Pet Supply Store: Pets

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YOUR WHOLE PET

There are three good ethical sources for family pets. One of them is a humane society or shelter. Another is an animal rescue group, which is an organization dedicated to helping homeless pets. The third is a responsible breeder.

After I wrote my last column on a group of dogs rescued from a Midwestern puppy mill, I heard from a lot of people wanting to know how to make sure the dog or cat they were planning to bring into their family did, in fact, come from a responsible breeder and not from a mill.

These concerns are well founded. Pet stores routinely assure shoppers that their pets don't come from puppy or kitten mills, and Internet pet store sites certainly won't announce that theirs do. Instead, they use the phrases people find reassuring: "Family raised." "Private breeders." "Raised with love."

Despite those marketing slogans, the reality is that nearly all puppies and kittens sold in pet stores and on the Internet are mass-produced in circumstances that range from truly hellish to sterile, lonely and boring. The mothers and fathers of those puppies and kittens spend their entire lives in cages, bored beyond belief, sometimes kept in filth and misery, having litter after litter until they can't produce any more.

So how can you know whether a breeder or other seller's claims are true? And even if you could hook the breeder up to a lie detector, how do you know what questions to ask or what the answers should be?

The reality is that figuring that out and finding a good breeder can be a frustrating (albeit rewarding) treasure hunt. It can require a lot of homework and an investment of your time. These articles and Web sites are good places to start:

* Finding a Responsible [Dog] Breeder
www.canismajor.com/dog/responbr.html

* Questions to Ask a [Dog] Breeder
www.phouka.com/puppy/bdr_questions.html

* How to Find a Good Dog Breeder from the Humane Society of the United States
www.hsus.org/pets/pet_adoption_information/how_to_find_a_good_dog_breeder/index.html

* Tips on Choosing a Cat Breeder
http://cathobbyist.com/breederregistry/ChoosingABreeder.php

Some people, when reading the undeniably useful and important suggestions on those sites, might feel overwhelmed, and that's understandable. While I still believe they're the best place to start, there are three pieces of advice I can give that can make it much simpler:

1. The Questions

What's most important are not the questions you ask the breeder but the ones breeder asks you.

Being grilled about your suitability as a pet owner is the single best indicator that you're dealing with a reputable breeder. Why? Ask yourself this: Would you really want to bring a living, breathing creature into your home, to become a part of your family, who was born and raised in the hands of someone who didn't give a damn what happened to that animal?

Ethical, caring breeders want to know about your living situation, your past experience with pets, how other family members feel about a new dog or cat and if they can contact your veterinarian. Breeders are likely to want to know how extensive your knowledge of the breed is, and some of them have multipage questionnaires.

Those frustrating restrictions and contracts, and those intrusive questions, are your guarantee that the breeder of your pet is an ethical one. Or to put it more bluntly, the easier it is for you to get that puppy or kitten, the less careful the breeder of that puppy and kitten is.

Which is also why reputable breeders, those who are committed to improving and preserving their chosen breeds and bringing the healthiest possible puppies and kittens into the world, would never consider letting a third party, such as a pet store, place them in new homes. They care far too much about what happens to those puppies and kittens to let anyone else, let alone a stranger, take that decision out of their hands.

2. The Acid Test

If the first test of good breeders is that they be as picky about you as you are about them, the second is the one I call the acid test: If you, for any reason, cannot keep this puppy or kitten down the road, will the breeder take him or her back?

There is only one right answer to this question, and that's an unequivocal yes. In fact, good breeders won't just agree to that, they'll require it in their contract. Since animals are living creatures and not household appliances, no breeder, no matter how ethical, can guarantee they'll never have health or behavior problems. But I can guarantee that a breeder who answers no to that question is not someone you'd want to give your money to, or someone you should trust to bring your future pet into the world.

3. The Guarantee

Let me be blunt: Any guarantee that requires you to return a sick or defective puppy or kitten in order to get your money back is no guarantee at all. It is actually a way to get out of guaranteeing the pet, because very few people will ever return an animal once they have brought it into their home. Breeders or pet stores that put the bottom line before the human-animal bond use that fact to get out of standing behind the health and fitness of the puppy or kitten they sold. Don't ever buy from breeders with this clause in their contract, because it's not only worthless, it's sadistic.

When I bought a puppy who turned out to have severe allergies, her breeder returned my money, contributed toward her vet bills and offered me a replacement puppy. And also, of course, let me keep her -- because who on earth would want to see their lovingly bred puppy or kitten in the hands of someone who'd return it as if it were a defective washing machine?

What about rescue groups and shelters? Some people are surprised to find out that they, too, have a few hoops people looking for a pet have to jump through -- things like veterinary references and answering questions about your expectations for the pet's behavior and health needs. Many rescue groups even have questionnaires similar to those used by the best breeders.

It's important to realize that all these requirements, even those that may seem intrusive, arose from real situations where animals were placed in inappropriate homes. In an attempt to protect the lives and happiness of the animals in their care, these breeders and rescuers have devised tools to make sure the home is a good one -- and a permanent one. Although many of the requirements will seem excessive to you, it should be of some comfort to realize that you are getting your future pet from someone who really cares about that animal. Especially in the case of breeders, it is reassuring to know that they are so attentive to details. This will probably mean they were also very careful in how they bred the puppies or kittens and how they raised them. It is you who will benefit from this conscientiousness.

Even if you recognize the good intentions behind these requirements, it can be tempting to walk away and get a pet somewhere with fewer restrictions. You won't be asked anything more than to flash your credit card at the pet store at the mall or before popping a puppy into your online shopping cart.

Which brings us back to where we began, the dogs and cats who are spending their lives in loneliness, boredom and suffering in commercial breeding facilities. Ask yourself if having a clear conscience about where your dog or cat came from isn't worth jumping through a few hoops along the way.

Christie Keith is a contributing editor for Universal Press Syndicate's Pet Connection and past director of the Pet Care Forum on America Online. She lives in San Francisco.

source: www.sfgate.com

Latest Pet Industry News

570 Varieties Of Pet Food Ingredients
The non-profit making Consumer Wellness Centre (US), today published a detailed nutritional review of 570 pet food ingredients commonly found in pet food products (both canned and dry).

