BAYOU RESCUE

Thanks to Coalition to Unchain Dogs, Rocky Is Liberated!

Have you ever wanted to make a significant difference for someone who can't help herself?  I imagine that if you are reading this blog, you are that type of person.  A great organization that helps dogs and their families is the Coalition to Unchain Dogs. 

Recently, the News & Observer ran a wonderful article, Free after 10 years in Chains,  Dog-loving coalition builds free pens for Rocky and Sonny.  Rocky had been chained in the same spot for the past 10 years.  Can you imagine?  Fortunately for him and for his yard-mate, Sonny, local pet-loving volunteers from the Coalition to Unchain Dogs helped these two Raleigh dogs experience a new and wonderful way of life.  As you may know, local areas are implementing ordinances which make it illegal to keep dogs chained more than three hours a day.  Raleigh's ordinance goes into effect tomorrow and Durham's will go into effect next year. 

The Coalition to Unchain Dogs provides free materials and labor, usually, to dog owners who can't afford the $300 to $400 cost to build a fence.  The dogs are spayed or neutered, too, at no cost to the owner.  The volunteers who help in this organization and in many other organizations that promote animal welfare are angels, as far as I am concerned.

Please take a moment to read this article, and perhaps you might get involved in something like this yourself.

A Parakeet - "whoda thunk it?"

On Friday, June 26, The Herald-Sun carried a charming story about Budget, the parakeet who was in a strong nesting mood and as a result of the pursuit of a "good" nest attached herself to her human mom when she stepped out of doors.  Budget's mom didn't realize that this had happened until she heard a flap and looked up to see Budget flying away.  I don't know if you have ever had a pet get away from you, but your stomach ends up in your throat and the sinking feeling of trouble almost overwhelms you.  That is how Budget's mom felt to see her flying off and being unable to do anything about the situation.  There was a happy ending to this story, luckily, and Budget is now home with her mom and her little mate, Dudley, who had been devastated by her absence.

I know that some people wonder how one can become attached to a bird.  Well, let me tell you that these little budgies are absolutely charming, can easily capture your heart, and insinuate themselves right into the center of your life.  That's what my Oliver did many years ago.  I had never had a bird - never even thought about one, actually.  That is until one of my fourth grade students brought one to visit with our class for several weeks.  I became so attached to Webster that when he went back home for summer, I just had to have my own feathered friend.  Oliver, the olive green budgie, came to be a part of our lives shortly after school let out. 

One day we were eating dinner and all of a sudden we heard this little voice chirp up and say, "Come here, Cuddles.  Give me a kiss."  We looked at each other with incredulity and stared at Oliver whose home was there in the family room.  Could he really have called our German Shepherd and asked her for a kiss?  Nah, couldn't be!  But it was!  In the five years that Oliver lived, he developed a vocabulary of around 50 or so words.  He'd look in his mirror and say things like, "Oliver, pretty bird! Give me a kiss."  He would actually kiss us, ride on our shoulder, and chase our dogs.  We always had to ask "Is Ollie in his house?", whenever we opened the door.

Oliver lived a very short life for a parakeet whose life span is closer to 15 years than the 5 we shared with him.  He had a thyroid condition which caused his toe nails and beak to grow excessively, so we learned to trim them frequently.  This same condition caused tumors to form on his chest, too.  He had one surgery and recovered well from that, but later his health deteriorated so significantly that we could no longer justify prolonging his life just to suit our hearts.

I found an article that I think bird owners, and animal lovers in general might find interesting.  I enjoyed reading "How to be a Better Bird Owner - Bonding With Your Bird."  Next time you have the chance, stop and watch little budgies socialize.  They are amazing!

If Ever There Was A Reason And Time To Vaccinate Against Rabies, Do It Now!

Just last week, a juvenile fox entered a Day Care playground and bit a little girl.  The fox turned out to be rabid.  The playground had a fence and normal precautions had been taken.  Everything that should protect the public had been done.  Fortunately, Durham County's Animal Control people were really on top of things, found the fox, and the little girl received treatment with plenty of time to spare.

