The Animal Advocate

Why I wrote "Do Unto Others"

2012-01-11T14:41:00.000-05:00

If anyone needs another reason as to why I wrote Do Unto Others (http://www.amazon.com/Do-Unto-Others-ebook/dp/B005KMBC1E), please read the following story (from the Orlando Sentinel, 1/11/12)...

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/crime/os-sea-gulls-killed-beach-animal-cruelty-20120110,0,806912.story#tugs_story_display

A Christmas "dog tale"...

2011-11-17T14:58:00.000-05:00

My poor blog has been so woefully neglected that I thought I'd give it a little attention via hoping readers will give my short story a lot of attention...

Way back in 1996, we put one of our dogs - Beau - to sleep on the day before Christmas Eve. Lousy all the way around, to say the least. Got even lousier when Beau's sister, our precious Emma, mourned him for over a year. And, to be quite honest, I don't know why she snapped out of her grief...maybe because I did?

In any case, I sat down and wrote Zellwood: A Dog Story in 1998. And after two decades of professional writing, this little piece of work remains my favorite. So, I've decided that - this Christmas - I'm going to try and get as many dog lovers as I can to read it. Especially those who've lost and mourned a beloved pet, as we have (Emma died in 2004 and our third dog, Maggie, is now 16 so her days are surely numbered).

And although the story may initially sound like it's too sad for words...trust me...it has a glorious ending. So I hope all of you who read it will find it as cathartic as it was for me. Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/Zellwood-ebook/dp/B004KAA9PC

To each and all...have a wonderful holiday season.

Dog Books

2011-08-26T13:14:00.000-05:00

If anyone is still reading my pitiful blog, the reason it's rarely updated is because I'm so busy writing books for Amazon's Kindle...and marketing said books (which is a major p.i.t.a.)...that I simply run out of time and energy.

Anyway, on that woeful note, I'm going to list my current books below in hopes that my animal-loving friends will - at the very least - sample them. And although they range from short stories to a suspense novel to my previously-published columns, they all have one thing in common: DOGS. Beloved, beloved dogs.

Here are the links to the books:
http://www.amazon.com/Zellwood-ebook/dp/B004KAA9PC/
http://www.amazon.com/A-Three-Dog-Night-ebook/dp/B004M191IA/
http://www.amazon.com/Devils-Moon-ebook/dp/B004HFRGIS/
http://www.amazon.com/The-Animal-Advocate-ebook/dp/B0045OUK9S/

Very soon, I will have another book to add to this list. Again, think DOGS...:-))

Brevard County, FL Animal Services: Reactive vs. Proactive

2011-07-23T13:06:00.000-05:00

Regarding the resignation of our current county animal shelter director and the search for yet another one:

This entire situation makes me so sad...I've lived in this county since 1965 and here we are in 2011 yet hardly a thing has changed in all those years. Brevard is 72 miles long and currently home to over 500,000 people. But we still have ONLY two animal shelters, both of which are in abhorrent shape. NACC should've been demolished decades ago (I used to work there so trust me on this one) and SACC never lived up to its touted expectations. So, if it weren't for the various humane societies, rescue groups, etc., I can't even imagine how our abandoned animals would suffer...as if they're not suffering enough already.

But it always seems to boil down to the same crap: money (not enough) and politics (too many). Animal services in this backwater county has always been reactive vs. proactive. As someone who has been involved with animal issues for over 30 years, I've never seen a time when this place didn't have serious issues with how we handle homeless pets.

For the record, I am not a proponet of "no kill" shelters UNLESS and UNTIL there are sufficient funds and space to make this program work. Nor am I a TNR fan. Sorry, but as a former shelter employee, I'd much rather see an animal humanely euthanized than to live out its life in a cage or simply "sustained" in a colony.

Do I have an answer? Well, I wholeheartedly agree that there should be more "publicity" (ie, adoption events, foster programs, etc.). I'd also be in support of a mandatory spay/neuter law for a set amount of time, one that was heavily enforced. But all that takes money. Personally, I'd like to see our shelters privatized as Brevard's powers-that-be still have their heads up their butts and I doubt a new director is going to be able to change a damn thing.

But since I know my "ideas" won't ever come to fruition, I just continue to beat my head against this wall that should've been demolished long ago. In my dreams, huh?

Flori...duh

2011-05-01T12:15:00.000-05:00

With all the problems Florida has and with the current legislative session ending this week, our esteemed lawmakers in Tallahassee spent time working on a bill that would designate the Barking Tree Frog as the state's official amphibian. It would join the Zebra Longwing as the official butterfly and the horse conch as the state shell, among many other such designations.

I have lived here almost fifty years and I'm here to tell you that I wouldn't know a barking tree frog if it barked at me or a horse conch if it whinnied...no wonder people call us "Flori-duh".....

The Easter Bunny

2011-04-22T14:40:00.001-05:00

My childhood Easter memories: A new spring dress, white shoes and gloves; a rainbow-hued cellophane-wrapped basket crammed with candy; multi-colored eggs in hiding…and the animals. Soft and furry bunny babies. Green, blue and pink chicks; little “peeps” that mysteriously disappeared after a few days.

I honestly don’t know where the tradition of giving tiny, helpless creatures to children on this holy holiday originated but it is a tradition that should be irretrievably broken.

Although I’ve watched TV ads with dismay as a lime-tinted hatchling popped out of a plastic egg, thankfully the horrible and inhumane practice of dyeing has been deemed animal cruelty by those who possess an ounce of decency. Yet, unfortunately, fluffy chicks can still be found in cheap abundance at your local feed store.

And much to the detriment of Peter cottontail, the Easter bunny myth rages on. Come the lovely month of May you need look no further than our animal shelters for proof. Rabbits galore, and they didn’t breed themselves silly to get there.

These hapless young animals are the remnants of Easter Sunday, tossed out as casually as that torn and crinkled cellophane, tragic symbols of an otherwise glorious occasion.

Far too many people do not project far enough into the future when acquiring a pet. Their own financial, physical, and emotional capabilities notwithstanding, the very real needs of the animal are often ignored.

This is especially true at Easter. For that fuzzy, itty-bitty chick will soon be a scratching, squawking chicken. And although baby rabbits are adorable, as adults they are a whole different animal than that precious little hippity-hoppity of six months ago.

So soon there will be a mini-farm in the back bedroom and the kids will have returned to their video games. Now what?

Humane societies constantly see the pitiful aftermath of these hasty, impulsive decisions. Yet they will take your feathered former-friend and hope for the best. They will try to calm your Easter bunny that, for lack of attention, has been reduced to a cage-trashing maniac. And they will listen to the loud and clear testimony cloaked in your sob story that the newness has worn off and, oh, what a mistake you made. That baby cluck has turned foul and the infant March hare is now a ‘dirty wabbit.’

Hopefully, the lesson will be learned here before it’s too late. For, although your children may beg and plead, the reality is that not long after the sun sets on a few Sundays, they will most likely ignore those once-upon-a-time little bundles of life.

If parents succumb to this seasonal whim, odds are great that it will be the animals who pay the ultimate price. Alone, neglected, and in a hell not of their own making, the meaning of Easter will surely be stained.

So please resist the temptation of crass commercialism and teach your children intelligent compassion instead. Cute and cuddly stuffed animals don’t mind at all being tossed aside and forgotten.

