Animal Cruelty...What Is It And How To Help Prevent It? It Isn't Just About The Animals.

This topic is so hard for some people and if you are in the trenches helping abused and neglected animals who are part of cruelty cases then it is even harder.  Most people will say even if they do not like cats or dogs or animals in general they would never hurt one on purpose.  That is the norm.  Then there are people who have such disregard for life that they get enjoyment out of seeing another living creature hurt.  These people would also have no problem hurting another human do please do not fool yourself into thinking they wouldn't hurt you too.

The definition of animal cruelty is:  the crime of inflicting physical pain, suffering or death on an animal, usually a tame one, beyond necessity for normal discipline. It can include neglect that is so monstrous (withholding food and water) that the animal has suffered, died or been put in imminent danger of death.  (http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Animal+cruelty)

Here is a link to find the animal cruelty laws in your US state:
http://www.aspca.org/Fight-Animal-Cruelty/Advocacy-Center/state-animal-cruelty-laws.aspx

Please do not use the word "cruelty" frivolously because it is very serious to accuse someone of this crime.  Cruelty does not include letting your cat be indoor/outdoor or having an outdoor dog despite what your opinion on this topic may be.   There also has to be proof so be sure if you are going to accuse someone you have absolute proof and a local animal law attorney can help you with figuring out what this entails.

http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/reporting-cruelty-faq.aspx

http://aldf.org/article.php?list=type&type=85

Here are some pictures of one type of act of cruelty from the folks at "Unchain Your Dog".  
http://www.unchainyourdog.org/FactsPhotos.htm

I won't post anymore pictures because I do not want people to receive pleasure out of viewing thing that evil from this blog.  Suffice it to say, the research that happens on cats, dogs, and the slaughtering of animals can be considered cruelty and if you really want to see the pictures you will have to research them yourself.  I warn you, though, it is extremely disturbing.

Please talk to your local law makers about this topic and try to get laws passed that will help stop this behavior.  There is absolutely no reason for this behavior to continue and no reason these animals should be treated like this.  At the very least start with unchaining dogs and fighting the people who continue to have dog fighting rings on a daily basis because these type of people aren't just fighting dogs, they are more than likely into other illegal activities as well.

http://aldf.org/article.php?id=927

This topic isn't just about animals, it's about saving our communities and keeping them and the sentient beings in them safe.  If we all start to think outside the box and work with law enforcement to put these criminals in prison and work to get harsher laws for these crimes then we can begin to feel safer about 1) having those indoor/outdoor cats, and 2) maybe allowing our children to play safely in local playgrounds and in our own backyards.

This is a hot topic so please keep any comments respectful, but we do welcome any comments as long as we all respect everyone's right to an opinion.  Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Flipbook.  As always, thank you so much for reading!

Do You Know Someone Who Is A "Pet Hypochondriac"?

Some of you may have heard of Munchausen by Proxy in which the mother of a child will abuse the child and then take the child to the doctor for treatment.  It is a very rare disease and is very misunderstood.  The cause is yet to be determined so treatment is difficult.  Why do I mention this human psychological disorder in an animal blog?  Well, I mention it because it can also happen to varying degrees with pets as well. I know it seems strange but I have recently come across a similar situation with a pet owner.  While I do not believe she is physically abusing this animal, she is running to the vet every time the cat sneezes or looks at her strangely.  She has made up illnesses and somehow convinced her vet that something is wrong with the animal. 


http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001555.htm

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/factitious_disorders/hic_munchausen_syndrome_by_proxy.aspx

http://www.psychforums.com/munchausen-by-proxy/topic19799.html

http://www.natural-wonder-pets.com/munchausen-by-proxy-with-pets.html

Fortunately I am able to be involved with this animal's care currently and have gotten a second opinion and this lead to quite a different outcome much to her surprise and dismay.  This begs the question, does she really want the cat to be sick?  There is no real answer to that I do not believe.

I personally believe some people want others to look at them and see all they are doing for this

This mom poisoned her baby and then sought treatment

helpless animal and tell them what great people they are and I know people who do that with various things in their lives.  So what do you do if you know someone like this?

The first thing to do is not feed into their proven (by a vet) conceived notions that their pet is sick.  If their vet and possibly one or two others have told them there is nothing wrong then they should take that and move on, but this disease does not allow for that.  These people are convinced something is wrong and may potentially blame others for it as well.