A couple of years ago, a friend of mine heard an awful commotion going on in his garage.  He and his son went out to investigate and they found his Yellow Lab locked in conflict with a raccoon.  My friend tried to pull the dog off the raccoon and then killed the animal.  He called Animal Control who came out to recover the raccoon's body and get it tested.  My friend thought nothing about the incident until a day later when he got a call at work saying the raccoon tested positively for rabies and it was imperative that he go to the ER immediately and start his series of shots.  On the day of his third shot, he forgot to go in the morning and the hospital called him later on to say he needed to get right over there.  That really drove it home to me how serious this can be.

Then, a couple of months ago, a raccoon was lying on a railing of our deck and wouldn't move even when we stepped out onto the deck.  We immediately called Animal Control who came out to investigate.  It turned out that he seemed to be fine and left the premises when the AC officer shooed him away.  The officer took time to talk to us about what our exposure would be in case our vaccinated dogs had come in contact with him and what our response should be - never touch the body of an injured or dead animal, using gloves double bag the body and call AC, don't touch the fur of our dogs for at least a couple of hours, and get the dogs re-vaccinated if there had been any kind of contact with the animal are a few of the things I can recall at this time.  I never let the girls outside without looking around for any unwanted visitors, now.

Did you know that North Carolina is among the top 5 in rabies?  Are you aware of the precautions you can take to help your pets and you from being exposed?  An article in the N & O lays out information that will help you learn more about this terrible disease and difficult situation. 

And, be sure the vaccinations are up-to-date for your precious friends!

Always Have Plan B...

If you have been reading this blog for a couple of weeks, you might have noticed that I like to advocate for planning ahead in case of an emergency.  I now realize just how important that is!

Over a week ago, one day before I was setting out on a 2 month camping adventure with our two doggie girls, my husband became ill.  Fortunately, we were still at home and in familiar circumstances.  When he needed to be hospitalized and subsequently needed surgery, I was faced with having to be in two places at the same time.  Because I had my back-up plan for dog care already in place, I have been able to spend all of the time at the hospital without worrying about going home to let the girls out or to feed them.  They are having a wonderful time with our doggie caregiver who is reading Plum Island to them.  I hear that Phaedra is giving the book mixed reviews and Zoe doesn't care - she's too focused (or should I say obsessed?) on having her ball be thrown so she can chase it.  Last year,  they enjoyed Madame Bovary much more than this one. 

I can't stress enough to all of you out there, have a Plan B.  I imagine most of you do already, but this incident has driven home to me just how important support for you and your family is.  If you wait to think about arrangements until you need them, you may not be thinking of all your options.

I found a website that is interesting in terms of making plans for your pets in case something really bad happens.  This is all part of being prepared, too.  I guess the old adage, "Forewarned is forearmed" rings true.

May you never need to implement your Plan B!

Local pups plucked from highway, now need home

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Maybe it was the "Rescue Transport" paw magnet on the van and they thought, "Yay! We've been looking for both rescue and transport to somewhere fun!"   Not sure, but these little girls gleefully ran after Amber's van, and when the driver stepped out at the stop sign at Hwy 70, they were thrilled that they had caught her attention!

These pups are appx 4-6 months old, and definitely a bonded pair, but would happily bond together or separately with anyone who was willing to give a little love in exchange for much more in return.  They hung out with us, without leashes or holding, and without running away, while we figured out transport, almost 15 minutes.  They just want to be close to someone friendly and fun.  They also like the camera!

Despite flyers, no one has stepped forward to claim these slices of sweetness. They will be available for adoption THIS SATURDAY, JULY 4th, at the Orange County Animal Services.  The new phone # is 942-PETS.  If you haven't been by to see the fab new facilities, now's a great time, and you can visit these loving, friendly girls while you're there.  Trust me, they'll be happy to see you!!   Help them celebrate INDEPENDENCE FROM THE STREETS DAY!

