Archive for December, 2009
Do You Approve of the Shots Required??
After you pick out your new puppy or adopted a new dog and bought all the new toys and new dog collars and great food, the next thing you need to do is to take them to the vet to make sure they are healthy.
The first thing the Vet wants to do is to de-worm them as well as give them a multitude of shots, for parvo, dis-temper and rabies, etc. There has been some controversy over the amount of shots as well as how often they need to be given. WHat are your thoughts?
Talking Pets??
If your pets could talk to you, what do you think they would say? I think mine would tell me to sit down and be quiet. I talk too much, I move too much, I think too much.
They would also tell me to get them a new bed since the one they have is getting too lumpy. Oh and I am sure they would like to have more food, treats and for the dogs…warmer dog apparel. The horses would tell me to get the blankets out and get rid of the tired looking halters.
Hmmm….Your thoughts? Or should I say, your pet thoughts…
To Blanket or Not to Blanket
That is the question
Horse blankets are usually used while a horse is in the pasture, in a stall or trailer. There are blankets made for all weather conditions. Heavy blankets are normally made with a canvas type material and then lined. Some are water resistant but not necessarily water proof. There are light weight horse blankets that are made of a canvas material with no liner and may be water resistant but not water proof. Spring or fall horse blankets are made with a water proof material.
The blankets can also be used to keep the horse from growing a winter coat in the winter.
Dogs in Desparate Need!!Urgent euth alert:8 to die before Christmas!
Please crosspost everywhere
Please post on BLOGS and bulletin boards
12/16 @ 10 am
Even if you can’t take the dogs until after Christmas, please ask! Another trans can be arranged!
Trans to northeast on Saturday. Still have room to get dogs to rescues in northern MD, eastern PA, central/northern NJ, Binghamton NY & CT!!! We are holding seats on this run specifically for Rowan dogs!
Trans to midwest can be arranged, please ask!
Local foster homes/offers of free boarding very welcome and appreciated! Morehead KY area
8 more to go. Still hoping for a Christmas miracle!
Dogs at the top of the list die first.
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CONTACT INFO
STAR Saving the Animals of Rowan
Sue: s.creasap@moreheadstate.edu (moreheadstate.edu)
606-356-1939 cell
12/14: Sue will have limited internet access for the
next few days, so please cc these also:
barbarawhite@roadrunner.com (roadrunner.com) and
jandacci@roadrunner.com (roadrunner.com)
Jan’s cell 606-462-0375
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STAR Saving the Animals of Rowan
These are the 8 still in danger at the pound.
Listed in order of intake date (top of the list die first):
1. AMBER the cuddlebug – 45/50 lbs – next to die! ~~~ SPONSORED! ~~~
Adopt a Yellow Labrador Retriever: Amber URGENT: Petfinder
She is a happy dog. Her favorite thing is to take her paws and reach through the kennel wore to “touch”. She loves attention and we suspect she will be a real cuddler if given the chance. She plays well with the other dogs in her pen and is not more than 1-2 years old.
“Look at my smile and wagging tail! Please don’t let me die here! They say I’ve been here too long!”
2. Didley, BEGGING! Next to die! Lab mix, friendly, young, and happy, no one looks twice, 45 lbs, 1-2 yrs, pen 7.
Adopt a Black Labrador Retriever: Didley URGENT: Petfinder
“Nobody wants black labs here. Don’t let me end up as another statistic…dead!”
3. Beano, male, stray on 10/2. Next to die! Border collie/lab mix, friendly, 35-40 lbs, 1 yr, pen 7
Looks like he might have some whippet in the mix??
Adopt a Mountain Cur: Beano URGENT: Petfinder
4. Bojangles (needs neuter, fence barks at other males, fine with kennel mates)
mountain cur mix, unusual amber eye color, cropped tail, friendly and no one looks twice!
Adopt a Mountain Cur: Bojangles URGENT: Petfinder
Maybe sponsorship will get this guy neutered and into boarding so his hormones can cool off? If you can help, please ask if that’s possible!
5. Bola, male lab mix, beautiful spray of white speckles on chest, pen 7, sweet disposition, good with other dogs, approx 60 lbs
Adopt a Black Labrador Retriever: Bola URGENT: Petfinder
6. Point, male, lab/something mix, This boy wandered in as a stray. He plays well with other dogs and loves kids. He has medium length coat and weighs about 50 lb. Pen 7. BREED ID? Lab/what? Ears don’t hang like a lab’s…body is stocky like a possible English lab?? English Lab/Shep???
Adopt a Black Labrador Retriever: Point URGENT: Petfinder
Looks like a friendly guy…his tail is always up for photos. Love those ears! Little batwings on that big body! LOL
7. Hoolihan, pointer mix, very friendly, likes to give kisses, 50 lbs, 1 yr, pen 6
Adopt a Pointer: Hoolihan URGENT: Petfinder
8. Nemoy, feist, 15 lbs, pen 5, cute as can be and a stocky little fellow about 6 months old. Lots of fun!
Medicated Dogs?
Genuine separation anxiety can be a serious problem for a dog. It is much more than simply having a dog that barks and cries when you leave the house. With genuine separation anxiety your dog cannot stand to be away from you even when you’re home. He follows you from room to room. He may become so stressed about being near you that he will use the bathroom in the house. He can even bark and cry for you when you are gone and there are other people present. And he will do these things if you are gone for 30 minutes or less. Dogs with separation anxiety may also dig, chew, scratch themselves, or exhibit other kinds of destructive behavior. Separation anxiety is a psychological condition and it may require medication for treatment.
