Daily lesson on compassion and how healing a cat's purr can be

Once again, I am reminded almost daily about compassion from my eldest cat Mushy. And how unconditionally our animals love us back.

A bit of history.... Mushy was an orphan 16+ yrs ago, he was about 4 weeks old when I found him, flea bitten and crying in a parking lot where someone had dumped him. He always has shown that he knows love and thanks from the beginning because when I picked him up, he crawled up onto my shoulder, began purring and fell asleep. It was the start of a long loving relationship.

We figure he is a Maine Coon cross, and as he grew, he got more independent, but would sleep with me and sometimes enjoyed my brushing or petting him until he'd had enough "people time". And he was always ready to play. Although if you bought cat toys for the cats, he figured they were his, and he would make off with them and hide them for himself. He was never a cuddler and only tolerated being picked up. But he was always watching over me when I slept at night and protecting me.

However, over a year ago now, there were some amazing changes that happened. I took a new class at the Community College where I work on Intro to Complementary and Alternative Medicine. I took this class with the objective of wanting to expand my knowledge in my drive to help animals and those I love more. We were given a final project for the class, to research a modality that we wanted to learn more about or experience, and write about it in two pages. I fell into (literally) the Tellington Ttouch while I was doing a search on sound therapy or vibrational medicine. We were learning about that modality at that juncture. Needless to say, I was surprised when ONE hit out of all that was for the Ttouch. I remembered many years ago when Linda Tellington was first coming out with the Tteam method for horses, and so the Ttouch method was new. I decided that this is where I would expand my learning for my report and got her book on the Method and animals. I started out learning it by practicing on the animals at home. I read that Cats take a bit longer to be accepting of the Ttouch than dogs, and this was true for my brood except Mushy. He became addicted to it at the very beginning. Learning this method brought about some amazing things from all the animals, it deepened our communication and the bonds.

I do it so much without thinking now, it has become second nature. And they all come to me when they need it for a little healing or closeness. I even have first time meeting new dogs and cats come right to me for touch and lean right into it. It is amazing how it will open one up to having a closer relationship with your animals.

But this isn't the best part yet! During this time, we had a lot of things going on in our lives that left me weary and heavy of heart. At this time Mushy got to where he absolutely had to climb up onto my chest and shoulder, and it was like he couldn't get close enough to me, and my heavens did he purr! Well, being the dense person that I am, it took me about 3 days to realize what he was doing. He was healing me! I finally paid attention and noticed that he was adjusting his purr tone and frequency to resonate with my heart and chest. And when I made that realization, my heavens it was amazing to just feel it! It brought round to me just how unconditionally they do love us, and that purrs actually can heal. That simple act of compassion and love he brought to me, quite simply left me feeling very, very humble. And he has been there for me numerous times since. Especially all of them couldn't get close enough when I was grieving my mother's death last year.
Since then we have been pretty much inseparable, and he gets anxious if he thinks I am leaving, and when I get home he can't get enough of being a part of me. He is still teaching me some beautiful lessons, and reminding me of compassion and love is one, the other is to slow down and marvel at the beauty that is life. And knowing that things have been stressful lately at work, he is reminding me to take care of me, and slow down. And he's teaching the other two, especially Djinn how to take care of mom. Cat's Purrs can heal and soothe and they really are guardians to our souls and hearts.

Dog Parks and Social Networks

Despite the day starting off on the wrong foot, it was an excellent afternoon spent with friends old and new at the Dog Park at my end of town.

We have a wonderful online social network here for people who are animal advocates, pet owners, and all around animal lovers. This network was started by one of our local journalists who writes most of the animal articles in our local paper. There are many of us already on this network and it grows daily. Even though we all live (relatively)  in the same area, not many of us all have met one another. So Claudia organized an impromptu get together for everyone and their pooches at the dog park out at the shelter. 

Even though I couldn't take my crew (there might have been mayhem, and the little guy just doesn't do away from home very well) I went to meet everyone. 

What a collection of dogs! And they all had so much fun! There were a few that would get a bit growly, but then would play with each other. It was a wonderful time and I had fun being drooled on, stepped on, used as a springboard (by a pug cross) and cuddled with. We had a great time getting to meet each other in person, and meeting everyone's furkids. I was amazed though how quickly the dogs socialized and played and had fun.  

Someone caught a great picture of Max making off with Ben's (the journalist and our beloved mentor) bag. He brought books to give out and a couple t-shirts and goodies for the pooches. 

We had a great time, we talked a great range of subjects, behavior, foods, breeds and we watched a bit of dog dancing between Ben his dog Zach and Cindy's dog Tigger. We watched zooming little dogs, ball obsessed dogs, droolers, shy and doggies with springs in their feet. There was alot of smiling and laughter and many hugs going around. It was great fun, and I look forward to many more events like it. 

However, we never did figure out who was the biggest drooler, Yoda the Boxer, Zach the Sharpei mix, or Nita the champion heinz 57 doggie. They all did a great job so all were rewarded with treats. :) 

A gripe on people's insensitivities and ignorant remarks...

First off: I am not a certified expert on everything I may post here. I am sharing my experiences, and learning, and insights, most times I have backing on what I post and will post links for that backing with my post. You have the right to disagree with me, but please if you must say something to disagree, be polite. And please do not accuse me of being a spammer, it is not my intention. My intention is to share information and insights with you.

On my post the other night about foods to not feed your pets, someone took issues with it that I was fully of hooey. I am sorry, but I don't think so, I don't post stuff like that unless I have a way to back what I say from a reputable group like the AVMA or ASPCA or such. I gathered they didn't really read my post, because they said I contradicted myself about bones, I said don't feed cooked bones because of the splintering factor, and from experience, Lil'Shit had to have surgery many years ago to save him because of a blockage of bone splinters in his intestine, they removed that part of the intestine. And yes, while raw food has bones, it's raw bones, and raw bones crush and break up differently and have all the nutrients in them that cooked bones don't. The eggs is more about salmonella than anything else, and this person blah blah'd about how she/he feeds all this stuff and mushrooms just fine to their pet. I almost wept for their pet. At least another backed me about the fact that it's better to be safe than sorry. My intention only was to perhaps make some pet owner a bit more aware of things that could harm their pet and perhaps save a loved animal companion.

I have had many a discussion with a dear friend whose cat is diabetic. When our kitties were diagnosed with diabetes, we went on the fast track to learning about everything for our pet that could affect their possibility to go into remission and how could we support them and give the best care for them. We know better on some things, like foods, and insulin, etc because we live(d) it. We saw first hand the effects of the wrong foods etc. My kitty Scooter developed heinz body anemia, during her short life with diabetes (she's passed on), and the first thing the vet wanted to know was if I fed onions or garlic to her and gave me a veterinary article on it. I hadn't fed her any of that, but had given a "natural" supplement, Alpha Lipoic Acid, which helps people with diabetes. The vet took the time to do the research on all of it and found the link to this "natural" supplement and heinz body anemia in cats.  And my friend and I (along with many others) have learned that vets in veterinary school, initially learn their nutritional stances from the pet food companies? We got wiser.
Since then I have learned so much about nutrition in general, and genetically modified foods, etc. even for people, as I go through my own issues with food intolerances and auto-immune disorders. And I worked to help educate my mother with her diabetes and food issues. We know that what might be ok for us isn't ok for our fur kids, I know that while we are all mammals we all aren't quite the same. For example, while we might have enzymes that allow us to digest and use garlic, our pets lack that enzyme. So, in my thinking it is better to NOT take the risk and don't feed it to them. And didn't the recalls on pet foods over 3 years ago teach anyone anything? Didn't the people really read the articles from veterinarians who perhaps did know nutrition because they took the time to learn it and the endocrine systems of animals?

