'Pet pawties' help keep pets healthy (with photos)

Gone to the dogs. That's how a part of Linda Franzblau's life turned two years ago, and it seems she couldn't be happier.
The single mom -- of 6-year-old daughter Hannah and two rescued animals, King, a Yorkie terrier mix, and Gracie, a Boston terrier purebred -- uses her spare time to conduct "pet pawties." They are gatherings for people, but it is their pets that benefit.
Think Tupperware and Avon, but substitute pet toys, food, apparel and safety devices. Games, prizes and treats are a part of the party. Products are designed to enhance the health or stimulate the senses and intellect of a dog, cat or bird.
Intellect?
Franzblau believes pets get lazy and bored when they are not challenged mentally. So place a treat inside a ball, and a ball inside another toy, then let the animal have fun figuring out how to retrieve his reward.
Petlane is a 4-year-old California company. Petlane's founder, in 1978, started Discovery Toys, a line of fun and educational products for children.
Franzblau, who lives in Oconomowoc but conducts Petlane parties locally, also works in marketing for the books division of Kalmbach Publishing in Milwaukee. She contends the average pet store employee is not well informed about product safety, nutritional content and other product limitations.
Petlane's "core product," Franzblau says, is a pet seat belt, which doubles as a harness. It easily can be unhooked and attached to a leash. The cost is $54-$57, depending upon animal size.
The sound and feel of a human heartbeat pulsate inside of a soft pet bed, to help ease an animal's separation anxiety. Add uncooked rice to a pouch, and the surface warms slightly.
What else? A substance to melt ice on sidewalks has pet-friendly ingredients, so paws won't burn when walking on it. Treats -- dried liver "biscotti," freeze-dried meatballs and (Wisconsin) cheese nibbles -- are produced at an FDA-approved food plant.
Pet education is a part of the pet pawty because "a little education could save an animal" from harm or help extend its natural life, Franzblau says.
She is in search of prospective Petlane workers as well as party hosts. The company's products can be purchased online, without attending a party.

New Animal Cruelty Law Could Go To Trial

MOANALUA, Hawaii -- The Moanalua couple who said their dog was stolen, killed and possibly eaten by two golf course employees called on the prosecutor to go after the suspects with a tough new law that makes animal cruelty a felony.
Frank Manuma said his 8-month-old dog named Caddy was stolen and killed by employees at Moanalua Golf Club Sunday.
He and his wife said the two men should be prosecuted under an animal cruelty law that was toughened this year to animal cruelty a class C felony -- punishable by up to five years in prison.
"I think this is something that we have to really focus on and magnify the intensity of this law so that people can be punished for the things that they do to particular animals," Frank Manuma, the dog's owner.
Earlier this year, prosecutors said they unsuccessfully went after Joseph Calarruda for theft, instead of animal cruelty, alleging that he killed a pet pig named Porky in Mililani Mauka.
They said that they went after him on theft charges because animal cruelty had been a misdemeanor, with a maximum sentence of just one year.
Animal rights activists said that this case could be a clincher for the strengthened law.
"I urge the community to come out loud and strong so that the prosecutor's office will hear that this needs to be charged as a felony animal cruelty," said Pamela Burns, of the Hawaiian Humane Society.
Legislaters agreed that the case should qualify for the boosted penalty.
"If it doesn't meet the standard, according to the prosecutor, I'd sure like to know in what way the law needs to be strengthened. Because I don't think there's a clearer-cut case," said Sen. Clayton Hee.
The humane society is offering a $2,500 reward to anyone who can provide information that leads to an arrest and conviction of someone in the case.
The prosecutor's office said it would not comment other than to say that Caddy's case is pending and under investigation.

Rescued pups boost morale among Canadian troops at remote Afghan base

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WILSON, Afghanistan - Abandoned in the village of Sangisar after a fierce firefight a month ago, two tiny puppies have found a safe haven with Canadian troops at this remote base in the volatile Zhari district.
Dubbed Mira - short for Miracle - after barely missing a landmine while riding with her rescuers in an armoured Nyala vehicle near the town of Howz-e-Madad, the spunky white she-pup is breathing new life into the Operational Mentoring Liaison Team's compound at Forward Operating Base Wilson.
"Everyone says I look after her but it's not just me. It's the whole team. Everyone gives her food and pets her. She sleeps with us. It's good for morale," Cpl. Marc-Andre Fournier said of the new addition to the team.
"It's super fun. It brings life... We don't think of the frustrations out there with the war. It's a bit like a release."
At the opposite end of the base where members of the Canadian battle group have set up shop, another tiny pup named Goulash has found a home with a group of infantrymen from Company B.
Named for the least favoured meal rations that generally become the puppy's dinner, Goulash was discovered by an Afghan National Army soldier in Sangisar.
A Canadian soldier had hoped to take the tiny puppy with him to Ma'sum Ghar, about 40 kilometres west of Kandahar City, where two Canadian soldiers and an Afghan interpreter had been killed after their light armoured vehicle hit an improvised explosive device.
Unable to do so, he turned the pup over to Cpls. Martin Lavigne and Mathieu Charest at FOB Wilson who keep him in a large cage outside their tent during the day and in their beds at night.
"When we got him he was much smaller than this," said Lavigne as he kissed the pup on the snout, assuring the animal had been thoroughly washed despite his scruffy appearance.
"He was tiny, premature. He wasn't in good shape," Charest added.
Charest, who often takes the pup out on operations in his light armoured vehicle - some of which may last as long as 14 hours - said Goulash always stays in his box and is quite well behaved.
"He's calm," said Lavigne, noting the harsh sounds of a war zone aren't likely to frighten the little beast.
"Afghan dogs are not like dogs back home that have had a good upbringing."
Both Mira and Goulash's caretakers are hopeful the soldiers that will replace them when their rotation ends in February will continue caring for the animals. If not, they will likely try to find a good family to adopt them as bringing them back to Canada isn't terribly practical or cost effective.
Not uncommon at a number of forward operating bases and police sub-stations, pet dogs, cats and even rabbits are helping make Canadian troops feel more at home.

As the British Army pulls out of Iraq, meet the 22 canine corps who will remain

It has yet to make the Lonely Planet Guide but Franklin Lines is certainly a hotel with a difference. The air-conditioned rooms are spotless after being cleaned twice a day.
Guests enjoy round-the-clock room service, personal grooming and recreational facilities including two swimming pools and three acres of playing fields. Staff are friendly and always keen to take the lead.
Admittedly the view is something of a disappointment. Guests are kept secure behind a 10ft perimeter of razor-sharp barbed wire and towering sandbags to protect against missile fire, mortar shells and shrapnel.

But there are no complaints from the residents for this is no ordinary location. This is the war-torn region of Basra in southern Iraq where such accommodation is luxury in an otherwise hostile desert terrain. And these are not your usual type of guests either.
Inside there are 24 single rooms deemed too exclusive for the 4,500 British troops who live in heavily fortified tent dormitories nearby. Instead, Franklin Lines is home to some unsung heroes of the conflict – the fearless dogs of war.
The Theatre Military Working Dog Support Unit within the Basra International Airport compound is vital to the British Army's efforts to restore peace to the region.
There are currently 22 dogs living at the camp – from attack dogs that patrol the base and surrounding area, to 'sniffers', highly skilled at rooting out explosives, bombs and booby traps. These animals are responsible for saving dozens of human lives each year.

During a long campaign in difficult conditions, they are afforded only the very best treatment. Their steadfast loyalty provides a serious boost to morale in this isolated garrison.
Remarkably, many of the recruits had been abandoned or left for dead by their previous owners in Britain and were picked up for only £5 by the Armed Forces. Some had been left tied to lamp-posts or thrown out of car windows at service stations or discovered in a cruelly neglected state.
Others had been handed in at rescue centres because the owners could not cope with them or just didn't want them. Every week, Army officials visit rescue homes such as Battersea Dogs Home on the lookout for new recruits.
They are called 'force multipliers' because the work of one dog is equivalent to the workload of four soldiers. The cost of up to four months' intensive training and accommodation at the Defence Animal Centre in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, plus the flight to Iraq on board an RAF Hercules, is £20,000 for each dog.

It is just one more reason why they deserve to be treated so well.
Though the existence of the dog unit is barely acknowledged outside the Army base, dogs have played a major security role in Basra since British troops moved in almost five years ago.
The Army handed over control of Basra province to Iraqi security forces last week but the dogs could remain for years yet – indeed they will be among the last of the British contingent to leave, according to Major Mike Shearer, Britain's military spokesman in southern Iraq.
War does not stop for Christmas and the only visible sign of the festive season outside the Franklin Lines complex is a string of fairylights draped around a palm tree.

