Pet Tails

Tweedledum was stretched out in the grass enjoying the Spring sun and the smell of the morning dew.  She had just played in the wild catnip she had found and was looking to settle in for a little nap before wondering off to chase some bees, when she was stirred by a noise in the grass.

“I’m going to be a butterfly!  I’m going to be a butterfly!” Came a voice out of the grass.

Raising her head, Tweedledum looked to see who was making that noise and disturbing her catnap.  Looking through the grass she saw a caterpillar making its way past her.

“Hey you!” She said. “You are disturbing my catnap.” Tweedledum said standing up, arching her back and stretching while letting out a long yawn.

“Oh, I’m sorry there cat. But I am in a great mood, because I am on my way to make a cocoon so I can become a beautiful butterfly.” The caterpillar answered.

“My name is Tweedledum, not cat! What’s your name there caterpillar?” She asked.

“My name is Calvin and I just woke up from my nest and I am on my way to find a shady spot to make a cocoon so I can become a beautiful butterfly.” Calvin answered looking up at the Tweedledum’s big yellow eyes.

“I understand, but what is so great about being a butterfly?” Tweedledum asked trying to sound interested while still yawning and stretching in the sun.

“Well because a butterfly has beautiful bright colors.  I could be orange and black, or yellow and black or even a dark blue or purple!  I won’t know until I wake up from my cocoon and I am so excited!” Calvin answered.

Tweedledum looked at the black and blue caterpillar and tilted her head still wondering why this little creature was so happy.

“So you are going to be some pretty bright colors but you don’t even know what colors you may be.  So what else is so great about being a butterfly?” Tweedledum asked beginning to groom herself trying to be interested in Calvin, but she would rather be napping.

Calvin looked at Tweedledum not sure why this cat couldn’t understand the splendid idea of being a butterfly.  So he decided to try to explain it to her as simply as possible.

“Well I am going to make a cocoon, and in a couple of days or months I will wake up and crawl out of the cocoon and be able to fly.  Fly above the trees and stretch my wings.  Glide on the wind in the summer sun and lie in pretty flowers and float on the breeze.  What a better life could there be?” Calvin said with such authority.

“I can think of many things.” Tweedledum answered.  “Like lying in the grass and taking a nap.  Going to the barn and getting some fresh milk from the cows, going to the creek and watching the frogs, chasing bees and of course chasing butterflies.”

Startled Calvin looked at Tweedledum, his eyes big that the cat would actually admit to doing that.

“You chase butterflies?” Calvin said back to her.

“Oh, I never catch them, they are too quick and I can never jump that high to catch one.” But they are fun to chase.”

“See.” Calvin said back to her, “You can never catch a butterfly. They are smarter then a cat.”

“I don’t know about that. I think cats are pretty smart.” Tweedledum said back to him a bit curt.

“But you can’t catch a butterfly can you?” Calvin replied quickly.

“No. I have never caught a butterfly.  But lying in the grass in the summer is better then flying around going nowhere I think.” Tweedledum said.

“I am not going to try to convince you whether it is better to be a butterfly or a cat, all I know is I am happy that I will be able to fly above and visit different places and enjoy the sunshine on my wings. That is a great feeling and something to look forward to.” Calvin stated back to Tweedledum.

“Well since you woke me and you are on a mission, I will walk with you for awhile until I get tired.”

So off through the grass the two of them went so Calvin could find the perfect place to make his cocoon.

“What type of place is good for a cocoon?” Tweedledum asked trying to start conversation.

“It should be a shady spot, not too hot, not too cold and out of the rain, so I have been told. So I have to find just the perfect spot to do this.” Calvin replied.  “I need the right tree that has just enough of coverage, with sun and shade.”

“Well that shouldn’t be hard.” Tweedledum answered back.

“You would think, but I have to make sure I pick a spot too that birds or other bugs can’t get to my cocoon, so it must be safe.” Calvin stated.

Looking around at all the different trees on the farm, Tweedledum was trying to be helpful to Calvin in picking the right tree.

“How about the big maple tree in the corner?” Tweedledum asked.

“No, it is dry on one side, looks like it is dying and gets too much sun.” Calvin replied.

“There is the locust tree over near the barn.” Tweedledum pointed to.

“No, it has moss growing on it, that means it is too damp and doesn’t get enough of sun.” Calvin replied.

Both of them continued walking through the field on the farm and Calvin stopped and looked over to a massive oak tree standing by itself.  It had a tire swing hanging in it that looked as old as the tree.

“That’s the one! That is the perfect tree for me!” Calvin exclaimed.

Tweedledum looked over and looked at the huge oak tree.  That was one of his favorites too.  He loved lying under it at night and watching the fire flies and looking up at the stars.

“That looks like a great tree Calvin!” Tweedledum agreed.

Both looked at each other and shook their heads in agreement and headed through the field in the direction of the tree.

Reaching the tree they looked up at the large branches and the leaves cascading down creating a large shadow in the grass.  It was cool, but still warm under the tree.  It felt safe to Calvin and that is what was important.

“So what are you going to do now?” Tweedledum asked turning and looking down at Calvin in the grass.

“I have to climb the tree and find the perfect group of branches and leaves to make my cocoon.  Once I have done that I just have to wait.  Mother Nature will take care of the rest and I will wake up and be a beautiful butterfly.” Calvin said with a big smile on his face.

“The sun is getting high in the sky, but it feels nice under this tree.  Maybe I will take a nap here for a bit while you start your climb.” Tweedledum said.

