ANIMAL CONNECTION

Archive for the ‘Companion Animals’ Category

These days we hear about more and more people leaving their pets behind as they leave their homes.  It’s even harder to think about during the holiday season.  Some people will find reasons to leave an animal behind; relocation, financial issues, divorce, more responsibility for an older animal….and the list goes on.  For some, that is not an option.  They will lose everything but they will never leave their beloved pet behind.  The animal is the only thing that keeps them going in this crazy, unpredictable world.  It is called unconditional love and it’s an emotional bond of loyalty.  We all search for it when most of the time it is right in front of us, our pet.  The tragic part is that these pets don’t choose their owners.

It is estimated, by the National Coalition for the Homeless, that 3.5 million people are homeless.  Between 5% to 10% of homeless people have dogs and/or cats. In some areas of the country the rate is as high as 24%.  Most people who experience homelessness are homeless for a short period of time, and usually need help finding housing or a rent subsidy.   Unfortunately for those with pets it becomes more difficult.  Many are forced to choose between their pet or a roof over their head.

Picture this, a well dressed woman walks up to a homeless man and gives him a bag of fast food on her way to work.  The man has been sitting on the sidewalk in the same spot for weeks, he looks up and says “God bless you.”  The woman nods and walks away but not before she turns to see him open the bag and remove a burger, take a bite and give the rest to his dog.   This scene is probably something that goes on more often than we would like to think.

There is an organization I found out about called “Feeding Pets of the Homeless”.   They provide medical care and food for pets that belong to the homeless and the disadvantaged.  They do this by teaming up with Veterinarians and pet related businesses in different areas of the country.  They’ll do talks in communities about this issue and work with food distributing organizations about the importance of including pet food.  They also have collection sites across the U.S. and Canada.  These sites are clinics, hospitals, businesses, storefronts and nonprofits that understand the human/animal bond. They work hand in hand with the food pantries and food kitchens, so the animals can be fed as well as the homeless.  They also provide grants to licensed Veterinarians and other nonprofit organizations.  You can email them at: info@petsofhomeless.org for more information and an application.

Please, go to their website and see if there is a collection site in your area.  If not, please think about starting one for the animals and people in need.  Feeding Pets of the Homeless is available to help.  This is a hard time for everyone, animal and human.  It takes a lot of courage, and love, for these people in need to stand by their pet, literally.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

I have a friend who sent me a video of a new born kitten she found.  It was barely alive and was covered with fleas, ticks and hungry.  She brought it home and nursed it back to health.  She will be taking it to the veterinarian this week.  My friend owns a Pit Bull.  When the kitten and the Pit Bull met they clicked.  She took some footage of the interaction.  Keep in mind that her dog is NOT nursing but was willing to allow this kitten to enjoy what she had to offer anyway.  My friend also has a young daughter.  The child and dog get along very well together

Please Enjoy This Video

This is an example of how loving the Pit Bull really is.  I decided to do a piece on this breed.  I have found that a lot of people have no idea about this dog.  If you say, “Pit Bull” most people become fearful and think of fighting and danger.  Until the Mike Vick incident, a lot of people never realized how common fighting rings are in communities across the U.S.  I assume it is the same in other countries.

Here are the names of people you might know, who have all owned Pit Bulls:

Jessica Alba,  Fred Astaire,  Jessica Biel,  Mel Brooks,  Adam Brody,  Linda Blair,  Humphrey Bogart,  Jack Dempsy,  Thomas Edison,  Kevin Federline,  Jamie Foxx,  Michael J. Fox,  Ken Howard,  Jesse James (West Coast Choppers),  Helen Keller,  Ann Bancroft,  Pink,  Madonna,  Bernadette Peters,  George Patton,  Brad Pitt,  Joey Porter,  Rachael Ray,  Theodore Roosevelt,  Jon Stewart,  Alicia Silverstone,  Sinbad,  Usher, Jan Michael Vincent.

What Is A Pit Bull?

The purebred American Pit Bull is America’s greatest working dog.  They have their roots in “Olde England”, where butchers specifically bred “gripping dogs” for use in controlling bulls and cattle. No other breed had (or has) the courage and determination to stick to the dangerous task of controlling a mad bull. The dog’s desire to complete the task of holding the bull often saved his master and other humans. In the middle ages, there were no guns or easy means to control a bull.  These dogs were highly prized and carefully bred heroes.