The doorbell has been disconnected so visitors must rattle the iron gates before anyone opens up. However, there is no need to worry about being heard as the slightest noise at the gates sets off a wild cacophony of barking.
Officer Commanding, Captain Claire Budge, 27, who is also the base vet, sits inside her office sorting through a mountain of yuletide gifts for dogs sent by handlers, family and friends.
She will not allow her charges to be spoilt by rich food or unhealthy chocolate treats but she approves of the distinctly non-military-issue rope-toys, bouncy balls and bone-shaped chews.
Over Christmas, off-duty dogs will show their appreciation by doing a special tour of the base to spread cheer among soldiers, who feel particularly homesick at this time of year. Capt Budge is new to the job, having arrived in Iraq only in September.
She joined the Army a year ago after a couple of years as a vet because she wanted to help working dogs.
"I have always loved animals and as a child I learnt that my grandfather's uncle had looked after animals during the First World War," she says. "He was in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps and I wanted to follow in his footsteps."
She has already formed a close bond with most of the animals but has a particularly strong attachment to her eight-year-old explosives expert, a black labrador called Paddy.
Like so many of his canine comrades-in-arms, Paddy comes from a "troubled background" and would probably have been put down had the military not stepped in.
"Unwanted dogs often have a bit of an attitude but this can be an asset in the military as it demonstrates a drive that can be channelled into doing good," says Capt Budge. "So long as they have a willingness to please and to show loyalty they have potential to be great military dogs."
Paddy is now an old warrior and he has enjoyed a remarkable and distinguished military career. His experience seems to be reflected in his sad, dark chocolate eyes but when the captain playfully ruffles his jowls and gives him "a big softie" kiss he instantly melts and looks more of an adored family pet than a highly trained military asset.
"Paddy is a truly amazing dog," says Capt Budge. "He has led a charmed life. It began when he was in an armoured vehicle that fell 300ft down a ravine in Bosnia five years ago. While the handler suffered severe back injuries, Paddy escaped unscathed."
He has since become a hero in Basra. In the past year alone he has sniffed out more than a dozen hand-made bombs and booby-traps laid by the roadside and in buildings that might otherwise have killed or maimed troops.
Incredibly, he has so far not even received a scratch despite being on the frontline, sweeping nearly a mile ahead of the troops. His most recent narrow escape came last month when the Bulldog armoured vehicle in which he was travelling came under grenade attack.
"When the grenade exploded, debris and people were strewn everywhere," says Capt Budge. "But Paddy was unharmed and oblivious to it all, even helping himself to rations spilled out on the ground from the explosion."
His previous handler, Lance Corporal Debbie Cafful, 23, suffered shrapnel wounds.
Paddy is due to be retired in the spring and will become the adored pet of a previous handler. He is already cutting down on duties and has taken up a new role of boosting the morale of homesick troops. This includes weekly visits to the base hospital to cheer up the injured.
Touring the perimeter fence that protects the Basra base is another key task for the dogs. Lance Corporal Kerrie Moore, 30, is out patrolling between watchtowers with her six-year-old German shepherd called Bandy.
The bond between handler and dog is particularly important with attack dogs – their job is simply to defend the handler at all costs.
Attack dogs have a dreadful reputation among locals. Dogs are deemed "unclean" in Arab Islamic culture and insurgents are also understandably petrified of vicious canines trained to savage any enemy who threatens their handler.
Though not killers by nature, these dogs are conditioned by Army trainers to lock on to the fighting arm of intruders using "sub-lethal" force. A few are also trained to sink their teeth into whatever they see fit to disable the enemy.
With 42 razor-sharp teeth and 150lb of finely honed muscle, these are truly lethal pieces of military kit.
"Our relationship is built entirely on trust – my life is in his hands and his is in mine," says L/Cpl Moore.
"This means we have far more than just a working relationship but an unbreakable bond of affection that cannot be shared with anyone else. His job is to expect trouble and defend me – and he's utterly fearless."
As if on cue, a stranger comes in to sight and Bandy – and another attack dog Buddy – immediately strain at the leash.
L/Cpl Moore grew up around animals and has always felt a close affinity with them. Before joining the Army she worked on a stud farm for several years. Her family in the village of Kirby Bellars, Leicestershire, look after her horse Shannigan, 13, and border collie Hollie, eight.
"You have to love your dog," she says. "Working with Bandy is a great comfort and helps me keep it together when I'm feeling lonely or homesick. He is like a pet, though not the kind of animal you can let sleep at the bottom of your bed."
German shepherds make good attack dogs, as do lively Belgian shepherds, but the animals do not have to be pedigrees. Mongrels can be just as adept at military work.
The most important thing, says L/Cpl Moore, is that Army dogs believe their job is "fun". For attack dogs particularly, biting the enemy must be seen as its own reward.
In spite of their aggressive reputations, breeds such as rottweilers, dobermans and pit bulls rarely cut the mustard with the military as they have a tendency to be more unruly.
All canines are picked and trained between the ages of one and three, usually retiring from service aged eight or nine.
Sadly, attack dogs seldom enjoy their retirement as they are considered a danger to the public and are usually "euthanased". But sniffer dogs go on to live long and healthy lives. They are almost always adopted by previous handlers.
Favoured breeds for sniffer dogs include labradors, retrievers and spaniels, though mongrels and even poodles have made the grade.
The most unlikely dog currently working in Basra is a two-year-old spaniel-cross called Trixie, who is so small she can actually squeeze though the 3in gap in the bars of her kennel. When she is off duty, she races around like an over-excited puppy but when she is working she is transformed into a highly motivated animal.
Sniffer dogs take four months to train and attack dogs take two, with the final fortnight spent developing a bond with the future handler. Dogs are motivated by the simple joy of playing with a tennis ball as a reward.
Out at the hazardous "Gate Charlie" checkpoint, Private Ben Anderson's three-year-old black labrador Jack is inspecting trucks coming into the compound, trying to sniff out hidden explosives. Jack is in a mischievous mood, rolling about in the sand and jumping up to lick friendly faces.
He scampers around the battered lorries and bounces into the cabs, many of which are scarred with bullet holes from driving in this highly dangerous area.
As he carries out his task, eight soldiers in full body armour and helmets carrying loaded SA80 rifles and pistols look on. "Jack doesn't really think of this as a job," says Pte Anderson, 20. "He regards it as fun. If he thought it was work he just wouldn't bother.
"When he discovers something suspicious, such as bomb fuse wire or plastic explosives, he instantly sits down and wags his tail. Then he gets to play with his tennis ball."
Although more than 100 trucks a day can enter the compound, it is rare that any explosives are found, so Pte Anderson sometimes plants dummy bombs on vehicles to keep Jack motivated.
"For me this is the best job in the world," says Pte Anderson. "I absolutely adore dogs. My dad is in the Army while mum used to work for the RSPCA and I grew up looking after strays. When I was ten and living in Lancashire I spent a lot of my time trawling the streets looking for abandoned animals.
"People thought I was crazy but I must have picked up at least a dozen dogs and many were in a terrible state."
Before Pte Anderson began working with Jack, he was handler to another dog, Speedy. The five-year-old was retired in April suffering from osteoarthritis and has since been adopted by Pte Anderson. Speedy is currently being looked after at a military garrison in Paderborn, Germany, where Pte Anderson's parents are based.
"It is incredibly rewarding being involved with dogs like Jack who may have once been cruelly treated but can go on to have such an important job," he says.
Jack has two brothers, Kez and Kermit, also aged three, who are Army sniffer dogs working in Afghanistan along with 19 other British dogs.
So far, no British troop dogs have been killed while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, even though this has been the biggest deployment of military dogs since the Second World War.
However, dogs used by the American military have been killed. Earlier this year Corporal Kory Wiens, 20, and his labrador retriever Cooper were killed by a booby-trap device in Iraq. They were cremated and their ashes buried together back home in Dallas.
The war dogs occasionally suffer physical injuries – bullet, mortar or shrapnel wounds or simply cuts from running on debris on the ground.
A more common reason for returning home is shell-shock. Golden labrador sniffer dog Max, four, and a German shepherd attack dog called Blue, six, were returned to "non-operational" duties in Britain earlier this year when the noise of bullets and mortars whizzing round their heads became too much for them and they started showing signs of distress.
The animals have to be totally oblivious to the sounds of the war-zone if they are to remain efficient in their jobs.
Back at Franklin Lines, an urgent call comes in to the veterinary surgeon to deal with a dog with blood pouring from a deep gash to his right hind leg.
Within minutes, four-year-old Dutch shepherd Rocky XIII is in the well secured clinical room being stitched by Capt Budge. The unit is so well equipped, it would put many NHS facilities to shame.
Rocky seems to have cut himself on barbed wire or glass while on patrol. His owner and handler, Wes Layton, 43, spent 18 years in the canine division of the Oklahoma police force before becoming a private security contractor for the American Embassy which shares the same site.
As Rocky is tranquillised, Layton strokes him tenderly and whispers comforting words in his ears. Soon the gash is sewn up and the limb bandaged to prevent infection. Layton's loyal companion can return to frontline duty in a week.
"This dog has saved my life more times than I care to recollect," he says. "He is my lucky charm. You don't have enough money to buy Rocky off me. We are always together wherever we go."
While holed up in Saddam Hussein's former riverside Basra Palace during the summer, Layton recalls how Rocky alerted him to dozens of incoming rocket attacks, some just 30 seconds before they hit the ground.
Although not officially recognised, many in the military accept that a combination of very sensitive hearing and a so-called "sixth sense" has enabled war dogs sometimes to anticipate attacks.
It is standard military procedure to look between the ears of where a dog is facing to check from which direction attacks are most likely to come.
Dogs were used in the Great War to carry messages between the trenches but it wasn't until the Second World War that they received official recognition for their valiant work when the Dickin Medal – the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross – was introduced.
So far, 62 animals have received the highly regarded medal for "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty", but 54 of these were for acts of bravery during or soon after the Second World War. The roll of honour is 26 dogs, 32 pigeons, three horses and a cat called Simon.
The most recent recipient was Sadie, a black labrador with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. She was decorated this year for her daring exploits as an explosives search dog in Afghanistan.
The only Dickin Medal to be awarded in Iraq was given to a Royal Army Veterinary Corps springer spaniel called Buster in 2003 after he discovered a huge arsenal of terrorist explosives.
Today it may seem that the use of animals by the military is at odds with the Army's increasing reliance on high-tech equipment. Yet in Basra it is clear that this small band of dogs carries out invaluable work.
Paddy, Bandy, Jack and the others are more than living up to their status as man's best friend.

