Cat Spay in 5 Minutes

After watching this very information YouTube video, you'll have a better idea about the spay process. This video is of an actual surgery using a technique that limits the amount of time that a cat is under anesthesia.

Warning to Pet Owners in Columbus Area

The Capital Area Humane Society has issued a warning to all pet owners in the Columbus, Ohio area due to the recent killings of two dogs with a cross bow. There was also an attack on two cats earlier this year.

Pet Safety Warning
Second Attack on Area Pet

The Capital Area Humane Society is issuing a warning for all pet owners. A second dog in the Columbus area has been shot and killed, the apparent victim of an attack with a cross bow. The Humane Society is advising pet owners not leave their dog or cat outside unattended.

“Two families have lost beloved pets this week to what appears to be brutal acts of cruelty,” said Jodi Lytle Buckman, the Capital Area Humane Society’s Executive Director. “Our investigations into both cases are ongoing and we are asking anyone with information that may be relevant to either case to contact us immediately.”

The latest victim was a 13-year-old German Shepard dog in his own yard surrounded by a privacy fence. The Capital Area Humane Society’s initial investigation indicates that the dog may have been shot through a knothole in the fence at close range on Friday evening near Sawmill and West Case Road in northwest Columbus. Just a week ago, a Rottweiler mix in south Columbus near Rumsey and Lockbourne Roads was also shot with a cross bow and later died at an area veterinary hospital.

“While we do not know if these two cases are related, it is clear is that the senseless killing of two beloved family pets within one week, with a cross bow, is cause for grave concern and caution,” said Buckman. “Our thoughts are with both families who have experienced such a devastating and senseless loss.”

Earlier this year, the Capital Area Humane Society offered a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator of similar attacks upon cats living near the Millstone Apartment complex. Although it is not clear that these crimes are related, the Humane Society has extended the reward to include these most recent acts of violence.

The Capital Area Humane Society is asking anyone with information contact the Humane Society’s Cruelty Investigations Department at (614) 777-7387, ext 250.

For more information about the Capital Area Humane Society, visit http://www.cahs-pets.org/.

Petition to End the Use of Gas Chambers

Please sign the Care2 Petition now online asking federal legislators to end the CRUEL use of gassing chambers as a means of euthanasia!

Every day across the United States, thousands of unwanted dogs and cats are put to death by use of gassing chambers, an unnecessarily cruel and horrible manner of death.

Gassing chambers are atrocious and cause great amounts of stress and prolonged agony to the animals.

They are sometimes ineffective in their task, necessitating its repeated use on the animals who simply did not die.

We hope to make residents of states who still employ this barbaric form of death aware of the fact and hope to enlist the help of many of our citizens who want this horrible form of death to be abolished to let their legislators know our feelings.

Click HERE to go directly to the petition site.

Thank you!

The Foreclosure Dog's Letter To His Person

I found this "letter" on the blog of Elaine Vigneault. It says so much in today's bad economy.

You bought a house! You finally had a yard so you decided it was time for a dog. You chose me out of all the other dogs. As a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and I made you laugh. You called me your baby and carried me closely. Despite some chewed boxer shorts and a few broken mini-blinds, I became your best friend. Whenever I was “bad,” you’d shake your finger at me and ask “How could you?” ­ but then you’d relent, and roll me over for a bellyrub.

My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your secret dreams. I remember running in your new, big backyard. I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, and BBQs. I took long naps in the backyard sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work to get paid for overtime. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through the bill-paying frustrations and the debt collector's calls. I never chided you about bad decisions, I never cared about your FICA score, and I never threatened to garnish your wages or repossess your car.

The letters kept coming. The phone kept ringing. Your employer froze wages and stopped giving overtime. Your new second job helped, but is wasn't enough. You stroked me kindly when they took away the car. You told me you'd buy us a new one and that everything would be OK.

Then the bank took the house.

There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few months, you just answered “yes” and changed the subject. I had gone from being “your dog” to “just a dog,” and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now you will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You’ve made the right decision for your financial future and your family, but there was a time when I was your family too. There was a time when I wasn't just a backyard accessory, I was your "baby."

I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said “I know you will find a good home for him.” They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They
understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with “papers.”

You had to pry your son’s fingers loose from my collar as he screamed “No, Daddy! please don’t let them take my dog!” And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too.

After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably got in over your head. They shook their heads and asked “How could you?” They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you ­ that you had changed your mind ­ that this was all a bad dream…or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking, happy puppies, I retreated to a far corner and waited.

I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears. She told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.

She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. She said she never got used to this. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured “How could you?”

Perhaps because she understood me, she said “I’m so sorry.” She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn’t be ignored or abused or abandoned or have to fend for myself. A place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my “How could you?” was not directed at her. It was you, My Beloved Person, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever.

May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

Pet Toy Badly Injures Dog - The Chai Story

I received an email to check out the following blog about a dog named Chai whose tongue was caught in a toy made by Four Paws Pet Products. The toy in question is a Pimple Ball with Bell. The injury to poor Chai's tongue was so severe that it had to be amputated!

