Anyone who studies the Bible knows that Jesus Christ was a champion for the underdog. He hung out with the lowly which in biblical times included tax collectors, sinners, and women. However, historians and most Christians typically overlook the fact that Jesus was also was a champion for animals. By examining scripture we can see that although the ministry of Christ was targeted at humanity, he interacted compassionately with animals though out his lifetime and he may have been somewhat of a vegetarian.

Beginning in Genesis, human beings are commanded by God to be stewards of the animals. Many people look at Chapter one in the book of Genesis and think this means we are entitled to own and use animals, but in the true meaning of the word, stewardship requires us to be guardians for animals. Prior to the birth of Christ, animal use and abuse was rampant and horrific. Many chapters of the Old Testament depict the large number of animals sacrificed (killed) as “sin offerings”. Beginning with the birth of Christ we see a new relationship with the animal kingdom. “He was born in a stable of lowly birth.” There are many places such as a tavern, a field or a roadside that would have portrayed a lowly birth. Instead Jesus enters the world in physical form amongst the animal kingdom.

Throughout the New Testament, the only animal Jesus seems to eat is fish. We know he attended celebrations and Passover gatherings and most likely there were traditional foods such as lamb, but nothing is recorded of the food he ate at these events. Even when Jesus ate fish or bread, he showed his respect for all life by thanking God and treating food as sacred. According to the Gospel of Mark chapter one, John the Baptist who prepared the way for the birth of Christ and later baptized Jesus, ate only honey and wild locust (insects). This hints at the idea that in some people should refrain from eating meat or that maintaining a vegetarian lifestyle or semi-vegetarian lifestyle is good for us.

In the gospel of Mark, chapter eleven Jesus becomes enraged when he sees caged animals for sale at the temple. “He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves….My house shall be called a house of prayers …but you have made it a den of thieves”. Jesus is furious because the temple is being used as a market place. I understand the focus of this chapter is about keeping the temple as a holy place of prayer, but I often wonder if his rage came from seeing the misuse of the animals as well. His use of the word “thief” is something to ponder. From a humanist perspective, these were business people selling commodities in an inappropriate place, but they were not thieves. However, from an animal rights perspective the traders in the temple were thieves. The people engaged in the buying and selling of animals in the temple were stealing the life of the animals by selling them to be used as sacrifice for “sin offerings”.

The gospel of Luke is extremely significant when examining Christ’s treatment of humans and animals. In chapter four Jesus casts demons out of a man and the man is cured. However, later in chapter eight Jesus casts “legions of demons” out of a man. The demons beg to enter the nearby heard of pigs (swine). We know Jesus could have just removed the demons as he had done previously. Instead Jesus agrees and the pigs become “processed”. They immediately run down a cliff and drowned themselves in the sea below. Initially, this seems to be a cruel act as far as animal rights goes. Why would Jesus allow innocent animals to experience demonic possession? However, on a larger scale Jesus is using this experience to illuminate critical facts about the animal kingdom–fact that were overlooked then and are still overlooked by most Christians today. First, if the pigs had no soul, they could not be possessed. So, the first lesson is that animals have souls. Secondly, the nature of the pigs in this act portrays the deep gift and sacrifice the animal kingdom makes on behalf of humanity. Animals are true companions and burden bearers for humans. Then we realize that throughout the New Testament Jesus frees humans from demonic possession, but this is the only instant where an animal experiences demonic possession and the animal’s immediate response is to commit suicide. This chapter depicts the incredible connection and wisdom that the pigs had with the divine. The entire herd of pigs realizes it is better to be “dead” and with their creator then suffering demonic possession here on earth. Do the pigs understand that as they end their life their spirits will join with God? If so, then this example from the Gospel of Luke indicates the pigs are smarter and more spiritually enlightened than the man who was formerly possessed.

Anyone who studies the life of Christ realizes his ministry was to humanity and our first priority as a Christian is to take care of each other-human to human. We also know that Jesus freed us from strict rules when it comes to diet. However, it’s clear that animals are sacred to the Creator. The Holy Spirit is portrayed as a dove, and Jesus is called the Lion of Judea. To follow in Christ’s footsteps means that we must form a right relationship with the animal kingdom. We must be guardians and adopt beliefs similar to Native American’s–all life is sacred. We live in a time where horrific atrocities are being inflicted on animals; factory farming, senseless animal experimentation, and rising abuse and neglect of domestic animals. But there is hope. If the life of Christ can radically change the way we treat ourselves and each other, it can also change the way we interact with the animal kingdom.

Next Friday I’ll be telling you about a helpful pet product.

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 potential 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: your dog will have a safe place to stay once you reach your destination, you’ll be able to keep some sense of routine with your dog, 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 dog at an unfamiliar kennel, or worse yet, ending your 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.