Whether someone suffers from Munchausen by Proxy with a child or a pet it is a serious illness that can and will forever damage the victim.  If you do know someone, whether they are affecting a child or pet, please let someone know such as local law enforcement or a mental health professional.  If you are in a position to do so, seek help for them immediately to prevent further damage and injury to the victim.

As always we welcome any comments and questions.  Please send us your topics you'd like to see discussed as well.  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to make sure you get the latest information we have posted and tell your family and friends about us.  Thanks for reading!

What Is Neglect? What Does A Neglected Animal Look Like? (pictures only available through link)

This is a very hard subject to discuss for some people for a variety of reasons.  Either they see the neglect every day, they care about animals so much they don't want to see it or they just didn't think it existed and don't want to admit that it does exist.  Whatever the reason, know that animal abuse and neglect does exist and it is in every neighborhood, in ever social circle, and in every race and ethnic background.

The definition of neglect is this:  animal neglect or abandonment is a common type of animal cruelty where people do not provide adequate care for animals in their charge. The neglected animal may be their own pet, a farm animal, or wildlife. A neglected animal is not provided with proper food, water, veterinary care, shelter and socialization. http://definitions.uslegal.com/a/animal-neglect/

This being said, note that the neglect is not limited to the lack of proper food and water; the definition also includes proper vet care, shelter and socialization.  In my state, the legal requirement for vaccines for any animal is rabies.  Distemper, bordetella, FIV/FeLV, deworming, etc. will be recommended by vets and most people in this area consider most of those things proper vet care to include heartworm prevention for dogs.

Socialization is also key because without proper human contact then the animals can become aggressive and a danger to humans.  If they get loose then they definitely will pose a threat and will be euthanized if they end up in a shelter because they are not able to be adopted.

Proper shelter is also important.  Some people feel putting up a dog house and chaining a dog to a pole is proper shelter.  "It's only a dog", but these animals end up having sores on their joints from having to lay on the ground, do not know love from a family, etc.  Having an outside dog with a pen and a large house they can get in out of the elements is one thing but chaining your dog to a pole and having a little house they might be able to fit into is something completely different.

Having outside cats is the same thing.  Although they are more resourceful, cats need shelter from the elements as well if they are outside cats.  Ideally they would be able to come inside and be indoor cats because they will ultimately live longer lives, but if that's not what you choose to do then give them a cool place in the summer and a warm place in the winter they can go.

http://www.spca.bc.ca/cruelty/what-is-animal-cruelty.html

According to the law, the following are the responsibilities of the pet owner:

Each owner shall provide for each of his animals:
(a) sufficient quantity of good quality, wholesome food and water;
(b) adequate shelter and protection from the weather;
(c) veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering; and
(d) humane care and treatment.

If you see these things not being done for an animal I would hope that the local authorities would be called so something could be done to help the animal and punish the offender.  Please help by keeping an eye out for the helpless and voiceless.  We are their voice.

As always, we welcome any comments, questions and topics you'd like to see discussed here.  Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook and tell your family and friends about us.  Thanks for reading!

Dehydration: How Do I Tell If My Pet Is Getting Enough Fluid?

Drinking water is important for every living thing from plants to animals.  Our pets are obviously included in this so how do we as parents know if they are getting enough?  How do we know if they are dehydrated?  There are a few simple ways to tell.  One very simple thing to do is to make sure to leave water out for them to drink at all times.  That really is the best thing to do.  However, if you are already doing that then just watch their activity level.  Are they playing normally (or not playing as normal)?  Do they seem interested in the same things they have always been interested in?  If the answer is yes...great!

Here are some physical signs you can look for if you want to check further.  Your pet's eyes should always be bright and shiny and alert.  If they seem dull or 'sad' seeming then more than likely he/she doesn't feel good.  Another physical test for dehydration that I use literally all the time is to test the animal's gums to make sure they are moist and pink.  If they feel tacky and are white then the animal is dehydrated.  They normally do not like it that much but if they fight you a lot then they probably do not feel too bad.

This is what you are looking for when I mention "white gums"

Another physical test is what I like to call the "tent test".  I pull up the scruff (skin on the back of the neck) so it looks like a tent and then let go.  If it goes right back down then you have perfect hydration.  The longer it takes to go down the more dehydrated the animal.  I have seen rescued animals so dehydrated the tent just stayed up when I let go.  That type of dehydration takes an IV of fluid in the vet's office for a day or two.  Also, keep a check on their breathing because if the breathing is a little faster than normal you'll want to check the other things mentioned here.  Cats are particularly sensitive to dehydration and can go into shock so keep a close eye on them if you think your cat is dehydrated. 

