Picture Day

For all you reptilian and amphibian fans, here are two interesting pictures in the news:




A two-headed turtle at Big Al's Aquarium Supercenter in East Norriton, Pennsylvania.








A transparent frog. This is awesome because it puts to rest the trauma I experienced in seeing the frog I had made friends with in 10th grade biology be pithed by a boy in my class when I couldn't bring myself to do it. These frogs can now show how organs grow and function without dissection. This has made my day.

Keeping Our Eyes Open

There are a lot of sites out there that concentrate on the darker side of humanity and its treatment of animals. Because of this, I generally don't post tragic articles on pets and add to the sensationalism that we are all too afflicted with these days. The exception is when I believe there's a message that needs to be transmitted. Today is one of those posts.

In Texas, a puppy mill with 246 dogs, mostly Pomeranians, Boston Terriers, and Jack Russell Terriers, has been shut down after finding severely malnourished, diseased dogs in need of emergency vet care. What's the kicker in this story is that the County Sheriff believes the operation had been going on for years.

Years? Why?

Until recently, the property had warning signs at the edge of the property not to trespass. But rescuers reported the foul odor of the tragedy before actually seeing it, and added that the trees hiding the property didn't mask the sounds of whimpering and barking.

From this report, I wonder how many neighbors in this rural area knew what was going on but looked the other way. Yes, I'm all for privacy and letting folks live as they see best, but when it involves abuse, that privilege is no longer valid. Here's the lesson for us: we cannot turn a blind eye when we become aware of this kind of suffering. We all need to keep our eyes open and reach out to those who cannot do so for themselves. Is there any reason to discuss this any further? I hope not.

Back to the Farm

Seattle has made it official: city dwellers can bring a bit of the farm to their urban homes by keeping goats as pets. What's also nice is that the goats provide milk from which some great cheese can be made, and can help city kids appreciate where food comes from.

Supporters of the new law aren't stopping there - Jennie Grant, president of the Goat Justice League, which has 100 members, sees potential for Seattle to become much more pastoral by allowing additional minianimals. "We would be a really charming city if we were a place people could keep minifarms with chickens, goats, a vegetable garden and fruit trees," she said.

I've only interacted with goats via petting zoos and on a mountain hike in Canada many years ago, where their most memorable interaction was trying to eat anything and everything in, near, or around me. Their persistence was charming for a time, but I think I'd go nuts having to deal with it every day. Even though they don't provide fresh milk, I'll stick with the dog, cats, and fish...

The Depth of Love

If you haven't read Ben Rehder's My Turn article in the September 17th issue of Newsweek, this is one to savor. He writes one of the most touching love stories on his relationship with Esmerelda ("Ezzy") a pit bull that showed her enormous strength and tenacity only when she was frightened by the loud noises of fireworks and thunderstorms. Here are two fabulous quotes from the essay:

The killer instinct?

Well, no. Not this one, anyway. What she did do was annoy my visitors with her overaffectionate personality. She was stealthy about it, though. "Oh, pay no attention to me," she seemed to want to say. "Just continue with your conversation, and forget the fact that I'm creeping onto your lap. Just scratch my ears and everything will be OK."

and...

The next time, she was left inside during a thunderstorm. When I came home, an interior door was ripped in two. There were bite marks on the doorknob. It looked like a crime scene. I found the culprit shuddering in a closet. It was like the joke about the 800-pound gorilla—but with a twist. Where does a terrified pit bull go? Anywhere she wants.

I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did...

Quack or Woof?

Some very good friends of mine have welcomed into their family a pair of ducks, Peep and Pete. They've done a bunch of research and found that the best information about ducks is located in England.

Being a big fan of birds, but realizing it's not so good to have them in a family that includes two cats, I did a quick search and found the following interesting aspects to ducks:

• They are very social birds - if you are in the market to adopt, plan on welcoming at least two into your family (and one article mentioned that three is even better).
• They need space to roam and they need time to be around you - they do become emotionally attached and will feel loneliness if you are not there.
  
