Northwest Animal Healing

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Northwest Animal Healing

Pets in the Garden

To your pets, your garden is filled with all sorts of temptations. Keep them safe in the great outdoors.

Whether your cat is prowling through the flowers or your dog is rolling blissfully in fresh-cut grass, your pets enjoy your backyard as much as you do. Sniffing, nibbling and digging are all ways they explore their surroundings, so make sure you’ve created an outdoor environment with plants that are nontoxic and safe if ingested by your pets.
Protect your garden and your pets
Start by choosing plants that won’t be easily damaged by the wear and tear caused by playful pups.

Groundcovers like creeping thyme and sweet woodruff work well because they are attractive and durable.

Ornamental grasses such as pampas grass are also hardy plants that won’t pose any threats to your pets and can be used to section off areas of your garden that you’d like to keep as no-pet zones.

Bamboo is a safe, tough and fast-growing option for this as well. (Visit your local nursery to find out which type of bamboo will grow best in your soil and climate conditions.)

You can safely add color to your garden with nontoxic marigolds, snapdragons, hollyhocks, bachelor buttons and rex begonias. Or give your garden a wonderful fragrance with honeysuckle fuchsia—another safe option.
Give them a space of their own
If your dog loves to dig, train him to do it in his own sandbox. You can encourage him to dig there rather than in your rose garden by burying some of his favorite toys. Your cat will appreciate a quiet corner planted with catnip, cat oat grass and/or cat wheat grass. Just keep the soil moist to prevent her from using the garden as a litter box.
Uproot any toxic plants

While cats tend to be very particular in what they’ll nibble, dogs are far less discriminating. So either take all toxic plants out of your garden or place them in an area that your pets can’t get to.

Daffodils, lilies of the valley, yews, laurels, laburnum, azaleas, foxglove, philodendrons and rhubarb are common plants that pose a danger to your pets. (Most varieties of lily in particular are especially poisonous to cats.)

In some cases, it’s the bulb that is toxic when ingested, not the flower or the leaves—something to remember if your dog likes to scratch around in the dirt. And while asparagus ferns are nontoxic, their berries can cause stomach upset. (See sidebar.)
A rose by any other name
Keep in mind that several plants can share a common name. For example, there are many species named wandering Jew, but the only one that’s confirmed to be nontoxic is the Zebrina pendula. There are also several different plants called African daisies, of which a safe choice is the genus Dimorphotheca.


Pest control and other precautions

Note: All pesticides (including insecticides) sold in the United States are reviewed and registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and, when used in accordance with label directions and precautions, should not present an unreasonable hazard to your pets' health. However, wait at least 24 hours after using fertilizer or pesticides before allowing your pets back in the yard. These substances (along with garden tools and implements) should be stored out of the reach of pets.

* You could also use all natural products to control pest, but make sure what you use is still safe for your pet to use.


Following these tips will help you and your pet enjoy a beautiful and safe backyard all summer long!

How to Setup a First Aid Kit

Ready-made first-aid kits are available at pet stores or through catalogs. You can also put one together yourself, using items from around the house. Put the kit where it can be easily found and include your veterinarian's business card, along with the phone number for and directions to the nearest emergency clinic. Check the kit every once in a while to make sure you aren't running low on any supplies and everything is still usable.

The following items make up a basic first-aid kit:

*
Activated charcoal (available at drugstores) for absorbing poisons
*
Adhesive tape to secure bandages
*
Antibacterial ointment or powder for cleaning wounds
*
Antidiarrheal agent such as Kaopectate (Ask your vet what amount is appropriate for controlling your dog's diarrhea.)
*
Blunt-tipped scissors to trim away hair from wounds and cut bandaging material
*
Cotton balls and cotton swabs
*
Gauze pads and rolls to make bandages
*
Hydrogen peroxide (3 percent) to clean wounds
*
Laxative or antacid such as milk of magnesia
*
Lubricating jelly or petroleum jelly to lubricate a thermometer
*
Needleless syringe for giving liquid medications
*
Plaster splint for broken limbs
*
Plastic eyedropper to administer liquid medications or eyedrops
*
Rectal thermometer
*
Rubbing alcohol
*
Syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting
*
Tweezers

Other helpful items for your kit might be needle-nose pliers to remove porcupine quills or other items stuck in the mouth or throat, sanitary napkins to help stop heavy blood flow, and towels.

How to get rid of fleas naturally

Fleas are a pest to you and your pet. It is battle that most of us have to face each spring and summer. Up until last year I used medications that I brought at my vet’s office. Last year my dog got a server rash from the medication so we stop using them and looked for alterative for the poisons that we were using. It is important to us to find a great flea preventive since one of my dogs is allergic to fleas and that allergy has caused several other injuries. So here is what I have found to work for us and for others.

Preventative Steps.

1. Keep your pet healthy and strong and they will not be affected by fleas. Make sure that you feed a diet of whole, natural ingredients free from hormones and pesticides. Try a frozen, Raw, or premium food, we have a list of several companies on our site click here.

2. Use Flea repealing supplements, which are also good for their health.
Add Salmon or Flaxseed oils to their diets. This keeps the fleas away and promotes healthy hair and skin.

3. Add a clove of Fresh Grated Garlic to your Dog's Food. (Do Not Give Garlic to CATS). Instead of Garlic you can also use Brewer's Yeast, which is also a good source of Vitamin B1.

4. Grooming you pet removes dead hair, mats and tangles that are a good place for fleas. Invest in a fleas comb as these combs will grab adult fleas. Pay attention to the following areas: Under the legs, around the head and tail and on their belly. These areas are where fleas like to congregate.

5. Bathing you dog regularly will keep fleas off your pets. Use a shampoo with all natural ingredients as these will not dry out your pet's skin as much. Try finding one with Aloe and Oatmeal if possible (unless your pet has an allergy to either). Keep the lather on for at least 10 to 15 minutes to drown any living fleas. Then rinse them thoroughly.

6. Use essentials oils on dog only. You can find a shampoo that contains them or you purchase them to be used. Some great ones are lavender, rosemary, tea tree, mint, need and citrus. Essentials are toxic to cats so do not use them on CATS

Control Methods

1. Try an all natural topical for your pet that contains essentials oils (ONLY ON DOGS). Tea Tree Oil will prevent fleas but it will also kill existing fleas. Be careful when using essentials oils since they are strong and it is best to dilute them with water before use.

2. Do not use Essentials on cats, but you can use aromatic hydrosols instead.
3. Herbal flea powders and collars provide a good alternative but use a natural product

Inside the House

1. Vacuum all your carpet and upholstery, including any dark corners, along baseboards and crevices where they may hide. Get rid of the bad when done. If you have a canister vacuums (like I do, then put it in a plastic bag and get rid of the bag).

2. Laundry everything that can be put in the wash with hot water to kill the fleas

3. Wash all the pets bedding's; put either cedar chips or lavender around or in their bedding to keep fleas from coming back.

4. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your to kill the fleas and disrupt their reproducing cycle.

Outside the House

1. Clear your yard of piles of leaves, brush and all other debris.

2. Buy beneficial nematodes that kill fleas by infesting their larvae. Look for Steinernema (SC or SF) are the best

If you keep up prevention and treat early your pet will have a great spring and summer. Some of the things that we do are:

1. In the dog house outside we keep cedar chips in and around their house.
2. We bath the dogs ever week.
3. We use cedar and tea tree oil to get rid of and prevent fleas.
4. We spread diatomaceous earth throughout the yard all year round
5. Last but not least we keep all the piles of leaves, pine straw and any other debris cleared out of yard.

I hope that all of these tips are useful for you and your pet.

How to Pick a Pet Sitter

With Summer appoarching and More people taking a vacation I thought about reprinting our How to pick pet sitter.
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1. Does the pet sitter have commercial liability insurance?

2. What training does the pet sitter have?

3. Â Does the pet sitter ask questions such, what does the pet like, dislike, what medication does each animal have, routines, allegories, etc?

4.
Do they do a home visit before beginning work, so they can get know your animals?(this one I find important, because you want to know if you pet will like them, if not then you need to find someone else. For example, I don’t want my dog with a male sitter, since he is afraid of males and will attack, so make sure that you know that you dogs will have a comfortable relationship with them. )

5. Does the pet sitter have a contract that spells out what they will and will not do?

6. Will they spend time with your animal or just come and feed and water then leave?

7. Does the pet sitter make sure that you are home at the end of the trip? ( this is important because if something happens you want someone to still come and feed your animals)

8. Do they provide any references, that you can either call or email?

Questions you should ask your Pet Sitter

1. What services are included in the fee?

2. (some pet sitters will include an extra fee to give med's, come out more then once or twice a day, multiple pets, etc)

3. Â What type of pets do they take care?

4. Some pet sitters only take care of dogs and cats, but others will feed fish, reptiles, birds, etc. You want to make sure that your pet sitter will take care of all your animals

5. How much time will the pet sitter spend with your animals?

6. Some pet sitters will spend a certain amount of time, exercising your dog, cat, etc while others will just come to make sure that they are ok and feed and water them only.

7. How do they handle emergency situations?

8. Will they take your animal to the vet, will they deal with police or fire department if necessary. You need to find all that out.

What you should do for your Pet Sitter before you leave

* Assemble everything the sitter will need to care for your pet, including house keys, food and water dishes, any medications your pet may need, and enough food and treats to last for the duration of your trip.

* Describe your pet’s personality to the sitter, and spend some time introducing the sitter to your pet. You should also acquaint the sitter with your pet’s health issues, habits, hiding places and favorite toys.