So, what do you do if your pet is dehydrated?  Obviously fluid but what else?  Unflavored Pedialyte

will work wonders for hydration.  It has to be unflavored or the animal won't normally drink it, though.  Any of the baby animal meal replacements you can find in the pet stores will work as well since they tend to like the taste and it's fluid.  You can also give them a little canned food (the kind with gravy) in with their dry kibble as well.  Just be sure to monitor how much they get at a time when hydrating them because if they drink too fast (and most of them do) they will vomit everything right back up which does neither of you any good.  Just give them small amounts of liquid at a time so their bodies have time to adjust to the liquid coming in and doesn't reject everything.

http://www.ehow.com/how_5852091_rehydrate-sick-dog.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_8671227_tell-cat-hydrated.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_8551695_keep-cat-hydrated.html

The important thing to monitor with this in addition to intake is output.  If your pet is taking in a gallon of water, for example, but only outputting a cup then a trip to the vet sooner than later is warranted because something is wrong.  There are many medical reasons this could be happening and you don't want to prolong a diagnosis or treatment.  If you do end up at your vet's office, be sure to mention all treatments you have done at home to help your pet so the vet can give you an appropriate treatment and diagnosis.  It's always important to tell your vet everything that is a change in your pet's life so he/she has the full story as to what is going on and what may or may not have contributed to your visit.  If you only feed dry kibble, though, it is extra important that you leave water out for your pet at all times so he/she has access since they are not getting this moisture through their food.  I personally feed dry only (wet only as a treat) and have a 2.5 gallon water container out all the time for two dogs and that lasts about a week or less depending on how long they have played and what the temperature is outside.  They go through more on the weekends.

I hope this information has helped you and maybe someone learned something they didn't know.  Feel free to research on your own or ask your vet anything you question here. 

As always we welcome any questions and comments and hope you will let us know if you have any topic you'd like to see discussed here.  We are always looking for something new and exciting to research and if you are interested in the topic then so are we!  Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter and tell your friends and family about us!  Thanks for reading!

Adoption...Is It Really Better Than Buying?

Working with a rescue organization can be very taxing and very rewarding at the same time.  It takes a lot of time, energy, money (personal and organization) and emotions.  It is definitely not for everyone.  However, when you see an animal that has been thrown away by its former owners get a new home where you know they will be spoiled forever it is the best feeling in the world.  So my question to everyone is...do you think adopting a pet is better than buying from a breeder?

Well today is going to be a personal opinion type of day so here goes.  I personally do not think one is better than the other.  My friend Thor (whom you have already read about) is from a breeder and has arthritis, allergies, has had two elbow surgeries, and now we found out he has Wobbler's Disease (a cervical or neck spine issue where the vertebrae compress on the spinal cord and cause pain and eventually paralysis-the only cure is surgery).  His sister Megan (from a different breeder and litter) who is 19 weeks old hasn't shown any signs of any issues whatsoever.  Both from breeders. 

Rescued animals can have issues just like pure bred animals and I personally just believe it is genetics and what the animal has been through that creates who they are medically.  I've seen cats who were living outside, eating who only knows what, come into the rescue group and come to find out they have allergies to the commercial cat food. 

"Pitt Bulls" were originally used for nannies

This is actually what "Pitt Bulls" were bred for

Does either animal make a better pet?  Absolutely not.  It completely depends on the temperament of the animal.  I believe rescue animals appreciate the love, attention and a good home much more than those from breeders but that does not make them better pets.

What do you look for if you are adopting from a rescue organization?  Most importantly what medical care the fee covers.  I say this because if the fee doesn't cover at least 1 or 2 (depending on the age) distemper (FVRCP for cats) , a deworming, a FIV and Feline Leukemia or HW (heartworm) test depending on whether it's a dog or cat, flea treatment, heartworm prevent for dogs, rabies, spay/neuter and a microchip then you should really look elsewhere.  No matter whether you are looking for a dog or cat there are certain things that are a minimum for rescue groups to take care of medically and in my opinion that is really the very basic and should be done.

