Super Bowl...Smoper Bowl

Ok…be honest…how many of you are going to watch the Super Bowl for more than the halftime show?  Or the commercials?  I remember when my husband and I first started cohabitating.  His condition was that I had to get a color TV so that he could watch football.  At the time I only had a small 12” black & white TV…do they even still make those? 

 

Anywho…fast forward to Michael Vick.  The day the NFL decided to let this @$#%$# continue playing in the NFL is the day we stopped watching football. 

 

 

We found an even better alternative.  Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl. 

 

 

This year is the 10^th year for the Puppy Bowl.  If you’ve never heard of it, you have to watch it this year.  Here is a link to this year’s starting lineup.  The Kitty Halftime show is even better than the Super Bowl’s halftime show. 

 

 

 

Some things to look for include the water bowl cam, hedgehog cheerleaders, hamster commentators, Meep, the tweeting bird, and the ref’s ref-trospectives.  And best of all…these year one of the players is an American Eskimo Puppy.  Meet Brody from Green Dogs Unleashed Rescue.

 

 

So on Super Bowl Sunday, if you want to see something that will make you smile, tune in to Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl X.  Sunday, February 2^nd at 3pm E/P.  It’s so stinking cute!!!

 

 

Be Well & Be Happy,

Pet~Pourri

Why Do I Put Myself Through This?

There are some days as a rescuer when I ask myself why do I put myself through this. I have witnessed such cruelty.  Such horrible cruelty.  Today someone posted this on my Facebook page and I just sat here saying Yes...Yes...this explains so perfectly why I put myself through this and I just had to share it with you.

"For animal lovers like me, animal rescue is the most incredible, rewarding job... in the history of ever. ...

At the same time... it's also the most heartbreaking...
The truth is...
You see a lot of things... you never thought you'd see.
You witness a level of cruelty... you didn't think was possible.
You feel a degree of helplessness... you never thought you'd know.

You stare at painful images... soon burned into your memory... that will haunt your thoughts forever.
You try to pick up the pieces... so many pieces... of the damage you didn't do.
You do everything in your power... but even still... you'll never reach them all.

You'll try to stay strong... but you'll mostly feel weak.
You'll build walls to protect your heart... but they'll never keep you safe.
You'll place barriers around your soul... but the pain will always reach you.

And no matter how hard you try to fight it... over time... here's the truth about what happens in animal rescue...
The neglect changes you.
The abuse hardens you.
The suffering breaks you.

The ignorance angers you.
The indifference disturbs you.
The injustice destroys you.

On a daily basis... your faith will be tested.
Your heart will be wounded.
Your soul will be altered.

On a weekly basis... you'll question yourself.
You'll question your strength.
You'll question the world.
On a monthly basis... you'll fall down.
You'll get up.
You'll go on...

On a yearly basis... you'll look back...
You'll see faces...
You couldn't save them.

You'll learn to mourn.
To grieve.
To sob.

You'll learn to trust a little less.
To do a little more.
To fight a little harder.

You'll learn to try.
To hope.
To pray.

You'll learn to fail.
To succeed.
To accept.

You'll learn when to hold on.
When to give up.
When to let go.

You'll learn who you are.
What you stand for.
Why that matters.

Then... at times... you'll forget why you matter.
You'll question what you're doing.
You'll wonder if it's worth it.

But... here's the good news...

When you forget...
When you question...
When you wonder...

All you have to do...
Is take a look around...
And you'll see them.
You'll see their faces.
You'll see their smiles.
You'll feel their love.

In their eyes, you'll see their journeys...
You'll remember their beginnings...
You'll know how far they've come...

You'll remember when they didn't know you...
When they didn't trust you...
When they'd given up.

You'll remember how you healed them...
How you loved them...
How they loved you, too.

And as you look back...
You'll want to move forward...
For them... and because of them.

In your darkest hours, you'll look around...
To find the differences made... the hope given... and the lives saved...
Because you existed.

In those moments, when you look into their eyes... every doubt will be erased.
Every question will be answered.
Every worry will subside.

Because in that instant... in each of your hearts...
You both share the very same thought:
"Every bit of pain was worth it... for this moment here with you."
And honestly... no matter what else happens...
Those moments hold all the strength you need...
To keep going.

Rescue is pain.
Rescue is joy.
Rescue is worth it... because they are worth it.

And that's the honest truth."

~Author Unknown

Here are some of the reasons why Rescue is Worth it.

 

Be Well & Be Happy,
Pet~Pourri 

 

 

Vaccinations for Cats ~ Safe??

 

I received a newsletter in my e-mail box today and the title of this particular article caught my attention.  If you MUST vaccinate, aim for this body part.  The Must Vaccinate is what caught my attention because there is a lot of controversy over whether all those vaccinations are really necessary.  Well reading this article makes me never want to get my cat vaccinated again.  I had no clue vaccinations could cause cancer. 

 

According to this article Rabies vaccinations and Feline Leukemia (FeLV) vaccinations may cause cancer.  The article says normally Rabies is given in the right rear and FeLV in the left rear legs, below the knee for easy amputation if cancer appears. 