* Leave your sitter with written, detailed pet care instructions, including phone number for your veterinarian and your travel itinerary with contact numbers where you can be reached in an emergency.

Pumpkin Recipes

Ingredients for Pumpkin Dog Cookies
•1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
•2 tablespoons dry milk
•1 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
•2 tablespoons vegetable oil
•1/2 cup pumpkin
•1/2 cup water, + 2 tablespoons water
•1 cup white flour
•1/2 cup corn meal
•1/3 cup oats
•1 teaspoon cinnamon
•1/4 teaspoon ginger



Directions
•Place all the ingredients in your breadmaker in the order recommended by the manufacturer.

•Use the Dough cycle.


•When the dough is ready, remove it from the breadmaker and divide it into thirds.


•Roll each dough ball with a rolling pin until it is ¼” thick.


•Using the size cookie cutter that is best for your breed and size dog, cut out the cookies.


•Place the cookies on a greased cookie sheet.


•Bake the cookies at 275-300 degrees F for about an hour or until lightly browned.


•Turn off the oven and let the cookies finish drying in the oven overnight.


Pumpkin Cookies for Dogs

Ingredients
•1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
•2 tablespoons dry milk
•1 cup white flour
•1/3 cup corn meal
•1/2 cup oats
•1 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
•1 teaspoon cinnamon
•1 teaspoon ginger
•2 tablespoons vegetable oil
•1/2 cup canned pumpkin
•1/2 cup water + 1 tablespoon water



Directions
•Place all the ingredients in your bread machine and set the machine for the dough cycle.

•When the dough is finished, remove it and roll it into sheets that are 1/4" thick.


•Using cookie cutters, cut the dough into shapes and place it on a lightly greased cookie sheet or an ungreased pastry mat.


•Let the cookies rise for about an hour.


•Bake the dog cookies for an hour at 275-300 degrees F.


•Turn off the oven, and let the dog cookies continue to dry overnight in the oven. When they are completely done, they will be hard, dry and crisp. The dog treats will be hard for you to break in your hands--and better for your dog's teeth and gums.


•You can store these dog cookies for a month or so at room temperature.

If you would like to give the dog treats as a gift, serve them at a dog party or use them as a festive treat, you can decorate them with dog treat icing and sprinkles. Your stars will be easier to decorate if you use a larger star cookie cutter to make bigger stars. You can always break them in half for a smaller dog.

Pumpkin's Benfit

Many know that pumpkin can be considered a health food, but it can also have benefits for our pets as well.

The health benefits of pumpkin are well-known, though most people do not think of pumpkin as a health food. Perhaps this is because most of us think of pumpkin pie, which is a high-calorie treat--but it might be one of the healthier desserts we could choose. Pumpkin is loaded with vitamins C, K and E, beta-carotene, fiber, and several other beneficial antioxidants and other phytonutrients like lutein and ziazanthin. Pumpkin seeds are high in various minerals such as manganese, magnesium, zinc, potassium, copper and iron and are high in essential fatty acids (no trans fats, either!) Pumpkin is a common ingredient in some facial and skin products that help protect against aging and dermatologic maladies. There is even research that indicates pumpkin extracts can be useful in the treatment of diabetes. For humans, it is no less than a miracle food.
But what about our pets? They don't need vitamin C and very few dogs or cats are deficient in any of the above minerals or vitamins, thanks to the diets most of them consume (which are superior to what the average human consumes as part of his or her diet.) But the fiber content is sometimes very useful in the treatment and maintenance of digestive health of our pets. Few foods are more readily consumed than pumpkin puree (not the pumpkin pie filling) by our pets; just a small portion in their daily diets (1/4 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon, depending on the pet's weight) can make the difference between a case of chronic diarrhea or constipation and a normal daily bowel movement. Many veterinarians often prescribe pumpkin as part of the treatment for either intestinal malady, as well as simply a healthful dietary supplement.
It may not seem logical at first that something like pumpkin fiber can treat both defecations that are too runny as well as too hard and dry. But that is why fiber additives are advertised to help make us ‘regular'.
Diarrhea is usually the result of lack of water re-absorption in the colon (the last part of the intestinal tract), either because of too-rapid transit through the intestines, or because of some toxic, secretory activity in the tract itself. Fiber in the digesta can directly assist in the formation of more solid stools and also by slowing the passage of waste material through the colon,allowing more time for water re-absorption. Thus, added pumpkin in the diet can help in the treating of loose stools in our pets.
Alternatively constipation is often due to the too-slow passage of material through the colon, allowing too much water re-absorption and resulting in dry, hard, and difficult-to-pass stools. Additional fiber in the diet will keep some of the moisture from being re-absorbed by the colon. Even pets that are not constipated but just having trouble getting that last little bit of stool out, or having some perianal itching afterwards can benefit from the addition of pumpkin in their diets. Therefore, one can see that added pumpkin in the diet can help in treatment and prevention of constipation as well.
And what is so special about pumpkin? After all, couldn't the addition of Metamucil or some other form of fiber additive be just as useful and effective? Probably. Pumpkin, however, has several advantages over other fiber forms. Primarily, it tastes good. I have not known too many dogs that will not readily accept pumpkin as part of their diet, or as an intermittent treat. Most dogs love it, which makes giving them added fiber not only convenient but even enjoyable. And often cats will like pumpkin, too. Trying to get a cat to take fiber in any other form can be very frustrating. Pumpkin is loaded with other nutrients as well, though perhaps less useful for our pets than for us. Still, aren't harmful and could be beneficial.
As mentioned above, pumpkin can be given to cats as well as dogs. Not only can it help with the problems of simple diarrhea and constipation, but also can help cats deal with their unique hairball problems. Cats that vomit up hairballs frequently (more than once a month) should probably see a veterinarian; however as that is probably not normal, particularly if additional pumpkin does not help matters much.
It is interesting that cats, too, seem to benefit from the addition of pumpkin in their diets. Why this is surprising is cats are obligate carnivores, which means they are meat eaters. Vegetables are usually not an important part of a true carnivore's diet (dogs are not really true carnivores despite their being members of the carnivore family.) Yet many cats seem to relish eating vegetable material, most which is not digested. Vegetable fiber passing through even the short digestive tract of the feline can assist in correcting problems in defecation and normal stool production. And often on top of the list of a cat's favorite vegetable is canned pumpkin. Use caution in feeding excess pumpkin to a cat as they could develop excessive gas and discomfort. A little pumpkin goes a long way and a lot is not good!
Please note that the form of pumpkin recommended is pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is far too sweet and sugary for most pets. The internet is bursting with all sorts of pumpkin remedies for pets as well as humans, but be sure these recipes include the puree and not the pie filling, and do not contain pet-toxic food items like chocolate, onion or garlic.
Birds may also benefit from pumpkin in their diet!
Please remember that serious cases of diarrhea or constipation may still need veterinary attention and may not respond to simply adding pumpkin to the diets. However it is always worth a try, and pumpkin often will be prescribed by a veterinarian as part of the immediate, if not long-term treatment of a pet's medical problems
If you do not have pumpkin, substitute acorn squash, hubbard squash, butternut squash, buttercup squash, or calabaza. Sweet potatoes are also a good option as a subtitute for pumpkin.

NAMING CATS by Bobbi Hahn

I've come a long way from the early childhood evening when I named
our first cat Sugar.

We found her in a peach basket beside the path by the railroad
tracks where my parents and I often strolled after dinner. I enjoyed
waving to "Casey Jones" and he always waved back from the caboose as
the train passed by.

I heard pitiful cries, and my father went into the weeds to
investigate. He came back with a tiny creature curled in his hand, her
eyes still closed. She was the only survivor of the litter of kittens
someone had dumped in the peach basket and tossed away like garbage.
We fed her with my doll's baby bottle. Why she came to be called Sugar
instead of Peaches is lost in the midst of memories.

Next came Sufi al Kyahammi, named during my teen literary period.
I'd just read The Rubaiyat by Omar Khayyam when she came into our lives,
and I was inspired to find a fittingly exotic name for that gorgeous
Persian cat.

I am not responsible for "Puss Puss" as her name was chosen
unanimously by our sons. (The same sons who named the dog Pooch.)
I don't understand why they were so unimaginative with pet names because
they were always very creative with everything else.

As our sons grew older, I assumed primary pet-naming responsibility.
My first brainstorm was Grizabella Houdini Appletree. Grizabella because,
like her namesake in the musical Cats, she was quite bedraggled when my
grandson and I discovered her under the apple tree in our side yard.
Houdini because she escaped from the box where I tried to confine her
on her first night with us. She was a beautiful Maine Coon, elegant and
graceful and always composed in the way that only a feline can manage.

Next came Greystoke Edmund Hillary. Greystoke from my sons,
who were into Tarzan at the time. (Yes, I allowed them to share the
pet-naming responsibility once more.) Edmund Hillary because Gus, as he
was nicknamed, loved climbing on things, and he could scale tall buildings
with a single bound. Well... not really, but you get the idea. My dear
friend Verla and I found him in the parking lot of the local hospital.
He was crying, covered in oil, and quite a mess. He was the sweetest,
most loveable and loving cat I've ever known.

Mozart Merrill Sugartree. Mozart because she loves classical
music and, whenever Mozart is playing, will sit in front of the speakers
in rapt attention. Merrill is part of the name of the business where
I was working when Pat, a coworker and I heard her loud meows from
Sugartree Alley, behind the building. She was a very young kitten,
so I'll never understand how we heard her from up on the second floor,
through closed windows, on a busy street. She is the biggest challenge
I've ever had, cat-wise. No matter how much I love her and treat her
well, her disposition is such that she'll be all cuddles and sweetness one
second, and the next second, her ears go flat and she'll try to bite me.
She's succeeded, too, no matter how quick I think I am in getting out
of the way of that tiny, lethal mouth!

