| HELPFUL RESOURCES |
education(health)-
ARE YOU
CONTROLLED BY YOUR CAT ?
HAVE A GREAT STORY ABOUT
THE CONTROL YOUR CAT HAS
OVER YOU . . . SEND IT IN!
Study Reveals Cats Purrfet The Art Of Exploitation
Many of us don’t even blink before honestly replying yes to the above question. If you have a cat, then you too are one who needs not take the time to replay the morning scenario in your head of the ritualistic feeding routine, not of your feline family members BUT for.
Take my house for example. It is just one of the sixty plus million homes in the US that have felines as roommates. Our morning starts with Bruce, aka Bruce Wayne due to his oversized black ears and his tuxedo coloring which gives the illusion he is wearing a mask, like that of the Batman. We awake with Bruce poised atop one of our chests staring down at one of our sleeping faces… waking you with his super powers to tell you that the cat food bowl on the dryer is empty.
After Bruce’s gentle good morning, someone stirs just enough for Ebony the littlest feline of the bunch, don’t let her size give the illusion that she is not ferocious. My husband has seen this nine pound nearly black felineness attempt a seagull takedown in the front yard and I have seen her chase our neighbor’s German Shepherd mix, Gator from the Great Invisible Barrier all the way back into his house. She is fierce. Anyway, this seemingly sweet gentle creature will start a corybantic assault on the carpet by the door to let you know:: Ebony would like you to get straight out of bed NOW not NOW BUT RIGHT NOW go to the kitchen open the canned King Crab flavored cat food place it on a glass plate cut it from its unnatural canned shape to look more like something you yourself would eat then place it before her.
Feline number three, Henrietta (Etta) mentioned third only because she is craftier than the others in her learnt ability to command humans will wait until later in the day to put you to use. This little calico that only allows human contact for three pats then bites the preverbal hand that feeds her has discovered the direct approach works best. Etta waits until dinner when you are having something she is interested in. I forgot to tell you she turns her nose up at the King Crab flavored cat food, actually every flavor with the exception of Rotisserie Chicken. So when it is time for the human factors to have dinner and she is interested in dinner Etta will be waiting at your feet in the kitchen. If it is seafood; scallops, REAL king crab, Dungie Crab, spot prawns, ahi, halibut, etc. the stretch is on. Two tiny white paws will appear just six inches below the counter top informing you that now would be a great time for you to remove the shell from the spot prawns and hand one down her way. “And PS… cooked not raw… I don’t like raw shrimp. But I do like raw halibut, remember last summer when I took your fillet out of the sink when you went to answer the phone and ran with it outside. It was good you had that can of tuna on hand to replace the fillet, you would not have liked the halibut anyway” she telepathically adds to the paw request for another prawn.
So yes, as many of you and as results from a University of Sussex study have shown crafty cats coax their owners into giving them what the want. The study showed that cats use a special purr that humans just cannot ignore and when cats reside in louder busier households cats have developed specialized forms of solicitation, much like I have described above. Even my cat sitter and house guests will bend to the feline extortion of Bruce, Ebony and Etta.
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Animal Cruelty
You would think because of our surroundings that we live in a wonderful beautiful bubble existing without the cruelty of Mainland America. This has been proven a myth in just the last year alone. With much chagrin we have had several cases of animal cruelty on San Juan Island, some resulting in the death of an animal. Because of this we will leave the below link and information for anyone who suspects animal neglect or abuse.
PLEASE
IF YOU SUSPECT
ABUSE OR NEGLECT
CALL THE SHETLER OFFICE
OR THE SHERRIF
IMMEDIATELY
360.378.2158 shelter office
YOU COULD BE AN
ABUSED ANIMAL'S ONLY
VOICE.
below link for
additional information.
above image link to ASPCA for information
on reporting animal cruelty
click image above for complete article and links
What to do ...
if having trouble affording Veterinary Care?
In addition to preparing for routine pet-care costs, you can set aside money to cover for unexpected veterinary bills or consider pet health insurance.
If, despite your planning, you pet incurs major veterinary expenses that you have trouble affording, consider these suggestions:
* Ask your vet if he or she will let you work out a payment plan. Many vets are willing to work out a weekly or monthly payment plan.