Chai's owner Daniel has launched a blog that tells Chai's story. He is updating the blog regularly with information about his dealings with Four Paws to have the toy recalled.

Please visit:
http://www.thechaistory.blogspot.com/.

Sadly, Daniel reported on his blog this morning that he was contacted by another dog owner whose dog Cole was injured by the same toy in 2005 and had to be euthanized. Daniel was going to accept a settlement from Four Paws until he learned of this news.

Be sure to visit The Chai Story blog for continuing updates!

Then Buy a Dog

This has been emailed around countless times, but I still think it's so cute. Enjoy!

THEN BUY A DOG

If you want someone who will eat
whatever you put in front of him
and never say its not quite as good as his mothers...

than buy a dog.


If you want someone always willing to go out,
at any hour, for as long and wherever you want...

then buy a dog.


If you want someone who will never touch the remote,
doesn't care about football, and can sit
next to you as you watch romantic movies...

then buy a dog.


If you want someone who is content
to get on your bed just to warm your feet
and whom you can push off if he snores...

then buy a dog.


If you want someone who never criticizes
what you do, doesn't care if you are pretty or ugly,
fat or thin, young or old, who acts as if every word
you say is especially worthy of listening to,
and loves you unconditionally, perpetually...

then buy a dog.


BUT, on the other hand, if you want someone
who will never come when you call, ignores you
totally when you come home, leaves hair all over the place,
walks all over you, runs around all night and
only comes home to eat and sleep, and acts as if your entire existence
is solely to ensure his happiness . . .

then buy a CAT!


Now be honest, you thought I was gonna say... marry a man, didn't you?

Send this to all the women you know to brighten their day.
Send this to all the men just to annoy them.

The Ohio Pet Directory

A number of pet rescue groups have recently been solicited by The Ohio Pet Directory publication. The publication, that has long offered advertising to pet stores, has recently decided to offer its services to pet rescue groups.

My friend and fellow rescuer Mary O'Conner-Shaver of Columbus Top Dogs wrote an exceptional response to her solicitation...

Solicitation Letter from Ohio Pet Directory...

Hello,

My name is Karen Butcher, I am contacting you today with regards to the Ohio Pet Directory, brought to you by the Cleveland Canine Magazine. We are looking for pet friendly companies to advertise through this specialized directory which will cater to the pet lovers community. We have special rates for rescue groups $20 for a two line add, per year. And I'm hoping that advertising your pets for adoption through the Pet Directory will help those lovable animals get forever homes. I have attached the media kit.

Please contact me within a few days, at your earliest convenience, to place your order.

Thanks,
Karen Butcher

Mary's Response...

Dear Karen Butcher:

A number of individuals have forwarded your e-mail regarding solicitation of special advertising rates which you are extending to animal rescue groups. Given our group's dedication to raising awareness of Ohio dog auctions, puppy mills and the entities that support and keep them in business, it is our practice not to participate in any media advertising which promotes pet stores.

As you may already be aware, Ohio ranks among the top three states in the country with the highest percentage of puppy mill breeders. The sad truth behind the friendly facade of pet stores is that there often lies a puppy mill. The documented problems of these mass breeding facilities include overbreeding, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, poor quality of food and shelter, lack of socialization with humans, overcrowded cages, and the killing of unwanted animals. To the unwitting consumer, this situation frequently means buying a puppy facing an array of immediate veterinary problems or harboring genetically borne diseases that do not appear until years later.

Take a look at the financial impact of Columbus Petland - http://petland.com/FindPetlandStores/Ohio.htm - stores on Franklin County, OH (statistics provided by the Director of Franklin County Animal Shelter, Lisa Wahoff, in November, 2006):

7-10 Petland dogs per day are admitted to the shelter. 80% of those dogs are:

*not spayed/neutered
*are in very poor health and/or mental state
*have no microchip reigstered to anyone other than the broker, and no owner can be tracked. Petland takes no responsibility.
*are not an appropriate match to the owner, resulting in owner release within one year of the purchase.

The Results?

A low-end average of $30 per day for each Petland dog (if the dog is healthy) X 7-10 dogs = $210-$300 per day!

It is my firm belief that until the public truly understands and appreciates the cruel aspect - not to mention the consumer fraud - connected with "dealing dogs", Ohio pet stores will continue to generate millions of dollars for their breeders and distributors. Thanks in advance for your consideration.

P.S. Given the shoestring budgets many of these rescue groups currently operate under, I would recommend to your senior management team that they extend FREE advertising space to help expedite the placement of animals needing safe and loving homes.

Mary O'Connor-Shaver

A Pet's 10 Commandments

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS...

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
   
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
   
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well being.
   
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
   
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
   
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
   
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet I choose not to bite you.
   
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
   
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You, too, will grow old.
   
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so ALWAYS!

Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.