Posts
Jana Peterson - Duluth Budgeteer News
Petunia is the perfect dog — likes children and car rides, is (partly) potty trained and walks well on a leash — except that she’s a pig.
A small pig, but a pig nonetheless.
“I gave her a massage last night and she just keeled over and went to sleep,” said Stefanie Kemp, an Animal Allies assistant who took the stray miniature pig home the first night it was at the city’s animal shelter. “She’d been chasing the kids around and getting into mischief, so she was pretty tired.”
Petunia, the name given a stray miniature pig brought to the city animal shelter earlier this week, enjoys a little snack with Animal Allies volunteer Steve Saarela. Photo by Jana Peterson/Budgeteer News.
RELATED CONTENT
Jana Peterson Archive
Petunia appears to have been well cared for, but, so far, no one has called to claim the stray swine.
“A man brought her in Monday, he said she was running loose near Highland and Skyline,” said Kelly Higbe, who works for the city’s animal control department.
As the story goes, the pig jumped right into his truck.
The unnamed man must have known the trick: Make kissing noises.
“I took her for a walk today — I just (she puckers up her lips to demonstrate) kissed at her and she followed me,” said Jessie Rahja, another shelter employee.
The pig’s owner has until the end of the day Monday to claim her. If she remains unclaimed, Petunia will probably be available for adoption sometime soon.
Carrie Lane, lead shelter worker for the city of Duluth, said she hopes the owner will come forward, even if he or she doesn’t want to keep Petunia.
“We’re not going to blame someone if a pig wasn’t the right pet for them,” Lane said. “But it would be really helpful if that person could tell us how old she is, her medical history, her age, breed, habits and any other useful information. ... We can find a good home for her.”
Not just any home will do, however. In Duluth, pigs are allowed only in areas that are zoned for agricultural animals, even the miniature, more exotic breeds. Anyone who adopts or buys a miniature pig is also required by the city to license the animal.
No one is sure what exact breed of pig Petunia is, but they are certain she isn’t a breeder pig. Nor is she a Vietnamese potbellied pig; she could of an even smaller breed.
However, small is a relative term. Although Petunia is quite petite now, she’s also probably not even close to full grown. Shelter workers estimate Petunia is probably about 14-weeks old.
According to the Pig Preserve Association Web site, miniature pigs keep growing until they are close to 3 years old. Their average weight is between 90 and 150 pounds at maturity, so they are only miniature compared with a farm pig, which could weigh closer to 600 pounds at maturity. The only way to know the true size is to adopt or buy a mature pig older than 4.
Also, if Petunia is put up for adoption, Lane said she would be treated the same as any dog, which means she would get any needed shots and be spayed before she could leave the shelter, and there would be a fee to adopt her.
In the meantime, Petunia is enjoying the spotlight at the city’s animal shelter. She snorts happily and wags her tail when visitors come in and cuddle her.
“She’s been the most popular thing all week,” said Lane on Thursday.
That’s no surprise. Petunia is a people pig, after all.
Call the city’s animal shelter at 723-3259 about lost pets. To adopt, contact Animal Allies Humane Society at 279-3647. Both are located at 2627 Courtland St., Duluth.
Exotic pets not unusual at the city shelter
The occasional exotic guests make the job more fun, said lead city animal shelter worker Carrie Lane. The city shelter has been home (temporarily) to such diverse pets as horses, goats, iguanas, snakes, birds, alligators and even wolves that had been kept as house pets.
One of Lane’s best stories is about a snake.
Taken by police officers from a drunk man who was carrying the snake in a bucket down Superior Street, shelter workers put the reptile in a garbage can with a lid on it for the first night. When they returned in the morning, the snake was gone.
“Well, that was mid-summer, and we searched all over, but we couldn’t find the snake,” Lane said. “Then, in November, I was doing something in my office and out crawls the snake. So, I called the zoo and they said they would take it if I could bring it to them, but I had to keep it warm.
“‘How do I do that?’ I asked them.
“‘Put it in your shirt,’ they told me. ... Snakes give me the creeps, but I guess it’s all in the line of duty,” added Lane.
Nor is Petunia her first pig experience. Lane once had to leave a trail of dog food bits for a frightened potbellied pig loose near Boy Scout Landing.
By Laverne Hughey, Humane Society of Harrison County - Marshall News Messenger
This is an excerpt from an article written by Pam Wilson, RVT, Texas Department of State Health Services, Zoonosis Control. It arrived last week from James Wright, DVM, Department of State Health Services, in Tyler. It could not be more timely to alert companion animal guardians. It is excellent advice that may prevent serious illness in dogs or cats.