Annabelle Lee Syllabub. I already had two cats when some friends
told me about a beautiful stray that had wandered into their backyard.
They described her as long-haired, all white, with gorgeous golden eyes.
I politely demurred, saying I didn't need another cat. They persisted.
I declined, suggesting they pick on other people who had no cats, or only
one cat. They refused to give up, finally inviting me to their house,
"Just to meet the cat." So I went over after work and met the cat.
We sat out on their patio with some drinks, and she came right to me,
jumping onto my lap and making herself comfortable. She had the loudest
purr I've ever heard. I told her she got the Super V-8 model.

Of course, you know the rest of the story -- how I carried her
home in my arms that night thirteen years ago. We weren't living in the
south then, but she was so pretty, she reminded me of a Southern belle,
hence the Annabelle Lee part. I found Syllabub in a dictionary --
it means a sweet confection, and fits her disposition perfectly.

"The naming of cats is a difficult matter," as explained in
T. S. Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats." It's fun but at
the same time an awesome responsibility.

Of course, our feeble attempts probably never approach the truth
of the cat's REAL name, that "deep and inscrutable singular Name."

__________________________________________________
Annabelle and Mozart, two of the cats featured in this story, live
with their two human servants, Bobbi and John. The humans provide a
comfortable environment, tasty food with occasional scrumptious treats,
and keep the litter box clean. The cats refuse to reveal their real
names.

Home Grown Remedies

ROSEMARY

What it’s good for Sharpening memory
When British herbalist Anne McIntyre was a student, she kept rosemary sprigs on her desk during classes, squeezing the oils onto her hands. “The scent stimulates blood flow to the brain and aids concentration,” says McIntyre, author of The Medicinal Garden and ten other herb-related books. Years later, science came to the same conclusion. In a 1998 study, University of Miami researchers exposed 40 adults to three minutes of rosemary scent. The group showed increased alertness and worked math problems faster—and no less accurately—than they had before the aromatherapy session.

How To Grow It Rosemary is a Mediterranean plant, thriving in sun and well-drained soil. If your winters are very cold, grow it in a pot and take the pot inside for the winter. It’s hard to grow from seed, so start with a plant. Or cut a spike from a friend’s plant at the woody end. Add rooting hormone (available at plant centers) to light soil, insert the cutting, and chances are it will root.

How To Use It Ancient scholars used to wear wreaths of rosemary around their heads, but you don’t have to go that far. Nurse Dorie Byers, author of Herbal Remedy Gardens, simmers a cup of rosemary needles in two quarts of uncovered water, letting the smell waft through the house whenever she’s doing brain work. Or you can brew rosemary tea, adding one to two teaspoons of rosemary needles to one cup boiling water. Steep it for five minutes, strain the herbs, add a squirt of lime juice, and enjoy. Of course, if you’re feeling both forgetful and hungry, rubbing chopped rosemary over chicken or fish creates a dish you’re bound to remember.

Fennel

What it’s good for Calming digestion
It’s no coincidence that Indian restaurants set out tiny bowls of fennel seeds to chew on after dinner. Anethole, the active ingredient inside the seed, relaxes the smooth muscles of the stomach, easing digestion. Even the ancient Romans praised its healing properties, including scientist Pliny the Elder, who listed 22 medical uses for it.

How To Grow It Fennel’s easy to propagate from seed, shooting up to as high as 6 or 7 feet, and returning each year if you let it go to seed. It loves sun and dry, rich soil. Plant the seeds in early April, covering lightly with soil. Thin the seedlings to about 15 inches apart.

How To Use It Gather the seeds from the end of the feathery stalks. With a mortar and pestle, crush one to two teaspoons—fresh or dry—and add those to a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for ten minutes, strain, and sip. “If you have digestive problems, drink a cup after every meal until your digestion is better,” suggests McIntyre. Or try eating the seeds straight, or brewing a tea with a teaspoon each of fennel seeds and peppermint. You can also sprinkle fennel seeds into bread or biscotti dough. And of course the fennel bulb, which also contains the antispasmodic oils, is delicious added to stews and soups.

ALOE VERA

What it’s good for Soothing cuts and burns
Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all praised aloe vera for its ability to heal sores and soothe itchy skin—and modern science has followed their lead. Researchers have touted aloe vera for treating herpes blisters, burns, wounds, and frostbite. It works its magic through substances that block the production of inflammation-promoting prostaglandins. In lab studies, the plant has been shown to inhibit histamines (one source of itchiness). It also contains bradykininase, which relieves pain and reduces redness and swelling.

How To Grow It Although you have to buy your first plant, by the end of its first year it will have five or six baby “pups,” tiny plantlets that will grow into another plant, says gardener John Beirne, developer and manager of the horticultural therapy programs at NewBridge Services, a behavioral health agency in Pompton Plains, New Jersey: “Give it a good tug, and a pup will separate from the mother plant.” A succulent, aloe vera doesn’t need much water or care. But it likes warm weather, so bring it inside before the temperature falls below 40 degrees.

How To Use It Inside each plump aloe spear is the clear gel that doubles as a salve. Keep a pot in your kitchen window, and each time you get a burn or cut, pluck a leaf, cut it open, and spread the gel on the tender spot. Sharleen Andrews-Miller, a botanical medical faculty member at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, likes to mix about a tablespoon of gel from the plant with a couple of drops of lavender oil for an especially aromatic remedy.

SPEARMINT

What it’s good for Boosting energy
It turns out that “minty fresh” is more than just an advertising slogan. Spearmint’s probably best known as a stomach soother, aiding digestion while easing stomach spasms. But anyone who’s sipped a steamy cup of spearmint tea also knows the lift it can bring. It contains a number of central nervous system stimulants, including menthol, that boost energy more gently than caffeine does. And several may sharpen mental energy by preserving acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter vital to memory and learning. The mint also stimulates blood flow, which may account for its reputed ability to boost another kind of energy: lust. According to McIntyre, ancient Romans refused their warriors mint, fearful they’d focus only on the women they’d left behind.

How To Grow It You can grow spearmint from seed, but it’s easier to divide a root from a friend’s plant. “Once you plant it,” says Beirne, “it will grow forever, so it’s a great plant to be generous with.” If you want something other than mint in your garden, plant it in a pot, or it will take over. It thrives in almost any condition, even partial shade, although it does best in damp, cool soil.

How To Use It James A. Duke,
a world-renowned herbal expert and author of The Green Pharmacy and Anti-Aging Prescriptions, simply chews on spearmint straight from his garden. Sharleen Andrews-Miller likes to brew a fresh handful in a cup of boiling water, letting it steep for five to ten minutes. Or you can hang bunches upside down in a dry spot out of direct sunlight, crumble a few leaves, and add two teaspoons to a cup of boiling water. “But don’t let it steep more than five or ten minutes, or your mouth will pucker from the tannins,” she says. It’s also great cut up and tossed into salads, tabbouleh, and cold pasta dishes.

Lavender

What it’s good for Easing insomnia
For those who toss and turn, the scent of lavender may well beat counting sheep—or even popping sleeping pills. In one small 1995 study, British researchers found that infusing the scent of lavender into the rooms of nursing home patients worked just as well as sleep medication. Not only did the patients get to sleep faster, they slept more peacefully. The 1998 study that examined rosemary also found that a brief dose of lavender aromatherapy increased drowsiness. “Lavender has a sedative effect on the central nervous system and releases muscle tension,” says British herbalist McIntyre, author of The Medicinal Garden and ten other herb-related books. In fact, when new patients arrive at McIntyre’s office, nervous about what might be brewing in a back-room cauldron, she pulls out the lavender. “I can see its calming effect,” she says.

How To Grow It Like rosemary, lavender is a Mediterranean plant. It likes sun and dry, rocky soil that will force it to struggle a bit. It’s slow to germinate, so rather than grow it from seed, it’s best to buy your first plant or pull a side shoot off a friend’s plant and stick it in sandy or light soil to root. It should be planted outdoors and can be happy either in a pot or in the ground. Water it well until it’s established—and during hot summers—but don’t overdo it; lavender doesn’t like soggy roots. In temperate climates, it will come back each spring, sending up its tall stems adorned with tiny purple flowers.

How To Use It When the flowers open, cut the lavender stalks, tie them in small bunches, and hang them upside down in a dry place out of direct sunlight. Depending on the temperature and humidity, the flowers should dry in two to four weeks. Herbalist and nurse Dorie Byers suggests filling small muslin bags (sold in health food stores for tea) with dried flowers and placing one between your pillow and pillowcase.

You can also make a tea by adding one teaspoon of dried or two teaspoons of fresh blossoms to a cup of boiling water, and letting them steep covered for ten minutes. Strain and drink just before going to sleep. To make a tincture, add approximately 7 ounces of dried lavender flowers to four-fifths of a quart of glycerol (a syrupy alcohol also called “glycerine” and available in health food stores) and one-fifth of a quart of water. Or use one cup brandy or vodka and three cups of water. Cover for two weeks. For sleep, take one teaspoon after dinner and 2 to 3 teaspoons at bedtime.

