Angels with Fuzzy Faces

There's no doubt about it! Animals are simply the best in every way! We could learn a lot from them, starting with their unlimited supply of absolute, complete, and unconditional love. 

If we treated each other the way animals treat us and each other, the world would be a better place. Just imagine if we extended their kind of love to everyone -- people of all faiths, colors, genders, big or little, human or otherwise, and the planet itself.

Why is it so silly, in some people's minds, to see just how perfect our fellow creatures are? It's so sad to hear terms like "Well, they're just animals," or watch people discard, abuse, or neglect the angelic presence of someone who can teach them so much.

Besides their gift of loving everyone all the time, they also are great teachers of calm. They spend a lot of time meditating -- perhaps that's their secret. We would do well to also slow down, take it easy, smell the roses, as they say. Again, you can imagine how much better the world could be if we all calmed down, relaxed, and lived in the moment.

These beings are much more than wind-up toys or temporary appendages. They are truly angels among us. Just think about all the stories we have heard and read about animals helping people: dogs being able to detect cancer or seizures in people, dogs helping the blind or hearing impaired, cats and dogs and other animals making the lives of seniors happier by visiting frequently or living right in a care facility. There's the story of one gentlemen in a retirement home who hadn't spoken in five years until a dog licked his hand. There's a cat in a convalescent home who stays near a person who is about to depart for the next world and remains there until the person is gone. A German Shepherd woke a child out of a coma. There are the dogs who help children read better (see page 2 of this newsletter). 

No doubt you've heard of all the studies that show that petting an animal will lower our blood pressure, or that having a pet will boost self-esteem and confidence in children. This is serious stuff, not just cute stories about charming four-legged pets.

When will humans realize that animals are a special gift given to us to love, nurture, and respect? To see them for who they are? With all that they give us, so willingly and patiently, why is it so easy for so many to ignore them, even hurt them? 

If you're reading this, you're probably a lover of animals, so you do care about their welfare. It's up to all of us, not just those of us who are in this line of work, to help them. By example, we can all show others how to cherish these wondrous beings. And with words. If you see neglect or abuse, please speak up. 

We at PAL get many calls from people who don't know that pets should never be hit or yelled at. It's amazing how many people use violence first as a way to remedy a situation. If a friend did something you didn't like, would you shove him, slap him, push him, beat him up? Hopefully not. Yet some people think nothing of using violence, especially with those who are smaller than them.

There are so many organizations who help with violence in families. They help without judgment. How amazingly wonderful that we have so many support and other groups who help so many. 

Encourage those you know to seek the help they need, in whatever area. Because those who don't get the help, take their anger and frustration out on those who are powerless against them: children and animals. 

We all need to speak up and help those around us. By helping each other, we help those weaker than we are. The people who call us are often receptive to the advice we give. Most people don't want to abandon their pet -- they just don't know what to do.

Please have people call us if they're having a problem with a pet. We can help or will refer them to the many resources we have.

Remind everyone you know, by deed and word, that our special friends are not just some sub-species that can be treated any old way. Remind them our job is to take care of each other, especially those who are at our mercy.

Books Go To The Dogs

Dogs are now joining kids in classrooms to help them read. Their calm presence and accepting manner help the children relax and read better.

Children who may feel uncomfortable reading to an adult do feel comfortable reading to a dog. Unlike people, the dogs don't rush to correct the children or make them feel that they're reading poorly.

Research shows that children are more at ease reading to a dog than they are to an adult. In this soothing, non-threatening environment, students gain confidence in their reading abilities.

The students look forward to their time with the dogs and the dogs seem happy, too.

For more information about this program, visit www.therapyanimals.org/read or google "Reading Dogs." 

PAL Librarian Recommends

One At a Time: A Week in an American Animal Shelter by Linda Leigh and Marilee Geyer chronicles the stories of 75 animals who passed through a U. S. animal shelter during one week. The book is a glimpse into this country's epidemic homeless animal problem and the innocents caught up in it, who die in shelters at a rate of one animal every nine seconds. 

The authors are former shelter workers committed to giving homeless animals a voice. They ask, in essence, how can this happen in America?

