July 2009 Archives

From Farm Sanctuary:

Farm Sanctuary, the nation's leading farm animal protection organization, is extremely close to reaching its goal of collecting 10,000 signatures on its "Truth Behind Labels" petition to the USDA to tell them their "naturally raised" label is not natural.

They're currently at 9,556 signatures.

Sign the petition to let the USDA know we won't stand for their deceptive claims.

Here's some background from Farm Sanctuary:

Most people believe that the "naturally raised" label implies animals have access to sunshine, fresh air, freedom of movement and the ability to perform natural behaviors. Yet, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently allowed companies to slap a "naturally raised" label on meat and meat products that come from animals whose upbringing was far from natural.

Cramped crates aren't natural living conditions for calves and sows. Cows and pigs need fresh air, sunlight and open space to engage in natural behaviors such as grazing and rooting for food, taking mud baths, and raising their young. Furthermore, such a label misleads the public and exploits consumer trust in advertising and packaging claims and in government regulation of agriculture.

The iguana above needs a good home, and you can contact the owner directly if you'd like to help. E-mail Karen at karenvdm2000@yahoo.com.

This red tail boa came to the Forgotten Friend Reptile Rescue from a great home, but the owner had to give him up due to leaving the country.

The rescue thinks there is a very interesting locality in this boa's heritage, due to the beautiful dark speckled pattern all over the snake.

The snake is aggressive most of the time, often striking, so he'll need to go to a home with plenty of boa experience, where some strikes are not a big deal.

He is a very healthy and active boa, and has been taking f/t mice at the rescue. The snake is about 4 feet long and growing.

If you are interested in adopting this reptile, please submit an online application at www.forgottenfriend.org/apply.

Kiton (pronounced kit - awn) is a 4-month-old neutered male American pit bull terrier. He's microchipped and up-to-date on vaccines.

In his short life, Kiton has suffered neglect and abuse. He had an eye infection that was left untreated, and when he finally made it to the vet he had to have his eye removed. The poor baby also has scars on his body from abuse.

But since his "backyard breeder" signed him over to the York County SPCA and they found him a foster home through Furry Friends Network, he's living a pain-free life with two adult dogs and three children in his foster home. And he's enjoying being a typical fun-loving puppy.

Kiton's foster mom says he's super smart and very sweet.

For more information on Kiton, visit www.muttpalace.com/adoptionpage.html.

Hello, I'm Mitchie. I'm a 50 lb. black female American pit bull terrier.

I turned 1 year old March 25. I am spayed, microchipped and current on all vaccines.

I must admit, I am adorable and highly personable. I was in a shelter as a 3-month-old baby, and was rescued by Furry Friends Network before my euthanasia date.

I love to play, play hide & seek, train, swim, run, be chased, go up and down slides, and go for walks.

Mitchie has special needs. Learn more...

For details on pets available for adoption, call the York County SPCA at 717-764-6109, e-mail msmith@ycspca.org or visit the shelter at 3159 Susquehanna Trail North, (Manchester Township) York, PA. To fill out an adoption application, visit www.ycspca.org and click on "adopt a friend," which will take you to a link for the application. Pets adopted from the SPCA are spayed or neutered and receive necessary vaccinations as part of the adoption fee.

Cleo is a young female tabby with pretty long hair, estimated to be 6 to 12 weeks old. She was found on Salem Church Road in Dover Township, along with her litter mates and mom. Cleo sure would like to find a new forever home; could it be yours? Her ID# is 56812.

Brody is a cute young male who was found stray on West King Street in York in early June. Won't you please give him a forever home where he can live indoors? He's being treated for an upper respiratory infection, but will be ready for adoption very soon. His ID# is 56049.

Taka is a sweet little girl who was found wandering in York in April. She has lots of love to give.Visit Taka today and give her a chance to win your heart! Her ID# is 54970.

I'm Spiffy -- no, seriously, that's my name! I look all spiffy in my tuxedo cat suit. My former owners were not able to care for me, so I would really, really like to find a forever home where my people take good care of me. I am 11, and I like other cats and the indoors. Please consider giving me a new lease on life! My ID# is 55647.

Keeper is a young male who was was found stray in York in May. He is a great, people-oriented kitty who loves attention. Please consider making Keeper a part of your family! His ID# is 55357.

Hope is a young female tabby who was found wandering in Hopewell Township in April. She is a sweet, gentle girl and is well socialized. If you know who lost Hope, please tell them she ishere! Hope's ID# is 54556.