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Raw Food Recipes

Basic Raw Dog Food Recipe
for a 20-25# dog

1/2 cup raw meat (ground poultry, beef, lamb, organ meats)
1/2 cup raw pureed vegetables (variety!)
1/4 cup cooked whole grains
1 teaspoon bonemeal powder (double for puppies and pregnancy)
1/4 teaspoon ascorbic acid powder with bioflavinoids (vitamin C)
1/4 teaspoon kelp powder
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic (not powder)
1 teaspoon oil mixture (2 teaspoons with poutlry)
Oil mixture:

11 oz. canola oil (cold pressed)
2 oz. wheat germ oil
2 oz. flax oil
Keep refridgerated in an opaque container.

Some folks eliminate the grains and increase the meat and vegetables proportionately, and only add the oil if poultry is fed. The meat must be RAW. Dogs should be fed raw bones (cooked bones will splinter). Vegetables must be pureed or they will come out looking pretty much the same way they did going in. Wild canines get their vegetable matter by eating the digested intestinal contents of their vegetarian prey. Variety is essential to deliver the correct mix of vitamins and minerals.


Basic Cat Food Recipe
1300 g raw muscle meat (beef, chicken, lamb, quail, duck, etc., but not fish or pork!)
400 g heart
200 g liver (I alternate with kidneys)
100 g gizzards (excellent for a dental workout, which is important for teeth!)
600 g finely pulped or grated veggies (I mostly use carrots or plain pumpkin)
spring water to desired consistency
4 eggs, lightly cooked
4 tbsp bonemeal
approx. 60 drops of Liquid Trace Minerals
1000 mg vitamin C (calcium ascorbate, sodium ascorbate, or Ester C: the amount is variable according to your cat's needs)
2 tsp salmon body oil
100-200 IU vitamin E added directly to a meal, once a week

Feeding Raw Diet

What is a Raw Diet? A Raw Diet is a diet that is not cooked and is freed raw. Feeding your pet a raw diet is healthy for them and you know what is their food and that it does not contain any fillers or chemicals. This is great diet to have if your pet has any kind of health issues.
A raw diet contains only raw meats and veggies. The items are not cooked. You can give your pet raw bones as they will not splinter as with cooked bones. Some owners have worried about feeding Raw because of coli and Samolina poisoning. Every owner should wash their hands with soap and water to get rid of these bacteria’s for these are not safe in humans, but dogs and cats have immune systems to deal with these bacteria’s and are not affected by them.
Here is a list of some items your pet can try:
• Chicken - whole or any parts! (Backs, necks, wings, etc.)
• Turkey - whole or any parts (wings, necks, etc.)
• Cornish game hens (whole)
• Beef (any cuts)
• Oxtail
• Pork (necks, ribs, any cuts)
• Rabbit
• Fish (canned sardines in WATER, not oil, or Jack mackerel)
• Quail
• Buffalo, kangaroo- almost anything you can think of!
You can feed your dog raw bones but do not feed cooked bones as these will splinter and can cause harm to your pet.
Please note that you should change your pet’s diet slowly to make sure that they are not allergic to any of the meats. So for the first few weeks you should only feed one meat a week. So the first week, you would feed chicken, then next week turkey, etc.
You also need to include veggies, yogurt, pumpkin, eggs, etc to complete their diets. Some dogs love fruit and you can include them. Pumpkin Make sure that you are not feeding you pets any items that can be dangerous such as grapes, raisins, and other items that are deadly for your pets.
You should feed about 2%- 4% of your body pet’s body weight. Slowly change their diet, start by adding a little raw food to their current food. Every day add a little more until you completely change their diet to raw. You could also just add a little raw food their current diet. I know a lot of owners that feed their pets both a good quality dry food and also feed them raw food.
Know that changing your pet’s food to raw has several health benefits, that have been proven and also owners have seen in their pets. These includes a shiny coat, healthier looking skin, fresh breath/cleaner teeth, improve digestion, improve allergies, decrease in shedding, and overall healthier appearance and feeling.
If you do not want to fix your up your own recipe for a raw diet, now you can purchase raw food already mixed. There are several companies out there that are great for your pet and they have a great variety of food.
- Page Lee Raw Pet Diets :
- www.rawpetdiet.com
-
- Aunt Jeni Home made
- http://www.auntjeni.com/

Should you Change your pets diet as it ages?

NO. If your pet is doing fine on the food you feed it, there’s no need to change anything. If she’s experiencing problems related to aging such as constipation, or kidney or liver disease, follow these rules:

Dogs need fiber. In general, healthy older dogs need a diet that’s lower in calories and protein, but higher in fiber, which can reduce the risk of anal gland disease (common in small dogs), obesity, and pancreatic problems like diabetes. To get fiber in your dog’s diet, feed her whole grains like brown rice or barley and vegetables such as chopped-up broccoli, Swiss chard, or kale (raw or lightly steamed). Put everything through a food processor so she won’t be able to pick out the meat and leave the rest. Speak to your vet to determine how much added fiber is needed.

Don’t ignore canine weight gain. Dogs don’t automatically get heavier as they age. Check with your vet to make sure your pet isn’t suffering from pain, arthritis, or hypothyroid problems.

Cats need custom care. If your cat has liver disease, decrease the amount of fat and protein in her diet. If kidney disease is the issue, feed her less protein, and make it fish, chicken, or lamb. Include some whole grains, like millet, bulgur, and cornmeal, and add vegetables or psyllium seeds for fiber. (Older cats can suffer from constipation.)

Don’t ignore feline weight loss. Unlike dogs, cats can suffer from hyperthyroidism. If your cat ignores food she’s always eaten or has lost eight ounces or more in a month, get her to the vet.

Some food suggestions:

A Roadside Rescue in Texas

One afternoon in early 2005, a woman drove past a very large, dark dog body in a ditch along a busy highway. Distractedly, she wondered what happened to it. A few hours later, she approached the dog body coming from the other direction and his head popped up just as she passed. "That dog is alive," she thought. She pulled her car over and got out.

The dog was alive. An emaciated and weakened Great Dane mix, he was a stray who had been hit by a vehicle and left to die.

Another car pulled up. A man stepped out to help. He said, "I've been seeing this dog for days, but I thought it was dead!"

Off to The Vet


Despite the risks involved with handling a heavy, badly injured, and potentially dangerous stray dog, they were determined to help.

The rescuers gently lifted the Great Dane into the back of the woman's SUV, and drove to a nearby veterinarian, who immediately began care. The dog had two broken forelegs, a broken pelvis, and a badly scraped and abraded muzzle and nose. He was starving and dehydrated.

Because the bones had started to knit, the vet guessed that the dog had been hit by a vehicle at least a week previously.

Muzzle-Walking


What about the scraped mouth and nose? The dog with two broken forelegs was attempting to walk on his muzzle, until he became too weak to move, the vet guessed.

The Specialist Helps


The vet called in a orthopedic specialist from a vet school several hours away. This specialist reduced his fees, because "a dog that wanted to live so badly" that he walked on his muzzle deserved special treatment.

After examining the x-rays and the dog, the specialist guessed that the injuries had occurred up to two weeks earlier. Probably Duke was near death when he was finally rescued, after laying beside the highway for many days without food, water, or treatment, while thousands of cars passed.

Duke’s Suffering


Did he raise his head and look at traffic, desperate for food and water? Starvation is painful. Did he attempt to reposition himself on the hard ground, as his multiple broken bones throbbed? Did anyone see him walk on his muzzle?

Apparently not one passerby saw him move during all those days of laying in the ditch. For who is hard-hearted enough to drive past, see a dog in distress, and not make even one phone call for help?

The Happy Ending


Surgeries and treatment began, and Duke's veterinarian continued to treat him for free, but the expenses were steep. A friend sent notices to Great Dane discussion lists across the nation asking for donations for Duke's medical expenses. Responses flooded in. Duke gained weight, had physical therapy, and was adopted.

Duke was a very, very lucky dog. By moving at the right moment, he connected with the brave heart of a woman who couldn't pass him by. For her rescue of Duke, Sunbear Squad presented the woman with a Gene Fields Humane Award.

For more rescue stories: http://www.sunbearsquad.org

Rescued Dog with Two Broken Legs

There is a fenced area behind the ball field in Lakeside Park, Duncanville, Texas. A female white pitbull-type dog was seen sleeping in the bushes in this fenced area for one to two weeks by a kind neighbor, who brought the dog food and water every few days. She couldn't get close to the dog however. One day she noticed the dog was no longer drinking water. That is when she called me. I have a petfinder website under "Best Friends Animal Rescue Club." She told me where to look and I drove right out to Lakeside, bringing water; the neighbor was waiting for me.

We found the dog laying motionless in the bushes. We opened a food can and the dog started to rouse. She was very slow, but came for the food. She was hungry and thirsty. She was very afraid and reluctant to let me pet her, so I didn't push it. She drank lots of water and then laid back down. I could see that her front legs weren't right; they were swollen and I knew they could be broken. I told the neighbor that I would call a fellow rescuer and we would try to coax the dog into the car using food, which we did the very next day. We named her "Peary," because her light green-yellow eyes are the color of pears.

We brought Peary immediately to a vet clinic. She received all of her shots and was tested for heartworms. Thank goodness she was negative. However, her x-rays revealed what we had suspected. Both front legs were fractured and even worse, one was not lined up and had become infected. The vet suspected that she had jumped or had been thrown from a moving vehicle. Peary was immediately put on antibiotics and pain meds, and a veterinary surgeon examined her. Since her injuries had occurred probably at least two weeks earlier and the fractures were already calcifying, the surgeon concluded that she should continue to heal on her own. Antibiotics cleared up the infection. Although she will likely become arthritic in those bones later in life, she should enjoy good quality of life overall.