The book's powerful message gives hope by saying that the tragedy of the eight to twelve million animals who enter shelters in the U. S. can end if all of us become part of the solution, at the same time offering us the chance to become better people, to reawaken our connection with other living beings, and to reaffirm the sanctity of all life. 

PAL Bookmarks

Please remember that PAL has free bookmarks that you can hand out to students, book clubs, and other organizations, to help send a positive message about being a responsible pet guardian and the importance of spaying and neutering.

To get some, just give us a call at 530-273-7958 or email us at palmailbox@yahoo.com  

Unchain that Dog!

Chaining or tethering dogs is inhumane and can be a threat to the dog, other animals, and humans.

Dogs are social creatures who thrive on being with their people and other animals. Dogs kept chained in one spot for hours, days, months or years suffer immense psychological damage. An otherwise friendly and docile dog, when kept chained, becomes neurotic, unhappy, anxious, and often aggressive.

The necks of chained dogs can become raw and covered with sores from yanking and straining to escape confinement. Because of years of neglect, collars can become imbedded in a dog's neck. 

The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has this to say about tethering: "Our experience in enforcing the Animal Welfare Act has led us to conclude that continuous confinement of dogs by a tether is inhumane. A tether significantly restricts a dog's movements. A tether can also become tangled around or hooked on the dog's shelter structure or other objects, further restricting the dog's movements and potentially causing injury."

Dogs tethered for long periods of time can become aggressive. A chained dog, unable to flee from perceived danger, often feels forced to fight, attacking any unfamiliar animal or person who unwittingly wanders into his or her territory. A tethered dog who finally does get loose from his chains may remain aggressive, and is likely to chase and attack unsuspecting passersby and pets.

Chained dogs are also easy targets for other animals, humans, and biting insects. They are often teased or harassed by insensitive people. 

Pulley runs are ever so slightly better because the dog has more room, but the same problems associated with tethering can still occur -- attacks by other animals, lack of socialization, and safety.

Many states have already banned the practice of tethering animals. 

Loving, responsible guardians allow their animals indoors, especially at night. They take their dogs for regular walks, and provide them with attention, socialization, food, water, and veterinary care. If an animal needs to be housed outside at certain times, a suitable pen with adequate square footage and shelter from the elements should be provided.

To be well-adjusted, dogs need to have contact with people and other animals. 

A chained animal is a bored, lonely being who ends up a neurotic shell of his former self. Watching the world go by with no one to love you or pay attention to you is a cruel fate. 

Source: The Humane Society of the United States

No Chained Dogs in LA

The Los Angeles City Council approved an ordinance recently that bans pet guardians from tethering dogs, then leaving them unattended. It does not ban dog runs, only tying dogs to fixed objects. 

Separation Anxiety

Signs of separation anxiety: whimpering, whining, and barking. Urinating and defecating, runny nose, panting, and sweaty paws. Pacing, shivering, jumping, clawing, digging, and crashing through windows. Chewing the furniture or other objects, ripping up the linoleum, or chewing him- or herself.

Create a safe environment. Make sure there is nothing your dog can chew or destroy. If necessary, put the dog in a kennel or pen or in the kitchen, using baby gates as doorway barriers. If a kennel or pen is used, be sure to use caution and introduce it carefully. You don't want to make the situation worse. If possible, take a week off from work to work with Bowser. 

Here are some tips:

• Lower your energy level when you leave or come home. When you do this, you're letting your dog know that being separated is no big deal.
• Set a schedule. Dogs prefer a routine and so are able to relax, knowing when you'll be home.
• Give a special toy or treat just before you leave. If you leave a treat-filled Kong, your dog will be busy for hours. Dogs enjoy smart toys like the I-Qube Plush Puzzle Toy, the Intellibone, and others (google "Smart Toys for Dogs" or visit your local pet store).
• Turn on the radio or television. Choose a channel you normally listen to. Soothing classical or New Age music is best. Turn it on as soon as you get up and leave it on when you leave.
• Herbs, flower essences, aromatherapy, and homeopathy can help. 
• Exercise your dog before you leave. If the dog is a little tired, he'll have less energy to burn off while you're gone. And it's good for you, too!
• Build confidence by socializing your dog. Taking him through obedience training is a good start.