Heven was found straying in Newberry Township in the beginning of June, and couldn't find her way home. She is a very sweet adult calico. She is waiting at the shelter for someone to take her to her new forever home. Visit Heven today! Her ID# is 55939.

Holly is super-friendly and a real talker. She has been waiting at the shelter since January for her new family. Holly was found as a stray with a litter of kittens. She deserves a warm and loving home to call her own. Her ID# is 51168.

Bart was found stray in East Manchester Township in February. He would prefer a one-pet family because he play-bites when playing sometimes and some don't like that. Bart requires lots of brushing for his gorgeous long . If you have time to spend with Bart, he would love to go home with you! Bart's ID# is 53576.

Poor Dixby has been at the shelter for almost a year now! He is a such a loveable boy who was found as a stray. Won't you give him the caring home he deserves? He has been waiting for so long! His ID# is 49491.

For details on pets available for adoption, call the York County SPCA at 717-764-6109, e-mail msmith@ycspca.org or visit the shelter at 3159 Susquehanna Trail North, (Manchester Township) York, PA. To fill out an adoption application, visit www.ycspca.org and click on "adopt a friend," which will take you to a link for the application. Pets adopted from the SPCA are spayed or neutered and receive necessary vaccinations as part of the adoption fee.

Wimper is a very handsome male chow chow mix with a tan-and-black chow coat and a great smile. Wimper was brought to the shelter by his owner because his owner could no longer handle him. Wimper was pretty shy at first, but started to warm up to his handler as the photo shoot progressed. His previous owner said Wimper gets along with dogs, cats, and kids. Please come meet Wimper at the shelter......this nice boy will win you over in no time! His ID# is 56888.

This cutie is a black-and-brown male mixed beagle. His age is estimated to be between 1 and 5 years old. He was found on the 100 block of Ross Avenue in Fairview Township. He is very eager to find his new family. Please visit him at the shelter. His ID# is 56775.

This handsome boy has one blue eye and one brown eye. Coco is a black, white, and tan mixed Siberian husky, approximately 6 to 12 months old. Coco's previous owners brought him to the shelter because they are moving. They said he gets along with dogs and kids. Coco is a nice boy and deserves a second chance at a family who will play with him every day. Could that be your family? His ID# is 56733.

Look at those blue eyes! This beauty is a black-and-white female Siberian husky whose age is estimated to be between 1 and 5 years old. Harley has been returned to the shelter through no fault of her own, and is now heartbroken and looking for her forever family. Harley's previous adopters returned her within hours after discovering they were allergic to her. Harley is looking for a nice, loving, energetic family who will play with her and take her for walks. If this sounds like you, please visit the shelter to meet Harley. Her ID# is 56973.

Neve is a little shy, but a true sweetheart and fantastic dog. She is a beautiful liver-and-white American foxhound mix, estimated to be between 1 and 5 years old. She was found as a stray at Coventry at Waterford in York Township. She has lost her family and is desperately searching for a new forever family to love. Visit the shelter and meet Neve today. Her ID# is 56574.

This small pit bull mix female is so adorable! She has a somewhat brindle coat, most of which is tan. She came to the shelter as a stray after being found on Philadelphia and George streets in York. Her age is estimated to be between 1 and 5 years old. If you're looking for a smaller sweetheart of a pit bull, she's your match! Please visit her at the shelter. Her ID# is 56502.

This senior boy is a tricolor basset hound estimated to be more than 6 years old. He came to the shelter as a stray after being found on Lefever Road in Jackson Township. He is a sweet boy who needs someone to look after him and love him. Please give him a second chance at a family and give him the love and care that he deserves. His ID# is 56436.

This sweetheart is a black-and-white female pit bull who came to the shelter as a stray. Cola was found on North State Street in York. She's estimated to be between 1 and 5 years old. During her photo session, she kept trying to snuggle with her handler! She seems eager to please and ready to be loved. Please help her find a new, loving home. Cola's ID# is 56483.

This beauty was found as a stray on Walnut Street in York. Precious is a chocolate-and-white mixed Labrador retriever estimated to be between 1 and 5 years old. She is quite timid at the shelter, but will surely come out of her shell once she finds a nice, new home. Please give Precious the second chance she deserves. Her ID# is 56351.

Sampson is a 2-year-old pit bull terrier mix who was an owner surrender because his owners could not take him along when they moved. He gets along with kids and is housetrained. Visit Sampson today; he may be the perfect new addition to your family. His ID# is 56398.

Heavenly Paws Animal Shelter's Pet of the Week is a smoky gray male kitten about 10 weeks old.

