Protect your pets during hot weather
The Seattle Animal Shelter reminds pet owners to use common sense and good judgment during the heat of summer.
Don't leave your pet in your car. On hot days, cars left in direct sunlight can reach temperatures of 130 degrees. Even dogs left in cars with the windows cracked and in the shade risk brain damage or death on hot days.
Other tips from the animal shelter: Never leave animals chained or penned in direct sunlight; provide shady areas where animals can retreat, and provide cool water; avoid overexerting animals in hot weather; and if animals are left indoors where there is no air conditioning, open the windows, keep a fan running and provide plenty of water.
for everything for dogs...
PUPPYLUVSME
Thursday 28 June 2007
Dumped kittens drown
Dumped kittens drown in dustbin
Two kittens drowned when they were dumped in a bin which filled up with rainwater in Shropshire.
Three more kittens were rescued after being found in the bin by children in the playground of Idsall Secondary School, Shifnal.
The kittens, thought to be four or five weeks old, were taken to a veterinary surgery for emergency surgery and are now recovering at an RSPCA centre.
The RSPCA has appealed for information about Monday's incident.
Student vet nurse Rachel Owen said the kittens were "thin, wet, cold, hungry and very frightened."
RSPCA Inspector Jackie Hickman said: "These kittens have endured such a traumatic experience.
"They would have struggled to survive as the water level rose higher and higher - and tragically the weaker kittens lost the fight.
"I am absolutely appalled by what has happened to these poor kittens. Anyone tempted to do the same thing should remember that it is against the law to abandon an animal and cause it to suffer."
She added: "I would ask people to think of anyone locally who had a litter of kittens or a pregnant cat.
"These kittens are not feral animals, they are used to being in a home environment, so who has tossed them out of their home causing them immense stress and suffering?"
from the BBC
Two kittens drowned when they were dumped in a bin which filled up with rainwater in Shropshire.
Three more kittens were rescued after being found in the bin by children in the playground of Idsall Secondary School, Shifnal.
The kittens, thought to be four or five weeks old, were taken to a veterinary surgery for emergency surgery and are now recovering at an RSPCA centre.
The RSPCA has appealed for information about Monday's incident.
Student vet nurse Rachel Owen said the kittens were "thin, wet, cold, hungry and very frightened."
RSPCA Inspector Jackie Hickman said: "These kittens have endured such a traumatic experience.
"They would have struggled to survive as the water level rose higher and higher - and tragically the weaker kittens lost the fight.
"I am absolutely appalled by what has happened to these poor kittens. Anyone tempted to do the same thing should remember that it is against the law to abandon an animal and cause it to suffer."
She added: "I would ask people to think of anyone locally who had a litter of kittens or a pregnant cat.
"These kittens are not feral animals, they are used to being in a home environment, so who has tossed them out of their home causing them immense stress and suffering?"
from the BBC
Wednesday 27 June 2007
Unsafe Vet??
A man who posed as a vet and dosed dogs with illegal drugs has been told he could face two years in jail.
Leonard French, 69, is said to have made more than £170,000 from dog owners, companies and hunts.
French, of Tattershall Bridge, Lincs, admitted 20 charges involving importing and selling drugs not registered for use in the UK.
He will go before Lincoln Crown Court after Grantham magistrates said their sentencing powers were insufficient.
Asset threat
The court heard French's £400,000 home, where he kept up to 120 lurcher dogs, was raided by police and officers from the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in October 2004.
Documents found at the house showed he was importing drugs from companies in Russia, France and the US for sale to British customers.
An undercover investigation by a BBC reporter more than a year after the first raid showed French still offering drugs for sale.
He even pretended to be a vet and was caught on camera illegally vaccinating a dog with his own medicine.
French also faces an application to strip £170,000 of his assets and also more than £50,000 in costs.
from the BBC
Leonard French, 69, is said to have made more than £170,000 from dog owners, companies and hunts.
French, of Tattershall Bridge, Lincs, admitted 20 charges involving importing and selling drugs not registered for use in the UK.
He will go before Lincoln Crown Court after Grantham magistrates said their sentencing powers were insufficient.
