This week I purchased a FURemover brush.  It’s an electro-static rubber brush.  It can be used on furniture, rugs, and pets.  You can use it wet or dry.  I hate house cleaning–especially vacuuming.  For a few years I’ve been using an electro static broom to sweep my hardwood floors and it works well.  When I saw the $6 brush, I thought-hey, why not. 
There’s no magic cure for people like me who hate to clean.  However, after a single use with the FURemover my chairs and couch they looked much better than they’ve been in quite some time.  All of my cats seem to enjoy being brushed with the soft rubber tips.  It did remove a good amount of pet hair both off my cats and furniture.  Unlike a lint brush, you don’t have to peal fresh strips of paper for each use. 
So far, I like this handy little brush better than anything else I’ve used to clean pet hair off my clothes and furniture.  I purchased it at Bed, Bath and Beyond and hope to have these items available on my website soon so you can purchase them right here.   Also, if you plan on using this on your pets on a regular bases as well as furniture, I think it might be better to have two different colored brushes; one for pets and one for household items. 

Many people like to take their animals with them as they travel, and traveling with your dog can be a lot of fun. However, there are dangers to consider including loosing your pet, dehydration, nausea, and the pet ruining the trip due to its anxious behavior. Before you plan a trip with your pet make sure: the pet will have a safe place to stay once you reach your destination, you’ll be able to keep some sense of routine with your pet, and that the place you are visiting, whether it’s a hotel, friend or relative welcomes your pet. Don’t assume your friends love your pooch as much as you do. Also, even if you’ve stayed at the same hotel countless times, confirm each time you travel that they still accept pets. Finally, if you’re staying with friends or relatives, make sure they have no pets or that their pet is very friendly with all animals in their home. Many friendly dogs and cats become very aggressive when another animal is placed in their home. There is nothing worse than being on the road with your companion animal—only to find out you need to board your pet at an unfamiliar kennel, or worse yet, ending you vacation to accommodate your pet’s needs.

Provided that all the above conditions are met, there are some things you can do to insure the comfort and safety of your animal(s). Prior to your trip, make car rides a pleasant experience. If you’re traveling with an animal that does well on a leash, such as a dog, take short trips with your dog and make them fun and joyful. Plan your short trips at times when your pet may be a little hungry. A full stomach and a nervous dog may create a messy, stinky car. Put your dog on a leash and coax them into the car. Give the dog a treat for getting in the car, ride a few blocks then come home, give the dog another treat at the end of the ride or maybe play with him or her once your home. In no time you’ll find your dog loves the car, and you’ll want to increase the length of your short trips.

If your dog is very frightened and difficult to put in the car, give them a full meal, a little pet rescue remedy then pick them up and sit with them in the car. Do this once or twice a day for several days. Do not start your car, or ride around the block until you pet hops in and out of the car easily. Once your pet is comfortable getting in and out of the car, begin taking short pleasure trips.

As you pack for your trip, pack pet food, water, toy (s), bed and a crate. (Bring a crate even if you have no intention of using it). As much as possible, keep food and routines consistent with those used at home. Anytime you change pet food, your dog may experience diarrhea, constipation, nausea or allergic reactions. Water from home encourages your dog to drink—avoiding dehydration. Dogs are highly sensitive to smells and may not want to drink tap water if it has a different chemical content and smell. A crate is good to have with you in the event your car breaks down or the home your visiting has an aggressive animal and didn’t let you know, or if your dog is used to sleeping in a crate/bed at night. Also, pack your most recent pet record or health certificate, and make sure your pet’s collar has your name and phone number on it.

The day of your trip make sure the dog’s collar is snug-but not too tight. Even if your dog is trained off-leash, make sure your dog is leashed or inside at all times during your trip. Before you open a car door at the rest stop or restaurant, make sure your pet is leashed and you have hold of the leash. If you roll down your windows the opening should be smaller than the size of your pets head. There’s nothing worse than losing your pet when traveling. Stop every 1&1/2 to 2 hours and take a short walk with your dog at the rest areas. Offer your dog small amounts of food throughout the day and provide water at every stop. If it’s hot outside and you stop to eat or take a break, park under shade and crack the windows about 1-2 inches. This allows your car to cross ventilate. If it’s very hot, do not leave your pet in the car unattended for more than 3 minutes. Car interiors are dangerous to pets in the summer heat. If it’s 90 degrees outside, your car can quickly exceed 110 degrees. If it’s winter and very cold, make sure the dog is parked in the sun and that they have bedding or a coat to stay warm. Never force your pet to eat or drink on the day you are traveling.