Patrick the Pitbull

2011-03-29T13:49:00.000-05:00

Please take a deep breath - along with your painkiller of chioce - and watch the following video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYm7irMrlF4

Then please take a huge gulp of animal-loving righteousness and sign the following petition:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/patrick-starved-dog-thrown-down-garbage-chute/

'Nuf said...

Profound and Beautiful Baby Squirrel Rescue

2011-02-09T16:01:00.000-05:00

I live in Florida. We have palm trees. I don't give a flying-flip if the dying fronds "hang" to the sides until they come off in their own good time. But my husband does.....SO, despite repeated warnings of "watch for baby squirrels" - which he repeatedly says he does - today he announces that there are two pink, hairless babies on the ground. I was so pissed I could've spit at him.

Anyway, not only were babies on the ground but the entire nest was, too, and it was upside down with the infants hidden underneath. So I righted the nest, put babies back, and watched and waited. No Mom. Got a towel, filled a hotwater bottle with warm water, and put all of it in a box with the babies on top. Watched and waited. No Mom.

In the meantime, called a local wildlife sanctuary. No answer. Left a message and waited. Still no Mom. Moved box into the sun (palm tree is in the shade and it was getting cold outside). Waited. No Mom.

Mind you, I've been through this scenario before but never with the "no nest" issue. And each and every time, Mom always came and got her kid(s) almost immediately. So now I'm getting increasingly anxious and worried and called the sanctuary again. Got an answer and was told everything I did was perfect and, if Mom didn't show up in a couple more hours, then deliver to said sanctuary. Yet I was supposed to remove the towel (I don't remember why).

Went out to follow these instructions and.....one of the babies was gone. How in hell did that happen when I'd had my eyes glued to the window for hours? In any case, one tiny pink body was still there and I got frantic that the other had wedged itself down inside the box. Rearranged everything again and went back inside. And watched. Waited for maybe a minute and...

Saw that scruffy tail beating the air. Saw her body trying to scale the sides of the box. Saw her disappear inside the box.....then saw her leap to the ground with her baby in her mouth. Saw her scamper away and I broke down in tears.

So let it be known far and wide that, IMHO, God is non-human. For watching this young mother squirrel finagle her way up, down, and all around to save her infants was an incredible experience. Where she took them, I have no clue (though I understand squirrels have multiple nests for just such an accident). All I know is that she wasn't going to let anything come between her and her kids.

And, for the record: If you find yourself in the same predicament, definitely give Mama time and space to come to the rescue. Unless she is dead, she will. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.....bless her heart, she will.

A Three-Dog Night

2011-02-07T16:46:00.000-05:00

Below is an excerpt from my new e-book, A Three-Dog Night. Hope you like it...

Gabriel
by Rebecca Stroud
Copyright 2011

My name is John and I'm lonesome.

I've been living in basic shell-shock since my wife, Lydia, left me six months ago. We'd been married for nearly fifty years so how in hell do you carry on when the person you practically grew up with goes and dies on you? Not very fair of her, was it?

At least, I don't think so. I mean, we were supposed to grow older and grayer together. Then, quite selfishly, I was supposed to go first, damn it. Because I can't stand life without Lydia and I'm at a loss as what to do next.

Should I clean this house that hasn't seen a duster since she died? Should I get up out of my Lazy-Boy, turn off the idiot box, and go out to smell the roses. What roses? They've all rotted and withered on the vine…just like I'm doing.

I do make it as far as the front doorstep to fetch the morning paper. Occasionally, one of my neighbors is doing the same. So I wave and hurry back inside as I don't want to talk to anyone. Apparently, they don't really want to talk to me either because I see the looks on their faces. How they avert their eyes and scurry away faster than I do. Fine by me.

And since I still have to eat - although my appetite rivals that of a bird's - I also make it as far as the corner market where Lydia and I have been grocery shopping for decades. Sure, I could go to one of the big-box stores but why bother? Yeah, my brother told me I need to get out and mingle but I doubt Wal-Mart is the place to start a meaningful conversation. Say, how 'bout them tomatoes?

So, every Monday morning, I continue to buy my meager nutrient requirements at Bud's Bodega and hope like hell Bud doesn't want to 'engage' me in chit-chat. Of course, since Lydia and I have known him forever, neither can I be rude. This particular trip proves to be a test of my willingness to socialize.

"So, John, how are you this fine day?" Bud smiles like he's never smiled before.

I grunt and nod, "Okay, Bud. Thanks for asking." I head for the produce aisle to pretend I'm looking for that award-winning tomato. He follows me.

"Ya know, John, I've been thinking. Maybe you should get a dog."

Christ. A dog. Just what I need. Another perfect soul that I can get attached to, love more than life itself, then have it die on me, too.

"No, thanks, Bud. I'm doing okay. Just going to take some time."

Unfortunately, I have to pay for my meager nutrients so I find myself face-to-face with him while he rings up my bill.

"Really, John. Just listen for a minute. Please." Bud's entire demeanor changes in a heartbeat as he relates the story of a dog that saved his family from perishing in a house-fire. A dog, who shortly thereafter, was relinquished to the local shelter because his owners were getting divorced. A dog whose repayment for giving life was most likely going to be death as he was already nine-years-old.

So, as Bud recounted this sad tale, I did. Listen that is. Because something in the telling struck a familiar chord. Tugging at me, I think it was the fact that the dog and I were a lot alike. Through no fault of my own, I had lost the light of my life. Ditto for the dog. Then came the clincher...

My e-books...

2011-01-30T16:48:00.000-05:00

Hi, everyone...is there even an "everyone" any more? Anyway, the links to my "animal" books are at the end of this post. A brief description of each:
1) Zellwood is a short story; it's about the grief process after losing a beloved dog.
2) Devil's Moon is a suspense novel; and, of course, there's a dog involved...big time. The book does, however, contain R-rated language as the antagonist is a real - ahem - piece of work.
3) The Animal Advocate you already know about but I'll tell you again; it's a collection of my newspaper/blog columns (yes, some you can read here) .
4) My next short-story book will be published in a week or two; more "dog tales"

In any case, whether you have an e-book reader or not, you can download these books to many other devices (your iphone, your PC, your Blackberry, etc.). Also, please pass the links along to all on your "animal loving" list - be it via email, Facebook, word-of-mouth, whatever - as the snowball effect is what will make my work a success. I thank you so much in advance...

Zellwood

Devil's Moon

The Animal Advocate

Buyer Beware

2011-01-24T13:53:00.000-05:00

Just a note about Goodlife dog biscuits...

Although I've been a faithful customer for years, my latest bag contained a very disturbing - and potentially dangerous - "string" of treats. "String" meaning that three of the biscuits were connected by a heavy, ropy thread that also wound itself through the biscuits.

After repeated attempts to reach anyone who gave a shit at Goodlife (including writing a personal letter to the head of the pet division at Mars Corp. and including one of the treats) - to date - I have received no response.

So, even though I'm very careful about doling out treats to my dog, some may inadvertently toss them to their pet without noticing anything amiss. All I'm doing is asking that you be very careful and ensure that you check these biscuits first. For if a dog - especially a small one - ate the ones I still have in my cupboard, you would, at best, be looking at an emergency vet visit. At worst.....a choked-to-death dog.

