Pet News and Views

I Spay L.A. Rallies to Fix Every 90037 Cat

By Michele C. Hollow of Pet News and Views

It’s a tall order, and the folks at Stray Cat Alliance are up for the challenge. Their goal is to spay/neuter every cat in the 90037 zip code.

Since its launch late last year, Stray Cat Alliance’s I Spayed L.A. program has spayed/neutered 300 feral, stray, and homeless cats. I Spayed L.A. provides L.A.’s poorest demographic areas with spay/neuter and other health services for cats and kittens, both owned and free-roaming in the neighborhood. The program is run on donations and grants.

Christi Metropole of Stray Cat Alliance and friend.

“I Spayed L.A. is a partnership with community residents to give them the tools and resources they need to continue this work,” says, Christi Metropole, Stray Cat Alliance executive director. “Our goal is to spay/neuter every cat in that zip code. Once we feel we hit critical mass we will take our program to the next zip code.”

I Spayed L.A. helps 90037 residents pay for all or part of the spay/neuter costs. In addition, they assist with costs for immunizations, de-worming, and other health-related issues. Funding for these services comes from grants and private donations.

I Spayed L.A. chose the 90037 area because its residents have extremely low incomes, it’s densely urban, and it’s central to downtown LA. Volunteers are taught TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return).

Stray Cat Alliance estimates that by sterilizing 70 percent or more of all cats in this zip code over the next three years, it would eliminate, or nearly eliminate, intakes from that zip code at the South Los Angeles shelter, where the kill rate for cats exceed 80 percent.

Jackson Galaxy of My Cat from Hell with a friend. (Photo credit: Photo by Brad Graverson.)

“I can’t say enough about the work that Stray Cat Alliance is doing in South Los Angeles,” says Animal Planet’s Jackson Galaxy, animal behaviorist and star of “My Cat from Hell.” “From hands-on rescue to educating the community about responsible pet care, I Spayed L.A. is a model program for Trap/Neuter/Return that urban areas all over the country should be implementing.”

On January 28 members from I Spayed L.A. will be knocking on doors in the 90037 zip code. They host community events a number of times a year. Volunteers go door-to-door; block and neighborhood captains provide information and resources so local residents are empowered to help their own communities. Stray Cat Alliance has set up two trap depots in the area, and is teaching residents how to use them humanely. Spay/neuters are performed locally at Animal Rescue Center in South Los Angeles, and paid for by Stray Cat Alliance.

For more information about Stray Cat Alliance and I Spayed L.A., or to talk to someone about setting up your own grassroots program, click here.

Win A Pet Fountain
There is still time to enter to win a stainless steel Pioneer Pet water fountain–a $69.99 value. Click here for details.

11 Year Old Challenges Us Older Folks to Exceed Our Expectations Regarding Animal Rescue

Editor’s Note: Talking about topics that he is passionate about—animal rescue and writing—Jack McPadden seems wise beyond his 11 years. Jack sent Pet News and Views an e-mail asking if he could guest post. I get a fair number of people asking to guest. Jack’s e-mail stood out.

He wrote: “I am eleven years old and completely blind; this does not stop me the least bit when it comes to my passion—animals, mostly dogs.” Following is Jack’s article on the importance of rescuing dogs:

By Guest Blogger Jack McPadden for Pet News and Views

“Woof! Woof!” Many of us don’t hear the call, but it rings through the air daily. It is the dogs pleading for help, begging for our support. They amble the city streets teeming with cars. Others roam the dangerous woods of the infinite countryside. No matter where, these vagrant dogs are in need of our mercy. It’s high time that we intervene, feel what they do, and, as a community, come together to rescue.

Many people are deaf to the call of vulnerable animals. You may drive by a stray and think nothing of it, as it is deemed everyday life. It seems the way of the world. Yet, when you take the time to empathize what those dogs are feeling as the car whizzes by, it sinks in.

What would you do if you saw a child standing in the middle of a road? You’d get out and help them. Sadly, this is not the case with many people and dogs. Cars swerve to avoid the animals and keep on going, not thinking about what hope the dog just lost.

Little Man is one of the rescue dogs that Jack trains.

The reality is dogs need human companions for their well-being. We feed and care for our pets. Likewise, humans need dogs; they comfort us, bring us much joy, and, most importantly, save lives.

The puppy mills defeat the efforts of compassionate people who take in dogs that have been horribly exploited. At these retched dog factories, the animals are bred in the most vulgar conditions. All of those dogs are unbelievably malnourished and sleep restlessly. We need to rescue the dogs that need us, not neglect them. This is simply giving back to the dogs who have saved our lives. We need to do our share.