Manatees in Southport

Aren't we lucky to live in a state that has four different kinds of landforms?  That way we have the privilege of knowing so many different types of animals.  Along with that comes a burden to do what's right in terms of allowing animals to have the best life they possible can - domestic or wild. 

I read that a manatee has already been seen at a marina in Southport, NC in the Star News out of Wilmington, NC.  I've seen these huge, wonderful animals in Florida but never knew that they come so far north.  As you probably know, they are endangered and one of their enemies is boats.  Because a manatee is a mammal, they often swim near the surface of the water.  A boat's motor can cut and injure a manatee before the pilot of the boat knows that the manatee is there.

In the Southport incident, it is fortunate that the Coast Guard issued a warning to mariners in the Intercoastal Waterway to use caution in their navigation of the ICW and marina.  I am so pleased that we have procedures in place to help all animals.

If you are interested in reading the full article, "Manatee spotted at marina in Southport", you will can learn much more that I have conveyed.

Equine Rescue Groups Involved in North Carolina

Usually I think in terms of smaller animals when I think about rescue groups and adoptions.  But, guess what?  When I had my wonderful horse, Gideon, he lived at a fabulous farm in Durham County that luckily became the home of an adopted mule, Ruthie.  She had been rescued from her former home by a most generous man who said he would be responsible for her for a year while he tried to find her another home.  That was 6 years ago and Ruthie is just one of the herd now and is loved by everyone at the barn.  If it hadn't been for this wonderful man, a horse farm willing to spend the extra time it takes to rehabilitate and re-socialize a "sometimes stubborn" mule, and a great rescue group, I don't know what it might have meant for Ruthie.  I am lucky to know her.  That is what I do know.

Rescue groups are always needing help, as you all know.  Last summer during the terrible drought, equine rescue groups were running out of hay and the cost had skyrocketed.  They needed our help.  I read about a yard sale going on down east for the North Carolina Central Coast Region Equine Rescue and the article gives one more information about other groups that help.  I hope you'll become aware of needs of equines and enjoy the article, "Horsing Around Okay Saturday June 27th."

Is Your Pet Ready For Hurricane Season?

I know I've said it before, and I know I will again, but be prepared for the upcoming hurricane season.  It's true, the number of hurricanes that are forecast may be lower this year, but all it takes is ONE to come your way and you'll be glad you were prepared for it.  The following article from Richmond, Virginia's CBS6 WTVR.com has some suggestions that will help you organize.

Is Your Pet Ready For Hurricane Season?

Posted: May 27, 2009 06:27 PM

Updated: May 27, 2009 06:35 PM

Press Release:

The Atlantic hurricane season begins officially June 1. Many organizations are encouraging Virginians to prepare for the season by making a plan, creating an emergency supply kit and staying informed. The Virginia State Animal Response Team (VASART) has one more suggestion: make plans for your pets. 

The national State Animal Response Team (SART) organization was created after 1999's Hurricane Floyd claimed the lives of millions of animals in North Carolina, with thousands more separated from their owners. Many of these animals could have been saved by a coordinated response plan. From this tragedy, SART was born. In 2006, Virginia adopted the concept to address its animal-related disaster response needs. 

VASART serves as a unifying network of organizations, businesses, federal and state government agencies and individuals that supports the prevention, preparedness, response and recovery for emergencies affecting animals. VASART works with organizations like the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, Virginia Department of Emergency Management and others to coordinate assistance to pet-owning evacuees to find shelters and facilities that will accept pets in response to the Governor's declaration of a state of emergency.

Realizing that disaster assistance happens most effectively at the local level, VASART is building Community Animal Response Teams (CARTs) across the state. Community coordinators will lead the development of teams of volunteers who will be trained and certified to assist with emergency response.

