Cold Weather Tips By The Experts

   Not all of us have sturdy fur coats so sometimes we may need a sweater.

The snow and ice can sometimes hurt our feet so do us a favor and try on some booties.

If we refuse to keep the booties on remember to clean any ice from between our sensitive toes.

Please remember to use pet safe Safety Ice Melt.

For those of us that tucker out from burrowing in the snow, please try to get all the icicles off that I happen to get stuck all over myself.

For those of us that have a snow addiction make us dry the ice from our noses, they are sensitive even though we like to snort and chew the snow and ice.

We may like to warm ourselves by the fire but watch out and don’t let us get too close we can burn too.

Beware of our swishing tails, they make great weapons but sure can be dangerous around candles and low laying tables.

Watch out for cords we can trip on and yank on that may be attached to a fire hazard.

Last and certainly not the least make sure we do not snack on winter time plants that can be poisonous.

Have fun and keep us safe!

 

Loss of a Loved One

My family just lost a loved one suddenly and as anyone knows it is a difficult thing for many. Whether it is sudden or a long illness always take comfort in your family and friends.
Our loss was a beloved Aunt, Sister, Grandmother and friend. She was a kind and wonderful human being that was also an animal lover. Her cat did not out live her but there are times that your pets would out live you and I just want to place this thought to all of you.
Do you have something in place or someone who will care for your animals if you pass as sudden as my aunt? 
Please take a moment to look into the many options such as your will or a specific person or organization to care for the furry family that may lose you.

In loving memory to my dear Aunt Maureen forever in our hearts.

Aging Pets

Like people animal’s bodies age too. All of the ailments your mother, father and grandparent’s have your pets also fall victim to as well. Do you know how to care for your animal if they became ill? Would you know the signs for things like diabetes, Cushing, arthritis or simple aches and pains?
Our furry friends need us to see the subtle signs because more than likely they won’t or cannot tell us when they do not feel well. If one of your little ones starts to drink a lot of water note the weather is it hot is it normal for this time did they exert themselves or perhaps it is one of the most subtle signs to the beginnings of something like diabetes or a number of other illnesses that can befall one of our friends. Other subtle or small signs to watch for are lethargy, slow or unwillingness to go on long walks or walks at all, slow to go up and down stairs, continually licking the roof of their mouth like something may be stuck there, weight loss or gain that is unexplained, trouble urinating or defecating, being “touchy” especially in areas where they never were before like the hips, legs and stomach.
Know your pet’s moods and note any changes no matter how big or small because those small changes can mean the most when it comes to the vet diagnosing the problem. It can be the difference in saving your pet from a life full of pain.
Sometimes a simple diet change will help alleviate the symptoms. Your vet may also recommend vitamin supplements or a medicinal regiment. Either way it is very important to take your pet for regular check ups. And I can not stress how important it is to tell your vet of any changes you see especially if it is one that you might find odd or just “not your pet’s normal”.
Be aware of anything that also may be stressing your pet because this too could be a simple fix to what ails them. They trust us and need us to take care of them just like our elderly parents or grandparents do. Unlike people they cannot tell you what is bothering them they need us to pay attention to the subtle signs they can give.

Who Says Dogs and Cats are Vicious

Some people say dogs are because they can bite, but to me a dog is a walk in the park. Maybe a cat because they have deadly claws, even still they just don’t carry that scared to death threat. Now put something like a fish or reptile in front of me, now that is a little different.
Don’t get me wrong I have had fish, lizards and snakes but something about not being cute and fuzzy makes them intimidating.
If you think about it, have you ever seen a dog or a cat eat its meal live in one swallow? No I did not think so. Those of you that know Spirit, she does not count because she takes time to breathe between gulps. However I have seen both a snake and a lizard swallow it’s meal whole while still moving.
Have you ever seen a fish smile? No I did not think so. They do seem to give kisses though. However make sure they do not have a stinger that can take you out in one shot. And a snake appears to be hugging you but when have you known a cat or a dog to be able to hug you to death?
Giving a fury friend a bath can be a task, they leave their fur everywhere but they do not leave their entire skin behind.
After reading my take on it you tell me what you think, is a nice fury friend more vicious than a scaly slithering reptile?

Hoarding…..Mental Illness or Cruelty

Do you find these pictures disturbing? Have you ever seen things like this at a Neighbors? Friends? Family members house? Do you know what to say or do if you have?

 

Hoarding has become more prominent in the news lately, for those of you asking “what is hoarding?’

Animal hoarding involves keeping large numbers of animals as domestic pets without having the ability to properly house or care for them, while at the same time denying this inability. Compulsive hoarding can be characterized as a symptom of mental disorder rather than deliberate cruelty towards animals. Hoarders are deeply attached to their pets and find it extremely difficult to let the pets go. They typically cannot comprehend that they are harming their pets by failing to provide them with proper care. Hoarders tend to believe that they provide the right amount of care for their pets.

While it is a disturbing subject there is much research still to be done on the subject. Hoarding should not go unpunished but in the same respect, the one doing the hoarding has far more mental issues that need attention and care. The subtle signs of this aweful sickness need to be paid attention to:

  • People who engage in compulsive hoarding have countertops, sinks, stoves, desks, stairways and virtually all surfaces stacked with stuff. When there’s no more room inside, the clutter usually spreads to the garage, vehicles and yard. Hoarding affects emotions, thoughts and behavior. Signs and symptoms of hoarding may include:
  • §  Cluttered living space
  • §  Inability to discard items
  • §  Keeping stacks of newspapers, magazines or junk mail
  • §  Moving items from one pile to another, without discarding anything
  • §  Acquiring unneeded or seemingly useless items, including trash
  • §  Difficulty managing daily activities, including procrastination and trouble making decisions
  • §  Difficulty organizing items
  • §  Excessive attachment to possessions
  • §  Limited social interactionPeople who hoard typically collect items because they believe they will be needed or have value in the future.

A person also may hoard items that he or she feels have important emotional significance. People who hoard may report feeling safer when surrounded by the things they collect.

 Hoarding animals
People that  hoard animals may collect dozens or even hundreds of pets. They usually hoard animals that can be confined inside and concealed more easily. Because of their sheer numbers, these animals often aren’t cared for properly. Hoarding ranges from mild to severe cases. Clutter and difficulty discarding things are usually the first symptoms of hoarding. If you know of someone you may suspect of having this problem reach out and try to get them help as they need as much help as the animals they are harming.