"With the arrival of the winter months and holiday season, there are additional health hazards, which are of concern for animals; some are potentially fatal. A few of these health risks could be brought into the home inadvertently, thereby increasing a pet's possibility of exposure. To keep the season safe, protect animals from contact with or ingestion of the following:
"1. Antifreeze — this mixture contains ethylene glycol, a product that can cause lethal kidney failure and metabolic acidosis if ingested. It has a sweet taste that attracts animals and can be toxic in small doses (one to two tablespoons can produce toxicity in a medium-sized dog). Antifreeze can be toxic even when diluted in water.
"At least one brand of antifreeze is available that uses propylene glycol for the active component as an alternative to ethylene glycol. Larger quantities of the propylene-glycol based antifreeze usually have to be swallowed to produce toxicity as compared to ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. Additionally, propylene glycol-based antifreeze does not metabolize in the animal's system to form products that cause kidney damage; however, it can still cause illness and death via metabolic acidosis.
"If individuals change their own antifreeze, they should not drain it into the sewer or leave it setting out in a pan for any amount of time (all it takes is a few seconds for an animal to ingest it). It is worth noting that some snow globes may contain this product as well, so keep them out of reach of pets.
"2. Baking chocolate — this form of chocolate contains a higher concentration of stimulant (theobromine) than regular chocolate. A 1/4 pound can be toxic if eaten by a small dog, such as a poodle.
"3. Mistletoe — the berry of this plant is the most toxic component, especially if it is chewed instead of swallowed whole. If the berry is ingested in sufficient quantity, it can cause gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, including convulsions.
"4. Poinsettia — whether or not this plant is toxic has been debated for years. The most recent findings are that it contains no toxic chemical. However, as with any plant that an animal is not accustomed to eating, it can cause diarrhea and vomiting (a protective mechanism to eliminate the foreign substance). Animals tend to be attracted to poinsettias, so it is a good idea to keep these plants out of their reach.
"5. Ivy — this plant is not acutely toxic, but it can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
"6. Christmas cactus — this plant is nontoxic, but it can cause vomiting and transient diarrhea if consumed.
"7. Tinsel — Cats in particular are attracted to playing with Christmas tree tinsel. If ingested, it can cause an intestinal blockage or intussusception (prolapsing of one part of the intestine into the cavity of an immediately adjoining part). If indoor cats are present, it would be prudent to avoid using strands of tinsel. It would also be advisable to place breakable ornaments at the top of the tree. An investment in shatterproof ornaments might also be worthwhile."
Prevention is always better than treatment of an animal after it has ingested something it should not.
OFFICIAL guidelines advising pet owners that dogs need to be fed “at least once a day” and that cats are not vegetarians were last night criticised as patronising and unnecessary.
Wales yesterday became the first UK nation to publish Government guidance on how people should care for cats, dogs, horses and donkeys.
The document, which runs to 50 pages and is aimed at curbing animal cruelty, contains such common sense advice as:
Cats need to eat meat because they are not herbivores;
horse owners should separate stallions and mares to prevent “amorous behaviour” and aggression; and dogs need a “comfortable and dry” resting place.
David Davies, Conservative MP for Monmouth, last night said the document was patronising to pet owners who have raised healthy cats and dogs without guidelines from the “nanny state”.
“The sort of people who abuse cats, dogs and horses are obviously not the sort who will read a 50, 100, or even a 1,000-word document from the Assembly Government,” he said.
“I don’t feel that I need to read advice in Chapter 2.4 appendix three or whatever of a document, written by people who get significant salaries for doing so, that my cat needs to be fed milk or water out of a saucer three times a day. What families are going to bother looking this up on the internet?
“Documents like this one arrive on my desk every day and I can tell you that nobody bothers reading them, they just get recycled.
“They are symptomatic of a society that just keeps pen-pushers in work.”
The publication is a bid to inform people of the responsibility, time and cost involved in caring for an animal, in the belief that ignorance is a key factor in cruelty and abandonment cases.
Dog owner, Debbie Brown, from Welshpool, said she felt the guidance was well-meaning but targeted at the wrong people.
“The type of advice issued in the document should be obvious to most people who realise that buying a pet is a big responsibility and they need to be fed, watered, loved and exercised,” she said.
“I would like to find out how much it cost to prepare such a document that contains what is surely just common sense to most people.”
Angela Halls, a pet hydrotherapist from Aqua Dogs in Cardiff, said owners would prefer to get advice from a vet or an animal charity, than the Government.
“Any code needs to be pitched at the right level, with penalties in place for those who don’t follow it,” she said.