If your dog is showing signs of extreme separation anxiety, be sure to see a professional trainer for help. 

Source: The Dog Whisperer: A Compassionate Nonviolent Approach to Dog Training by Paul Owens with Norma Eckroate. This book has lots of good information in it!

Crate Training

 Many professional dog trainers and behaviorists recommend crate training for your dogs. It's believed that dogs like to have a "den" to "nest" in. 

Here are some tips from The Pet Savers Foundation:

• Leave the crate door open until your dog willingly enters and exits on his or her own.
• Hide food treats in a t-shirt with your smell on it in the crate. The dog will associate the crate with stimulating hide-and-seek fun and the security of your scent.
• Feed your dog in the crate so he identifies the "den" with the ultimate canine joy -- eating!
• Put a warm, soft pad or blanket in the crate.
• Praise, play with, and pet your dog when she's inside the crate.
• Encourage your dog to nap in the crate so that she associates the crate with R&R.
• Remove collars before placing your dog in the crate.
• Keep the crate in a low-traffic, no-traffic or completely quiet area.
• Never use the crate as punishment, either deliberately or unintentionally. If you crate your dog only when you leave, the dog connects the crate with a negative consequence -- your departure -- and sees the crate as a punishment.
• Don't over-do crating. Short periods are OK.
• Don't force a crate on your dog. If your dog is completely against it, don't push it.

To receive the complete article, give us a call at 530-273-7958 and we'll put it in the mail.

Australian Laws Heat Up

In Australia, people who leave dogs or cats in their cars can be charged with animal cruelty and face fines of up to $75,000 or two years in jail.

"Leaving dogs in cars on a hot day is a deliberate act of animal cruelty. You do not accidentally leave your dog in a car. If an animal suffers heat stress or dies, then the owners will be prosecuted," said RSPCA chief inspector Byron Hall. "People should leave their dogs at home; you do not need to take your dog when you go shopping."

Source: www.news.com.au

The Pain of Shelter Work

A former shelter worker said, "I had a mama and three little kittens, and I euthanized the mama and just laid her there in the cage. Then I injected one of the little babies and laid it next to her, and it got up and crawled over onto its mama -- and that was it. I was done. Doing that isn't why I got into this work."

While you may think we shouldn't ruin your day by giving you just one tiny peek at life in a shelter, please remember that it's not about us. It's about the animals. If we don't help them, who will?

There are so many shelters and rescue groups in this country, yet none of us can keep up with the steady stream of abandoned animals. Everyone must get involved if we are to see the end of this appalling situation in our lifetimes.

Air Travel for Pets

As of July 1, 2005, a new law requires U. S. commercial airlines to report incidents of pets who are injured, lost or killed while flying in the cargo hold of domestic flights. It is estimated that 5,000 animals were injured, lost or killed in transit in the late 1990s. 

 The ASPCA wanted the cargo holds to be temperature-controlled and ventilated but this piece of the legislation was left out due to opposition from the airline industry.

Because of this, the ASPCA asks pet guardians to think twice before transporting their pets in the cargo hold, and, unless the pet is small enough to fit under your seat, not to take him along at all. In fact, the ASPCA's Lisa Weisberg, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy, says that "air travel is no safer today than it was before passage of the law."

If you absolutely must transport your pets by plane, consider these suggestions from the ASPCA:

• Check with the airline to see what kind of veterinary information they require.

• Put collars and ID tags on pets. Use breakaway or stretch collars on cats. The collar should have destination information in case the pet escapes.

• Book a direct flight whenever possible to avoid long waits on tarmacs in extreme weather or mishandling by baggage personnel.

• Get a USDA-approved shipping crate that is large enough for your pet to stand, sit and change position comfortably. Most pet supply stores have them.

• Write "Live Animal" in at least one-inch tall letters on the top and sides of the crate. Use arrows to prominently show the upright position of the crate.

• On top of the crate, write the name, address and phone number of your pet's destination point, whether you are traveling with him or her, or if someone else is picking up the animal.

• Place a photograph of your pet at the top of the crate for identification purposes in case the animal escapes from the crate. Also carry a photo with you.