The list has been created through a joint effort between pet food formulator Dr. Lisa Newman, N.D., Ph.D. (www.Azmira.com), consumer health advocate Mike Adams (www.HealthRanger.org) and the Consumer Wellness Centre. The complete list has been posted at natural health news site NewsTarget.com.

To create the report, the ingredients of 448 popular pet food products sold in the United States were analysed and organised the ingredients by frequency of appearance. A nutritional analysis and comment for each ingredient was then provided.

Four lists were created:

# Pet food ingredients by rating (from 5 stars down to 1 star, with 5 stars indicating the best quality ingredients).

# Pet food ingredients by frequency (sorted by how frequently they appear in pet food products, from 96% down to 1%).

# Pet food ingredients listed alphabetically (to make it easier for consumers to reference ingredients they're curious about).

# Worst pet food ingredients (which lists all the 1-star ingredients, indicating low- quality or hazardous ingredients).

The outspoken consumer health advocate Mike Adams, Executive Director, Consumer Wellness Center, said:

"Given the atrocious track record of pet food safety in the United States, we felt an urgent need to publish a tell-all reference guide that had the courage to reveal the truth about commonly used pet food ingredients. Consumers desperately need to know what's really in their pet food, and there is an urgent need for the pet food industry to clean up its act and stop poisoning dogs, cats and other pets with toxic ingredients that cause cancer, diabetes and other diseases."

source: www.ukpets.co.uk

Paying for Pet

ASHLEY BURSEY
The Telegram

She’s the first one to the door at the sound of a knock, nose pressed up against the screen.

She’s eight years old, and Jim English calls her his “daughter,” despite her stubby tail that wags furiously, and the deep, chocolate eyes which seem to be begging for a treat.

Casey’s an American cocker spaniel, and it’s those big brown eyes that are at the root of English’s problem.

She has a growth on her right eye and another beginning to form on her lip.

English isn’t sure what could happen to her if it’s left untreated, although for the moment it doesn’t seem to be affecting Casey’s vision.

“She’s a beautiful little dog,” he says, scratching her behind the ears. Her tail hasn’t stopped wagging and she clambers across the couch towards him, chomping on a dog bone.

English needs to bring Casey to the vet but he lives on a fixed income in Kilbride, and the $50 examination fee — let alone the cost of surgery or treatment — is more than he can afford to pay in one fell swoop.

“It would cost a lot just to (have a vet) look at her, and I can’t afford it,” he says. “I’ve been to four vets already, (looking to pay) with a payment plan, but they’ve got to have the money up front.”

Most veterinarians have been very apologetic, he said, and he understands the situation — “They’ve got a business to run.”

Dr. Dan Quinlan, who owns the Baccalieu Trail Animal Hospital, says the number of people like Jim English, who can’t afford to pay for pet health care, is heartbreaking. But he’s also received his fair share of bounced cheques, and has had to deal with people dropping off severely injured animals at the hospital, abandoning them at the vet’s expense.

Monthly payment plans just aren’t feasible, he said, because it’s too difficult for a vet to try to act as a creditor as well as an animal doctor.

“It’s a common problem (that people can’t afford pet care),” he said.

“Those are things that are seen at every clinic, and it’s not necessarily just payment or helping one person out today. It’s an everyday type of thing.”

And the overhead costs of running a clinic, he said, are enormous.

“You wouldn’t believe the costs involved in running it and paying for your equipment and your staff and everything. You’ve got to balance everything,” he said. “You want to be able to sleep at night, so you’ve got to look after the animals, too, (but) you’ve got to keep your business viable because you’re only as good as until you can’t pay your bills anymore.”

Quinlan said people shouldn’t lose hope, though. Pet care may be becoming increasingly expensive, but there are options.

One is PetCard, a branch of Medicard that funds vet treatments, hospital stays and products. It works like a credit card, with the company financing users’ purchases and the pet owner paying the creditor directly. The card comes with an interest rate charge of 28 per cent.

Another option for dog owners is the Mount Pearl-based K9 Lifeline Animal Welfare Corp., a charitable group that provides education and funds to applicants who demonstrate a dire need for funding towards their dog’s medical expenses.

English, meanwhile, said being on a fixed income means it’s tough when sudden expenses arise, but he’s hopeful.

“I just heard about the Medicard program,” he said, referring to PetCard.

Chucking Casey under the chin, he adds, “That’s the next step.”