Launching the codes, which follow similar codes for farm animals, Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones said: “There may be people who will wonder why guidance is needed on pet welfare.
“The sad truth is that while many people will care for their pet and provide them with a safe home for their lifetime far too many animals are subjected to cruel treatment and are abandoned.
“Cruelty figures continue to rise. Local authorities also face costs by pursuing cruelty cases through the courts.
“A pet is a big responsibility. There are costs involved, such as feeding and vet fees, as well as the time needed to look after them properly. These guides set out what is expected if someone is considering having a pet.
“I would urge anyone thinking of having a pet to check these guides.”
Recent figures from the RSPCA show that cruelty investigations rose from 105,000 in 2003 to just below 140,000 in 2007 in Wales and England.
Other animal welfare charities, such as the Dogs Trust, have also seen a rise in the number of animals they must care for.
Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christianne Glossop stressed that keeping a pet is a “privilege not a right”.
“They need a great deal of care and it is the case that not everyone realises a commitment is needed when taking on a pet. These guides aim to be a definitive explanation of what you need to consider before having a pet,” she said.
The Codes of Practice for Dogs, Cats and Equines (including horses and donkeys) have all-party support at the National Assembly and have been produced following consultation. They have been welcomed by animal welfare groups.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “We hope this code will give owners a greater understanding of their duty of care under the Animal Welfare Act.”
My SA Life
Dear Cathy: In your column, “Too many refrain from helping lost animals,” (Sept. 7), Bill wanted to know why no drivers stopped to help the old, blind cocker spaniel he rescued from a road. In my case, it would have been because I already have three dogs (fenced, collared, tagged and microchipped) at home, and I just can't take in every stray I see.
We have picked up plenty of lost dogs. But only if we see they have a collar and tags, because then we can find the owners quickly. We can't keep dogs for days looking for an owner, and shelters often won't take in stray animals because they are full. My question for the owner of the blind cocker spaniel who was overjoyed to get her dog back: Why don't you care enough to put a $5 tag and collar on your dog? Dogs do get out sometimes despite our best efforts, but without a collar and tag, they don't have much chance of getting home.
Another possible reason people won't stop is because of the sheer numbers of poor lost or abandoned animals in this city. I am from a city in the north, and my hometown doesn't have this problem to the extent we do here. There are so many homeless animals here you just can't help them all, and I have really had to steel my heart against it. So we pick up and help the ones we think we can. I am thankful for every person like Bill who helps stray animals like the cocker spaniel.
Becky
Dear Becky: As a young girl, I had a discussion with a friend who was a Catholic priest about the subject of helping people. I told him I felt guilty for not helping everyone I saw in need. He reminded me that it wasn't my job to help the entire world — that everyone had a role in doing this. Certainly, this advice resonates with our work for pets as well. We each do what we can and hope that if everyone does a little something, things will get done.
Dear Cathy: Let me explain why I am one of those people who keep going when I see a stray animal.
I currently live in Laredo where there is almost an epidemic of strays. I am an animal lover and was one of those people who attempted to stop and catch every little furry baby I saw until I noticed that less than 10 percent of these animals had a collar and tag. So I would end up keeping them at my house while I made futile attempts to find their owners.
Most of the time I never found owners, so I had to either find new owners or take them to the shelter here — a kill shelter, where they put down at least 90 percent of the animals. I would leave in tears. I have thrown-up in the parking lot and would be depressed for days. Was it better to have them humanely euthanized than to be hit by a car? Probably, but I just can't physically and emotionally do it anymore. I will stop if I see there's a tag on the little one; otherwise, I say a prayer and keep going. Thank you for all you do.
J. Gold
Dear J: It is an awful feeling to save a pet and then learn the pet might eventually be euthanized because there is no other option. Please know your kindnesses were a blessing to the animals you helped. You ended their suffering and perhaps prevented a slow and painful death. Sadly, there is an emotional toll for being kind to animals, especially when others are not. Thanks for all you do.
Send your pet stories to Cathy M. Rosenthal, c/o Features Department, San Antonio Express-News, P.O. Box 2171, San Antonio, TX 78297-2171, or cathy@petpundit.com. Cathy's advice column runs
Caring For Your Older Cat Or Dog
By Joi Sigers
Our oldest cat turned 20 this past September. When people ask me if I want to know how old that is in human years, I say "No, thank you!" I prefer not to think about how old my little girl is or how much longer I'll have her with me. I know she is a breathing antique, but she is still my baby!
All I want to think about is how I can make her life easier, more comfortable, more peaceful, and happier.