• Provide frozen water for your pet so that it will not spill during loading, but will melt by the time the animal is thirsty. Tape a small pouch of dried food outside the crate so airline personnel can feed your pet in case he gets hungry on long-distance flights or a layover.

• Line the crate bottom with some type of bedding that will absorb accidents, such as shredded paper or towels.

• Make sure the door to the crate is securely closed, but not locked, so that airline personnel can open it in case of an emergency.

• Tranquilizing your pet is not recommended since it could hamper breathing.

• Tell every airline employee you encounter, on the ground and in the air, that you are traveling with a pet in the cargo hold so that any additional considerations or attention can be provided. If the plane is delayed, or you have any concerns about the welfare of your pet, insist that airline personnel check the animal when feasible.

Source: www.aspca.org 

Fun With Fido

Here are a couple of fun places you can go with your dog:

Wine Tasting: Several tasting rooms in Napa Valley, California welcome dogs. Casa Nuestra (707-963-5783) is one. At Vincent Arroyo (707-942-6995), the owner named a Cabernet blend after his beloved black Lab, J. J. The Napa River Inn (707-251-8500) serves two varieties of wine-flavored dog biscuits (Cabernet and Chardonnay).

Spiritual Heeling: "Bone Voyage" is the name of this weekend trip in Santa Barbara, California, arranged by Bailey Knows Travel (800-880-5070). Pets and their people stay together at Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort, hike to the Botanical Garden, picnic in the park, and visit the historic Santa Barbara mission, where Franciscan monks will bless the dogs. A pet psychic and a nutritionist are available to tend to dogs' inner and outer needs. 

These are just two examples. Depending on what you like to do with your pets, there are many hotels, resorts, and other vacation spots that welcome you and your pets. One-third of pet guardians like to take their dogs with them with they take a holiday. Eleven percent take their cats. 

Three of the many helpful websites are TakeYourPet, PetVacations, and PetsontheGo. Google "Vacationing with Pets" and you'll get a ton of information.

The August/September 2005 issue of Animal Wellness Magazine has several pages of ideas and tips for traveling with pets.

Also, ask fellow pet guardians where they like to go with their pets.

Search travel sections of bookstores for local or regional travel guides targeted at pet lovers. Check with the auto club. 

Call hotels and resorts in the area you'll be visiting to find out which ones welcome pets. Some offer special pet services, like walking areas and petsitting.

Call restaurants, fairgrounds and other places of interest about bringing your pet along.

Support PAWS Legislation

 Your help is urgently needed for a piece of legislation that will help all the poor cats and dogs in puppy mills and kitten mills. 

Essentially concentration camps, these mills routinely confine dogs and cats in horrendous conditions. Most are kept in small wire or wood cages their entire lives, usually with minimal or no human contact. The filth is unbelievable. Some of these animals literally go insane. 

You can help by having everyone you know contact their Senators and Representatives to co-sponsor PAWS: the Pet Animal Welfare Statute, S 1139 & HR 2669. Senators and Representatives can be reached by calling the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121.

The breeders who "produce" animals in huge numbers are lobbying heavily against this bill. They don't want to make any improvements because it will cut into their profits, which is what it's all about for these "factories" of misery and pain.

We have a considerable amount of information about PAWS which we can email to you if you wish. We can provide email addresses and what to say.

These animals desperately need your help. If you aren't aware of the horror that dogs and cats endure in these mills, please go to www.prisonersofgreed.org  or google Puppy Mills.

Mutt Showcase

In April 2005, the fourth annual Nuts for Mutts dog show took place at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, California. Over 60 dogs found homes that day and funds were raised for New Leash On Life -- an LA-based organization that rescues and rehabilitates homeless animals.

Contestants were awarded in categories such as "Best Smile," "Best Kisser," and "Best Wag."

The day, which aired on Animal Planet, showed everyone having a great time. Several celebrities -- Kim Basinger, Eric Roberts, Debra Wilson, and others -- were on hand for the special day.

For more information about this wonderful day, google Nuts for Mutts.

When you think about it, I'm a mutt, too. Many of us come from mixed backgrounds. Mutts aren't any less of a dog than I am less of a person. John Vranicar, Attorney

In Memory of . . . 