I Apologize...

2010-12-28T16:17:00.000-05:00

I've been so immersed in this ebook business that I've woefully neglected this blog. And I'm sorry. Another thing I need to apologize for is not checking my comments (I swear, every time I come here, something new has been added and I had no idea reader comments were awaiting my "approval"). So to those who I haven't responded to, please forgive me. I'm just getting around to reading your responses now...:-((

Hopefully, I'll get more animal posts up before too long but I'm also thinking about starting another blog about the trials and tribulations of electronic publishing. I'm not sure yet...

In any case, I appreciate all who have followed The Animal Advocate; though my "book" writing is veering off in other directions (Devil's Moon, a suspense novel, will be published on Amazon probably tomorrow), my passion is - and always will be - our beloved animal kingdom (and, fwiw, Devil is a dog!).

Be back as soon as I can...thank you for bearing with me while I navigate all these learning curves.

'Twas the Month after Christmas...

2010-11-29T17:00:00.000-05:00

This is a repeat but, in my opinion, it can never be repeated enough:

Just as a horde of half-grown bunnies are plopped down on the doorsteps of animal shelters not long after Easter, so do piles of puppies and caboodles of kittens show up shortly after December 25th.

Obviously, this influx of hapless infants is due to poor planning, impulse buying, or simply that the 'thrill is gone.' Or worse, all of the above.

Unfortunately, these youngsters (and some oldsters) who are being relinquished will pay a much higher price than market value…and an extremely unacceptable one, at that.

Therefore, I'm writing this for those who might be so caught up in the spirit that 'surprising' someone with a living, breathing, and dependent creature on Christmas morning sounds like a really nifty idea. Well, trust me, it's not.

As we all know, the holidays are filled with much excitement, disrupted routines, and - as a rule - more visitors than usual.

So just imagine the effects these conditions can have on an animal that hasn't even had enough time to get to know you, not to mention learn its boundaries and territory, then settle into a daily regimen in its new home. That's a lot to deal with, period, let alone during the stressful days or weeks that encompass any special season.

Yet, far too often, I hear about people crating their 'Christmas' puppy or kitten, dog or cat for continuous hours on end simply to keep them out of the way of company, while cooking or entertaining, wrapping presents, etc. About delaying housetraining until after the holidays. No, people, no.

If you really, truly want a pet, just hold your horses and wait until your household has returned to its normal routine. Please don't selfishly cause a bewildered baby animal (or confused older one) to be set up for failure from the get-go when all it takes is a little patience and timing.

I realize full well that there is something magical about the decorated tree, the twinkling lights, the multi-colored packages that elicit childhood memories (or wishes) of puppies or kittens peeking their adorable faces out from under those pine-scented branches.

But, in these days of overwhelming pet abandonment, such fanciful pictures in our heads need to be tempered with a mega-dose of realism.

For never forget - ever, for an instant - that pets are forever needy. They need us for their care, their sustenance, their medical assistance, their training. They need us for our constant physical presence, attention and for our love.

In a nutshell, they need to be full-fledged members of the family for their entire lives and not relegated to a sugar-plum moment induced by the spirit of the season, one to be abruptly ended when the glitz and glitter is gone.

I pray this message is taken to heart…..all year long.

Thanksgiving Dinner: Food for Thought

2010-11-19T13:10:00.000-05:00

I recently received a comment from a reader who labeled me a hypocrite because I avow to be an ardent animal lover, yet I consume meat.

For the record, I don’t eat much animal flesh; however, in the grand scheme of things, a little goes a long way…..as in, it doesn’t really matter if I have a hamburger once a year or steak every day. The bottom line is that an animal died for my dinner.

However, this column is not going to be an effort to convert the world to vegetarianism. That’s an impossibility and we know it. Whether I became a vegan this instant, the slaughterhouses would still continue to echo with the screams of terrified creatures. And that’s the point I’m going to address.

Not many decades ago, dogs and cats at county pounds were unceremoniously tossed into gas chambers, crammed together so tightly that a few even survived this traumatic horror. Animal-lovers were outraged and, as a result, today most shelters are operated by humane organizations with individual lethal injection being the normal mode of euthanasia. Still too sad, as still too many abandoned pets are being put to sleep, but at least - for the most part - they are not afraid or suffering before or during their final moments on this earth.

The same cannot be said for the cows, calves, chickens, pigs, and lambs that are killed every day for human consumption. So this begs the question: Instead of bombarding the world with grisly pictures that momentarily elicit tears and gasps of guilt, wouldn’t it be better if animal rights groups focused every bit of their considerable power into promoting strong enforcement of the Humane Slaughter Act, the Animal Welfare Act and any other acts the government has in so-called force?

Death is a given for each and every one of us. So, bottom line, dead is dead. Yet what matters most here is not so much about when an animal dies, but how it dies.

Believe me, I am not being trite as this is a heavy-duty moral and ethical issue for those of us who love animals. But it seems to me that - first and foremost - preventing fear and suffering in any living creature should be the ultimate goal, one pursued with a vengeance.

Again, I could quit eating chicken, then smugly tell myself I am not contributing to the rampant cruelty that food animals endure. Yet, while I eat my salad, that cruelty rages on and the animals continue to suffer horrendously. So, unless and until we all fight to change the system and forever stop these inhumane practices, eating meat really becomes a moot point.

For while we loudly scream bloody murder about the squalid conditions of puppy mills, we should be ashamed that we’re not fighting just as vehemently to silence the unheard screams of animals suffering on factory farms and in slaughterhouses…and that includes your Thanksgiving turkey.

My Kindle Book: I did it!

2010-10-08T13:25:00.002-05:00

http://www.amazon.com/The-Animal-Advocate-ebook/dp/B0045OUK9S

Well, here is the link to my labor of love (probably more like childbirth as it was such a pain). But, other than a couple of minor formatting errors I found in the preview, I think it turned out damned well for someone who learned it all from the ground up.

Anyway, I have no clue if you own a Kindle or any other e-reader but I do know you can download Kindle to PC (free), then I assume order the book (not free; it's a whopping $3.49). But, whatever, PLEASE DO pass this link along to any and all you know who might be interested in reading my pet columns. Or paste in on Facebook. Or Tweet it. Or stand on the street corner and shout, "Extra! Extra! Read all about it!"

Seriously, I'm starting my "marketing" campaign with family, close friends, and those who have followed the column for years.....after that, it's going to be a crapshoot of linking, posting on forums, submitting to local papers, etc.

I appreciate anything you can do because if just one person along the way buys the book and learns something to help our precious animals - or is simply entertained by it - then it will indeed have been a labor of love.

I. Am. "This Close." to. Kindle...

2010-09-20T13:15:00.002-05:00

I have been driving myself nuts lately learning basic HTML code so that I can format "The Animal Advocate" properly for uploading onto Amazon's website. Meaning: I have not written one damn thing in the past few months and that's also driving me nuts as I have so many things I want/need to say, issues to cover, etc.

Anyway, as soon as I get this sucker done, I'll let you know. Then - hopefully - I can get back to the business of this blog: writing about our amazing animal kingdom. Please bear with me...