“I don’t think you will be able to hear me, so we have to say our goodbyes now.  Once I make my cocoon, I will go to sleep. Time will tell me when to wake up and break out of my cocoon.  Like I said it may be days or months.  It just depends.” Calvin answered.

“Either way, I need to take a nap.  All this walking has made me tired.  I will always be close by Calvin, so I will keep a look out for you.  You will let me know when you become a butterfly won’t you?” Tweedledum asked.

“Oh, you will see me and I will let you know.  Just keep an eye on the prettiest, most beautiful butterfly, because that will be me.” Calvin stated with confidence.

“It was nice to meet you Calvin, and I look forward to seeing you again as a butterfly. I will try to be nice to all the ones I meet from now on since I know what they have to do.” Tweedledum said.

Calvin nodded at Tweedledum and they both said pleasant goodbyes, but not forever goodbyes, because they knew they would see each other again sometime soon.

Calvin set off climbing the bark of the oak tree and Tweedledum curled up at the base of the trunk almost like he was standing guard and settled in for his mid-morning nap.

They will see each other again, and Tweedledum was looking forward to it.

If you are not sure why I am doing this, read my previous blog.

Have A Most Wonderful Day!

Joyce

As you can tell by my last post, it has been many months since I have written anything regarding pet care or pet issues of any kind. Since I am not sure whether I have an audience still at the Daily Local News, I am going to use this “space” for something completely different and New!  Yes NEW.  I am going to start posting short children’s stories that have animals as characters. Hey, why not!   So as my first post which is going to be this evening. You will read:

Tweedledom and the Caterpillar

So enjoy the evening and the little story. 

As I am sure a number of you have fallen on hard times, and I am no different or free from the life of struggles.  Here lies the question. 

If we are at a point that we are not sure whether having a pet makes our life easier or not, we may need to make that decision; do I keep them or surrender them.  Pets can add a lot of joy to our lives and at times fill a void or relieve stress.  But there are times that they are the complete opposite and only add stress or make our lives unbearable, and we have to decide what is better for them and for us.

Do we keep our pets and starve ourselves to make sure they have food and health care?  Do we lose our homes only to have a car full of pets and no place to go?  Pets can be expensive not only for food and their primary care but for toys, beds, leashes, kitty litter and all the other things that go with pet ownership.  They can also become demanding and want more attention from us than what we have time to give them or even want to give them.  So we need to ask ourselves, would they be better off somewhere else?

Problem is all my pets are old and some are rescues.

Oh, I have been told, “You are all they have!” Yes, that is right, but do I have to deal with them everyday too?  Has my life become just dogs and cats?  Pretty much and I am not sure if I want to go down that road especially at this time in my life.  I want more than to clean up cat piss and shit and feed dogs and cats everyday. 

I recently lost a dog in January and since than my life has changed dramatically.  Not only for me personally but for my other dog to the point that I can’t deal with it.  He has become demanding of my time and attention.  I started taking him with me everyday which I thought would be good for both of us, but it is now becoming a problem. 

I sit at this cross-road and not sure what direction to go.  Take my pets to a shelter and sign them over, or deal with the day to day struggles and keep them?  Just like the pet sitting business; do I keep doing this or do I sell it?

It is very difficult for me at this time, because I am not sure where my joy went, but I have lost it and I don’t find it in my job or in my home with my pets anymore.  I hoping that time will improve things, but right now I am facing some hard decisions.  Just like a lot of other people in life and I am standing at the cross-road wondering what direction to go.

Out in the cold, rain, and sleet. Trudging through slush and your feet are cold and your pants are wet and muddy. It’s great to be a pet sitter isn’t it.

Picking up dog poop and cleaning up cat gak or what did this client’s dog destroy today? Did they knock over the water dish again? Dog vomits in the car in your pocketbook. It’s just great being a pet sitter.

Cats in your face while you are trying to write a note or they want to play in the litter box after you already swept the floor. They throw-up what they just ate on the oriental carpet. It’s just great to be a pet sitter!

Clients that work in their offices are all nice and warm or others that are at some tropical destination: Florida, Mexico, California or Hawaii, but you haven’t had a vacation away from animals in over 5 years.

Go home to just more mess and demanding pets; your own. Picking up more cat gak and see if the dog peed or pooped in the house because you’ve been gone over 8 hours.

Dog wants out, wants back in again. Cats meowing and you can’t type an email because they have to sit on your lap. “Pay attention to me!” Is all they beg for. No cookies, treats or food satisfy that need they have or want.

It’s just great to be a pet sitter.

How many layers today? Three or four shirts should I wear? Two pairs of pants. Two pairs of socks and make sure one pair is wool. Grab your insulated hat. Is it windy? Make sure you have your “smurf” hood and don’t forget gloves! Grab your winter coat. Bring plenty to munch on for the day. Out the door you go and the sun hasn’t been up for an hour.

It’s just great to be a pet sitter.

Another day of cold and wind, but the sun is out. Well it will rain later in the day, but now it is snowing and the wind has picked up and it cuts through you like a serrated knife making your whole body feel raw. Your hands feel numb through your gloves as you walk dog after dog in the cut throat cold wind.  Your fingers are cracked open from the cold and from washing them. It doesn’t matter the amount of lotion, cream or goo you put on them, they won’t heal for weeks and they are sore to the touch.

It’s just great to be a pet sitter.