• They are capable of understanding commands, learning tricks, and being affectionate via snuggling and kisses.
• Some localities prohibit ducks due to salmonella and avian flu.
• Ducks live for up to 15 years, and it's best if they stay with one family.

The similarities are so much like dogs, I almost expect to hear them bark. :)

Friday Comics

Bliss is one of my favorite comics on pet humor. It's clear he understands the special bond we have with our pets and can poke fun intelligently. Here are my three favorites from the past couple of weeks. Enjoy.

Don't Try This at Home

From Florida, Finley Collins, age 7, gave her pet bearded dragon, Mushu, who is 12 inches long, a rubber lizard, 7 inches long, as a pretend friend to keep her company. The problem occurred when Mushu ate her friend, and wound up at the vet's office. At first, Finley didn't realize the pretend friend was missing, so when small feet and a tail started to be extracted from Mushu, Finley thought Mushu was having a baby. But the vet knew better since bearded dragons produce eggs, not babies. But he was very confused as he continued to relieve Mushu of her obstruction. "It was very strange to be tugging on this thing," he said. Apparently it went through the entire gastrointestinal tract, which makes me cringe just to type it.

Mushu is now at home resting comfortably. "Baby Mashuette" remains at the vet's office as a guaranteed trophy and conversation starter.

Guardian Angel

The Atlanta Constitution has been closely watching and reporting on the story of Pilot, a puppy who missed his vaccination for Parvovirus, got very sick, and racked up a $1,640 bill in getting him back to health.

After that, the story gets complicated, and the fur starts to fly. It becomes a "he said/he said" between the vet, Dr. Gary Innocent, and Pilot's owner, Josh Gomez.

Josh planned to pay $1,152, the original amount he said was quoted to him when he brought Pilot to Dr. Innocent's office. The delay in getting an agreement on charges caused the bill to increase and the gap became a non-trivial amount of $972.

On Dr. Innocent's end, he has stated that the increasing costs were communicated to Josh each day he came in to visit Pilot. When it became clear that Josh may not be able pay the balance, he gave him a deadline of yesterday to settle or the dog would be declared "abandoned" and give him away to another home or surrender him to the local animal shelter, where euthanasia could be an option if he wasn't adopted. After a barrage of calls, emails, and letters from a concerned public, Dr. Innocent said he wouldn't surrender Pilot to the shelter, but would give him to a "star client" where the puppy "would be well cared for."


Through all this, Carol Diamantis saw the real issue and stepped into help. Saying, "If I was in the position, I would hope somebody would help me out," she paid the balance in full and watched as Josh and Pilot were reunited.

This is awesome. Carol gives all of us an opportunity to consider how we can make a real difference in people and pet's lives. But are some other lessons learned:

• Pet ownership is not cheap. Josh, who is 22, is relatively new as a wage-earner, so has a limited cushion of funds. Does this mean he shouldn't have a dog? No. But he could look into pet insurance and possibly a credit card for emergency use.
• A veterinarian told me that the debate over whether and when pets need vaccinations is one of the biggest issues she has to deal with. Making it clear when and what should be done for a new pet's health is critical. The internet is a very powerful tool, but it can be contradictory and confusing on a hot topic like this.
• Dr. Innocent, as business owner, seems to have lost sight of how to make his business really prosper. He would have done much better by finding a win/win solution for his client/patient as well as his business. Sending a letter saying that if the bill wasn't paid in full, he would "report this matter to all authorities including Gwinnett County Animal Control for pet abandonment and disposal", is harsh to say the least. He has said in interviews that this whole incident has hurt his business, and it's no wonder.

It's wonderful to see Josh and Pilot reunited. I wish them both a long, happy, and healthy life together.