source: www.thetelegram.com

TNR program helps save furry friends

The West Valley City Animal Shelter and No More Homeless Pets in Utah partnership has produced phenomenal results in terms of saving lives.
Prior to joining forces in 2002, roughly 70 percent of all the animals entering the shelter were being euthanized; now, that number is down to 34 percent.
Elaine Dean of Sandy has played an important part in that success. Dean has volunteered at the shelter for nearly a year, driving from her home to the shelter twice each week to put in an eight- to 10-hour day - this from a busy mother of teenagers, who also works and has gone back to school to become a veterinary technician.
"I was a CPA in my former life," she laughs.
Dean donates her time at the shelter because she says the work of the partnership is "inspiring."
"The staff is insightful, innovative and they think outside the box," she says. "They are committed to what they do and are really trying to make a difference."
The alliance between the shelter and No More Homeless Pets allows employees from the outside agency to work at and access to the shelter and focuses on two key issues: conducting outreach adoptions and a Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) program for feral cats.
"While the outreach adoption program produced a big positive impact for dogs," explains Holly Sizemore, spokeswoman for NMHPU, "we were seeing only marginal success in
saving more cats. We then implemented the TNR program and boy, what a difference."
The number of cats entering the shelter that are euthanized has been reduced from 82 percent in 2002 to 45 percent today. This figure compares to a current statewide average of 63 percent.
The shelter's partnership with NMHPU was the impetus for it becoming a model in the state. While by all standards their success rate is something to be reckoned with, no one involved with the program is ready to rest.
"There is much work still to be done," Sizemore says. There were over 800 animals euthanized at the shelter in 2006.
Karen Bird, shelter supervisor, notes, "We have a small staff to do a big job, so we are grateful for our partnership with NMHPU and for the help of our volunteers. We all work together to meet our number one goal of saving lives."
The most important message Bird wants to convey to pet owners is to "be responsible" by having animals spayed or neutered and identifying them with microchips or collars.
The shelter holds clinics on the second and fourth Mondays of each month and offers many low-cost services, including vaccinations and microchips. NMHPU also sponsors other low-cost programs and provides free pit bull or pit bull mix sterilization for West Valley City residents. Bird explains that 20 percent of all dogs taken into the shelter are pit bulls, and there are five to 10 in the kennels on any given day.
Dean manages the shelter's Web site and is proud of the fact that 70 percent of the dogs featured for adoption find a new home. "That's an incredible success rate," she says.
Among other things, Dean can be found walking, socializing, grooming and playing ball with the dogs. "The dogs can get kennel crazy and they are happy when they have a chance to get out for a bit. A happy dog makes for a more adoptable dog," she says.
While Dean realizes she can't save all the animals, she knows she can do something to make a difference. Often her volunteer work allows her to spend time with the animals that must be euthanized. "It makes me feel like I've helped them leave this world with dignity and grace," she explains.
Bird says of Dean, "There are days that we wouldn't eat if it weren't for Elaine. We love her and very much appreciate her dedication to our shelter."
The shelter is always looking for more adult volunteers who are self-starters, self-motivated and realistic about what their roles will be. "It takes a lot of the shelter's resources to train volunteers and once they find out they have to do other things in addition to playing with the animals, they don't come back," says Bird. Volunteers are also asked to help scoop kennels and the play yard, clean litter boxes, wash dishes and do laundry.
Dean adds, "Even if you can't adopt an animal, you can do something to make a difference for them by volunteering, even if it's only for a few hours a week."
Sizemore is hopeful that NMHPU will be able to expand their ability to partner with more shelters and cities or help them implement similar programs that they can run internally. "The West Valley City model has shown that such programs generate more revenue for the shelters, help reduce animal intake numbers, help gain community trust and save taxpayer dollars," she says.
The West Valley City Animal Shelter is located at 4063 S. 7200 West. Call 801-965-5800 regarding animals at the shelter, services provided or volunteer opportunities. The Web site address is www.wvc-ut.gov/comdev/ animalcontrol/animal.cfm.

For information on No More Homeless Pets in Utah, visit www.utahpets.org.

PetSmart Focuses on Services for Growth

Executives at pet-supplies retailer PetSmart Inc. on Monday said they are focusing on services such as "PetsHotel" to drive growth for the future and affirmed second-quarter guidance.

Phil Francis, company chairman and chief executive, said at the Wachovia (nyse: WB - news - people ) Securities CEO Summit in Nantucket, Mass., said the market for pet services is growing at a 5 percent to 6 percent rate and should be a $47 billion industry by the end of the year.

Francis said the company has about a 12 percent market share, and there is room for growth.

"We're the only national player in grooming, training, and hoteling," Francis said. "There is real opportunity for us to continue to grow and gain share."

PetSmart (nasdaq: PETM - news - people ) Chief Financial Officer Ray Storck affirmed guidance of earnings between 26 cents and 28 cents per share for the second quarter and earnings between $2.03 and $2.05 for the year, including some charges.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expect a profit of 30 cents for the quarter and $1.66 for the year. Analysts estimates typically exclude one-time charges.

Francis said PetSmart is exiting its State Line Tack horse business, which makes up about 2 percent of sales and is the chain's least-profitable, lowest-growth category. The company expects an 11-cent per share charge in 2007 to exit the business.

The company said its PetsHotel day and overnight-pet care business is one of its growth drivers. At the end of the first quarter there were 70 open, and the company plans to open 240 by 2010.

source: www.forbes.com

Pet of the week

Pet of the week
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 06/28/2007 01:08:05 PM MDT

Creamcicle is an affectionate 3-month-old orange cat with white markings and long, fluffy fur. He loves to be held. He is a little shy and gets spooked easily, so a home with no small children would be ideal.
Visit Creamcicle and other animals at Salt Lake County Animal Services at 511 W. 3900 South, or visit www.slcoanimalservices.org. For more information, call 801-269-7499.

source: www.sltrib.com

Pet clinic may lower euthanasia

Animal enthusiasts say a low-cost spay-and-neuter clinic scheduled to open next month should significantly decrease the number of pets euthanized at Evansville shelters.

The clinic, which will operate out of the Vanderburgh Humane Society on Millner Industrial Drive, will begin sterilizing animals July 30, executive director Kendall Paul said Wednesday. An Evansville veterinarian will supervise the facility. Paul would not release the veterinarian's name because the contract negotiations aren't final. "For too long, this community and surrounding communities have relied on euthanasia as a means of population control," Paul said.

In 2006 the humane society and Evansville Animal Control euthanized more than 5,000 dogs and cats. Other cities that have opened low-cost clinics have seen their euthanasia rates drop by as much as 60 percent over a 10-year period, Paul said.

"That would be a dream for our shelter," she said.

The clinic will take appointments from the public starting July 18. The cost will be $50 for dogs, $75 for dogs weighing more than 100 pounds, $40 for female cats, $30 for males and $25 for feral cats.

Some veterinarians charge up to $200 for similar services, Paul said. All animals surrendered to and adopted out from the humane society will be sterilized.

Evansville has for many years had problems with irresponsible pit bull owners, Paul said. To help control the population, the clinic will offer a discount as an incentive to have pit bulls sterilized.

When the clinic is fully operational, Paul hopes to sterilize up to 35 animals a day. The humane society bought a transport truck that will be used to deliver animals to the shelter. Paul plans to provide services at a reduced rate to clinics within a 90-mile radius of Evansville.

"We're going to support it as much as we can," Tom Hayden, Animal Control superintendent, said.

Dale Barker Wright, executive director of the Warrick County Humane Society Pet Adoption Center, knows the difference a low-cost spay-and-neuter clinic can make. The pet adoption center, a no-kill shelter, opened one five years ago.

"We've gone from seeing 400 to 500 litters of kittens in the spring to a 75-80 percent reduction," Wright said.

Wright estimated the clinic has sterilized more than 13,000 animals since it opened.

Officials have already made an attempt to control the animal population. Last December, the City Council passed an ordinance that gives licensing fee breaks to pet owners who microchip their animals.

"So many things in life are governed by what does it cost ...," said Animal Control Commission President Marlin Beck. "I think this just gives a certain segment of the population another option."

source: www.courierpress.com

Microchipping For Other Pets

The RSPCA recommends that all cats and dogs are microchipped - but other animals can also be microchipped to help reunite them with their owners should they stray.