On the up side, she has always been an extremely good-natured and happy cat. Pampered, spoiled cats tend to be happy - I realize this, but she has always been extra happy. Even at her advanced age, I'm thrilled to be able to say that she's as happy and good-natured as always. She purrs almost constantly, especially when she's being petted or fed. Her favorite sports!
On the down side, she lost her sight entirely about 8 months ago. It was heartbreaking to watch, helplessly, as her vision got worse and worse, until it was entirely gone.
5 months ago, she had a stroke and I thought we were losing her. I laid on the kitchen floor with her all night, crying when she was asleep, admittedly watching her breaths. Somehow, thankfully, she pulled through and we were both better off when morning came. It took her a few days to get her walk back, but she recovered completely.
A few weeks ago, she had another stroke, but on a smaller scale. Again, I braced for the worst, but what's proving to be the toughest cat in the world pulled through again! Amazingly, she never lost her sweet nature and purred often through each experience.
She continues to amaze me. She's the tiniest thing you ever saw, and can't weigh more than 6 pounds, but she seems to be tougher than a lot of people I know, including me! As Prissy has gotten older (and older and older and older), I've done a great deal of research on aging pets. Mostly, I've learned from experience, but I have picked up a few things along the way I'd like to share with people who love their aging babies like I do mine.
Try to keep their environment as peaceful and calm as possible. Noises that once seemed to agree with them (television, radio, kitchen noises, etc.) may startle or annoy an older animal. This is especially true for one who has lost or is losing their eyesight. Their nerves are also sort of on edge as well, so politely ask everyone to approach the older pet calmly, sweetly, and slowly.
Try to keep their feeding routine regular. If the older pet is familiar with eating at a certain time, do whatever you can to keep him or her on schedule.
If your pet is losing their eyesight, be certain you don't rearrange any furniture. Needless to say, be certain they don't have access to any stairs. Look at their world very carefully and remove any potential harm. For her own protection, we recently had to confine Prissy in our laundry room. It's a nice set up, so she's actually thrilled. She has her litter box, a large, soft bean bag - bought just for her to nestle in - baby blankets, and a dryer that she loves. Whenever we turn the dryer on, she hustles over to stand in front of it. The warmth must feel amazing to her little body. I often put her baby blankets in there to get warm, then spread them on her bean bag. She cuddles up on them and sleeps - purring contently the whole time.
Sometimes food they have eaten their entire life begins to upset their stomach. If that's the case, try out different foods until you find one they can eat and seem to enjoy. Prissy stopped being able to eat dry food a few years ago (not enough teeth!), so now she just eats soft food from packets and cans. I try to give her a good variety of flavors and textures, but she's partial to salmon.
Be sure they have fresh water at all times.
Stay in contact with your vet. He or she can alert you to problems you can take care of as well as ways to make your little guy or gal more comfortable.
Give your pet as much attention and affection as you possibly can. They know their world has changed in many ways and look to you as their one constant. Your voice and your presence are reassuring to them. When handling them, remember that their little bones may ache and they may be pretty sore. So, if they wince, whine, or hiss, DO NOT take it personally. They're reacting to the discomfort, not to you. Just be very careful with them and keep your movements slow and gentle.
Be sure you don't approach your pet with pity or sadness. They are SO smart and SO in touch with our feelings. Treat them, to a certain degree, as you always have. Tell her how beautiful she is, what a good boy he is, etc.
Mostly, tell them how VERY much you love them.
Finally, a word of advice to you as a pet parent - don't dwell on losing your beloved little one. Focus on the time you have with them and cherish every minute. It's natural, to a certain degree, to find yourself wanting to pull away. It's our way of trying to protect ourselves from the pain we know lies in the future. However, the pain will be much worse if we have to go through it wishing we had held them more, wishing we had given them more attention, etc. Knowing that we made their last days as wonderful as we possibly could will make the pain easier to endure.
I hope you and your pet will drop in on me and my 4 beloved cats at our blog, Cat Pause. You will find funny videos, great cat toys, pet furniture, hilarious pictures, personal stories, advice, articles, and more. Prissy, Alexa, Svenn, Bo, and I will see you there!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joi_Sigers
A Pet Door Makes Your Life Easier
by Larry Volwiler
Coming home from the office with a day full of accomplishments makes you want to rest in a comfy couch as a reward for job well done. Upon entering your house you see a pile of pet waste in your expensive Persian carpet and more than a hundred deep scratches in your white door’s paint job. If you’re having a problem with your pet being unattended in your house then you might want to consider buying a pet door and an invisible fence which will enable your dog to go outside whenever he need to, while an invisible fence will ensure he won't leave your yard. Pet doors give your pet a sense of freedom to roam around your house and in the backyard. Not to mention the damage that dogs can do when they are being restricted from getting out. When buying a pet door you should consider the following:
The Size of Your Pet: To get the right size pet door for your pet measure their height and width. Don’t forget to consider your pet’s breed; if it is a large breed dog then choose a pet door that your dog can fit through even after it becomes an adult, same goes for cats in buying a cat door.