These bull dogs (not to be confused with the modern AKC show version “bulldog”) were used in exhibition contests against bulls called bull baiting. When bull baiting was outlawed in the 1800′s, bulldogs were contested against each other, seeing which dog had the determination and drive to keep at the task in the face of pain, fatigue and even death. Because two handlers and a referee were in the pit with the dogs, the breed was selected for amazing stability; a calm, friendly manner with people….even under extreme pressure. Dogs which lashed out at humans, even strangers, while fighting or in pain were not tolerated.

The pit bull’s athletic build and legendary determination to get the job done makes him a perfect candidate for detection work. Nothing deters him, heat, cold, fatigue, etc.  If drugs or explosives are there, the Pit Bull will find them. It’s in his nature.

Today’s American Pit Bull

The American Pit Bull has a strong pleasure to please. They have more human emotional response than any other breed that exists today.  By no means are these dogs people-haters or people-eaters. Their natural aggressive tendencies are toward other dogs and animals, not people.  If they are trained properly they are not aggressive with other dogs or animals either.

The pit bull enjoyed wide popularity during the period of 1840 – 1950 as a family pet and farm dog. At the turn of the last century, the pit bull was one of the most popular of dogs.  Pete the Pup on the Little Rascals Our Gang comedies was a purebred, registered American pit bull.

The Pit Bull is a good-natured, amusing, extremely loyal and affectionate family pet, which is good with children and adults. Almost always obedient, it is always eager to please its master. It is an extremely courageous and intelligent guard dog that is very full of vitality. Highly protective of his owners and the owner’s property, it will fight an enemy to the death. It is usually very friendly, but has an uncanny ability to know when it needs to protect and when everything is okay. They are generally okay with other pets if they are raised with them from puppy hood.  They are not good match with every owner.  They need to know who is boss in the house.  If someone is meek and lets the dog take over, and doesn’t know how to discipline properly, the dog will think it’s the owner.

The Pit Bull has been exploited by back yard breeders, criminals, dog fighters and others who abuse the breed’s amazing strengths for their own selfish gain. The press encourages fear and hysteria because fear sells.  In addition to the Mick Vick incident, whenever someone is hurt by a strong, broad, short haired dog it is reported that the breed was a Pit Bull.  In reality, the dogs might be another breed that looks very similar to a Pit Bull because of their build.

Professional dog trainers, and those who know the breed, understand that the properly bred and raised Pit Bull is one of the sweetest dogs with people.  Although, most Pit Bulls will not back down from a challenge from another dog.

Pit Bulls don’t see strangers as a threat or “the enemy”. Each person is a “new best friend”! This makes them ideal for those situations where a non-threatening dog is required.

Why We Use Pit Bulls

With Homeland Security concerns elevated, the need for explosives and narcotics detection dogs for law enforcement is increasing. There are programs that connect cops with outstanding working dogs – many of whom might otherwise be euthanized for lack of a home.

Because they are a “fad breed” right now, there are literally thousands of pit bulls being euthanized in American shelters every week. There simply aren’t enough homes, and breeders keep breeding to make money. Many of the Pt Bulls are being used adopted from shelters and used as working dogs with police and military.

Taxpayers should know about these issues. Find out if police departments in your area utilize free, or low cost, animals before they spend several thousand on an untrained “green” dog from Europe or a dog vendor.  There is a myth that there is a shortage of good detection dogs in America. This is simply not true. It is time people became aware of this breed and others in this country.  We should learn more about our own, American, working breed and use them accordingly.

Judy Landers, who is on my board of advisers, her two daughters (Lindsey and Kristy), as well as Judy’s husband, Tom Niedenfuer (retired, American Major League Baseball Pitcher) are all animal lovers.  Judy’s sister, Audrey Landers, and her mom, Ruth Landers, also love animals.  All of them have saved many animals over the years.  This is what they had to say when I asked them about their animals…..

They have one dog named Champ.  He is an 8 year old Collie who has been a loving Landers-Niederfuer family member for 71/2 years.  The most amazing thing about Champ is his sweet, gentle personality and sense of humor (along with his amazing looks).