So, next time you want to get a dog, go to a shelter, a foster home, search the streets, and for Pete’s sake, DON’T BUY FROM A PUPPY MILL!

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to help the needy animals that linger along the streets. Please, make a difference. Next time you see a stray or a lost dog, don’t avoid them, help them. If they are lost, bring them back home. If they are a stray, don’t leave them by the side of the street just because you are allergic. Find somebody who can properly care for them.

About Jack
Jack McPadden lives with a four-year old dog named Dallas. He volunteers with a neighbor who rescues dogs, and also volunteers as a dog trainer. He walks, feeds, exercises, and trains his neighbors’ dogs.

Jack is writing a book with his aunt. “In the book,” he says, “I go to live with my aunt to help her with her organization that fosters dogs. My objective is to raise awareness regarding the fact that the dogs depend on us and are waiting for us to help them. It will also express what a dog can do for a human, both physically and psychologically.”

A Contest Going On
There is still time to enter to win a Pioneer Pet stainless steel fountain–a $69.99 value. Click here for details.

Pioneer Pet Fountain Provides A Good Night’s Sleep

By Michele C. Hollow of Pet News and Views

All too often, my cat, Earl Gray, wakes me up at 2 a.m., 5 a.m., and right before the alarm goes off at 6:40 a.m. Earl wants water.

Stainless steel Rain Drop Fountain from Pioneer Pet is perfect for cats and dogs. The changeable filter keeps water clean.

I change his water bowl at least two times a day, and right before I go to sleep at night. Earl just prefers to drink from the bathroom faucet. The water has to run pencil thin, and he takes about five minutes to drink. I’ve timed him because the thought of leaving the water running all night is too upsetting. It’s wasteful.

So, I get up. If I don’t he keeps on coming back and sitting on my head. One night he started knocking things off my dresser. Yes, Earl has trained me well.

Earl is healthy. He’s been to the vet–the wonderful Marc Levine, DVM, in South Orange, NJ. Marc suggested I get a fountain.

I’ve tried fountains; Earl prefers the faucet. I have seen him drink out of his water bowl on occasion–but that is in the day time. Joanne McGonagle of The Tiniest Tiger suggested I try Pioneer Pet’s Rain Drop Fountain.

I was skeptical, and tired. I wanted an uninterrupted night’s sleep. I contacted Pioneer Pet and they sent me their stainless steel Rain Drop Fountain.

It’s an easy device to assemble, and it contains a replaceable charcoal filter for clean water. I drink filtered water at home, and now I’m pleased that Earl is drinking healthier water too.

Circulating drinking water is naturally appealing to pets. The fountain is dishwasher safe, and easy to clean. It holds up to 60 ounces of water. Plus, it is quite attractive.

The motor is quiet, and replacement filters cost $7.19 at Amazon. You can also buy them at a number of pet stores. The stainless steel Rain Drop Fountain from Pioneer Pet retails for $69.99, and you can find it online at Pioneer Pet, Amazon, and a handful of other sites. It is also available at PetCo and other pet supply stores.

I’m quite happy with it because Earl is drinking clean water and I am sleeping better. And there’s more good news: Pioneer Pet gave me an extra Rain Drop Fountain to give away to one Pet News and Views’ subscriber. This is for the stainless steel model. They also make ceramic and plastic models.

Enter to Win A Stainless Steel Pioneer Pet Rain Drop Fountain
Leave a comment in the comments section of this post about your pet–dog or cat–and why you would like to win this fountain. The contest ends Friday, January 27, 2012, at 3 p.m. I will contact one winner over the weekend.

Thanks everyone: The contest is closed. I’m putting all the names in Randomizer.org and will pick one winner.

Surf Dog Ricochet and Friends

Judy Fridono, Surf Dog Ricochet, and Rina, shared this silly photo with Pet News and Views. Ricochet is covered in silly string, and that’s Rina holding the evidence. The three of them constantly amaze me–as they work tirelessly to help people and animals.

For the latest on what they are up to visit their Facebook page.

Year Round Protection from Fleas and Ticks

By Michele C. Hollow of Pet News and Views

According to the folks at Ark Naturals, cats and dogs need year-round protection from fleas and ticks, and they recommend using botanicals over pesticide-based topical products.

Ticks are not attractive. This is a magnified photo.

Most recently class action suits against the makers of pesticide-based topical flea and tick products has prompted Susan Weiss, CEO of Ark Naturals, to recommend to pet owners to use natural botanical alternatives to effectively control fleas and ticks.

“Fleas and ticks are a way of life for dogs and cats but controlling them is a matter of choice, and the pesticide solution seems to be wrought with serious problems,” says Weiss.

