Pet of the Week
These are two kitties that were saved, brought to a cat shelter, and adopted out to fine homes!
It's easy to get your pet into the Pet of the Week feature - here is what you need to do!
They Need Our HELP!!
Is there anything more precious than a kitten? Probably not. Well, maybe a whole litter of kittens! But the reality is that there are thousands and thousands of kittens born every year with nothing but a very bleak future to look forward to. At the best, they might find an area that they can live outside and find meals here and there from compassionate people. At worst? A short life filled with disease, abuse and an early death. Too many kittens are born unwanted.
Please spay and neuter your cats (and dogs). They will live longer and have happier, healthier lives.
AHA! Alliance for Humane Action
Happy Mother’s Day
You know, this just never gets old. We have had two births in our shelter in the last two months and expect, I believe, two more litters. But I will never tire of watching. This video, from a very special mama kitty, is presented in honor of Mother’s Day.
Adopting a Pet? Know Your Rights!!
Well, it isn’t so much knowing your rights as in a civil liberties case. But it is important to know your boundaries AND the shelter’s or agency’s boundaries when you decide to adopt a pet. Adoption of an animal is a big step and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
I found this great “Bill of Rights” online, explaining what an adopter has the right to feel and experience, as well as the obligations of the shelter offering the pets for adoption.
Being that adopting a pet can be an emotional experience, it wouldn’t hurt to print this out and take it with you. It is very easy to become quite distracted by all the fuzzy faces eagerly hoping that you will want them. It is also easy to get caught up in a “hard luck” case that may or may not be the right type of pet for you and your family.
I would recommend that you make a list of “absolutes” to take with you to the shelter. There should be two sections: One section of qualities you absolutely must have, and one section of traits you absoloutely will not tolerate. For instance, a heavy shedder might be an absolute no if you have a family member with allergies. Another example could be that the pet must be of a size to sit on your lap. Some people have definite feelings about male or female dogs and cats.
Whatever you want (and don’t want) is your right. Remember Fido or Tabby will live with you for a long time. And making yourself happy with your choice will also make the pet you adopt happier and healthier.
Your New Pet – Cat or Dog?
Most people have definite feelings about the topic of dogs versus cats. It is like the war of the sexes. It will never end and proponents of each side are intensely loyal to the animal of their choice. We have heard of “cat people” and “dog people,” and some of us enjoy both. But when deciding on a pet, it is a personal choice as to whether cats rule and dogs drool, or the other way around.
Prevent Pet Loss: Identifying Dogs & Cats
Is your four-legged friend, whether it be a cat or dog, your treasured best friend? Then surely you have protected your 
FurBaby with the means to locate him or her, should, Heaven forbid, Socks or Rover get lost. A missing pet is one of the worst scenarios possible for those of us who live in a world of “meows” and “bow-wows.” (I have never actually heard a dog say “bow-wow” but it is the common translation for a bark, so we’ll just go with it.)
My cats are strictly indoor residents so the risk of them getting outside and becoming lost are slim. But it has happened. One of my good friends had a beautiful purebred Maine Coon cat escape through the smallest opening possible near an air conditioner. Seven days later we had all but given up hope. The hundreds of “Lost Cat” posters she had put up finally paid off one evening, with a late phone call, that resulted in Trevor returning home. He had lost weight, brought along a few hundred of his new flea friends, and had ear mites. But no matter. Trevor was home and some good meals and minor vetting had him in tip top shape in no time at all.
My Pembroke Welsh Corgis are only outside on a leash. Again, the risk of them becoming lost is minimal but leashes can break. Dogs that are in a fenced back yard can come up with the most cleaver methods of escape as well; Houdini would have been impressed at some of the escape antics I have heard about.
So how do you prevent this problem? How do you do everything you can to avoid that sinking feeling the first night that you go to bed not knowing where your lovable best friend is?
This problem not only applies to all of us with our beloved pets, but is an issue for purebred dog and cat breeders. Animals that make regular appearances in the show ring, or that are used for breeding, can be at high risk for kidnapping. This is not only an emotional issue, but a financial concern as well for the professional breeder.
Four basic tips that are the smartest ways to begin with identifying your dog, or cat, are featured by Cesar Milan, The Dog Whisperer. These tips are easy, inexpensive and can save lots of tears and worry. They can also save your pet’s life.