Dragging My Tail

2010-08-01T13:53:00.003-05:00

It's been six months - SIX MONTHS - since I last posted.....where does that precious time go? Anyway, as I'm still in the mind-boggling throes of compiling columns for a book, I do admit I've been sidetracked quite a lot. Always, always an animal issue to address and - now - my local humane society has graciously agreed to host The Animal Advocate on its website.

So, until I get back to this venue (whenever the hell that will be), if you'd like to read my most recent work, please visit http://www.crittersavers.com/ (scroll down to third logo on right & you'll see the column's link).

Hope to be back here sooner rather than later.....

New Year, New Direction

2010-02-09T14:25:00.003-05:00

It's been awhile, I know.....I haven't abandoned the blog, so to speak. I've just been gathering my columns, gathering my thoughts as I'm in the process of creating a book containing my work. And let me be the first to tell you, it's a mental pain in the ass.....

Editing, formatting, researching. More editing, more researching. Copious notes of who to contact, who not to; what to do, what not to; what to say, what not to.....my brain is bleeding, not to mention my myopic eyes.

BUT, hopefully, it won't be for naught as I feel this is the best way to get my message across. The best way to reach thousands upon thousands of animal lovers in one fell swoop as between writing the newspaper column and dealing with Mom's death, I fear the blog - and its message - suffered. So now I'm going to try & rectify that.....I will keep you posted.

"No-Kill" Animal Shelters: Heaven or Hell?

2009-10-13T12:05:00.003-05:00

Recently, the commissioners in Brevard County, FL (population: 500,000+) "dictated" to the new, incoming county manager to hire an animal services director who "understands the no-kill shelter management philosophy." And I was amazed...

I still can’t believe how many ignore Brevard’s statistics when it comes to promoting such a policy. Whether the program is phased in or not, this county simply does not have enough space in its "open intake" facilities for such an undertaking, not to mention the fact that the two shelters we do have - 50 miles apart, mind you - are beyond decrepit.

Neither do we have a proactive county government regarding animal issues as it is not willing to fork over the necessary dollars to fund such an endeavor. Nor do we have a proactive Animal Services department in that homeless pets are never "promoted" (as in adoption events); both shelters are closed on Sundays; volunteers & rescue groups have been basically shunned and/or stymied in their efforts; foster homes are few & far between; and, to date, county employees can barely handle the duties they have now, let alone if we become "no kill."

As a former shelter employee, it would be a pipe dream to see this policy implemented. However, under the present circumstances - and learning from past history after living here 45 years - it would be more than "cruel & unusual" to see our homeless animals languishing in filthy cages, suffering anxiety & terror daily, and crammed together like so many pieces of discarded furniture just so we can tout that we're "no kill."

I agree with Commissioner Anderson on this one. Privatize the shelters, thereby allowing those knowledgeable in such operations to take over. And merging animal/code enforcement would likewise increase the amount of officers in the field to do what has been lacking for too long: Enforce the law. Maybe then we’d see some real progress on this most emotional - and very sad - issue.

Summertime Blues

2009-08-01T12:04:00.001-05:00

Driving home during a terrible downpour, there he was zigzagging down the middle of the highway. Cars were veering sideways, horns blasting and brakes screeching like banshees. Scaring him more than he already was, the terrified dog made it to the side of the road, then ran like hell home. (Yes, we stopped to help; no, he wouldn’t come near us; yes, I’ve seen him since and he’s okay).

However, with the glut of information disseminated about the effect fireworks has on pets, you’d think most people would realize that - especially for dogs and cats - a Florida summer day can be just as stressful because crackling afternoon noisemakers occur more often than not.

So, why oh why, do some insist on leaving their pets alone outside when a major storm is approaching? Cats, at least, can usually find a semi-enclosed space to hide though I‘m sure they‘re still scared stiff. For fenced-in dogs with no cover, their fear overtakes all. As a result, they’ll dig/jump/climb…..anything to escape.

Admittedly, not all pets are afraid of thunder and lightning, yet who among us would want to be totally exposed to the treacherous elements of a bad storm? I mean - besides being worried - I was mad as a wet hen as we were running around with lightning popping every few seconds and getting drenched to boot trying to save this poor creature from getting smashed to smithereens.

I understand that Florida’s summer storms can come on quickly, with scant warning to us humans. However, with their superior sense of hearing and smell, animals know long before we do that a weather disturbance is approaching and try to seek shelter accordingly. Again, if that means busting out of the yard to find safe haven, they’ll do so in a heartbeat.

My bottom line is that I don’t believe pets should ever be left outside for extended periods without easy access to the inside of the house or screened porch at all times, whatever the weather.

I repeat: Dogs and cats are dependent on us for every little thing; they are meant to be members of the family. Ergo, would you leave your kids unattended in a sweltering car or out in the yard during a mini-tropical storm, even for a few minutes?

I hope to God no one answers "yes" to that question…

The 4th of July: Fireworks.....and Fear

2009-07-01T11:32:00.003-05:00

Although I have no clue when or why thunderous fireworks became an integral part of celebrating Independence Day, you probably don’t want to know where I’d like to stick those Roman candles. And I imagine your pets feel the same way….tenfold.

As animals possess extraordinary senses, just envision what the continuous flash-boom-bang of explosive firecrackers does to your dogs, cats, horses and other creatures. In most cases, I can guarantee you that the hellacious noise elicits a “fight or flight” response. Neither of which is pretty if it means your dog busts out a window, your cat climbs the drapes, or your horse bolts through the barn, all of them in the throes of panic.

So to pre-empt some of these instinctual reactions, there are a few things you can do to alleviate the very real stress - and pain - this holiday can create.

First and foremost, please keep your pets indoors. And that includes horses and other farm animals; they should be securely sheltered. In addition, your dogs and cats should wear their ID tags during this time even if they’ll be hiding under the bed or cowering in the kitchen as - again - their first instinct is to flee.

Secondly, if you’re planning on attending the local light show, don’t even think about taking your dogs with you. Leave them at home with the cats; turn the TV on or play soft music to mitigate any outside sounds; and, if possible, put them in a place where their avenue of escape is very limited (I.e., away from windows, glass doors, etc.).

If you’re like me - someone who will definitely not be out reveling - and will be home with your pets, simply talk reassuringly to them if they become anxious or agitated. For as much as you’d like to cuddle or hold them, this can actually reinforce their fear as they are being inadvertently “rewarded” for their behavior. Believe me, been there, done that, and this “training by accident” is very hard to undo.

Last but not least: Picnics and backyard barbeques are a huge part of July 4th celebrations, especially when the holiday occurs on a weekend. And these venues usually mean spare ribs, burgers and onions, hot dogs and mustard, spicy baked beans and potato salad, beer…..absolutely none of which should find its way down an animal’s throat.

Pork rib bones are easily splintered and can shred stomachs to ribbons. Onions are extremely toxic to dogs and cats. And a mustard-mayo-Miller Lite combo can cause diarrhea. In other words, don’t you - or the kids - share with your pets in order for them to “feel the love“ because, at the very least, they‘ll most likely vomit.

Bottom line: With a few precautions and a lot of common sense, you can save yourself a ton of grief by being proactive and protecting your pets from the potential hazards of this holiday. Trust me, they won’t care one whit if they never see a sparkler again…

The Chains of Fools...