I love my animals in my care with all of my heart, those beautiful souls who have chosen to share their life with me. They look to me to care for them to the best I possibly can, to have a healthy, happy, and loving life. Why should I be ignorant and selfish by feeding them stuff blindly that shortens that life, just so I can have a "pet" in my life?

A little clue here people, I don't make statements here or anywhere, unless I have something to back it with and I have learned as much as possible on it. I work with people who know anatomy and physiology, microbiology, animal sciences, nursing, pharmacology, etc. inside and out because they have been studying and teaching it for a very, very long time. And I can tell you that some things I have learned throughout my years, have taught them new things also. And I am NOT the only person like this out there, I can point you in the direction of a whole group of people.

So think a bit before you make an uninformed or hurtful remark to me. I grant you have the right to disagree, but don't call me a liar or a spammer because you CHOOSE to be uninformed on a topic.  And I will state, I don't know it all, but I do CHOOSE to take the time to learn and be informed as much as possible not only on my own health and foods, but those for my animal companions also.

When giving directions to your pet sitter..... (a bit of humor)

Today, I passed on my crammed full sheet of paper with all the animal's care notes to my friend for her son who will be pet sitting while we are on vacation. I worry so much about my fur kids and that they are all elderly etc, that I wanted to make sure to include any possible answers to questions and where to find what, what to do for whom, who to call for emergencies, etc.

My furry kids (some are just devils in cute clothing), as they age all have their quirks and special little needs. And it's very much a part of my genetic makeup that I worry about things all the time. My friend loves animals, and so we visited a bit and I got to talking about some of my kids' quirks and personalities. Hey it's what mom's do best right?

That being said, I talked about Yummy and his considering new caretakers as suckers and he works very hard to escape on them. He thinks he'd like to be an outdoor kitty, but I just don't allow him to. In past when he did manage to escape me or the house and run off for a day, he thinks he's a lion and must dominate all small dogs and other kitties in the neighborhood. I am afraid if he got out here, we'd be evicted. But he has a weakness, he simply loves to "graze" on grass, or greenery, and will run to the first green bit he spies and start munching, so he's pretty easy to catch, and usually he only escapes out the back door into the high fenced yard.

Then I moved on a bit to Mushy, my dear old man, he's coming up on 19, and he gets a bit frantic if we leave. But he likes people so will be ok as long as someone is in to visit with him. However, as I warned her, if he feels the water in his bowl is not fresh enough or there is too much hair or dog slobber in it, or he perceives it to be dirty, he'll sit at your feet and tell you all about it and how you should really clean it all out, and give him some fresh water. As he's telling you all this, he'll keep looking at the bowl pointedly and back at you and then the sink. I figure as he's made it to this age in the spunky health he's in (he still plays like a kitten) he can make a little demand like that.  Oh and he'll certainly bawl you out if you are overly late in feeding him, he really likes routine.

Djinn may probably the sanest and easiest out of the bunch of kitties. He's a bit shy till he knows someone, and is normally a good kitty for anyone, (he drives me nuts in the mornings though, loves to play with things on the bathroom counter while I am trying to get ready for the day), and he really doesn't ask for much.

Moving on to the three dogs.... Oh my, what a bunch, or rather a small herd of chihuahuas. Lil'Shit is the eldest 14+, he's going blind and deaf. He mostly sees shapes and shadows or some movement and he used to hear sharp whistles, but doesn't really hear them anymore. But he loves everyone except the vet or if you have a hypodermic in your hand, then you might get bit. Otherwise he wouldn't hurt a fly. And he'd want attention while we're gone. Poppy is next, she's about 12, and is a very cranky old lady. My advice for her was to just leave her alone, ignore her, and try not to step on her, it makes her mad. Then there is Thumbelina, Lil'Shit's daughter, she truly is the devil in cute clothes. She'll bark nonstop at you till she thinks she's told you off enough and that you might be ok to just give dirty looks too. Problem is she's so tiny and so cute, everyone wants to pick her up and love on her. Truth is she's scared to death of new people, until she's seen you often enough.

But overall, they aren't bad kids, they have their routine, one shouldn't have to handle them much and it's better for them and less stressful than trying to board them somewhere.

This evening long after I gave my friend all the lowdown on my kids and just little things to watch for that I forgot on the list, I realized I must have sounded like the crazy animal lady or a mother who was scared to death to trust her children to another person for a time. I am sure I sounded nuts. But I know that I will have left all possible information to cover every contingency or emergency I can. I even have someone as back up in case one of my twilighters decides to check out, I didn't want the kid to be burdened with the after effects or want him to feel guilty that he did something wrong.

All that being said, I am grateful to have found someone to care for my kids at home, and realized that I am glad I don't have one at this time with real special needs.

Now the serious part, it is good to leave as explicit instructions as possible for the care and feeding of your pets. Have a first aid kit available for the sitter, notify your veterinarian that you will be out of town and that you have someone caring for your pets in case of an emergency. Have emergency numbers for the sitter to contact you or a close friend or relative. Always make sure you have enough food and staples for them, because sometimes they might give a little more than you instructed. Case in point, my father cannot say no to sad, hungry puppy eyes. And once upon a time he took care of our critters for us. He paid no attention to the amount and size of the measuring device we used to feed the dogs with. He just found a big scoop cup and fed them that twice a day. Oh My Lord! We came home to doggie bowls overflowing with kibble, and at least two little doggies (who couldn't regulate their intake) almost as wide as they were high. And they didn't want to eat another kibble for at least two days, then when put back onto their normal amount, gave me the look that said I was starving them. It took me a year an a half to get Poppy back to a normal weight. So the moral here, is make sure you have food, because there are some folks who just cannot resist the "I'm so starved" look.

And if you have a pup who has a tendency to have a delicate system as to what they eat or irritable bowel problems, be sure to keep a supply of paper towels and pumpkin for the sitter. Pumpkin will plug up the squirts, paper towels to clean up the squirts.

Hmmmm, as I read back over this, methinks I am starting to ramble now. No wonder I probably  sounded crazy going over the directions. HA HA HA!

The devil in cute clothes (aka Thumbelina)



Lil'Shit



Yummy

Things not to feed your pets....

I see many, many articles published on people food that is toxic to our pets. While I hear people comment on these articles, they rarely listen to them. We so often think of our cat or dog as our child, or family member, and many get treated as such, they get table scraps, chocolate cake, whatever we happen to be eating.

I cringe sometimes watching people do this, and then feel so sorry for the dog or cat when they become ill from all the "goodies" their owner has been feeding them. The problem is, they trust us to care for them, they don't know that it isn't good for them. They see us eating it, and figure since we're making yummy noises over it, then it's ok for them too. Well fact is folks, it isn't good for them. Taking the time to do a little research on proper dietary needs for your pet can go a long way to ensuring their health and happiness, and lowering your vet bills. Trust me, I do my best to feed the best diet I can that is proper for my "kids" and they are truly in fabulous health, and except for spaying or neutering and one accident, they haven't needed a vet just about all their lives. And I have a cat in excellent health that is almost 19.

