inevitable return to power. It seems I am not alone in my worship of the cat. In fact, I consider myself one who venerates and adore the feline species. I am drawn to cats not only for their beauty and grace, but because they are so darned honest. Cats always tell us "like it is", and I have yet to meet a "two faced" kitty. In fact, I think of cats as spiritual beings who have a great deal to teach us about unconditional love, gentleness and peaceful coexistence. My husband and I are blessed to share our home and heart with Hush Puppy, a nine year old lilac point Oriental Shorthair who is extremely intelligent who teaches us how to live in moment. The only thing that bothers him are sudden, unexpected loud noises, which sends him flying through the house in an eye blink moving in a mauve colored blur. But after a few moments of self-composure, he comes back to join us, curling up, purring his heart out. In fact, since most of the time he so very emotionally well- balanced, we consider him to be a feline bodhisattva; one whose essence is enlightenment. This is a being that compassionately refrains from entering nirvana in order to save others. The bodhisattva is a being worshipped as a deity in Mahayana Buddhism. Hush Puppy Admiring Himself However, Hush Puppy while a truly enlightened kitty has one major flaw; he is vain. We are not sure why he seems to get so much pleasure from sitting in front of our bedroom mirror, sometimes for several minutes appearing to admire himself. My husband refers to it as "voguing", but I am not so sure that this is what he is really doing. I suspect that his apparent self-adoration may be vanity, but purrhaps this behavior has a deeper meaning. It is indeed a mystery to me. When he catches us watching him, he immediately turns away from the mirror and walks away. At first I thought this was a coincidence, but after observing his behavior several times, I had to believe that he was embarrassed and became very shy. Of course we enjoy the degree of his apparent self love, and make no judgment. But it may be that he is giving us the opportunity to learn about acceptance and compassion, or he is mirroring his love back to us. What do you think? Do cats actually do see their reflection in mirrors? Leave a comment with your ideas and experiences. http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/04/question-for-cat-lovers-is-van.php http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/04/question-for-cat-lovers-is-van.php Dogs Behavior Blogs Cats Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:01:30 -0500 April is designated as "Pet First-Aid Month". The American Animal Hospital Association, (AAHA) states that 1-out-of-4 pets would survive an accident or illness if we, as pet owners are familiar with and capable of providing first aid when necessary. If we are able to render first aid to an injured pet, prior to getting emergency veterinary assistance, we can make a huge difference in the outcome which may save our pet's life. It is crucial for us to be familiar and confident with basic first aid. If we are able to keep a cool head, we are far more likely to be able to administer the care our pets need. Since our pets can "read" our emotions they are more likely to remain calm as well. Animals easily pick up on our anxiety and become more stressed. It is essential to keep on hand, in a convenient location, a well stocked first aid kit which is dedicated only for our pets. I personally prefer pre-packaged first aid kits, which are available for sale at pet stores, or at some veterinary clinics. There are a wide variety of pre-packaged first aid kits available on the Internet. They contain the essentials and it is far easier to restock items when you already have a basic kit prepared as materials are used. There is nothing more anxiety-provoking than having to find a roll of gauze, gauze pads or adhesive tape in an emergency