The day is almost over and than the phone rings. Late night at the office or dinner plans with friends. No rest for the weary. Your day is not over yet. One more walk, one more visit than you can go home.

Cold and dark you walk in your front door. No one is there to greet you with a warm dinner or a hug. You don’t even take your coat off and you get your dog out and go start a fire. You feed your animals and listen to the wind continue to blow as you haven’t changed your clothes yet and your feet ache and the muscles in your neck and shoulders hurt from the stress of the day.

You look at tomorrow’s schedule and it’s a repeat of today. Check the forecast and that is no different either. You remove your shoes, put on slippers, fill the wood stove and you think to yourself, “it’s just great to be a pet sitter.” And you realize you can’t do it anymore.

Yes, it has been many months since I wrote a blog, and now that I have actually some free time to write I thought I would start with a recap of my summer.

It is now 4:30 in the morning and I am up, that is about an hour later than some of my days have started in the last 60+ days.  I will give you a snapshot of my summer and you can tell me if you want to be a pet sitter.

The sun isn’t even up and most people are still deep in REM I am up early, dogs everywhere in my house; two cats in my spare bedroom for boarding and one cat in quarantine in the other bedroom and one cat in prison in the basement and the last 2 are out in the yard somewhere.  Say Good Morning to Everyone and I open the back door and let the dogs out.  Check crates for accidents during the night than go start coffee.

Thundering of multiple feet coming through the door as they know I am in the kitchen and they are hoping for breakfast, but it is coffee I have on my mind at this time of day, they can all wait.  Too early for breakfast.

Check emails.  Log onto Facebook.  Answer emails.  Drink some more coffee and smoke a cigarette as I tell myself I need to quit.

There are dogs at my feet while I sit at the dining room table, stepping over toys and dogs of all sizes scrambling from the living room and than through the living room and out the back door.  It’s Romper Room. 

Smoke a cigarette and get some more coffee.  It still isn’t light out and I begin the regiment of feedings.  Who gets what and how much.  Limit the number of dogs in the kitchen as I begin the feedings.  Two or three at a time making sure no one eats someone else’s food and that there are no disagreements while feedings start.  Who gets a cookie or doesn’t.  Treats can’t be distributed in “general population”, run the risk of fights.

Feedings for the dogs are now done, time to feed the cats.  Clean boxes, gather up food dishes, wash food dishes and begin distributing cat food to everyone.  Vacuum the cat room, clean boxes, check water and back to my coffee.

Take a quick shower get dressed.

Who just pissed on the floor?!  Thank God I wear slippers.  Grab paper towels and cleaner and clean that up.

Get dressed.  Crate those that need it.  Leave the back door open.  Feed the parakeet.  Check water in the muck bucket outside and the water dish inside.  Pack my lunch bag and head out.  The sun is now just coming up.

Out the door I go to start my day.  Check my schedule; where do I have to be first?  It’s going to be a long day.

Start my route, traffic is light.  It is going to a scorcher today and I am prepared with multiple bottles of water and snacks, but I am still working on my coffee.

Stop at house one, feed the cats, drive. Walk this dog, drive.  Walk that dog, drive.  Walk these dogs, drive.  Let these dogs out, drive. Go to post office, drive.  Go let those dogs out, drive. Feed those cats, drive.  Walk that dog, drive. Drive some more.  Make some phone calls.  Back home, check on dogs and make sure I still have a house. Check water, distribute treats and than back in the car.  Drive some more.  Last couple of jobs to do and than I can go home.  Can’t wait?  Or can I?

On a good day I was home by 4 PM, and some days a bit earlier.  But some days I was out more than I was home and I had some very nice friends helping me with managing dogs at my house. 

Ah I can sit and relax.  Yeah right.

Don’t pee on that!  Don’t take the toys out in the yard!  Stop humping him!  I came home for this?  Don’t eat that!

Feedings to start.  Check on the cats.  Again, who gets what and how much. 

I have lost my mind!  It’s a wonder I don’t drink more. Time to feed myself.  You would think I am serving myself steak.  The dogs are at the baby gate leading to the kitchen crying and whining and pawing at it.  My personal sanctuary; the kitchen, now that is sad.

Sit outside in the fresh air to eat.

Dogs at my feet.  Getting sneezed on and pawed at.  Drool on my legs.  This is my life I think.  If I could only get this much attention from the opposite sex! 

OMG, I am eating a salad!  Didn’t matter to them; the dogs, think it has to be something better than what they just ate.

Finished eating, back inside the house.  Ok who just shit on the floor?!  Clean that up.  Say a couple of 4-letter words.  Besides WTF!

I tell myself, this is what I do. 

More running back and forth, but this time it’s the dogs in my house. Thank God for the split screen on the slider. The weights on the bottom have now been torn off.  Buy a new one once all the madness of dogs in my house is over in a couple of months. Pick up toys.  Put the cushions back on the sofa and look at the dog nose art on my windows.  Don’t bother cleaning that until the madness is over in a couple of months.

Air conditioner running while the back door is open, and all I could think of is my Dad saying to us when we were kids, “What are you doing leaving the door open the air conditioner is on?!”  Well Dad, this is different.

Back outside to smoke a cigarette and try to relax.  What’s that? Relax.  A day off hasn’t happened in months.  I love the summer I tell myself. 

The warmth, the early sunrises I see and the sunsets that keep me focused.  I witness a great deal of beauty everyday.  Cleaning up animal excrement isn’t one of them, but that is small to what I get to see everyday with the hours I keep.