VASART and its partners will do everything they can to provide pet assistance during an emergency, but it offers this advice now: Prepare your home, business or farm before an emergency occurs by creating disaster preparedness kits and emergency plans for your family, pets and other animals.  SART offers the following tips for protecting your animals in a disaster:

• Prepare a Pet Emergency Kit ahead of time - The kit should include a few days worth of medication, your pet's medical and vaccination records, a leash, collar, identification, water, food, toys, a picture of you and your pet, and bedding.
• Make sure that your animals have some form of permanent identification such as a microchip, brand or tattoo.
• Purchase a pet carrier and label it with emergency contact information.
• Store water and pet food for emergencies.
• Create a contingency plan for animals including horses and livestock that addresses transportation, water and feed resources and areas for confinement if needed.
• Go to http://www.vvma.org/sart.htm for more information. For information on community level teams, go to www.virginiasart.org/cart.html.

(Bayou Rescue has good ideas about preparing for emergencies, too, so have a look there, also.)

Things Have Changed Lots During My Lifetime.

When I was a kid, pets were expected to have fairly short life spans and were more likely to be considered less like a member of one's family than they are now.  This goes doubly for wild animals.  I am so thankful to see the different times we live in now.  Most of today's pet guardians will do anything within their means (and within parameters of what is good for their "fur children") to save the pet, I think.  Wild animals receive attention from advocacy groups, too, and people from all walks of life feel these creatures are important to us in less traditional ways than in the past.

I recently read an article about the wonderful Museum of Life and Science in Durham, NC which intervened medically with one of the Red Wolves who had been diagnosed with cancer.  The surgery was successful and the wolf is recovering well.  You can read this interesting article, "Cancer-surviving wolf back in public eye" and learn more about why this wild animal received significant medical treatment.  It is wonderful to think that humans have evolved in their thinking to go to extra measures for a wild creature.
"In this photo, Sherry Samuels, the museum's animal director, holds the female red wolf during surgery to remove a tumor." - MUSEUM OF LIFE AND SCIENCE.

I am fortunate to live during these wonderful and interesting times.

Animal Abuse and How You Can Help

I almost didn't write this blog because when I got the email from the ASPCA and read the heading, I erased the article without reading it.  But, the words stayed in my mind for the next five hours, and I succumbed to my guilt and took it out of the trash file. 

I admit that I skimmed it as fast as I could and didn't focus on the incident.  Instead, there was a link to a list of ways to intervene when a child or teenager displays dangerous behavior around animals.  That list is worth the knot I have in my stomach right now as I write this.

Please read the ASPCA "article" and take a look at the intervention list.  And, if you think an animal is being abused or neglected, please, please take action.  Helping those in need who can't help themselves is the best charity you can participate in, I think.

Pet Safety Ideas

Writing about safety for our pets is one of my favorite blog ideas.  Maybe you think I do too much of it, but think about it for a minute.  If you can prevent something bad from happening to someone you love, taking 5 minutes to read about safety measures again is a small price to pay.  My "Dr Jon Newsletter" arrived today and guess what?  It was all about safety for our pets.  So, here are good suggestions from him.  I didn't even have to hunt down the suggestions myself - they came ready made.

1. Pet-Proof Your Home . Prevent common accidents in your home by pet-proofing! Check your home for possible poisons, toxins and plants that your pet can get in to. Common dangers include antifreeze, rat or mouse bait, slug bait, medications, drugs, electrical cords, paper shredders, and insecticides. Remove access to children's toys, strings or small objects that can be chewed on or swallowed.

2. Check Collars. Check your pet's neck at least weekly to make sure the collar is not too loose or too tight ... and that it's still there.

3. Make Sure Your Pet Is Identified . Pets can lose their collar and in many case their "identification" along with it. Tags can fall off. Consider having a microchip placed for permanent identification. A tag is very important if your dog is hit or runs away. It is the best and fastest way to get you in touch with your pet in the case of an emergency.

4. Keep Dogs Supervised. The safest approach for allowing your dog out is by taking him on a leash! This way you can not only monitor what they are getting into but also watch their urine and bowel movements for abnormalities. The next safest thing for dogs is a fenced-in yard. Monitor the yard and fence frequently for problems such as loose boards, open trash and other dangers. Keep pets inside in extreme cold or hot temperatures.