With the weather warming up, pets are more likely to be outdoors - increasing the risk of them straying. Animals such as rabbits and ferrets often arrive at RSPCA Branches and animal centres as strays.

Rabbits and ferrets can also be microchipped to increase the likelihood of them being reunited with their owners should they burrow out of or escape from the garden.

Microchipping is as simple as an injection. A tiny microchip - the size of a grain of rice - is painlessly inserted under the animal's skin.

Once in, the microchip cannot move or be seen, but can be read by a scanner. If a lost or stolen animal is found, the code will be revealed by passing a scanner over the microchip. Then it's just a matter of matching the code with the PetLog database.

There are just a few days left of National Microchipping month - with many vets, councils and animal charities microchipping pets at discounted rates.

Visit the RSPCA’s national microchipping month page to find out more about microchipping and events taking place in your area.

source: www.pethealthcare.co.uk

New Product for Lost Pets: Is It Worth It?

Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - Every Wednesday on the morning news we investigate whether new products are worth the price. This week, we examine an item that promises to help your pet if it gets lost.

The product is called the Micro ID tag. It’s a USB device that attaches to your dog or cat’s collar. It stores information that’s traditionally found on metal dog tags, including the animal and owner’s name, a home address and contact information.

The person who finds the animal can find the information by placing the computer chip into a USB port.

The Micro ID costs more than a traditional metal dog tag. The high-tech version runs from $35-$40. While the electronic tag may hold more information, someone who’s not tech savvy may not understand its purpose.

Also, many pets receive a microchip when they’re puppies. In most cases, only vets can scan the microchip to find the lost pet’s home. The Micro ID allows anyone with a computer to access the lost animal’s information.

source: www.9wsyr.com

County news briefs

WARREN: Grievance filed in firefighter case

The Warren Professional Fire Fighters Union filed a grievance Tuesday on behalf of a firefighter who was fired last week after he had to register as a sex offender.

Local Union 1383 filed the grievance on behalf of Thomas J. Maluchnik, who pleaded no contest in May to a charge of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. Maluchnik, 35, had sexual conduct with a 15-year-old girl in December, according to police and prosecutors. He was sentenced to five years' probation and ordered to register as a sex offender. The grievance contends that Maluchnik was denied his due process and should be reinstated to his job and given any lost wages. In a letter sent to Maluchnik last week informing him of his dismissal, Fire Commissioner Robert Vought said his department cannot employ registered sex offenders who might have to go into schools or rescue families with children.

Maluchnik had worked for the department for seven years.

COUNTY-WIDE: Money still sought for grandparent-child camp

Macomb County has raised more than half of the money it needs to send grandparents and the grandchildren they raise to a summer camp after the state cut funding.

Donations reached more than $6,000, less than two weeks after county officials began seeking money. The county needs $10,000 by July 13 for at least 150 children who want to attend Camp Copneconic in Fenton.

The largest donation -- $1,000 -- came from the employees at the Macomb County Community Services Agency.

To donate, make a check out to Macomb Together-GRG and send to Macomb Together, Mt. Clemens 48043. Or go to www.macombcountymi.gov/DonationsPoint.htm for information. Residents soon will be able to donate at www.macombcountymi.g ov.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP: Get pets blessed at church service July 15

King of Kings Lutheran Church will hold pet blessing services July 15 for those who want to have their pets blessed.

The services will be held outdoors at 9:30 and 11 a.m.

All leashed, caged or otherwise safely restrained pets are welcome. Pet owners are asked to bring food or treats and water for pets, as well as bags for cleanup.

The church is at 47500 Schoenherr, north of 21 Mile.

Compiled by Steve Neavling, Dan Cortez and other Free Press staff.

source: www.freep.com

Taking the edge off July 4 stress

nervous wreck for many days. Is there anything I can do to make them more comfortable this year?

A. Well, if we lived in the Midwest or East, I suppose we could corral everyone down into the basement to keep them from having to undergo the trauma of the fireworks.

The reason dogs and cats are so sensitive is that their senses of smell and hearing are both more acute than ours. As an example of how sensitive a dog's sense of smell is, consider this: A bloodhound tracking the scent of a lost person or criminal has the ability to smell that person's particular scent 40 feet underwater! Now, that's incredible.

Just like most people, dogs and cats do not handle stress well, and I can't think of anything more stressful than having to go through a 30- to 45-minute presentation of whistling, screaming fireworks complete with explosions; loud, crackling noises; and burned sulfur.

I can't even imagine what the pets are thinking. Certainly older dogs and cats are less traumatized, because as they age they lose a significant portion of their hearing abilities. But some younger cats and dogs can become completely freaked out.

I have seen several dogs over the years that have literally jumped through pane-glass windows in an effort to escape the noise. This can obviously result in lost pets and severe injuries.

What can be done to alleviate some of the stress and trauma? First and foremost, I would recommend that all pet owners consider having their pets microchipped. This is a very quick and safe procedure in which a small microtransmitter, about the size of a grain of rice, is injected between the animal's shoulder blades.

Most veterinary hospitals, animal shelters and emergency clinics are now equipped with scanners to read these microchips. Many pets that have escaped their yards or homes have been reunited with their owners thanks to microchips.

Second, I would consider mildly tranquilizing pets that are traumatized during the July 4 holiday. A variety of medications can be administered to help relieve the anxiety caused by the explosions. Some of the suggestions I will make here may not be beneficial to all pets, as some medical conditions will not allow the use of these substances.

* Bach Flower remedies/herbal remedies: These are very mild and very safe but only offer a mild state of tranquilization. They also must be repeated often. Examples of these would be Rescue Remedy, Calms Forte and valerian root. A few holistic veterinarians have these formulas in forms that are safe for pets. Some are available over the counter, but most over-the-counter preparations are tinctures, which contain a certain percentage of alcohol (not ideal for many pets). Never use anything over the counter for your pet without first checking with your doctor.
* Antihistamines: Some antihistamines create a mild state of sedation that may be enough to take the edge off of any July 4 noises. The dosage will vary depending on the pet's age, weight and medical condition. Although some antihistamines are available over the counter, never use these without checking first with your veterinarian.
* Tranquilizers: These are stronger prescription drugs that are often used to calm extremely anxious pets. An example of a tranquilizer often used by veterinarians is acepromazine. Your pet's age and medical condition might allow the safe use of this and similar drugs. The tricky thing about tranquilizers is that there is a wide dosage range. One pet may be very sensitive and react to a low dose, while another pet of the same weight could require twice the dose to have an adequate response. These drugs drop blood pressure, so certain pets with kidney problems or heart disease may not be able to use them. Also, pets that have seizure disorders should not use acepromazine, as it could cause a seizure.