* Contact your local shelter, some shelters operate or know of local subsidized vet clinics or veterinary assistance programs.
* If you have a specific breed of dog, contact the National Club for that breed. In some cases, these clubs offer a vet financial assistance fund.
* Ask you vet to submit an assistance request to the American Animal Hospital Associations's "Helping Pets Fund".
* Check with veterinary schools in your state to see if they offer discount services to the public.
* Start your own fundraising collection.
Given the state of the economy, many pet caregivers are in need of basic necessities such as pet food. I if you find yourself in this position, be sure to contact your local shelter. WE HAVE A LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS TO ASK AS WELL AS A LIST OF BREED SPECIFIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.
PET ALERT
PROTECT YOUR PETS IN CASE OF FIRE !
Click on pup above for the link to the complete article.
Take safe measures before your home is threatened. The following is a check list from the above linked article to make your house safe for all your family members in the event of an emergency.
STOP OUT AT SHELTER
TO GET YOUR
PET RESCUE FIRE SAFTEY STICKER
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education(fun)-
FUN with ANIMALS
PHOTO AND PROJECT COURTESY
OF MARTHA STEWART
Diamond DOG Necklace
Tools / Materials
measuring tape
grosgrain ribbon
scissors
pinking shears
sewing machine
needle & thread
rhinestone trim & dangle
two 3/8-inch snaps
Instructions
1. Begin by measuring your dog's collar size using measuring tape. Cut a strip of 3/4-inch-wide grosgrain ribbon to your dog's collar length, plus an additional 3 inches. Fray check each end of the cut ribbon. Trim the ribbon ends with pinking shears.
2. Fold under 1 inch of the ribbon at each end. Using a sewing machine, stitch the folded ribbon hem in place.
3. Cut two pieces of rhinestone -- one a rhinestone dangle, the other a strip of rhinestone trim -- to fit the hemmed collar, minus 1 inch.
4. Using a sewing machine, sew the rhinestone dangle trim to the bottom of the grosgrain ribbon. Then use a needle and thread to hand-stitch a strip of rhinestone trim directly above the dangling rhinestone.
5. Unsnap two 3/8-inch snaps. Hand-stitch the snap sockets (the indented sides of snaps), one beside the other, to the 1-inch hem. Stitch the snap balls (the protruding sides of snaps) on reverse side of other end, so snaps will meet when hems are brought together.
Resources
Rhinestone trim and dangles are available from M&J Trimming, 800-965-8746. You can also find what you need at Joann.com.
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PHOTO AND PROJECT COURTESY
OF MARTHA STEWART
Kitty Sock Toy - HOW TO
Tools / Materials
-sock, baby sock perfect size
-scissors
-dried catnip
-needle & thread
-yarn
-paper, for cylinder
Instructions
1) If using a baby sock, skip this step and go right to step two. Cut sock to desired size. With needle and thread, blind-stitch along one end of sock.
2) Insert a paper cylinder into a sock, and use a spoon to fill the sock with dried catnip, breaking up any large pieces with your hands. Be sure to use dried catnip fresh herb will mold and pack toy tightly.
2) With a needle and thread, blind-stitch along the top of open end of sock; to refill the sock, simply take apart the stitching, refill, and re stitch. To dangle the toy from a doorknob or your hand, thread a piece of yarn through the back top of the sock so the yarn doubles itself, cut it to the desired length, and knot it in a few places to prevent tangling.
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Teach your dog some
ABC's
Increase your dog's vocabulary by teaching him to retrieve toys by their name. Start with his/her two favorites, and teach them by name one at a time. Make sure there are no other toys in the room to distract or confuse Fido.
If he is not a natural at fetch, use lots of praise, tug or treats to reward the good fetches.
Once Fido know the names of the two toys, put them both on the floor and ask to return one at a time. Reward the correct choices and continue the game. Respond to incorrect choices by repeating the request and eventually guiding Fido to the right toy if more help is needed.
This is really tough brain work, but Rico the world-famous Border Collie has a vocabulary of 200 words!