5.  Don't Let your Dog Ride in an Open Truck Bed . Dogs that are allowed to ride in open bed pick up trucks are the frequent victims of trauma. Sudden starts, stops, and turns can toss your pet onto the highway where it can get hit by oncoming traffic.

6.  Keep Head and Paws Inside. Dogs love to stick their heads out open windows however the wind, insects and debris in the air can hit your pet. Many pets are taken to emergency hospitals after something hits their eyes or face.

7.  Know What to Do and Who to Call . Find out if your veterinarian does emergency work after hours or where your closest emergency hospital is located. Know the numbers and directions just in case you need it. Call anytime you have a pet concern!

Study Reaffirms Importance of Free or Low Cost Spay Neuter

Alley Cat Allies recently did a press release about the importance of programs offering assistance to help people make sure that spaying or neutering is available for all people.  Statistics show that the vast majority of pet cats in U.S. households are neutered and that the practice is "accepted, established practice among the large majority of Americans with pet cats", according to Becky Robinson, president of Alley Cat Allies.

I strongly suggest that you might want to read this press release yourself so that you can become more informed and able to help your community control homelessness in both cats and dogs.  Every person working toward a solution will push us further in the right direction of reducing the huge number of animals needing homes and giving each animal a better chance for a life of being loved by a human companion.

Cats and Kittens Clog Shelters, Their Fate Uncertain

I've written about the plight of homeless animals in today's economic situation before and recently read a sad article about the plight of cats and kittens in Raleigh.  It seems that owners who couldn't afford to keep their pets tended to surrender dogs to the animal centers but thought that cats could take care of themselves.  That seems to have contributed to the alarming number of homeless cats and kittens this spring.  Animal shelters take cats, too!

If you hear anyone saying that cats can take care of themselves, please speak up.  They may be able to hunt in the backyard but that doesn't mean they can survive as though they were never domesticated.  Plus, feral cats produce quickly.  They don't receive vaccinations and may carry diseases to your pets, as well.  Please be sure to read the article in the News & Observer from Saturday.  It is sad but true.

What's Happening in Our Neighborhood?

Some upcoming local events promise support to our animal community as well as fun for those of us who love the animals.  I thought that you might be looking for ways to get out and participate in this neck of the woods and assist in the care and support of animals.

Wish List for Paws4Ever is published.  They are always in need of supplies to assist them in their care for our furry friends.  Items directly relating to animals, of course, are needed, but other supplies such as paper towels, gas cards, and heavy duty trash bags are needed, as well.  Go to the website http://www.animalprotectionsociety.org/ to see the full list.

FUNDRAISERS at Paws4Ever Upcoming

June 6th - 11 am:  Chapel Hill Carrboro Sunrise Rotary Club hosts the Rubber Duck Race @ the Eno River in Durham.

June 13th - 6-9 pm:   Jambalaya Jam   - The 5th Annual Dinner and Silent Auction presented by Paws4Ever.  The cost is $20 for reservations and tickets are available at the door.  Click on the link for information about auction items, sponsors, and more details.

June 27th - 7 pm:   Women's Voices Chorus benefit concert@Forest Theater UNC

June 28th - 12 am-4 pm:  Syd's Hairshop Fundraiser

Octover 31st - 2nd Annual Howloween @Paws4Ever

November 7th - 4th Annual Walk for Animal Protection @Southern Village.

All of these amd more may be viewed at the Paws4Ever website:  http://www.animalprotectionsociety.org/

The Plight of Homeless Companion Animals

I wish I was like my friend Cathy.  Or, my friend Amber.  They have adopted multiple animals in spite of great inconvenience and much work.  Both of my doggies are rescue dogs, but I only have two at a time.  Both of these friends adopt multiple homeless animals and work hard to socialize them and make their lives happier.  I admire people who act selflessly as they do. 
Wednesday, June 3, The Chapel Hill News carried an opinion article, "Speaking for those who can't"  which raises excellent points.  I recommend that you read it.

If you can't adopt, consider donating $10 or $15 dollars to a local shelter.  Or, you could, also, take in those old towels, blankets, or buy a bag of food and take it to the shelter. It might just help an animal stay alive until the right person walks in and just has to have him.