It is helpful with any of these choices to do "a test run" about a week before the holiday so that you will know how your pet will react and how much of the medication the pet will need.

The bottom line with these is to take the edge off of your pet's anxiety, but not to give so much of the medication that your pet is a zombie for a few days after the drug is given.

Acepromazine, for example, has a drug half-life of 18 hours, which means it takes 18 hours for 50 percent of the drug to be metabolized by the body. It is in the system a long time.

Have a safe and sane July 4. Until next time …

Contact the writer: Got a question for Dr. David Gordon? E-mail dr.davidgordon@cox.net. We're sorry, but questions cannot be answered individually.

source: www.ocregister.com

Network transporting pets from disaster area

While the Angora Fire continues to burn, many local, federal and statewide organizations and volunteers are working around the clock to help out those in need — even the four-legged family members.

Pet Network Animal Friends, Incline’s non-profit animal rescue and adoption organization, is providing immediate relief efforts for displaced pets from victims of the Angora Fire located near Tahoe Paradise, on the west side of Highway 89.

Pet Network has collected and transported vital pet food and supplies to the disaster area, along with crates for securing pets. Its staff and volunteers have begun transporting dogs and cats from the overcrowded disaster area facilities to its shelter in Incline Village for safe temporary boarding until owners can resettle and secure their pets.

“We want families to know that we are here to help,” Pet Network Board Member Beverly Keil said. “We are here to provide a safe, secure, longer temporary home for the animals. Pets that may have been separated from their families will be kept here and families can bring their pets here while they are dealing with their own displacement.”

Anyone looking for lost pets, please e-mail charbert@petnetwork.org with a description of the lost pet (s) and a photo, if available.

Pet Networks staff feels secure and prepared for this type of emergency, having taken part in the Incline Village community evacuation drill held May 11 of this year.

The drill was organized by North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District with the support of Washoe County Sheriffs. Pet Network is the designated site for animal sheltering during emergencies.

“The drill helped us identify our capacity to respond,” Pet Network director Bryan David said. “Because of it, we are better prepared to step in and coordinate relief efforts for the South Lake victims.”

Volunteers will be needed for this emergency situation because of the abundance of time, attention to the animals and patience it requires, Pet Network Adoption Manager Julie Lopez said. Many of the animals are in an overwhelming state of stress and are afraid.

Individuals wishing to volunteer services such as transportation or foster care of animals or those who have supplies to donate should contact Pet Network at (775) 832-4404. Dry and wet dog and cat food, cat litter, blankets and bedding are especially needed and cash donations are always welcomed.

Individuals in need of sheltering for dogs, cats or other small domestic pets should contact Pet Network’s Director of Animal Welfare, Susan Paul, at (775) 720-3773.

Check Pet Network’s Web site, petnetwork.org, for updates concerning the rescue efforts.

source: www.recordcourier.com

Youngsters get taste of farm life

The county’s Migrant Education Program moved its classroom outdoors yesterday when more than 40 kids learned how to care for farm animals during the third annual AgVentures Day Camp.

The camp was held at the Lebanon Valley Expo Center and sponsored by the Penn State Cooperative Extension’s Lebanon County office, in conjunction with the state Department of Agriculture.

The participants are children of local migrant farm workers, although as Martha Gregory, coordinator of 4-H and youth programs for the extension, pointed out, “For many of the kids, they are, at this point, pretty removed from the first-generation farming that many citizens of the county are still involved with.”

AgVentures is funded largely by a $2,500 grant from the Department of Agriculture, Gregory said.

Most of the campers, in grades 3-6, are students in the Lebanon School District. Even though AgVentures kicks off during summer vacation, weeks after school ended, Gregory said motivating the students to learn is not as challenging
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Youngsters get taste of farm life
By BEN HACKMAN
Staff Writer
Lebanon Daily News

The county’s Migrant Education Program moved its classroom outdoors yesterday when more than 40 kids learned how to care for farm animals during the third annual AgVentures Day Camp.

The camp was held at the Lebanon Valley Expo Center and sponsored by the Penn State Cooperative Extension’s Lebanon County office, in conjunction with the state Department of Agriculture.

The participants are children of local migrant farm workers, although as Martha Gregory, coordinator of 4-H and youth programs for the extension, pointed out, “For many of the kids, they are, at this point, pretty removed from the first-generation farming that many citizens of the county are still involved with.”

AgVentures is funded largely by a $2,500 grant from the Department of Agriculture, Gregory said.

Most of the campers, in grades 3-6, are students in the Lebanon School District. Even though AgVentures kicks off during summer vacation, weeks after school ended, Gregory said motivating the students to learn is not as challenging
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as one might expect.

“It’s actually one of the goals of migrant education to continue to keep the kids learning throughout the summer, so we don’t have a learning gap between the school year and summer programming,” she said. “The goal of the summer program is to make learning fun. And the purpose of AgVentures, I think, coincides well with that in that it’s a very nonformal setting, and they’re learning but not feeling like they’re in a classroom.”

Circulating among five stations at half-hour intervals yesterday, the students got to experience first-hand a Shetland pony, a goat, chickens, ducks and dogs.

Andi Jones, 19, North Annville, introduced the children to Shadow, a 22-year-old Shetland pony whose shoulders were at or below eye level for most of the students. Jones explained how to care for a horse — from brushing and grooming to feeding and riding. The children asked Jones questions as they brushed Shadow’s mane and fed her cakes of grain and molasses.

“It’s a really good idea to have the (children) exposed to things,” Jones said, “because a lot of times they wouldn’t otherwise get to experience any of that.”

Shirley Marie Cartagena Torres said brushing the pony was the highlight of her day, a sentiment with which fellow fifth-graders Onix Rivera, Gabriela Torres and Jesus Rodriguez agreed.

Gregory had the help of nearly 40 volunteers, educators and chaperones.

