Owner Needs Help to Care for Connecticut Pet
I received this plea this weekend from a reader in East haven Connecticut.
"hi, my dog vanessa, a toy australian sheppard, ran out yesterday and got hit by a car. we took her to the er and there they said either we put her to sleep cause we could not afford the cost of care or sign her over to be adopted. we are heartbroken is this okay? how can human beings allow this sort of thing to happen? i can not sleep thinking about her. is there anything we can do?"
Some suggestions from others include:
"Most vets have access to sources of financing for things like this. I hope they have at least given her something for pain while you make a decision. If they will fix her up at no cost to you and then allow her to be adopted, that seems to indicate that they have indigent care available for her.
Your options appear to be:
1. Euthanization
2. Adoption
3. Finding a source of financing
Did they give you an estimate of the cost?
If she's in pain you have to make a decision quickly, for her sake.
Surely there must be something you can sell to raise the funds. Even a payday loan place is better than nothing. Or a car title lending place. Family, friends.
Do let us know how it turns out. And please, make sure she isn't in pain while you decide.
Please urge this individual to make a decision quickly for the sake of the dog. Also, it would help to know what city you and the dog owner are in, in case somebody wants to adopt her. Maybe the dog could be adopted and then purchased back by the original owner when he gets funds together, but only if that would be in the best interest of the dog. Chances are, somebody with a fenced yard and more stable finances could provide a better home, although it's sad to realize that a dog will never forget her original owner."
Any other thoughts out there…please respond.
Plan Carefully When You Board Your Pet
As the holiday season begins to gear up, many pet owners will be traveling and face a difficult decision as to the care of their pets.
If you choose to board your pet with a professional organization, you need to understand that sometimes the return home with your pet can be a very unsettling situation for the both of you.
Before you board your pet, you need to follow at least minimal guidelines
Be sure that you have variable references and actually use them.
Interview the boarding facility staff that you plan to use.
Visit the facility unannounced and check the building and the grounds.
How do the pets that are boarded appear in their condition and behavior?
Is the facility clean and relatively odorless?
Is the staff animal friendly?
What requirements are there for the boarded pets, including shots and ID tags?
Do you have a good feel for the place?
Finally, take your pet there and see if they like the facility and the staff.
The decision to board your pet while you are on an extended visit is not an easy one to make, but if you utilize these tips, the decision can be less painful for you and your pets.
Plan For A Safe Fourth of July Weekend For Your Pets
Fourth of July weekend is here.
Beach time, picnics, and sunburns.
Fireworks, sparklers and firecrackers.
Laid back, summer time fun.
Enjoy, but don’t forget that your pets may need some extra care this weekend.
Pets911.com, has offered these tips for you and your pets.
"1. Make sure to keep your pets away from BBQ’s, sparklers, fireworks and citronella candles. As with all members of your family, these items should be used with adult supervision and should never include your pets. Not only does the noise of fireworks scare them, but accidents can happen while dealing with fire. If you can’t supervise your pet closely, please keep your animals inside, away of the festivities.
2. Do not use any sun screens or other summer sprays on your pets that are not made especially for them. If you have a high presence of insects and they are bothering your pets, or they will be out in the sun, please consult a veterinarian on inset repellents and sun screens that are safe for animals.
3. Do not place glow ropes or other festive party favors on your pets. If digested, these items could cause sever health problems or even death.
4. Do not take your pet with you to large celebrations. Excessive noise, fireworks and unsupervised food or drink can be either overwhelming or unhealthy for your animal. Leave them at home, in a peaceful and secure area. Do not leave them in your car ever.
5. Always keep and ID tag on your pet’s collar. With fireworks, comes anxiety from pets, sometimes resulting in escape attempts or bolting. The 4th of July accounts for many lost pets. Having ID on your pet will get her home faster.
6. Keep your pet hydrated. Don’t forget to refill your pet’s bowl with water during your celebration.
7. Is your pet spooked by the “boom” of fireworks? If you are leaving your pets at home, please be sure that they can’t escape by digging under or jumping over a fence. If your yard isn’t fenced at all, you certainly want to keep them inside. If your pet is normally chained, it could strangle itself. You may want to safely confine them to a room or crate if they tend to react strongly to the noise and confusion. Play music or the TV for them to help block the noise outside. You may also want to talk to your vet about medication options.
8. Above all, be patient. Be prepared for accidents on the carpet and take the time to secure your home and backyard..."
Enjoy the weekend with your family, friends and your pets.
Plan For Your Pet's Safety
Summer is here with a vengeance.
At least, in Southwest Florida.
It may not be in the middle 90’s where you live, but the summer time will surely mean warmer temperatures for you and your pets.
Use extra caution and do not forget to take care of your animals.