Last night I had a conversation with a new acquaintance. He told me he had two cats that were about to “pop” (i.e. give birth). When I asked him why he had not spayed his cats he said, “It’s too expensive”. This man lives alone in a 6,000 square foot home, owns other acreage and collects cars, and yet he was not willing to spend $100 per cat to prevent unwanted births. He said, “It is not a problem; I give the kittens away at the grocery store”. Regrettably his attitude and actions are typical, and place a huge burden on animal lovers, as well as state and local municipalities that must deal with large populations of unwanted animals. Each and every year we euthanize 4 to 10 million domestic companion animals. Most of these are adoptable dogs and cats. In my opinion, over population is preventable. Below are 5 suggestions that could radically change the fate of abandoned and unwanted animals. Implementation and enforcement of these “laws” would cost less and be far more humane, than our current system of maintaining private and public animal shelters.

1.Require a License. Anyone who wants to breed animals (or is too cheap to spay or neuter a pet) would be required to purchase a license. The license would cost at least $1,000. A number would be issued and the license would have to be updated annually at a rate determined by the state municipality. Anyone not licensed and found with new companion animal offspring would be fined $1,000 for each litter and all animals would be seized immediately and brought to a shelter where they would be spayed, neutered and placed with a responsible guardian (i.e. new owners). If the fine was not paid, it would be attached to the property just like a mechanic’s lien.

2.Limit how animals could be sold. The sale of all animals would be limited to regulated pet stores. Anyone caught selling an animal on the street, through the paper or over the web would be forced to do a minimum of 30 days of community service. Pet stores would need to maintain an annual log of the number of pets produced by a licensed breeder and turn these records over to the state.

3.Breeders would have a specific number of animals they could produce each year. For example a breeder might be authorization to sell a total of 50-55 dogs to the pet stores. Since litter size varies, there would need to flexibility, but the breeder would have a limit. Any breed who fell out of compliance would have their licensed revoked and all animals removed and placed in a shelter for adoption. They would not be able to obtain a new license. The number of animals available for sale would be based on supply and demand. If the number of available animals was low, breeders and pet store owners could make more money on each pet sold. The people who bought the animal may have to pay more for their pet and therefore are more likely to value and care for it.

4.Cities would be fined by the federal government for not capturing strays. Initially, the federal government would subsidize state and local municipalities so they could add staff to humanely trap strays. Regrettably, the number of stray animals euthanized during the first two years of this program would be high. Shelters would be very crowded; however, it would end the cycle and costs of stray, unwanted animals. After the initial capture of strays, the cities and state would be responsible for maintaining a no stray policy. States that did not comply would be fined by the federal government.

5.Anyone adopting or buying an animal would have a 48 hour wait period. People would go to the pet shop, look for a pet, and once they selected a specific pet they would fill out an application and pay a nominal fee. The pet store owner would provide a sheet to the prospective buyer, on the annual costs of pet care, and provide a list breed specific needs. The buyer would leave without the animal and the pet store would run a criminal background check to insure the buyer was not a prosecuted animal abuser. The pet would be placed on hold at the time of application. 2 days later the buyer would have the right to purchase the animal. If the buyer did not appear on the pick up date, the pet would come off hold and the pet store would keep the pet application money. This would insure people purchasing pets had been informed of what they were getting into.

I realize these original ideas have many potential problems. Some breeders and people with stray animals would shoot the overage of any litters or kill animals inhumanely, millions of stray animals would be euthanasized, and people would break the law. But these tragic events already occur on a daily basis. If we could adopt any of these policies we could reduce the burden of stray animals from kind hearted individuals, as well as federal and state budgets, and place the burden where it belongs—on breeders, pet shops and people who refuse to spay or neuter their pets.

Last night I had a conversation with a new acquaintance. He told me he had two cats that were about to “pop” (i.e. give birth). When I asked him why he had not spayed his cats he said, “It’s too expensive”. This man lives alone in a 6,000 square foot home, owns other acreage and collects cars, and yet he was not willing to spend $100 per cat to prevent unwanted births. He said, “It is not a problem; I give the kittens away at the grocery store”. Regrettably his attitude and actions are typical, and place a huge burden on animal lovers, as well as state and local municipalities that must deal with large populations of unwanted animals. Each and every year we euthanize 4 to 10 million domestic companion animals. Most of these are adoptable dogs and cats. In my opinion, over population is preventable. Below are 5 suggestions that could radically change the fate of abandoned and unwanted animals. Implementation and enforcement of these “laws” would cost less and be far more humane, than our current system of maintaining private and public animal shelters.