“We have a number of extension educators, summer assistants and college students who are helping us, and then the presenters themselves are volunteers,” Gregory said. “Many are 4-H volunteer leaders who work with our traditional 4-H club program, and others are community individuals who represent different agencies.”

One such volunteer was Carol Klovensky, who represented the York County Chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

“I’m trying to give the kids insight into how to care for pets and how to be safe around them,” Klovensky said before showing a group of a dozen students a video about pet care.

“All children should be exposed to animals — both indoors and outdoors — and I think they really need to know how to care for pets, if they have them,” she said. “The most important thing is to spay or neuter your pets.”

Klovensky’s assistant, Rachael Phillips, 22, of Palmyra introduced the youngsters to Tiffany, a 5-year-old Pomeranian, as part of a pet-care learning station.

“The students have been interested,” Phillips said. “They’re excited to see the animals. One asked, ‘Can I keep the dog?’”

Sixth-grader Yameli Colon was so interested to learn about dogs and how to care for them that she said she was thinking about getting another dog at home.

Nearby, brothers Dalton and Dylan Lape of South Lebanon presented several breeds of chickens and ducks.

“We’re talking about the basic parts of chickens, the differences between ducks and chickens, and how they incubate eggs,” said Dylan, 15, a Cedar Crest High School student. The Lapes said they were sharing what they had learned from more than five years of participating in 4-H.

At the opposite end of the hall, Brenda Keller and Amanda Jenkins of Union Township fielded questions about Ember, a small but loud 12-week-old Boer goat they own.

“The kids interacted really good,” Keller said. “They loved petting (the goat). They thought that was neat.”

AgVentures continues today with a visit to Strites’ Orchard, near Hummelstown.

“That will include taking a tour of the orchard,” Gregory said. “Children will be planting plants, picking cherries and learning about how a farm operation works at a very practical level.”

Tomorrow, the kids will get to see more animals up close at the Expo Center.

source: www.ldnews.com

Taking care of pets on

Owning pets can be expensive. Food, supplies, grooming and vet bills add up quickly — not to mention toys and treats. Often, would-be pet owners are advised to make sure they have all the funds necessary to care for their animals before they bring them home.

While that’s definitely true, it’s also not the case that only middle- class or wealthy people can own pets. If you’re living on a limited income and want to have an animal companion, you do have to prioritize and spend your money wisely. Here are some tips for being more economical in your pet care.

• Adopt your pet from a shelter or rescue. Most shelters have already altered pets or will make sure the surgery is done before you adopt.

The animals will also have some of their initial vaccinations and may have had other treatment done or be microchipped. This can save you hundreds of dollars that you would have to put out if you got a “free” pet through the classifieds. If you do get a pet from a private individual, have a vet check it before you make a final decision. By the time you find out the animal has a health problem, you may already be in love but unable to afford the care.

• Choose a pet that does not need special grooming. Even if you plan to do the grooming yourself, you’ll still need to invest in some tools — brushes, combs or shavers. Pick a dog with shorter fur that’s easy to bathe yourself, or a short-haired cat.

• Look for a pet that requires fewer supplies. A more exotic pet may need special housing or ongoing supplies. For example, a hamster may need a cage, an exercise wheel and regular bedding changes that a kitten would not need. If you have your heart set on such a pet, some of these supplies can be purchased inexpensively through classifieds or garage sales.

• Watch the paper or call local vet hospitals to find out about low- income vaccination clinics. Some vets’ offices do hold these regularly, especially to vaccinate against rabies.

• Buy a middle-of-the-road brand-name food. Although it will cost more than a supermarket brand, you’ll be rewarded over the life of your pet with better health. Also, a pet that eats quality food will need less of it in order to be filled and will eliminate less. Choose the best quality you can afford and it will be worth it. There may be times when you have to settle for the best you can get, and that might be a food of lesser quality. If you can mix the two foods for a little while, it will be easier for your pet to adjust. Go back to the higher quality as soon as you can.

Also, buy food in the largest sizes you can. You don’t want the food to go bad and risk having to throw it away, but you save when you buy larger containers.

You may save money by making your own pet food — something that is entirely possible, but requires a lot of research. You want to be sure you’re feeding a well-balanced diet. Some people find that buying lower-quality cuts of meat and adding fresh vegetables and eggs can be in expensive — and without the grain fillers that are in many commercial foods, you’ll have to feed a lesser quantity.

• Make sure you know exactly how much food your pet needs. It’s easy to overfeed your pet, but that’s not good for your wallet or your pet’s health. Find out from your vet how much food you should be giving and measure it out every day. Limit treats.

• Look for inexpensive litter options. I like wood stove pellets for the litterbox. They’re hard pellets that dissolve into sawdust when wet; they cost around $4 for a 40-pound bag. They also control odor better than a lot of commercial litter products. Be careful if you have a pet who’s used to a certain brand, because a switch could upset their regular habits. If you do switch, change the litter gradually, starting with 75 percent of the old kind and 25 percent of the new. Over a few weeks, move to half and half, then to 25-75, then to the new litter entirely, rather than make an abrupt change.

• Keep your pets indoors or leashed so they can’t get into trouble.

An unsupervised pet is at risk of being hit by a car, attacked by another animal or lost.

• Trade pet care services with a friend or neighbor. If you need to go out of town for any reason, ask a trusted person to care for your animals. In turn, you take care of his or hers when they need to be gone. This is much less expensive than a boarding facility, but make sure you completely trust the caretaker you choose. Leave contact info for them just in case.

• Look into pet insurance. Sometimes it’s a good deal, and sometimes it’s not. If you only have one pet, insurance plans can be less than $10 a month — reasonable when you consider that walking in the door of a vet’s office can be at least $40. If you have several pets, you may find the best solution to be setting aside some money each month as savings for when you need vet care. Also, compare what different plans offer — some may pay towards an annual checkup and other common problems like dental decay; others may not cover anything except a major illness.

• Drive a little for vet care. I love my Corvallis-area vets and the high standard of care they provide, but it’s usually less expensive to visit a vet located in a smaller, rural community. If you are choosing a vet based on price, call some located in such places. Note that with the price of gas these days, you may not save enough to be worthwhile if you have to go a long distance.