It’s starting to get dark.  Time to get to bed. But it doesn’t mean I am going to sleep.  I am either reading or watching some TV while using my listening skills to keep an ear on what the dogs are doing in the other room.

Oh, what will tomorrow bring. 

Thank God I wear slippers in my house.

Summer is now over and my schedule has lessened some, but I am still up early so I can do what I have to do.

Would I trade it for anything?  No.  I have a great tan!

Enjoy your day Everyone! 

Love Your Pets!  They Will Always Love You Back!

The weather is finally to the point that most people are sporting shorts and T-shirts and their thoughts turn to the beach – bikini time!  But I am not talking about You humans, I am talking about you and your dog!

No, your dog won’t be sporting a bikini this season, unless you are one of those owners that think dressing your dog up for no apparent reason and even than, I don’t think you will be taking them to the beach dressed like that.

Exercise and your pet are a very important factor of their daily life.  Keeping your dog active helps them throughout stages of their lives.  By doing a daily routine of walking or playing or better, both, will keep your pet from becoming obese and alleviate joint problems.

Speaking from experience of having two dogs; one which had both his knees operated on in less than a 6 week time span and one who has hip dysplasia, I have found doing a daily 15 to 30 minute walk has helped both of them a great deal.

I know that a number of you may have a senior dog, over the age of 8 and are thinking that they don’t need to be walked or are too old for this activity.  You are wrong.  Keeping your senior dog active is very important and does help with joint problems and weight.

I don’t take my dogs hiking or out running anymore, but because I have gotten them into a regular walk, even just a 15 minute walk on some days, has helped both my dogs a great deal. 

Casey my 12 year old lab is showing signs of better mobility even just in the house.  Sherlock who had both his knees done because of torn ACL’s last year is now more agile and almost able to do some activities that he hasn’t since the surgeries.

Dogs and cats are becoming obese and it is the number one concern among veterinarians and by doing a daily exercise routine it will help keep your pet at an ideal weight and help you at the same time.

By doing a daily routine of exercise, especially walking can also avoid certain joint problems too, which I learned when Sherlock tore his first ACL.  The first question I was asked was, “Do you walk him daily?” and by my answer his physical therapist told me that I could of possibly avoided this injury if I walked him regularly and not just taking him to the dog park for exercise.

Yes my dogs are on supplements to help them with arthritis and their joint issues, but keeping them active with their regular walks has improved their mobility more than dropping a pill or two in their food.

By taking your pet walking, it also provides them with stimulation.  It can become a social activity especially if you live in an active neighborhood that has other dogs being walked.  Keep in mind, if you have dogs that are not “sure” of other dogs, always take proper precautions when out with your pet.

Pay attention to the weather when walking also.  Never walk your dog that may have health issues in the height of afternoon when the temperatures may be at its highest.  Early morning walks, late afternoon or early evenings are the best time to walk your dogs.  If your schedule doesn’t allow for you to walk your dog at these best times, you can hire a pet sitter/dog walker to come in and walk your dog, or even better, get up a little earlier to get them out for a morning stroll.

A pet is a lifetime commitment.  Taking 15 to 30 minutes of your day to show some love, create that bonding time and most important, to give your dog some activity is part of that commitment and responsibility.   Make it a daily family activity.  It is a known fact that “city” dogs get more exercise than “country” dogs.  Why, because pet owners that live in the city have to take their dogs out to relieve themselves and those that live in the suburbs or more rural areas just let their dogs out, and don’t give them that daily activity.

No matter what, get out and walk!  Your dog will be happier and healthier and so will you.  I walk dogs everyday because that is my job, and when I get home I still take the time to walk my dogs.  Now as soon as I walk in the door, my dog Sherlock is so excited because he knows we are going for a walk.

Have a Wonderful Pet Day Everyone! 

It is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, visit your local shelter or rescue and open your home to a new kitty.  Many senior cats need homes too, not just kittens. .

Follow me on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Happy-Tails-Petsitting-Services-Inc/137610856492?ref=tn_tnmn

I know this is not my typical blog that I post or write about, but I was asked by a friend to do a favor for a local family.

A local family’s son is in the hospital, not your typical hospital stay.  He is in Dupont Medical Center in Delaware, not just for a couple days or a week, but for a year.  A Full Year!  Could you imagine spending a year in the hospital?  Most people don’t like going to visit at the hospital let alone staying there for year.

This young man has had multiple surgeries, and with each surgery there have been complications; from having a feeding tube inserted to surgeries on his heart.

His name is Wesley and he is 20 years old.

This is a Card Campaign of Encouragement. 

Below you can view the request I received written by an unknown person, but obviously someone that knows him personally.  Read the note and take the time today and pick up a card of encouragement, of inspiration and mail it to this young man who is struggling for his life. 

I ask that you forward this to all that you know and help reach the goal of 5000 cards for Wesley.  Every little bit helps.
Wesley Schneeberger is a twenty year old young man who has been battling for his life for the past thirteen weeks at Dupont Medical Center in Delaware. He has had multiple surgeries on his heart, a feeding tube inserted to his stomach, and many complications with each of these surgeries. Wesley has had a tracheotomy to help him breathe. Therefore, he must use a typing device to communicate. Wesley has recently become agitated and angry, understandably so, for he can’t go home and has to spend at least a year in a hospital facility. All of this while waiting for a new heart.