Peary (now renamed Gracie) has been adopted into a loving family, where she continues to recuperate. Best Friends Animal Rescue Club writes: "Thank you for the wonderful response that Gracie received. It is touching to know that so many people care about God's creatures. Gracie is in a foster home and her foster mom has fallen in love with her. She says that Gracie is home."

—Best Friends Animal Rescue Club, Texas

18-Wheeler Rescue

18-Wheeler Rescue
It was an early evening in November. We were just outside of Grants New Mexico on I-40 East. My husband and I were on our way to Georgia to deliver a load. My husband is a truck driver and I was traveling with him, along with our two dogs, a lab mix and a Chihuahua. I was sitting in the passenger seat when out of the blue this dog came running out on the highway. We almost hit this dog!

My husband pulled the 18-wheeler over to the shoulder quickly and I threw my shoes on and got out of the truck. We were scared for the dog's life—it could get hit by a vehicle. The dog had stopped running and seemed scared and unsure about what to do. At first she just stood there and looked at us! I had forgotten to shut the door on the truck and my lab mix had jumped out after me. My dog ran to the stray dog and so I was able to grab the stray dog, a female. She had a collar on but no tags.

So we loaded her up and once we got her in the truck I checked her out to make sure she was okay. And while I was checking her out I realized we had a beautiful purebred Redbone Coonhound in our truck. I got online and did some searching to find out if anyone had a missing dog in the area. Found nothing! She stayed on the truck with us for the night and that was a very long night. With not much sleep, because she whined and cried all the time.

The next morning I was again on the computer looking desperately for the owners or a place for this dog. I wasn't going to dump her off at a "kill" shelter—I don't believe in that. I made call after call trying to find a place for this dog. Eventually I talked with a hound rescuer in Austin Texas and I sent pictures of the stray dog to him. Yes, she was a coonhound. The rescuer, Jerry, frantically called his contacts everywhere to find a place for this dog. He called us back and told us to take her to a place right out of Amarillo Texas named Critter Camp. She would wait there until another of Jerry's contacts could pick her up and bring her to an Austin Texas-based rescue group. Later that day I got an email from Jerry telling me that if he can't find the owners of this dog, he had someone ready to adopt her. All in a days work!

I'm a huge animal lover. Both my husband and I have saved many dogs. We take them out of horrible situations and find good loving homes for them. Someday I want to open my own business to help animals!

—Rachel, with Alan, her truckdriver husband

Awareness

Everyone on the spiritual path talks about "awareness, awakening, enlightenment and being conscious.....etc." In our mind we make it very complicated and difficult. In reality it is simply being willing to NOTICE what you are thinking (or saying) about life. As we know, it is NOT about what is happening, but what you THINK about what is happening that counts. And like any other skill, it takes practice, practice, practice. When you learn that you can CHOOSE your thoughts, then you are "aware, awake, enlightened and conscious." When you experience this and know it is true, - this is the "truth that shall set you free".

No longer will it matter what other people say and do, nor what happens around you, because you are focused on what you want and how you feel. If you look around you can see how this works in life. Two role models I know who depict this truth, are the Dalai Lama and Greg Mortensen. You all know the Dalai Lama, and I hope you have read about Greg Mortensen. He has been building schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan for the past 13 years. His books (Three Cups of Tea and Stones Into Schools) are best-sellers and very inspirational. He was second to Barack Obama to get the Nobel Peace Prize, and now he is working with our military forces in Afghanistan to teach them how to become friends with the local people, rather than enemies. He meets and talks regularly with the head of the Joint Chief of Staff, Mike Mullen. All he has done is stay focused on what he wants.

If it works for these two men in war torn countries, then I am certain it works for us in our lives.

AP Poll: Pet owners willing to go mouth-to-muzzle

LOS ANGELES — Most pet owners would leap into action for an injured pet, even if it meant risking dog breath by going mouth-to-snout.

Fifty-eight percent of pet owners — 63 percent of dog owners and 53 percent of cat owners — would be at least somewhat likely to perform CPR on their pet in the event of a medical emergency, according to an Associated Press-Petside.com poll.

Tammy Parks, 52, of Amherst, Mass., has taken a pet first aid class and wouldn't hesitate to help her 15-year-old mixed breed terriers, Lucy and Julia, or her white fronted Amazon parrot Koko.

"It's not rocket science. The mechanics are the same as humans," said Parks, who was an American Red Cross first aid trainer. "Size is the biggest difference."

In general, though, the poll found few pet owners are prepared to handle pet emergencies. Just 20 percent of pet owners have a pet first aid kit in their home, and 54 percent do not have a fire evacuation plan for their pets.

And the survey revealed frequent reporting of dangerous practices that can lead to accidents and injuries. For example, a quarter of pet owners, including 30 percent of dog owners and 22 percent of cat owners, give their pets bones from table scraps, at least sometimes.

Sixty-two percent of dog owners and a third of cat owners let their pets ride in their cars unrestrained, rather than placing them in a special pet carrier. And 11 percent of pet owners sometimes leave their pets unattended in a car or truck.

Still, most pet owners said they would go the extra mile to rescue their pets. Women were more likely to say they would perform CPR on their pets than men, 65 percent to 50 percent, the poll showed.

Nearly every decision made at the Parks house is made with the safety of the animals in mind.

"We don't use pesticide on the lawn. We don't buy food with pesticide on it. No sugar, no salt, just natural nuts and fruits. No Teflon in the house, no smoking, no air fresheners, no aerosol products," she said, explaining that any one of those things could kill their 7-year-old bird.

Barbara Klingman of Houma, La., said she changed things after her Chihuahua, Honeychild, ate something that forced an emergency trip to the vet.

"I make sure she doesn't have anything she shouldn't have," Klingman said of the 7-pound, 4-year-old dog.

The poll showed 7 percent of those polled have pets who have eaten something poisonous and 16 percent have pets who have had allergic reactions to something.

There were also threats from pets themselves: 17 percent reported having a pet bitten or attacked by another animal, 9 percent said a pet had bitten or attacked another animal and 5 percent said a pet had bitten or attacked another person.

The poll revealed that 41 percent have experienced at least one pet safety emergency that required an emergency trip to a vet and 11 percent have had a pet hit by a car.

Edwin Griffin Jr., 61, of Plano, Texas, remembers all too well 25 years ago when his white German shepherd ran in front of a car. The dog broke both hips and his jaw, lost an eye and was in intensive care at an animal hospital for two weeks.

"I had just lost my wife the month before. My children were 1 and 3. I mortgaged the car to save my dog because of the impact it would have had on the children," he said.

The dog lived six more years.

Now Buddy, Griffin's 3-year-old golden retriever, has a first aid kit, a carbon monoxide alarm in the room where he sleeps and several designated escape routes for emergencies. But it's Buddy who's come to the rescue of humans in his home, especially Griffin's father-in-law, who is in the final stages of pancreatic cancer.

"My wife's father gets a great deal of relief from being able to touch and rub Buddy. Buddy just stands beside him. He knows that is his role," Griffin said.

Pet safety and CPR training is offered by the American Red Cross and many private companies. "Vets are the experts but they are rarely on scene when something happens to our pets," said Denise Fleck, who runs Sunny-Dog Ink in Burbank and has written pet safety textbooks, appeared on a number of TV shows and taught classes throughout Southern California.

Disaster plans are important, too, especially in areas like Southern California that are at the mercy of earthquakes and fires.

"If people value their pets like a family member, they should know how to do CPR, just like they would for their kids. In disasters, pets get hurt and run into debris and all kinds of things," said Mark Solnick, director of emergency preparedness and response for the Red Cross of Santa Monica.

Laurie Sullivan, 47, of Littlerock, Calif., has three dogs (Elsa Ann, Hope and Schotzie), an Arabian horse (Cary) and 19 cats. She has tended to a wide variety of emergencies over the years. Lucky for her menagerie, she was a certified emergency medical technician and a hospital worker.

She was there to help when one of her dogs choked on a small bone, when one of her cats had a hard time delivering eight kittens, when a neighbor lost the tip of her finger to a horse and for countless everyday cuts, scrapes and bruises.

She has never had to use CPR on an animal, but she knows how to. However, "it would really be hard to give CPR to a horse," she laughed.

The AP-Petside.com poll was conducted Oct. 1-5, 2009, by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media. It involved telephone interviews on landline and cell phones with 1,166 pet owners nationwide, and has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points for all pet owners.

Canine sports: Putting the fun into dog training

Associated Press
Friday, Oct. 16, 2009


Too often, dog training seems like it's all about saying "No."
"People have the knee-jerk assumption that they seek training to fix something," says Victoria Schade, author of "Bonding With Your Dog."

But if all you think about is stopping bad behavior, you miss the real joy of training: being able to talk to the animals. "Training is about changing the way you communicate with your dog. It's giving you a common language," says Schade.

So how do you train your dog by saying "Yes," rather than "No"?

One way is to get involved in canine sports. And the good news is that they're more available to dog owners than ever before.

The classic traditional obedience exercise is to sit, stay, and do nothing silently. For the dedicated competitor, it's a fascinating challenge and a suspenseful three minutes, but for the rest of us and our dogs it might be a little, well, boring. And if you've seen those agility competitions on TV, where dogs run, jump and climb a course of obstacles, you might worry you're not as athletic as the handlers who are racing alongside.

But a relatively new canine activity, Rally Obedience, combines features of both of those sports in a way that's fun and teaches your dog useful skills. In Rally, you and your dog perform commands in sequence, somewhat like in agility, but without complicated equipment.

