Readers know I’m pro adoption when it comes to animals and children.  Regardless of how you aquire your new pet here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Make sure your pet has met certain health standards; free of terminal illnesses, worms, fleas, ticks, etc.

2. If you are getting a specific breed, research habits, health issues and needs ahead of time.

3. Buy or adopt from a ruputable facility.  Many “under the radar” diseases exist in pets that come from “Puppy Mills” or “Cataries”.  These are facilities that have hundreds of animals housed in close proximity.

4. Make sure the breeder or shelter has a return policy and be clear on what it is and how long you have.

5. Seriously consider your availablity and life style.  If you’re never home, never get an animal.  If your gone all day find out which pets would do fine with that.  Think about your travel plans and the cost and care your new pet will require.  One common mistake I see is that people with limited time often purchase a puppy or kitten.  They would be far better off adopting an adult pet from a shelter or breed rescue site.

6. Listen to your heart.  Once you open it up, the right pet will be obvious.

Many times I’ve meet women who whisper, “I think my cat was my soul mate in another lifetime.” I guess to many people this seems crazy but I understand what they are saying. Several years ago a white flame point Siamese jumped in my car. He had been a stray at a bowling alley and the manager was thrilled that I would take care of him.

From the first encounter with Lucky, there was something unique. First of all he just jumped in my car a waited for me. It was like he knew I was supposed to take him home and of coarse I did. As soon as I sat down in my car, he crawled on my lap and collapsed. The next day I woke to find him sitting by my head staring down at me as I woke from a good nights sleep. A few days later I had a strange dream that I was a young woman making love. What was unique about the dream was the intense connection and emotions I held toward my beloved. I had never had a dream like this before. The man in my dreams had close set eyes and a certain way of looking at me. When I woke up, there was Lucky, once again staring at me with his close set eyes and that certain look.

Throughout the day Lucky follows me around the house, jumps on my lap as soon as I sit at my computer, yells at me if I don’t let him in the bathroom, and with the exception of a few days, he has faithfully slept and kept watch lying next to me each night. There have been many occasions when I wake up to find him sitting by my head contently staring at me. To maintain his close contact and protection over me, Lucky has fought with other cats who tried to take his place at night, attacked dogs that got too close to me, and growled on those rare occasions when a boyfriend or friend raised their voice. The odd thing is that when I leave town, roommates have report Lucky turns into a “normal” cat. He gets along with all the other cats, doesn’t fight for turf and becomes very laid back. If there is such a thing as past lives, then maybe Lucky is my long lost soul mate. If there is no such thing as reincarnation, then he’s a cat who has uncanny timing and unique habits. No matter what, I’m blessed by his devotion and that’s enough for me.

If the human race (myself included) were as amlicable as my cat Peanut, our world would be in a much better place.  Peanut has an amazing ability to get along with everyone and everything. 

The way he does this is by observing his new acquantance.  Then he eagerly and openly approaches his new buddy.  It’s like he assumes he’s lovable and so is the other guy or gal.  When a new cat gets offended Peanut backs down.  He is always accepted because he knows instinctively when to back down. 

Peanut uses play to get acquainted.  He matches his play with his new friend. If Peanut is trying to win over an older or gentle cat, he plays gentle.  If it’s a rowdy new kitten, Peanut is rowdy.  He welcomes affection but never demands it.  He adapts to new situations with astounding speed.  He’s a lesson for anyone who ever wants to have friends or be successful in business. 

When I was growing up, my mother was lost in her own world.  She had some mental health issues that made her emotionally unavailable.  Throughout my life, kind people appeared, interwoven like a rich tapastry.  But suprisingly one of the best “mothers” in my life was a little tortishell cat named Tawny.

Rescued during a rare Tennessee snowstorm, Tawny quickly adapted to my tiny bungalow like she had always lived there.  She would delicately jump up on my antique chair, tuck her legs just so and softly close her eyes.

During the years Tawny shared my life, I went through two breakups.  One man I thought was the love of my life.  As the relationships came to a close, I’d sit on my couch and cry.  Rountinely, Tawny would get next to me on the couch, stand on her back legs, and wrap her arms around my arm and back. (No I’m not making this up).  She would rub her head against my arm and whimper soft meows.

At night she liked to sleep just above my head-front legs drapping down near my right ear, while her back lags draped near my left ear.  She also liked to lick my forehead when I laid down.  I often felt she was making up for the tender kisses I never got as a child.

Tawny passed away  many years ago, but she left a graceful, tender mark that still brings an immediate smile.  Motherhood is never limited by blood, sex, age or species.  Who have you been nurtured by? 

Jenny and Shirley were both circus elephants.  They spent a few years together–long enough to form a bond.  When Jenny was just a baby elephant she and Shirley were part of the same circus.  Shirley stayed with the circus until an injury forced her to be moved to a zoo.  She was humanely treated by the zoo, but she had no animal friends.  During her lifetime she became lame when she was attached by another circus animal.  She also survived a fire that left scars on her feet and head.  I’m not real sure of Jenny’s path but I believe she was purchased by another circus while she was fairly young.  Her lifehad some challenges.  Attached by a bull elephant she became lame for life.  Later on she went blind. 