Teddy is a 3 year old mixed breed who was adopted from the Sarasota Humane Society.  When they first saw him, he was so shy and stressed, he wouldn’t even come out to socialize.  If you raised your hand to pet him lovingly, he would cower to the ground in tear.  It was very clear that he had been as abused dog, but they knew that with all the love they could give him, they would turn his life around.  Now, Teddy has become the most loving, loyal dog they could ever imagine, and lives to snuggle and get hugs.

Sage is a baby Cockatoo (one of five birds that they have) who travels with them wherever they go.  At only 6 months, Sage is a seasoned traveler, having been to Hollywood over 10 times and New York City as well.

All the animals in the Lander-Niederfuer family are fed holistic pet food along with an organic, healthful, vegetarian concoction (that Judy prepares herself) of brown rice, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peas, garlic, olive oil and parmesan cheese.

Incidentally, other pets they have are: Princess Iggy, a 16 year old, 5 foot long Iguana.  Birds: Zorro, Mary-Kate and Ashley and Baby Spice.

They like the message of this show, helping animals all over the world, and are very supportive, in many ways.

Anyone in the Wisconsin area up for Greyhound adoption?

Dairyland Greyhound Racetrack in Kenosha, Wisconsin will be closing on December 31, 2009.

Up to 500 Greyhounds need to be adopted or they will be euthanized.

Please help me get the word out; there are only 6 weeks to get this task done.

Contact Joanne Kehoe, Operations Director, at (312) 559-0887, or contact the Dairyland Race Track Adoption Center direct at (262) 612-8256.
Please repost if you are in the area, THANKS!!

Florence Thuot, the 81-year-old director of Journeys End Animal Sanctuary. made a silent promise to the 300 handicapped and unwanted animals that found their way to her sanctuary: they would have a home for life.

They’ve been through enough, she says: the dog left in the Ocala National Forest with glaucoma so far advanced his eyes had to be removed; the tabby cat with feline AIDS who plays like a dog; the horse rescued from slaughter. Those who aren’t blind or disabled bear emotional scars from being handed off from home to home or left on the side of a highway.

“When they have experiences like that, they need to be secure for the rest of their lives,” said Thuot.

But with rising costs and donations way down from last year, Thuot often lies awake at night wondering how she can keep her word to her animals. The organization depends solely on donations, which have dropped off about 25 percent year over year, while expenses have risen about 35 percent, according to Karen Galles, a volunteer who handles the books.

Thuot has mortgaged her property twice and frequently transfers part of her Social Security check to the nonprofit’s account. But the monthly contributions regularly fall short of the bills.

To read more about this organization click on this link.

She would love advise on how to raise money or get supplies.  If you can help, please, contact her.  Donations may also be sent to Journey’s End at P.O. Box 220163, Glenwood, FL 32722.  This is her website.

This story touched me because I hope to be alive at this age.  I can’t imagine doing what she is doing!!  This is a hard time for everyone but I know we will all get through it, if we help each other!

Today I got some emails I wanted to share with you.

1. Did you know that November is “Go Vegan” month?

I, honestly, was not exactly sure what vegan meant.  I hear “vegan”, “vegetarian”, raw diet”, etc.  Because of this information,  I learned a lot more about being vegan.  I was aware of Georges Laraque, the NHL player,  who went vegan this summer to bring awareness to animal rights and issues.  I also knew that Portia De Rossi and Ellen Degeneres also became vegan earlier this year.  Until now I never really investigated it.  If you would like to learn more here is one website you can check out.  Vegan month.

2. November is also, National Pet Diabetes Awareness Month.

Today 50 percent of our pets are overweight or obese, which certainly can predispose them to developing diabetes. Both dogs and cats develop the same two types of diabetes seen in humans. The greater majority of dogs develop Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus where the body simply does not produce any insulin.

Most cats, on the other hand, develop Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. In cats the disease is due either to not producing enough insulin or an inability to utilize the insulin that is produced in the body — the same as Type 2 diabetes in humans.

Treating and caring for a diabetic pet takes a huge commitment in both time and dollars.  Initial symptoms of diabetes are excessive thirst and urination, possible sudden weight loss and frequent urinary tract infections. Lack of energy and listlessness also are on the list.

Be sure you take your pet to the vet at least once a year for a full physical.  Make sure it is, and stays, healthy!

