ANIMAL CONNECTION

Archive for the ‘Cats & Kittens’ Category

The West Hollywood City Council passed landmark legislation banning the sale of cats and dogs in pet stores unless from rescues and shelters. This law will prevent the sale of cats and dogs in West Hollywood from cruel puppy and kitten mills. The ordinance was passed unanimously by the City Council. According to coverage by NBC Los Angeles, the ordinance stems from an investigation of a West Hollywood pet store, Elite Animals, by the Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS) which uncovered evidence that the shop allegedly misled consumers by selling puppy mill dogs and broke federal law by importing animals for resale. Social Compassion in Legislation reports that the West Hollywood City Council not only received emails from local and state supporters on its proposed legislation but also from groups and individuals across the country and even as far away as the United Kingdom. The legislation “could be the beginning of the end of puppy mills and it’s happening in West Hollywood, one of the most progressive cities on animal welfare issues,” Ed Buck, Director of Social Compassion in Legislation. In passing the legislation, West Hollywood continues its leadership in passing progressive animal welfare legislation. The city was the first in the U.S. to ban cat de-clawing. Many other California cities followed suit last year with their own de-claw bans. Speakers at the council meeting included Dr. Allan Drusys of Social Compassion in Legislation, Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, Dawn Armstrong, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Humane Society, Chris DeRose, founder and president of Last Chance for Animals, and Carole Raphael Davis of the Companion Animal Protection Society. A statement read by Norma Sandler for Bill Dyer of In Defense of Animals, who was unable to attend stated that “This unprecedented, historic action, in this Guardian city where the de-clawing of cats is also banned, will send a signal throughout our country for others to follow. West Hollywood will always be remembered as the city that had the foresight and compassion to first end the horrible commerce of puppy mills in our society.”

I want Friday’s to be fun and bring awareness to other organizations that are doing wonderful things for animals.  If you have information you want to share, send me a paragraph on the topic with a link to the website, by 11am on Thursday.  I will do this each Friday.  Information about animals in need will be posted at the bottom.  This week……. ferrets need transportation help.

1. Have you heard of these sites that give away free kibble to dogs and cats?

http://www.freekibble.com/

http://www.freekibblekat.com/

Not only do they give away free kibble, but it’s fun.  Each day the sites have trivia questions regarding dogs and cats.  It’s interesting to see how much you really know about these animals.

As of today they have donated over 2.2 million meals to homeless dogs and cats in shelters across the country!   There is a very neat event happening today, Friday.  It’s call the “Free kibble kat Hi-5”

The “Free kibble Hi-5 “event for dogs was a huge success and they raised 20,000 meals for homeless dogs in one day! Now, on February 5th, they are going to be having the first ever FreekibbleKat Hi-5 event for homeless cats!

Please go to  www.freekibblekat.com TODAY.  They will be donating 5x’s the kibble when you play Meow Trivia! Their goal is to generate 5 million pieces of kibble in one day!   Halo Pets is sponsoring the event with no limit on the kibble!

2. Cat Depot, is one of the largest nonprofit no kill feline adoption, rescue, education and resource centers in the nation.  This might sound crazy, but they have a working dog that works with the cats.  Her name is Beignet.  She takes her job seriously. Rising before dawn every day, she heads to Cat Depot in Sarasota, Florida, where she socializes with more than 100 cats and kittens. Some dogs might think her job is a bit silly, but not Beignet. She knows that when she works with the kittens, she is acclimating them to live with a family dog. And that might makes their chances of getting adopted a little bit better.

Some adult cats are larger than her, but that doesn’t stop her from saying “hello.” In fact, their reaction lets cat caregivers know if a cat is dog-friendly. Heck, every once in a while a cat will get downright mushy and kiss her all over.

They can tell Beignet has an affinity for animals in need. A survivor of Hurricane Katrina, Beignet understands being alone, hurt and confused. Not finding her family, she too was once in an adoption center. Rescued with a broken jaw and broken teeth, an eye injury and missing fur, she can relate to misfortune. But Beignet also knows about hope, and every day she spreads the word to Sarasota’s cats and kittens that find themselves temporarily placed at Cat Depot. Beignet may not be the cutest or the youngest girl in town, but she knows she has an important job and that makes her feel good about herself. She welcomes all visitors, too, and demonstrates daily that you don’t have to be perfect to give love

Vote for Beignet!  It only takes a few seconds at http://www.sarasotamagazine.com/Misc/Best-Pet-Finalists-2010.asp.  Cat Depot and all the homeless cats and kittens appreciate your support!