Pet Of The Week

Photo by Linda KorThis demure little kitty would be the perfect gift for someone special. She’s a Siamese, and is about 10 weeks old. The cost for adoption is $35, which includes spay, rabies vaccinations and license. For more information on this and other pets, call Holbrook Animal Control at 524-6828 or stop by at 105 Airport Road.

Pet gifts to share with your animal kingdom

Don't forgot to get something for your favorite feline or Fido. You still have an opportunity to indulge your precious pet in a healthy gift this year.
Consider, for instance, the organic cotton play and chew toys from Harry Barker, maker of haute canine accessories. "Cotton is one of the worst offenders when it comes to the use of pesticides and herbicides," owner Carol Perkins says. "We know it's better for the environment, and we figure it's better for the dogs, too."
Nancy Sheets, owner of Tails of the City in Snider Plaza, stocks one-of-a-kind finds, including leashes that beg pet owners to get moving with their dogs.

BRIGHT IDEA
Walking a dog in the dark becomes a little safer for both of you with the PupLight ($20), an ultrabright, wide-angle LED light that illuminates as far as 200 feet. The PupLight, which Secret Service agents reportedly use for their dogs, snaps onto collars and includes a fur guard so Spot won't feel the pinch. At Petco.

SAFETY FIRST
This first-aid kit ($22) for animals includes everything from eyewash to burn gel to help owners deal with a range of issues, including paw problems and cuts and scrapes. Tails of the City, 6819 Snider Plaza; 214-750-7602

THE NATURAL CHOICE
Tails will wag with glee at these all-natural toys (starting at $8) by Harry Barker made of organic cotton and hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill. The rope toys are free of harmful dyes and machine-washable. They promote dental health by encouraging "nondestructive chewing." www.harrybarker.com or 1-800-444-2779

FORGET THE DOGGY BAG
The Pet Travel Tainer ($15) is ideal for on-the-go pets and their people. The set includes a pair of bowls, one airtight container and lid, plus a carrying handle, making it ideal for toting kibble or treats and keeping everything neat and clean. The Container Store or www.containerstore.com
HAIR TALES
Brushing your dog, cat or even horse's undercoat becomes a breeze with the FURminator ($35-$60), a cool tool that de-sheds your four-legged pal in minutes. It works like any other brush, only far more effectively, so with a few strokes working from the head to the tail, loose hair is removed. At Petco, PetSmart and other specialty stores.

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Who will take care of baby when momma is gone?That problem vexed Laura Souza, 44, who four years ago adopted Baby Nino, an Eclectus parrot that lives to 70."I got my lawyer to write the will so my daughter won't inherit my estate unless she takes care of my bird," said the Delray Beach resident.

More people are leaving money for their pets as states pass laws legalizing pet trusts. As a result, estate lawyers and special animal care businesses — both big and small — have emerged to cater to pets when their owners die.Experts say owners who include their dogs, cats, birds or other creatures in their will, typically leave behind about $10,000 to $35,000, for starters.Billionaire hotel operator and real estate investor Leona Helmsley died this year and left $12 million to her white Maltese named Trouble."People treat pets like members of the family, they want to make sure their pets are taken care of long after they're gone," said Fred Hochsztein, a Hollywood estate lawyer who now asks clients if they would like to set up plans for their pets.According to Jennifer Robinson, an estate lawyer who also is a Humane Society of Broward County board member, "I've seen people put a couple hundred thousand dollars to a million dollars in a pet trust."Most people who set up pet trusts are elderly owners who live alone, she said."They could be irritated with their children because they don't visit or they could just befriend the pet so much they just love them," Robinson said.The Florida legislature this year revised a law originally passed in 2003, that said owners could leave estates to their pets, provided there's a human named as a trustee. Since 1993, 38 other states have passed similar laws.Most pet trusts name a trustee to manage the money and a separate person to care for the animal. The owner can designate enforcers to make sure the trustee and caretaker follow instructions, which could include what kind of food the animal eats and visits to the vet, said Robinson.If the owner cannot find a person to entrust their pet, they can turn to pet retirement homes."People will say, 'We've got kids, but they won't take care of our pets the way we want,' and that's where we come in," Henry Presnal, the director of the Stevenson Companion Animal Life-Care Center. The facility is connected to the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and was started in 1993 when states began passing pet trust legislation.About 320 animals belonging to 120 owners from 18 states are set to eventually move in to the Texas facility. There at the ranch house, pets can exercise in five different outside areas or lounge in seven different rooms — divided between cats and dogs, of course, Presnal said. When the animals die, the remains are cremated and placed in a pet memorial garden behind the building.To enroll an animal, owners donate between $50,000 to $100,000 as an endowment to the university."It sounds like a lot of money, but it supports veterinary education and funds scholarship or research, not to mention the pet's welfare for the rest of his or her life," Presnal said.In South Florida, an owner can arrange to temporarily leave a pet with the Peace of Mind program at the Humane Society of Broward County. The organization will place the animal for adoption as it does for any other abandoned animal the group takes in, said Kathy Tricomi, a director for the Humane Society.With a $25,000 estate donation, the organization will routinely check on the animal's status at the new home and grant limited medical coverage. A $100,000 donation will ensure life-long medical coverage for the pet.The Humane Society is starting to look at creating a retirement home for pets because more people are asking for the service, Tricomi said.Ella Schutt and her husband, of Hollywood, were inspired to create a cat retirement home in 2004."We were wondering what would happen to our cats if something, God forbid, happened to us," said Schutt, who takes care of four cats. "Friends and family or neighbors don't want the burden of suddenly having to watch over a living being."Pricing depends on the age of the cat, but costs are about $4,000 to $6,000 per year, she said. Palm-Meow's Web site advertises daily brushing and cat massage as classical music is played throughout the day "to help create a relaxed atmosphere."As with other life care programs for people, Presnal said animal owners need to be thorough when considering a pet retirement home."They have a good heart and want to do good things, but what's going to happen to the animals if these people get hurt or ill?" he said. Many owners who attended the grand opening of Chateau Poochie this month in Pompano Beach said they were planning ahead for their animals. Dogs adorned in dresses and gem-studded collars lead owners around the $2 million complex that features massages, flat-screen TVs and webcams. Rooms cost anywhere from $45 to $175 a day at the resort decked out with chandeliers and custom sofas.Bird owner Souza was sipping champagne as she pushed her second baby around the facility in a custom pink stroller. Gianna-Marie, a 9-month-old Shih Tzu, was destined for Souza's daughter, just like Baby Nino."My daughter told me she doesn't particularly like the bird, and I said, 'Well, that's too bad!" chuckled Souza.