Another thing you should look at is whether or not the group has a facility where the cats/dogs are held or if they are in foster homes.  Dogs should really be in a foster home so the socialization is better.  Cats can be in either but, in my opinion, a foster home is so much better because it gives the animal the chance to learn how to behave in a home with a family and get used to certain things like family life, kids, dogs, other types of pets, etc.

However, breeders have their animals in a home environment more than likely (if they don't I would personally look elsewhere) so that is not an issue for these animals.  There should also be a minimum amount of medical care done on these animals as well and especially for large breed dogs and cats such as maine coons a cardiac check should be part of that process.  The breeder should be ready and willing to give you the information on this as well.  If they are not then be very skeptical and strongly consider going elsewhere.

Some people use pure bred animals as a status symbol and enjoy telling people they have a pure bred animal.  That is not what a pet is supposed to be so if that is what you want the pet for then I'd rather you not get one at all. 

So what should you do?  Consider adopting first if at all possible.  Thousands of animals are euthanized over North Carolina weekly and millions all over the United States because there are too many in the shelters.  They have to make room for the new ones being dropped off so they have to euthanize the ones that don't get adopted the week before.  Some of the shelters do not use very humane ways of euthanizing animals and will use a gas chamber where they pile in a bunch of animals and gas them to death.   Does that remind you of the Germans during Hitler's reign?  It's cold, harsh and not fun to think about but it's the truth.

If you have to have a pure bred animal then do your research first to make sure you understand the breed.  For instance, if you want a rottweiler then you should know they are stubborn, hard headed, solid muscle and should start training at a very early age so you don't have an unruly rottie on your hands.  Unruly rottweilers are dangerous and will probably end up in a shelter and euthanized.  Socialization is important for all dogs and other animals but especially breeds people tend to be afraid of and not understand like Rottweilers and Pitt Bulls (althought that name is a culmination of several different breeds in and of itself).  Also, regardless of the breed you choose the dogs should be temperament tested.

I hope I have given you something to think about whether you adopt or buy and as always please let us know if you have any questions, comments, concerns.  Also, if you want a topic discussed please send it to us and we will definitely get it on the blog. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter and tell your family and friends about us!

Fostering...How Do You Get Started and Who To Foster For?

Are you thinking about a new pet but not sure about the commitment?  What about fostering?  There are a lot of organizations in the area who are full to the brim with cats and dogs who need foster homes.  There are animals taken to the shelters every day that need either a foster home or adoptive home.

So what is involved in fostering?  Do you have to adopt the animal?  Well the involvement depends on the group and you.  Some groups pay for food and litter as well as vet care (for cats) and some do not.  Some groups will pay for training for dogs and some will not.  It just depends on funding and whether the group has a trainer involved or not.  As far as adopting the animal goes, you should never be required to adopt an animal as as foster parent.  If that is part of the requirement you should not foster for that particular group.

Fostering can be very emotionally demanding and very emotionally draining because the animals you are fostering often have emotional issues from being surrendered.  They are confused, scared and do not know what is going on.  They have to learn they are safe and may have been abused so they have to overcome the mental issues from that as well.  Some animals never overcome the demons from abuse depending on the level of abuse.  The type of abuse may have to be taken into consideration as well.  For instance, if a cat was used as bait for a dog fighting ring he/she may be afraid of dogs and may not be but that will be very easy to tell. 

This is a scared cat that will probably fight back

Medications may also be involved in fostering as well so it may be necessary for you to administer them for a cold or other infection if they have had an injury or ear issues, etc.  Like humans, though, it's important to follow the vet's directions and give the medications as directed.

Fostering is also extremely rewarding, though.  When a family finds your foster is the right one for their family and takes them home and they have already fallen in love with their new pet, you have a sense of pride and sadness at the same time.  Pride comes from knowing where they came from when you first got them and where they are now and the sadness comes from watching them 'leave the nest' so to speak.  I always ask for pictures and send follow up emails checking in to make sure things are going well.  It's very important to do that so the people do not feel they are alone and just got dumped with a new animal and they do not have any support if something goes wrong.

Here is more information about fostering:

http://fosterdogs.com/getting-involved.html

http://matadornetwork.com/change/beginnersguide-to-fosteirng-animals/

www.calvinspaws.org

http://www.wakegov.com/pets/foster/Pages/default.aspx

For those in the Raleigh, NC, USA area I've included two good groups to contact about fostering.  Anyone interested in those groups can either contact them directly or send me a note and I will help you get involved.  There are many ways to volunteer your time besides fostering as well, but that is the biggest need.