3. Many health problems in pets can be traced back to the foods they are being fed. There is a huge debate in the pet industry about the quality of foods we feed our dogs. One thing that is often discussed is the need to change your dog’s diet – both to give them variety and to ensure they get quality and nutritionally balanced food to maintain optimum health. This article gives some really easy recipes to make at home that are quick, affordable, nutritionally balanced and that your dogs will love. There should be certain proportions of carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables and fruits in a healthy canine diet.  Go to this website to get specific recipes that you can make in 3 minutes or less. http://www.squidoo.com/dogfoodrecipies

This was sent to me by CampingDog.  They deal with dogs exclusively.

4. Ferrets Need Transportation Help in Florida. A woman named Sheri has 3 ferrets she needs to give up.  She lives in Casselberry, Florida.  A wonderful ferret rescue in Broward County, Florida will take them if they can be driven down to that area.  The name of the woman who runs it is Dona.  If you are able to assist please contact Sheri at may_8th_2006@hotmail.com or Dona at fuzzyrescues@aol.com

5. My Name is Brogan Horton, I am an investigator for Animal Recovery Mission ( A.R.M) We are facing an enormous crisis here in Miami, Florida concerning the illegal back yard slaughter. Hundreds of horses are bought straight from the track and transported to these “facilities” which are car ports and razor wire fencing. They are forced to drink rancid water, and stand in 1-2 ft of mud in the backing sun.  Mares, foals, geldings, stallions are all mixed together in dog pens. Once an order is placed for a horse, they are lead to the “kill pen” where they are axed, hit with hammers, or stabbed with knives. Almost all of them are butchered alive to “ keep the blood flowing”. And its not just the horses. There are pigs, sheep, goats, chickens and geese . They also have puppy mill’s set up.   There are currently 150 of these farms around Miami. The conditions are horrid and the treatment is beyond inhuman.  Miami date animal services and the SPCA are over whelmed and unable to  take in a house these animals.  They also don’t have the man power or means to prove the help and investigations it takes to shut these places down.
We at ARM work exclusively in investigating and shutting down these facilities. Please, check out our website to follow along with what we are working on. CNN, ABC, NBC, have all aired stories featuring ARM and directly concerning the backyard slaughter.
We are about to raid and seize the animals on about 25 farms.  This will include, horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, lots of chickens and geese. Were talking over 500 chickens and geese.  The Media will be very much involved and will spotlight any rescue involved unless you wish to remain unnamed.
We are in desperate need of rescues to take in what ever you can take. We have horses of every type including some high name thoroughbreds, donkeys, sheep, pigs of every type and breed, goats, chickens and geese, as well as some puppies.
Please- if you can help contact me ASAP so we can start working out the details. Even if you know someone who might be able to, please forward this to anyone you know.  We need homes and transportation.

Thank you very much for your time,

Brogan Horton
Investigator
Animal Recovery Mission
207-939-7852
www.animalrecoverym ission.org

Click Here to See Horse Videos

6. The Road Ahead in Port Au Prince

Devastated by a recent earthquake and its aftershocks, the people in Port Au Prince were left with little ability to care for the animals there, including more than 150,000 community dogs.

After a thorough assessment of animal welfare issues, the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH), which includes Best Friends, sprang into action, setting up veterinary services in and around the city.

Right now team members from ARCH – including Best Friends Rapid Response Manager, Rich Crook – are on the ground, working with a regional partner from neighboring Dominican Republic. Rich had this to report from the field:

“The team is now on the ground in Port au Prince and I can tell you firsthand that this is the greatest devastation I have ever seen … The scope and scale is overwhelming as you enter the city. After being here only a few hours, we saw several dogs that are in need of our help.“

In the coming weeks, ARCH also plans to open several veterinary clinics. Not only will these clinics help animals right now, but part of their goal will be to put longer-term strategies in place for the care of both family pets and stray animals. These strategies will include lifesaving spay and neuter for Haiti’s dogs and cats.

That means your support will be saving animals for years to come!

The Haitian government and people have been very welcoming of this news, too. They have been providing lots of support and even security.

But not only will animals be touched by your kindness. ARCH is hoping to staff several of these mobile clinics with local, young veterinarians with mentoring from international veterinarians from ARCH.

So your support will benefit animals and humans alike!

That’s the miracle Best Friends members make possible every day! On behalf of the entire Best Friends family and all of the animal lovers from Port Au Prince, thank you for all that you do.