Wesley loves rap music. He graduated H.S. from Coatesville, PA He loves the water, Stan’s boat and his dog Maddie. He is just the sweetest guy and has an awesome sense of humor! (I had him blinking signs..(and yes he told me i was a crazy lady in the first few minutes of us meeting!!)…Right now he is mad that he has been in DuPont for such a long time…(10weeks) he does not know that his stay is long term…He is very proud of the fact that we started selling tee-shirts for him….(he has one in his unit)….He is simple one cool kid.Can you please help Wesley by giving him some inspiration? He sure does need it now. You can do this by sending cards to him at:

Wesley Schneeberger

A I DuPont Children 

1600 Rocland Road  

Wilmington, DE 19803 

CICU Room 2302

Thank you for doing this.   It means so much to this young man’s family and hopefully will bring a smile to young man’s face.

We know that some pets enjoy going to the vet and many humans don’t.  But than you have the pets that know they are going for a ride, but as soon as they walk through that door, they know the place they are at is not going to be fun.

In the past 6 weeks I have been at some vets at least 4 times for my pets.  While I was there I observed the people just as much as the pets that they brought in with them.

There were the cute little puppies there for their first set of shots and the elderly dogs for their check-ups and every type of dog breed and cat carriers with meowing and the much panting from dogs.  The dogs with growths the size of small soccer balls on the side of the bodies, ailing and aging dogs with joint problems and partially blind, dog with digestive problems either with running poo or no pee!  Cats meowing loudly while confined in their carrier.  All of them; cats or dogs, were very unhappy to be there no matter what the reason.

It was the people I looked and observed. 

Some of the owners were relaxed awaiting their turn, and others had as much anxiety on their face as their dog.  You could see the worry on their face as they sat their quietly waiting to talk to the vet either because their pet was severely ill or it had a sudden change in their health that was unexpected, all making small talk to the others waiting their turn.  First question that most pet owners asked of those waiting was, “What kind of dog is that?”  Small talk helped rid us of some worry and desperation we all must have shown on our face.  But it didn’t remove the worry or the thoughts racing through our minds.

You could overhear the conversations between the vet tech and the pet owner.  “When did he/she last vomit?” “Did they vomit blood?”  “When was the last time he/she ate?”  Along with other various questions and the pet was whisked away behind a door of unknown territory.  Emergencies were ushered into the back by a person dressed in scrubs; some with happy cats and dogs and others were just the plain blue color.  Those that had emergency pets really showed worry on their faces and body language; unable to sit still or get comfortable in the waiting room not making any eye contact with the others.  Most of them making phone calls or sending texts on their cell phone informing other family members or loved ones of what was happening to the family pet.

Bringing your pet in for an emergency makes one feel so helpless.  It is not like a child who may have a fever or belly ache, it is a pet that often hides their ailments like a mask on Halloween hides a persons’ face.  They are fine one day and the next they are vomiting, lethargic or showing signs of distress.  You feel so helpless.  I experienced that too in the last 6 weeks.

I too sat there with worry going through my head wondering what the visit would entail and if my pet was going to be ok.  Waiting for the vet tech to come out and give me some sort of encouraging words. Or trying to keep my dog calm as he pranced around wanting to meet everyone or go sniff a butt of a dog that was 1/10th the size of him and not understanding why he was there to begin with, giving me the look like, “I’m OK.  Let’s go home now so I can continue to lick and chew on my tail!” 

Whether they were there for an emergency or just for a check up, the worry and concern showed up on their faces, some more than others.  Visiting the vet is never fun for either the pet or the owner; it is always stressful for both parties.

Always remember, don’t hesitate to take your pet to the vet especially if you see a behavior change in them.  Whether it is a digestive issue or something as simple as them being lethargic, the most common thing you may take for granted could actually be a life threatening condition in a cat or a dog.  Your pet depends upon you, take care of them and they will repay you 10-fold.

Have a Great Pet Day Everyone!  Happy Memorial Day!  Keep your pets safe this weekend!

Good Morning Everyone -

A client of mine sent this video to me showing a man dropping off a cat at her front door in a cat carrier.  This happened last week at her home while she was out.

This occurred in West Brandywine Township, Chester County, PA. Please watch and SHARE this video or blog to all those in this area. 

This woman cannot keep this cat.  She already has a large number of cats that she currently cares for. 

He is a neutered male cat that is approximately 2 years old or younger.  He is on the small side.  It is obvious that the cat is not used to dogs or other cats.  If you can identify this man or the car he is driving, please contact me.  If you are interested in adopting this cat, PLEASE contact me.

You can see the man at the 45 - 1.45 mark and his car at the 2.20 mark.  The cat appears on the video after that.

Contact me personally at paws48@verizon.net if you can identify the man or are interested in adopting this kitty.

Thanks Everyone!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uJjofGb2bU&feature=email

We all suffer from depression and we know that our pet likes us have bad days from time to time.  But do we actually know what our pets feel?

From time to time, we all suffer loss or loneliness and we believe our dogs especially, live in the moment so why would they feel any loss or sadness?

Recently I lost a cat as a result of a devastating accident.  Though I didn’t witness it, I can only assume what happened.  It was an unexpected loss and because of it, it has caused me great sadness.

We live in our pets energy fields.  For those that may not think about it, but our dogs or cats personal energy fields are much larger than ours.   So they pick up on our energy; whether it is happiness or sadness.  They feel what we feel.  Why do you think that a dog may nudge you when you are feeling sad or ill, because they “know” that something isn’t right with us? 