Please considering fostering a homeless animal or volunteering with your local rescue organization or shelter.  As always, we welcome your comments, questions, and/or concerns regarding any of our posts and if you would like to see a topic discussed please let us know.

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook and tell your family and friends about us!

To Declaw or Not To Declaw...Is It Really Necessary?

Today I want to talk about one of the most controversial topics out there for cats...declawing.  No matter what your opinion is, it's likely you feel strongly about it and think everyone else is ridiculous.  Well let's get the facts out in the open first.  What is declawing?  Is it removing just the nail or is it really more than that?

First, the surgery is NOT just removing the nail but amputating the first 'knuckle' of each digit.  It is the equivalent of amputating the first knuckle of each of your fingers.  That is a fact.  A tendonectomy is severing the tendon of each digit so the cat cannot retract its claws.  This does not mean you do not need to trim their nails.  It is even more important you do that if this surgery is done because they cannot scratch on their posts in order to file them down.  They will continue to grow.  These are two very common surgeries.

Now for some more facts..16 countries have deemed this practice inhumane and have made it illegal.  Those countries are:   England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, and Poland.  There really is no way to keep your cat from scratching regardless because it is a natural behavior for them and they will continue to try even after the surgery.  They do this to mark territory, stretch their "fingers" and a variety of other things.  It is not because they do not like your furniture or you.

http://www.moggies.co.uk/stories/declaw.html

http://pictures-of-cats.org/Why-is-Declawing-Illegal-in-the-UK.html

There are alternatives to declawing such as Soft Paws (which your vet can apply), scratching post training, double sided tape on the areas you want them to keep away from (they do not like the feeling of tape on their paws), and antiperspirant spray on your furniture and other areas you don't want them scratching on (smells good and keeps them away). 

Here are some pros and cons regarding declawing:

http://www.vetinfo.com/cat-declawing-procedure-explained.html

http://www.catsinternational.org/articles/scratching_and_declawing/Truth_about_Declawing.html

The picture may be a little graphic for some but that is the aftermath of a declaw surgery.  As you can probably tell I am against declawing; however, I have adopted 2 already declawed cats.  Their personalities are quite different.  One of them has trouble jumping up on things compared to my clawed cats.  The other one has behavioral issues and will chase down my other cats and attack them.  I admit they are both very sweet and I have never had a problem with them biting.  They are obviously indoor only cats, though, and if you just have to declaw then please keep them indoors.  I will never advocate or agree with having an indoor/outdoor declawed cat.

Also, please discuss with your vet and others prior to making this decision because it is lifelong and there can be physical problems later on such as arthritis, pain while walking, potential behavioral changes (especially with young children), etc.

Here are some estimated costs as well:  http://catdeclawing.org/declawing-cats-cost/
Here are some alternatives:  http://www.thecatsite.com/a/declawing-and-alternatives

I've seen both sides of this and have done it to a former cat of mine in the distant past and will never do it again.

As always, I welcome any comments, questions or concerns.  Please click the follow link to follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 

Pet Sitting Thor and Megan the Newfoundlands

This is Megan at 17 weeks old.

I was pet sitting for friends this weekend and they have two Newfoundlands.   One is Thor who is 4 years old and the other is Megan who is 17 weeks old.  Thor is a big teddy bear who loves people and all animals.  He has had a few surgeries and has a hard time walking now.  Megan, on the other hand, is 100% puppy.  She loves to play with people and Thor and he shows her how to play nice while on the floor so they don't hurt each other.

Thor at 4 years old.

These dogs are wonderful and are truly gentle giants.  My friends also have cats.  These dogs have managed to be trained by the cats on what kitty manners are and they definitely abide by this rule of the house.  The cats that are their personal cats are all black except for one tabby and one torbie.  They all have their own personalities just like humans.  Every time a new cat comes in there is dissension among the ranks until everyone gets used to the new kid.  That is very normal for cats, though.  Slow introductions are best when introducing a new cat to help everyone get used to everything slowly.

My friends are volunteers in rescue with me.  They help with cats that need special attention for anything from abuse to just needing to fatten up.  It is truly amazing the affect a lot of love and some food can do for a life that has been basically thrown away because its former owners didn't want he/she anymore.

I love pet sitting for my friends and love their furry family members.  They are like my own family and when one of them is sick they always text and call me to give me updates no matter what is wrong.