1.Require a License. Anyone who wants to breed animals (or is too cheap to spay or neuter a pet) would be required to purchase a license. The license would cost at least $1,000. A number would be issued and the license would have to be updated annually at a rate determined by the state municipality. Anyone not licensed and found with new companion animal offspring would be fined $1,000 for each litter and all animals would be seized immediately and brought to a shelter where they would be spayed, neutered and placed with a responsible guardian (i.e. new owners). If the fine was not paid, it would be attached to the property just like a mechanic’s lien.

2.Limit how animals could be sold. The sale of all animals would be limited to regulated pet stores. Anyone caught selling an animal on the street, through the paper or over the web would be forced to do a minimum of 30 days of community service. Pet stores would need to maintain an annual log of the number of pets produced by a licensed breeder and turn these records over to the state.

3.Breeders would have a specific number of animals they could produce each year. For example a breeder might be authorization to sell a total of 50-55 dogs to the pet stores. Since litter size varies, there would need to flexibility, but the breeder would have a limit. Any breed who fell out of compliance would have their licensed revoked and all animals removed and placed in a shelter for adoption. They would not be able to obtain a new license. The number of animals available for sale would be based on supply and demand. If the number of available animals was low, breeders and pet store owners could make more money on each pet sold. The people who bought the animal may have to pay more for their pet and therefore are more likely to value and care for it.

4.Cities would be fined by the federal government for not capturing strays. Initially, the federal government would subsidize state and local municipalities so they could add staff to humanely trap strays. Regrettably, the number of stray animals euthanized during the first two years of this program would be high. Shelters would be very crowded; however, it would end the cycle and costs of stray, unwanted animals. After the initial capture of strays, the cities and state would be responsible for maintaining a no stray policy. States that did not comply would be fined by the federal government.

5.Anyone adopting or buying an animal would have a 48 hour wait period. People would go to the pet shop, look for a pet, and once they selected a specific pet they would fill out an application and pay a nominal fee. The pet store owner would provide a sheet to the prospective buyer, on the annual costs of pet care, and provide a list breed specific needs. The buyer would leave without the animal and the pet store would run a criminal background check to insure the buyer was not a prosecuted animal abuser. The pet would be placed on hold at the time of application. 2 days later the buyer would have the right to purchase the animal. If the buyer did not appear on the pick up date, the pet would come off hold and the pet store would keep the pet application money. This would insure people purchasing pets had been informed of what they were getting into.

I realize these original ideas have many potential problems. Some breeders and people with stray animals would shoot the overage of any litters or kill animals inhumanely, millions of stray animals would be euthanasized, and people would break the law. But these tragic events already occur on a daily basis. If we could adopt any of these policies we could reduce the burden of stray animals from kind hearted individuals, as well as federal and state budgets, and place the burden where it belongs—on breeders, pet shops and people who refuse to spay or neuter their pets.

When you say Siamese cat, most people think of the short-hair seal points, which have a creamy white slender body, brown-black ears, nose and tail. But, there are several variations of the breed as well as crossbreds like the Himalayans, which are a cross of Siamese and Persians. The blue point has a bluish-white body with slate blue points. The chocolate point has more mocha colored points and the flame point has apricot ears, nose and tail. The body of a pure-bred Siamese is sleek and features a triangular head, large ears, and pointed features.

 Siamese are one of the oldest and most well known breeds. They received their name when they were exported from Thailand in the late 1800’s. At the time, Thailand was Siam.
My relationship with Siamese began when I was one. My mother had me outdoors in a playpen. She was in the house when a distant uncle stopped by. Seeing me for the first time, he ran to my playpen with outstretched arms, only to be viciously attached by Josie, our Seal Point Siamese, who had been guarding me from underneath the playpen.

Today, I share my house with several cats. Lucky, is a flame point Siamese mix I rescued from a high traffic area. He pretty much ignores the other cats and follows me everywhere. If I try to restrict him from coming in a room where I’m working, he stands on his back legs and beats on the door and yowls. He will keep this up for over 30 minutes. Every night since I first found him, he sleeps next to my head or stands guard like a sentry. If someone raises their voice to me, Lucky will circle in front of me, raise his back and begin “yowling” (loud angry meows) at the person. I’ve been bit twice by a cat. Both times, it was peeling Lucky off a dog that had come too close to me. Fearlessly, Lucky launched an attack. Since he cannot see well, he did not know I had grabbed him. Even though Lucky is a mix-breed cat, his personality is similar to a purebred.
Siamese have personalities that are quiet unique. They want to be your best friend and will walk through fire to be near their guardian. They do not tolerate being alone well. They like to be near their guardian all the time, they are smart and like to play fetch, they can open doors and closets that allude other cats, they love to lay on your lap and hang out near the bathtub when your bathing. Siamese are extremely loyal, affectionate, and smart. They can be trained to travel well, they can be fearless, and they have a long lifespan of 18-20 years. They usually do not like dogs.