So do our pets feel depression based upon our feelings?

The other evening after the loss of my cat, my dog Sherlock attempted to nuzzle me.  He tried many times to show some sort of support.  But I was beyond “the nuzzle” of a dog to remove my heaviness I felt in my heart, that even now I still feel.  He knew something wasn’t right and he made every attempt to remove that burden from my heart.

I have read that dogs or cats suffer sadness from the loss of a human or a housemate; another pet, but can then feel the sadness that we feel?  Can they feel the loss of another pet in the home?  I am not asking my audience for answers, only to think about it.

Depression is the worst of all “illnesses” to possess.  A cold or the flu will fade, it may make us miserable when we have it, but it will pass.  Depression is like a dark cloud that hovers over us even on the sunniest days.  Some days it may not be as heavy and only be like a fog, but it is still there lingering for that opportunity to wrap us in that darkness and pull us into it like an envelope to be sealed.

When you live alone and have no one other than your pets, and you experience the loss of one pet or in my case, three in eight months, it can be devastating to ones “animal world” let alone ones own personal space sort to say.  And yes, I know they feel my pain.  They know there is something wrong with the home and the balance it once had.

Why am I telling you this? Because I feel that we need to pay attention to our own personal feelings as they relate to our pets.  Our anger, rage or depression affects them.  Our happiness affects them.  They know when things are good and they definitely know when things are bad.

Because I am so in touch with the compassionate side of my being, which is as a human, I feel the loss maybe deeper than those that may not have pets, or those that even if they have pets may not dwell on the loss of a pet.  But when it happens so unexpectedly, it takes a great deal out of ones soul and it dwells in ones heart like a heavy block resting there that won’t be removed by any human hand.

Whether what I am saying makes sense to you or not I really don’t care.  Death of a pet affects each of us differently.  Since my loss was sudden and unexpected and the way in which my pet died makes it even more heartbreaking and harder to fathom.

Keep in mind, we live in our pets world, they do not live in ours.  They feel what we feel.  So stress, anger and sadness they are all aware of.  They just can’t act it out like we do, or try to smother it with some other substance that they can eat or drink.

I apologize for the topic and the matter it may have been presented.  I just want my audience to be aware of their feelings and how they relate in your home and with your pets.  For those that live alone and only have pets as companionship, you especially need to stay in-tune to those feelings.

Have a Happy Pet Day Everyone!

Follow me on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Happy-Tails-Petsitting-Services-Inc/137610856492

Fostering pets brings many rewards to ones heart and mind.  Though some may say, I don’t have the time to do.  Yes, fostering a pet is not a weekend job or a Monday through Friday task; it is an every day thing you must do.  But there are many shelters or rescues that need fostering, especially in the spring when they become overrun with puppies and kittens.

Read the attached article regarding fostering.  Share it with others so maybe they can read the benefits of fostering.

I would foster….but I would become a foster failure and I can’t keep anymore pets than what I already have.

Have a Happy Pet Day Everyone!

http://blog.petsforpatriots.org/what-is-pet-fostering/

Sometimes we have days that make the world seem small or very unfriendly and we find ourselves feeling all alone and in such despair.  What we may need is that little “feel good moment”.

To some of us it may be something simple as a hug from a friend or loved one. Some comfort food like ice cream, macaroni and cheese or for me Nilla Wafers. Or it could just be some quiet time with our beloved pet or pets.  We each have our own way to sit, relax and reflect to make the world not look so dark and lonely.

One of the things I do is watch some videos from time to time. So I have attached some Feel Good videos.  These little shorts are done by an “acquaintance” I have become friends with on Facebook. (There is that dreaded social media thing again.) But I have found when I need to smile or laugh a little I will watch one of her videos and they make me feel happy.  The make ME Feel Good.

I want to share them with you today, because I am in need of a Feel Good Moment!

Enjoy!

Have a Happy Pet Day Everyone!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSLfZc9CWnI&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vIQYHhXAMs&feature=endscreen&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETCJjN2INJs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIrtvNigp7A

No, this post isn’t about basketball, hockey or that spring training has opened for the Phillies.  And it isn’t about those individuals that are scratching at the thought of not wearing winter clothes and sporting summer wear.  This post is about a Birthday Wish for a young man that lives in Nebraska and for the last year has worked at helping so many shelter animals in his home state and throughout the United States.

His name is Stevie Nelson and he will be turning 7 this March 16th.

I follow him on Facebook and today him; his Mother, posted the following:

“Hey everyone! Did you know that MY Birthday is next Friday (March 16th)! Mom has had several people ask if they can send me cards and that would be awesome! I have also had people asking if I will be having a fundraiser for my birthday, as they would like to donate.
Here is what I would like to do….Shipping is very expensive and there are a LOT of shelters out there that I don’t even know about yet….SO I would LOVE for people to make a donation to THEIR LOCAL SHELTER/RESCUE of their choice in honor of me! This includes: Product Donations, $$$ Donations and even Volunteering during the month of March!!! Then…let me know where you made YOUR donation for my Birthday and I will put them in a drawing to win a $$$ donation from ME! :) AND…if you can get kids to volunteer/fundraise/donate with you, the kids will get DOUBLE entries into the drawing! Yep…I am trying to encourage kids to help in their communities too! :-) How many people do you think that I can get to volunteer/donate in honor of my birthday?!?! 100???….500???….1000???? :)”

Now this is a 6 year old and for his birthday last year he asked not for presents for himself but for donations for the local shelter, which didn’t even exist, only foster care was available for animals in Northeast Nebraska.  He alone raised over $38,000 in donations and over $6,000 in product donations.  I can’t even do that!