Bedford County Animal Control: Pet of the Week

Meet Oscar. Oscar is about 8 mos to 1yr. old. His owner could no longer keep him. He is neutered, and had all of his shots and comes with the vet papers. He is a very loving and sweet kitty. Has been treated well and will make a wonderful pet.
Our adoption process is very easy!! The fee for adopting an animal is $65 that includes a $50 refund after the animal is spayed or neutered. Our facility contains an Adoption Room that will allow you and your family to spend quality time to ensure the right pet for you! All animals must leave with a current Rabies Vaccination. The current cost for this is $13.
Come Visit Us!
The shelter is now staffed during the day for viewing of animals and for dropping off animals. Give us a call to schedule a time to come in.
Bedford County Animal Control
205 Lane Parkway
Shelbyville, TN 37160
Phone: 931-685-1130
FAX: 931-685-1227
Email: michaelgregoryjr@yahoo.com

TH: What challenges did you face entering the market in 2006 and how successful has FastNext been in overcoming them?

When Ed Hildebrandt bought Pleasant Mountain Pet Rest in Plymouth in 1980, fewer than three dozen pets were buried there. Today, more than 4,000 animal companions - from cats and dogs to a boa constrictor - are laid to rest in the 3-acre tract bordering Route 3.
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Business is booming, there and at other pet cemeteries in the region, as more people choose to give a human-like memorial to deceased pets. Grief is grief, specialists say, whether for a lost pet or a lost human companion.
Eighty percent of Hildebrandt's clients are choosing to have their pet cremated and returned in a wooden box (average cost: $150). The rest choose private burial (up to $450, depending on the pet's size).
"It's a matter of wanting to do something for the pet so that they know it's not being disposed of in a manner that's distasteful," Hildebrandt said.
Mary Hicks of Halifax is among the pet owners who feel that way.
When Lilly, her pug, and Nacho, her Chihuahua, died within three months of each another in 2001, Hicks, 62, turned to Pleasant Mountain to have a full burial and memorial service.
"It just felt right to me," said Hicks. "I didn't want cremation and I didn't want public cremation or a public burial. I wanted something private. It seemed to work." She visits the site regularly.
"There's a tendency to think it's strange," she acknowledges.
But for veterinarians and others who understand the human-pet bond, it makes perfect sense.
"The grief process is exactly the same," whether the deceased loved one is a human or a pet, said Dr. Stefanie Schwartz, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist for more than 20 years. "But our society does not recognize it to the same degree."
"Losing a pet can be more impactful and more emotionally profound than losing a family member," said Schwartz, who runs a pet loss support group at VCA South Shore Animal Hospital in Weymouth. "There are unresolved emotional issues with people, but the relationship with the pet can be very pure."
Schwartz said a pet can symbolize the "ideal" relationship the owner may be lacking with parents, siblings, or spouses.
"When that pet goes, it's shattering all the hopes and dreams and securities," she continued. "The relationships we have with our pets are sacred in a different way."
The loss of a pet can also be more devastating because of the potential insensitivity toward the pet-owner relationship. Schwartz noted that owners most often have to take a personal day from work for the loss of a pet, but are given weeks for the loss of a family member or friend.
Other veterinarians, including Dr. Lisa Barber, who oversees the pet loss support hot line at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, agreed that the pet-owner bond can eclipse that of some human relationships.

Pet heroes honoured as cemetery reopens

In the war the pigeons would all have had to be shot for dereliction of duty: released from the hands of actor Jenny Seagrove, instead of swooping in the planned elegant V-formation across one of the most extraordinary cemeteries in Britain, they took one look at the assembled crowd of photographers, did a swift U-turn over the hedge, and headed north for Manchester and home.
Among thousands of domestic moggies and much mourned mongrels, many with expensive headstones describing the grief of humans signing themselves "Mum" and "Dad", 12 animals described as war heroes lie in a sloping field on the north eastern borders of London.

Pet heroes honoured as cemetery reopensMaev KennedyFriday December 14, 2007Guardian Unlimited In memory of brave pets ... the PDSA's Ilford animal cemetery. Photograph: Cate Gillon/Getty
In the war the pigeons would all have had to be shot for dereliction of duty: released from the hands of actor Jenny Seagrove, instead of swooping in the planned elegant V-formation across one of the most extraordinary cemeteries in Britain, they took one look at the assembled crowd of photographers, did a swift U-turn over the hedge, and headed north for Manchester and home.
Among thousands of domestic moggies and much mourned mongrels, many with expensive headstones describing the grief of humans signing themselves "Mum" and "Dad", 12 animals described as war heroes lie in a sloping field on the north eastern borders of London.


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It was still deep countryside when the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, a 90-year-old charity, which each year still cares for thousands of pets of people too poor to pay vet bills, created the cemetery. After over 3,000 burials it closed in the 1960s, and soon became overgrown and forlorn, tree roots toppling monuments and moss blurring inscriptions.
Yesterday it was formally reopened to the public, after restoration work funded by a £50,000 Big Lottery grant. The site includes the graves of 12 Dickin Medal winners, the animal equivalent of a VC, a fifth of all those ever awarded.
The pigeons passed the grave of Mary of Exeter, a pigeon that made four flights carrying messages back from wartime France, returning seriously injured each time. On her last return shrapnel damaged her neck muscles, but her owner, an Exeter cobbler, made her a leather collar which held her head up and kept her going for another 10 years.
Jake, a present-day Metropolitan Police explosives detector dog, sniffed curiously yesterday at the grave of Simon, the only cat ever to win the medal, for heroic ratting on board HMS Amethyst during the 100 days the ship spent trapped by Chinese communist rebels on the Yangtze River, in 1949.
Fortunately, according to Commander Stuart Hett, who briefly served as the cat's correspondence secretary, Simon was a small but fearless creature who quite liked dogs. Simon was originally the captain's cat, a privileged creature who fished ice cubes out of his water jug and crunched them, but after he survived being blown up along with the captain's cabin, became the pet of the whole crew. Hett, then a 23-year-old sub lieutenant, had the chore of replying to thousands of letters after the ship escaped the barrage and the story went worldwide. The decision was taken to bring the furry hero back to Britain, which proved the death of him: he caught cat flu while still in quarantine.
"Can a cat be brave?" Commander Hett considered yesterday. "Is it right to call an animal a hero? I think so, yes. To continue doing everything required of you under fire, to continue giving comfort and succour to your comrades, yes I think you could properly call that bravery."

Animal group says Westside pet shop sold from puppy mills

The head of the Humane Society of the United States on Tuesday accused a Westside pet store catering to celebrities of selling puppies obtained from puppy mills.Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive of the society, a national animal advocacy organization with headquarters in Washington, D.C., made a presentation on what he called an undercover investigation of Pets of Bel Air, a pet store and grooming business tucked into the Beverly Glen Circle shopping plaza in Bel-Air. The store has attracted such high-profile customers as pop star Britney Spears and actress Denise Richards, among others.

"Our employees were on the inside of Pets of Bel Air," said Pacelle, who made his presentation at the West Los Angeles Animal Care Center, accompanied by Ed Boks, general manager of L.A. Animal Services, which runs the city's shelters."Our undercover investigators found staffers were knowingly misrepresenting how the dogs were obtained," Pacelle said.Just hours after the news conference, the pet store was shut down by L.A. Animal Services for selling pets without a proper permit from the city and for not having veterinary records available for inspection."This is largely symbolic," Boks said. "They can buy a permit and reopen."He joined Pacelle in denouncing the store's alleged practice of selling puppies from puppy mills, calling it "unconscionable."Neither operating a so-called puppy mill nor securing dogs from one is a crime. But animal welfare advocates denounce as inhumane and cruel the breeding practice of keeping dogs on a mass scale to produce puppies for sale.Pacelle said the Humane Society reviewed records of 28 breeders supplying the pet store. Undercover investigators went to five of those breeders and found them to be "large scale breeding facilities -- like factories," Pacelle said.Pacelle showed a video of people who the Humane Society contends were Pets of Bel Air employees, on which they state that they try not to refer to an animal as "sick" even if it is ill.Store owner Tom Demick said Tuesday night in a phone interview that he had not bought puppies from a puppy mill -- "not to our knowledge. I've worked with pet stores in the past. I've seen the worst. I set this store up to do the best. We pride ourselves on our animal husbandry. We're all very compassionate about how we do it."Demick, who said his store had been open since 1999, took issue with the Humane Society's videotape of employees downplaying dogs' illnesses. "That was so twisted," said Demick of the video. "They cut that segment short."He said it was an "oversight" that he had not paid for a permit. "I told the [animals services] officers I had no idea I was three years behind on this," said Demick, who added he would take care of it immediately.Tuesday afternoon, as animal services officers conferred with employees inside the shuttered Pets of Bel Air, puppies for sale tussled with each other in crib-like structures in the front windows, or napped, undisturbed by the small crowd of reporters and photographers peering in at them.Pacelle defined puppy mills as places where female dogs are bred every time they come into heat, a practice he called "incredibly stressful on the system."Pacelle said the dogs and puppies are usually not socialized and are often housed in small wire cages -- causing the animals to endlessly bark and circle, he explained. In addition, inbreeding leads to genetic problems.Pacelle said some of the Humane Society's documentation had been turned over to the county district attorney's office as possible evidence of fraud."We have on tape a number of false representations made to clients," said Pacelle, referring to footage that appears to show store employees stating that the store never sells from puppy mills.Both Pacelle and Boks urged potential dog owners to get dogs from shelters. The West L.A. shelter had some mixed breed puppies Tuesday, several of which should be available for adoption in the next couple of weeks.carla.hall@latimes.com

Does your pet need a dietary supplement?

