Your Dog Is Not Your Date

“…the girlfriend is a good cook so the dog has to go.”

Yep! You’ve probably guessed it. Somebum (as opposed to someone) is getting rid of his hound in favor of a new girlfriend. Testosterone and culinary ability take precedence over “…a good well trained dog (that) is house trained, kennel trained, and very smart…..loves children, loves to run and play….is truly the smartest dog I have ever owned.” (The bum’s own words).

This was part of yet another Craigslist ad that caught my attention, the gist of it being that the girlfriend had moved in with her dogs, including a rottweiler that didn’t get along with Patches. So instead of doing the right thing and taking a little time and effort to train the pooches to live in harmony, poor Patches had to go after three years of love, loyalty, no complaints, ready kisses, obedience and companionship. Wonder if the bum will get all that from the girlfriend? In fact, what do you want to bet that she’ll even be around three years from now?

If you’re looking to re-home a pet or are thinking about adopting one, take a look at these other articles on Purrs ‘n Gurrs:

How Not to Foreclose On Your Pet

Kids Want A Pet? Take A Test Drive First

Is Pet Adoption Right For You?

And take a look at Don’t Get A Dog for things to think about before you bring a pup home.

“A dog is not considered a good dog because he is a good barker. A man is not considered a good man because he is a good talker.” ~ Buddha

Did You Know? Only 1% of Your HSUS Donation Goes To Animal Shelters

We’ve all seen them. Those pitiable pictures of dirty, skeletal dogs and cats. Or TV ads, usually with a celebrity spokesperson, pleading for funds to help starving, homeless and brutalized pets.

Here’s the thing, just how much of your hard-earned cash actually helps those animals?

There’s a site, humanewatch.org, that devotes itself to tracking the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). David Martosko is its creator and operator who writes frequent, straightforward and often times pithy exposes of HSUS.

Of note is a recent article that discusses a poll wherein 7 out of 10 Americans stated they believe HSUS is affiliated with thousands of humane societies around the country. Not so! Even more startling is Mr. Martosko’s accounting of just how very, very little of your generosity actually benefits the animals to whose welfare you doubtless believe you are contributing.

While I don’t endorse this site (I simply don’t know enough about it at this time), I have no reason to doubt Mr. Martosko’s apparently thorough research and I do suggest that you take a look for yourselves. More to the point, if you plan to give some of your hard-earned cash to any charitable organization, do your due diligence first. Make use of Charity Navigator and Charity Watch to find your charity’s rating and be sure you understand how the companies are rated.

Better yet, why not stick with local organizations where you can actually walk in the door and ask for information? And best of all, give a little of your time as well. You’re far more likely to learn where the money goes when you take a hands-on approach.

“Many years ago when an adored dog died, a great friend, a bishop, said to me, “You must always remember that, as far as the Bible is concerned, God only threw the humans out of Paradise” ~ Unknown

A Good Girl Named Remy

16 month, blue-brindle, female pitbull. 40-45 lbs who will be coming in heat anytime now. If you’re interested, please email me. Thank you. Rehoming fee of $250 obo.

That’s how a recent post read on Craigslist. But it left me with a few questions like……. If she’s such a good girl, why are you getting rid of her? Is she usually tied out on such a short chain and with no water in her bowl? Does that mean she doesn’t get exercised and isn’t socialized? Why is she not spayed? Did you breed her or were you just too cheap or too ignorant to ensure she couldn’t have pups, especially by some stray who might mount her while she’s tied outside?

The most pertinent question, of course, is why did you get a dog in the first place?

Here’s another…..

Cute dog needs a good home!

4 month Golden Retriever/Boxer needs a good home!

He is crate trained and is a very active puppy. He can already sit, shake, and lay down. He is more of an inside dog and does not run off when you take him outside. Needs a home where he can be inside most of the time and not tied up! $25 rehoming fee to let us know that you are serious about keeping him.

For crying out loud, he’s just four months old! And the way he’s dressed I’d say he was a Christmas puppy so somebody really put a lot of thought into this (note the biting sarcasm) because 9 weeks ago you had to know you couldn’t afford a dog! Or is it just that you didn’t think? You didn’t think that puppies chew, they need to be house-trained, they need time and effort and patience! You didn’t think that this is a living creature and by bringing him into your home you would be making a lifetime commitment; that a puppy is not like an old rag that you use for a while then throw away.

Oh, and by the way, how much did you pay for this pup? Must have been less than $25 if you think that’s all it takes to find someone “serious about keeping him”.