Why is it that a 6 year old can come up with something like this, but to get us adults to take action and do something is always so hard?

So to all of you who read this, or follow me, I put this challenge out to you!  Make an effort. Do something to help your local shelter or rescue.  I don’t care which one it is.  Just DO IT!  If you are a teacher; propose it to your students or other teachers in your school.  If you work in an office, talk to your co-workers, your boss or to your management.  If you are a parent or a stay at home Mom, than talk to the other parents or moms in your neighborhood and get everyone involved. Most importantly, get your kids involved and make this a family project!

Go to your local market or your local pet food chain store and pick up some items; food, treats, dog or cat toys, collars, leashes, beds, or whatever you want and take it to a shelter of your choice.

Than you NEED to send Stevie an email with the following information:

Your Name (s), the Shelter/Rescue and their mailing address and their website

And here is his email:
stevienelsonsfurryfriends@hotmail.com

Than go find Stevie on Facebook and follow him!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stevie-Nelsons-6th-Birthday-Wish/122881034455818

And watch the magic happen!

Share this posting with your friends and family members that are also pet owners or animal lovers and maybe we can make the magic happen here in our area too! Or wherever you are and are reading this.

We can all make a difference in our communities, but when we join together, we can make a change!

Have a Great Pet Day Everyone!

Please read and share. This a great service that will help the community and pet owners in need.

Donate or volunteer if you can. Let’s keep this pantry open and help service pet owners that need this.

Love Me Love My Pets http://www.coatesvilledoes.com/love-me-love-my-pets/

It is like the “dark secret” that we are all well aware of, but we don’t want to hear about it or even see or witness it, but it happens.  It happens EVERYDAY, in EVERY kill shelter in the United States. 

This video clip interviews two shelter workers from a kill shelter in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Grab a tissue - if you have any compassion for animals, this video will touch you. The number of animals that are euthanized are staggering and this brings that “dark secret” to light.

Please Spay and Neuter your pets!  Adopt your next pet.  Don’t go to a breeder.  There are many pure bred dogs and cats available at your local shelter.

Save a pet today!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-S-FeR0YwY

This morning I woke up and I was reviewing my emails over my cup of coffee as I always do and I ran across this Examiner story. Guess what it’s about?  Dog Fighting!  Guess where? Coatesville, Pennsylvania. 

This poor dog was found only about 5 or 6 miles from where I live and it is startling and very upsetting. 

Oh, I am not naive to the fact that there may be dog fighting in this area.  I see too many pit bulls in this area to not think that there is dog fighting going on in this city.

Drive down First Avenue or along business 30 in Coatesville anytime between 10 AM and 2 PM and you will usually see at least 1 or 2 dogs being walked around by a person.  That doesn’t mean that the dogs I see are fighting dogs.  But as my neighbor pointed out to me one time, “you never see any “old” pit bulls only young ones.” And that is very true with most of them being intact males.

Never turn the blind eye to this type of abuse.  Dog fighting is illegal and is the worst of any type of animal abuse that could be inflicted on a dog.  Because it takes two dogs; one to fight and one to be the victim.  It also takes a very shallow, narrow minded person to fight dogs.  Like the Baltimore, Maryland campaign states on their billboards, “Only a Punk would abuse an Animal.”

If you live in this vicinity, don’t be afraid to report something you may see that may be questionable regarding dog fighting or strange activity regarding dogs.  Those that turn a blind eye and do nothing, are just as guilty as those that participate.

http://www.examiner.com/animal-welfare-in-philadelphia/abused-dog-left-for-dead-on-side-of-road-west-chester-pa?CID=examiner_alerts_article

There have been many statements about how those that abuse animals eventually “move on” to abusing children and than onto adults.  Though there is very little focus put on those that have been found guilty of abuse animal abusing children.  Well I have a link below that shows it does happen.

Those that abuse children are the lowest of low of the human race. And those that abuse animals are right there with them.  The problem is that the laws that are currently enforced in most states put child abusers away for a substantial amount of time, but those that abuse animals get a slap on the wrist and are sent on their way.

These laws must be changed!

We as constituents that vote our congressmen and women into office need to begin to write to them that these laws need to be changed. I being one of them will start doing this on a regular basis and also will gather data to prove that the laws need to be changed for those that are guilty of animal abuse will eventually turn to abusing children or other adults.  IT is a FACT!

Already in some states they are trying to get an animal abuse database started that will make those individuals that have been accused of animal abuse to be registered just like a sex offender.  I think that this is a great idea and is the beginning of going into the right direction.

I wouldn’t want a child abuser living near me especially if I had children, just like I wouldn’t want an animal abuser living in my neighborhood as a pet owner!  Would you?

Laws need to be changed and we have to make these changes, even if it is just in our state alone. 

Take action - make changes - protect those that can’t protect themselves. We as parents and pet owners need to make these changes and need to make our voices heard!

Have a Happy Pet Day Everyone!

http://www.examiner.com/dogs-in-national/dog-abuser-jailed-for-beating-baby?CID=examiner_alerts_article

All of us have a particular position we like to sleep in; fetal, on our back, or on our stomach.  But animals can do it and they can do it so much better than us humans.