Once you arrive at your destination, set up a pet feeding and sleeping area and reestablish as many routines from home as possible. And lastly, have a great time with your animal companion.

Fleas are annoying, but they can also cause health issues with your pet. A single flea can quickly multiply and will infest all household pets, as well as furniture, carpet and the yard. A female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day. It’s best to avoid fleas at all costs. With cats, keep them indoors and away from other pets. If you have a dog, use a topical application such as advantage. Follow the instructions and apply the topical (skin) application on a consistent basis. In northern climate begin applying in early spring and ending in late fall. If you live in an area where the temperatures do not get below freezing, apply topical applications throughout the year. The topical applications are usually applied every 4-6 weeks between the shoulder blades. Even with topical applications, you need to routinely inspect your pet and bedding areas for fleas, and you may need to bath your animal with anti-flea pet shampoos or treat your yard. Fleas can easily be passed from a dog to a cat.

A flea looks like a tiny mosquito, but you cannot kill it by swatting. A single flea can bite your pet more than 400 times in a day. Typical pet reactions to flea bites include rashes, allergic dermatitis—which can lead to hair loss. The skin of your pet may “blacken” if the condition remains untreated. Fleas can also carry and infect your pet with tapeworm and can cause anemia, a weakened blood condition. Some pets and people are allergic to fleas and may have a stronger reaction.

If you find a flea on your pet, deal with it immediately. Remember a single female flea can lay 50 eggs a day. Also, for every flea you see, there may be ten more. Anytime a pet has fleas you need to treat all pets in the home by either using a flea dip, shampoo or powder. On a daily basis vacuum or steam clean the pets bedding area as well as all other area that may be infected. Throw away the vacuum bag every time you vacuum by placing the bag in a tightly wrapped plastic garbage bag. Keep the garbage bag away from your house or in a tightly sealed garbage can away from your pets. Treat the yard with spray or crystals designed to kill fleas. Doing a little on-line research can help you locate organic yard solutions. Select treatments that will kill fleas and ticks but make sure the product is free of organophosphate or it’s derivatives. According to the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC.org), pet collars and products using organophosphates can be harmful to you and your pet.

If you have a young or ill pets or young children be very careful about the type of product you use and the amount apply to your pet. Young and ill pets are the most susceptible to toxic levels of a product. Children are also at risk around certain chemicals. Both pets and children can suffer brain damage due to toxic levels. There are many good sources on-line for organic solutions and to determine toxicity levels of flea treatment products. You may want to start with the following http://www.answers.com/topic/centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention.

Feline Leukemia, known as FeLV is a viral disease. Young kittens and older cats exposed to diseased cats are the most susceptible. The disease is spread through bites, mother to offspring, or diseased cat to healthy cats. The saliva, urine, and feces of an infected cat can pass the virus. However, the disease does not live more than a couple hours outside of the cat’s body. Some people believe indoor cats can contract the disease if a person carries the virus on their hands or clothes. There is no known cure at this time, and the disease kills 80% of all infected cats within a three year period. The disease can cause an array of health issues; cancer, blood disorders, and secondary diseases such as respiratory infections and diabetes. In laymen’s terms, the bones shut down and anemia occurs, which eventually leads to death.

To prevent your pet from contract Feline Leukemia, do the following:

1. Keep your cat indoors. This will eliminate your cat’s exposure to FeLV.

2. If you have stray cats in your neighborhood and you pet them, wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap before you pet your indoor cat.

3. Before you merge your healthy cat with a new cat or kitten, have the new pet tested for FeLV. If it has FeLV, it needs to be kept away from healthy cats.

4. Consider having your healthy cat vaccinated against Feline Leukemia. Unlike the Feline Aids vaccine, the Feline Leukemia vaccine does not affect a veterinarian’s ability to test your pet for the disease at a later date. Please keep in mind that while the Feline Leukemia vaccine is highly effective, it will not prevent all cats from contracting the disease. This is why it’s best to keep your cat indoors and away from potentially infected cats.

If your cat contracts Feline Leukemia, you should do the following:

1. Test all other cats in the household.

2. Remove infected cats from healthy cats. Keep them in separate areas at all times.

3. If you spend time with infected cats, change your clothes and wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap before you pet your healthy cats.

4. Feed your infected cats a well balanced diet. Many individuals swear by herbal supplements.

5. Maintain separate areas, food dishes and litter pans for the infected cats. Do not share these pet accessories with your healthy cats.

If you have a cat that dies of Feline Leukemia, and you wish to adopt another cat, scrub everything in your house thoroughly. Most likely the Feline Leukemia virus will die within a few hours after your pet passes away, but since Feline Leukemia often carries secondary disease, you should scrub everything with an anti-bacterial soap.

