Archive for March, 2010

Deadline for filing taxes is fast approaching as is American Humane’s “Be Kind to Animals” Kid Contest on the same date, April 15th.  I know what I would rather be doing. “Be Kind to Animals” week is May 2nd – 8th this year.  The contest acknowledges those teens and children who show compassion to animals and help them in extraordinary ways.

Nominations are for two age groups:

• Children ages 6-12 years old
• Teens ages 13-17 years old

The winner in each age group will receive $1,000 and the runner up will receive $500.  Winners will be announced during “Be Kind to Animals” week, May 2-8, 2010.  Not bad winnings for such a fun and rewarding contest.

The contest is intended to instill a sense of responsibility, appreciation and love for animals.  Some suggestions  for helping to make a difference in animals lives yearlong:

1. Be an advocate for animals. Look at policies and legislation locally and nationally that have an impact on animals.
2. Respect and love. Show children the importance of animals in their lives.
3. Donate to your local animal shelter. Donations can be in time, money or needed items like blankets.
4. Gift of wildlife. Explore the great outdoors to really appreciate nature and know that you can share it respectfully with animals.
5. Report animal abuse. There have been many reports lately of how animal abuse is interrelated with other forms of abuse and violence.
6. Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue group. Many shelters and rescue groups are overwhelmed with animals looking for loving homes.  One out of every four dogs in a shelter is a purebred.
7. Take care of your pet. Pets unlike children never grow up.  They require constant care and attention. Maintain annual vet visits and vaccinations. Besides unconditional love there are many rewards to pet ownership.

Nominate someone you know for the “Be Kind to Animals Contest”:

Last year’s (2009) winners were pretty impressive.  So put on those thinking caps and see how you can contribute to the betterment of the lives of animals year-round.

Source: American Humane

I am trying to sort out vacation plans for this year and I am having a difficult time thinking of leaving my cat, (Miss) Mia behind. Having said that I cannot imagine not seeing her for an extended period of time as the men and women in our armed services. How grateful and fortunate we are for their service to our country.

In steps an incredible organization, Guardian Angels for Soldiers Pets to fill the void of assuring service men and women as well as veterans that their beloved pets are well taken care of in their absence.  They are a non profit public charity completely run by volunteers.  And even better they are “Non-political, non-partisan, and do not support nor endorse any political candidates”.  Not sure if you agree but these politicians exhaust me. Thank God for our pets, our service men and women and this organization.

Guardian Angels has three programs in place:

1. Foster Home Program
2. Military Pet Assistance
3. Military and Veterans Pet (MVP) Sanctuary

How can you help?

1. Contribute
2. Foster a Pet
3. Volunteer
4. Other Ways to Help

If you are an animal lover and/or pet owner like me please do consider assisting this wonderful organization and our troops. It’s a win win I think!

Guardian Angels for Soldiers’ Pets

Watch CBS News Videos Online

With today being National Puppy Day please do consider adopting versus shopping for a puppy.  There are so many wonderful and worthy pups available for adoption. But this also means a serious commitment of time and money.  All too often especially during these difficult economic times animals are abandoned due to lack of finances.

Andrea Arden of Animal Planet’s “Underdog to Wonderdog,” recommends creating a ‘Puppy Wish List’ to discuss each family member’s foreseeable relationship with the prospective new puppy.

1. Every puppy is different with respect to energy level
2. A larger dog will require more food than a smaller dog therefore be more expensive
3. Seriously consider whether you want a mellow dog or one that has a bundle of energy

I have had a couple of friends in the past who have gotten a timid dog that was fearful of men, a dog that raced barking at the door when the mail person arrived and a dog that was not good walking past other dogs while on leash. So there are many variables and important things to observe while in the company of your prospective new puppy.

Important items Miss Arden recommends to have ready when your new puppy arrives home for the first time: crate, leash for possible accidents in the house, food stuffable chew toys, and puppy training classes.

Resources:

Local Shelter

Petfinder

American Kennel Club

“Within the first few weeks of Easter an estimated 30% of all Easter “pets” die and another 60% to 70% are abandoned or turned in to shelters.”
-The Humane Society

I remember growing up and going to my aunt’s house for Easter. We would visit my uncle who lived next door to see his bunnies and rabbits. Of course I thought they were adorable and desperately wanted one at the time. But as a child I quickly lost interest in “Peter Cottontail” once I got that Easter basket filled with chocolate bunnies and peeps instead.

Having said that The Humane Society and ASPCA are reality checks for those parents/adults considering purchasing a baby chick or bunny as an Easter gift. As with other pets, bunnies, ducklings and chicks grow up and require a commitment. Chicks and ducklings can be carriers of salmonella.