2009-06-15T12:47:00.003-05:00

Lately, I have received a few messages asking for help regarding an issue that concerns and disturbs me greatly: that of chaining dogs.

For the life of me, I will never understand why people get a dog and then promptly tie it up outside to pace and whine and cry, day in and day out, in a man-made hell.

Allowing dogs much-needed time in a fenced yard for awhile to get fresh air and sunshine is fine and dandy. However, chaining them outside 24/7 is beyond criminal.

And I do not - repeat, do not - want to hear the flimsy excuses for such banishment that range from new carpet, the smell, the hair, animals don’t belong in the house, yada, yada, because all it makes me want to do is slap someone.

As you already know, I believe pets are meant to be members of the family, period. Dogs especially are definitely not meant to be relegated to a long and lonely existence tied to a stake in the backyard as they are pack animals by nature.

I do not care if some proclaim that as long as there is a doghouse, a food dish and a water bowl near by (which, unfortunately, are all the requirements needed to pass muster with most animal control departments) that everything is copasetic. For, make no mistake, tethering a dog for most of its lifetime is undeniable and blatant animal cruelty.

Furthermore, it is a proven fact that chained dogs are far more apt to be biters. How many cases have you heard about involving “tied” dogs who attacked anyone who came near? Ever wonder why?

Well, as they say, perception is everything. As a rule, trapped animals will try to defend themselves from any perceived danger. Ergo, in a chained-dog’s perception - be it a pit bull or a poodle - he is most certainly “trapped” and you could very well be looking at a serious bite waiting to happen.

As I write, there are many communities throughout the country that have passed laws banning inhumane tethering; others are in the process of doing so or are, at least, considering such legislation.

I am in total agreement. Instead of banning certain breeds, I believe with all my heart that we should be concentrating on the people who perpetuate aggressive, anti-social behavior in man’s most loyal and loving best friend by fining them to the hilt, removing the dog, and never allowing them to own another. Ever.

For as someone who views life as one giant opportunity to assist all creatures great and small, not to mention one who can’t stand the thought of any animal in fear or distress, I can do no less than to “attack” those who cause their suffering…..and you know who you are.

Homeless Wild Babies

2009-05-09T12:21:00.004-05:00

They're at it again. Big crane, lots of chainsaws, falling branches. A neighbor's taking down a huge and glorious tree, no doubt with a nest or two along with it.

Before I go any further, one thing I will never understand is, if some are so compelled to "kill" their trees, why then don't they do the dirty deed in the dead of winter when the trees are basically leafless and not providing much shelter or food for the animals who call them home?

Anyway, because it is the season for many wild babies to enter this world, accidents can and do happen. So, if need be, we can help by returning the tiny, naked bird to its nest or leave the screaming infant squirrel alone till mommy races down the tree to retrieve it.

But what if there is no tree? No nest anymore, no home? What if this precious, innocent life is literally grounded for good?

Although I'll expound on this subject at a later date, right now I'm talking primarily about newborns that have literally lost their "tree house" due to man-made or natural causes. No matter the situation, it is imperative that you have the name and number of a qualified wildlife rehabilitator and/or sanctuary close at hand.

For don't even think about keeping a wild baby. Or feeding it, or watering it. Simply keep it warm and quiet. Then deliver it, as soon as possible, to someone who knows exactly what to do so that baby can survive, thrive and be returned to its natural world where it belongs.

In the meantime, if you hear the lonesome dove mourning, apologize to her for the traumatic havoc the human race seems hell-bent to wreak on the animal kingdom.

Is There a Doctor in the House?

2009-03-26T15:30:00.002-05:00

Recently, three people in one day asked me about the criteria I use in choosing a vet. One was seeking a second opinion about their dog who’d been diagnosed with bone cancer; another was worried about a new vet taking over her long-time doctor’s practice; one was asking about a vet who would show the utmost compassion when performing euthanasia.

Over the years, I’ve seen my fair share of veterinarians. Some I’ve loved dearly; others, I wouldn’t step through their door again if they paid me. But, for the most part, my decision to see a certain vet depended on the animal that I had at the time. And that decision was admittedly made through trial and error.

For example: My dog is a handful. She is highly intelligent yet also extremely high-strung. Although 12-years-old, she’s still skittish as hell when it comes to going to the vet‘s office. Consequently, I had to visit three different vets before I found the one I consider to be the best animal doctor on God’s green earth.

However - be it time, finances, or not too many to choose from - I realize that not everyone has the option of being so "picky." Yet, if you do, here are some things I’ve learned:

Number One: When contacting a new vet for any reason, pay very close attention to that initial phone call. Are you put on hold for "ever"? Does the staff member respond to your questions with knowledge? With patience? Is their attitude one of sincere concern? Or one of "hurry up and hang up"?Understandably, vet’s offices can be very busy places. However, that should not preclude the fact that you are a pet owner who needs help. In other words, if you are shuffled off to Muzak-land or barked at like you’re the dog, let your fingers do the walking and call someone else.

Number Two: Okay. So you’ve made it past the front door and are waiting to see the doctor. Are you twiddling your thumbs in the examining room for another "forever" while your pet becomes increasingly agitated? Is the vet tech who comes in to do the preliminary vitals in a speed race to get to the next patient, leaving you to anxiously twiddle some more?

Number Three: The vet. Is he/she loving, patient, compassionate no matter if your stressed-out dog is a clawing maniac or your scared cat is a hissing witch? Or are they a "wham, bam, thank-you, ma’am" who keeps watching their watch?

Bottom line: The vet I see now is a wonder, most definitely to the profession born. So is her staff. If you can’t say the same, I hope you have the wherewithal to keep searching. For my Maggie’s sake - and my sanity - I’m so glad I did.

Don't Breed; Don't Buy.....ADOPT!!

2009-03-09T11:55:00.002-05:00

Received the following email that is circulating the "animal" world.....Have no clue who wrote it but I'm posting it in its entirety as the message needs to be taken to heart by ALL breeders (yeah, right) in addition to those who are considering acquiring a pet through ANY breeder (pet store/puppy mills, show dog breeders, backyard breeders, etc.):

A Letter from a Shelter Manager -

I think our society needs a huge "wake-up" call. As a shelter manager, I am going to share a little insight with you all...a view from the inside if you will. First off, all of you breeders/sellers should be made to work in the "back" of an animal shelter for just one day. Maybe if you saw the life drain from a few sad, lost, confused eyes, you would change your mind about breeding and selling to people you don't even know.

That puppy you just sold will most likely end up in my shelter when it's not a cute little puppy anymore. So how would you feel if you knew that there's about a 90% chance that dog will never walk out of the shelter where it's been dumped? Purebred or not! About 50% of all of the dogs that are "owner surrenders" or "strays" that come into my shelter are purebred dogs.

The most common excuses I hear are: "We are moving and we can't take our dog (or cat)." Really? Where are you moving that doesn't allow pets? Or they say, "The dog got bigger than we thought it would." How big did you think a German Shepherd would get? "We don't have time for her." Really? I work a 10-12 hour day and still have time for my 6 dogs! "She's tearing up our yard." How about making her a part of your family? They always tell me, "We just don't want to have to stress about finding a place for her. We know she'll get adopted, she's a good dog." Odds are your pet won't get adopted & how stressful do you think being in a shelter is?