3.  Here are some pictures a friend of mine took of some Javelina.. also known as Collared Peccary.   They are so cute I had to share them with you.  He had 14 of these critters come out from under his house a few weeks ago, with a couple of new born babies!!!
If you would like to learn more about these interesting animals just check out this link.

4.  This came from Judy Landers, one of my board members:

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we are working urgently to help stop the intense suffering of turkeys. Their situation is grave. The abuse they endure on factory farms is difficult to even imagine. Farm Sanctuary’s public awareness campaign to expose the hidden horrors of commercial turkey production, combined with our efforts to rescue and provide refuge to the victims of this cruel industry, are having an impact – opening hearts and minds and creating real change. But we need your help to expand our reach even further. Please help END the abuse.

5. ALSO…This Sunday night 60 Minutes will feature an unprecedented exposé on the factory farming of pigs in Australia which has been underpinned by an investigation conducted by Animals Australia.  You can learn more from this link.

6.Denmark is a big shame

The sea is stained in red and it’s not because of the climate effects of nature. It’s because of the cruelty that the human beings (civilised human) kill hundreds of the famous and intelligent Calderon dolphins. This happens every year in Faroe Island in Denmark. In this slaughter the main participants are young teens.
WHY?   To show that they are adults and mature….

In this big celebration, nothing is missing for the fun. Everyone is participating in one way or the other, killing or looking at the cruelty “supporting like a spectator”. Is it necessary to mention that the Calderon dolphin, like all the other species of dolphins, is near extinction and they get close to men to play and interact in a way of PURE friendship . They don’t die instantly; they are cut 1, 2 or 3 times with thick hooks. And at that time the dolphins produce a grim cry extremely compatible with the cry of a new born child. But he suffers and there’s no compassion till this sweet being slowly dies in its own blood.

MAKE THIS ATROCITY STOP NOW!

I took my ferret in for surgery this morning.  I realized, very late last night, I was not sure if she could have food or water?  If so, when do I stop it, or do I?  I got up early and searched the web.  I guess my veterinarian felt I had so much knowledge about ferrets that he didn’t have to remind me about this issue.  He was incorrect.  I found articles telling me that ferrets should eat and drink prior to surgery so they won’t crash.  Ferrets digest food quickly, that is why they eat every 3-4 hours.  I noticed that for other animals the preparations were different.  It seems that for dogs and cats you are not suppose to feed them after 9PM the night before or give them water after midnight.

Other things to consider:

1. Be sure your pet is cleaned because it might be awhile before you will be able to bathe it, clean ears, teeth, trim nails, etc.

2. Don’t let your animal do extensive exercise the day before.  You don’t want them to have sore muscles, they will already be sore from the surgery.

3. Clean the animal’s laundry so they come back to a nice, clean sleeping area.

4. Prepare an area for the animal to recuperate in a safe, quiet area.  They may not be able to climb into their normal area with stitches.

5. Be on time for the veterinarian.  You don’t want undue stress on them or yourself.  Also, don’t have emotional goodbyes.  Animals can pick up on your anxiety, if there is any.  You want them to stay as calm as possible.

I feel it is very important for people to talk with their veterinarians about the preparations that should be made prior to surgery, for their specific animal.  You want to be sure you have a successful surgery and easy recovery.  An example….my veterinarian gives his animals something called a “stress pack”.  It’s a powder and he likes the patient to take this at least 5 days prior to surgery and then after surgery.  He has found that animals using it are a lot stronger for the surgery and recover much faster afterwards.

Once your animal is home be sure to follow post-op instructions.  There may be medications that have to be taken at specific times, the veterinarian might want to see the patient in a certain number of days, etc.  If you have concerns about your animal once you get it home call your veterinarian!!!  They won’t mind and it’s better to be safe than sorry.  You are taking the time, and spending the money, to care for your animal.  Be sure you get the best outcome for them and yourself.

Please let us know your thoughts, comments, etc.

Do some people have connections with animals that are stronger than the ones they have with other humans?

There was an interesting show on ABC’s 20/20 this past Friday.  It got me thinking about this issue.  I know of several people, personally, who feel they have a better connection, and get more love, from their animals than they do with other humans.  Is that because of their personality?  Is it because of the way they were raised?  Are the animals they have are more loyal and loving than people?  What is the answer?