Here is a basic list with some effects of the foods that many tend to feed their pets. And my motto is this, if it might even remotely damage their health in any way, shape, or form, then it is better to not tempt fate and just simply not give them any of it.

Alcoholic beverages	Can cause intoxication, coma, and death.
Baby food	Can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs. (Please see onion below.) Can also result in nutritional deficiencies, if fed in large amounts.
Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources	Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.
Cat food	Generally too high in protein and fats.
Chocolate, coffee, tea, and other caffeine	Contain caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous systems.
Citrus oil extracts	Can cause vomiting.
Fat trimmings	Can cause pancreatitis.
Grapes and raisins	Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys. There have been no problems associated with grape seed extract.
Hops	Unknown compound causes panting, increased heart rate, elevated temperature, seizures, and death.
Human vitamin supplements containing iron	Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys.
Large amounts of liver	Can cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones.
Macadamia nuts	Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle.
Marijuana	Can depress the nervous system, cause vomiting, and changes in the heart rate.
Milk and other dairy products	Some adult dogs and cats do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhea. Lactose-free milk products are available for pets.
Moldy or spoiled food, garbage	Can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhea and can also affect other organs.
Mushrooms	Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death.
Onions and garlic (raw, cooked, or powder)	Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs.
Persimmons	Seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis.
Pits from peaches and plums	Can cause obstruction of the digestive tract.
Potato, rhubarb, and tomato leaves; potato and tomato stems	Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems. This is more of a problem in livestock.
Raw eggs	Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.
Raw fish	Can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly.
Salt	If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances.
String	Can become trapped in the digestive system; called a "string foreign body."
Sugary foods	Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.
Table scraps (in large amounts)	Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced. They should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed.
Tobacco	Contains nicotine, which affects the digestive and nervous systems. Can result in rapid heart beat, collapse, coma, and death.
Yeast dough	Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.

Add to this list:

Avocados  - Avocados contain a toxin known as persin.  Persin is found in various parts of the avocado and avocado trees (eg, leaves, rind, etc).  This toxin is known mostly to cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Any food containing Xylitol (artificial sweetener) it causes death by liver failure.

Please don't feed cooked bones, they splinter because the make up of the original bone structure is changed when cooked. Raw large bones, like joint bones are fine. But splinters from cooked bones can puncture their digestive tract, cut it open, or create a blockage that can kill.

Medications that we take for granted like tylenol and advil, etc are toxic to your pet and can kill them. Please don't give them to your pet.

For proper nutrition and food information for pets here are two of the best sites I have found.

For cats:  Feeding your cat , the basics of feline nutrition, Dr. Lisa Pierson, DVM

For dogs: BARF Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods

Also, our pets really weren't meant to eat grains. Many have problems digesting them, their bodies just aren't able to assimilate and use them. Cats are obligate carnivores, and while some will make the argument that oh they get veggies and carbs from eating mice and birds and the entrails, I beg to differ. Have you ever really paid attention to the lovely bits that are left from what your cat did not eat? They never, ever eat the entrails or digestive tract.  Dogs on the other hand can be opportunity eaters, but they don't on their own eat grains.

If you love your fur kid, do the best you can by them. Don't risk it by feeding them something that can be damaging. And YES the better foods are a bit more expensive, but I'll let you in on a little secret, the better made foods, no grains, their bodies can use all that food, it's nutrition, and there is very little waste, and who wouldn't want to clean up less poop? And when you feed the right stuff, the bit of poop they do excrete, doesn't smell so bad either. :-) It's so nice to not have to rake so much poop in the yard, or there's little to no kitty nuggets in the litter box either. And, because you're feeding them good stuff, their body is using the food you give them, they are healthier, the vet bills go down and the little bit more you're paying for the Good stuff makes it worth it. And just because it's expensive doesn't mean it's better. Meat should be the very first ingredient, not meat by product, or beef meal, etc because that's not pure meat. There should be no corn, wheat, or barley in the ingredients.  And no Gluten anywhere!

I could go on, but would probably wear you out so I'll stop the soap box here. :)

Meeting Max and Nita

This post is a followup on the one I posted earlier about my friend and dealing with grief and soul companions.

This morning I took time on my way to work to stop by and visit with my wonderful friend Claudia and meet Max the little guy to help heal her heart. I also finally got to meet Nita their other Sato dog.  It was early yet, but I know they are always in early to start work, and the dogs are always at work with them.

I first met her husband outside and asked him to let her know I was here to say hi. Needless to say I was very very warmly welcomed with a huge hug and 2 very excited doggies to meet someone new. It was so wonderful to see her smiling again, and the shadows gone from her eyes.

Max is a doll, and both dogs greeted me enthusiastically. I do believe though that sitting down on the couch was the invitation to them to see if they could be lap doggies, sniff me all over and cover me in wonderful sloppy wet doggie kisses. Poor Claudia, I think she was a tad embarrassed that Nita is very very friendly and has excellent aim, meaning the minute you open your mouth to speak, if Nita is withing striking distance, she'll getcha in the mouth with her tongue. I should say blech, but being around animals all my life, somehow you don't really think blech or think twice about being french kissed by a pooch! It happens, and I think the doggies love it. I think they like our reactions best, and it's play for them. Of course they had to sniff me all over get the smells from all my pets, rub on me to share their smell for my bunch, and kept giving lots and lots of lovely doggie kisses. I finally had to stand up so I could talk without defending my mouth from Nita's tongue. Don't get me wrong, I loved the two pups, however it's hard to visit with your friend with such distractions. LOL

As Claudia and I visited and talked for a bit, at one point I made the mistake of standing too close to the couch again. It was close enough for Nita to be on and give me my Christmas goose early. She got me about 3 times before I realized I'd been goosed, still not awake I guess. Ok, so I probably turned a bit red in the face when I realized it. Dogs think nothing about sniffing and goosing each other, but we just don't quite communicate that way. I think Claudia was almost as red as I was when she asked if I was ok, and I told her Nita had goosed me.

Anyhow, it made my morning to see my friend smiling again, laughing, and enjoying the antics and play of the two dogs who took to each other like they were meant to be together. And the doggie kisses were great.

Thank you Claudia for being my friend, and for allowing me to meet your two wonderful pups!

Here's a pic of the two.

Pet sitters and Older pets....

I have decided that perhaps my crew might test the patience of a saint some days. As they have aged they have each developed their little quirks and OCD's. Which when going on vacation can make getting a pet sitter to care for them at home a challenge. Usually my brother or sister in-law cares for them, but this trip we will all be out of town on a family vacation.

I have found that sitting services are fine if they aren't booked, so that leaves you begging from friends and co-workers. I can't really consider boarding them because of their age, and one dog is scared to death of strangers, one is a very cranky old lady, and then there's Lil'Shit. He's going blind, deaf and fully lives up to his name. You cannot count one meal to the next what he might eat or refuse. One time he might want his canned, then he might want dry, or a small mix of both. Or if you are very stressed at the end of the day he'll choose to believe that he should have what is in one of the girl's bowls instead of his own. He is also an escape artist and would escape to go looking for me. He is the dog that has chewed through metal mini blinds to be on the window sill so he can watch for mamma to come home. So putting together a list of who gets what for food and when and where can be challenging.