Well, let me tell you, your pet has 72 hours to find a new family from the moment you drop it off. Sometimes a little longer if the shelter isn't full and your dog manages to stay completely healthy. If it sniffles, it dies. Your pet will be confined to a small run/kennel in a room with about 25 other barking or crying animals. It will have to relieve itself where it eats and sleeps. It will be depressed and it will cry constantly for the family that abandoned it. If your pet is lucky, I will have enough volunteers in that day to take him/her for a walk. If I don't, your pet won't get any attention besides having a bowl of food slid under the kennel door and the waste sprayed out of its pen with a high-powered hose.

If your dog is big, black or any of the "bully" breeds (pit bull, rottie, mastiff, etc.), it was pretty much dead when you walked it through the front door. Those dogs just don't get adopted. It doesn't matter how 'sweet' or 'well behaved' they are. If your dog doesn't get adopted within its 72 hours and the shelter is full, it will be destroyed. If the shelter isn't full and your dog is good enough, and of a desirable enough breed it may get a stay of execution, but not for long. Most dogs get very kennel protective after about a week and are destroyed for showing aggression. Even the sweetest dogs will turn in this environment.

If your pet makes it over all of those hurdles chances are it will get kennel cough or an upper respiratory infection and will be destroyed because shelters just don't have the funds to pay for even a $100 treatment.

Here's a little Euthanasia 101 for those of you that have never witnessed a perfectly healthy, scared animal being "put-down." First, your pet will be taken from its kennel on a leash. They always look like they think they are going for a walk. Happy, wagging their tails. Until they get to "The Room" where every one of them freaks out and puts on the brakes when we get to the door. It must smell like death or they can feel the sad souls that are left in there. It's strange, but it happens with every one of them.

Your dog or cat will be restrained, held down by 1 or 2 vet techs depending on the size and how freaked out they are. Then a euthanasia tech or a vet will start the process. They will find a vein in the front leg and inject a lethal dose of the "pink stuff." Hopefully your pet doesn't panic from being restrained and jerk. I've seen the needles tear out of a leg and been covered with the resulting blood and been deafened by the yelps and screams. They all don't just "go to sleep," as sometimes they spasm for a while, gasp for air and defecate on themselves.

When it all ends, your pet's corpse will be stacked like firewood in a large freezer in the back with all of the other animals that were killed, waiting to be picked up like garbage. What happens next? Cremated? Taken to the dump? Rendered into pet food? You'll never know and it probably won't even cross your mind. It was just an animal and you can always buy another one, right?

I hope that those of you that have read this are bawling your eyes out and can't get the pictures out of your head, those I deal with every day on the way home from work. I hate my job, I hate that it exists & I hate that it will always be there unless you people make some changes and realize that the lives you are affecting go much farther than the pets you dump at a shelter. Between 9 and 11 MILLION animals die every year in shelters and only you can stop it. I do my best to save every life I can but rescues are always full, and there are more animals coming in every day than there are homes.

My point to all of this is DON'T BREED OR BUY WHILE SHELTER PETS DIE! Hate me if you want to. The truth hurts and reality is what it is. I just hope I may have changed one person's mind about breeding their dog, buying a dog, or taking their loving pet to a shelter because they never should've taken on a dog/cat in the first place.

I hope that someone will walk into my shelter and say "I saw this and it made me want to adopt." That would make what I do worth it.....

Note from The Animal Advocate: This letter makes me really think a mandatory - and enforceable - spay/neuter ordinance in every county, in every state, should be enacted.....

Pit Bulls: Another Side to the Story

2009-02-14T14:15:00.003-05:00

Not long ago, a friend of mine met a woman walking her young pit bull and stopped to talk. Dog was wearing a prong collar. Friend asked if that wasn’t cruel. Woman replied it was “normal” for pits.....

That, in a nutshell, says volumes about why most pit bulls get a bad rap for being mean, vicious animals. A pronged collar normal?? I suppose she feeds him jalapeno peppers for dinner and a crushed kitten for dessert.

I am so very sick and tired of hearing that pit bulls should be banned, exterminated, wiped off the planet. I have been around dogs all my life; have worked with dogs for years at an animal shelter and I can count on one hand the ‘bad’ pits I came across.

On the other hand, the nastiest canine I ever met was a tiny Yorkie who bit every ankle he came in contact with. I despised that dog and that‘s a sad commentary coming from someone like me.

Yet, two of the sweetest I’ve ever known was a pit bull pup named Sam and an old lady named Dolly. Two extremely gentle dogs with different owners. That ought to tell you something right there.

Meaning, it is irresponsible people who take an innocent puppy and turn it into a ferocious and fearful animal. And though it is true that some dogs have aggressive tendencies, these traits are not breed specific.

I find it truly amazing that with millions of dog bites reported every year, it is the pit bull that usually makes the headlines. Their reputation is so tarnished by bad owners creating bad dogs that it should be a no-brainer where the fault lies.

The true culprit in this sorry mess is, was, and always will be, people who - through either ignorance or cruelty - have created a monster out of this much-maligned breed. Witness Michael Vick.

And let’s just go one step further and look at Michael Vick’s rehabilitated “fighters” that are now in the process of becoming loving pets. Because the fact of the matter is that any dog will bite under certain circumstances so it is narrow-minded prejudice that focuses solely on pit bulls and other large breeds.

Something I’ll never see, but wish with all my heart, is for the day to come when it will be the owners that require a license instead of the dog. Rather than breed-specific legislation, I’d love to see a law banning rotten owners.

A law that will never allow any dog to be given or sold to anyone who fails to live up to the lifetime responsibility and commitment of providing love, care, shelter and sustenance, training and socialization for one of the most fabulous creatures on this earth…and that includes pit bulls.

Separating the Wheat from the Chaff...

2009-02-05T14:38:00.002-05:00

After reading one of my columns regarding shelter adoptions, I received a message from a lady arguing about how “expensive and time-consuming” it has become to acquire a dog or cat from a humane organization vs. the hassle-free purchase of a pet through a commercial establishment.

Naturally, being the mouth that I am, I responded at great length and I’m going to share.

Where, oh where, does this person think shelters/rescue groups get much of their “inventory?” And why?

The majority of companion animals relinquished to humane societies once belonged to possibly well-intentioned, yet ultimately irresponsible, people - many of whom bought from pet stores.

They are those who couldn’t have cared less if their pets were spayed/neutered (thereby producing litter upon potentially-homeless litter); those who chained or penned the dog in the back yard or who let their cats roam free (instead of keeping them in the house where they belonged); those who moved and dumped the dog or canned the cat just like any other disposable item.

These are the heartbreaking conditions that shelter personnel face day after day and do not want to see reoccur. Heartbreaking because those animals that cannot be “re-placed” into responsible homes will most likely be euthanized.

Although some may think that it’s a royal pain in the butt to be “screened” before adopting a shelter/rescue animal, these rules are enforced to hopefully prevent the revolving door syndrome; to ensure to the best of the organization’s ability the adoption will be a lifetime success in that the pet will be forever loved and cared for.

Obviously, you can bypass the personal questions, sidle up to a pet store counter, and plunk that platinum down. And, to be honest, you may be offering that puppy or kitten the best home money can buy.

