Monday, December 27, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
How to Make Your Home Pet Friendly
This is a great article on how to make your home pet friendly:
http://www.lawncareservice.net/blog/2010/how-to-make-your-home-pet-friendly/
http://www.lawncareservice.net/blog/2010/how-to-make-your-home-pet-friendly/
The Animal Obesity Epidemic
The following article was sent to me by Ashley Porter of VeterinarianTechnician.org and is something all pet owners should be aware of:
Top 50 Reads for Understanding the Animal Obesity Epidemic
Note from Jo Ann:
Pet obesity has become a major problem in this country, and one which often leads to serious health issues and, yes, even the premature death of a beloved pet.
Overweight animals are just as prone to heart problems, diabetes, thyroid conditions, and other organ failures as humans are. Hips, joints, and back are also affected.
Proper diet and exercise will definitely help to keep your pet in good heath and prolong their life span.
Always remember that "WE ARE WHAT WE EAT"... and that applies to our pets as well. If it's not good for you... then don't feed it to the animal.
Read the ingredient panels on all your pet food and make sure you are buying a product that meets the requirements of your dog or cat. You DO NOT want products that contain mostly indigestible carbohydrate grains. Rice, either white or brown, is a much better option than corn or sorghum. An indigestible carbohydrate often turns to sugar, which can lead to obesity.... or worse, diabetes. Also, become aware of the "treats" you are giving. All those pretty colors are FDA dyes, which can affect the kidneys... and most treats contain "sugar" or other ingredients that often contributes to obesity.
There are a number of good pet nutrition books available. The internet is also full of information but you do have to be careful... as some of these sites are not a reliable source. Your Veterinarian can also provide you with help in getting your pet back in good, healthy condition.
However, the best solution is to feed a proper diet, feed the right amount of food for the activity level, and always be aware of any changes in weight.... either gain or loss.
Another good rule is to have a feeding schedule for your pet. Free feeding (allowing the animal an endless supply of food) often leads to overeating. The proper amount, given twice a day, is the best way to ensure your pet stays in proper physical condition.
Top 50 Reads for Understanding the Animal Obesity Epidemic
Note from Jo Ann:
Pet obesity has become a major problem in this country, and one which often leads to serious health issues and, yes, even the premature death of a beloved pet.
Overweight animals are just as prone to heart problems, diabetes, thyroid conditions, and other organ failures as humans are. Hips, joints, and back are also affected.
Proper diet and exercise will definitely help to keep your pet in good heath and prolong their life span.
Always remember that "WE ARE WHAT WE EAT"... and that applies to our pets as well. If it's not good for you... then don't feed it to the animal.
Read the ingredient panels on all your pet food and make sure you are buying a product that meets the requirements of your dog or cat. You DO NOT want products that contain mostly indigestible carbohydrate grains. Rice, either white or brown, is a much better option than corn or sorghum. An indigestible carbohydrate often turns to sugar, which can lead to obesity.... or worse, diabetes. Also, become aware of the "treats" you are giving. All those pretty colors are FDA dyes, which can affect the kidneys... and most treats contain "sugar" or other ingredients that often contributes to obesity.
There are a number of good pet nutrition books available. The internet is also full of information but you do have to be careful... as some of these sites are not a reliable source. Your Veterinarian can also provide you with help in getting your pet back in good, healthy condition.
However, the best solution is to feed a proper diet, feed the right amount of food for the activity level, and always be aware of any changes in weight.... either gain or loss.
Another good rule is to have a feeding schedule for your pet. Free feeding (allowing the animal an endless supply of food) often leads to overeating. The proper amount, given twice a day, is the best way to ensure your pet stays in proper physical condition.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
In Loving Memory of Chyna
Chyna was rescued from the Muskingum County Pound in 2008.Apparently, she had been dumped or gotten lost from her original owner and ended up in the yard of another couple who, after many attempts to find where she belonged, decided to keep her. Their vet determined she was around 5 years old.
However, four years later, the couple decided to divorce and neither wanted to be bothered with her anymore, so she was taken to the pound. They didn't even bother to tell the Dog Warden her name.
Being a senior and an owner turn-in, this poor little girl ended up on the euthanasia list. The pound volunteers put out a plea to save her life.
When I saw that sweet face .... how could I say NO... and I was on my way to Zanesville.
She arrived in my home as the most "perfect" dog I've ever had. Impeccable house manners, got along with everyone, including the cats. She was never crated the entire time she was here. She was PERFECT in every way.
I did manage to get her adopted out twice but she was returned both times. Both adopters said she was unruly, would snap at them and had run away on several occasions. However, I experienced none of that behavior while she was here. It became apparent that Chyna was happy right where she was and had no intentions of leaving.
Unfortunately, this past summer, my little girl was diagnosed with a large cancerous mass in her stomach. The vet said there wasn't anything that could be done. The tumor had already advanced into other areas of her body. It was just a matter of time.
We decided to bring her home and give her what quality time she had left.
For the past 4 months, Chyna seemed to be doing great, her appetite was good, I didn't have to give any pain meds, she was alert and active. However, all that changed at the beginning of this week. She started to show signs of discomfort and stress. Her appetite dwindled down to nothing and she finally stopped eating yesterday, which meant it was time for me to make that heart wrenching decision.
I made the appointment on Thursday, Dec. 2nd to have her humanely put to sleep.
Even though this amazing little dog was ready to leave this world, her concern was trying to give comfort to the two people she had come to know as Mommy and Daddy. As Al and I held her, and cried, she tried so hard to tell us that it was OK. Her final thoughts were for us, not for her. But then, that's what kind of a dog she was. It was never about what you could do for her... it was always about what she could do for you... and she stayed true to that right up until the very end.
It's always been hard for me to say goodbye, but this special little dog not only touched my heart but my soul as well and the void she left in my life will never be filled.
Goodbye my sweet baby, Your cancer is gone... you are whole once again.
Have a safe journey to the Rainbow Bridge, and thank you for all the love and happiness you brought to my life.
You will always be in your Momma's heart... forever.
So, until we meet again.... be happy and run free.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Christmas Pet Miracle - Waiting to Go Home
This is truly touching story that will give you goosebumps! It is written by Mary Ellen "Angel Scribe" - author of the popular "Tips 'n' Tales" newsletter. This story is from Mary Ellen's book Expect Miracles. Enjoy!It was 35 years ago that Sister Mary Julia recounted this touching cat story, then 15 years later she repeated it word for word. You will see why it was so unforgettable to her once you hear this cat's amazing tale!
"An elderly couple arrived at our animal shelter, on Vancouver Island. They were very hesitant in their manner and the woman told Mother Superior, 'Our daughter was in an accident and died. Her cat refuses to settle into our home without her. Will you please find a home for her orange tabby?"
Read the entire story at:
http://www.angelscribe.com/tnt_121212.html
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