And then there is the cats..... Mushy being 18+ is now a yodeler, he is very adamant about his feeding routine. I must be up by 5:30am and have them fed by at least 6am. Now granted, he is getting better about maybe letting me sleep till 6am on the weekends, but only after I have told him to hush at least twice. And then once downstairs to start the morning routine, he and his brothers are just about constantly underfoot and trying to trip me up. But get the spoon and start heading back to their feeding area and you will be stampeded. Mushy has also developed the taste for fresh water only, and all the better if there are a few ice cubes in his water bowl. If it isn't fresh, and spotless, he'll sit there and tell you off. If we are gone though, Mushy becomes very insecure, and cries alot or develops undesirable neurotic actions while we're gone. So he gets shut out of alot of his normal areas. Then there is Yummy, ah yes, the imp to torment unsuspecting people. He will try every opportunity he possibly can to escape the house with unsuspecting people caring for them. The only thing that trips him up is his love for grazing on grass, so he'll always stop short to munch grass and is usually easily caught. Problem is carrying him back in, he weighs alot! The best of the lot is Djinn, he'll just hide mostly be polite at food times, but does not travel or do kennels well.

Once upon a time not long after we were first married, my mother in-law was staying with us. She is not used to cats, and tended to forget about them in the house as they usually stayed out of sight. We came home to her in tears and sobbing that she had lost one of my cats. She just wasn't thinking and opened the back door for the dogs to go in and out as they pleased. Yummy took advantage of her and split the scene for awhile. She was just sure he was helpless and gone for good. Fortunately Yummy is very cunning and a survivor. It took us an hour to calm her down. Thank heavens the others were too scared of the outdoors to venture near the door. After he had his lovely romp and did the tom cat strut for the neighborhood ladies, he came home around 3 am. Being the mother type I am I heard him mewling (he sounds like a little girl) at the back door wanting in for his supper, and I got up and let him in.

Oh yeah, sorry, I think I veered from my topic there. Anyhow, good reliable pet sitters are hard to find, especially those that will care for animals with special needs or other strange little quirks.

First Aid for your furkids

I notice all the time in various postings people asking for first aid tips or how to deal with a spider bite, etc. So.... I thought perhaps I would list some tips and guidelines here. I also want to list resources for monies for life saving veterinary care should you find yourself in a situation and unable to pay for the care.

The first thing that you can do though to assist your pet is to stay calm, speak in soothing quiet tones, and handle them in a gentle manner.  Call your veterinarian, they will assist you in stabilizing your pet for transport to the vet's clinic. DON'T give your pet human pain relievers! They are toxic to your pet and most are deadly to them. Your veterinarian will advise you what is best to do for your pet.

There are numerous sites out there for Pet First Aid, probably the best I have found is from the American Veterinary Medical Association 

This is just the list of supplies listed for a pet first aid kit:

Phone numbers and your pet's medical record (including medications and vaccination history)Veterinarian: Emergency veterinary clinic: Animal Poison Control Center: 888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435) (there may be a fee for this call)	You need to know these numbers before you need them. If you do not know the number of the emergency clinic in your area, ask your veterinarian or go to the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society Web site for a searchable list of emergency clinics by state.
Gauze	For wrapping wounds or muzzling the injured animal
Nonstick bandages, towels, or strips of clean cloth	To control bleeding or protect wounds
Adhesive tape for bandages*do NOT use human adhesive bandages (eg, Band-Aids®) on pets	For securing the gauze wrap or bandage
Milk of magnesia Activated charcoal	To absorb poison Always contact your veterinarian or local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison
Hydrogen peroxide (3%)	To induce vomiting Always contact your veterinarian or local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison
Digital Thermometer —you will need a "fever" thermometer because the temperature scale of regular thermometers doesn't go high enough for pets	To check your pet's temperature. Do not insert a thermometer in your pet's mouth—the temperature must be taken rectally.
Eye dropper (or large syringe without needle)	To give oral treatments or flush wounds
Muzzle (in an emergency a rope, necktie, soft cloth, nylon stocking, small towel may be used)	To cover your pet's head. If your pet is vomiting, do not muzzle it!
Leash	To transport your pet (if your pet is capable of walking without further injury)
Stretcher (in an emergency a door, board, blanket or floor mat may be used)	To stabilize the injured animal and prevent further injury during transport

They also list many excellent procedures for giving first aid to your pet until you can get him or her to the vet. Take the time to read what they have to say and print it for reference.

Spider bites, if you can identify the spider all the better or trap it, without getting bitten yourself, in a jar. Take your pet to the veterinarian immediately. Black Widow bites are almost always fatal in cats, so the sooner you get them to the veterinarian the better chance of survival. Snake bites, also get your pet to the vet as soon as possible. Snake bites are not always visible, the venom is a neurotoxin, and if they are bitten in the face area it will swell and they will have a hard time breathing, and as the venom works its way, it can lead to paralysis and cardiac collapse. If you live in the southwest or desert you also have to contend with scorpions and centipedes. Again, staying calm, identify the bug, get the pet to the vet as soon as possible.

Additional pet first aid links

• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)/Healthy Pet: Pet First Aid


• The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: Basic First Aid for Your Pet


• American Red Cross: First Aid for Pets


• VeterinaryPartner.com: First Aid and Emergency Care


• ASPCA and the Humane Society

Now, for financial help, United Animal Nations has a Lifeline grant to help animals and pets in need of lifesaving veterinary care. Many of your shelters who are associated with the ASPCA and Humane Society have low cost clinics and can help, and they have resources to other grants to assist with veterinary care.

Sunburn and pets. What not to do, and simple things you can do.

I know for most of us we don't think about our fur covered pets getting sunburned. However, if they are light skinned they do get sunburned. Mostly in areas where the hair covers less or is very short, like ear edges, muzzles, tummies, etc. And yes, sunburn is just as painful and uncomfortable for them as it is for us.

I want to list some simple things you can do to help your furkid if they are sunburned, but first I want to share a little story of what not to apply for on your pet for sunburn!

My husband's family has a house at one of the bigger reservoir/ lakes in the state here. He and his mom and sister have been going there since they were little. When his sister got her first dog, a toy rat terrier type, they took her (Pinky) everywhere with them. Once upon a time, like many of us kids from the 60's and 70's, my Sister in-law learned that for sunburns, you used Noxzema on the burn. HOWEVER, she found out the hard way that just because you use it on yourself,  you don't use it on a little dog that got sunburned! But she did, ALL over the poor little pup! Needless to say Pinky ran from her (I imagine the camphor burned in the sinuses, pets don't like it and will avoid you like the plague) and then she mentioned that trying to catch the dog again to wash it off was something akin to trying to catch a greased piglet. I think if I had witnessed it, I probably would have been tied up in paroxysms of laughter, much like my husband and mother in-law become while relating the story. Poor Pinky, rest her little soul, was the recipient of many learning experiences for my sister in-law.

So, with that being said, that is what NOT to apply to your beloved pet.  Here are a few things that you can safely do for your pet if they are unfortunate to get sunburned.

Apply Aloe gel directly from the plant if you can, or the gel from a bottle with a cotton ball. Apply several times a day.

Vinegar and witch hazel will also remove the "burn" and soothe it.

You can give them a bath in a tub of cool water with Baking Soda in it.

Rubbing sliced cucumbers on the area will help too.

I have found Honey of all things to be one of the things best for burns, it will remove the pain, and keep the area moist. Apply it a couple of times a day, and massage in gently, a point to note, if it is slightly warmed it will be more liquidy and easier to gently work in. I know it sounds like a contradiction, but it really does work and if your pet licks it, it won't make them ill.