Reports of dangerous side effects associated with spot-on or topical flea and tick products date back to 2000 when the Natural Resources Defense Council released a report called “Poisons on Pets: Health Hazards from Flea and Tick Products.” The report revealed a link between chemicals commonly used in flea and tick products and serious health problems in both people and pets.

More recently a 2008 study by The Center for Public Integrity reported at least 1,600 pet deaths related to spot-on treatments with pyrethroids were reported to the EPA over the last five years, according to an analysis of EPA pesticide incident exposure data by the center. The EPA assigns risk levels to all pesticides for their potential dangers to humans and some flea and tick products contain chemicals, specifically permethrins, which are “likely to be carcinogenic to humans.”

Weiss says that the recent class action suits claim the EPA has done nothing to change the advertising, marketing, or labeling of pesticide-based flea and tick products to alert pet owners of the possible serious side-effects, which could include shivering, salivating, dilated pupils, vomiting, tremors, and skin irritation.

Nancy Scanlan, DVM, Executive Director of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and past president of the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association, says “Herbal flea and tick products tend to be safer than pharmaceutical or pesticide flea and tick products, but all products that are formulated to rid pets of fleas and ticks pose some percentage of risk.”

Skechers, the Super Bowl and Greyhounds

By Michele C. Hollow of Pet News and Views

I was in the mall with my son the other day and came across an ad for Skechers. The shoes were so colorful, and my son wanted a pair. I had to explain that we won’t buy Skechers’products until they pull their Superbowl ad that glamorizes greyhound racing.

This is a follow up to an earlier post about Skechers and greyhound racing. My friends at GREY2K USA learned that Skechers filmed a commercial at Tucson Greyhound Park featuring greyhound dogs in running jackets pitted against a small dog wearing Skechers sneakers.

GREY2K USA wrote to the company and asked that this misguided promotion be cancelled. Thankfully, thousands of you around the world signed their petition and also sent direct e-mails to company officials.

“We have now learned that Skechers denies that it is promoting dog racing and that the greyhound ad will be aired during February’s Super Bowl,” says Christine A. Dorchak, Esq., president and general counsel of GREY2K USA. “Additionally, Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, is to be featured and was present for filming at the dog track.”

As journalist, I have to come clean and say that I have not seen the commercial. I have sent e-mails and called the president of Skechers and the head of public relations; both have not answered my calls or e-mails. What worries me is that people who don’t know about the horrors of greyhound racing will see these graceful dogs running and will think that greyhound racing is okay. I’m sorry, but it is not okay. It really is one of the worst forms of animal abuse.

And I know Christine and GREY2K USA. They have worked tirelessly to close greyhound tracks across the country. She is a valuable source of information on greyhounds and greyhound racing.

Christine and I would like you to boycott Skechers, and let Skecher’s personnel know that you won’t buy their products until the ad is pulled. According to Christine, Tucson Greyhound Park is one of the worst greyhound tracks in the U.S. (You can visit GREY2K USA’s website for more information about this and other greyhound racetracks. )

Please Sign the Updated Petition
Click right here to be taken to the petition page.

And Please Send E-mails To:
Skechers President Michael Greenburg at michaelg@skechers.com
Skechers Vice President of Media Gary Martin at gpmedia@aol.com
Mark Cuban at mcuban@hd.net
NBC at nbcuniversalviewerfeedback@nbcuni.com

Tell them to please pull the ad. Let them know that you will not buy their products. Anything that glamorizes greyhound racing is wrong.

Thank you!

Clear the Clutter and Help Pets

By Michele C. Hollow of Pet News and Views

I am a minimalist. Objects don’t hold much sentimental value to me. So, I was so excited to hear about the ASPCA’s (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) project with WebThriftStore. It’s a great way to get rid of clutter and help animals.

All you have to do is donate your unwanted items to the online store and the ASPCA will receive 80 percent of the sales proceeds. You can donate old clothes, household items, jewelry, electronics, and more.

“ASPCA staff was able to test out the online thrift store in a day-long event at our offices, and we had such a positive response with so many staff members bringing in great items to donate that we’re considering making it a regular event,” says Alison Jimenez, Senior Manager at the ASPCA.

Clutter Can Be Expensive
According to NPD Research, there is an estimated $700 billion of stuff cluttering homes and costing people money in storage facilities throughout the United States. WebThriftStore offers a simple way to help get these items into the hands of people who want them, while at the same time helping causes which are important to them.

“What makes this WebThriftStore partnership so wonderful is that it connects people with a creative way to help one another and the ASPCA at the same time,” says WebThriftStore Founder and CEO Douglas Krugman.