"Emilee Akins, from Terry & Bob Armor
Benjamin Anderson, from Edna Anderson
Sam Aston, from Barbara Aston
Boots Athey, from Terry & Bob Armor
Easter Babao, "This Barbados lamb, at 2 months, had too short a life. I miss my bottle-fed baby," from Donna Babao
ChiChi Bridges, "I'll miss you forever," from Sandy Bridges
Carol Campbell, from Nancy Holtz
Bootie Cik, from Sandi Cik
"Mr Wonderful" Darby, from Judith Argall Dalziel
Dennis Denman, "Forever loved. Life is not the same without you." from Richard & Gene Denman
Honey, Sassy, Juno, and Misty Egger, from Diane Egger
Earl Falor-Dolf, from Claire & Charles McDermid
Richard Farrar, from Carol Ann Wilshusen
Skippy Hanzlik, with love from Brad Hanzlik
Brownie, Mandi, Bitsy, Reggie & Genie Hargens, from Lola Hargens
Linda Hays, from Marilyn Peterson
Sadie Hounder, from Laurie Trembley, Jake & Hallie
Chipper & Joey Johnston, "my boys," from Ruth Johnston
Jep Kuhne, from Gretha Kuhne
Kitty Inky Mandeville, from Louise Mandeville
Bill McGrath, from Shirley Veale
Margaret J. Nygren, "Thank you, Margaret," from the Pet Adoption League
Koko Offutt, from Dyan Offutt
Woggles Palmerton, beloved dog of 15 years, from Sandy Palmerton
Tim Phelps, "one of God's angels," from Rebecca Childers
Barney Quinlan, from Ross and Elaine Quinlan
Michael Reilly,"who fed all the cats on Alioto Drive," from Maryjane Petersen
Misty & Muffin Rumble, from Thomas Rumble
Skeeter Smart, from Shirley Veale
Nina Gates Strobeck, who loved animals, from Sandy Bridges
Bill Sullivan, from Carol Ann Wilshusen
Ernestine Truman, from Sandra Truman
Molly & Scooter Wallace, from Daniel & April Bullock
Molly & Scooter Wallace, from Margaret Mickelson
Lucille Wingo & her beloved Meitu, from Nancy Young

In Honor of . . .

"Molly & Bentley Abbott, from Sandra Truman
Neal, Mary & Stevie Evans, from Kit Britt
Peter Fulton Foss, from Sandy Bridges
Pet Adoption League, from the graduating class (2005) Pleasant Valley School
Bob & Peggy O'Brien, "wonderful pet owners," from Kit Britt
My kitty, Garfield, on his birthday, September 15th ('93), from Midge Scotten
Susan Wallace, from Valerie Crawford & Dan McIlhenny
Susan Wallace, from Walt & Peggy O'Dwyer

 THE JOURNEY

When you bring a pet into your life, you begin a journey -- a journey that will bring you more love and devotion than you have ever known, yet will also test your strength and courage.

If you allow, the journey will teach you many things, about life, about yourself, and most of all, about love. You will come away changed forever, for one soul cannot touch another without leaving its mark.

 Along the way, you will learn much about savoring life's simple pleasures -- jumping in leaves, snoozing in the sun, the joy of puddles, and even the satisfaction of a good scratch behind the ears.

If you spend much time outside, you will be taught how to truly experience every element, for no rock, leaf or log will go unexamined, no rustling bush will be overlooked, and even the very air will be inhaled, pondered, and noted as being full of valuable information. Your pace may be slower -- except when heading home to the food dish -- but you will become a better naturalist, having been taught by an expert in the field.

Too many times we hike on automatic pilot, our goal being to complete the trail rather than enjoy the journey. We miss the details -- the colorful mushrooms on the rotting log, the honeycomb in the old maple snag, the hawk feather caught on a twig. Once we walk as a dog does, we discover a whole new world. We stop; we browse the landscape; we kick over leaves, peek in tree holes, look up, down, all around. And we learn what any dog knows: that nature has created a marvelously complex world that is full of surprises, that each cycle of the seasons brings ever changing wonders, each day an essence all its own.