Be sure to apply moisturizer to the areas a couple of times a day, if you aren't using honey, to the edges of ears especially. Vitamin E is good, or a pet safe moisturizer.

Some more don'ts...

DON'T apply anything with benzocaine, lidocaine, or ingredients like that. They are toxic to your pet.

Don't apply anything with salicylic acid, it's aspirin and is toxic also especially to kitties.

Some essential oils that might be ok for you, are not ok for pets, so it's better to stick to the simple things.

And if you wish to avoid sunburn on your furkid, look into a pet specific sunblock, or keeping them in screened in areas that block some of the UV rays, or in the shade as much as possible. Don't use people sunblock, again it's got things in it that are toxic to our furry kids.

A bit more on forever homes and healing from loss

Recently a friend whom I am very privileged to know, who is an amazing, compassionate, passionate about animals, and beautiful lady lost her little soul mate. This pup had a rough life from the beginning starting out life on the streets in Puerto Rico as a Sato, or street dog. This little dog chose her when she and her husband were there on their honeymoon several years ago. She was so moved by this little dog that when she returned home, she found a way to bring him to her here in New Mexico. Is it any wonder they named him Rico? This little dog was the first of two to be rescued from the streets of Puerto Rico for her and her husband. The bond was amazingly very strong between them all. Their dogs touched many hearts and made many smiles for us all, as they went everywhere with them.

About 2 weeks ago now, he left them suddenly from complications of illness. Leaving them very bereft and inconsolable. It has been as hard on those of us also who love her as our friend and knew this little dog. I wished so much that I could make their burden easier for them, knowing I couldn't, it was hard. However, I did encourage her to keep her heart open to another perhaps that was waiting to fill the space and who needed them.

To my surprise I received this beautiful email from her last night and with her permission wished to share it with you.

Life is so strange sometimes....

 

Yesterday around lunch time, I sent off an email to my friend Mary, also known as Mary Martin, Santa Fe Animal Shelter Director. I asked her what her opinion was of adopting another dog after the loss of such a love as my heartdog Rico. I told her I was deeply depressed and unsure how to pull myself out of this. I also told her I had been scanning over the "Adoptable Dogs" on their web site and my mouse kept clicking and returning to this little brown dog named Butternut.

 

I didn't get any answer. The day went by...Thursday, usually my very favorite day because by the time 530 PM rolls around I've put 50 hours under my belt and I get to go home for 3 days...but yesterday, the weekend ahead loomed over me like a big black hole in the universe, ready to swallow me up...all I wanted to do was go home, crawl into bed and cry.

 

Then, at 230 PM, Mary walked into our business, with this little brown dog in her arms, Butternut from the SF Animal Shelter web site, plopped him down in my lap and said something to the effect of....You know, this little fellow needs arms to hold him, someone to love him...you can tell me RIGHT NOW to get the heck out of here, or you can keep him and bring him back to the shelter tomorrow morning, or you can bring him back Sunday, or you can keep him forever...you are under NO obligation here...and she left. The dog snuggled under my chin and fell asleep in my arms.....

 

 

Do I need to tell you the rest of the story?

 

Today, at 230 PM, I was at the shelter officially adopting this little adorable treasure. We named him Max. He is approximately 7-8 months old and was picked up as an unneutered  stray by animal control on August 12. He was neutered and microchipped while at the shelter.  (Stephen would have been there with me to do the official adoption papers but he is in bed with a bad cold, alas the pictures of him with Max in bed)

 

Last night, for the FIRST night since Rico died, I slept a few solid hours with Max tucked under my chin sighing contentedly. The pain constricting my chest has lifted and I am able to breathe again.

 

Does he replace Rico? NO! Rico is my heartdog, nothing will EVER change that. Does having Max make me feel again? YES! Do I still cry for Rico? YES!

 

Max is a TOTAL people/lap dog. All he wants to do is be held and snuggle, he is absolutely PRECIOUS. The bonus is that he and Nita hit it off immediately and they play together all the time! Nita had been so depressed since Rico's death.

 

I think you can see by the pictures that Stephen is smitten as well. And yes, I look like hell, the last 12 days have been horrible on me.

 

This afternoon, while we were at home watching Max and Nita play, Mary Martin called me to tell us that the Rico Fund had raised "several THOUSAND dollars"....Stephen and I just sat here and CRIED. What a wonderful legacy for Rico and a wonderful testament to all the friends we have here. We will be forever grateful for everyone's support after Rico's death.

 

Go ahead, write back and tell me I am crazy! But wait till you meet Max! Even though he may look a bit like Rico, he is nothing like Rico at all, very different personality. And those LONG legs and floppy ears!

Upon reading this, I truly did cry for her from joy, joy that this little dog found his forever home, and joy that he was there to help ease the pain of loss.

Here is a picture of the little guy, I think he looks tuckered out from all the excitement! :)

Forever homes and understanding soul companions

Sometimes it is hard to have a big compassionate heart. If I could, I would probably find a way to help so many more critters than I can right now. Recently we helped donate food for a food and supplies drive for our local shelter who had just taken in 40+ dogs from a hoarder, and while there I went to visit the critters up for adoption. Thinking on it,  I felt compelled to write a bit about animals and their choosing us.

I went in to visit with the dogs at the shelter when I dropped off some of the food and towels, and was looking to share a little loving healing and Ttouch with those who were open for it. Of course I found a pup who was just lovely, and wished I could give her a home. I talked to my husband about her and we went back to visit her together the next day, and see if she could perhaps be a part of our family.

It's obvious she's a man's dog, and she was very loving and well behaved and full of wonderful happy energy. And she's a beautiful girl. But as we spent more time with her we realized that we were not who she's seeking. We weren't her forever home. While we were ready to probably upset my geriatric crew with a new sibling, we realized that it isn't time for us or for her to be with us. It was obvious she wasn't looking for us and I truly feel that the right person would be there for her before long. (She was adopted about 3 weeks after our visit.)

This was ok with us. Because we understood that an animal that comes into your life picks or chooses to be with you and be your soul companion. They will come into your life whether or not you're ready. They come when they need you, or your heart truly needs them. All my life my soul companions, big and small, have entered my life when they needed to be with me, and about all of my animals are rescues or adopted from this shelter over the last 29 years, with the exception of horses. Those that I have adopted, chose me and there was an instantaneous bond when they connected with me. Djinn, my russian blue kitty is a shelter adoptee about 13 yrs ago now. However, he and the boy whom I adopted with him were special in the way they were selected. You see I was living in Bisbee Arizona at the time and had lost my beloved boy kitty who was really my soul mate, and I was grieving and feeling very bereft. I called my father here in Santa Fe telling him I really needed to share love with another siamese kitty. He came to the Santa Fe Shelter looking for the "right" kitty for me. At the time they didn't have a siamese, but had this pretty Russian Blue boy with these solemn green eyes who was about 6 months old. Dad picked him up and knew he'd found the one. When he called me to tell me, I knew his name and said yes, I would love him. When he went back to finish the adoption papers, a man came in with a scared 4 month old siamese cross with the most intense blue eyes imaginable (as a voluntary drop) and dad on the spot said he'd be adopting him too. When he called to break it to me about the second kitty, it was alright, and I knew his name too, Cinna. Cinna left me 4 yrs ago, and I miss him. But Djinn is still with me, and like my other boys, Mushy and Lil'Shit they are very much a part of me.