• Buy your pet’s medications from the cheapest source. Some things, like flea medication, may be less expensive from the local feed store than at your vet’s office. You may also be able to save if you buy your pet’s medications online. Be sure to ask first and not assume, as your vet may be able to give you good deals too. The other benefit you get from your vet — free samples. Just like in human medicine, drug companies make samples available to doctors to have on hand, and your vet may just have something to help you.

source: www.dhonline.com

Pet groomers setting up shop on North Andover's Main Street

Drake Lucas

NORTH ANDOVER | Marissa Furnari considered having a baby at 40 years old, but she decided on a dog instead.

Amarone, her Coton de Tulear, gets her motherly love and all the toys she can buy, including Coach collars, a leather jacket and a harness strap so he can ride in his "aunt's" convertible.

"He's such a mommy's boy," said Furnari of Methuen. "People make fun of me and say I treat my dog like he's my child. You know what? He is my child."

Furnari and Amarone are not unique in the area, where dogs are the recipients of designer accessories and regular haircuts.

Nowhere is this more apparent than on North Andover's Main Street, where three dog-grooming shops are a short walk apart, and two of them have opened within the last nine months. A new Petco is also being built on Route 114, which would give North Andover the most grooming shops of any area town, surpassing the four listed for Andover, the two in Methuen and the one listed in Lawrence.

Lisa Medeiros is owner of the most recent shop, Groom Town Pet Boutique & Spa, which opened in February.

People called her daring for deciding to open a shop between two other grooming places on Main Street | Doggie Den, which opened in October, and Carol's Pet Care, which has been tucked next to the fire station for more than 25 years.

Medeiros has a following of regular customers and many walk-ins.

"I think there might be enough business to go around, there are so many dogs," she said.

North Andover's dog count is at 2,600.

Janet Eaton in the town clerk's office keeps track of all the dog licenses. She said German shepherds, Labradors and golden retrievers are popular, but designer breeds are the latest thing.

That's when main breeds are crossed to make up new dogs, often with cute-sounding names to match, such as golden doodles (golden retriever crossed with a poodle), cockapoos (cocker spaniel crossed with a poodle) and puggles (pugs crossed with beagles).

Carol Farrington, owner of Carol's Pet Care, recently had a dog in her shop that was a cross between a Labrador and a Rottweiler.

"Years ago, they were mongrels," she said. "Now they are designer. Everybody wants something different than their neighbor."

Farrington said the trick to staying on top of the business is being able to adapt to new breeds and groom them to look good when a standard has not yet been set and to continue to build relationships with the familiar breeds that will always be around.

Denise LeTourneau, owner of Doggie Den, said she plans to survive the growing dog business by catering to a special crowd, many of whom came with her when she moved her shop from Haverhill to North Andover in October.

She is unconcerned about Petco or the business up the street because she offers specialty food not found in many stores and she has made a name for herself by grooming soft-footed terriers, which her family used to breed.

She pointed to the dog on the table.

"I've been grooming him since he was the size of his head," she said.

Just as in any other business, she said, dog owners and the dogs themselves build a relationship with the groomer and the shop. She isn't surprised when her clients drive from other states to drop off the dog for a regular visit.

LeTourneau said those looking for an inexpensive haircut just to trim the fur may not care so much where they go, but people who know what they are looking for are going to go somewhere that caters to their specific needs.

Kelly Lacourse of North Andover said she definitely shopped around before settling on Carol's Pet Care, where she has been taking her Lhasa apso, Rosie, for a couple of years.

For someone Lacourse considers a member of the family, uneven haircuts were not an option, and she wanted to find a place where she and Rosie would be happy.

Lacourse said her dog deserves to look good.

"Rosie is quite a little princess around the home," she said.

source: www.eagletribune.com

Your Whole Pet

From food to pet sitters, local Web site has the answers

Looking for a pet sitter, good Chinese food or a reputable dry cleaner?

Hanford residents now can find ratings and reviews at Web sites geared toward providing consumers with advice that isn't influenced by advertising dollars or coworkers with bad taste.

Yahoo Local, Yelp and several others are starting to gather more users and more reviews, allowing Kings County residents to gain input on everything from flower shops to pet waste removal throughout the Central Valley.

Called user-generated content, these reviews have increased in popularity.

"User-generated content is taking off at Yahoo Local, we're approaching three million business reviews nationwide," said Kryssa Guntrum, public relations manager for Yahoo Local, based in Sunnyvale.
"It adds a whole new layer of information from people in your community to help you make better decisions, whether it's a shoe repairman or a nice restaurant for dinner," she said.

While users still should be leery of taking advice from strangers, most reviews will be honest, for better or for worse.

"After living on Guam we had a hard time finding good Asian cuisine until now," writes a reviewer named Sher about Chinese Kitchen in Hanford on Yahoo Local.

"I think when a person sees a 'spicy pepper' on the side of a menu item which usually stands for 'spicy plate' - it should mean spicy," writes lizzabeth93230 about the same restaurant.

Hanford resident Elizabeth Coehlo wrote the above review.

"It's horrible that we've become so reliant on the Internet, but it's much easier than getting in my car and going to buy a paper," she said in an interview.

As online business reviews in Hanford are just starting to gain momentum, some business owners said they have gotten referrals from sites like Yahoo, while others said they have yet to hear from customers referred by online reviews.

Both sides agreed that having an online presence is becoming more important to building new customers.

"Through Yahoo I've gotten quite a few," said Elaine Kelso, owner of Elaine's Pet Sitting in Hanford. She estimated about 50 percent of her customers heard of her business through Yahoo Local.

Elaine's had three positive reviews on Yahoo and is rated four and a half out of five stars.

"I hope people would see us using Google and Yahoo and say, 'I want to go see them,'" said Tanya Fulghum, part-owner and designer with Bella Donna's Custom Floral in Hanford.

Her business has seven positive reviews on Yahoo and is rated 4 and a half stars.

Still, as with any other review, be it from a professional critic or an amateur typing away in their living room, users should always be cautious. Some savvy business owners will create several profiles in order to boost their business's rating or lower that of a competitor.

Guntrum said Yahoo takes steps to make sure this type of abuse doesn't occur, such as filters that look for overtly negative reviews or include explicit language. They also can detect multiple ratings on one business from the same computer.

Most review sites like Yahoo Local and Yelp require users to register with the site before they can write their own reviews. But if you already have a Yahoo account for email, fantasy sports or Yahoo games, you don't need a new one.