If you take a multivitamin every morning and perhaps a supplement or two because you care about your health, does it make sense to do the same with your dog or cat? Stephanie Pendleton of Emerald Isle, North Carolina, would say yes.

Pendleton caught on to pet supplements a few years ago when she noticed that her 13-year-old cat, Sierra, wasn't up to her usual antics.
"She was having a hard time jumping up on the counter, and she wasn't playing as much as she used to," Pendleton says. "Finally, she just spent less time up there, I think, because it was painful for her."
Pendleton researched Sierra's problem online, and learned about the joint supplements glucosamine and chondroitin. She asked her veterinarian, and they agreed to give the cat a product that combines both joint supplements.
"Sierra is jumping all over the place again," Pendleton says.
Now, Pendleton is a believer in pet supplements. She gives Sierra and her other cat, 2-year-old Serenity, a multivitamin, probiotics to help their immune systems and essential fatty acids for skin and coat health. Sierra gets seven pills, Serenity four.
Demand for supplements is on the rise. The pet supplement market has grown about 15 percent annually since 2000 and is now a $1.3 billion business, according to the National Animal Supplement Council. Simmons Market Research Bureau says approximately 17 percent of pet owners give their cats and dogs some type of supplement.
A pet supplement is a product that is intended to complement the diet and help support and maintain a normal biological function. Products range from multivitamins for overall health to targeted formulas that claim to alleviate joint problems or canine cognitive dysfunction.
Dr. Tim Montague, a veterinarian at Eads Animal Hospital in Eads, Tennessee, started using supplements in 1992. He was wary at first because he didn't learn about them in veterinary school, and there weren't many on the market. But when an old professor of his recommended a joint supplement for one of Montague's patients, he took notice. Montague's golden retriever Ayla had an arthritic shoulder, so he also tried a joint supplement on her.
"She could barely make it up and down the stairs, but within a week after the supplement she was running and catching Frisbees in the yard," Montague says. "That sold me on that product." He said his patients have had good success with joint supplements and he prescribes them all the time.
But some substances, such as St. John's wort, may not be suitable for pets, according to the Food and Drug Administration, and their safety and effectiveness is untested in animals. What's more, some supplements have been found to contain lesser amounts of an active ingredient than the manufacturer claims, or substances like lead have been detected.
Dr. Tod Cooperman is president of ConsumerLab.com, which independently tests supplements for humans and animals. In the past few years, his company has reviewed roughly a dozen multivitamins, joint supplements and fish oils for pets and found that about half of the products tested don't pass.
"We have repeatedly found the quality of supplements for pets to be worse overall than for supplements for people," Cooperman says.
With the pet supplement market burgeoning, especially online, the FDA urges pet owners to talk to their veterinarians before giving supplements to their animals, something Montague agrees with.
"People need to be careful about self-medicating," he says. "I've seen many animals harmed by people getting the wrong information over the Internet."
Dr. John Bauer, professor of clinical nutrition at Texas A&M University's College of Veterinary Medicine, offers four factors to consider when evaluating supplements:
1. Product quality How much of the functional, active ingredient is in the product? Responsible manufacturers will have 800 numbers on the package to call with technical questions about the ingredients, and your veterinarian should know what specific questions to ask.
2. Efficacy Is there any scientific basis to support the use of this supplement? If information about product testing isn't available on the company's Web site or elsewhere, call the company for details about the studies that have been performed.
3. Tolerance. Check the list of ingredients carefully before giving a supplement to your pet. For example, a supplement might include lactose, which some cats and dogs can't tolerate. It's a good idea to consult your veterinarian first to discuss how the supplements may react with any medications the pet is taking.
4. Safety. A product's safety should be proven. For example, the company might state in its literature that it was tested in high doses on mice and found to be safe, or the number of adverse events reported might be few to none.

lst Dog Walk Summit tackles pet owners’ responsibilities

MANILA, Philippines -- A German shepherd tied to a tree in a pet-friendly campus looks harmless as he sits calmly in the shade.
But when a child comes by and pets him, he ends up with a bite in the hand.
Bishop, a friendly Pit bull terrier, walks in a park full of people with his owner by his side. Every person he meets steers clear of his path although unknown to them, Bishop is a sweet natured dog who would never bite anyone.
However, the recent stories about dog fights, where Pit bulls are pitted against each other, have created a negative impression of the breed. As a result, instead of admiration, Bishop earns wary and fearful gazes from people in the park.
With more pet owners bringing their furry companions to public places, a safe and healthy interaction among humans and animals should always be observed, according to Joey Tiosayco, president of Lovepets.com, a pet welfare group.
Recently, the group and other dog walker clubs in Metro Manila signed a Unified Declaration on Policies toward Responsible Canine Public Exposure during the 1st Pack Leader Dog Walk Summit held in Pasig City.
The summit, organized by Lovepets.com (Love, Pets and Comradeship), was aimed at teaching pet owners to become more responsible and responsive to non-animal lovers in public places.
“In setting policies and provisions that must be adhered to by sectors involved, we can avoid accidents or untoward incidents involving humans and animals,” explained Tiosayco.
Even if pets are already allowed in some establishments in Metro Manila, “we (animal owners) must not go out of bounds,” he added.
Signs needed
So-called pet-friendly places don’t even have signs or reminders on how people should handle their animals in public, Tiosayco said.
Canine health is one of the top considerations written in the unified declaration. It states that “dogs that will be brought to public places must have rabies shots. They must be subjected to anti-tick, flea, and heart worm prevention measures.”
Owners whose bitches are in heat, show signs of sickness or have been diagnosed with infectious diseases are discouraged from taking them to enclosed spaces like restaurants and commercial areas where many people gather.
The declaration also holds humans responsible for their pets’ every act. They are encouraged to be more tolerant and understanding of people who are not dog or animal lovers.
Petting of dogs must also be done with strict supervision, especially when it involves canines who may not be feeling well or are still undergoing behavioral training.
It would be better if the dogs wear bite prevention gear or muzzles. Owners or handlers should also carry their animals’ vaccination records at all times, the declaration added.
The summit also served as a forum for government officials, veterinarians and animal welfare groups to discuss issues on human-animal coexistence.
Dr. Angel Mateo, director on animal welfare of the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Industry, gave a brief talk on existing laws (Animal Welfare Act of 1998 or Republic Act No. 8485 and Rabies Law of 2007 or RA 9482). He also discussed how an act can be considered a form of animal cruelty and the responsibilities of a pet owner.
On the other hand, Animal Kingdom Foundation Inc.’s external affairs officer, Luis Buenaflor, discussed the implementation of these laws.
Dr. Rey del Napoles, a veterinarian and vice president of the Animal Welfare Coalition, reminded dog owners of the things they have to remember before taking their dog out in public, common canine diseases, as well as how to prevent transmission and proper protection and grooming.
Debunking the myth
Tiosayco was joined by Pit bull owner Mario Policarpio in debunking the myth about large breed canines. Tiosayco said that German shepherds and Pit bull terriers are the most maligned and misunderstood breeds because they are always perceived as “dangerous.”
Tiosayco explained, however, that “it is not the breed, but how the dogs are brought up by the owners.”
To prove his point, he presented Bishop and his owner, Jeff Ramos. He encouraged people to pet the dog who seemed to be enjoying the attention he was getting.
Nearby, two German shepherds, under the supervision of their owners, played with children.
As more and more people take care of dogs and cats, their responsibilities do not end with feeding and giving the animals homes. They also have to ensure the peaceful coexistence of humans and animals.
The declaration, according to Tiosayco, will be presented to the government and the owners of establishments interested in opening their premises to pets.