And here’s a slightly different one….

3 year old white dove w/ cage and stand

Beautiful white dove 3 years old handled by a 9 year, who has a very busy after school schedule. so he would be better off with someone who has more time to love him. small re homing fee.

Come on! You had the bird before the kid’s schedule “got busy”.  A captive dove can live for 12 – 15 years. It was pretty unrealistic if you thought your then six-year-old would care for the creature through college age; you should have been prepared (and willing) to pick up all the slack before you brought the dove home.

OK, you see what I’m getting at here. When you get a pet, it’s for the life of the pet. Just ’cause your girlfriend moves in with her rottweiler who doesn’t get along with the hound that’s given you love and loyalty for the last four years you don’t just chuck the hound out! Try training! (By the way, I wonder if the girlfriend will give love and loyalty for four years).

Because your kid whines about wanting a pet don’t wimp out and just get one. Do your due diligence and help your child understand what it takes to care for an animal.

When it becomes inconvenient to care for your two 12-year-old cats that have been with you since kittenhood because you want to spend time on the road with your new boyfriend, you don’t euthanize them with the excuse that “they’ve had a good life anyway”. (Yes, I used to know someone who actually did this).

Of course, there are people who are beset with genuine hardship, who do everything possible to keep their pets. And if it truly does become impossible, they do everything they can to ensure they find a wonderful new home including, perhaps, putting an ad on Craigslist. Shelters and rescue organizations also use Craigslist and it can be a great resource for prospective pet parents.

“You become responsible forever for what you have tamed” ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Thinking About Adopting an Abused Pet?

Things You Should Know Before Bringing Your New Family Member Home

Adopting a rabbit, a ferret, a bird, a hamster, or even an iguana from an animal shelter or rescue means you just might be saving two lives: The life of your new pet and the life of another unwanted, neglected, or abused pet who now has the chance for rescue because a new spot at the shelter or the rescue has opened.

This sweet little rescued ferret is in need of a home. He’s available right now from Broward Ferret Rescue but you can find many more needy critters like him at peftinder.com.

Many have discovered the joys of adopting a rescued pet but the fact is, adopting a small animal or bird from a shelter or rescue can prove challenging. Before you head to your nearest shelter or rescue, there are several things you’ll want to take into consideration:

• Do you and your family have the time and the patience that is needed to care for an animal who has gone through trauma? For example, if you adopt a bird who is pulling out her feathers and who is depressed, do you have the patience and the time that is required to help rehabilitate her? Or, will you remain calm when your newly adopted hamster takes a bite out of your hand when you’re trying to pet him?

• Are you really prepared for the work that is involved with an abused pet? Or, are you adopting because the pet’s story has pulled at your heart strings? Whether you are considering adopting an abused or neglected guinea pig or ferret or another type of animal, you must be prepared to care for her her entire life and to realize that it’s a big and expensive commitment. Many small animals have been traumatized by being abandoned or left to fend for themselves and will be untrusting at first. And, there is no guarantee that your new family member will ever completely trust you.

• Do you have children? Many times shelters and rescues will advise against rescue pets, such as rabbits and ferrets, going to homes with children.

• Are you ready for the financial responsibility? Unlike dogs and cats, small animal and avian veterinarian care can be extremely expensive, and you may find it difficult to find a qualified vet. Can you afford the cost of the care that your pet may need in the long-term?

• Many times you will not know your new pet’s background and it may take considerable time for them to learn to trust you. In some cases, they may never be the cuddly pet that you expected when you adopted them. Can you live with that?

If you’re not sure whether you and your family are ready to adopt a rescue animal, consider talking with the rescue or animal shelter to determine if you can foster the pet.  Fostering will give you the opportunity to see if you and the pet are a good match and if you can handle any problems she may have.

Because many shelter and rescue pets have been abandoned, neglected or abused, it is essential that you really think about whether adopting a rescue rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, bird, or iguana is right for your family. Bringing home a pet then returning her to the shelter or the rescue will only cause more trauma in her life.