Yahoo Local can be found at local.yahoo.com, and yelp is at www.yelp.com. Google and insiderpages.com also have some Hanford reveiws as well.

source: www.hanfordsentinel.com

Bellingham woman is accredited pet sitter

Bobbie Ruth Langley, a Bellingham pet sitter who owns The Placid Pet Inc., has become a PSI accredited pet sitter, according to an announcement from Pet Sitters International.

PSI is the world’s largest and most progressive association for professional pet sitters, with more than 7,600 members in all 50 states, most of the Canadian provinces and 10 other countries.

To earn accreditation, a pet sitter must conform to PSI guidelines and demonstrate proficiency and professionalism in business skills and practices. The curriculum covers the care of various species of companion animals, pet health and nutrition, business and office procedures, and additional pet-care services commonly offered by pet sitters.

source: www.bellinghamherald.com

Protesters gather outside pet store

Donna Baxter
For the News-Leader

Representatives from several local animal groups carried pickets Saturday in front of Pet Warehouse on Independence Avenue.

Passersby honked and gave the protesters thumbs-up signs as the group carried placards reading "Boycott Pet Warehouse" and "Pet Warehouse's 'Private Breeders' = Puppy Mills."Organizer Cheri Crane, of Republic, said the protesters were opposing the sale of puppies that have been purchased from large breeding facilities.

"A reputable breeder would never sell puppies in a pet store as they would want to know the type of home they were placing their puppies in and make sure the new owners had sufficient information about the breed," said Crane.

"We ask that Pet Warehouse stop the sale of puppies and instead work with breed rescue groups and shelters to help end the homeless pet overpopulation problem in our area."

Bill Lingenfelser, manager of the store, would not comment for the media gathered at the site, but he released a statement that read in part:

"Pet Warehouse promotes responsible pet ownership. We provide necessary nutrition, attention and care to our pets and ensure proper veterinary care as needed."

While not directly addressing the protesters' claims that it purchases some of its animals from "puppy mills," the company's statement stressed that "Pet Warehouse complies fully with all USDA regulations regarding animal care."

Healing With Hugs: Pets Lend a Helping Paw

(Family Features) - Pets can be great playmates and lots of fun, but now more than ever, they are truly a beloved member of the family, bringing joy and unconditional companionship to our lives. And just as moms and dads provide the love, support and endless hugs we need to get through any situation, so can our pets. Surprised? Well don't be. Our furry friends may possess the power to help heal with pet hugs.

Across the country, thousands of special therapy pets bring smiles each and everyday to those in need by simply offering them a pet hug. Research shows that human interaction with pets can provide life-enhancing physical and emotional benefits. In fact, bringing pets into a nursing home or hospital can help boost people's moods, enhance social interaction and help lower blood pressure.

In an effort to promote the important role pets play in people's lives, the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) recently established the Pet Hug Fund, which provides support to animal therapy teams nationwide.

"It is remarkable to see firsthand the healing power animals possess," says Bianca La Russa of Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation's Pet Hug Fund. "We are focused on creating national programs like the ARF Pet Hug Fund to further the pet therapy mission and help support local efforts."

Benefits of Pet Hugs

Pet therapy can help people dealing with a range of life issues. Whether it's an abused child, a patient overcoming surgery or an elderly individual looking for companionship, pets have tremendous healing powers that, in some cases, cannot be matched by human interaction.

In a UCLA study, researchers examined how patients responded to visits from a human and dog volunteer team, a human volunteer only or no visit at all. The patients receiving visits from the dog team showed the most positive signs of improvement as they had decreased anxiety scores and stress levels. The study concluded that even short-term exposure to dogs has physical and mental benefits on patients who want to participate.

The UCLA research is one of many documented studies illustrating the power of pet hugs. Here are some other examples of the benefits of pet therapy:

* Pets decrease feeling of loneliness and isolation.
* In a study of friendship bonds between elderly people and their animals, 78 percent of men and 67 percent of females said that their dogs were their only friends.
* In a study of children experiencing divorce, 85 percent described their dogs as a companion to whom they could tell their problems, anger and rage.

How You Can Help Spread Pet Hugs

In three years, ARF Therapy Animal teams have made 1,000 visits and touched the lives of 100,000 people in need. Through the establishment of the ARF Pet Hug Fund, additional therapy teams will receive resources they need to help reach out to thousands of others across the country.

In order to support the ARF Pet Hug Fund and its numerous pet therapy teams nationwide, pet lovers are encouraged to visit www.purinapetlover.com to down-load a mail-in certificate for a Purina Beary Limited(tm) edition Build-A-Bear Workshop(r) mini-therapy dog or cat. For every exclusive 8-1/2-inch mini-pet ordered through June 30, 2007, Purina will donate $1 to the ARF Pet Hug Fund to support its mission of providing pet hugs to people across the country. Purina will donate a minimum of $75,000 to the ARF Pet Hug Fund as part of this and a related promotion.

"The ARF Pet Hug Fund's partnership with Purina and Build-A-Bear Workshop is a fun way to honor the exceptional therapy pets, while educating people about the importance of pet hugs," says La Russa.

Powerful Pet Tails

Many of the ARF Pet Hug Fund therapy pets experienced their own fair share of hardships before getting the opportunity to touch thousands of lives with pet hugs. Several were rescued from shelters, and due to their experiences, they now give back to others in need through the simple gesture of a warm embrace.

For example, Ducati is a gentle and curious cat, who counts children and seniors among his biggest fans. He was surrendered to the county shelter without his mother when he was only two weeks old and at the time, the local rescue group did not have space to care for him. Luckily, an ARF employee visited the shelter one day and knew she had to adopt this tiny kitten, so she could give him the love and care he desperately needed. Now Ducati is an official member of the ARF therapy team and positively impacts hundreds of children at the numerous schools he visits each year.

Another real-life rescue pet, Beemer, was a tattered Schnauzer mix adopted from a public shelter with one hour left to live. After receiving some TLC and proper training, Beemer started doing therapy work and for more than eight years now, he has provided tens of thousands of pet hugs to at-risk kids and assisted living residents.

To learn more about pet therapy or to find out how you can help further the mission of spreading pet hugs around the country,

visit purinapetlover.com.

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