If you are thinking about getting a Siamese, you may want to read about them and see if you can volunteer time at a breed rescue site. Plan on keeping your Siamese as an indoor pet since most are cross-eyed and do not see well. If you adopt or purchase a Siamese, expect a cat that demands attention, is highly vocal, and smart. If you want a cat, because you think a cat is low maintenance, you may not want a Siamese. Some people bring their Siamese to a pet shelter because they can not tolerate their demanding nature or vocal qualities. However, if you are the type of person who would love a true companion, but can’t have or do not want a dog, a Siamese can be an ideal match. In addition to their crazy antics, and affectionate nature, you may be delightfully surprised at their constant loyalty and protective qualities.

This spring I noticed a particular squirrel when he and one of his friends would scamper across the telephone wires in my backyard.  They ran gracefully, twirled and ran some more.  This particular squirrel was large and chubby so he was easy to distinguish.  I wondered how he could be so fast and yet so graceful. 

Shortly after I noticed him running on the telephone wires, I began to notice how this squirrel loved to tease my dog Sabrina.  He would scamper into the yard, wait until he had the dog’s attention, then, race up the fence, sit at top, and scold her.  My dog would pace and stare in frustration at the squirrel sitting up above.  It often sounded and looked like the squirrel was chuckling. 
About a month ago, his cute little face and chubby body greeted me in the early morning.  I was in the living room when “Mr. Squirrel” crawled up the Sheppard’s hook (a metal pole) that was holding my Begonia plant.  He balanced his chubby body on his back two feet and looked through the living room picture window.  It almost felt like he was saying, “Hello, how ya doing today?”

Unfortunately, last week my neighbor found a dead squirrel on the median.  Most likely it had been hit by a bus or car.  I’ve lived in urban areas most of my life, so I didn’t give it much thought.  However, a few days later I realized it wasn’t just any squirrel, it was my squirrel.  Well, not really.  But, it was the squirrel who had entertained me most of the spring and summer. 

These days, my backyard feels a little bit larger, and my dog seems to want to be in the house more often.  Just like people, animals come into our life–some for a long time, others for a few moments.  They touch us, make us ponder and add joy to our journey.  I find it extraordinary that an animal as small and ordinary as a squirrel has the power to make a connection, cause a smile, or bring a tear. 

I was never a big meat eater, so when I decided to eliminate mamal products from my diet, it was not difficult.  However, there was one food I always missed.  Growing up in a traditional meat-eating American home, my mom used to make the best barbarque spare ribs. I loved them.  The few times I’ve strayed from my vegetarian food plan, it was because I couldn’t resist my hankering for an order of ribs.

Last week I tried Gardenburger’s “BBQ Riblets.  They are made with mostly soy and wheat gluten.  I was shocked at how delicious they are.  The texture, though not like meat, was quite good.  If you like barbeque on the sweet side, like I do, I think you’ll enjoy the sauce tremedously.  If you have low sodium requirements or like a dry non-sweet sauce, you may not enjoy them as much as me.

I have a healthy appetite.  One serving may appear small, but it’s filling.  They take about 3 minutes in the microwave.  The box let’s you know it’s just 250 calories per serving, and each serving has 5  grams of dietary fiber.  Throw in a potato or yam and some greens and you’ve got a great meal. And of coarse, it’s animal free!  For more information please go to www.gardenburger.com 

Each Thursday I discuss a dog related topic. The “Bad News”—many people purchase animals without considering the long term requirements of proper pet care, the “Good News”—this creates an opportunity for you to purchase a purebred dog at a fraction of the cost. Breed specific rescue organization, which are privately funded, have grown in recent years. There are many types and varieties of purebred dogs available for adoption. There are several advantages to adopting a purebred dog; costs, developed personalities, free expert advice on the breed, reduced medical costs, and a free turn in policy (If for any reason the adoption does not work, the animal may be returned to the shelter). The disadvantages are that with some breeds you may need to travel long distance to meet and adopt your new pet, you may be subject to a rigorous background or criminal check, some of the animals turned into rescue sites have been abused or neglected and require patience and training, and you may not be able to obtain they type of purebred or age desired. Most likely though, you will be sadly amazed to see how many excellent purebred pets are available for adoption.