How It Works
Prices on WebThriftStore are set by donors, and once items are sold, donors receive acknowledgement letters to substantiate 100 percent of their value as charitable contributions for tax purposes. Donors also receive free, prepaid mailing labels online, to print and affix to packages shipped via the United States Postal Service or they can arrange local delivery of purchases directly with buyers. Shipping supplies are available free of charge.

All purchases are backed by WebThriftStore’s 30-Day Buyer Assurance Guarantee. WebThriftStore’s free online platform is open to all registered 501(c)(3) organizations, enabling them to solicit in-kind donations from supporters and receive cash from their sale.

For the Birds

By Michele C. Hollow of Pet News and Views

Want to teach children about appreciating birds and other wildlife and the importance of keeping wild animals wild? Then rent the movie Rio. It came out last year. I saw it with my son, Jordon, who was 10 at the time.

Blu from the movie Rio.

What I love about the movie, in addition to the animation, is the message about caring for endangered animals, why smugglers are evil, and why we should not encourage sales of exotic birds—or any other animals for that matter.

While the topic of smuggling exotic birds is second in the story line to Blu’s adventures, my son and I had a few discussions about why we need to protect exotics.

National Bird Day
That brings me to National Bird Day, which is January 5, 2012. It’s actually the 10th anniversary of National Bird Day, and one of my favorite nonprofits, Born Free USA, organized a campaign focusing on education and action to discourage pet bird sales, improve standards of care for birds who are already pets, stop international trade of wild birds, and protect and appreciate birds in the wild.

According Monica Engebretson, wildlife biologist and senior program associate for Born FreeUSA, “National Bird Day is about appreciating wild birds flying free outside our own windows and also focusing on birds native to other counties who are captured in the wild or bred in captivity, fueling the captive bird trade. Whether a bird is wild-caught or bred in captivity it is very difficult to meet their needs in a home environment as they are intelligent, highly social, flight-adapted animals.”

Born Free USA recommends that those seeking a companion animal choose truly domesticated animals such as dogs and cats. And for those who already have birds in their care, to look for ways to improve their welfare, such as providing proper toys, varied diet, ample out-of-cage time, and plenty of focused attention. Tips to improve captive bird welfare are included on the National Bird Day website.

National Bird Day 2012 also focuses on protecting our native U.S. birds in crisis. It is estimated that up to one billion birds are killed annually in North America from colliding with windows. Some die on impact while others may fly away to later die from internal injury. Born Free USA’s website offers advice on how to make windows safer for birds, along with other tips and information to help protect and actively celebrate National Bird Day.

Engebretson explains, “When birds see a window they see the reflection of trees or sky and think they can fly through. Putting a few stickers on the glass does not solve the problem—despite popular belief—because birds perceive that they can fly between the stickers.”

Born Free USA offers these tips to prevent window collisions in time for National Bird Day:
•Use taut exterior window “bug” screens and leave them up year-round. Screens break up the reflection and help cushion the blow and reduce injury if a bird hits the window.

•Place vertical exterior tape strips on the glass no more than 10 centimeters apart. Or paint patterns outside of windows with soap or tempera paint.

•Keep drapes and blinds closed whenever possible.

•Position houseplants and flowers away from windows.

•Strategically place bird feeders and baths to reduce collisions. Keep birdbaths and feeders closer than three feet from windows or more than 20 feet away. If birds are very close to the window, they will not build up sufficient speed for an injury if they fly at the window, and if they are much farther away they will be more likely to avoid the window.

•Install frosted or etched windows with less reflective surface area. This can be done with new windows, while craft etching kits are available for existing windows.

•Create movement that can help birds avoid windows. For example, hang ribbons or other material in strips no more than 5 centimeters apart on the outside of windows for the full width of the glass.

•Use external sun shades or awnings to minimize reflection and transparency of windows.

•If putting in new windows, angle the glass downward so it does not reflect the sky and trees.

For much more on birds, and National Bird Day activities, events, contests and information sheets, click here.

Benign Neglect

By Michele C. Hollow of Pet News and Views

I consider myself to be a good pet parent. However, when Earl Gray, my cat of 19 years started missing the litter box, I chalked it up to old age. I thought it was his time, and that he wasn’t going to be around a lot longer.

I waited two weeks before I took him to our veterinarian. It turns out Earl had a thyroid problem—an overactive one that caused poor litter box manners. Thankfully, he is back to his old wonderful self. He truly is a great cat, and thanks to meds and a special diet, he even has those kitten-like bouts of running around the house every so often.