P.S. And there’s more good news! All of your donations for Haiti are tax deductible on your 2009 taxes! See HR Bill 4462www.mGive.org/receipt. and consult your tax advisor for more information.

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.

How many people have gotten a puppy, kitten or rabbit as a gift?  Animals, especially babies, are cute and cuddly.  Most people love the feeling they get when they give an animal as a present.  They feel really good inside.  That feeling only lasts a short time, and then reality sets in.

The person realizes the new owner now has a responsibility, lasting long after the holiday, or special occasion, is over.  There are issues that have be dealt with as well.  Does the person know how to care for the animal properly?   Many pet owners are not aware of the kind of food their animal should eat.  I see countless ferret owners feeding their ferret cat food.  That is very unhealthy for ferrets.  Ferrets are carnivores.  Their food should have at least 3 out of the first 5 ingredients be meat products.  Not soy, grain or oats.  Same goes for other animals.  You should do research to be sure your animal is eating the proper diet.

There are also illnesses and disease that different animals have.  Do you know what to look for?  Do you have a veterinarian who has had extensive training for your type of pet?   Many veterinarians say they treat your type of animal, until a major illness arises.  Then you find out they don’t have the proper experience or training.  By then your animal could be seriously ill.

If you do decide to give an animal as a gift, where do you get it?  There are millions of animals that are in need of a home.  You can find these animals at rescues and shelters.  25% of these animals are pure bred.  If the organization near you doesn’t have the kind of animal you are looking for ask them to refer you to an organization that does have that kind of animal.  There are small, home based rescues all over the country.  I’m sure there is one near you.

Another thing that should be taken into consideration is personality, size and color.  You find an animal you think is sweet, beautiful color and small (at least right now).  You give it as a present and find that the animal cowers with its new owner.  Maybe the new pet was abused by someone that resembles that person.  Animals have personalities just like we do.  They don’t forget the bad times.  BUT, with time, patience and love they can learn to trust again.  Is the new owner willing to do what it takes to transition the pet into the new surroundings?  The puppy you got is a large breed dog.  It was really small at 8 weeks old, so you were not thinking how big it would get.  At 4 months it’s getting to be very large.  What if the new owner is not allowed to have an animal over 35 pounds in their home?  Will the animal be given up again?

If the animal develops an illness, does the new owner have the financial ability to pay for the bills and make sure the animal has a good, long life?

Are there other animals in the home already?  Many animals don’t get along.  The best thing to do, before bringing an animal home, is introduce them to each other.  You don’t want to get them home then there is the danger of one getting hurt because they don’t like each other.  If you have a hunting breed of dog, don’t get the family a new ferret or rabbit.   Do you have a small child?  Consider the size, strength and personality of the animal.

Another important issue is spay and neuter.   Is the animal fixed so there aren’t any other “surprises” that might come along?  Even if you have a fenced yard your animal could get out.  Look what happened during Hurricane Katrina.  A lot of animals that were in secure homes, and yards, got out.  They multiplied in a very short period of time.

There are a lot of considerations when giving a pet as a present.  If you have your heart set on giving one, think about a gift card.  In the card say “your present is the pet of their choice”.  Let them pick it out to be sure it’s one they really want.  I also recommend you get your pet from a rescue or shelter.

I look forward to any feedback, comments or recommendations you have.

They need help!

The City of LaBelle, Florida  Animal Control department has accepted custody of approximately 600 cats following the closure of the Tenth Life Sanctuary in Hendry County, Florida.

A team of veterinarians from Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida will examine all of the cats November 23-25. The UF VETS program in collaboration with partners from HSUS, ASPCA, and other regional humane agencies have already performed a preliminary assessment and will set up a field hospital to triage and treat the large number of cats. Although many of the cats are ill, the team hopes to save as many as possible finding capable placement partners that can take them in.

All cats have been spayed or neutered and microchipped. They will be vaccinated, treated for parasites, and tested for FeLV and FIV prior to transfer to other agencies. Several important infectious diseases, including herpesvirus, calicivirus, giardia, cryptosporidia, and tritrichomonas have been identified in the population, so appropriate isolation capacity must be available at the receiving agency.

Many of the cats are feral and require placement in highly enriched confinement or a free-roaming situation. Relocation of feral cats is especially challenging and requires a careful acclimation plan.

Transfers will begin on Tuesday November 24.  The friendliest cats will be available for immediate transfer on that day, while remaining cats will likely require treatment.  If your agency can provide a second chance for these cats, please print and complete this application and submit it as soon as possible. More information will be available following processing of your application.

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.