The cost of purebred dog adoption varies dependent on the breed and age. Shar-Pei and Golden Retrievers typically cost about $250 to adopt but if the animal is over 8 years of age the cost may be as little as $150. This is quit a bargain considering most often these dogs originally sold for $250-$500, have had $300-$500 worth of medical care including shots and testing, and adult pets are already spayed or neutered. Other financial benefits may include free breed specific information and training tips, and an optional free membership into the breed rescue organization, or a free subscription to the organizations newsletter.

If you are thinking about adopting a specific breed the first step is to determine if the breed you are drawn to matches your lifestyle. Do some research on line or at the library to make sure the needs of the new pet will be compatible with your lifestyle. Once you’ve determined which breed will be well suited to your home and lifestyle search on-line for a rescue site in your area. For example, let’s say you want to adopt a poodle and you live in Houston, TX. In your web browser, type “Poodle Rescue Organizations in Houston, Texas”. You can also search by state. Most organizations have clear information on their website about the adoption process, policies, breed tendencies, and costs. Some have pictures of animals available for adoption.

When you decide on a specific possible pet, ask specific questions about its history and personality. The personality of an animal is more important than it’s past. Many animals with horrific pasts make excellent pets, provided you are willing to be patient, establish and maintain routines for the animal, and provide training if needed. Remember animals are sentient beings with emotions and pain receptors. Please consider the long term care of the pet, the breed specific needs, and whether the needs of the animal will negatively affect your lifestyle, before you adopt or purchase an animal. In the long run it is better for you and the animal to wait for the right match

 My dog Luther showed me how to get published. Okay, I confess. I’m already published and was really just looking for a way to adore my dog and count it as writing time. Even so. I think he had some great ideas!

1.It’s okay to be a mutt. Just as Luther doesn’t have to have a pedigree for people to say he’s a great dog, you don’t have to have a doctorate in science to write a science book for kids. You don’t have to have an English degree to write a novel. Be yourself. Draw on your strengths, your curiosities. If you wait until you’ve earned all the “right” degrees, you may never start writing.

2.Follow those who feed you. If I have lunch in my hands, Luther sits next to me, but doesn’t beg; he waits patiently. As a writer, you have a choice of who you approach to publish your manuscript. I prefer to send my writing to paying publishers, though occasionally I donate articles. Paying publishers help me feed my family. After I send my manuscript, I wait patiently for them to respond. Sometimes I get a rejection, but other times I’m amazed by how great the response is. It’s like throwing a steak to Luther. Don’t think that because you are a beginner or have been rejected before, you aren’t worthy of submitting to paying markets. Submit, then sit. Stay. Good dog.

3.Always be ready to run. Luther told me that other less-obedient dogs will dart out the door at every opportunity, then race away from their angry owner. Luther only does that when he sees a rabbit or squirrel and thinks he can catch them. Writers should always be looking for their opportunities be published. Pick up magazines in the dentist office – market research. Join message boards online that relate to writing and to your specialty. If you write (or would like to write) Christian parenting articles and books, join groups for writers, Christians, parents, Christian parents, single parents, moms, dads, etc. — whatever you can relate to your genre. Then, become more than a chatty member. Become a resource for others and learn from them. Ideas for articles and opportunities to become published will pop up all over the place, if you are ready.

4.Leave your mark. When I take Luther on a walk, I’m amazed he doesn’t become dehydrated with all the “marking” he does. Anything vertical gets wet. Please don’t pee on your publishers. That’s not what I’m talking about! Don’t be afraid to leave your mark by promoting yourself. Put your website address in your signature line for every e-mail you send. Keep business cards with you at all times. Have a writers resume and clips updated at all times (and keep a copy or two in your car – you never know who you’ll run into when you visit the library or pay for an ad. Remember to let people know what you do. If you don’t tell them, how will they ever know?

My husband may think Luther is only good for matting the carpet with dog hair, but I think he’s a great interview. Certainly, there are many more tips for getting published, but if you follow my dog’s sage advice, you will find opportunities almost everywhere you go. And, you will be ready!

Today’s story was by freelance writer and guest columnist Stephenie Hovland.  If you have a great pet story, please send it to us.  If it meet our criteria, we’ll be happy to post it.