"It's real-life training, put to a numbered course in a ring," says Linda Sperco, national Rally coordinator for the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), which first introduced Rally competitions in 2001. "For instance, you are heeling with your dog on the leash, not pulling, and you come to a sign that asks you to stop and ask your dog to sit."

Rally exercises like this are practical __ think how handy it would be if your dog would stop and sit nicely every time you wait to cross a street. This also allows you to incorporate the training into your daily routine. "You can practice when you're walking your dog, or just out goofing around in the backyard," says Sperco.

And one important feature is that unlike traditional obedience, there are no restrictions on talking to your dog. "Rally allows unlimited communication," says Sperco. You can repeat commands and encourage your dog all you want, just like in your everyday interactions.

Competitions in Rally Obedience are held all over the country by APDT, the American Kennel Club (AKC), and the United Kennel Club (UKC). And the AKC has recently joined the other groups by changing their rules so that mixed breed dogs as well as purebreds can compete. As of Oct. 1, mixed breed owners have been able to enroll their dogs to be eligible to enter AKC competitions starting in the spring.

Rules for Rally differ slightly in the three organizations, but Sperco says that all agree that the point of the sport is "to build a better relationship with your dog." Even competitions, which can sound a little intimidating compared to just taking a training class, are meant to be a positive experience. "It's a fun day out with your dog," says Lisa Peterson of the AKC.

Trainers agree that the skills gained in training for organized dog sports transfer to real life. If there's one thing we all want, it's a dog that listens to us. And, Sperco says, "the people who are most successful are those who work first on attention."

A dog that's engaged in these kinds of activities will have fewer of the behavioral issues that stem from boredom, and the techniques you learn will also help you solve what problems do arise. You learn to really observe your dog, says Schade, and break behavior down into smaller parts that make it possible to attack bigger problems step by step.

But perhaps the most important result is learning what both you and your dog are capable of. For many people, says Schade, the breakthrough is learning that their dog "isn't stupid after all." And, she says, "Training doesn't take whispering abilities or special gifts. Once you understand how it works, everyone can do it."


ON THE WEB

To find trainers and classes with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers: http://apdt.com/

To find AKC clubs that offer training classes: http://www.akc.org/events/obedience/training(underscore)clubs/

To enroll in AKC mixed breed program: http://www.akc.org/mixedbreeds/

Victoria Schade's Web site: http://www.lifeontheleash.com/

Happy tales for some former fighting dogs

Associated Press
Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009

ST. LOUIS - Dozens of American pit bull terriers netted in the largest dogfighting raid in U.S. history are finding homes despite some who predicted aggression or trauma would make them unsuitable as pets.

More than 120 of the animals have been placed in foster homes or are headed there this week through the efforts of pit bull rescue groups throughout the U.S. An additional 117, like the scarred but smiling Tulip, await their turn.

"They are not a vicious animal. They are the victims of abuse," said Debbie Hill, vice president of operations for the Humane Society of Missouri. "That face and their eyes tell the story. They only want to be in someone's home, on a couch, or sleeping at someone's feet, maybe chew up a rug or two for entertainment. They're learning for the first time how to be a dog."

In the days leading up to the July 8 raid, the Humane Society secured a cavernous industrial warehouse in St. Louis that it transformed into an emergency shelter for the hundreds of dogs seized in Missouri and Illinois. About 100 dogs seized in other states were taken by rescue groups elsewhere.

Once at the Missouri shelter, dogs were tested by a national team of certified animal behaviorists, taken on walks, and allowed to chew on bowling balls stuffed with peanut butter. Some finicky eaters were treated to home-cooked chicken breasts to supplement meals of dog food.

The Human Society offered The Associated Press first access to the site Tuesday. During the tour, puppies born since the raid took turns playing tug of war with a chew toy in a play room. Humane Society staff members pulled a catering cart down a long row of dog cages, calling animals by name as they slid them bowls of food.

Some, like Pacific, were shy, quivering in fear of new visitors. Others were extroverts, springing on hind legs to say hello.

The foster homes will acclimate the dogs to the noises and rules of a household, and teach them basic manners.

Animal behaviorist Pamela Reid, who was part of the team that evaluated the dogs, said a surprising two-thirds tested well for nonaggression and adoptability. She's fostering one puppy, although one her favorite dogs had to be euthanized because he showed aggression toward men.

Hill said 160 dogs were put down because of injuries, illness or behavior. None of the puppies showed aggression, Reid said.

Tim Rickey, who heads the Humane Society's anticruelty task force, said the raids proved the underground dogfighting industry is pervasive.

"We scratched the surface," Rickey said. "We could have done several of these (raids) in Missouri alone."

ON THE NET:

Humane Society of Missouri: http://www.hsmo.org/

Natural Remedies for Arthritis Pain Relief - How to Avoid the Side Effects of Drugs

Anyone with arthritis knows what it's like to be in constant
pain and not even have the strength or energy required to
accomplish some of the most basic daily tasks, such as removing
the lid from a jar.

Arthritis -- in any of its 100+ variations -- is a truly
debilitating illness, affecting in excess of 40 million Americans
(almost 1 in 5 adults) and many more millions worldwide. And,
despite beliefs to the contrary, arthritis is not an illness
restricted to the elderly -- anyone, children and animals
included, can become an arthritis sufferer at any time.

It's well known that no medical cure currently exists for
arthritis. It's a chronic, degenerative illness that, once
contracted, stays with the sufferer for life. Not a very
comforting thought. It's not even clear what triggers arthritis
in most cases, although there can be hereditary links.

Regular medicine provides a number of drugs to treat arthritis,
if only in terms of pain management rather than reversal of the
condition. As mentioned, arthritis is a chronic, degenerative
condition that cannot, at the present time, be reversed.

Available drugs -- COX-2 inhibitors and NSAIDs (non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs) -- are proven to be effective in most
cases but they can only help control the pain....and they come at
a cost.

Firstly, there is the monetary cost which can run to hundreds of
dollars per month -- insurance will, no doubt, cover the cost for
many people but for how long?

Secondly, and of far more concern, is the potential cost to the
patient's long-term health from potential addiction and reported
side effects, the most serious of which can include severe
toxicity of the kidneys, liver and bone marrow. There has even
been a case in recent years of one arthritis-treating drug being
withdrawn from the market by its manufacturer due to increased
risk of heart failure and strokes -- this is very worrying! Lots
of information about this can be found on a number of health news
websites - just type Vioxx into a search engine.

Against this background it's no surprise that more and more
people are looking to alternative treatments for their arthritic
condition. And it's why the natural remedies for arthritis pain
relief have such high perceived value; anything that can reduce
pain and at the same time help increase strength and energy with
few or no side effects must surely be worth trying out, right?

There are a number of readily available dietary supplements that
have the potential to bring significant pain relief to arthritis
sufferers. Some of these supplements such as glucosamine sulfate
and chondroitin sulfate are very well known and have been
extensively studied by the scientific community and there appears
to be very good evidence of efficacy.

Another product, rosehip (Rosa Canina), is a more recent
discovery in terms of arthritic pain relief but scientific
studies -- most notably in Europe -- suggest this is a very
promising, all-natural, pain-relieving supplement which offers a
herbal alternative to the animal and marine extracts used in the
manufacture of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate.

Unfortunately, because of the vast sums of money involved in
arthritic pain management there are many false claims made on
behalf of totally ineffective or even fake products that are
promoted as wonder cures for arthritis.

The problem for many people is knowing just what is genuine and
what is fake. There is no simple answer other than to search for
the evidence. This does not mean the testimonials on retailers'
or manufacturers' websites -- after all, these companies have an
interest in presenting their products in the most favorable
light. Of course, where a company can show hundreds of
testimonials for a single product rather than just a handful it
might be a little more meaningful (think of Amazon, for example).

Anyone thinking of taking natural remedies to aid arthritis pain
relief needs first to look for evidence of qualified medical or
scientific studies for those specific products and to see what
conclusions are reached. The scientific researchers will have put
time and rigor into their studies -- not to mention putting their
own reputations on the line.

The message is simple: if you are thinking of using a dietary
supplement -- whether for arthritis pain relief or any other
reason -- don't just rely on what the manufacturers say. Use the
available independent evidence to save yourself time, money and
further anguish.

----------------------------------------------------------
Gary Docherty has been an arthritis sufferer for
more than 10 years and is owner of the website
http://www.FindEffectiveSupplements.com/
It took Gary 6 years to find a natural alternative to regular
drugs for his pain management. FindEffectiveSupplements.com
can help you find your way to natural remedies for arthritis
(http://www.findeffectivesupplements.com/arthritis/natural-remedies-for-arthritis.html)
pain relief and other effective dietary
supplements much more quickly.

Dark Chocolate

Great post on Paw Nation!

Last week, the New York Times "Complaint Box" column took on a thorny issue: Are dogs too welcome in the city's public spaces?

After seeing dogs cavorting around Banana Republic, the Gap, furniture stores and even grocery stores, Barbara Rosenblatt wrote that she's had enough. "Animals are joining the ranks of small, bored children who must accompany their grown-ups just about everyplace," she wrote. "Perhaps what it will take to keep animals out of stores is a few too many paw prints on the merchandise, or a deposit by a dog that mistook a rug for a sidewalk."

Erica Manfred fired back, arguing that her 11-pound mutt deserves to go where she goes. "Well, I'm into my second adolescence and I've become a rebellious old lady. I take Shadow wherever I go because he makes my life bearable, and I don't care what anyone thinks," she wrote.