Asset threat
The court heard French's £400,000 home, where he kept up to 120 lurcher dogs, was raided by police and officers from the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in October 2004.
Documents found at the house showed he was importing drugs from companies in Russia, France and the US for sale to British customers.
An undercover investigation by a BBC reporter more than a year after the first raid showed French still offering drugs for sale.
He even pretended to be a vet and was caught on camera illegally vaccinating a dog with his own medicine.
French also faces an application to strip £170,000 of his assets and also more than £50,000 in costs.
from the BBC
Cat around the bend!!
Soggy moggy rescued from toilet
A curious kitten has been rescued by firefighters from a toilet outflow after negotiating the U-bend.
It appears that eight-week-old Mr Bingley jumped into the toilet and attempted to explore what lay beyond.
The kitten's owners, from Cotham, Bristol, were unable to rescue the animal, so called the fire brigade.
Firefighters managed to free it unharmed after removing the toilet bowl. " I guess it's used one of its nine lives," a spokeswoman said.
"We received a call at 11.18pm last night that an eight-week old kitten had got trapped inside a toilet," she added.
"Somehow it had managed to get past the U-bend. Its owners couldn't get it out.
"Firefighters removed the toilet and handed the cat back to its grateful owners."
A curious kitten has been rescued by firefighters from a toilet outflow after negotiating the U-bend.
It appears that eight-week-old Mr Bingley jumped into the toilet and attempted to explore what lay beyond.
The kitten's owners, from Cotham, Bristol, were unable to rescue the animal, so called the fire brigade.
Firefighters managed to free it unharmed after removing the toilet bowl. " I guess it's used one of its nine lives," a spokeswoman said.
"We received a call at 11.18pm last night that an eight-week old kitten had got trapped inside a toilet," she added.
"Somehow it had managed to get past the U-bend. Its owners couldn't get it out.
"Firefighters removed the toilet and handed the cat back to its grateful owners."
Monday 25 June 2007
Sunday 24 June 2007
Bird Flu in Germany
The deadly strain of the bird flu virus has resurfaced in Germany in the bodies of at least three dead birds found in the state of Bavaria, Germany's first confirmed cases this year, officials said on Sunday.
The corpses of several more birds found in the southern state are being analysed to see if they also contain the deadliest strain of the H5N1 virus, a spokeswoman for the Bavarian city of Nuremberg said.
The country's top veterinary laboratory, the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, confirmed that three wild birds -- two swans and a goose -- found in two lakes near Nuremberg had tested positive for the worst strain of the H5N1 virus.
"Over the next few days the city of Nuremberg will be supported by a federal epidemiological team which will scientifically investigate the causes and background of the infection cases," the city of Nuremberg said in a statement.
It said that poultry farmers in the region were required to confine all poultry birds to closed stalls. It added that as of Saturday a 21-day ban had been imposed on bringing poultry birds or products in or out of the area, now a quarantine zone.
City officials also warned cat and dog owners not to allow their pets to roam freely in the quarantine zone.
Germany quickly passed this information on to the European Commission.
"Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 was detected in more than 700 wild birds in the EU in 2006," the Commission said in a statement. It added that the infected swans in Bavaria were the European Union's first cases reported in wild birds in 2007.
DEAD BIRDS
Five other dead birds found near Nuremberg tested positive for the H5N1 virus but it remains unclear whether they have the deadly Asian strain, German officials said.
In addition to the dead swans and goose, the body of at least one wild duck has been confirmed to have some form of the H5N1 virus, Nuremberg city said.
The Friedrich Loeffler Institute is carrying out tests on the animals to determine which H5N1 strain they carried.
Last year, some 13 European Union member states had confirmed cases of bird flu -- Germany, Austria, Denmark, Italy, Greece, Britain, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, France and Hungary.
Czech veterinarians started culling several thousand turkeys on a farm last week after tests confirmed the country's first outbreak of a deadly form of bird flu in poultry.
Bird flu has been spreading across southeast Asia, killing two people in Vietnam this month, the first deaths there since 2005.
Globally, the H5N1 virus has killed nearly 200 people out of over 300 known cases, according to the World Health Organisation. None of the victims were from Europe.