If you have owned a cat, and I own several, I am sure you have seen some of these positions displayed by them while they have been asleep.  I know I have.

On that note…nitey nite everyone…sleep tight.  Curl up with your favorite 4-legged companion and go to sleep.  Sweet Dreams!

Enjoy this link!

http://www.buzzfeed.com/animals/awkward-cat-sleeping-positions

Recently I posted about caring for the senior pet and talked mainly about my dog Casey, but today I am going to discuss caring for the senior cat.

This is also a dedication to my cat Virgil, who passed away yesterday while I was at work.  Virgil was 19 years old.

Cats are very difficult at times when they age and become seniors.  Cats over the age of 8 are considered senior pets just like dogs. If you were to look at an age chart for dogs and cats, we all know that dogs age at an average of 7 years for each 1 human year, for cats it is a little different.

Some charts don’t even plot out age of pets over the age of 15, and in my experience of owning pets and doing pet sitting if you have a pet that lives past 14 or 15 years of age, whether they are cats or dogs it is remarkable.

If your cat ages without any major illness such as renal failure or thyroid problems or even cancer you are very lucky and blessed.  I have been very lucky to state that I have had senior cats that have had no illnesses other than “old age.”

There are a number of OTC medication you can give to you cat for various “aging” illnesses such as arthritis or digestive issues.  These aging illnesses are common among cats as they age, besides the more serious ones such as renal failure.

One product you can buy OTC is called Hip Action.  They are chewable treats you can give your cats for arthritis and stiffness in joints.  I have clients that give this to their cats to help them with their mobility and it works really good and they do see an improvement with their cats taking this “treat” on a daily basis. Remember - Never give your cat an aspirin - this will cause sudden death!

If arthritis is a problem you are experiencing with your aging cat, than consider yourself lucky.  Aging in cats can also bring with them problems with eating and chewing problems.

Eating problems in cats such as becoming more finicky do become more of an issue with older cats, at least in my experience.  I personally contribute this to the fact that cats like to eat things that smell good so they are appetizing to them.  And as they age, their olfactory senses begin to wear down and their food must have a strong odor for it to appear appetizing to them.

In the last month I noticed that Virgil was having problems eating and became pickier about what to eat.  So I found myself going and buying all sorts of things to get him to eat; baby food, sardines, tuna fish, salmon and canned clams.  I also started to cook him ground turkey, anything to make him eat.

I am sure you are saying, “Well did you take him to the vet?” Yes, Virgil had been to the vet a number of times over the past 4 to 6 months to discuss his health and his eating issues.  Because of his age, I also made a decision that I wasn’t going to do anything extensive for him. By saying this I wasn’t going to put him through tests that may have proved nothing other than he is aging.

Just as in dogs, cats will begin to lose their hearing and eyesight.  I was lucky that Virgil still could see but his hearing had really started to suffer, so he spent the last 6 months of his life living inside.  Yes, my cats go in and out during all the times of year, but because Virgil couldn’t hear the car anymore I had to move him into the house for his own safety. More owners kill this own cats because they don’t check for them under the car or because the cat doesn’t move when they see a car because they can’t hear it.

The other habit your aging cat may begin to do is cry.  Yes, crying.  Meowing loud and repetitive at all times a day, especially at night can be alarming and also scary.  Because it almost sounds like a cat howling and because it is a continuous meowing and you wonder if they are breathing.  When talking to my vet about this, she explained to me that cats often do that because they wonder where their “human” is.  So often when Virgil did this, I would pick him up and hold him to reassure him I was there with him.

Aging cats will also begin to stop using the litter box.  This annoying unwanted habit can often be contributed to renal failure or even a urinary tract infection, which can be treated with antibiotics or other medication.

Cats will also lose weight and muscle mass as they age, becoming very frail.  Just as an elderly person ages their skin will become thinner and they will stop grooming themselves so brushing and bathing them may become a regular activity with your aging cat.

Coming home yesterday and finding Virgil had passed while I was work was devastating and very upsetting.  I knew his days were numbered when he had stopped eating and I attempted force feeding him the last 24 hours using a syringe and putting his food through a food processor.  But I couldn’t get him to eat anything, no matter what combination of food I mixed up for him.  There is no way to describe the helpless feeling you have when you can’t get your pet to eat.

Virgil has been with me through 4 moves and a divorce.  He has been through fights and almost lost his one eye due to one fight.  He was the alpha cat in my house until the end, still bossing the other cats around and my dogs were still afraid of him even though he only weighed 7 pounds.  Virgil will be missed because I have had him the longest.  He was one unique cat, and he also was a rescue.  So rescue cats do live a lot longer than people may believe.

Hug your pet today; dog or cat.  Tell them you love them and take care of them until the end.  They depend upon you for the given right of life.  You will never be sorry. Because what they bring you over the years can not be measured, counted or put into words.

Have a Happy Pet Day Everyone!

http://foothillpethospital.com/agingchart.html

http://andoveranimal.com/age.shtml

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rjw_aCr7-9s&list=UUHIl3_GQWIpKJ08dByhbYMQ&index=17&feature=plcp

Last night while spending time on Facebook, I ran across this link regarding the Humane PA Movement.  I thought I would share it with my audience, because I believe that laws can be changed in the state to protect animals and to make abuse or cruelty laws stiffer and the punishment fit the crime.

If you feel strongly about animals; dogs, cats or others, than take the time and read and advocate!

Have a Happy Pet Day Everyone!

http://humaneusapapac.org/