Separation anxiety can occur with any dog but it is most common with dogs who have been abused, abandoned or with those which were not properly socialized when young. No one knows exactly what causes it but you should know that it is an actual anxiety condition. When your dog does these things he is not disobeying you or being deliberately destructive. Even if he is housebroken or normally well-behaved, he cannot help his behavior when he has this much anxiety. A combination of medication and behavior modification can allow him to live a normal life again.
If you suspect that your dog has separation anxiety you should first consult with your veterinarian. He or she can rule out any physical reasons for your dog’s problems. Your vet may recommend a complete blood count, urinalysis and other tests. Once other causes are ruled out your vet may prescribe one of the medications often used for separation anxiety, such as clomipramine and amitriptyline. These drugs should be given exactly as prescribed. They must be taken regularly and not just when your dog is showing symptoms of anxiety. It may take several weeks for them to begin to be effective so it’s necessary to follow the prescription and directions precisely.
Once your dog begins to respond to medication it’s a good idea to consult with an animal behavioral consultant. This professional can try some behavior modification techniques to try to help your dog. Your vet may also be able to help you with these behavior modification exercises. These exercises will work on some of the behaviors your dog exhibits under stress, such as barking or housebreaking problems. Your dog may not be able to respond to these exercises until he is taking medication to reduce his anxiety. That’s why behavior modification usually comes after medication has begun.
It’s also a good idea to make sure your dog gets plenty of outdoor exercise. Exercise in general will be good for him and it will help provide some positive stimulation for him. Don’t forget mental stimulation, too. Do things at home with your dog. Provide toys and chews for him so he won’t get bored.
If you still must leave your dog during the day while you work (and most of us do), consider taking your dog to a doggy daycare where he will be around other people and dogs. Or think about taking him to a friend’s house during the day, or getting a pet sitter to come to your house. These things will all help your dog cope with your absence; at least until his separation anxiety is under control.
Genuine separation anxiety is a serious psychological problem and it needs a combination of treatments. Don’t give up hope. Your dog can be treated and live a normal life again. You will be able to leave the house without your best friend falling to pieces. It just takes patience and treatment.
Travel Safe
A lot of people don’t realize that driving with a dog in your vehicle can be dangerous not just for you and the dog, but for other drivers as well. There’s nothing like veering and swerving to keep from killing an innocent animal and I’ve seen accidents happen because of it. I’ve seen dogs jump from the back of pickups or just go flying out the window when the driver makes a turn to sharply. That’s why I don’t go anywhere without my dog car harness.
Not only does it keep the dog securely positioned where they can still enjoy the ride, it keeps them from getting under my feet or worse. And the greatest fear I avoid with my dog car harness is the potential of the dog going out one of the windows and being killed by another driver. If you drive anywhere with your dog this is one safety product no pet owner should be without.
Gift of Adoption
If you read the newspapers or watch the news you have a slight idea of the animal abuse that occurs day in and day out. It is a never ending battle of what the American Humane Society fights daily.
I am taking a hint from the American Humane Society and asking that if you are thinking of adopting a pet for a family member or friend, please remember that it is a huge decision to take on your own. You may have the best of intentions to rescue an animal in need but if the receiver of that gift that does not appreciate the gesture than it is more heartbreaking and confusing for the animal to have to return the adoption center.
The best way to give the gift of adoption is to wrap a dog collar, dog toys or a horse halter in a box and present that as a gift with a card. In the card let them know that you are giving the gift of adoption to them at a time when they can visit a shelter and choose the best pet for them.
Providing a gift in this way is providing happiness for both the animal and the person receiving your gift.
Check out www.americanhumane.org for more information on adoption.
Pet Holiday?
Just a quick question for everyone.
Do you do anything special for your pets during the holidays?
I know we usually have special gifts and we hang a stocking for them. Maybe its the time of year to give a new collar or leash. Or maybe even a special new halter.
Horse Halter Training
I am not going to tell you that my way is the right way or the only way to train your horse on halter use. I will tell you that it is best to start them as young as possible. Although a horse of any age can be halter broken; but the older they are, the more time and effort it may take.
As with any training it helps if you have spent some time with the horse to get to know his temperament. If they are not use to people and touch, it is best to start off very slowly. Let them get use to your presence and touch before introducing the halter.
Let the horse become accustomed to the look, feel and smell of the halter and it will make it easier for you to introduce it over the head. Let him smell the halter and get used to it being around. Horses like to have time to become familiar with new things, just like humans or any other animal. Once the horse seems satisfied that the halter is not going to hurt him, slip it on him.
Once you get the halter on, attach the lead rope and lead the horse around. Be patient. You may have to pull and tug a little to get the horse use to following you. After a while, when you feel your horse is comfortable with the halter and lead, take the halter off and put it back on. The more your horse sees that it is not going to injure them and that they can trust you the easier it will be to put it on in the future. It may only take a few times to succeed.
Canine Wheelchair
I am in the process of developing a new wheelchair for dogs. I have found, after having to purchase one for my dog Charlie, that it is a very expensive tool. There are also very few brands to choose from ranging from$300-$575. My thought on this topic is that it is not at a price point that most can afford. To think that you would possibly have to euthanize your pet because of a medical condition that can be assisted is absolutely heartbreaking.
I would like to ask a few questions from others that have had this experience or those that may soon face the need to purchase a canine wheelchair.
1. How much would you pay?
2. What are some concerns (i.e. portability, weight, etc)?
3. Would it beneficial to have it size adjustable?