Moving along, being the perverse little furry imps that my current crew can be, when we got home from the shelter today, it was as if they knew I'd been "unfaithful" and I no sooner sat down and found myself inundated with purring and licking furry bodies. They couldn't get close enough. It was as if they were saying, "it's ok mom, sometimes you just gotta share a little love with another who needs it." Made me cry to realize once again, just how very blessed I am with my kids, how much they continually share love with me and remind me of compassion. So the one truth I have found are that the animals who really share their lives with us, they pick us, we don't pick them. Sometimes though, they may not find their soul partner right away or at all, and then we might be the ones chosen to help them through their life. My husband agrees with this perception, and understands this. This being shown to us by the fact that one of my little dogs, Poppy, has chosen him, bonded totally with him, and truly adores him with every fiber of her being, it's that obvious. I was just the means to connect her with my husband. Yummy loves us both, but he is of the frame of mind that we are just here to serve him, even if he is very devoted to hubby also. LOL

So for now, we know it's not time, but we keep ourselves open to any animal who needs us if and when they do arrive. And we'll continue to love our current kids all that much more while they are with us.

More on coping with pet loss

Many of us consider our pets and animal companions to be family. They share joy, compassion, unconditional love with us and brighten our lives.

Considering this bond we have with them, it is only natural that grieve when they leave us. When we experience this loss and deep grief we often feel alone in our grief and that others do not understand.

Most people are uncomfortable around grief and loss. And often our grief comes with the addition of hurt when people minimize or discount our feelings with comments of “it’s only an animal”, or other unthinking comments.

Losing your pet to reasons other than age, perhaps the difficult decision to euthanize, a loss through disappearance, violent and sudden deaths from injury, and sudden illness will complicate your grief.

Understand that grieving is ok, it’s natural. It’s a progress that will have its ups and downs. Allow your emotions to happen and move through the changes.

I found a site through a post from a friend for tips on coping, http://www.pet-loss.net/index.shtml  the article was written by by Moira Anderson Allen, M.Ed.

• Why you feel the way you do


• Why it isn't "crazy" to grieve for a beloved pet


• How to cope with the pain you're feeling


• How to help your children deal with the loss


• What to do when other pets miss their companion


• When, how and why to make the decision of euthanasia


• What to do with a pet's remains


• When to consider getting a new pet (with tips on what to do and what to avoid)


• How to improve your chances of recovering a lost or stolen pet


• How to protect your pets during an emergency or disaster


• How to help a friend cope with loss

 Some ways to help you through your grief, I know these certainly helped me. Share your emotions, feelings, and memories, talk to friends, and seek out a grief counselor and to talk with.

Know that while it is extremely painful now, the pain does lessen.

Take some time to create something for yourself of a good memory, a poem, a picture, something to honor their time with you.

Make a list of the gifts they shared with you or gave you. Know that the best gifts they gave to you are compassion, love and joy. Remember with joy those lessons, and try to incorporate them into your daily routine to share with other animals or people. This can actually be very cathartic. I took the time to learn the Tellington Ttouch, so that I could be closer and communicate better with all animals. It was my way of sharing the gift of love and healing they gave me. The results of sharing it have been so amazing and wonderful. 

Remember that many people try to give you ideas on how to cope with the loss. They might not always say the right or tactful thing, but they mean well.

And don't withdraw, there are others who need you too. If any emotion rules supreme when a pet dies, it is guilt. No matter what the circumstances of our loss, guilt is there, grabbing us by the throat. It haunts our days, ruins our sleep, and tarnishes our memories. Often, guilt goes beyond the loss itself; we may start to feel guilty for just about everything.

Don't let guilt keep you locked in a lifetime of misery. Choose to forgive, to love, and to move forward. The world needs you! Remember their gifts to you!

Pets, creative energy and some general observations

Many has been the times that while I have been working on my book, or doing some other creative act, I have realized that I am pretty much surrounded by most of my fur kids. Must be the creative energy. They have always surrounded me when I am in the creative zone. Whether I was weaving, sewing or creating graphics on my computer, or writing my book. Forget trying to sketch or write down ideas, because if it involves paper, the cats must lay on it. I believe it's an unwritten law somewhere.

Good thing I have multiple ways to work on my computer and accomplish a task, because most of the time at least two of the cats are pretty much taking up all of the available desk space. So I have no room to put my notes so I can type. It is a good thing when they have settled down and stayed quiet, because their walking back and forth in front of my monitor was wreaking havoc with what ever I was typing. I have a touchscreen system, so with cats it can be a challenge. Nothing will make you crazier than to look up and see that you now have either multiple windows that have magically opened by themselves or your paragraph is nothing at all like what you were sure you had typed. The same is true even when I am doing my blog.

So, I have decided to put down into words some observations.

I have found over the years that when a cat decides to take over a space, they seem to expand to really take over every possible inch of space. Amazing how they can expand like that.

That when cats are totally asleep, they become immovable objects. Like trying to move a lead weighted semi-liquid object.

That dogs know just when to distract you in your creative process, either by sticking a cold wet nose into a sensitive area, or licking your ankles.

That dogs, especially senior dogs, have very selective hearing. They don't hear you calling them to come in, or to move out of the way, but they can hear a food can open from the other side of the house.

That cats know instinctively when you are preparing raw meat for supper, and that they can reach from the floor to the counter edges to swipe a piece of it.

That small, or toy breed dogs believe they are all the size of rottweilers, and are afraid of nothing until it's either towering over them, or it's thunder.

That small dogs are very inventive thinkers and problem solvers. For instance, several years ago in our previous residence, we had a kitchen with a short island that wasn't very tall, standard counter height. It was a small house, and my husband's desk sat just under the counter lip in the living room side of the counter on one side. He had brought home some left overs of a very large burrito he'd had at lunch and set it on the counter, forgetting to put it in the fridge as we went out for supper. When we got home Lil'Shit had determinedly pushed the chair out from under the desk so he could get up onto it, onto the desk and then to the prize in the Styrofoam container. Which he polished off with zeal. We came home to a dog nearly as round as he was big, groaning, and all these little bits of foil and styrofoam all over the place. My husband to this day chuckles over it.

That cats will always find the best place to hack up a furball so that you can be assured of stepping in it in the middle of the night. And then they most surely must laugh at us as we do the ewwwww icky dance.

That all pets are the cutest, most loveable and most innocent only when they are asleep.

That small or toy dogs fall into two categories, those that will allow themselves to be housebroken, and those that won't.

That a cat walking across you in bed can hit every trigger point or sore point on your body and it is painful!

That cats who enjoy the hunt don't always eat their capture, sometimes they package it up as presents for you. Mushy used to catch mice that would get in on the ranch and then ball them up in the rag rugs for me to find.

That you can tell the seasons by your pets. Warmer weather means you will find kitties in your sinks or showers on the cool porcelain. The dogs forgoe their beds for the tile floors. The dust/fur bunnies under the furniture have enough fur to create several more animals.

Cooler weather and you will find your bed very full of furry little bodies. Usually seeking to snuggle in as close to you as they can the colder it gets.  They all become sun worshipers, seeking out all emanations of warmth.

The truth is, we wouldn't have them any other way, no matter how annoying they might be at times, they do love us, and we them. And they do provide us with a great deal of laughter and happiness.