Hundreds of millions of birds have died or been slaughtered.
The corpses of several more birds found in the southern state are being analysed to see if they also contain the deadliest strain of the H5N1 virus, a spokeswoman for the Bavarian city of Nuremberg said.
The country's top veterinary laboratory, the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, confirmed that three wild birds -- two swans and a goose -- found in two lakes near Nuremberg had tested positive for the worst strain of the H5N1 virus.
"Over the next few days the city of Nuremberg will be supported by a federal epidemiological team which will scientifically investigate the causes and background of the infection cases," the city of Nuremberg said in a statement.
It said that poultry farmers in the region were required to confine all poultry birds to closed stalls. It added that as of Saturday a 21-day ban had been imposed on bringing poultry birds or products in or out of the area, now a quarantine zone.
City officials also warned cat and dog owners not to allow their pets to roam freely in the quarantine zone.
Germany quickly passed this information on to the European Commission.
"Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 was detected in more than 700 wild birds in the EU in 2006," the Commission said in a statement. It added that the infected swans in Bavaria were the European Union's first cases reported in wild birds in 2007.
DEAD BIRDS
Five other dead birds found near Nuremberg tested positive for the H5N1 virus but it remains unclear whether they have the deadly Asian strain, German officials said.
In addition to the dead swans and goose, the body of at least one wild duck has been confirmed to have some form of the H5N1 virus, Nuremberg city said.
The Friedrich Loeffler Institute is carrying out tests on the animals to determine which H5N1 strain they carried.
Last year, some 13 European Union member states had confirmed cases of bird flu -- Germany, Austria, Denmark, Italy, Greece, Britain, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, France and Hungary.
Czech veterinarians started culling several thousand turkeys on a farm last week after tests confirmed the country's first outbreak of a deadly form of bird flu in poultry.
Bird flu has been spreading across southeast Asia, killing two people in Vietnam this month, the first deaths there since 2005.
Globally, the H5N1 virus has killed nearly 200 people out of over 300 known cases, according to the World Health Organisation. None of the victims were from Europe.
Hundreds of millions of birds have died or been slaughtered.
First Aid for Pets
The Polk County chapter of the American Red Cross will offer a pet first-aid class next month.
The chapter will offer the hands-on training in simple emergency care procedures for cats and dogs July 14. The six-hour course will begin at 9 a.m. at 147 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven.
The $30 course fee includes a 100-page book that features more than 130 illustrations and offers step-by-step directions for a aid such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and rescue breathing.
from Orlando Sentinel Newspaper
The chapter will offer the hands-on training in simple emergency care procedures for cats and dogs July 14. The six-hour course will begin at 9 a.m. at 147 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven.
The $30 course fee includes a 100-page book that features more than 130 illustrations and offers step-by-step directions for a aid such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and rescue breathing.
from Orlando Sentinel Newspaper
Friday 22 June 2007
Children and pets
Kid Proofing Your Pets
Before you introduce your children to a pet, you have to make sure that both your children and the pet in question are ready for the encounter. In this regard, it is important that your children properly are trained to handle and to interact with the pet. In addition, it is equally important that your pet be trained to appropriately interact with your children.
By making certain that both your children and your pet are prepared for each other, you will be able to ensure that they enjoy a mutually healthy and enjoyable relationship. There are some specific steps that you need to take in regard to kid proofing your pets, in regard to making absolutely certain your pet is ready to begin a healthy relationship with your children. By appreciating some of these steps, you will be in a far better position to appropriate integrate your pet with your children
Basic Training and Your Pet
The first step that you have to take when it comes to kid proofing your pet is making sure that your pet has received all of his basic training. You want to have a pet that already has mastered the basic parameters of how it is to behave before it does have any actual contact with a youngster.
You might want to consider having a professional pet trainer deal with your companion animal. In this regard, you will have a better chance of having a pet that will be most likely to get along smoothly with children in a home. Professionals understand some special techniques that can be helpful in training a pet in anticipation of ultimate interaction with children.