Bunnies:

• Live on average 7-10 years
• They like to dig and chew
• They should be spayed and neutered
• Makeminechocolate.org a great alternative!

Ducks:

• Live on average 8-15 years
• Social animals and most likely require another duck for companionship
• Require sufficient space for shelter and safety from predators

Chickens:

• Live on average 5-8 years
• Scratch, peck and dig holes in the soil
• Check with local health and zoning boards before purchase
• Become hens and roosters pretty quickly
• mypetchicken.com….awful lot of work….

Take Part the social action network has partnered with American Express for the Members Project a new venue for citizens to participate in supporting favorite cause. You can vote, volunteer and/or donate.  Among the categories to choose from is Environment & Wildlife. And the ASPCA is one of the many worthwhile organizations.

Please vote to make a difference for animals in need and help the ASPCA win $200,000! All you need to do is vote online at takepart.com every week through May 23. Voting is open to everyone, so be sure to encourage everyone you know to join this movement to help animals by voting for the ASPCA every week!

Source: Image

The EPA concluded webcast late yesterday regarding its evaluation of  spot-on flea and tick control products for cats and dogs. They found that incidents had increased 53% between 2007 & 2008. As a result review of labeling will be a priority to ensure “stronger and clearer labeling statements”.  Strict testing and evaluation of existing and new products will be enforced. These measures will be taken as preventative steps from adverse reactions.

Is is important for pet owners to read labeling on products carefully.  Use caution when applying product and be aware of any adverse reactions: irritation & scratching, vomiting & diarrhea, tremor, depression & seizure, tearing & redness, & cough. Make sure that cats are not exposed to dog products. The EPA will be requiring clear markings to differentiate between dog and cat products. That weight range and age of animal is appropriate for use of product.

There will be a “consumer information campaign to explain new label directions and to help users avoid making medication errors”.

1. Do contact product manufacturer if there is a reaction
2. Contact the EPA: Pesticides
3. Tell your veterinarian
4. Tell the National Pesticide Information Center: Call 1-800-858-7378 to report an incident

“Flea and tick products can be appropriate treatments for protecting pets and public health because fleas and ticks can transmit disease to animals and humans”.  But it was determined that smaller dogs were most affected and cats were exposed to some dog products.  And consult with your veterinarian to find best remedy for your pet, especially “on weak, aged, medicated, sick, pregnant or nursing pets, or on pets that have previously shown signs of sensitivity to pesticide products”.

Source: EPA

The USEPA conducted an in depth evaluation of spot-on incidents and products. And as a result is hosting a public webcast this Wednesday, March 17th, 2010. They will present a summary of their findings regarding these spot-on products and ongoing awareness of protecting pets.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Two-hour audio Web broadcast

Not sure if the owner thinks that, but at least the diamonds were recovered. And all is well with pooch, owner and dealer.

This coming week is National Poison Prevention Week.  It is an important reminder for pet owners to survey their homes to establish and maintain a poison-safe pet environment.

The ASPCA found that last year in 2009 the top ten pet poisons were:

1. Human Medications
2. Insecticides
3. People Food
4. Plants
5. Veterinary Medications
6. Rodenticides
7. Household Cleaners
8. Heavy Metals
9. Garden Products
10. Chemical Hazards

The following are 5 Preventative measures and reminders:

1. Schedule regular/annual visits to veterinarian
2. Keep a Pet Safety Kit: can of soft pet food – turkey baster, bulb syringe or large medicine syringe – saline eye solution for flushing out eye contaminants and artificial tear gel for lubricating eyes – mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid and rubber gloves for bathing – forceps to remove stingers – muzzle to keep animal from hurting you while he is excited or in pain – pet carrier for trips to your local vet
3. Don’t Panic
4. Contact emergency hotlines:

Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435

Pet Poison Help Hotline (800) 213-6680

5.  If your pet is seizuring, unconscious or losing consciousness, or having             difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Resources: AAHA, ASPCA, Humane Society, Pet Poison Helpline

On March 24, 2010 Found Animals Foundation/@FoundAnimalsOrg will launch the national and international Pawdcast from Monday through Friday for 30 minutes from 4pm to 4:30pm PST. The objective of the Pawdcast is to bring more awareness of shelter pets, increase animal adoptions and lower euthanasia rates.

Segments will include:                                                                                                                             Hot Topics – global animal news                                                                                               Things Your Pets Want You To Know – tips and tricks                                                   Ask The Expert – live chat room

There will be special guests at the ribbon cutting ceremony March 24th so stay tuned.