I once rescued a very pitiful looking feral cat. He tested positive (and high) for both Feline Aids and Leukemia. Remarkably, once he was moved indoors, he lived another four years—my vet said this was remarkable. When my FeLV infected cat contracted liver cancer and started having difficulty walking and urinating, I made a “no-win” decision to euthanize him. He had already endured several steroid shots and I was concerned he was suffering. None of my other cats contracted the disease, but I was always careful to wash my hands and I kept the cat separated from my healthy cats.

So often good hearted consumers give to organizations and causes never realizing their financial gift may cause harm.  For example, I used to give to the American Caner Society.  But then I found out this organization is one that sponsors large amounts of animal research.  With today’s technology, animal research is completely unnecessary.  It is also inhumane, inaccurate, senseless, it  deprives people from experimental treatment and drugs and causes horrific suffering and death of animals.  (See my article on animal research at www.ezinearticles.com).

Another time a friend told me about her terrific mutual fund.  Sure, the fund was making great money, but several of the companies in the fund where killing the environment in Central America and completely disregarding human, plant and animal life.

If you’ve been dupped, don’t feel bad.  Even Dr. Phil got fooled.  If you’ve ever seen him getting real with someone who’s being mean to animals, you know Dr. Phil McGraw is an animal advocate.  But on one of his television shows he advised a woman to work with a certain attorney who was an “advocate for animals”.  I did some research and found out this woman had affiliations with a supposed “animal welfare organization” when it fact the organization she was affiliate with was sponsored by one of the largest animal research groups in the US.  

So what do you do?  Well, as much as you are able, do your homework.  Investigate charitable organizations, mutual funds and other groups that will receive your money.  However, in the end you may still make a mistake.  But, fortunately Mother Theresa left us with words to guide us.  One day when a beggar asked her for money, she gave it to him.  The person beside her asked, “Why did you give it to him?  He’ll just waste it.”  Her response, “What I do with my money is between me and God, what he does with his money is between God and him”.

There are different types of animal abuse and neglect. Many animals are abused and neglected simple due to overpopulation. According to statistics from the Humane Association of the United States, we kill over 4 million companion animals each year. Most of these animals are adoptable. At one time, this statistic was 17 million so we have made substantial progress but need to work smarter and harder so that we can end unintentional abuse and neglect. Getting people to take responsibility to spay and neuter pets is critical. Think about the prolific nature of animals. A single cat and her first year kittens can produce upwards of 150 cats within a three year period. The statistics for dogs is nearly equivalent. This overpopulation creates an imbalance in supply and demand and leaves many adoptable pets homeless.

Intentional abuse includes starvation, mutilation, death, bludgeoning, etc. Any time you see a pet with unusual injuries, protruding rib cages, or you spy someone causing harm to the animal call authorities. I’ve personally stopped several incidences of young men beating animals by stopping my car, and shouting out the car window. I called authorities as well. If your area does not have special number to call to report animal abuse, call your local police. In many areas animal abuse is a felony. Also, the university of Washington veterinary school has a project called the “Link”. They are researching the link between animal abuse and abuse to humans. In Wisconsin, Senator Fred Risser, is working to pass a bill that will extend domestic abuse restraining orders and injunctions to include abuse to animals and threats of abuse to animals.

Neglect is more complex and can include intentional or unintentional harm to pets. This may include abandonment, failure to provided food, water or shelter, excessive ground staking, denying the pet social interaction, untreated medical conditions, failure to groom, etc. Neglect such as abandonment can lead to death.

Other types of neglect have a direct correlation to poverty and disease. Sometimes people who live on the edge financially can no longer feed their pet when they lose a job, go through a divorce, have unexpected medical conditions, or their housing cost goes up. Other people who get sick, or suffer from debilitation diseases such as major depression, full body paralysis, etc., may have times when they forget to feed and water their animals or when they are physically unable to get out of bed and care for their pet. By getting to know our neighbors and being willing to help each other, we can help each other with pet care, and may be able to help our neighbors and friends keep an animal they love. This type of neglect can usually be corrected if neighbors, friends, and relatives, are willing to pitch in.

Intentional neglect includes abandoning an animal, dumping them on the streets or in the country, failure to provide food, water, shelter, and medical care when the animal’s guardian (or owner) has the resources to do so, casual or excessive animal breeding, keeping animals in inhumane conditions.

Occasionally, this type of neglect may be stopped by caring neighbors, so it’s always worth a try. Gather one or two other neighbors who are also concerned, figure out what you will say to the person ahead of time, and then approach the person neglecting their pet. Try to express your concern rather than judgment. Sometimes, people are ignorant and they’ll come around. Most people want to be liked by their neighbors. If they don’t respond, if the animal(s) are in very poor condition, or if you do not feel safe speaking to the person who is neglecting their pet, call the authorities.