Transitional Introduction
When it comes to your pet and your children having actual contact, you will want to make sure that you employ a transitional process. You simply do not want to drop the pet into a room in which your children are located.
You will want to have your children and your pet spend short amounts of supervised time together in the beginning. The two key elements are short amounts of time and supervision.
You will be able to observe how your children and the pet are bonding and getting along. Through these observations you will be able to gauge how far you should go in accelerating the process.
You need to keep in mind that you should never leave very young children with a pet unattended. It simply is not safe for either the child or the pet. And, of course, you want your children and your pet to be as safe as possible.
Kid Proofing Your Pet and Your Vet
Your vet will be a solid resource when it comes to kid proofing your pet and preparing your pet to better interact with the younger members of your family. You should consult with your vet and get advice from him or her about any suggestions that your vet might have in regard to helping ensure that your children and your new pet best come together.
Different Pets, Different Breeds
As a final thought, you do need to understand that different types of pets and different breeds of animals get along better with children. Therefore, as you go about selecting a particular pet to be added to your own home, you will want to seriously consider which animals have a better track record with children in the age categories of your own. By doing so, you will significantly enhance the chances that your children and your pet will have a healthy, safe and enjoyable relationship today and well into the future.
------------------------
Your satisfaction with your pet portrait paintings is guaranteed in http://www.portraitkingdom.com/ Tracy Hargraves along with other artists who create pet portraits shares with you the advantages of keeping pictures of your pets and turning them into oil portrait painting.
Before you introduce your children to a pet, you have to make sure that both your children and the pet in question are ready for the encounter. In this regard, it is important that your children properly are trained to handle and to interact with the pet. In addition, it is equally important that your pet be trained to appropriately interact with your children.
By making certain that both your children and your pet are prepared for each other, you will be able to ensure that they enjoy a mutually healthy and enjoyable relationship. There are some specific steps that you need to take in regard to kid proofing your pets, in regard to making absolutely certain your pet is ready to begin a healthy relationship with your children. By appreciating some of these steps, you will be in a far better position to appropriate integrate your pet with your children
Basic Training and Your Pet
The first step that you have to take when it comes to kid proofing your pet is making sure that your pet has received all of his basic training. You want to have a pet that already has mastered the basic parameters of how it is to behave before it does have any actual contact with a youngster.
You might want to consider having a professional pet trainer deal with your companion animal. In this regard, you will have a better chance of having a pet that will be most likely to get along smoothly with children in a home. Professionals understand some special techniques that can be helpful in training a pet in anticipation of ultimate interaction with children.
Transitional Introduction
When it comes to your pet and your children having actual contact, you will want to make sure that you employ a transitional process. You simply do not want to drop the pet into a room in which your children are located.
You will want to have your children and your pet spend short amounts of supervised time together in the beginning. The two key elements are short amounts of time and supervision.
You will be able to observe how your children and the pet are bonding and getting along. Through these observations you will be able to gauge how far you should go in accelerating the process.
You need to keep in mind that you should never leave very young children with a pet unattended. It simply is not safe for either the child or the pet. And, of course, you want your children and your pet to be as safe as possible.
Kid Proofing Your Pet and Your Vet
Your vet will be a solid resource when it comes to kid proofing your pet and preparing your pet to better interact with the younger members of your family. You should consult with your vet and get advice from him or her about any suggestions that your vet might have in regard to helping ensure that your children and your new pet best come together.
Different Pets, Different Breeds
As a final thought, you do need to understand that different types of pets and different breeds of animals get along better with children. Therefore, as you go about selecting a particular pet to be added to your own home, you will want to seriously consider which animals have a better track record with children in the age categories of your own. By doing so, you will significantly enhance the chances that your children and your pet will have a healthy, safe and enjoyable relationship today and well into the future.
------------------------
Your satisfaction with your pet portrait paintings is guaranteed in http://www.portraitkingdom.com/ Tracy Hargraves along with other artists who create pet portraits shares with you the advantages of keeping pictures of your pets and turning them into oil portrait painting.
Thursday 21 June 2007
Coffins for pets
Article from icLanarkshire.co.uk:
An eco-friendly coffin for green-minded people - and their pets - has been unveiled.