“Everyone’s pet is the most outstanding. This begets mutual blindness.” – Jean Cocteau

Pets in Perspective

If you’re reading this article, odds are you’re a besotted pet lover. Probably, Fido, Fifi and Porky have monogrammed food dishes, a chest full of toys and even designer clothes. Here’s the thing, though. While your beloved pet is living like royalty, six to eight million dogs and cats enter shelters every year with 50% to 75% of them being euthanized. Millions more erstwhile pets are living (or should I say barely surviving) on the streets.

photo courtesy ©2004 Alex Ringer, Israel

So let’s put things in perspective. Kitty is fed premium cat food with regular handouts of steak and tuna from your plate. She has dozens of catnip toys, plush pet beds in every room (even though she’s purrfectly content on the sheepskin rug in front of the fire or reclining on your down-filled comforter) and soft brushes for grooming. When you’re away from home you play special CDs (for which you paid $100) that are designed to keep Kitty mellow and happy. You even installed a 70-gallon fish tank in the living room wall with a viewing platform so that Kitty could have her own “kitty-TV” to watch. And now you’re thinking about getting a custom $300 kitty condo to replace the comparatively mediocre one that your feline is presently ignoring.

Now, take a look at the picture above. It really says it all! While Kitty has it all, this little cat is grateful for the comfort of an old towel and the relief of not having to forage for a few scraps of food or dodge the kicks and objects hurled at her every day. The awful truth, however, is that she’s one of the lucky ones – she’s found a safe haven in a shelter. There are millions more cats and dogs in desperate need of the basics of life, so here’s a suggestion…

How about taking the money for the new kitty condo and making a donation to your local animal rescue group? Seriously, Kitty will not feel deprived and you can feel really good about doing good for some desperately needy creatures.

Even better, perhaps Kitty would enjoy a companion. Consider saving a life and making another friend for life by adopting another pet. With a friend to play with Kitty wouldn’t need all those expensive playthings and the money you’d save would pay for the care of your new family member.

“Why should man expect his prayer for mercy to be heard by What is above him when he shows no mercy to what is under him?”  ~Pierre Troubetzkoy

Don’t Get A Dog – Or Any Pet, For That Matter

Sheba is a sweet and playful girl who would love to find a forever home in time for the holidays. You can find her as of this writing at southernhope.org.

Those of you who are familiar with Angel will understand the title of this blog. Angel was a poster puppy for the Don’t Get A Dog campaign, which promotes intelligent, responsible and caring ownership of dogs. With Christmas approaching, marketers heavily promoting the sale of pets and the kids begging for that puppy, kitten or hamster, it seems like a good time to remind ourselves of the three primary considerations for pet parenthood.

1. Can you afford a pet? Basic food and veterinary care for a dog can easily be $1500 – $2000 a year. Then what about training? Emergency medical? Licenses? Maybe a fence?  Daycare or pet-sitting? And don’t think cats are necessarily cheaper. Last year I spent nearly $3000 on just one of our cats who was plagued with chronic urinary problems. Even a hamster, gerbil or lizard can become costly if medical care is needed. And don’t forget the initial cost of cages or terrariums if you’re a new owner.

Before you fall for a soulful pair of eyes, sit down and calculate the costs for the life of the pet. If you are in any doubt that you can cover those costs, then don’t even think about getting a pet!

2. Can you afford the time? This is about as important as cost. Why would you get a dog if you’re gone for 12 hours a day? Because you want the company when you get home? Then get a cat. Or two cats. Or a gerbil. They’ll survive quite happily without you for the day as long as there’s food, water, toys, clean litter and comfy bedding, and they’ll be there to welcome you home.

It’s asking a lot of a dog, however, to be cooped up for so long and to hold his “business” ’til it suits you. And will you feel up to walking a dog before and after work every day? Are you willing to get a dog-walker, if necessary? Do you have the time to train your pet (and yourself)? An untrained animal can be very destructive, which is a major reason pets are brought in to shelters.

If you don’t have a few hours every day to feed, walk, groom, clean, medicate, train, play and whatever else necessary for your companion’s well-being, then don’t get a pet!

3. Can you make the commitment? A dog’s lifespan can reach 20 years! That’s unusual, but when you undertake to bring a dog into your home you should do so on the assumption (and hope) that he may be with you for a long time.

Average life expectancy, according to the AKC, 2008:

1. Labrador Retriever (12.5 years)
2. Yorkshire Terrier (14 years)
3. German Shepherd Dog (11 years)
4. Golden Retriever (12 years)
5. Beagle (13 years)
6. Boxer (10.5 years)
7. Dachshund (15.5 years)
8. Bulldog (7 years)
9. Poodle (12 years Standard) (15 years Miniature)
10. Shih Tzu (13 years)
11. Miniature Schnauzer (14 years)
12. Chihuahua (13.5)
13. Pomeranian (15 years)
14. Rottweiler (10 years)
15. Pug (13.5 years)
16. German Shorthaired Pointer (13 years)
17. Boston Terrier (13 years)
18. Doberman Pinscher (10 years)
19. Shetland Sheepdog (13.5 years)
20. Maltese (14 years)
21. Cocker Spaniel (12 years)
22. Great Dane (8.5 years)
23. Siberian Husky (12 years)
24. Pembroke Welsh Corgi (13 years)
25. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (10 years)

A properly cared-for cat can expect to reach 15 years of age or more; a gerbil could live for five years; ball pythons 20 – 30 years; rabbits 8 – 12 years; guinea pigs 4 – 7; iguanas 12 – 15 years. You get the picture!