Mailbag

I've been writing this blog for almost six months now, and was curious to hear about what interests readers and what doesn't. So I sent a message to my address book that has friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances to query their thoughts and opinions. What I received back was very insightful and in some cases, very funny. I thought you might enjoy seeing some of the feedback:

• Heard right away from a family member who questioned my focus on pets rather than the war in Iraq. Life is a banquet, and I think it's possible to have a range of interests. Pets are definitely more fun though.
• A great comment came from a friend who likes the "how-to" articles. She's very internet savvy, so feels she will find the videos and pictures on her own. I like the "how-to's" as well, so will be looking to post more of them in the future.
• One friend forwarded my message to her daughter attending college, who then did a mini-focus group with her roommate. It was great to hear back from her that they both love the pictures and the combination of interest stories and informational posts. She's not so big on the shopping pieces, which is bad news for all the pet retailers looking at her generation to boost pet spending beyond the already stratospheric $41 Billion that's forecasted this year in the United States.
• A former colleague wrote to say one of his favorite stories was "The Journey" which I especially appreciated because when I posted it, I wondered it it would be too "gushy" for my male readers. I'm glad it's not!
• The absolutely funniest feedback came back from a former co-worker and friend. Here's a sample of his quotes:

I read today's (September 14th) blog. I loved the part about the bear who eats pizza, showers, and sleeps in beds (as long as it's someone else's :-)

The one about the bacteria in dog's mouths - just gross, yuk, oooh :-)

You can probably tell by the last quote that he's not a pet person. I wrote back that any dog person will tell you there's nothing quite like that surprise tongue kissing that happens every now and then.

Today's cute picture comes from Wes Boling's blog.

For the Birds

If you haven't treated yourself to see "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill", take a look at this article and then reserve your copy of the DVD via your favorite video source. I saw this film when it first came out in 2005, and it still ranks as one of my all time favorites.

The film is mentioned again today because the original flock of 50 or so cherry-headed conures has now grown to 200 and they are flying out of the City for the first time as the males widen their search for food for their chicks. The locals in Brisbane, California, are enjoying the new visitors, as they are not nocturnal like mockingbirds and are beautiful to watch as they forage for birdseed, apples, berries, and acorns within this small suburb of the City.

When is a Pet Not a Pet?

From Oregon this morning, a family is fighting with everything they have to get their two pet deer, Snowball and Bucky, returned to them after they were removed by wildlife officers from their home on Wednesday. In Oregon, it is permissible to keep deer "in captivity", but you need a permit, and all 16 of the ones that can be issued have been claimed. In addition, the deers need to be "legally acquired", and Snowball has a different story.

While driving the kids to school one morning, Jim Filipetti saw an injured doe on the side of the road. After taking her to the vet, and caring for her inside the house for a year, she became a part of the family and even learned from Tasha, a cocker spaniel, how to communicate by pawing her hoof at family members when she wanted attention. Bucky is Snowball's yearling buck, conceived after she moved into an enclosed area of the yard and met Mr. Magoo, a blind buck who lived a short time with the family until he died.

Oregon's Fish and Wildlife department is most concerned about Bucky, who can become aggressive during the Fall mating season, and could hurt people with his hooves or horns. The story also recounts how wildlife officials needed to apprehend a black bear who had lived with a family for two years as a cub, eating pizza, taking showers, and sleeping with them in their beds.

So this is really tough. We have a family that loves the animals they've brought into their home and have cared for as babies. It's agreed that Snowball wouldn't have lived had Jim not scooped her up that morning from the side of the road. If it's determined by the wildlife division that she can't be put back into the wild, she could be euthanized. There's more hope for Bucky being returned to the wild, and maybe that's best for him and the family's safety overall. My hope is that some middle ground can be found for Snowball though. She seems much less dangerous than a buck or black bear.

And yes, we should take a lesson from this. Wild animals are, well, wild, and we should do everything we can as animal lovers to ensure they stay that way. It's the safest thing for them, and for us. The circle of life and all that. It doesn't make it easier for a family that has already brought a wild animal into their hearts, but hopefully it will help them make a different decision in the future.

A Danger For Cats

A good friend forwarded an email from his brother describing a harrowing week in receiving a diagnosis of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) for his cat, Clyde. Here are the key points in his mail:

• The initial symptoms came across as a cold (dry nose, not moving around much, and "bitchy" behavior (which is not typical for male cats, who are generally total sweethearts).
  