The ARCA coffin is constructed of cork and aims to bridge the gap between traditional wooden designs, which take years to biodegrade, and more recent eco-models, which have been criticised.
And designer Nick Colvin, who studies at Gray's School of Art in Aberdeen, hopes to build the coffins not just for deceased people, but also for cherished pets. The 21-year-old, from Edinburgh, said he was willing to make any size cork coffin to order, from a goldfish up to a dog.
An eco-friendly coffin for green-minded people - and their pets - has been unveiled.
The ARCA coffin is constructed of cork and aims to bridge the gap between traditional wooden designs, which take years to biodegrade, and more recent eco-models, which have been criticised.
And designer Nick Colvin, who studies at Gray's School of Art in Aberdeen, hopes to build the coffins not just for deceased people, but also for cherished pets. The 21-year-old, from Edinburgh, said he was willing to make any size cork coffin to order, from a goldfish up to a dog.
Monday 18 June 2007
Air gun attacks on pets
An increase in air gun attacks on animals has prompted the RSPCA to urge people to report gun incidents.
Last year the charity received 90 calls to air gun incidents in the West Midlands - including 33 involving shot cats and 37 concerning injured birds.
Supt Martyn Hubbard said: "Our figures only provide a snapshot of this issue as many more animals crawl away to die in agony from their injuries.
"Sadly not all incidents are reported to us or witnessed."
He added: "We are appealing to the public to help prevent unnecessary suffering to countless animals by reporting any witnessed incidents to us or the police."
Paralysed
Mr Hubbard appealed to parents not to buy their children air weapons unless they would be used under supervision.
A recent victim of a fatal air gun attack was two-year-old cat Tigger, who was shot in Willenhall in the Black Country in May.
The animal had to be put down after an air gun pellet lodged in its spine, paralysing it.
Local vet Julie Winfield, who treated Tigger, said: "It is sickening to see this kind of cruelty to cats but sadly this sort of case is far from uncommon.
"We have had several cats brought into the practice over the past 12 months suffering from air gun injuries."
from the BBC
Last year the charity received 90 calls to air gun incidents in the West Midlands - including 33 involving shot cats and 37 concerning injured birds.
Supt Martyn Hubbard said: "Our figures only provide a snapshot of this issue as many more animals crawl away to die in agony from their injuries.
"Sadly not all incidents are reported to us or witnessed."
He added: "We are appealing to the public to help prevent unnecessary suffering to countless animals by reporting any witnessed incidents to us or the police."
Paralysed
Mr Hubbard appealed to parents not to buy their children air weapons unless they would be used under supervision.
A recent victim of a fatal air gun attack was two-year-old cat Tigger, who was shot in Willenhall in the Black Country in May.
The animal had to be put down after an air gun pellet lodged in its spine, paralysing it.
Local vet Julie Winfield, who treated Tigger, said: "It is sickening to see this kind of cruelty to cats but sadly this sort of case is far from uncommon.
"We have had several cats brought into the practice over the past 12 months suffering from air gun injuries."
from the BBC
Sunday 17 June 2007
Smoking and Pets
Britons pets face health risks associated with passive smoking, and says shocking research from pet insurer More Than, the risks will increase when the ban on smoking in bars and restaurants comes in to force shortly in the UK.
With over a million smokers in the UK saying that theyll go out less because of the ban and now stay in and smoke because of the ban, this is putting the nations pet cats, dogs, birds and other small furries at serious health risks.
The research says that British pet owners enjoy a smoke, with nearly a quarter of them smoking every day. And 44 per cent of these admit that they do smoke indoors, often in the same room as their pet.
The effects of this smoking on pets can be the same as what humans can suffer from, such as respiratory problems, coughing, watery eyes and even life threatening diseases such as lung cancer and chronic bronchitis.
And in households where here are more than one smoker, the effects on animals are actually increased four-fold, says the research. Yet, despite the massive publicity about the ill affects of passive smoking, still many smokers continue to out the health of others including their pets at risk.
When asked, 38 per cent of pet owners who smoke said that they had not realised that passive smoking could endanger their pets health. Yet only 11 per cent of the respondents to the survey said that they would stop smoking if they knew it could make their pets ill.