One of our favorite animal advocates is Dr. Nancy Kay, DVM.
Her are some of her summer tips:
-Never leave your dog inside the car on warm or hot days. A panting dog in an enclosed space quickly creates a muggy greenhouse environment that can quickly cause heatstroke. Even with the windows down, temperatures inside a car can rise to 120 degrees or more. If you happen upon a dog confined in a car on a hot day, find the owner of the vehicle or contact a police officer- whichever will most rapidly liberate the dog from danger.
-Exercise your dog early in the morning or during evening hours to avoid the heat of the day.
-Allow for plenty of rest and water breaks during play activity and exercise. Your dog may not know his limits and will continue to enthusiastically chase the Frisbee even when his internal thermometer is getting ready to blow a fuse.
-Keep your dog indoors, ideally in air conditioning, on very hot days.
-If your dog is left outside, be sure he has plenty of shade and provide him with access to a sprinkler, wading pool, or sand pit soaked with water.
-If flying with your dog during the summer months schedule your flight for nighttime or early morning. Check with the airlines to find out whether or not the cargo hold is temperature controlled.
You can catch her advice here.
Planning for disaster is a part of the estate planning for your pet.
Unfortunately, it is that time of the year again...Hurricane Season!
Disaster will strike all of us at one time or another. We just don’t know when or where. As pet owners, we have the responsibility or planning for the care of our pets during these chaotic times.
According the the American Red Cross, the best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan must include your pets. Being prepared can save their lives.
Different disasters require different responses. But whether the disaster is a hurricane or a hazardous spill, you may have to evacuate your home.
The Red Cross provides the following information...in the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them, too. Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in their being injured, lost, or worse. So prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave your home.
1. Have a Safe Place To Take Your Pets.
Red Cross disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of states' health and safety regulations and other considerations. Service animals who assist people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in Red Cross shelters. It may be difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead. Do not wait until disaster strikes to do your research.
• Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets and restrictions on number, size, and species. Ask if "no pet" policies could be waived in an emergency. Keep a list of "pet friendly" places, including phone numbers, with other disaster information and supplies. If you have notice of an impending disaster, call ahead for reservations.
• Ask friends, relatives, or others outside the affected area whether they could shelter your animals. If you have more than one pet, they may be more comfortable if kept together, but be prepared to house them separately.
• Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.
• Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets in a disaster. Animal shelters may be overburdened caring for the animals they already have as well as those displaced by a disaster, so this should be your last resort.
2. Assemble a Portable Pet Disaster Supplies Kit
Whether you are away from home for a day or a week, you'll need essential supplies. Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be carried easily (duffel bags, covered trash containers, etc.). Your pet disaster supplies kit should include:
• Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container) and a first aid kit.
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that your animals can't escape.
• Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
• Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and can opener.
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.
3. Know What To Do As a Disaster Approaches
• Often, warnings are issued hours, even days, in advance. At the first hint of disaster, act to protect your pet.
• Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets.
• Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment's notice.
• Bring all pets into the house so that you won't have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.
• Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, or of a friend or relative outside the disaster area. You can buy temporary tags or put adhesive tape on the back of your pet's ID tag, adding information with an indelible pen.
The Red Cross further advises that you may not be home when the evacuation order comes. Find out if a trusted neighbor would be willing to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged location. This person should be comfortable with your pets, know where your animals are likely to be, know where your pet disaster supplies kit is kept, and have a key to your home. If you use a petsitting service, they may be available to help, but you need to discuss the possibility with them well in advance.
Planning and preparation will enable you to evacuate with your pets quickly and safely. But keep in mind that animals react differently under stress. Outside your home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed and transport cats in carriers. Don't leave animals unattended anywhere they can run off. The most trustworthy pets may panic, hide, and try to escape, or even bite or scratch. And, when you return home, give your pets time to settle back into their routines.
Planning for disaster is a part of the estate planning for your pet.
How Do Other Nations Citizens Treat Their Pets?
Do other countries treat their pets the same as we do in the United States?
Betty Lou Lakeland, Florida
Well, Betty Lou, here is one example that is over twenty years old:
In 1987, The member States of the Council of Europe, entered into the European Convention for the Protection Of Pet Animals.
It defined a “pet animal” as any animal kept or intended to be kept by man, in particular in his household, for private enjoyment and companionship.
Under the Agreement, the principles of “Keeping” an animal include:
1. Any person who keeps a pet animal or who has agreed to look after it shall be responsible for its health and welfare.
2. Any person who is keeping a pet animal or who is looking after it shall provide accommodation, care and attention which take account of the ethological needs of the animal in accordance with its species and breed, in particular:
(a) give it suitable and sufficient food and water;
(b) provide it with adequate opportunities for exercise;
(c) take all reasonable measures to prevent its escape;
3. An animal shall not be kept as a pet animal if:
(a) the conditions of paragraph 2 above are not met or if,
(b) in spite of these conditions being met, the animal cannot adapt itself to captivity.