Yet the reality is that when no one is terribly concerned where that animal is going and when the almighty dollar is the bottom line, odds are that some of those dependent creatures are headed for misery.

Shelter employees are not in the business to make things difficult for potential adopters. In fact, they’re not in so-called business, period.

Money taken in through donations and adoption fees is funneled right back through the system, one designed to provide temporary safe haven for discarded pets while they patiently wait for that special someone to show up.

All my dogs have come from humane societies and I was more than willing to pass inspection, if you will, as it proved to me that shelter personnel were not simply trying to clear their shelves for new stock.

Frankly, adopting an animal should not be an easy process. Dogs and cats are living, breathing entities that require - and deserve - a lifetime commitment.

So if any of you really think that shelters should ease up on personal questions that range from asking if you have a fenced yard to inquiring if you can afford all pet-related expenses, or that there shouldn‘t be a waiting period or follow-up visit, then I suggest you visit the euthanasia room just one time.

Believe me, if that doesn’t change your tune, the only pet you should have is a rock.

'Twas the Month After Christmas...

2008-12-18T13:58:00.002-05:00

Just as a horde of half-grown bunnies are plopped down on the doorsteps of animal shelters not long after Easter, so do piles of puppies and caboodles of kittens show up shortly after December 25th.

Obviously, this influx of hapless infants is due to poor planning, impulse buying, or simply that the “thrill is gone.” Or worse, all of the above.

Unfortunately, these youngsters (and some oldsters) who are being relinquished will pay a much higher price than market value…and an extremely unacceptable one, at that.

Therefore, I’m writing this for those who might be so caught up in the spirit that “surprising” someone with a living, breathing, and dependent creature on Christmas morning sounds like a really nifty idea. Well, trust me, it’s not.

As we all know, the holidays are filled with much excitement, disrupted routines, and - as a rule - more visitors than usual.

So just imagine the effects these conditions can have on an animal that hasn’t even had enough time to get to know you, not to mention learn its boundaries and territory, then settle into a daily regimen in its new home. That’s a lot to deal with, period, let alone during the stressful days or weeks that encompass any special season.

Yet, far too often, I hear about people crating their “Christmas” puppy or kitten, dog or cat for continuous hours on end simply to keep them out of the way of company, while cooking or entertaining, wrapping presents, etc. About delaying housetraining until “after the holidays.” No, people, no.

If you really, truly want a pet, just hold your horses and wait until your household has returned to its normal routine. Please don’t selfishly cause a bewildered baby animal (or confused older one) to be set up for failure from the get-go when all it takes is a little patience and timing.

I realize full well that there’s something magical about the decorated tree, the twinkling lights, the multi-colored packages that elicit childhood memories (or wishes) of puppies or kittens peeking their adorable faces out from under those pine-scented branches.

But, in these days of overwhelming pet abandonment, such fanciful pictures in our heads need to be tempered with a mega-dose of realism.

For never forget - ever, for an instant - that pets are forever needy. They need us for their care, their sustenance, their medical assistance, their training. They need us for our constant physical presence, attention and for our love.

In a nutshell, they need to be full-fledged members of the family for their entire lives and not relegated to a sugar-plum moment induced by the spirit of the season, one to be abruptly ended when the glitz and glitter is gone.

I pray this message is taken to heart…..and I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas.

"Til Death Do Us Part...

2008-11-24T13:37:00.002-05:00

Although our wills need some serious updating, as in we no longer live in the same house, our assets have dwindled, and we’re down to one dog instead of three, the codicil that remains written in stone is the one about pets.

In our case, my sister has graciously and fully accepted to “inherit” any animal we have. Therefore - barring anything weird - we can rest easy knowing they will never be homeless. Can you say the same about yours?

During the course of writing this column, I’ve heard from many shelter and rescue personnel about the staggering number of pets that have been relinquished because the owners had died and left no provisions for taking care of their beloved animals.

Hey, no one likes to think about their mortality so it’s understandable that any action concerning this inevitable occurrence can usually be found on the back burner. Young or middle-aged people, especially, believe that life will go on like it has for quite awhile, so why worry?

Unfortunately, accidents do happen and some illnesses can turn catastrophic quickly, leaving behind a bewildered and grieving animal that will no doubt go to the local shelter if a permanent caretaker is not designated. And, as we age, the tip of this iceberg requires more pointed attention for many reasons.

For example, what if you had to go into an assisted living facility or a nursing home? Will the dog or cat that has been by your side for many loving years be naturally folded into your family’s life?

Or, if you have no family, will a dear and trusted friend be willing to take on the responsibility of giving your pet another forever home? These are hard facts that we really need to think about and plan for, however unpleasant they may be.

While we’re on this morbid subject, I need to go a step further and address the issue of your lifespan vs. your pets.

Just a few month’s ago and despite my suggestions that he get an older dog from the shelter, a 76-year-old acquaintance of mine (who is not in the greatest of health either) bought an eight-week-old puppy of a breed that usually lives an average of 16-18 years.

As I was basically told to mind my own business, one can only wonder if any thought at all was given to the statistics of this situation.

Don’t get me wrong for, believe me, I am totally on the side of pets being placed in loving, responsible homes, no matter how old anyone is. In addition, I think pets are crucial to the elderly as it has been proven that animals alleviate stress, sickness, loneliness, and that dogs can be far better protectors of property than an electrical security system.

Yet one must still take into account that adopting an animal should, under any and all circumstances, mean that it is for the entire life of that animal.

Of course, I realize I’m talking about an ideal world here but, nevertheless, for those of you who belong to the “good group” of committed pet owners, don’t delay in taking your commitment down to the wire.

None of us will let our pets suffer, humanely putting them to sleep when their time comes. On the flip side of that sad coin, please don’t let them flounder through the rest of their lives in what could be the chaotic aftermath of your incapacitation or death. Before it’s too late, take care of that crummy little detail…..like now.

No Pet Left Behind...

2008-07-30T13:21:00.003-05:00

Although I live in Florida - where this time of year brings ominous forewarnings of "Be prepared for the next Katrina!" - there are many other natural disasters besides hurricanes that create evacuation conditions.

Therefore, this is a not-so-gentle reminder: Please don't even think about leaving your pets behind as you waltz out the door to seek safe haven. Because, odds are, they will not be okay when - or if - you return.

So take the time now to always have an "emergency evacuation" kit prepared for them: Crates (if needed), collars/leashes, food/medications, IDs/vet records, blankets/toys.

And if you can't find lodging that will accept your pets - be it a friend/relative, motel/hotel, public shelter - do what I would do in a heartbeat: Put 'em in the car with you and the rest of your family and drive out of harm's way. So what if you might have to sleep in your vehicle at a rest stop? So what if you're displaced for a few days? So what?

Bottom line: Come hell or high water, Maggie goes where we go. Please do the same for yours...

The Little Dollar That Could...

2008-07-20T13:23:00.003-05:00

Been looking at too many shelter sites today.....reading about too many needing so much help as too many depend on "we, the people" just to keep the doors open.

Looking at too many pictures of abandoned pets waiting and hoping like hell that someone comes along and whisks them away to a forever home before time runs out.....before all the rooms at the inn become overbooked once again and their eviction notice is served. Hearing them cry out with those pleading, anxious eyes, "Why me?"