Sadly, three-quarters of a million smokers said that they would still continue smoking as normal, despite the warnings of the ill effects it could have on their animals.
If you are a smoker and you arent prepared to quit, then do consider the health of your pet or pets. Try smoking out in the garden, or in a room where your pet doesnt go. Keep any communal areas well ventilated.
If they could speak, your pet would thank you for it.
Article Source: ArticleHub
With over a million smokers in the UK saying that theyll go out less because of the ban and now stay in and smoke because of the ban, this is putting the nations pet cats, dogs, birds and other small furries at serious health risks.
The research says that British pet owners enjoy a smoke, with nearly a quarter of them smoking every day. And 44 per cent of these admit that they do smoke indoors, often in the same room as their pet.
The effects of this smoking on pets can be the same as what humans can suffer from, such as respiratory problems, coughing, watery eyes and even life threatening diseases such as lung cancer and chronic bronchitis.
And in households where here are more than one smoker, the effects on animals are actually increased four-fold, says the research. Yet, despite the massive publicity about the ill affects of passive smoking, still many smokers continue to out the health of others including their pets at risk.
When asked, 38 per cent of pet owners who smoke said that they had not realised that passive smoking could endanger their pets health. Yet only 11 per cent of the respondents to the survey said that they would stop smoking if they knew it could make their pets ill.
Sadly, three-quarters of a million smokers said that they would still continue smoking as normal, despite the warnings of the ill effects it could have on their animals.
If you are a smoker and you arent prepared to quit, then do consider the health of your pet or pets. Try smoking out in the garden, or in a room where your pet doesnt go. Keep any communal areas well ventilated.
If they could speak, your pet would thank you for it.
Article Source: ArticleHub
Friday 15 June 2007
Mongrels
The amazing thing about dogs are the different types of breeds, there must be hundreds of them, and they all differ in temperament, needs and what they want do.
Some of the breeds suffer with problems that are common to the breed, so I much prefer to have a Mongrel, which as it name suggests is a mix of at least two breeds if not more. I think that this then makes the dog a good rugid animal, with characteristics of the differing breeds. All in all a good pet to have.
Petplanet.co.uk
Some of the breeds suffer with problems that are common to the breed, so I much prefer to have a Mongrel, which as it name suggests is a mix of at least two breeds if not more. I think that this then makes the dog a good rugid animal, with characteristics of the differing breeds. All in all a good pet to have.
Petplanet.co.uk
Wednesday 13 June 2007
Budgies
A budgie is a good pet to have, because apart from the different colours they come in, blues, greens and yellows, if you have the patience, they can be taught to speak. Now which other pet can you have a conversation with?, admittedly what they say is only what you teach them. Because of this they are great company if you live alone.
Saturday 9 June 2007
Pets in Wills
A man who left his 11 collie dogs to the RSPCA in his will is the focus of a new service by the animal charity. Six of the dogs were sent to the charity's Bryn y Maen centre in Conwy as part of the Home for Life campaign.Fran and Flora have already found new homes but Flo, Susie, Fleur and Flossie are still looking for new owners.
The charity launched the service after discovering around 4,300 pet owners died in Wales every year without making a provision for their pet. The 11 collies were split between two of the charity's re-homing centres and of the six that arrived at Bryn y Maen, two - Fran and Flora - have been re-homed. “The gentleman with the collies wanted the best for his dogs," said centre manager Becky King. "I don't think people are aware of this service but we are keen for people to know it is available, free of charge," she said. "By putting it in their wills that they want the RSPCA to look after their pets it gives an assurance to the owners that their loved animal will be cared for when they are not around to do so. "In many cases, family members are well placed to look after these pets, but some pet owners might not consider the emotional and financial burden that unwanted pets can place on the recently bereaved. "These pressures can often result in further distress for the pet itself." As well as the four collies the centre is also urgently looking for a home for a blind collie dog called Gelert. He spends his days in the centre's office. "He can't be in a kennel as his hearing is his keenest sense because he is blind, and it would be too noisy and scary for him," said Ms King. The centre at Colwyn Bay currently has 30 dogs, 70 cats and 30 smaller animals such as rabbits and ferrets and some wildlife. While cats live up to 16 years old, some pets are more likely to outlive older owners with birds such as macaws and cockatoos living for around 70 years. taken from the BBC.