The entire text can be read here.
Some interesting issues and guidelines are presented in this document.
More Travel Tips For Your Pets
We have you some good advice in the last post on traveling with your pets this holiday season and today we will finish up that topic.
I have some tips from Karalyn Eckerle, a fellow animal lover and a paralegal with some experience in this area. Her business email is k.eckerle@cardinalpointva.com, and she writes;
..."Make copies of your pets paperwork -- showing that it is current on all VAX and where the pet is traveling from and to; who to contact in case of an emergency. Include several different contact people so if they will be able to reach SOMEONE if need be. Keep a copy for yourself, forward a copy to the receiving person (in advance) and put a copy in an envelope well-taped to the top of the crate.
When planning flights remember that if there are connections, you will need to allow enough time for the animal to be walked (if necessary) and that may mean arranging for the airline to board the animal overnight. Please remember if that situation arises you will nee to be prepared to pay for someone to transport the animal to and from the boarding facility in addition to boarding fees --- independent of the cost of the airline transport.
Crating is always an issue with dog owners. The airlines push the largest crate they can --- for a reason -- you pay by the size of the crate. They will state that the dog needs to be able to stand in the crate with so much head room clearance. While I don't want a 75 lb. dog crammed into a crate built for a miniature poodle, we don't want a pet bouncing around in a crate --- injuries can result. Remember, pets in crates do not wear seat belts. My suggestion is to call breeders of dogs the size (or breed) of your pet and see what size crate they use. Often you will arrive at the airport and they will tell you the crate is too small. Asked to speak to the supervisor and explain you've done your research and this is the size crate your pet is used to being in --- also point out the safety issues of a crate which is too large. For instance, I recently arranged for transport of a Giant Schnauzer weighing about 70 lb. The airline tried to tell me we needed to use the largest crate (built for Great Danes, Mastiffs, etc.). My poor dog would have been lost in that crate. In my RV I have one of those and, when they wish, BOTH of my Giants can climb in there together. I asked to talk with the supervisor and she finally approved it. She was not happy, but we were down to the time wire and she knew I was right (I know the airlines pushes them to push larger crates to increase revenue).
Always arrive at the airport earlier than they tell you --- if there is a line the people ahead of you may have problems and you may end up down to the wire. I feed early enough that the animal has the opportunity for several walks before departing. Kongs or some other toy that can be stuffed with a favorite treat are great to put in the crate, but make sure the treats are difficult to remove so that it requires some effort on the part of your pet.
In addition to chipping, make sure that your pet wears a collar containing contact phone numbers on both ends. I never recommend putting the pet name on the collar as it only helps someone wishing to steal your pet -- especially if it is not neutered or spayed. Frankly, unless you are truly a breeder I see little reason not to spay or neuter a pet. But if you are shipping an intact pet there are other considerations...."
Travel safely...
Travel Tips For You And Your Pets
If you are planning to travel with your pets this holiday season, flying can be a big issue.
I have some tips from Karalyn Eckerle, a fellow animal lover and a paralegal with some experience in this area. Her business email is k.eckerle@cardinalpointva.com, and she writes;
"…especially today, many airlines no longer accept animals for transport and if they do, it is generally a very limited number of crated animals per flight. So you must plan ahead. Different countries
have different quarantine regulars and different restrictions. For transport INTO the U.S., check with the Dept. of Agriculture.
Just as an aside, all dogs in transit should be chipped. "Home Again" is the universally accepted chip overseas. Next, Continental was the first airline to set up a special Pet Desk which overseas all pet transport and has a phone managed 24/7 for tracking your pet's travel.
Most pets will require a rabies titre (this is the main blood test to check for immunity to rabies) within a 7-10 days prior to departure/arrival. This measures the current effectiveness of the rabies VAX. Generally runs about $50-75.
All pets must be crate trained --- or comfortable in a crate. Something I learned years ago from a breeder -- fill the crate with numerous rolls of UNROLLED paper towels (not newspaper). I emphasize UNROLLED as someone misunderstood my instructions once and while the result provided a great
deal of entertainment for the dog involved, I don't think the owner or the airlines appreciated the end product.
Why paper towels instead of newspaper (to absorb any problems during flight)? Because paper towels are super absorbent and the newsprint doesn't stain the pet's fur.
If the pet tends to be extremely anxious during transport, talk to your vet in advance about medication. ACE used to be common although some Vets no longer approve of its use in air transport situations. Rely on your vet for advice..."
Look for more tips this week and check her website here.