Thickness of the Pet Door: Aside from the measurement of your pet, you also need to know the thickness of the door or wall frame where your pet door will be installed, so you can get the right pet door that will best suit your pet. Quality pet doors and cat doors always come with an instruction manual and by following it you can install your pet door perfectly.
Types of Pet Doors:
Metal Pet Doors: These pet doors are heavier which makes them more stable and protective.
Plastic Pet Doors: These pet doors are the least expensive and least sturdy. These pet doors are best when used with smaller breeds.
Magnetic Pet Doors: Use magnets to open the pet door. This is done through magnet attach to your pet’s collar, thus restricting other animals from entering your house.
Electronic and Infrared Pet Doors: Electronic and infrared pet doors will give your pet freedom while restricting other animals from entering your house. They automatically unbolt when your dog or cat approaches through an infrared or magnetic key that is attached to your pet's collar. Infrared Pet Doors are considered one of the most reliable pet doors. It is designed to open through an infrared signal triggered by the collar worn by the pet. Unlike magnetic pet doors, infrared pet doors use a programmed code which specifically made only for your pet’s collar and the pet door. With an infrared pet door no other pet can enter your house.
Sliding Glass Pet Doors: Also known as Patio Panel Pet Doors are by far the most convenient pet door to install. The top of the patio panel pet door is spring loaded so all you have to do is insert in in your patio door opening.
Extreme Weather Per Doors: If you live in a location with an extreme climate, you’ll love this door. This 3-flap pet door keeps extreme hot and cold weather out of your home while giving your pet the freedom to come and go. This well-designed door has a maximum energy efficiency that’s 3-½ times higher than our standard single-flap pet doors.With a pet door you can definitely increase your peace of mind while having fun with your pet.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/a-pet-door-makes-your-life-easier-305204.html
Goldfish Care
by Jason Wilson
Goldfish have always been a mainstay of the home aquarium. Goldfish have been popularized as the iconic pet fish in movies, and television for decades. Some species of Goldfish can live upwards of 20 years. Goldfish come in many different sizes and shapes. Gone are the days when you just had the simple goldfish in the glass bowl on the mantle, you can get many different variations. In this article I will be going a few things to consider about the care and keeping of your Goldfish.
First you want to select the type of goldfish you want for your aquarium. You should pick a species that is well suited for your aquarium, or the aquarium you are going to start. Some goldfish species need to be in larger ponds, while other more simple species of goldfish do not require such specific care instructions. If you are looking for a more rewarding experience with your goldfish, you can always choose a species that is a bit more challenging. I would recommend going for a simpler, easier goldfish if you are new to owning and operating an aquarium.
After you settle on the type of goldfish you are going to purchase, you can start to set the parameters for your aquarium. Make sure to pay close attention to their specific aquarium size requirements. Many species of goldfish like to have places to hide, so you should add plenty of spots for them to hide. Avoid decorations with sharp points, as goldfish are pretty delicate and can injure themselves on these surfaces. If you have a community aquarium it is even more important to include plenty of nice hiding spots for the goldfish. Most goldfish need an aquarium temperature of around 65 to 70 degrees to live comfortably.
After you settle on the aquarium and decorations, you are going to have to pick out an appropriate filtration system and temperature control for the aquarium. Most goldfish are relatively cheap and easy to care for, so you shouldn’t have to sink too much into the aquarium accessories. If you already have an aquarium that can accommodate goldfish, just purchase the one you like and then acclimate them slowly into the aquarium. Just make sure not to house the goldfish with more aggressive species, this can pose problems with your goldfish. Be sure to research the compatibility charts for your fish before attempting to add new additions to the aquarium.
Lastly, owning a goldfish is going to require just as much patience as owning any other fish. You are going to need to be committed to frequent water changes, water testing, and general tank maintenance. It is always a good idea to research thoroughly all the components you are going to need to put your aquarium together. If you ever have any questions during the process, you can always speak to a retailer online to get any advice about owning and caring for these fish. I hope you found this article informative, and good luck with your new pet.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/goldfish-care-553620.html
No comments:
Post a Comment