And there’s more to commitment than lifespan. Commitment can mean not going on that skiing weekend because you need to stay home and nurse a sick animal. It can mean forfeiting that new HDTV to pay vet bills instead or using up a vacation day because the pet-sitter can’t make it.

Commitment is also about patiently working with Fido ’til he understands the concept of house-training. It’s about scooping the litter box every day, maybe twice a day; cleaning out your rodent’s house-quarters and replacing the bedding every week; mucking out your horses stall every day and a host of other things to keep your pet safe, healthy and happy.

So, if you don’t think you have it in you to be truly committed to your companion, then don’t get a pet!

There is an upside to this. The joys of pet-parenting are bountiful. The excitement when your pup first learns to “sit”; the laughter your hamster can bring with his antics; the soft whisper of your kitten’s whiskers on your cheek; the sense of security when your dog barks at strangers coming to the house; that special bond between you and your chosen pet.

“My husband and I are either going to buy a dog or have a child. We can’t decide whether to ruin our carpets or ruin our lives.”~Rita Rudner

News of the Day

This is not one of my spunkier-feeling days (No, not swine flu – just a cold), so here are few timely news stories from around the country:

Arizona Pet Rescue Group Faces Foreclosure

Pet Ownership is Good For Your Health

Florida Man Charged With Cruelty Over Pet Rat

If Your Pets Could Talk, They’d Howl

Abandoned Piglet is Lost and Hound

Rescued Abused Dog Has Inoperable Cancer (This one is not easy to look at)

“True benevolence or compassion, extends itself through the whole of existence and sympathizes with the distress of every creature capable of sensation.” – Joseph Addison, English Poet

Things To Consider When Adopting A Pet

Guest Article

If you’re considering getting a new pet, adoption is an excellent option. By adopting a pet, you’re helping to reduce the number of unwanted animals that end up destroyed in shelters each and every day, and making a difference in the life of an innocent.

JB and Mimi are looking for a together forever home. JB’s alcoholic owner left him in a basement but JB was happy when he went into his second home and met Mimi. Then the rabbits’ teenage owner lost interest and both bunnies suffered neglect. Now they are on Petfinder.com hoping to find someone who will love the two of them.

It’s important to remember, however, that adopted pets come with a host of issues due to their often rough and rocky past relationships with humans. Animals who were removed from a home due to animal hoarding, or who were left to their own devices with little to no human interaction, may be very skittish and afraid. Animals who have been abused will also be frightened, and may present signs of aggression as well. These behaviors are not an indicator that your animal is mean or unfriendly. Health issues can also be a concern, so careful observation is required to pick up on any illnesses.

Even if you’re one of the lucky ones who gets a pet that has been fairly treated in the past, your newly adopted pet will still go through a period of adjustment. Understanding that it takes time to get used to these changes, and being patient and kind to your new pet is imperative in order to make the animal feel safe and build a lasting, trusting relationship.

The most common reason that adopted animals are returned to shelters is because of a lack of understanding on the part of the new owner. When they see their animal constantly running away from them, or displaying aggressive behaviors such as snarling and snapping, they tend to become afraid or react in a negative way that causes further distress to the animal. There’s no reason to be scared of your pet! He’s not mean, he’s not unfriendly, and he’s not “beyond hope”.

All of the issues that come along with a newly adopted pet can be taken care of, it just takes time and proper training. Contrary to popular belief, no animal is too old to be trained. Every pet is capable of learning which behaviors are undesirable, and which get a positive reaction from you, the owner. Using positive reinforcement, keeping a low and soothing tone of voice, and being gentle and patient are key in the training process.

Another important thing to consider when adopting a new pet is the type of care that pet requires, and the type of lifestyle that you lead. If you’re a busy executive working overtime every week, for example, don’t choose a pet that requires constant attention and interaction. A more suitable pet for you might be a snake or reptile. If you have other pets, be sure to take their feelings into consideration as well. Will this new pet get along with your other pets? Remember that this new living arrangement will not only be stressful to your new pet, but to your current pets as well.