In the world today we seem to be drifting farther and farther apart from the people in our lives, yet we need them more and more.  We have more natural disasters, higher unemployment, higher living expenses, etc.  Are we all becoming so stressed that the connection and unconditional love we get from animals, has become more soothing and needed than other people are?

I know when I am having a hard day, and feel overwhelmed, I put my head next to my sleeping ferret.  I seem to be able to breathe better, and deeper, when I listen to her breathe and heart beating.  It’s like a mini vacation for my inner self.  I can’t explain it other than two spirits connecting somehow.  It has become my stress reliever.  Whenever something happens to her I’m not sure what I will do.  It’s not like I can buy another Bessie (that’s her name).  It’s like being in that “special” relationship.  Physically you can be with someone, but do you really feel deep “love”…the same as when you are really “in love” with someone?    From the outside it looks the same but in your core you know the difference.

Here are a few examples of the women on 20/20.

1. Margot.  She has 3 cats.  These cats are her entire world.  She does admit that she is very lonely and in need of friends.  The relationship with her animals might be to the detriment of finding people to share her life with.

Margot was an adopted child in an overachieving family.  She felt she could never keep up or be good enough.  She works as a receptionist but has longed for more.  She feels she has not achieved what she should have at this time in her life.  The cats love her for who she is and don’t judge her.  These cats are what keep her going, yet she admits, she craves human closeness.  She says people who know her have no idea how lonely she is.  Since the show her three cats died.  One died of feline leukemia.  Another one was killed by a dog that was visiting the apartment — a tragedy which Margot is still reeling from. The third one died of old age.   Now she has two new, energetic cats that she says she’s ecstatic about.

2. Jenny is 36 and a successful, fiercely independent sales agent.  She has her own home and shares it with her family of 16 cats.   She says she had a difficult childhood and it’s been a challenge to have a “normal” relationship so she turned to cats for the comfort and love she needed.  She says she has always wanted to get married and have children.  She still has hope but she is afraid she will end up with more cats and still nobody to share her life with.  She says the best place to meet someone is the dog park.  That won’t work for someone with cats.

3. Diane is 65 and spent most of her career as a high-powered banker. She was forced into an early retirement so she began spending more time on her passion, cats.  Believe it or not Diane has been sharing her home for the pas year with 123 cats.  She wants to save all of the cats that are on the street.  She feeds them, nurses them back to heath and continues to trap more feral cats.  She knows she is getting in over her head but can’t stop.  She knows it’s a risk legally and health wise because she now lives in squalid conditions.  She knows it’s taking a toll on her in many ways.  She wants to stop and go back to the way her life was before saving these cats.  She can’t even see her family that lives out of town because the cats need her.

How do you feel about the connection between humans and animals?  Is there a point when the good feelings from being with animals are a hazard to your life?  Do you think that certain people can live a life with only animals and others can’t?  What about Jane Goodall, she lived with the chimps for all those years.

Last month the Humane Society Legislative Fund had a contest.  They wanted people to submit ideas for new legislation that involves animals.  They had more than 3,500 entries.  The winner was Cheryl Woodcock.  Her idea was for people to get a tax credit for spaying and neutering their animals.  She felt this would encourage owners to do their part to help with the overpopulation of animals.  The HSLF is working with members of Congress to introduce a new federal bill to promote the spaying and neutering of pets.   If you would like to help here is the link.

What is the impact of spaying or neutering your animal?

Spay/neuter is the only permanent, 100-percent effective method of birth control for dogs and cats.

Overpopulation is everywhere

There are so many homeless animals all across the country.  In the U.S. there are an estimated 6-8 million homeless animals entering animal shelters every year. About half of these animals are adopted but the rest have to be euthanized. These are healthy, sweet pets and would have made great companions but there were no homes.

These are not the offspring of homeless “street” animals—these are the puppies and kittens of cherished family pets and even purebreds.

Your own pet could be a shelter animal

Many people believe that their pet’s puppies or kittens would never become homeless shelter animals. But the reality is that every time the dog finds his way under the fence to visit the neighbor’s female dog, or the indoor/outdoor cat comes back home pregnant again, the result is a litter of dogs or cats. Even if they are placed into homes, it is still possible for them to end up in shelters once they become “hard to handle,” or for them to reproduce further and for the next generation of puppies or kittens to wind up homeless.