Four Tips on Dog Identification
Global Pet Finder – GPS for Your Dog or Cat
When a Cat Says “Let Me In”
Well, suffice to say, a cat wanting in is a whole different story than a dog wanting in. It doesn’t matter if the cat is outdoors and wants inside, or if it is an indoor cat that just wants access to a different room that is closed off to him. If the cat is one place, he wants to be in the other. And what will he do to achieve that goal? Take a look; I just know cat owners will be laughing with a knowing look – we’ve all been there!
Dogs and Cats Blog Too!
You can still have a blog if you have four feet! After all, dogs and cats have things to say too and they are just as interesting as all the nonsense us humans blog about – maybe more interesting! My boys, the Pembroke Welsh Corgis pictured above don’t have a blog but they are still puppies and have the attention span of a gnat (on a good day). Until they have their own blogs, they can pitch in here as a guest at their leisure.
One of the most popular blogs by pets, is authored by Max. Max is a golden retriever living in North Carolina. He has a good readership too, judging from the amount of comments posted on the blog.
So why do pets have blogs? Psychologist Larina Kase of Philadelphia says it is, “21st-century dog walking.” It creates social bonds between pet owners; who better to socially network with than a person who is devoted to their pet as you are? Interestingly, dogs blog a lot more than cats. 34,000 dogs visit “Dogbook,” (like our “Facebook”) daily but cats are clocking in at approximately 20,000 fewer logins each day.
Larina Kase also believes that pet blogging gives pet owners a way to connect with what their dogs or cats might be feeling and experiencing. “Pets are part of the family, yet we can’t communicate with them about many things, so pet owners may blog about their pets as a way to better understand how their pets think and feel,” she says.
My personal favorites for pet networking sites are Catster and Dogster. They are just plain fun sites and very informative as well. The interaction between the pet owners is great. I enjoy looking at the various photos and stories about the dogs and cats. You can meet three of my kitties there; one does have a diary but hasn’t made an entry for awhile. (Hey, her life is busy!!)
Personally were my pets to set up blogs, I believe it would be my cats. As I said the corgis aren’t focused enough yet. That will come in time. But my cats? They have much wisdom to share I am sure. Perhaps they could get together for a joint blog and appoint the polydactyl to the keyboard; with his opposable thumb, I would think he would be a natural!
Dog Blogs
March 7th Recall of Cat Vitamins
The Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily recalling a second specific lot of Hartz Vitamin Care for Cats due to concerns that bottles within the lot may have been potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Hartz is fully cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administration in this voluntary recall. Hartz recalled a specific lot code of Hartz Vitamin Care for Cats last November due to similar concerns. Both lot codes were manufactured for Hartz by UFAC (USA) Inc. in 2007, and were removed from distribution last November. However, bottles from the second lot had been shipped to customers prior to their having been removed from distribution.(FDA)
The Hartz Mountain Corporation Recalls Vitamin Care for Cats Because of Possible Health Risk
Finding a Vet
If you have just relocated to a new town or have acquired a new pet, you need to find a vet. In a perfect world. you would have found one and have already met him or her before you need their services. But the world is rarely perfect and usually an emergency is what makes a person find a vet.
How do you find a vet you can work with, respect, trust, and afford? The best way is word of mouth advertising; nothing beats the recommendation of a friend. But a little more information can be nice.
Vet Locator is the site for you. You can locate a vet easily and in advance of needing one. You can also use this site to find one quickly when you don’t have the time to research and talk to different vets. If you have a pet emergency, you need that animal clinic now.
For people needing particular services, Vet Locator can also help you find vets specializing in holistic animal care and who will come see your pet at your home. That is great for parrot owners or people who are unable to leave the house easily.
I ran a test of the site, entering my town’s zip code and found my very own vet’s office! It really is a wonderful site and resource. Check it out and by the way, if your animal clinic isn’t listed, let them know about this site. You can only help other pet owners!
Pet Health – We All Have Questions
Sometimes taking a pet to the vet is a tough call. You might not be sure the visit is necessary and in today’s economy it is important to spend our money wisely. But if Fido or Fluffy need medical attention, then of course, bundling them up and going to the vet is important and what you should do.
Other times, you may have gone to the vet but it isn’t improving like you had expected. A second opinion might be a good idea. Perhaps just getting additional information to discuss with your current vet is what is in order.
A Web site is now available for these kinds of questions. “Ask a Pro,” is a site that will help you give your pet the best possible care and help you with your budget as well.
When you visit the site you will notice a lot of questions and answers. These are answers from veterinarians to give you food for thought with definitive facts and possible solutions. I found myself exploring the list of topics (indexed on the right) and touring the entire site.
Take a look if you have a concern or question about pet health. And be sure to bookmark this valuable resource!