The charity launched the service after discovering around 4,300 pet owners died in Wales every year without making a provision for their pet. The 11 collies were split between two of the charity's re-homing centres and of the six that arrived at Bryn y Maen, two - Fran and Flora - have been re-homed. “The gentleman with the collies wanted the best for his dogs," said centre manager Becky King. "I don't think people are aware of this service but we are keen for people to know it is available, free of charge," she said. "By putting it in their wills that they want the RSPCA to look after their pets it gives an assurance to the owners that their loved animal will be cared for when they are not around to do so. "In many cases, family members are well placed to look after these pets, but some pet owners might not consider the emotional and financial burden that unwanted pets can place on the recently bereaved. "These pressures can often result in further distress for the pet itself." As well as the four collies the centre is also urgently looking for a home for a blind collie dog called Gelert. He spends his days in the centre's office. "He can't be in a kennel as his hearing is his keenest sense because he is blind, and it would be too noisy and scary for him," said Ms King. The centre at Colwyn Bay currently has 30 dogs, 70 cats and 30 smaller animals such as rabbits and ferrets and some wildlife. While cats live up to 16 years old, some pets are more likely to outlive older owners with birds such as macaws and cockatoos living for around 70 years. taken from the BBC.
Wednesday 6 June 2007
BIRDS IN THE GARDEN
Although not a pet I just felt that I would make a comment on the birds that frequent my garden at the moment, mainly due to the fact that as I do not have a pet of my own at the moment I have put a bird table out for them with food on it, and that attracts them.
I notice that there are several different types of birds appearing at the moment, sparrows, doves, pigeons, tits, finches, blackbirds and starlings to say the least.
I have been watching them for a few days and a particular blackbird, which is quite unafraid of me, has been bringing the three offspring to the table very regularly. Now I do not not know if it is this is usual with blackbirds but this blackbird does not get on with starlings, all the other birds ok but if there are any starlings about this blackbird chases them away.
I notice that there are several different types of birds appearing at the moment, sparrows, doves, pigeons, tits, finches, blackbirds and starlings to say the least.
I have been watching them for a few days and a particular blackbird, which is quite unafraid of me, has been bringing the three offspring to the table very regularly. Now I do not not know if it is this is usual with blackbirds but this blackbird does not get on with starlings, all the other birds ok but if there are any starlings about this blackbird chases them away.
Saturday 2 June 2007
Dogs or not?
Before you decide to have a dog I think you should have a think about a few things about the responsibility of owning a dog. Do you have the time for a dog, can you afford to keep a dog, they are not cheap, if you have children can they behave with a dog, and what type of dog, as some dogs are more suitable than others. Lots to think about.
Friday 1 June 2007
A bit of a worry in USA for pets.
I have come across this report from the USA, I have not seen much mention of it in the UK, hopefully it does not apply here, but it must be worrying for pet owners in America.
On March 15, U.S. Food and Drug Administration learned that certain pet foods were sickening and killing cats and dogs. FDA found contaminants in vegetable proteins imported into the United States from China and used as ingredients in pet food.
Pet food manufacturers have voluntarily recalled more than 100 brands of dog and cat food across the nation since March 16, 2007. The recall was prompted by reported cases of cats and dogs in the United States that developed kidney failure after eating the affected products.
A portion of the tainted pet food was used to produce farm animal feed and fish feed. FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture discovered that some animals that ate the tainted feed had been processed into human food. Government scientists have determined that there is very low risk to human health from consuming food from animals that ate tainted feed. All tainted pet food, animal and fish feed, and vegetable proteins continue to be recalled and destroyed.
If you're a pet owner wondering what to feed your pets, keep in mind the following: Although many different types of pet food are affected by the recall, the recalled products represent only about one percent of the total pet food available for purchase, according to the Pet Food Institute, the trade association for pet food manufacturers.
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