Ideas to Offset the High Cost of Taking Care of Pets in these Financial Times

Taking responsibility for my pets is never difficult.  My mom always used to say that "Doing for those who couldn't do for themselves is a privilege."  I agree with her totally and find myself feeling better when I take care of those who can't help themselves.

In the financial times we have now, though, it can get expensive.  I've always believed that love always trumps things you buy for pets or kids.  This doesn't mean that my girls don't have toys - sometimes I stumble over them at night and wish they didn't have as many!  There are other expenses that are much more taxing on a family, too.  When my Sable was sick, her diagnosis and surgery cost us over $3000 dollars and she still didn't survive.  I never regret spending this money, though.  I'd do it all over again.

That being said, today I received an email from Dr. Jon at the PetPlace.  He has some easy suggestions that might help in "trimming the cost"  of pet care.  His tips range from managing treats, keeping track of your pet's weight because obesity causes pets to be less healthy than those with a healthy weight, brush your pet's teeth between cleanings, trim your pet's nails, and giving baths instead of always taking Fifi to the groomer.  Here's Dr. Jon's newsletter in full if you want to read more.

"The recession has caused many people (including pet lovers) to take a long hard look at their finances and rethink their spending.  With the increase in costs of many basic items and a recent record unemployment high - it may be important to consider ways you can cut corners at home. These corners may include pet care related costs.

 Here are some tips that may help:
 
1. Reconsider Treats. Treats can be expensive. You may want to reconsider the number and type that you give. You can feed less treats by breaking them apart (this can also help maintain a healthy weight). Another consideration is to make your own treats.
 
2. Keep Your Pet at an Ideal Weight. Dogs that are at an ideal weight are generally healthier than those that are too thin or obese. Obesity can lead to arthritis and diabetes. You can keep your pet at an ideal weight by feeding less or encouraging more activity. Pets with less health problems require fewer trips to the vet, which we all know can be expensive. Also, it allows for your dog food to last longer and saves you money.
 
3. Provide Good Dental Care. You can help minimize the need for expensive veterinary dental cleanings by giving your dog good dental care at home. Daily brushing is ideal.
 
4.  Learn to Trim Your Pet's Nails. You can prevent or minimize expensive trips to the groomer by learning to trim or grind your dog's nails at home.

5.  Bathe Your Dog. You can save money on expensive grooming and bathing expenses by grooming the dog yourself.  

One thing I know for sure... the time you spend with your pet is much more appreciated by the pet than that cute toy that will be destroyed before you know it!  Have fun and save some money.

Slithering Snakes - Just Be Aware

I like snakes.  That is, as long as they aren't a surprise to me.  At my horse barn, a black snake is a welcome addition around the outside.  It's just when one dangles down from a rafter that I might become startled!  While my other friends squeal and run, I don't mind picking up a stall rake and gently relocating one of these guys outside.  They keep down the natural pests that look for easy meals in a barn that houses grain (and carrots of course!) no matter how securely they are kept.

All that being said, the bite of any snake hurts.  And, if a snake is poisonous, it can be dangerous to pets and children.  Adults fare better with a copperhead bite than kids or pets, but it still can be harmful.  So, anyway, the Carolinas Poison Center of Charlotte has reported a 75 % increase in snakebites this year in North Carolina.  One of the reasons for this may be the destruction of their natural habitat due to the rise in construction.  They have nowhere else to go except into populated areas.  WRAL.com has a very good article about snakes and how to react in case of an encounter.  Read about it in "Be on lookout for slithering snakes" posted May 28, 2009.

To find out more about protecting your pet from snakes, check out this "When Snakes Attack Your Dog" by Jason Homan .  It has good ideas about keeping your backyard free of inviting places for snakes to live and treatment until you get to the vet.

And, take my advice...  Snakes are good.  But a word of caution, NEVER WALK BARE FOOT IN THE GRASS AFTER DARK!  That's just my opinion, though!  And sometimes, I even forget!