 

 

 

The cancer is called Feline Vaccine-associated Sarcoma and is a malignant tumor associated with the vaccines.  There is a study mentioned in this article that suggests giving the vaccines in the tip of the tail.  If a tumor does develop it is easier to treat and not as disfiguring as amputation of a leg.

 

 

 

I can tell you the first two paragraphs of this article scared the bejesus out of me.  I had no clue.  I’m fortunate as to have never had this problem with any of my cats.  This newsletter is from a doctor who is into holistic medicine so I also wanted to see what other sources said.  PetMD agrees with this article, although they don’t give the tail as an alternative location for the vaccines.  They just say don’t over vaccinate.

 

The first article is the only one I can find that suggests giving the vaccines in the tail as opposed to the leg.  I like Dr. Becker’s approach because she is more worried about what vaccines a cat actually needs rather than where to give the vaccine.  Her guidelines are:

 

“If your pet truly needs a booster of a certain vaccine or a vaccine she’s never received, make sure that 1) the vaccine is for a serious disease (this eliminates many on the list immediately), 2) your cat may be in a position to be exposed to the disease (indoor cats have little to no exposure to most diseases), and 3) the vaccine is considered both safe and effective.”

 

 

 

I agree that indoor cats are not going to be exposed to many of the dangers an outdoor cat is exposed to.  Indoor cats don’t need all those vaccinations.  As always, do your research before vaccinating your pet.  If your vet recommends annual vaccinations, you might want to shop around for a new vet.

 

Your animals rely on you to give them the best treatment available.  Be aware of any issues so that you can be the best pet parent you can.

 

 

 

Be Well & Be Happy,

Pet~Pourri

Yellow Dog Program - Spread the Word

Well…I guess you learn something new every day.  I’ve been rescuing dogs for more than 20 years and I learned something new.  Have you ever seen a dog in a park or walking down the street with a yellow ribbon tied to their collar or leash?? Or wearing a yellow bandanna?  If so, do you know what that means??  Basically it means approach with caution.  This is an international program called the Yellowdog Program. 

 

If you see a dog with a yellow ribbon tied to the leash or collar this is a dog who needs more space.  It is a visual cue to people before they approach a dog that that dog needs space or to be approached cautiously.  How many of you have been to a park an see a child run up to a dog yelling “Doggie” and grab the dog?  I have, and I cringe every time I see it.  You don’t know if that dog likes strangers or even likes children, yet you let your child run up to a strange dog.  Now if you see a dog with a yellow ribbon you can stop your child and explain why they need to be careful.

 

 

Now don’t get me wrong, the yellow ribbon does not mean they are aggressive, just that they have issues that strangers need to be aware of.  They could be recovering from surgery, have issues with fear, be a rescue dog that needs socialization, or be in training.  You never know.  Just like a yellow traffic light, a yellow ribbon means slow down and approach with caution.

 

 

So…why a yellow ribbon?

• It’s visible from a distance.
• It’s easy for everyone to see
• It’s cheap.
• It works internationally
• Can be used short term or long term
• Easy to put on
• Even a small child can easily understand what it means.

A friend at work told me about some new leashes and collars that say if a dog is friendly or to stay away, but if you are close enough to read the text, then you are too close for the dogs comfort.

 

 

So be on the lookout for yellow ribbons, and if you have a dog that has issues, start using a yellow ribbon.  Please pass this information on to everyone you know.

 

 

P.S.  Using a yellow ribbon or bandanna does not take responsibility away from the pet owner.  If you knowingly have an aggressive or dangerous dog out in public, you are still responsible for your pets behavior.  Common Sense means you won't have a dangerous dog out in public, but we all know some people lack this ability.  The ribbon is not an excuse...it is a warning from a distance.  Ask before you approach.

Be Well & Be Happy,
Pet~Pourri

Christmas Toys

 

I don’t know about you, but I am behind on my Christmas shopping this year.  I went shopping for presents for the puppies today and went to my favorite Hy-Vee.  I know many of you are thinking what can I find for my pets at a grocery store besides food.  Remember the days when the pet aisle was one side of one aisle?  Those days are long gone at Hy-Vee. 

I have to say I am quite impressed with their pet section these days.  And they are very affordable, which is quite important for my rescue.  As you can imagine, we go through a lot of toys.  They had the Loofa Dogs that are so popular, a wide variety of bones and rawhide chews, mallard ducks, leashes, collars, and anything you can imagine for pets.

 

Did you know that holiday gifts for pets cost an average of $10?  Well I found several things for under $10 at Hy-Vee.  Seven out of 10 people buy presents for their puppies and most of those are purchased at the last minute on impulse.  I read an article the other day stating that most people spend an average of $801 for holiday gift giving.  That is actually down 6% from last year.  If folks are really spending that much, then finding affordable things for your pets is important.  Don’t know about you, but I love one stop shopping.  J

 

So what are you getting for your pet this year?  Are you going to be like the 72% that hang a stocking for your pet and put it in there?  I would be a bad parent for human children.  I can’t wait till Christmas to open presents.  Here is a video of my pups playing with the toys I got them this year. Now I have to go get something else for them to open on Christmas day.  J

 

Be Well & Be Happy & Merry Christmas,

Pet~Pourri

Moggies Rule

We’ve all heard mixed breed dogs called Mutts…but do you know what mixed breed cats are called?  Yes…that’s right…they are called Moggies.  It is a British slang word as I learned in this article about the top 5 reasons Moggies are Awesome.