• Stopped eating, drinking, and using the litter box.
• A trip to the vet got the quick diagnosis (and this is good, because if untreated, the cat will die within 48-36 hours).

When researching this on the web, I found a nice write up at AniMed and one with much more detail at ThePetCenter that covers what expect when your cat is diagnosed with this disease. Some high level points:

• Male cats are more prone to FLUTD than female cats, as the female has a wider urethra, which allows the minute crystals that form to pass through.
• Once diagnosed, continual monitoring is necessary.
• Stress is a common cause of this disease, and stress can be any number of things for a cat - introducing a new pet into the household (especially a dog), remodeling, or moving (note that the Clyde's vet suspected a change in diet could cause stress too - cats are picky about their routines).
  
• A change of diet is often recommended to ensure a higher ph level in urine (urine with lower ph levels can cause the crystals to form).
  

The email closes with a plea that any pet lover can identify with:

I'm telling you all this so you can inform someone who has a cat or dog. It can mean the difference between life or death for them. Fortunately, thus far Clyde is through with surgery and is recovering nicely. I hope to be able to bring him home on Saturday. Please tell anyone you know who has an animal.

Done.

Anything to Get Your Picture in the News...

...This guy has had his picture in the news for the past several days, while he competes in a local cat show in Almaty, Kazakhstan. I've been ignoring them to date, because another hairless Sphynx, Nude Dude, got coverage earlier in this blog. But then he went and got himself all dressed up. So here he is in all his glory... hope you enjoy.

Another Chance to Run

Over the years, I've seen several dogs and cats making their way with three legs. In this picture from Nanjing, China, a stray dog is getting fitted with an artificial leg. It will be interesting to see how animals take to adjusting to a prosthesis, and it's great to see the technology being adapted to benefit our pets.

The Journey

A friend found this piece last week, although he didn't get the attribution for it. I've tried to find it myself to no avail, but it's such a beautiful essay that I'm going to post it here. If someone knows who to give credit to, let me know, and I will update the info. In the meantime, enjoy...

When you bring a pet into your life, you begin a journey - a journey that will bring you more love and devotion than you have ever known, yet also test your strength and courage. If you allow, the journey will teach you many things, about life, about yourself, and most of all, about love. You will come away changed forever, for one soul cannot touch another without leaving its mark.

Along the way, you will learn much about savoring life's simple pleasures - jumping leaves, snoozing in the sun, the joys of puddles, and even the satisfaction of a good scratch behind the ears. Your house will become muddier and hairier. You will wear less dark clothing and buy more lint rollers. You may find dog biscuits in your pocket or purse, and feel the need to explain that an old plastic shopping bag adorns your living room rug because your cat loves the crinkly sound.

You will learn the true measure of love - the steadfast, undying kind that says, "It doesn't matter where we are or what we do, or how life treats us as long as we are together." Respect this always. It is the most precious gift any living soul can give another. You will not find it often among the human race.

And you will learn humility. The look in my dog's eyes often made me feel ashamed. Such joy and love at my presence. She saw not some flawed human who could be cross and stubborn, moody or rude, but only her wonderful companion. Or maybe she saw those things and dismissed them as mere human foibles, not worth considering, and so chose to love me anyway.

If you pay attention and learn well, when the journey is done, you will be not just a better person, but the person your pet always knew you to be - the one they were proud to call beloved friend.

I must caution you that this journey is not without pain. Like all paths of true love, the pain is part of loving. For as surely as the sun sets, one day your dear animal companion will follow a trail you cannot yet go down. And you will have to find the strength and love to let them go.

A pet's time on earth is far too short - especially for those that love them. We borrow them, really, just for awhile, and during these brief years they are generous enough to give us all their love, every inch of their spirit and heart, until one day there is nothing left.

The cat that only yesterday was a kitten is all too soon old and frail and sleeping in the sun. The young pup of boundless energy wakes up stiff and lame, the muzzle now gray.

Deep down we somehow always knew that this journey would end. We knew that if we gave our hearts they would be broken. But give them we must for it is all they ask in return.