Even from indoors you will find yourself more attuned to the world around you. You will find yourself watching summer insects collecting on a screen (How bizarre they are! How many kinds there are!), or noting the flick and flash of fireflies through the dark. You will stop to observe the swirling dance of windblown leaves, or sniff the air after a rain. It does not matter that there is no objective in this; the point is in the doing, in not letting life's most important details slip by.

You will find yourself doing silly things that your pet-less friends might not understand: spending thirty minutes in the grocery aisle looking for the cat food brand your feline must have, buying dog birthday treats, or driving around the block an extra time because your pet enjoys the ride. You will roll in the snow, wrestle with chewie toys, bounce little rubber balls till your eyes cross, and even run around the house trailing your bathrobe tie -- with a cat in hot pursuit -- all in the name of love.

Your house will become muddier and hairier. You will wear less dark clothing and buy more lint rollers. You may find dog biscuits in your pocket or purse, and feel the need to explain that an old shopping bag adorns your living room rug because your cat loves the crinkly sound.

You will learn the true measure of love -- the steadfast, undying kind that says, "It doesn't matter where we are or what we do, or how life treats us as long as we are together." Respect this always. It is the most precious gift any living soul can give another. You will not find it often among the human race.

And you will learn humility. The look in my dog's eyes often made me feel ashamed. Such joy and love at my presence. She saw not some flawed human who could be cross and stubborn, moody or rude, but only her wonderful companion. Or maybe she saw those things and dismissed them as mere human foibles, not worth considering, and so chose to love me anyway.

If you pay attention and learn well, when the journey is done, you will not be just a better person, but the person your pet always knew you to be -- the one they were proud to call beloved friend.

I must caution you that this journey is not without pain. Like all paths of true love, the pain is part of loving. For as surely as the sun sets, one day your dear animal companion will follow a path you cannot yet go down. And you will have to find the strength and love to let them go. A pet's time on earth is far too short -- especially for those that love them. We borrow them, really, just for a while, and during these brief years they are generous enough to give us all their love -- every inch of their spirit and heart, until one day there is nothing left. 

The cat that only yesterday was a kitten is all too soon old and frail and sleeping in the sun. The young pup of boundless energy now wakes up stiff and lame, the muzzle gone to gray. Deep down we somehow always knew that this journey would end. We knew that if we gave our hearts they would be broken. But give them we must for it is all they ask in return. When the time comes, and the road curves ahead to a place we cannot see, we give one final gift and let them run on ahead -- young and whole once more. 

"God speed, good friend," we say, until our journey comes full circle and our paths cross again.

by Crystal Ward Kent, Copyright 1998 -- All Rights Reserved, www.kentcreativeweb.com, Reprinted with permission.

This Old Cat

I'm getting on in years . . . my coat is turning gray
My eyes have lost their luster, my hearing . . . just OK.
I spend my whole day dreaming of conquests of my past
Lying near a sunny window, waiting for a warm repast.

I remember our first visit -- I was coming to you free,
Hoping you would take me in and keep me company.
I wasn't young or handsome, two years I'd roamed the streets.
There were scars on my face, I hobbled on my feet.

I could see your disappointment . . . as I left my prison cage.
Oh, I hoped you would accept me and look beyond my age.
You took me out of pity, I accepted, without shame.
Then you grew to love me. I admit the same.

I have shared with you your laughter,
You have wet my coat with tears.
We've come to know each other, 
Throughout these many years.

Just ONE more hug this morning . . . before you drive away . . .
And know I'll think about you throughout your busy day!

The time we've left together is a treasured time at that,
My heart is yours forever, I Promise . . .
This old cat.

by KC Bingamon, For Misty-Dawn 1998, copyright protected, http://hometown.aol.com/gentleannie2/misty.html
Reprinted with permission

Canine Early Warning System

An Australian study found that dogs can sense when human blood sugar levels drop to dangerous levels and will alert their guardians.

Of the 106 diabetics in the study, 72 reported that their dogs reacted to the onset of a hypoglycemic episode.

"This is not an anecdotal finding. It's a common phenomenon. It seems quite likely that the dogs are reacting to the scent of stress hormones secreted in human sweat," said researcher Dr. Alan Stocks. He went on to say that dogs signal the onset of an episode through different types of behavior, from licking to being more attentive to barking. Some become agitated and restless. They may growl or whine. Some will alert another family member.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com