Whether or not Manfred cares if she's annoying other patrons with her canine cutie, plenty of readers were worked up enough to get into the fray. In fact, the Times received more than 500 comments from readers on both sides of the debate. One reader complained about health violations of dogs sniffing, licking and even pooping in food-service stores.

Another was more irritated by dog owners than dogs themselves. "Dog owners are worse than smokers in their inflated sense of entitlement," the reader commented. "Because they think their dogs are 'cute,' you should excuse their rude behavior."

Not surprisingly, there were dissenters. One commenter argued that most dogs are better behaved than most kids. "I don't like listening to wailing babies and whining children or their parents hissing at them," one reader wrote. "Leave the kids at home, please, and bring the dogs on!"

Clearly, New Yorkers are sharpening their claws over this contentious issue. Which side of the debate do you stand on?

Great post on Paw Nation!

Happy Valentine's Day

Won't you please be my Valentine this year. I am begging you.

Love isn't just for the birds

Love is in the Air, Just wish it wasn't on my head

Happy Valentine's Day!

While You're Away

Thanks to the Internet, it takes only a few minutes to find the most desirable five-star hotel anywhere in the world. However, when it comes to looking for the best place to care for a pet for a night or longer, there are no shortcuts. Unless someone you trust supplies a personal recommendation, you’ll have to make multiple phone calls and put in some legwork.



A good place to start is the Yellow Pages. While animal lovers used to have limited care options, these days, kennels, catteries and pet hotels are available, as well as people who will care for your pet in their home and pet-sitters who will visit your home.



A pet-sitter should be anyone’s first choice, particularly for pets that are easily traumatized by boarding in unfamiliar territory. Reliable sitters can take the anxiety out of leaving a pet behind because animals, like people, are much happier and more comfortable with the sights, sounds and smells of their own environment. Animals naturally function better when they can keep their regular routine.



More serious sitters are licensed, bonded, insured and listed on the Internet by zip code, on sites such as PetSitters.org, sponsored by the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. SitterPortal.com is another clearinghouse.



Require personal references for any sitter that you think you might employ and don’t be afraid to ask pertinent questions, such as how many times a day will they visit, when and for how long? Services typically include feeding, playtime, exercise and administering medication when necessary. Ask them what they would do if they were unable to give necessary medication to an aggressive or uncooperative pet. Give them the name, telephone number, address and directions to the family veterinarian, in case of an emergency, and leave a signed letter outlining your wishes if the pet is seriously ill or injured. Include details of how much you are prepared to pay for treatment.



If you prefer to place a pet in a boarding facility, visit it beforehand to check out its cleanliness and safety standards. Ask about their vaccination policy, possible mandatory flea bath (chemical versus nontoxic), practices involved in medicating a pet or attending to their medical needs, and where the animal would be taken in an emergency. Ensure that they are fully insured against any negligence by their staff and ask about an owner’s liability and responsibility in situations where a pet may inflict harm on another animal or human. Request the name of the veterinarian used by the facility and ask if the family vet can be a substitute.



Many kennels insist on up-to-date vaccinations prior to boarding, even though pets no longer require annual immunizations. Check if the kennel will accept pets accompanied by a letter from a veterinarian showing the results of a blood titer test, which measures the antibody level against the disease for which the pet has been immunized.



When it’s time to re-collect a beloved pet, keep in mind that boarding generally causes stress and symptoms like diarrhea, which may last for a few days past a joyous reunion and return home.



Whichever option you choose, it’s best to be able to travel content in the knowledge that your pet is happy, safe and in good hands.

Cats are trainable - and that's not a punchline

People have low expectations of cats.

Sam Connelly tells of the time that she and her cat Storm observed a Canine Good Citizen test while they were waiting for their feline agility class to start.

"I'm watching the dogs and I commented to the evaluator, 'My cat can do all that,'" said Connelly. "At the end she said, 'Want to take a shot?' like it was a big joke."

To the evaluator's surprise, Storm passed the test, successfully performing commands like sit, stay, come, down, and walking on a leash.

Storm is a cat who does some of these things for a living. He helps Connelly train lost pet search dogs in Maryland by hiding and waiting to be found.

But training cats isn't just for professionals — human or feline. The Michigan Humane Society has a Pawsitive Start program that uses volunteers to train cats in their shelter in useful and fun behaviors like the high-five and walking into a carrier.

"A lot of people look kind of funny at us when we say we train the shelter cats," says CJ Bentley of the humane society. Cats need more than just playtime outside the cage to be well-adjusted in the shelter environment, she says.

"It's not just all about the physical, it's the mental as well," says Bentley. "To teach them to be able to solve problems on their own can reduce the stress. It gives them control over a situation."

It's not just shelter cats that need more, though. People expect pet cats to "just hang out, which isn't realistic," says Melissa Chan, behavior specialist at the Houston SPCA. Cats are naturally active animals, she says, and "one thing I wish I could tell every cat owner: Cats want to work for their food."

Having your cat touch your hand with its nose on command is one of the easiest behaviors to train, Chan says. If you hold out your hand, most cats will naturally sniff it. Reward with a treat until the cat is doing it every time you present your hand. Then, start repeating a word like "touch" every time.

This trick can then be used to get the cat to move where you want it by placing your hand in the desired spot. "You can use it to ask them to get off the couch, or teach them to jump through a hoop by putting the hand on the other side of the hoop," Chan says.

Another useful behavior is entering the cat carrier on their own. Sandy Lagreca, a volunteer at the Michigan Humane Society, says that this is great for both cats and people: "They go in without having to be picked up and shoved into the crate, which can be traumatic for the owner."

All this requires is patience, repetition and a highly desired treat. Throw the treat into the crate (and if your cat is already suspicious of the carrier, step away). Let the cat go in, eat the treat, and leave, repeating until it's completely comfortable going into the carrier. Then, start to close the door and leave the cat inside for increasingly longer intervals. Again, repeat till the cat is comfortable before you try to pick up the carrier.

Chan says that people often don't think cats are trainable because they lack a dog's desire to please, "but we have things that cats want. That's all that matters." Figure out what your cat will work for — it may be a little tuna, a bit of canned food on the end of a chopstick, or maybe a toss of a toy mouse.

Connelly says to keep training sessions short — she recommends no more than five minutes — and varied. "Teach something else when they get one thing right," she says. "Cats get bored easily."

In addition to the specific useful behaviors, Bentley says, training can help prevent problems by changing the terms of your relationship with your pet. "The animal learns, when I do this, you're happy and I get a piece of food, I guess I should focus on making you happy," she says. "Teaching our cats to successfully do what we like and get rewarded makes them more inclined to do what we like."

And it's also rewarding to see that your cat is capable of so much more than lying on the couch. Says Lagreca, "It's fun to watch the progression and see the lights go on — when they make that connection it's a magical moment."

ON THE NET:

http://www.puregoldpettrackers.com/

http://www.michiganhumane.org/

http://www.houstonspca.org/

Reprinted from: Associated PressSunday, Nov. 15, 2009

Canine Humor

Dogs have a sense of humor, which is distinct from mere play. If you though a stick or other object, they will often carry it a short distance, nd then squatting down with it on the ground close before him. They will wait until thier owner comes close to him and then will sieze the object and run away with tiuph, laughing all the way. Dogs may not have a sense of humor like us but they have one and they enjoy playing practical jokes on thier love ones.
Below are the most playful breeds:
1. Irish setter
2. English sprnger spaniel
3. Miniature Schnauzer
4. Cairn Terrier
5. Airedale Terrier
6. Standard Poodle
7. Shetland Sheepdog
8. Golden Retriever
9. Australian Shepherd
10. Miniature poodle
11. German Shortaired pointer

Above Average Playfulness:
1. Vizsla fox terrier
2. Labrador Retriever
3. Boston Terrier
4. Yorkshire Terrier
5. West Highland White Terrier
6. Toy Poodle
7. German Shepherd
8. Silky Terrier
9. Welsh corgi
10. Shih-Tzu

Average Playfulness:
1. Dachshund
2. Weimaraner
3. bichon Frse
4. Cocker Spaniel
5. Scottish Terrier
6. Dalmatian
7. Boxer
8. Pug
9. Maltese
10. Beagle
11. Collie
12. Brittany Spaniel

Below Average Playfulness:
1. Norwegian Elkhound
2. Doberman Pinscher
3. Cesapeake Bay Retriever
4. Siberian Husky
5. Kesshond
6. Afghan Hound
7. Pomeranian
8. Lhasa Apso
9. Newfoundland
10. English Sheepdog
11. Great Dane

Least Playful Breeds
1. Samoyed
2. Chihuahua
3. Rottwiler
4. Pekingese
5. Akit
6. Alasan Malamute
7. Sain Bernard
8. Basset Hound
9. Chow Chow
10. Bulldog
11. Bloodhound

Do you agree or disagree with the list above.

Laughing all the Way

The 10 Most Popular Cat Breeds

1. THE PERSIAN

Number one since the CFA first started keeping records in 1871! Although Persians are high-maintenance and need grooming every day, this is more than compensated for by their affectionate and loyal personality.

2. THE MAINE COON

This enormous all-American cat has been in second place since 1992. Maine Coons are one of the biggest domestic breeds. Males average 12 to 18 pounds in weight and females are usually 10-14. They are hardy, gentle and loving with long fur but don't need as much grooming as a Persian.

3. THE EXOTIC

These are also known as exotic shorthairs and are rounded and solid in appearance. This cat is like a Persian but with short fur. Some people call them 'a Persian in pyjamas'! They have the sweet personality of the Persian but only need combing twice a week.