So just a thought: I know many of us are strapped these days but just imagine if everyone sent just one dollar - $1 - to a "community" fund for all animal shelters/rescue groups located in their county. In mine alone, that would equate to over $500,000 to be divvied up between these organizations that receive no local government funding whatsoever; organizations that depend on the goodness and kindness of all pet lovers just to stay afloat.....like I said, just a thought.

A Quickie re: Emergency Vets

2008-07-09T12:19:00.002-05:00

Apparently my harangue about the cost/knowledge of animal emergency clinics/personnel struck an acute nerve with a reader. However, their comment struck one with me, too.....So, I'm going to pick apart that message and reply.

Comment: Did you happen to notice that you actually could get service on a weekend if you were willing to pay for it...without waiting for eleven hours in a waiting room?
My Reply: Who said diddly about not being willing to pay for it? My gripe is that a "normal" vet visit runs about $35-40 NOT $88 (or more) as charged by those who work off-hours.

Comment: Did you happen to notice that people were willing to help you within the constraints you placed upon them?
My Reply: "Within the constraints I placed upon them"? What in hell are you talking about, constraints? I'm talking about an animal hospital that happens to operate - again - at "odd" hours of the day/night. So pray tell, why should their expenses be one dime more than vets who are open during "regular" business hours?

Comment: As a small business owner, I don't think you have a clue of what it costs to run a business.
My Reply: Used to own my own business so I have many, many clues...

Comment: I'm sure everybody in those hospitals that you have a problem with love animals, but 'love' doesn't pay their mortgage and put food on the table. Next time you have a problem, ask them how much their building cost, how much their utility bill is, how much their payroll is and maybe then you'll appreciate that the arm you're about to give doesn't even cover the paper towel bill for the month.
My Reply: Again, why should an emergency veterinarian clinic have higher rent/utility bills and/or payroll than any other veterinarian?? Be they open at midnight or at 8am, lights/water cost the same, not to mention that so do paper towels...

Comment: Think and research before speaking.
My Reply: Thank God, I've rarely had the need to see an emergency vet. However, from "researching" (i.e., talking to/interviewing) those who have, I hear the same basic story almost every time...Pay up or go away.

Bottom line: I'm quite sorry if my response offends your "business" sensibilities but, for those whose pets need immediate and urgent care, the current policy sucks. Again, we are talking about those sworn to help heal animals - you know, those living, breathing precious creatures that we love as members of our family; we are not talking about your local plumber or electrician. Which makes me wonder: Do you even have a pet?????????????

Dear Dog Doctor...

2008-07-06T14:37:00.003-05:00

...where are you when I need you most?

Has anyone noticed that it always seems our pets get sick or injured on a weekend or holiday? I don't know about where you live, but here in my area, no vets "operate" at such hours. Well, I take that back. There are two emergency clinics that not only extract an arm and a leg to walk in the door (one charges $88 to be paid immediately), but also an extra limb or two to run tests out the ying-yang (also be paid beforehand).

Believe me, when it comes to my Maggie's well-being, cost is not a factor. But I highly resent the scalping not to mention the fact that I'm not very confident in the ability either.

Case in point: July 4th brought not only fireworks of the explosive kind but those that emanated out of Maggie's butt, aka diarrhea. Long story short, I spent the entire night up and down letting Maggie up and down out of bed to go squirt in the back yard. We were not happy campers.

The next morning, I called one of the emergency clinics inquiring about the dosage of imodium as I had some caplets on hand, albeit without the instructions (I've given this OTC drug to my dogs before). Their advice: "We don't prescribe imodium so I don't know and I can't find out." Thank you very much for nothing, dear doctor...

Call to second emergency clinic: I will say this girl was very nice but had no clue about the proper dosage. I.e., she tried to convert kilograms and milligrams into pounds and pills and ended up telling me I could give 70-lb. Maggie half a caplet once a day.

I knew that sounded fishy but I was too distraught to argue and try to "convert" myself so I went to the trusty Internet (where I should've gone in the first place).....found what I was looking for so I think we'll be just fine until our regular vet opens her doors bright and early tomorrow morning. But.....what if?

Bottom line: I find this a horrendous practice by those who take an oath "to first do no harm," be they human or animal doctors. Not only to be doling out false advice - or none at all - but to be gouging terrified pet owners who will do the utmost to help their animals. Yet - I've heard from others so unfortunate to partake of these services - if you don't have the money, they refuse your pet treatment....

So I ask again: James Herriott, where are you? Because you're certainly not in my town and we need you badly...

Lost!! Found??

2008-07-04T13:53:00.003-05:00

They've already started.....the boom, boom, crackle, pop of neighborhood fireworks. The attraction of such block parties are beyond me but, then again, so is the Daytona Firecracker 400 (yeah, I know they renamed it but that's beside the point)...

The point being: Today's festivities will cause a lot of grief tomorrow for some if they don't take proactive "pet precautions" by paying serious attention to their dogs/cats during this long holiday weekend.

July 4th is well-known for producing a plethora of lost pets. And not only during evening hours, folks. Last year, a neighbor found a shaking, quaking elderly dog who had actually climbed the chainlink fence surrounding his yard and ran like a bat out of hell until this good Samaritan stopped him in his tracks and kept him till his owner was located. This all happened around noon...

I cannot emphasize enough how you must ensure your pets are safely ensconced inside your home to prevent escape.....preferably you'll be there with them as some dogs have been known to bust out of windows trying to "avoid" the noise.

Yes, it's a holiday. Yes, some of the fireworks are quite pretty. Yes, you want to have some fun. All well and good. However, if your precious pet suffers - or worse - while you're watching these artificial northern lights.....well, all I can say is, you've been warned.

And, believe me, if your pet gets lost due to their terrified "flight" response, the odds of locating them nearby aren't all that great as they run and run and run.....or hide.

Hopefully, you get the message. What you do with it is up to you. And, by the way, not only have the fireworks already started on my block, it's also getting ready to storm.....and it's only 3:30 in the afternoon. Talk about a recipe for a "disappearing pet" disaster. Please don't let it happen to you and yours...

P.S. Needless to say: IDs on all pets...

Fireworks and Pets

2008-07-02T15:17:00.004-05:00

Just a reminder to all those who have pets and live near "firecracker happy" neighbors like we do: Please don't leave your animals alone - and definitely not outside - to weather this very noisy July 4th storm. As you know, their hearing is much more acute than ours. Therefore, if it drives you nuts, imagine how they feel.....

So, stay with them, stay calm, talk soothingly, cuddle a lot, and fervently pray you don't have to listen to this crap all weekend. Which in my case is, unfortunately, a basically wasted prayer.....

Dog "Attack"

2008-06-23T14:52:00.003-05:00

Read in the Orlando Sentinel (www.orlandosentinel.com) today about a 5-yr-old chow/lab mix "attacking" a 6-yr-old boy.....the details in a nutshell:

Grandma's dog, Buck; had for his entire life; no incidents
Dog was chained up in yard
Kid got bit on forehead/cheek; airlifted to hospital; treated & released

My thoughts? You should know what's coming:

Chained?
6-yr-old kid?

Far be it from me to draw any conclusions on this story...