lst Dog Walk Summit tackles pet owners’ responsibilities

MANILA, Philippines -- A German shepherd tied to a tree in a pet-friendly campus looks harmless as he sits calmly in the shade.
But when a child comes by and pets him, he ends up with a bite in the hand.
Bishop, a friendly Pit bull terrier, walks in a park full of people with his owner by his side. Every person he meets steers clear of his path although unknown to them, Bishop is a sweet natured dog who would never bite anyone.
However, the recent stories about dog fights, where Pit bulls are pitted against each other, have created a negative impression of the breed. As a result, instead of admiration, Bishop earns wary and fearful gazes from people in the park.
With more pet owners bringing their furry companions to public places, a safe and healthy interaction among humans and animals should always be observed, according to Joey Tiosayco, president of Lovepets.com, a pet welfare group.
Recently, the group and other dog walker clubs in Metro Manila signed a Unified Declaration on Policies toward Responsible Canine Public Exposure during the 1st Pack Leader Dog Walk Summit held in Pasig City.
The summit, organized by Lovepets.com (Love, Pets and Comradeship), was aimed at teaching pet owners to become more responsible and responsive to non-animal lovers in public places.
“In setting policies and provisions that must be adhered to by sectors involved, we can avoid accidents or untoward incidents involving humans and animals,” explained Tiosayco.
Even if pets are already allowed in some establishments in Metro Manila, “we (animal owners) must not go out of bounds,” he added.
Signs needed
So-called pet-friendly places don’t even have signs or reminders on how people should handle their animals in public, Tiosayco said.
Canine health is one of the top considerations written in the unified declaration. It states that “dogs that will be brought to public places must have rabies shots. They must be subjected to anti-tick, flea, and heart worm prevention measures.”
Owners whose bitches are in heat, show signs of sickness or have been diagnosed with infectious diseases are discouraged from taking them to enclosed spaces like restaurants and commercial areas where many people gather.
The declaration also holds humans responsible for their pets’ every act. They are encouraged to be more tolerant and understanding of people who are not dog or animal lovers.
Petting of dogs must also be done with strict supervision, especially when it involves canines who may not be feeling well or are still undergoing behavioral training.
It would be better if the dogs wear bite prevention gear or muzzles. Owners or handlers should also carry their animals’ vaccination records at all times, the declaration added.
The summit also served as a forum for government officials, veterinarians and animal welfare groups to discuss issues on human-animal coexistence.
Dr. Angel Mateo, director on animal welfare of the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Industry, gave a brief talk on existing laws (Animal Welfare Act of 1998 or Republic Act No. 8485 and Rabies Law of 2007 or RA 9482). He also discussed how an act can be considered a form of animal cruelty and the responsibilities of a pet owner.
On the other hand, Animal Kingdom Foundation Inc.’s external affairs officer, Luis Buenaflor, discussed the implementation of these laws.
Dr. Rey del Napoles, a veterinarian and vice president of the Animal Welfare Coalition, reminded dog owners of the things they have to remember before taking their dog out in public, common canine diseases, as well as how to prevent transmission and proper protection and grooming.
Debunking the myth
Tiosayco was joined by Pit bull owner Mario Policarpio in debunking the myth about large breed canines. Tiosayco said that German shepherds and Pit bull terriers are the most maligned and misunderstood breeds because they are always perceived as “dangerous.”
Tiosayco explained, however, that “it is not the breed, but how the dogs are brought up by the owners.”
To prove his point, he presented Bishop and his owner, Jeff Ramos. He encouraged people to pet the dog who seemed to be enjoying the attention he was getting.
Nearby, two German shepherds, under the supervision of their owners, played with children.
As more and more people take care of dogs and cats, their responsibilities do not end with feeding and giving the animals homes. They also have to ensure the peaceful coexistence of humans and animals.
The declaration, according to Tiosayco, will be presented to the government and the owners of establishments interested in opening their premises to pets.

Families urged to take up pet insurance

People hardly give a second thought to insuring their homes, cars, themselves and families, but regularly forget their pets.
That omission can often prove disastrous if the animal gets sick, and not just financially for the pet owner.
Given costs of up to $2000 for major surgery - the cuddly cat or loyal labrador could find themselves turfed out of home - abandoned after years of unconditional love - due to prohibitively expensive treatment.
The answer, veterinarians say, is pet insurance.
Although the industry is only small in Australia, it is well established in Europe, where almost half of Swedish pet owners and 20 per cent of British ones have policies for their household animals.
RSPCA Victoria president doctor Hugh Wirth urged people to protect themselves against their pets needing serious medical attention.
"That's exactly why the RSPCA has long supported pet insurance," doctor Wirth said.
"If you can't afford to pay for annual vaccinations, annual worming ... then frankly you shouldn't have a pet at all.
"People nowadays insure their cars, insure their houses against devastating accidents ... we're just simply saying it's just as expensive to fix a pet."
An Australian Companion Animal Council report last year estimated cat and dog owners spent about $8 million on insurance, with the number of new policies growing each year.
The RSPCA, among others, already offers pet insurance and it is this market Manchester Unity is hoping to tap into.
It is offering to have the "whole family covered" and recently launched a new product for dogs and cats.
The company says 63 per cent of Australian households have a pet, including 3.75 million dogs and 2.43 million cats, and they spend $4.62 billion a year on them.
While it currently has only a few hundred policies on the books, business relationship manager David Rees hoped it will be "in the thousands" by the end of 2008.
"For us, it seems to be an untapped market so we see a lot of potential in there," Mr Rees said.
"It's very early days for us, but the sky's the limit in terms of what we want to try and achieve in terms of product and membership growth, but also the impact on the wider community."
He said pet insurance was behind only car and home insurance in the UK and was growing 200 per cent a year in the United States.
A 2004 American Animal Hospital Association survey found three per cent of United States pet owners had insurance for their animals.
And in 2005, the two largest companies held more than half a million policies, with most of the growth taking place since 2001, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
California-based Veterinary Pet Insurance's policy holders more than doubled between 2001 and 2005, from 195,000 to 392,000.
Although off a much smaller base, Pethealth Inc. saw an almost six-fold increase - from 22,000 to 153,000 - in the same period.
AVMA spokesman Thomas McPheron said the concept was quickly catching on in the US.
"When you consider how many people have signed up ... it's pretty impressive," Mr McPheron said from Chicago.
"Definitely people are picking up on it pretty quickly here. It's really taken off in the last decade."

A four-legged friend

Taking tiny steps, Suzy the cocker spaniel walks patiently alongside Daniel Lienard as he slowly but surely makes his way down the long hallway to the activity room. Lienard is assisted by a walker so it takes him a while to get there.Suzy, his faithful four-legged companion, is with him every little step of the way.Born in France, Lienard spent most of his life in Wyoming working as a sheepherder so he was around dogs for almost all of his life. At 70 years old, he became a resident at the Poplar Living Center, an assisted-living facility in Casper. Shortly after he moved in, he asked if he could get a dog. Lucky for him, the Center allows pets."I'm happier having her," he says, with a slight French accent. "Dogs are the best company."
Company is what many seniors need. Having a pet can give an older person a sense of purpose, a reason to exercise and, most of all, a friend.Diane Pomerance, pet specialist and author of "Pet Parenthood: Adopting the Right Animal Companion for you," is a strong advocate of pet ownership for older people who are able to care for a dog or a cat."There are so many health benefits, but basically it's a companionship for somebody who otherwise would be alone or lonely," Pomerance said. "Animals are unconditionally loving. They don't see the IVs, they don't see the wheelchair. They relate on a level that is just intangible. They see right to the heart of a person."Studies show that seniors who own pets have shorter hospital stays than other seniors, suggesting that pets enable older people to better handle stressful events. Older people who own dogs also get more exercise than other seniors.The simple act of petting a dog can lower a person's blood pressure.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pet owners have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and reduced feelings of loneliness. Pets also increase opportunities for exercise and socialization.For aging Baby Boomers, pet ownership can help with a number of health concerns, including psychological challenges. Pets can help ward off the depression associated with Empty Nest Syndrome, which many parents have to cope with after their kids have grown up and moved away. Pets can also help an older person overcome feelings of grief and loss after a loved one has died."As we get older and start outliving our friends, our spouses and our siblings, we face tremendous loss and loneliness," Pomerance said. "The unconditional love of a pet can be a great comfort when you're grieving and struggling to deal with a roller coaster of emotions."Friends in need, friends indeedPomerance urges people who want pets to adopt them from an animal shelter. Pet adoptions save thousands of unwanted animals from being euthanized. Saving an animal helps both the person and the pet, she said.But people looking to adopt an animal companion should carefully consider the challenges of taking care of it."It requires a commitment, a responsibility," she said. "People really need to think about the pet's needs and requirements."Seniors should take into consideration any health limitations or housing issues they have that could limit their abilities to care for the animal.Dogs need exercise, a fenced yard and lots of attention. Cats need attention too. All pets need someone to clean up after them -- whether it's changing a litter box or picking up poop in the yard.It's important to match the type of pet to the older person's personality and physical abilities."You may want to consider a middle-aged animal who's pretty mellow and has outgrown the puppy stage," she said. "You want a dog or cat with a temperament that suits yours. There are many considerations. Are you going to resent having to exercise your dog? Then you may want to consider a cat, which still requires some interaction."Barb Huffman, shelter manager of the Casper Humane Society, agrees that pets are great for seniors. She said the animal shelter will help match a person with the right kind of pet."You don't want to send a 90-pound lunker home with an 89-pound woman in a walker," Huffman said.Seniors should also consider the financial obligations of buying pet food and paying for veterinary care."It's probably one of the most rewarding experiences there are for an older person," Pomerance said. "All they require is love and, yeah, a little kibble."