Unrealistic expectations only cause added stress for both you an the animal. Choose a compatible pet, and make sure that you are willing and able to do everything necessary to provide your pet with a happy home. Be responsible when adopting a pet, and enrich your life in the process.

“Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.” ~ George Eliot

Acclimating Your Rescued Pet To Its New Home

Guest article.

So, you’ve rescued a pet. Congratulations! Not only have you gained a new family member, you’ve also saved the life of an animal, giving it a fresh start and a new chance at a happy life. No doubt you’ve chosen the perfect pet for you and your family, and are looking forward to bringing it home. At this point,  you may be nervous and excited. You’ll want to give your new friend a warm welcome into its new home.

Before you bring your pet home, make sure that your house has been “pet-proofed”. This will vary depending on the type of pet you have, but some basic principles apply to a variety of species. First of all, if you have houseplants, do some research. Many common plants are toxic to animals, so take care to place these where they are not accessible to your new pet. Exposed wires should be covered and tucked away; many pets love to chew on or play with exposed wires, which is dangerous to their health and the safety of your home. Make sure that any cleaning products, chemical substances, and medications are out of reach.

It’s okay to be exuberant at the arrival of your pet, but try not to overwhelm them. Using happy tones and being playful are okay, but you should try to avoid being loud and making quick or jerky movements. Even for the friendliest pet, this is a big and scary change. There are a lot of new things to get used to! Different smells, different objects, different people… a lot for your new friend to process all at once. Try to remain calm, but friendly.

It’s important that you allow your pet to get used to its new environment at its own pace. If your pet wants to hide out in its cage or under the furniture for a little while, that’s okay. He will come out when he is ready. Allow your pet to explore its new environment. Keep a close eye out, but don’t yell or startle them. They’re emotionally fragile at this point, especially if they were abused by their previous owner.

Above all, be patient. You may have to prove to your new pet that people can be trusted. Adopted pets often have a deep mistrust of humans. They can’t be blamed… it’s all they’ve ever known. Discouraging unwanted behavior is okay, of course, as long as you go about it in the right way. Using a loud, angry tone of voice or hitting your animal will only serve to confirm that distrust, and may lead to aggressive behavior that is difficult to correct. Discipline techniques will vary depending on the species of your new pet, but offering alternatives to the negative behaviors is an excellent way to get started. When your pet does this new activity, rather than the old, “bad” behavior, reward them with praise or a special treat. This kind of positive reinforcement is very effective.

If your pet does begin to show aggressive behavior, don’t write them off as a bad pet. Don’t give up on them. The emotional scars that these animals carry can take quite a while to heal. Stay dedicated. Remember that their life has been a hard one, and be understanding. Rehabilitating an emotionally or physically scarred animal is a very rewarding experience.

“A house is not a home without a pet.” ~ Anonymous

The Rescuers Creed

Help may have come too late for this little pup. She was found recently in a park with severe second and third-degree burns to her head, back, stomach, tail and legs. Her ears were burned off and she had a broken jaw and teeth. Based on the development of maggots (*see below) that covered her body, it’s estimated that the 10-week old pit-mix was abandoned about two weeks before her rescue. Her case is still open and the suspects unknown.

I promise I will take your unwanted animals.
I will heal their wounds, their diseases, their broken bones.
I will give them the medical attention they need and deserve.
I will nurture their starvation and give them a warm place to sleep.
I will spay and neuter them, vaccinate them against the diseases that can harm them.
I will treat them and honor them.
I will buy them toys, blankets, balls, and teach them to play.
I will speak softly to them.
I will try to teach them not to fear, not to cry, and not to hate.
I will whisper sweet, kind, gentle words into their ears, while gently trying to stroke their fear, their pain, and their scars away.
I will face their emotional scars and give them time to overcome them.
I will socialize them, potty train them, teach them to be obedient, show them dignity, and hold their paws, and stroke their ears if they have endured too much and walk them over the Rainbow Bridge, BUT most of all I will teach them LOVE.

Author unknown

“Love the animals: God has given them the rudiments of thought and joy untroubled” ~ Fyodor Dostoyevsky

As weird as this may seem, it’s possible the maggots helped this little girl survive. Throughout history maggots have been used for medicinal purposes and, today, are known to liquefy dead tissue, kill harmful bacteria and stimulate healing.

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