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.

Pet Care Resource Center of America is a one stop resource center for anyone who loves animals. Our goal is to provide informative pet care tips and provide animal welfare information.  We also review products that may be helpful to pets and the people who love them. When you buy from our website, you are feeding a movement.

Sincerely,

Kate Garvey

Founder and Director

Pet Care Resource Center of America

Holidays are a lot of fun but the noise and chaos can frighten pets.  Some pets may get aggressive or become traumatized.  Animals can become overloaded when cities shoot off fireworks after every baseball game, or during other holidays like Memorial day, the 4^th of July, and Labor day.  Pets are extremely sensitive to noise.  A couple of things you can do to help your pet during these times include; Create a safe space for the pet.  Bring outdoor dogs inside.  Allow your cats to hide under the bed or in closets.  Don’t force your animal to be social, allow them to hide.    Consider using non-addictive relaxers like “Rescue Remedy”.  Or if you pet has bad reactions to noise and chaos, have your veterinarian prescribe some tranquilizers.  Begin giving rescue remedy or tranquilizers a few hours before the noise is about to start. Limit your pet’s exposure to children and other animals at this time.  When your pet is anxious because of noise and chaos, they may exhibit signs of aggression.  A normally docile cat or dog may bite or attack a child or other pets when it’s overloaded with fear and confusion.  If your pet hides in a closet or under the bed, leave them alone.  Some people try to baby their animals.  Usually, pets just want to feel safe.  If your pet is anxious and comes to you, by all means provide comfort.  But, if your pet is hiding, don’t go after it.  It will come out when it’s more relaxed and ready to be social. These tips also work well if your pet is afraid of thunder or lightning storms.

Many people find it challenging to give a cat medicine such as a pill or liquid. Once you learn the five steps below, it will simplify and speed up the process. You may want to pretend your medicating your cat right now. Once you feel confident with the steps below, use them the next time you need to medicate your cat.

1. Place the medicine on a floor or table top in a quiet room. If you are giving a pill, have the pill ready to place down the cat’s throat. If you are dispensing a liquid medicine, have the syringe filled with the correct amount of fluid.

2. Pick up you cat and pet it like normal. Place one hand underneath the ribs as you continue to pet the cat and walk toward the room where the medicine is prepared.

3. Continue to hold the cat and kneel down next to the medicine in the following manner. Spread your knees approximately 10 inches apart (this is approximately two or three fist widths). As you kneel, place your big toes side by side and flatten you ankles on the floor if you can. Next sit back on your heels, keeping your knees apart. You hips should be directly over your feet or ankles.

4. Place the cat so that it’s feet are on the floor, it’s butt and tail are facing your belly or hips, and it’s head faces forward—the same direction as yours. Do not sit on or put weight on your cat. If your right handed, slip you left arm against the left side of the cat’s body, and firmly but gently hold the cat’s chest with your left hand. If your cat is nervous, you can also hold the scruff of the neck with your left hand.

5. With your right hand, grab the medicine. Bend forward a little bit and place your right elbow on your knee. Continue to cradle the cat with your left arm and use your left hand to keep the cat from running forward.

a. If you are giving a pill, open the cat’s jaw by pressing an index finger near the corner of the lips. (Usually, I like to do this with my left index finger). Shove the pill toward the back of the cat’s throat with your right index finger. As soon as the pill is in the cat’s mouth, use your left hand to keep the cat’s mouth shut and tilt the cats head slightly up so the cat’s nose will be slightly higher than its jaw line. Be firm but gentle, and do not cover or press down on the cat’s nose. With your right hand, gently stoke the cat’s throat. This encourages the cat to swallow. b. If you are giving liquid medicine, press the tip of the syringe (obviously, without the needle) into the corner of the cat’s lips. With your left hand, lift the front of the cat’s head so the nose is slightly higher than the jaw line. As soon as the cat opens its mouth, dispense the liquid. The goal is to have the liquid run right down the back of the throat so that the cat will not taste the medicine. It helps to dispense liquids in a steady manner and do it as quickly as possible, provided it does not cause the cat to panic or choke. Sometimes it is easier to squirt a little medicine, let the cat breath, and then squirt some more medicine.

Once the cat has taken the medicine, pet it briefly and let it go. A few things to keep in mind–cat’s always like to feel safe, so cradling them without applying any weight can be helpful. When a cat becomes upset, it needs to be left alone. Its brain literally gets overloaded and an upset cat is likely to become aggressive. If you are having difficulty and your cat is getting upset, let it go. See if a veterinarian, a vet tech or a trusted pet sitter can give you a demonstration of the best way to medicate your cat.