Not just for dogs and cats

When being conscientious about the pet overpopulation, don’t forget to spay or neuter your rabbit. Rabbits reproduce faster than dogs or cats and often end up in shelters where they must be euthanized. Spaying or neutering rabbits can reduce hormone-driven behavior such as lunging, mounting, spraying and boxing. Spaying females can prevent ovarian, mammary and uterine cancers, which can be prevalent in mature females.

Millions of pet deaths each year are a needless tragedy. By spaying and neutering your pet, you can be an important part of the solution.

What can you do?

Contact your veterinarian or local shelter to see about getting your pet spayed or neutered.  There is also a service called MASU (Mobile Animal Sterilization Unit).  They will come to you.

No matter how you sugar coat it, there is abuse and neglect all around us.  Whether it’s towards an adult, child or animal…abuse is abuse, neglect is neglect.  A couple of days ago a 5 month old girl died in Florida because her parents would not feed her.  She was starved to death.

Awareness of your surroundings, and what you see, is key to stopping abuse and neglect.  There are authorities in your community you can call who will investigate.  It is better to be safe, and maybe save a life, than be sorry.

Here are some facts that I hope will educate people to become more aware of what is going on around them.  You might save a life, human or animal.

1. 98% of Americans consider pets to be companions or members of the family.   For many battered women, pets are sources of comfort providing strong emotional support.

2. Animal abuse and neglect is linked to domestic violence.  Animal cruelty problems are people problems.  When animals are abused, people are at risk. There is a strong link between harming pets, or livestock, and some men’s perpetration of domestic violence. Some men threaten to harm animals, or actually harm them, or kill them as a means of coercion, control and intimidation.  This form of power and control is more likely to occur when women or children have close emotional bonds with their animals.

3. Several studies were conducted on woman in domestic violence shelters.  They show 24% to 80% of the women reported that their male partner had threatened to harm, actually harmed, or killed their animals.  Most of the studies have been conducted in USA and Canada.  In the UK a study reported that nine family pets a week are reported as abused by perpetrators of domestic violence

4. Also, it’s been shown that men who abused their pets were more dangerous and more controlling than men who did not.  These men demonstrated more tactics of power and control including sexual violence, marital rape, emotional violence and stalking compared with men who did not abuse their pets.

Some statistics from different sources:

1. 71% of pet-owning women in shelters reported their abuser injured, maimed, killed or threatened family pets.  32% reported their children had hurt or killed animals.

2. 68% of battered women reported violence towards their animals. 87% of these incidents occurred in the presence of the women, and 75% in the presence of the children.

3. 13% of intentional animal abuse cases involve domestic violence.

4. Between 25% and 40% of battered women are unable to escape abusive situations because they worry about what will happen to their pets or livestock should they leave.

5. Abusers kill, harm, or threaten children’s pets to coerce them into sexual abuse or to force them to remain silent about abuse.   A lot of these kids turn around and do the same thing to someone else. They do what they are taught and many hope it will keep their own pet safe.

6. It’s been documented that 70% of animal abusers also had records for other crimes.

7. Investigation of animal abuse is often the first point of social services intervention for a family in trouble.

Trivia:

1. More American households have pets than have children.

2. We spend more money on pet food than on baby food.

3. There are more dogs in the U.S. than people in most countries in Europe – and more cats than dogs.

4. A child growing up in the U.S. is more likely to have a pet than a live-at-home father.

5. Pets live most frequently in homes with children: 64.1% of homes with children under age 6, and 74.8% of homes with children over age 6, have pets.

6. The woman is the primary caregiver in 72.8% of pet-owning households.

7. Battered women have been known to live in their cars with their pets for as long as four months until an opening was available at a pet-friendly safe house. [

If You Need Help

Contact your local humane society, SPCA, animal control agency, or veterinarian to see if they have temporary foster care facilities for pets belonging to battered women.

What You Can Do

1. Have your pets vaccinated against rabies, and license your pets with your town or county: make sure these registrations are in your name to help prove your ownership.

2. Consider and plan for the safety and welfare of your animals. Do not leave pets with your abuser. Be prepared to take your pets with you: many women’s shelters have established “safe haven” foster care programs for the animal victims of domestic violence.

3. Alternatively, arrange temporary shelter for your pets with a veterinarian, family member, trusted friend, or local animal shelter.

If you have suggestions, feedback or information that can help, and you want to share, PLEASE DO!