 

 

 

They are less prone to diseases that purebred cats get, since short hair is dominant in Moggies they are self-grooming, (meaning we don’t have to brush them like we would long haired cats), they are unusually smart, they don’t have a predisposed disposition, and of course they are just as beautiful as their purebred counterparts.  I’m sold…how about you?

 

 

 

And of course my readers who know me know that when I learn a new term I have to Google it to see what else comes up.  Thus I came across this article about what Moggies get up to behind their owners backs.  In this study 50 cats were fitted with GPS Collars and ‘Cat Cams’.  What a fun story.  I’m going to see if I can find this show, (Horizon: The Secret Life of Cats), online and watch it.  I’m amazed at the territory these cats covered in just one week.

 

 

 

In Australia, Moggies, is a website for cat adoption.  What a great idea.  The cats shown are adorable.  I find if fascinating to see what other countries do in the way of animal rescue. 

 

 

Don’t you just love learning something new?

Be Well & Be Happy,

Pet~Pourri

Don’t Forget About Fido

I have several friends that have just had or are expecting a new baby.  A lot of them have asked me, ‘what is the best way to introduce the baby to the dog?’  A lot of them are also concerned with the baby taking up all their time and not having time for the dog.  I heard of a study earlier this year by the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna showing many people have the same relationship with their dog as parents do with children. Well…Duh!!!  I often compare my rescue dogs to having a house full of toddlers that never grow up.

 

The thing to remember is your dog is still a part of your family.  Of course your human child comes first, but you still need to make time with Fido.  Make sure to include him in your daily family life.  When you take the baby for a walk in the park, take the dog with you.  Have the dog in the room with you when you change the baby’s diaper, and talk to the dog as well as the baby.  Include the dog in family portraits. 

 

 

Of course we all know there are dogs that won’t tolerate children.  Sometimes you do have to make the hard choice to give up your dog.  If you know your dog does not like children and you become pregnant, you have 9 months to find the dog a new home.  Don’t wait till a month before the baby is born to start looking.  If you find out after the baby is born or they become toddlers, then never have them in the same room and take care of the dog till you find him a good home.  And never ever leave baby and dog in a room together unattended. 

Toddlers are rambunctious.  They will be attracted to the dog.  They are going to fall on the dog, step on the dog, pull the dogs ears, pull the dog’s tail, and sometimes even bite the dog.  It’s just what toddlers do.  If you have any doubt…any doubt at all…do not let this happen.  You are the parent and are responsible for knowing how your dog is going to react to your toddler.

 

That said, most of the time the dog is going to do just fine with the baby.  Start early by sharing the excitement of your pregnancy with the dog.  Make the dog a part of your nursery decorating.  Show the dogs everything you buy for baby and talk to the dog about what to expect.  Start carrying a baby doll around to get the pup used to you carrying something.  After you have the baby take a blanket that has been used on the baby home and let the dog smell the blanket.  Put the blanket in the crib to show the dog where the baby will go.  After you get home and all the excited visitors have left, take the time to introduce the baby to the dog. 

 

 

This article on SheKnows.com has some great examples of how to prepare.  As I said before once you find out you are pregnant, you have nine months to prepare Fido for the addition to your family. 

 

 

 

Here is a list from this article:

·         Address any potentially problematic behaviors (like jumping or taking things) before the baby comes — not only is it easier before you have added responsibilities, but it prevents your pooch from associating the child with sudden restrictions.

·         If your dog is sleeping with you, teach him or her to sleep in another room or at the foot of the bed so you aren't restricted during constant late-night baby duty.

·         If your dog is a barker, teach him or her to stay quiet now by rewarding quiet behavior and closing blinds to reduce the temptation.

·         If you plan to have children in the future, socialize dogs with children early on; if it's too late, you may need to hire a behaviorist to work with them on things before the baby comes.

·         Set up the baby's room early and let the dog check it out, but keep a dog gate in front of the door so he or she understands early that they have to wait until they're invited in.

·         Start leaving baby stuff (diapers, pacifiers, toys, etc.) around the house now and teach the dog to leave it alone — with any luck, they won't be as curious about the new items when the baby comes, and if they are, they know to drop it on command.

·         If your dog is still a bit mischievous once the baby comes, consider hiring someone to walk him or her or taking the pooch to doggy day care (it's hard to get into things when you're exhausted).

The biggest thing to stress is that Fido is still a part of your family.  Don’t forget about him just because you have a baby.  Include him and he will be one happy pup.

Be Well & Be Happy,

Pet~Pourri