For cat owners... Indoors or Outside?

This post pertains to cats.

If you are thinking of letting your cat go outside on their own, here’s a few facts: the average lifespan of a cat is 15 to 18 yrs of age. For most cats allowed outside their average life is only about 2-5 years. There are so many dangers outside that can kill or maim your kitty.


If your kitty is an outside kitty, or you are considering letting them be outside, please consider these items (and ask yourself honestly if you could completely prevent any or every one of these things from happening to your kitty).

• Injury from fighting with another cat or fighting to get away from another animal. Most bite wounds aren’t visible until they are abscesses.


• Picking up diseases from other cats, feline leukemia, rabies, etc. All of which will shorten his or her lifespan.


• Injury or death by a motor vehicle or even a bicyclist, or being hit and left to suffer in pain.


• Injury or death from a stationary vehicle, like some cats will seek warmth in the winter under a car hood, fan belts are an awful way to kill.


• Antifreeze poisoning, just walking through a leak then washing their paws is enough to kill them by causing kidney failure. Death can happen within days sometimes a week at most and it is a very painful way to die.


• Dog attacks, kitty may not only die from the injuries but also from the extreme fear they’ve experienced.


• Stolen and sold for lab research or dissection, or to be used as bait for dog fighting or in rituals. People are paid to catch live cats and sell them to biological supply companies for dissection.


• Stolen to be killed and eaten by people. Some cultures this is normal behavior.


• Abused by young people or children of any age, by beating, shot, stabbed, dissected alive, etc.


• Encounters with a poisonous animal, rattlesnakes etc.


• Predators; besides people, there are a lot of other animals that would kill or hurt a cat. Depending on where you live they could be: Alligators, Hawks, Eagles, Owls, Coyotes, Foxes, Raccoons, Skunks, Mountain Lions, Bobcats.


• Traps and snares.


• Impoundment by animal control, an annoyed neighbor, or local cat hater.


• Parasites, fleas, ticks, heartworms (yes,cats get heartworms, and they are more deadly to a cat as there is no cure for cats with heartworms), etc.


• Light colored cats can get skin cancer from too much sunlight exposure.


• Hanging and choking from a non-safety collar, or a malfunctioning safety collar.


• Accidental poisoning from eating a poisoned rodent or bird, or walking through herbicides, fertilizers, pesticides, etc.


• Intentional poisoning from animal haters, etc.


• Exposure to weather without access to shelter.


• Being accidentally trapped in a garage or someone’s car.

 Face it, as a human you simply do not have the means or capability to protect your kitty in time or stop everything that could possibly happen to them. However, there are safe alternatives to just simply opening the door and letting them out. You can build a fully enclosed kitty run or area off of a room of the house where they can be outside but still be fully protected. Even taking them out on a leash is not fully protecting them, you are not as fast as they are or as fast a predator. Coyotes are losing their fear of humans, and if they are hungry enough, will snatch your kitty from right next to you. 

 While it's your choice, it's your cat's life, so I will make the plea to please think twice before letting your kitty be an outside kitty. And for those of you with livestock and barns, you have provided shelter and some protection from predators. And as always, please spay or neuter your pets. They'll be much happier without all the hormones and live a longer and healthier life.

iDignity sold separately. The things we do to our pets....

Let me start off with this pic of this adorable pug picture, I think it sums up a lot about what people will do to their pets for fun or they think perhaps the pet will enjoy this.



Poor pup.... but we do it all the time to our furkids. Here's some more sites that are totally demented:

www.yogakitty.com    

They claim the Purr-fect yoga for you and your cat. I mean come on! Who can be serious with a cat on your head?

Or how about www.stuffonmycat.com ? Pictures of people putting the strangest things on their beloved cats, and I think there is a site for stuff on my dog too.  Or what about just pictures of kitties with a Hitler style moustache? Don't believe me? Check it out at www.catsthatlooklikehitler.com



And we wonder why our pets bite us, or find ways to wreak havoc when you aren't at home for revenge. Ah yes, the pictures of a kitty getting a bath.  And people think the poor traumatized kitty is funny when wet. Hello! There is a reason cats hate water, they can bathe themselves folks! Yeah, then you forget they have front feet full of switchblades, that they know how to use quite effectively. And you wonder why the dog shreds anything it can find when you leave the house.

Oh yes, our pets are very, very intelligent and very creative in their ways to seek revenge on us for besmirching their dignity.

And mine don't need any prompting to wreak havoc, they just have to be pissed at us for anything or any imagined affront. I can come home to any number of exciting things. The dogs are probably the most creative in their revenge. From shredded paper or tissues, to jumping from the couch to the coffee table to push everything on top onto the floor while another pees on the items. Or Lil'Shit when he was younger, he never liked being left behind, and worse not having a window to watch out of for my return. Once upon a time I brought him up with me when we came to visit my folks. My mom had a big long window at the front of the house with miniblinds, metal miniblinds mind you. The sill to this window was 2 maybe 2.5 feet from the floor. We all were going to go out to supper, she closed and dropped the blinds, I told her not to do that, that my dog would tear through them to be able to watch for me to come back. Sad thing is, she thought I was lying. Nope, I was speaking from experience. Sure enough we came back and he was on the sill watching for us, and you could see the big chewed through hole in the blinds where he had eaten his way through the blinds so he could sit on the sill to watch for me. Now, mind you he's a chihuahua, not a big dog at all. Mom was so taken by surprise she started laughing. She replaced the damaged slats, but left a couple to remind her of his tenacity.

Cats, oh cats, are just plain sneaky and spiteful in their revenge, they don't stop at one thing, they have a list planned out for revenge for a slight. From peeing on you or something you hold dear, to sharpening their claws on your leg, to pushing something breakable off from a high spot, and the list goes on.

Anyhow, while we find these things humorous and yes we do because we love our pets and the silly things they can do on their own brings us much laughter and joy, there are some things perhaps  we shouldn't do to them or put on them.

One last thing I want to share, and this sadly is true of some of our cats, so heed these words of wisdom. And if this one doesn't outright have you laughing so hard you pee your pants, then you need your funny bone replaced.

How to give your cat a pill:

Pick cat up and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby.  Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of cat's mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand.  As cat opens mouth, pop pill into mouth. Allow cat to close mouth and swallow.
* Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa.
Cradle cat in left arm and repeat process.
* Retrieve cat from bedroom, and throw soggy pill away.
* Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm holding rear paws tightly with left hand.  Force jaws open and push
pill to back of mouth with right forefinger.  Hold mouth shut for a count of 10.
* Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe.  Call spouse from garden.
* Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, holding front and rear paws.  Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold cat's head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth.  Drop pill down ruler and rub cat's throat vigorously.
* Retrieve cat from curtain rail.  Get another pill from foil wrap.  Make note to buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered figurines from hearth and set to one side for gluing later.
* Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with its head just visible from below spouse's armpit.  Put pill in drinking straw, force cat's mouth open with pencil and blow down drinking straw.
* Check label to make sure pill not harmful to humans, drink glass of water to take taste away.  Apply Band-Aid to spouse's forearm and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap.
* Retrieve cat from neighbor's shed.  Get another pill.
Place cat in cupboard and close door onto neck to leave head showing. Force mouth open with dessert spoon.  Flick pill down throat with elastic band.
* Fetch screwdriver from garage and put door back on hinges.  Apply cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetanus shot.  Throw T-shirt away and fetch new one from bedroom.
* Ring fire brigade to retrieve cat from tree across the road.  Apologize to neighbor who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid cat.  Take last pill from foil wrap.
* Tie cat's front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of dining table.  Find heavy duty pruning gloves from shed.  Force cat's mouth open with small spanner.  Push pill into mouth followed by large piece of fillet steak.  Hold head vertically and pour 1/2 pint of water down throat to wash pill down.
* Get spouse to drive you to emergency room; sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and forearm and removes pill remnants from right eye.  Stop by furniture shop on way home to order new table.
* Arrange for vet to make a house call

Life is better with pets? It's certainly more humorous....