Four years ago I was living in a community with a high rate of unwanted animals. During the summer, the city shelter was forced to euthanize 14 to 17 thousand animals each month. Feral cats and cats that had Feline Aides (FIV) were euthanized immediately. At the time I did not have knowledge or experience with feral cat trap and release programs. I was sharing my house with several healthy cats when I met Scruffy, a sweet, adorable, athletic feral cat, that tested positive for FIV.

I tried to find a home for Scruffy where he would be the only cat in the household, but no one was interested in adopting him. After that my choices were limited, I could have Scruffy euthanized, I could have him neutered and leave him as an outdoor cat knowing he might infect other cats, or I could merge him with my healthy cats (I had four other rescued cats at the time). There was and still seems to be an ongoing debate about how cats contract FIV. Some veterinarians believe FIV can be passed by mutual grooming, and eating out of a food dish. Others believe FIV can only be passed through blood; a bite or during gestation from a mother to her offspring. All my research led me to believe that FIV cats can lead a reasonably normal life, provided they have good nutrition, and a safe, comfortable indoor environment. Dr. Mike Richards says, “Feline immune deficiency virus infection does not lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in cats as often as human immunodeficiency virus leads to AIDS in people.” The largest threat to FIV-positive cats is secondary infections, such as bladder, skin, and upper respiratory infections. Kidney failure is also frequent in cats with FIV. So keeping all this in mind, I made a decision to neuter scruffy and merge him with my other cats. My deepest fear was that I would expose my other cats to FIV. The vaccine for FIV had just been placed on the market, but it was controversial so I choose not to vaccinate the healthy cats.

Four years later, Scruffy is still a sweet, adorable, athletic cat with FIV. My other cats are all healthy and still test negative for FIV. Maybe I was lucky, or maybe this is proof that the disease is not transferred through mutual grooming. It’s estimated about 12% of cats in the United States have FIV. Many never develop symptoms of the illness. I think part of the reason that Scruffy and my other cats remain healthy is that my house is a good place for animals; routine bedtimes, good quality food, constant accessibility to clean water, and a lack of external stress—my house is quiet and peaceful most of the time. If you adopt a cat with FIV, plan on keeping it indoors. Also, find out how far the disease has progressed. A cat with FIV exposure is far different from a cat with high FIV symptoms, or secondary symptoms of the illness. Many FIV exposed cats can live a relatively normal life provided they are in indoor pet, and receive good pet care.

Last week I had the opportunity to attend a Native American Summer Solstice Celebration.  (The true summer solstice will be this Thursday, June 21st.  It is the longest day of the year.) Sitting beside the shores of Lake Michigan watching the sun make it assent, the Native American elder briefly discussed how animals were used for food, clothing and shelter. 

His people would offer a prayer to Creator and ask for their needs to be met.  Most often, an animal that could meet those needs would appear shortly after the prayer was given.  The animal’s life would be swiftly and honorably taken so that the needs of the tribe could be met.  The belief was that the animal was willing to sacrifice itself for the tribe.  All parts of the animal would be used, and the spirit of the animal was thanked.

How different is this from the way we live today?  Back then, people lived in balance.  They never had freezers of meat, they were not obese, they didn’t pollute the earth with packaging, and animals roamed freely until they were killed as humanely as possible.  Today, most of our meat comes from animals which are often raised on corporate farms that use factory farming techniques.  These techniques may include cramped or inhumane cages, mutilation of body parts (beaks, horns and testicles), shortened life spans for dairy animals, and poultry and other consumable livestock may spend their entire life in crowded cages or small roaming areas.  Then to end their “glorious” life, these animals are shipped long distances in non-air-conditioned trucks where they are finally slaughtered.  And what happens once an animal becomes meat?  Too often there is little regard or acknowledgment for the life that was taken. 

So what can you do?  For starters, think about a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.  Start slowly and build up, or go “cold turkey” on animal food consumption.  Make a change.  Don’t beat yourself up if you occasionally stray.  Adding more vegetarian meals not only will help animals, but if done right, you’ll see health benefits like lower blood pressure, and better cholesterol numbers.

If you refuse to give up eating meat there are two options.  You can either buy products that are humanely raised or take up hunting for your own needs.  If you decide to hunt, spend a lot of time practicing at a shooting range, so that when you take the life of an animal you’ll be swift and humane.  Consider praying before the hunt, and thanking the spirit of the animal once it’s been killed.

Personally, I wish everyone would be a vegetarian, but I respect those who hunt following Native ways.
AHo!