Pet owners deal with higher spay and neutering cost

SAN JUAN COUNTY — The rising cost of spay and neuter operations is forcing some animal owners to look for alternate solutions.
Some keep their unaltered pets indoors; others dump unwanted litters on the doorsteps of animal shelters or rescue leagues, said Sharon O'Neill, an independent animal rescuer. At any given time, O'Neill has eight stray animals living at her home in Crouch Mesa.
"People drop animals on my doorstep," she said. "They throw them at my house from moving cars."
O'Neill, 55, shelters cats and dogs while she searches for adoptive families. During the 40 years she's rescued animals, she's also taken ferrets, geese, iguanas and tarantulas, but cats and dogs pose the biggest concern, she said.
Without sterilization, dogs and cats can reproduce exponentially — for every person born, 15 dogs and 45 cats are born, according to statistics provided by the Humane Society. One cat and her kittens will breed 400,000 cats in seven years; one
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dog and her puppies will breed 70,000 dogs.
Pet owners and animal rescue leagues claim the rising population comes partly from the increasing cost of spay and neuter operations. Local costs range from $50 to $120 for male cats and from $100 to $140 for female cats.
The cost for the same operations for dogs is calculated by weight. It ranges from $79 for a male weighing less than 24 pounds to $260 for a female heavier than 100 pounds.
"They (operations) are so expensive that someone on a fixed income can't afford it," O'Neill said. "Many of the veterinarians also want the pets to have their shots before the operation, then they look at the health of the pet. When you're done, you've got a bill for $1,200."
O'Neill is disabled and lives on a budget of $800 per month. She can't afford to have her 150-pound timber wolf spayed, so she isolates the animal whenever it's in heat.
The timber wolf already produced a litter of nine puppies, which, because of the species, were almost impossible to place in adopted homes, O'Neill said.
"Every six to eight weeks, when the male dogs start chasing the female dogs, I separate them," she said. "If I don't, I'll have nine more puppies."
O'Neill only takes animals so abused or neglected they will die without help. She's one of several independent rescuers in the county, and most are paying out of pocket for spay or neuter operations.
Clinics see own increases
Veterinarian clinics also are taking a hit, said Amy Dellis, registered veterinary technician at Animal Haven in Farmington. Prices of spay and neuter operations have risen over the last decade, but profits aren't keeping up with the price of supplies, she said.
The cost of spay and neuter operations at Animal Haven has increased by about $15 since 2000, Dellis said. By contrast, the price of anesthesia has more than doubled from $25.73 per bottle to more than $60.
Operations at Animal Haven range from $74 for a male cat to $170 for a female dog heavier than 61 pounds. It's a steep price to pay for a five-minute operation, Dellis said, but the cost includes anesthesia, oxygen and suture materials.
"The price of our supplies has skyrocketed," she said. "Where we take the hit is in the amount of income generated by the doctor's time. The cost has gone up, but the profit has decreased."
The San Juan Animal League offers two options for low- or no-cost operations, said Susan Neale, director of the spay/neuter program. Low-income pet owners can apply for a voucher funded by a private grant, or reimbursement of the cost of the operation paid by local donations.
The voucher program is available only to dogs, Neale said. The animal league applied for a PetSmart grant to pay for cat operations, but was turned down because the county lacks a low-cost spay and neuter clinic.
The closest thing to a low-cost clinic is Baker's Bridge, a Durango-based veterinarian office that does sterilization operations on male and female cats for $55, Neale said, but the drive is too far for many San Juan County animal owners.
"PetSmart liked our program, but they wanted their dollars to go further," Neale said.
Even with a grant to subsidize cat operations, the money wouldn't cover medical needs of feral animals, Neale said. The spay/neuter program works on a $12,000 annual budget and restricts its programs to domestic animals. It also limits vouchers or rebates to three animals per household per year.
"We're over budget now," Neale said. "We would do feral cats if we could, but if we took those on, people feeding feral cats would use up all of our money."
No time to ignore issue
Ignoring the feral animal problem is not the solution, said Gina Rendon, an elderly woman who feeds as many as 75 feral cats.
"The reason I feed them is so they stay out of the road," she said. "If you feed a pet, they go to sleep rather than wandering into the road and making that look bad and possibly costing human life."
Rendon adopted six stray cats and four stray dogs, and she had each one sterilized, but she doesn't have the money to do the same for all the stray animals that frequent her acre of land in Kirtland.
"A lot of senior citizens take care of stray animals," she said. "We have a habit of taking care of something, but $75 for a spay or neuter operation can really hurt if we're on Social Security."
Neglecting the operations isn't the answer, either, Animal Haven's Dellis said. Spay and neuter operations lessen medical problems and lead to better quality of life, she said.
"We promote spay and neuter because it's good medicine," she said. "The premise that we have is that having an animal is a privilege, and if you're not able to meet the needs, you should not have an animal."
The county needs a low-cost spay and neuter clinic, said Kathleen Maestas, founder of El Dorado No-Kill Animal Sanctuary. Before municipalities enforce a mandatory sterilization law, there must be a way to afford the operations, she said.
"If there was some affordable way to do this, we wouldn't have this problem," she said.

Keep alert to changes in your pets’ behavior

Keep alert to changes in your pets’ behavior, such as loss of appetite, difficulty breathing and decreased energy. Bring bumps and lumps to your vet’s attention — cancer is not uncommon in older animals, and while most lumps are nothing to worry about, you shouldn’t ignore them. Regular veterinary care becomes even important for older animals, so keep that annual appointment. Very few people actually brush their pets’ teeth, and an older pet may require dental care to prevent loss of teeth and subsequent trouble eating. Your vet can also check for heart problems, recommend dietary changes and run simple screening tests that can indicate possible health issues. With the proper care and attention, most pets can live long and healthy lives, especially if they watch their weight — see the next question, which also relates to healthy old age.

Your pet get old also........here are tips for pet lovers out there!

As they age, most animals will sleep more and get less exercise, so changes in diet are called for. There are senior pet-food formulas that provide for the different needs of older pets. Make sure you are feeding a high quality brand, not one that contains lots of fillers and byproducts (that goes for younger animals too!). Monitor water intake — too little can lead to digestive problems, and drinking a lot might indicate diabetes, a treatable disease that many cats develop as they age.

Aging pets will often become somewhat deaf and may have impaired vision, so look for signs that response times are slowing down and adjust your behavior accordingly. Some dogs and cats get snappy as they age, so don’t startle an older animal out of a nap and make sure they know you’re approaching. For example, try stomping your feet or pitching your voice higher if your dog isn’t responding to you from across the room.

Have your pet ID-tagged

Have your pet ID-tagged. Pets get lost all the time. You only need to look at the Lost Section in the Classifieds of the local paper. If your pet has been ID-tagged, your chances of being reunited are just so much bigger.

Arrange adequate care when you are away. Unless you have a house sitter or a pet sitter that you trust, or a decent kennel that has been recommended, you shouldn't be going away. Your pets are your responsibility – especially when you are going on holiday.

Pets need people

Pets need people. Cats can still spend quite a lot of time on their own and be fine with it, but dogs need lots of company. They are pack animals and get depressed if they are cooped up all day on their own. If you work fulltime, consider getting more than one dog, so they can keep each other company. Playing with your animals and spending fun times with them are so important. That’s the point of having a pet in the first place.

Get a vet you trust. If your pet gets ill, or is hurt in some way, you want to know that your vet will do the best he or she can. Most pets don't like going to the vet, but you will be able to see quickly whether your vet likes animals and whether your pet likes him or her. If you are faced with a huge vet bill, remember that vets are often quite amenable to making arrangements to have bills paid off.

More Tips in taking care of your pets

Feed your animals at the same time every day. Pets are also creatures of habit, and they need the security of regular and predictable feeding times. It is not a good idea to let pets have unlimited access to food sources – many of them will eat too much, especially if they are bored, or feel anxious. Put the food down, leave it for half an hour, and then remove it. Make sure there is always fresh water for your animals.