When the time comes, and the road curves ahead to a place we cannot see, we give one final gift and let them run on ahead - young and whole once more. "Godspeed, good friend," we say, until our journey comes full circle and our paths cross again.

Cool Stuff

It's time to go shopping! Here are some cool new things I've discovered in the latest catalogs:

Poop Pouch


I received a sample pouch and I gotta tell you, I love this thing! But I'm not using it for its intended use - instead, I have it holding my keys, cell phone, latte money, and of course, an extra doggie bag or two. It's perfect! There are a variety of styles you can choose from, including leather, and you can also get a matching bandana for a full on stylin' effect.


Vibrating Massage Mitts


A version is available for both cats and dogs. I have no idea how the five-battery powered mitts will be received by the brood, but it's a nice idea for taking pet massage to the next level. The website is currently for wholesale and retail purchasers only - if you like them, your local boutique dealer can order for you.


Companion Charms


Not only is this a cute item to share with your pet, some of the $39.95 sale goes to Canine Companions for Independence to train dogs for people with disabilities. You choose whether you use the unit as a key chain for you and a collar charm for your pooch, or as a valet key. Either way, it's very stylish gift.


Going Glam

For the pet who has everything, here's a selection of $350 pet houses for your dog or $395 kitty condos for your cat. Will definitely make a conversation piece in whatever room of the house you put this in.


Bath Time


Almost half of us (47 percent) bathe our pets at home in the bathtub, showers, kitchen or utility sinks, according to the water fixture maker Moen. Since I'm one of those, I'm always looking for great shampoos that not only make my job easier in washing a dog who hates bath time but also provides the benefits of a good bath for as long as possible. Pet Aromatics's products are 100% chemical free with a variety of very nice, and possibly doggie approved, scents, including "Woodsy Woof".


In Memoriam

In my many years as a pet owner, it means so much to receive a message of condolence from someone who understands how much our pets influence our lives. This makes a lovely gift for someone who is grieving their pet's loss, or as a gift to yourself as you honor the memory of your own beloved pet.

And Now for Something Completely Different

Apparently the newest trend is to put a wig on your dog. At the recent New York International Gift Fair, Ruth Regina introduced a variety of wigs that can complement the already hot-selling tiaras, dresses, and designer bags for dogs. Regina expanded her already successful human wig business in Florida to support pets. Wiggles is her new site, named for her Yorkie, which has hair (fur?) pieces starting at $29. You can choose either a lightweight, washable synthetic material or something custom-made with real human hair ''to match the owner's hair if they like or to go with their outfit,'' Regina says.

Whoa - the thought of Chocolate wearing my hair makes me shudder, but some dreadlocks could be really cool... :)

Burk's Ark

Steve and Barbara Burk live in South Florida, where hurricanes are a part of life. For their large brood of pet family members, there's necessary planning in how they're kept safe when a storm approaches - it's an amazing story, entertaining and fascinating at the same time.

Here's an "at a glance" list of pets in their household:

• 14 horses
• 12 goats
• a baby llama (Buddy, pictured here)
  
• two Pekin ducks
• two bearded dragons
• a blue hyacinth macaw
• a red-footed turtle
• a fountain filled with koi fish
• an 80-pound Siberian lynx.

The article includes a video showing how everyone knows their own emergency route - my favorite is seeing the lynx jump off the kitchen counter, a far cry from my swooshing Minnie away as I make my daughter's lunch each morning.

Pet True Stories

For those of you who love reading the stories of other pet lovers, you will enjoy visiting the Pet True Stories Blog. There's also an opportunity for you to share your favorite story. I've linked it here as one of my favorite blogs. The story on The Miracle We Call Diesle is wonderful... enjoy.

Are Brits Funnier than Yanks?

Being surrounded by Brits these days, I've got a lot of pride riding on this, but these are two pictures floating around in their mailboxes, and I must admit, they're pretty funny... note that the dog guardian sign is from Vancouver, so while a Brit might have taken and distributed the shot, Canadians aren't doing so bad in the funny department either.

Happy Weekend...