Eventually Jenny was relocated to the elephant sanctuary in TN.  Years later, Shirley arrived.  There was an unusual reception as Shirley and Jenny reunited.  Immediately, the elephants reconnected through sound and touch.  The first night that Shirley arrived, she and Jenny held trunks and pressed their bodies together through thick metal bars.  They were so determined to be next to each other that they bent the metal bars.  As soon and Shirley was released from her holding cell at the sanctuary, she and Jenny strolled all over the sanctuary holding trunks like two best friends after years apart. 

The elephant sanctuary in Tennessee is a non-profit agency that provides refuge for circus and zoo elephants.  They do an amazing job and appreciate any help you can give.  To read the full story about Shirley and Jenny to read more about this amazing facility please visit www.elephants.com.  The story of Jenny and Shirley is available in their on-line gift shop.

I first met Thomas when I was a real estate agent.  His owner, a millionaire, didn’t want him.  He was a beautiful but beat-up orange tabby.  His owner had failed to have him fixed so he had been in countless fights, his coat was thin and scraggly because she was feeding him the cheapest food she could find, and she had failed to get him medical attention when he broke his leg, so he walked with a strong limp.  Of course I said I’d take him.

Thomas had FIV (Feline Aides).  Fortunately, I found a home for him where he would be the only pet.  The new guardian promised to keep him indoors.  Eventually, Thomas’ new guardian became unstable and he spent the last five months of his life living in a small studio apartment that was attached to my house.  It was occupied by a young woman who like Thomas had had some challenges in her life.  She loved him.  He received a lot of love from both of us and seemed quit peaceful in his new digs. 

Thomas’ life had been hard.  Abandoned by his first owner he was loosely adopted by the millionaire, then taken by me and placed with a third person who could not keep him.  Because he had not been neutered until I took him in, his skin was scared like a road map, his ears were fringed and he was infected with Feline Aids.  But, the last few months of his life, he was safe and very content. 

One day Thomas lost his vision.  The next day his stools were loose and shortly after that I noticed blood as well.  I sat on the floor and asked Thomas if he was ready to end his earthly journey.  Thomas slowly felt his way to me and collapsed in front of me–complete surrender.  I called my veterinarian who was an hour away to let them know I was bringing Thomas in to be euthanized. 

On the way to the veterinarian’s office Thomas sat in my lap looking at me, even though he was blind.  I sang old hymns and stoked him.  I told him if reincarnation was a reality, he had worked out all his bad karma in this lifetime and I was sure his next life would be better.    I felt complete peace and gratitude coming from him.  Not for what I had done, but for the willingness to end his suffering. 

When I got to veterinarian’s office, I was quickly shown to an examination room.  I placed Thomas on the exam table.  He laid his down and never once moved it.  Thomas’ life was full of turmoil, but his death was the most peaceful passing I’ve ever seen.  I only hope when my journey is over, I’ll share his dignity and peacefully surrender to the great unknown. 

Anytime your pet is injuryed try to go to a veteranarian first.  However, if a veteranarian is unavailable or you have an urgent situation, knowing first aid may save the life of your pet. After the crisis has passed, see your veteranarian to insure there is no hidden secondary issue, such as an infection, or additional undetected injuries. 

All of the following pet first aid treatments and situations should be followed by a visit to your veterinarian:

Removing foreign objects: Foreign objects such as porcupine quills can often be removed without sedation. Grasp the quill with a pair of needle nose pliers and pull straight out. Wipe the wound with antiseptic. If the quill breaks off, make a note where it is for the veterinarian to remove. Fishhooks, however, can be more difficult to remove. If the barbs are buried do not pull backwards. Instead, push the hook forward until the barbs of the hook are exposed through the skin, cut off the shank and remove the fishhook. Clean the wound with antiseptic. 

Shock: Weakness, unsteadiness, weak but rapid pulse, glassy stare, dilated pupils, and cool skin are some of the signs that your pet has gone into shock.

Artificial Respiration: Rescue breathing should only be performed on an animal that has stopped breathing but still has a heart beat. The animal is in respiratory arrest and must be transported to a veterinarian. First, pull the animal’s tongue forward and clear the airway. Then close and hold the animal’s mouth tightly, placing your mouth over the animal’s nose. Blow into the animal’s nose until its chest rises and remove your mouth to allow air to escape. Repeat the breaths 10 times, one breath every three seconds, before stopping to reassess the animal’s breathing. Continue artificial respiration during transportation to the veterinarian.

Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): CPR is not given to any pet that is still breathing or has a heart beat. DO NOT practice CPR on your pet.

Seizures: Protect the animal from hurting itself by removing any objects that could be knocked over. DO NOT put your hand or anything else in the animal’s mouth. DO NOT try to restrain or hold the animal. Time the length of the seizure and call your veterinarian.

Bleeding: Wrap the wound firmly with a sterile bandage. If the bleeding soaks through, apply a second bandage over the first. DO NOT remove the first dressing. If an object is sticking out of a wound, DO NOT remove it. Secure the object by placing a gauze or cloth ring around the base of the object and tie it in place.

Burns: (Minor burns from boiling water or fire (thermal burns) or chemical burns from lye or acid products): Apply cold water or compresses and submerge affected area in cold water if possible. DO NOT apply ointment, oils or butter. Infection is a concern with all burns, so see your vet as soon as possible. DO NOT underestimate the seriousness of any burn: Even a burn on as little as 15 per cent of the body can be life threatening.
 

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.

 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.

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.