Mornings with my crew of cats can be interesting. At least 2 of them insist on being on the counter, with Yum usually underfoot. I don't understand how a cat could have this magnetic attraction in his tail to know when to swish it and place it exactly where your foot is coming down! It's a rough way to wake up in the morning..... Who needs an alarm clock? Needless to say those abrupt and "startling" yeowls and screams aren't good for the husband's blood pressure (mine either for that matter) and tends to make him cranky. So you learn to shuffle your feet and get creative about putting contact lenses in with a counter full of furry beasts, who by the way if you put them down, will run out one door and quickly come in the other and back up on the counter before you can get the lens case open. I believe they think that by being pests it will get them fed that much sooner. These hurry up antics can include peeking around the shower curtain to make sure you haven't drowned so that they will still get breakfast. And if the checking on you in the shower determines that you are just lollygagging in the shower the other who is still on the counter starts knocking small important things off, like lens cases, combs, other sundry and small items, and then gets down to carry them off somewhere. It's a conspiracy! And while humorous, it can be a bit challenging! Certainly gets your brain working in the mornings.

And then there was this morning a bit of humor on my husband. He gets every other Friday off, and had intended to sleep in this morning. HA! He had gotten up to answer the call of nature and as he was shuffling back to bed,  Djinn, our Russian Blue, decided that he would race into the room, run across the bed, and jump over to my dresser to grab my husband to get his attention. Well, for the most part it might have worked, except that as he was in leaving the bed for the dresser, he collided with my husband. Startling wake up call for both there. Husband had to chuckle because Djinn just sat on the floor looking totally befuddled and a "what the hell happened?" look on his face.

Djinn is also the bathroom counter item thief, and the most inconspicuous imp in the household. Oh he looks cute and innocent, but believe me he is an instigator.



Then when you are finally dressed, and ready to head downstairs, you must make sure there is a light on. Otherwise you are running the moving obstacle course blind. And the cats won't go downstairs until they know for certain you are right there with them. Never dull round our place, no siree.

Then there is the grabbing snipers. One of my previous cats taught the others this lovely trick. Find someplace to perch at least human waist height or above them. Then as the unsuspecting human goes by, and they think they should be paid homage by that human, a fully weaponized (paw with switchieblades extended) will grab you. And they are good at this law of grabbity, and snagging the most sensitive place they can that will elicit the most exciting reactions. So, unless I am very very distracted, I have learned to watch ahead for grabbers.
However, I do have to say that bedtime is nice with the cats, especially in the winter as they all cuddle and purr you to sleep. The husband laughs and says I am a purr addict, and I certainly don't deny it.

For all the challenges, I wouldn't be without them, Love them all and they do return it. So anyone who says animals don't have personalities or only know what you teach them, I would probably invite them to spend time with my crew. :o)

Pets with Diabetes, some info and gripes

Several years ago, one of my beloved rescue kitties came down very ill and we couldn't figure out what was going on until the veterinarian diagnosed her with feline diabetes.  At first I was simply in shock that this was the case, secondly angry at one of the vets who felt we should just give up on her and put her to sleep, and then I got determined to learn how to care for her fully and to the best of my abilities.

The first veterinarian did not give me much information on it, and the only good thing she did was to tell me to home test, but she wanted to sell me a glucometer just for pets that was mucho bucks.  So, after a quick vertical learning curve on diabetes in cats and possible causes, I found that human glucometers work just like the pet ones and they really are the same. My mom was diabetic so she had an extra meter that she gave me to use. And I set out learning how to use it with the help of some amazing people at felinediabetes.com. I also knew that her diabetes had an underlying cause and when I brought it up to the vet she told me I knew nothing basically and to just keep bringing my girl in for them to manage the insulin etc.

To put it lightly, I got mad then, I knew there was an underlying issue and that the diabetes was a secondary issue. So I changed veterinarians. I learned about diet and how important it is to sugar kitties, and I learned all about insulins, dosages, and how to manage it at home. WOW. I also spent time with my friends in the healthcare ed business and friends who teach anatomy and physiology to learn as much as I possibly could about all of their systems. And what I learned helped me to manage it as best I could while the vet and I figured out what was the underlying cause.

I learned that diet to begin with plays a very big part in feline and pet diabetes. Alot of the initial causes are by improper diet. Most animals cannot digest certain grains, and cats especially are obligate carnivores, not "carb"ivores. Diet can cause pancreatitis, which if it goes on long enough will cause a malfunction of the insulin producing part of the pancreas creating diabetes.

It turned out that pancreatitis was my girl's underlying cause. And what we didn't know when we switched her to a longer acting insulin was that she was also developing cancer in the form of pancreatic and adrenal. We found later that the synthetic insulin the vet had put her on, accelerated the cancer growth.

My main gripe about the way veterinary care is still today about care of pet diabetes, is that it is long behind how we treat ourselves for diabetes. Most (not all) vets do not want you to learn to manage it at home. They want your money, they want to sell you awful prescription food that is worse for them than plain old purina. And the list goes on. It is  the owners who are determined to care for their animal who make the connections and breakthroughs in the care of diabetes.

My usual lament is why oh why are they almost 10 yrs behind how humans approach and care for themselves with diabetes and their doctors. I get it that not many people really have or want to take the time to care for a diabetic animal, but if they truly cared for their companion why wouldn't they care for it like their own child? It isn't much different. But Veterinarians just seem to refuse to teach and encourage the pet owners to at least test before dosing their pets with the insulin. It is so simple to do, and you develop an amazing bond with your pet while you care for them. Just like with a person though, dosing insulin blindly without knowing where the bloodsugar levels are, can put them into a coma or kill them by bottoming out their sugars. And can cause irreparable brain damage. Why would a vet subject any animal to this possibility by lack of educating the owner? Human diabetics adjust their insulin dose based on their blood sugar level, and we need to do the same for our pet. And many vets discourage us from doing this, and instead say oh bring them in each week for a fructose test (which only will give an average of the levels, not tell you if they had a hypoglycemic episode). Or the vet clinic wants to run a curve which is useless data, simply because the most stressful place for a pet is the Vet's office and stress sends their numbers way up. And is very very costly to us the owner and in some cases rather than face those costs, many animals are put to sleep because the owner cannot face the cost. Home care is so much cheaper and so much easier to do.

Caring for you pet as you would your child if they had diabetes, with diet changes, and monitoring is the least stressful and best way to heal your pet. And YES they can go into total remission, cats more so than dogs.
They give us unconditional love, shouldn't we care for them in the best way possible?

If you have a pet with diabetes, please go to one of the info links I have posted on diet, and diabetic sites. Learn about it, realize it isn't as scary to deal with as you might think.  And you really will develop a bond with your pet that is beyond words. And YES pets if properly cared for at home can go into remission and off of insulin.