Never hit your animals. Animals are hurt and confused by this and it does not solve any disciplinary problems. You may merely be taking out your anger on a defenceless animal. Don't go there. Usually your tone of voice is quite enough to convey displeasure. Also protect your pets from your toddlers. Small children can hurt pets quite badly without even realising what they are doing.

Older animals slow down just as people do

So be aware that your cats may not be able to jump as high as they used to, and the dog might run out of steam a little more quickly. Make sure that favorite perches are still accessible and that food and water are still reachable (I have a carpeted, multi-level cat tree next to the cat feeding station to accommodate my own older cats while still keeping the dog out of their food). Many people provide a stepstool or other assistance for pets that are having trouble climbing onto their favorite sofa.

Tips in taking care of your pets....dog that is

Have your pet spayed or neutered. That is unless you want to use the dog or cat for breeding purposes. There are few things that contribute more to the problem of stray or unwanted animals, than indiscriminate breeding of pets. Having one litter after the other also puts strain on your pets.

Take your dog for walks. Dogs need exercise and become grumpy and unmanageable when kept confined in yards or gardens. Especially dogs that need a lot of exercise, such as border collies. They need open spaces. If you are not prepared to commit yourself to taking your dog for a daily walk or run, you shouldn't have one.

Pet quote for the Day!

Be consistent in your rules. This is especially important for dogs.

Inconsistency makes dogs nervous and uncertain. If you don't want a dog on the furniture, you should never allow it. Allowing it now and then makes the animal uncertain.

And while we're on the topic, different people in the household should not apply different rules for pets. Decide on them together, and stick to them.

caring for your pets

With advances in veterinary care, the availability of quality foods and the care given to many cherished pets, dogs and cats are living longer than they used to. Cats, being more uniform in size, have an average lifespan of 15 years or so (that average is for indoor cats), though many cats are healthy and alert well into the late teens and even 20s. The old formula of one dog year equaling seven human years holds roughly true, though much depends on the size of the dog.

Larger breeds (over 50 pounds) are considered geriatric by age 10, while smaller dogs (under 20 pounds) age more slowly and generally live longer (14 to 18 years). My own 40-pound mix is going strong at 9 and in fact is in far better shape than I am, though technically she’s old enough to be my mother.

Tainted pet food made world headlines this year

The Food and drug Administration's investigation into tainted pet food is still open and active more than two months after the initial pet food recall.

Some pets died, others survived. What is next?A statement released by Menu Foods just this week says the Canadian-based company is doing everything it can to address claims and concerns in a timely manner..

But are you still putting your pet at risk?

cage for different pets

We are going to build a new cage for our pets, we have a rabbit, five pigeons and five canaries. We have a greenhouse of approx. 2.5 x 4.5 metres that we want to turn into a cage.
Our plans are to make a waterfall, a little pond with some fish, and to put some different kinds of plants in it, maybe even some more birds.

The problem is that we don't know which materials to use, which plants to put in there, what the best design is, etc.

We would like to know if you have some ideas, or if there are any books or websites where we can find some information or tips that can help us.

Keeping your pets healthy

“I think everyday you should be looking at what you're feeding your pet,” said Herman.
Doctor Newmark's best advice is to keep on top of the recent recalls.

“Information is important and knowledge is key to keeping your pets healthy,” said Newmark.
With the recall expanding every day, he says it could get worse, “In my humble opinion, it certainly seems that it is becoming more of a problem as time goes on and what's down the road, who knows?”

owning a pet...

These days, animal welfare organisations make doubly sure that you are able to be a responsible pet owner before they hand over a puppy, a kitten or a grown animal. So before you take on Fido or Fluffy, take a look at the following tips from the Cybervet forum users.

Make sure you can afford a pet. Once you have a pet, you need to be able to pay for the injections your pet will need, good pet food doesn't come cheaply, and footing vet bills when your pet is ill could be expensive. Unless you can afford to look after a pet properly, you shouldn't have one.

Continuation on How to help your pets adjust, consider the following tips:

By car
Your pet should always wear a special ID tag, with its name, your name and where you can be reached.
Keep your dog on a leash when outside. Cat harnesses are available at many pet shops.
Have your pet's nails clipped before the trip to prevent scratches and damage to the car.
Do not feed or water the pet just before starting. Feed it only once a day, preferably in the evening.
Plan stops at rest areas to give your dog a drink and a short run.
Take a large container of water from your old home: A sudden change in drinking water may upset a dog's stomach.

To help your pets adjust, consider the following tips:

If you think moving is hard on you and the kids, think what the change means to the mental health of Fluffy and Fido. To help your pets adjust, consider the following tips:

By plane
Consider sending smaller pets by air express.
Obtain a shipping container a week or two in advance.
Feed the pet no less than five or six hours before flight time.
Give the pet a drink of water no less than two hours before the flight.
Be sure that names, addresses and telephone numbers of people responsible for the pet at the point of origin and destination are clearly marked on the container and on the pet's ID tag.

Notify the person receiving the pet that it is on the way.

The microchip uses radio-frequency identification

As many pets go missing each year, a charitable organization seeks to help Hernando County residents keep track of their furry companions

The microchip uses radio-frequency identification, a technology developed by the Digital Angel Corporation and is made to facilitate the recovery of pets, said Julie Lux, spokesperson for Schering-Plough Corporation. Once the microchip is embedded, a scanner is waved over the pet that picks up an ID number. Should someone find a missing pet and bring it to a vet or shelter, they can identify the animal by its ID number and contact the company which then matches it to pre-registered information and afterwards contacts the owner, said Lux.

Tainted food moves beyond pets

“People are surprised that the FDA doesn’t have the power to mandate recalls, because they keep hearing the word but then read that they are really only voluntary recalls.”Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois Chemically tainted pet-food ingredients from China, believed to have sickened or killed thousands of American pets, entered the U.S. human food chain — some through a Kansas hog operation.

The Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday that chickens and hogs that ate contaminated pet food have been processed and most likely eaten by humans

It’s the nightmare of pet lovers everywhere.

Fido or Whiskers gets lost, is scooped up by animal thieves, then sold to be dissected in a university research lab.

The Humane Society of the United States estimates that every year middlemen known as “Class B” animal dealers round up about 18,000 dogs and cats through flea markets and free-to-good-home ads and sell them to laboratories and university research labs.
In the process, it says, lost pets are rounded up, too.

Now that Congress has undergone a change in leadership, the animal advocacy group hopes lawmakers will make it illegal for “Class B” dealers to sell “random source” cats and dogs to research labs.

What are the best virtual pet sites?

Neopets is time-wasting, Kenopets banned me because my worst enemy(school) reported me for no reason, Marapets spamed me, Powerpets is time-wasting, Kiropets spamed me and Fishland spamed me! Anyone? Is there any answers? Just let me know!

Insurance for the pets

I was wondering if pet insurance is a good idea. I currently have two mutts I love dearly. They are about 3 and 5 years old, but I'm concerned for the future. My last three dogs died of cancer (all within about six months of each other) and the vet bills towards the end were astronomical. (Please don't tell me to just put them down when they get sick since they are like children to me and I wouldn't expect somebody to do that to their kids.) I received something from our vet about VPI (Veterinary Pet Insurance) and I'm not sure if it would be worth it in the end. Routine care isn't covered unless you get additional coverage. I'm waiting for my online quote so I'm not sure how much it will cost. Does anybody here have some advice to offer me?

Conservationists are angry over a Bush administration

Conservationists are angry over a Bush administration proposal that would allow the importation of animals listed on the United States' endangered species list, a move they say will further cripple the species' dwindling populations.
The fate of exotic animals and their treatment at the hands of hunters, animal shows or leather-goods merchants has been raised in recent weeks after Roy Horne of Siegfried and Roy, a wildly popular Las Vegas show featuring live tigers, was critically injured when one of the animals mauled him on stage before a live audience.

This is sort of a followup to my question

This is sort of a followup to my question in the nearby wizard troubles thread. In it, I asked if I was crazy to want to play a Wizard without a pet--something I asked because pets, especially the starting ones, tend to be not much more than a pain in the ass nuisance and constant worry to me (waiting for them to get to stairs, hoping they don't go feral, struggling without success to credit clone, eating all my food, etc). The answer was, more or less, 'yes.'

The pet food recall

I only have rabbit ears so can't watch CNN, can't play video, so I'm grateful CNN provides transcripts and thanks to petconnection for posting the links. Last night they did another segment on the pet food recall. Keep in mind we still don't know if melamine is a marker for some yet undiscovered chemical or if melamine is actually the culprit.

Does anybody know where to get this tape?

Does anybody know where to get this tape? It's either called Healing Animal Loss or Healing Pet Loss, and is a guided meditation on dealing with the loss of a pet.