My Neighbor is Putting His Dogs In Harms Way
My neighbor puts his two collies in the back of his pickup and drives them everywhere. This seems very dangerous. Is he doing anything illegal? I don’t want to cause him any trouble, but I am concerned about the safety of the dogs.
David Miami, Florida
David, I understand your concern, but I am not sure if he is doing anything wrong.
You might look at this statute
Florida Statute 828.12 et seq.
(1) A person who unnecessarily overloads, overdrives, torments, deprives of necessary sustenance or shelter, or unnecessarily mutilates, or kills any animal, or causes the same to be done, or carries in or upon any vehicle, or otherwise, any animal in a cruel or inhumane manner, is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or by a fine of not more than $5,000, or both.
It is unclear to me as to whether or not this is “cruel or inhumane”, since unfortunately many people also foolishly ride in the back of open pickups.
It would be up to your local prosecutor to pursue this issue.
Protect Your Pet At All Times
No matter how much you love your pet.
No matter how much to want to protect them.
No matter what your position in life.
Remember that your pet and your pet’s safety is your responsibility.
This tragic story is a very painful reminder.
A person who has an obvious love for animals failed to observe these simple rules and as a result, their pet suffered the consequences.
Read the entire story of this tragic death:
"A member of the Richmond SPCA family has been struck with a personal tragedy in recent days. While this matter is deeply personal, it has gained attention of local media; therefore, we would like to share with you directly what has been a source of enormous grief for our CEO Robin Starr and her family.
Last Wednesday, the Starr family lost a dear companion in their 16-year-old dog Louie. Sometimes Louie accompanied Robin to the office on days their home was being cleaned. The morning of August 19, just before Robin left for work, her husband Ed placed Louie inside the rear of her station wagon with the intention of letting her know Louie was there. However, Ed forgot to tell Robin that Louie was in the car. Because Louie – being a docile senior pet – rode silently, lying contently in the back of the station wagon, Robin was unaware of his presence when she arrived at work.
It was not until Robin returned to her car at lunchtime that she saw Louie.
At that time he was alive but in heat stroke. She rushed him inside where the Richmond SPCA veterinary team diligently worked to stabilize him before he was transported to Veterinary Emergency Center for more extensive care.
At the family’s direction, the VEC team made every possible effort to save Louie, but late that night, he died.
Everyone at the Richmond SPCA shares the deepest sympathy for the Starr family, as we realize that such a tragic accident could befall anyone. Louie could not have had a family love him more. We would prefer that the Starrs be allowed to grieve privately, but, since the local news media may not make that possible, we wanted to make you aware of what occurred. We have every confidence that your hearts will go out to the Starrs just as ours do"
Sincerely,
Tabitha Hanes
Community Relations Manager
Richmond SPCA
Enjoy the Holiday Weekend With Your Pets
Fourth of July weekend is here.
Beach time, picnics, and sunburns.
Fireworks, sparklers and firecrackers.
Laid back, summer time fun.
Enjoy, but don’t forget that your pets may need some extra care this weekend.
Pets911.com, offers these tips for you and your pets.
"1. Make sure to keep your pets away from BBQ’s, sparklers, fireworks and citronella candles. As with all members of your family, these items should be used with adult supervision and should never include your pets. Not only does the noise of fireworks scare them, but accidents can happen while dealing with fire. If you can’t supervise your pet closely, please keep your animals inside, away of the festivities.
2. Do not use any sun screens or other summer sprays on your pets that are not made especially for them. If you have a high presence of insects and they are bothering your pets, or they will be out in the sun, please consult a veterinarian on inset repellents and sun screens that are safe for animals.
3. Do not place glow ropes or other festive party favors on your pets. If digested, these items could cause sever health problems or even death.
4. Do not take your pet with you to large celebrations. Excessive noise, fireworks and unsupervised food or drink can be either overwhelming or unhealthy for your animal. Leave them at home, in a peaceful and secure area. Do not leave them in your car ever.
5. Always keep and ID tag on your pet’s collar. With fireworks, comes anxiety from pets, sometimes resulting in escape attempts or bolting. The 4th of July accounts for many lost pets. Having ID on your pet will get her home faster.
6. Keep your pet hydrated. Don’t forget to refill your pet’s bowl with water during your celebration.
7. Is your pet spooked by the “boom” of fireworks? If you are leaving your pets at home, please be sure that they can’t escape by digging under or jumping over a fence. If your yard isn’t fenced at all, you certainly want to keep them inside. If your pet is normally chained, it could strangle itself. You may want to safely confine them to a room or crate if they tend to react strongly to the noise and confusion. Play music or the TV for them to help block the noise outside. You may also want to talk to your vet about medication options.
8. Above all, be patient. Be prepared for accidents on the carpet and take the time to secure your home and backyard..."
Enjoy the weekend with your family, friends and your pets.