Have fun and Best of Luck-
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to GET INVOLVED; send in your suggestions or ideas please CALL SHELTER OFFICE
360.378.2158
_________________________________
CHECK BACK FOR MORE FUN WITH ANIMALS PROJECTS
THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER OR TO CHECK OUT SOME FUN LINKS . . .
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click above image
to find your cats personality quiz
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Springtime Safety Tips
For your Canine Companion
complements of Patricia Benton, emt
& pet first aid instructor
click photo above for link to full story
_________________________________
PetSaver Class
offered on San Juan Island
contact PATRICIA BENTON to sign up
360.378.6360 / bentpick@rockisland.com
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Common Ailments Affecting
Canines & Felines
If your dog or puppy is not eating and seems quiet, first offer a small amount of a bland diet (baby food or boiled chicken and rice). If your pet still does not eat, or has any vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or sneezing, have your pet seen by a veterinarian right away. A puppy that does not eat for 24 hours must be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
If your cat or kitten is not eating, try feeding a good commercial brand of canned cat food or chicken baby food. If your pet still does not eat, or has any vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or sneezing, have your pet seen by a veterinarian right away. A kitten that does not eat for 24 hours must be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Important! Have a bowl of fresh, clean, cold water available to your pet at all times. Do not give your pet milk; it is a common cause of diarrhea.
One episode of vomiting or diarrhea may be caused by your pet’s change in diet and environment. If, however, your pet has multiple bouts of vomiting or diarrhea over a 24-hour period, or if your pet is also lethargic or not eating, seek veterinary care right away. If you notice any blood in your pet’s vomit or stool, see a veterinarian immediately. Always bring in a stool sample with your pet when possible.
Occasional coughing or sneezing without a discharge from the eyes or nose may be normal. If your pet has repeated episodes of coughing or sneezing over 24 to 48 hours, or if it is accompanied by any discharge from the eyes or nose, a loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, your pet should be seen by a veterinarian right away.
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PET SAFETY
Ten Most Common Pet Poisons of 2010
click image for link to story
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CATnip FISH tOY
PHOTO AND PROJECT COURTESY
OF MARTHA STEWART
click above image for fish template link
Tools / Materials
fish template
Fabric
Pins
Pinking shears
Cotton batting or wool scraps
Piece of paper
Catnip
Needle and thread
Upholstery needle and thin sturdy twine, for hanging
Instructions
1. Trace template onto two layers of fabric. Cut out shapes.
2. Pin right sides together, leaving 1/4-inch seam allowance. Sew seam, and leave 1 1/2-inch opening for filling.
3. Trim seams with pinking shears.
4. Turn right side out. Press seams flat.
5. Stuff with cotton batting or wool scraps until firm. Shape a piece of paper into a funnel, and use it to add 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried catnip or to fill the whole toy with catnip.
6. Hand-stitch opening closed.
7. If desired, make fishing line: Thread an upholstery needle with 30 inches of thin sturdy twine, and sew through the seam of the fish's mouth. Tie knot to secure.
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MAKE your pet
an ID tag -
use Martha's downloadable template
& easy to find materials to create a
customized ID tag for your pet.
Tools / Materials
-shrinky dinks printable plastic sheets
-scissors
-hole punch
-matte clear-coat spray
Instructions
1) Download Martha's pet ID tag template to desktop. CLICK HERE FOR LINK <<>>
2) Print tags on a shrinky dink printable plastic
sheet. Cut out and punch a hole where indicated. Bake according to package instructions;
let cool. Seal both sides with matte clear-coat spray before attaching to collar.
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HOMEmade
KITTY TREATS
make your own healthy kitty treats at home
Savory Cheese Treats
- 3/4 cup white flour
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 5 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
-
1/4 cup cornmeal
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine cheeses and yogurt. Add flour and cornmeal. If needed, add a small amount of water to create a nice dough. Knead dough into a ball and roll to 1/4 inch. Cut into one inch sized pieces and place on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 25 minutes. Makes 2 dozen.
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July 30, 2011 is the date of our annual fundraiser atop the Westside!
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