My not taking him to the vet immediately had to do with just thinking it was his time. I also have to admit that I don’t visit the doctor when I’m ill. Both decisions are mistakes.

Not going to the vet right away got me thinking about other pet parents who wait. Most of you (I took an informal online poll and asked around) take your pet to the vet almost immediately if the symptoms are serious. Others admitted to waiting a few days—even a week or two.

The late Sadie. She was a beautiful dog.

Peter L. Massaro, owner of Identicollar, a safe, reflective ID collar for cats and dogs, regrets waiting. “I live in northern San Diego County—farm country—and I saw my Springer Spaniel, Sadie, eat a mouse out of one of our traps. Having seen her eat one once before without anything happening, I assumed she would be okay.”

“Well, I was wrong. Three days later I found her lifeless on the floor and rushed her to the vet. She died right on the table in front of me. I will never forgive myself for not taking her in sooner. If one suspects there is something wrong with his or her pet, financial reasons should never be the reason to delay a visit to the veterinarian.”

I’m sorry for Peter’s loss, and I know how sorry he is, yet, I don’t think that makes him a bad pet parent. I may have waited too—especially if Sadie ate a mouse before and nothing bad happened.

Then I asked Thomas F. Dock, Certified Veterinarian Journalist (CVJ) and managing editor of Veterinary News Network (VNN), a wonderful source for all things pet health and vet related. “Veterinarians across the country are seeing pets with illnesses or injuries at much later times and that is leading to higher costs for pet owners as well as increased suffering for the pets,” he says. “The recent National Council on Veterinary Economic Issues (NCVEI) study with Bayer came to the same conclusions. Although the economy has played a big role in this for the last three years or so, there has always been a reluctance from many pet owners to take pets in immediately (‘oh, she just sprained her leg…she’ll be fine in a day or two.’ ‘It’s just a little vomiting, nothing to worry about’). I think the biggest proof of this is seen in online pet related forums; people asking others about the course of action they should take when their pet is limping/vomiting/experiencing bloody diarrhea, etc.”

“Most veterinarians recommend a physical examination every six months for most dogs and cats. Since our pets can’t talk and they are so good at hiding signs of illness, this bi-annual exam can catch a lot of little problems before they turn into big issues. Puppies and kittens should be seen on a regular basis (every 3 to 4 weeks until they are about 16 weeks old) and some veterinarians will even recommend 2 to 4 annual visits for senior pets.”

Procrastination Equals More Money Spent
Thanks to VNN, I heard from Dr. Arnold Goldman of Canton Animal Hospital in Canton, CT. “One example is sitting in a cage in my office right now,” he says. “A male cat with lower urinary tract obstruction, a common condition, was seen today for collapse, vomiting, and not eating. Medical care administered later revealed the cat must have been completely obstructed for 24 hours or more. Detailed history revealed that the owner noted frequent trips to the litter box in recent days. Had the cat been seen when those trips had begun, obstruction may not have occurred prior to being seen. The difference in cost of care for outpatient feline lower urinary tract disease and inpatient when obstruction finally occurs, approaches $1000.”

Dr. Mitsie Vargas, a VNN member in Orchid Springs Florida and a certified veterinary acupuncturist, tells the story of a dog named Bear. “When I saw him, Bear was very ill, anemic, platelets super low, and recumbent,” she explains. “He was tick infested. The owners had stopped using the monthly Frontline and the dog almost died of rickettsial disease. Luckily, after intensive treatment and $1,200 later he did recover. The monthly dose of Frontline would’ve been a big savings.”

How long do you wait to take your pets to the vet?

Happy Holidays From Pet News and Views

Thanks to all of you for reading and participating in Pet News and Views. Earl Gray and I wish you a Happy Chanukah, a Merry Christmas, and a Joyous Kwanzaa.

Thanks to your help, we were able to send much needed food to several animal shelters. When I ask for you to leave a comment so shelter animals can get free food, or if I ask you to sign a petition or send an e-mail to a congress person, you always come through.

I really value your kindness. Thank you!

I’m taking a few days off for the holidays, and am looking forward to reconnecting in 2012.

Have a peaceful holiday season,
Michele & Earl Gray

Pet News and Views

Categories

I Spay L.A. Rallies to Fix Every 90037 Cat

11 Year Old Challenges Us Older Folks to Exceed Our Expectations Regarding Animal Rescue

Pioneer Pet Fountain Provides A Good Night’s Sleep

Surf Dog Ricochet and Friends

Year Round Protection from Fleas and Ticks

Skechers, the Super Bowl and Greyhounds

Clear the Clutter and Help Pets

For the Birds

Benign Neglect

Happy Holidays From Pet News and Views

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