4. THE SIAMESE

These cats are very communicative, yowling in a rasping voice for attention or just to chat! They are slim and athletic with large ears. Their fur is short and lies close to their skin. They love to be stroked, and are extremely loyal and close to one person. They are very intelligent and loving.

5. THE ABYSSINIAN

It is said that these pretty cats are descended from those worshipped by the ancient Egyptians - but no one knows for sure. Their coat is ticked with colors. Abyssinians are very active, busy and playful, and they love people.

6. THE RAGDOLL

Ragdolls, or 'Raggies' are extremely cute cats. They are called Ragdolls because when you pick one up, it goes completely limp in your arms! They are another large breed with males growing anything up to 20 pounds and females 15. They have blue eyes and mid-length, silky fur. They are extraordinarily affectionate and will follow you everywhere.

They are so docile that it can be dangerous for them to go out as they wouldn't defend themselves if another animal attacked them.

7. THE BIRMAN

This blue eyed cat also glories in the name of the Sacred Cat of Burma! They have characteristic white paws, making them look as if they are wearing little white boots. They have even temperaments, and are known for adjusting to your daily routine. A Birman will often be waiting for you when you get home from work (as do Siamese and Orientals). Although their fur is long and silky, they don't require much grooming.

8. THE AMERICAN SHORTHAIR

These look like regular tabbies but true American Shorthairs are pure-bred. These cats originally arrived in America on the "Mayflower" with the pilgrims. They are good hunters, have a loving nature, general good health, a quiet temperament, and they are great with children. They come in a multitude of color combinations, the most popular being silver. More than a third of all American Shorthairs have this coloring of black 'stripes' on a beautiful silver background.

9. THE ORIENTAL

This breed looks and behaves just like a Siamese but is available in two different hair lengths and over 300 different color combinations. They also have very sweet natures, and have many of the characteristics of Siamese, though they don't quite talk as loudly. But they are very affectionate and loyal, very people-oriented.

10. THE SPHYNX

This extraordinary naked cat has a rather bizarre appearance. Strangely, they are available in a multitude of colors, albeit skin colors rather than fur! They are lively and athletic, and enjoy climbing. They are loyal, loving and constantly demand attention.

Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds for 2009

1. Labrador Retrievers
Easily the most popular dog breed of them all, Labrador Retrievers are friendly, lovable, smart and great with kids. They have continually been labelled as the most popular family dog according to breeder surveys.

2. Golden Retrievers
Right next to the Labrador Retrievers you'll find the Golden Retrievers which are also true American family dogs. These large dogs are extremely kind and gentle by nature and love playing with people and their toys. Just make sure you have enough space in your home as they can grow up to 90 pounds.

3. Yorkshire Terriers
Yorkshire Terriers, also referred to as "Yorkies" for short, are the smallest and mightiest terriers of them all. These tiny pooches are highly energetic and very protective and loyal to their family. This means that they don't always get along well with strangers and they are not afraid to speak up and let you know this!

4. German Shepherds
Among the most intelligent and most loyal dog breeds in the world is the German Shepherd. Because of their extreme intelligence and strength it's no wonder they are the dog of choice among the police force. This doesn't mean they won't make a great pet at home. On the contrary - they make great pets as long as you have room in your home for a large, lovable dog.

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5. Beagles
The Beagle has been poplar in American households ever since Snoopy hit the big screen. Once raised as hunting dogs, this medium sized pooch is strong for its size. Just don't expect it to have an aggressive hunter attitude as this dog is kind and gentle and loves families.

6. Dachshunds
Dachshunds, also known as "wiener dogs' have also been a favorite among adults and children alike because of their cute, unique body shape. With a long body and short legs it may look like they can't run fast but don't let their appearance fool you. They love to run and play and can keep up with the ball. However, Dachshunds can also be quite protective animals and have been known to nip at strangers and other dogs.

7. Boxers
The American Kennel Club says that the Boxers play well with children, are extremely loyal and are low maintenance dogs. While they may not be the most intelligent dog in the bunch, they make up for it by being very energetic and fun-loving. Being headstrong, boxers require obedience training while they are young.

8. Poodles
Both standard and miniature size Poodles have long been popular both with the rich and famous and the not so rich. They are beautiful, loyal and extremely intelligent dogs which makes them popular among every socio-economic group.

9. Shih Tzu
New to the American Kennel Club's list, the adorable dog with the funny name has been growing in popularity over the last few years. Cut and cuddly, it's no wonder that the Shih Tzu is also popular in Hollywood making it into the homes of many famous celebrities. You don't have to be rich to own a Shih Tzu as they make great companions to the young and old.

10. Miniature Schnauzers
This miniature dog breed just made it onto the list new for 2008 but it's likely that we'll see them on the list again in the future. Miniature Schnauzers are smart, obedient and love to engage in non-aggressive play. They'll play well with children and or chew toys. Originally raised as farm dogs, miniature Schnauzers are energetic dogs that love to be around people. Similar to the miniature Schnauzer is the Schnoodle. Part Schnauzer, part Poodle, the Schnoodle is becoming ever more popular and makes a great pet.

Any one of these dogs will make great pets. Don't fret if your dog is not on the list as there are too many great breeds to make it into the top 10. You never know, they just might make the cut next year!

Remember that every great dog needs an even greater name. Check out:

Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2009

Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2009


medication

With various dangers lurking in corners and cabinets, the home can be a minefield of poisons for our pets. In 2009, the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in Urbana, IL, handled more than 140,000 cases of pets exposed to toxic substances, many of which included everyday household products. Don’t leave it up to Fido or Fluffy to keep themselves safe. Below is a list of the top 10 pet poisons that affected our furry friends in 2009.
Human Medications

For several years, human medications have been number one on the ASPCA’s list of common hazards, and 2009 was no exception. Last year, the ASPCA managed 45,816 calls involving prescription and over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants and dietary supplements. Pets often snatch pill vials from counters and nightstands or gobble up medications accidentally dropped on the floor, so it’s essential to keep meds tucked away in hard-to-reach cabinets.
Insecticides

In our effort to battle home invasions by unwelcome pests, we often unwittingly put our furry friends at risk. In 2009, our toxicologists fielded 29,020 calls related to insecticides. One of the most common incidents involved the misuse of flea and tick products—such as applying the wrong topical treatment to the wrong species. Thus, it’s always important to talk to your pet’s veterinarian before beginning any flea and tick control program.
People Food

People food like grapes, raisins, avocado and products containing xylitol, like gum, can seriously disable our furry friends, and accounted for more than 17,453 cases in 2009. One of the worst offenders—chocolate—contains large amounts of methylxanthines, which, if ingested in significant amounts, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, urination, hyperactivity, and in severe cases, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures.
Plants

Common houseplants were the subject of 7,858 calls to APCC in 2009. Varieties such as azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, lilies, kalanchoe and schefflera are often found in homes and can be harmful to pets. Lilies are especially toxic to cats, and can cause life-threatening kidney failure even in small amounts.
Veterinary Medications

Even though veterinary medications are intended for pets, they’re often misapplied or improperly dispensed by well-meaning pet parents. In 2009, the ASPCA managed 7,680 cases involving animal-related preparations such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heartworm preventatives, de-wormers, antibiotics, vaccines and nutritional supplements.
Rodenticides

Last year, the ASPCA received 6,639 calls about pets who had accidentally ingested rat and mouse poisons. Many baits used to attract rodents contain inactive ingredients that are attractive to pets as well. Depending on the type of rodenticide, ingestion can lead to potentially life-threatening problems for pets including bleeding, seizures or kidney damage.
Household Cleaners

Everybody knows that household cleaning supplies can be toxic to adults and children, but few take precautions to protect their pets from common agents such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants. Last year, the ASPCA received 4,143 calls related to household cleaners. These products, when inhaled by our furry friends, can cause serious gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the respiratory tract.
Heavy Metals

It’s not too much loud music that constitutes our next pet poison offender. Instead, it’s heavy metals such as lead, zinc and mercury, which accounted for 3,304 cases of pet poisonings in 2009. Lead is especially pernicious, and pets are exposed to it through many sources, including consumer products, paint chips, linoleum, and lead dust produced when surfaces in older homes are scraped or sanded.
Garden Products

It may keep your grass green, but certain types of fertilizer and garden products can cause problems for outdoor cats and dogs. Last year, the ASPCA fielded 2,329 calls related to fertilizer exposure, which can cause severe gastric upset and possibly gastrointestinal obstruction.
Chemical Hazards

In 2009, the ASPCA handled approximately 2,175 cases of pet exposure to chemical hazards. A category on the rise, chemical hazards—found in ethylene glycol antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners and pool/spa chemicals—form a substantial danger to pets. Substances in this group can cause gastrointestinal upset, depression, respiratory difficulties and chemical burns.

Prevention is really key to avoiding accidental exposure, but if you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hot line at (888) 426-4435.

Tips for More Laughter in Life

1. Practice laughing five minutes a day; fake it 'till you make it.
2. Loof for humor around you-- on signs, in people's behavior, on TV, in newspapers, things thers say and he crazy things that happen to you. Keep a journal.
3. Share your embarrassing moments with others.
4. Learn to play with things that are serious, like work, social issues and money. You might use ord play, silly songs or develop a comical view of the issue to help you cope..
5. Laugh with others when they laugh.
6. Wear a smil, it puts you closer to laughing
7. Seek out entertainment that makes you laugh.
8. Amus yourself with your won sense of humor.
9. Buy and listen daily to a tape of laughter, a laugh box or a laughing toy.
10. Play around