He has a calloused eye which will always stay foggy.

He is quite a sweet little boy, but needs someone who understands that looks aren't everything.

For details, call 717-495-1727, e-mail ann@heavenlypawsshelter.com or visit heavenlypaws.wordpress.com.

A variety of kittens are available in Spring Grove, including long-haired and short-haired kittens in many colors.

They were given their first distemper vaccinations; tested for leukemia; treated for fleas, worms and earmites; and had their nails trimmed.

For details, call Sherry at 717-225-6943.

Orange-and-white male kittens born May 12 are available for adoption in Spring Garden Township.

For details, call Barbara at 717-843-7025 or e-mail bobbiel1206@hotmail.com.

This litter of kittens in Dallastown will be ready for new homes around the end of August.

The litter includes one all-black female, two all-black males and a black-and-white male.

For details, call Phyllis at 717-244-7574.

A neutered male cat, dark brown with black stripes was lost July 14 in Dallastown. He was last seen behind St Joseph's Catholic Church.

His name is Albert, and he's declawed.

If you see Albert, call Mary at 717-332-0515. His sister is lonely without him.

From Dr. Jon, www.petplace.com:

If you own a cat, this must have happened to you: You are sitting at the kitchen table, sipping your coffee and reading the newspaper. Very soon, the printed page has turned into a furry, purring kitty - and you are not able to read any more.

Or you are sitting at your desk, working on your computer, and before long you can't find the mouse - or the keyboard - or whatever it is you are using. Instead, your sleepy feline is curled up and all tucked in right on the subject of your interest - and you're not able to continue your project.

Or, you are getting ready for work and you pull out your black suit to wear that day and lay it on the bed. You go back into the closet for a shirt, and when you come out your crafty cat is kneading the clothing into shape for a nice nap - and you are not able to wear that outfit anymore.

Put a piece of paper in the middle of a football stadium and soon a cat will come and lie on it.

Cats like to lie on things - pieces of paper, folded towels, clothing, whatever.

There are several possible reasons for this. For one thing, cats like to be near us. They know that if they plop themselves right under our noses, so to speak, they will get attention, and usually good attention.

Cats have a need for warmth and security, and this fills their need. They also want to leave their scent on anything that belongs to us because it makes them feel more secure. Cats also like small spaces, and that might explain why they will pick a small, defined area like a folded towel or skirt on a larger area like the bed. It might be just instinct - or it might be that need for warmth that draws them to an added certain texture of material. Whatever the reason, it's just another fascinating aspect of your cat's behavior for you to observe. So when your kitty is suddenly lying on your newspaper right under your nose, take advantage of this compliment and pay her some attention.

The quirkiness of cats is just one of the reasons we love them and find them so fascinating.

These three sweeties need to find homes ASAP. Their owner has moved from the house into an apartment and can't take the cats along.

The cats are still at the house in Liverpool, PA, but when the house is sold, they have nowhere to go.

Little One is a 7-year-old, long-haired, spayed female. She is shy at first and takes a while to warm up to you, but once she knows you she is very friendly and sometimes talkative.

Nester is a short-haired, spayed calico female, 7 years old. She is friendly and gets along well with people. She's not much of a lap cat ,but she does love attention.

Nikey is a short-haired, gray-and-white spayed female, 5 years old. She likes to talk a lot and be where everyone is. She's very friendly and sometimes frisky. Nikey is also a good mouser.

For details, call Bill at 717-571-6188.

These two cuties are about 7 weeks old. The male is gray with just a little cream here and there. The little girl is a gray tiger.

The little girl is being treated for an eye cold, which will heal quickly and is VERY common in stray kitties.

They tested negative for feline leukemia.

For details, call Cindy at 717-840-2539.

A 3-year-old neutered male boxer named Ozzy was lost in the New Bridgeville area. He was last seen July 16.

He's fawn-colored with a white chest and paws and a black mask, and was wearing a blue and brown patterned nylon color with little dog prints and a license tag.

Ozzy is greatly missed by the family's four young children. If you see Ozzy, call Jessica at 717-825-0671.

From Best Friends Network:

An 8-year-old autistic boy wants his potbellied pig back. Loopey, Anthony's 1-year-old Vietnamese pig, was recently ordered out of the family's Fayetteville, North Carolina home, with officials citing a violation of a city ordinance.

Anthony's mother, Lisa Pia, is taking her appeal to City Hall with the goal of changing a 20-year-old ordinance so that it classifies potbellies as companion animals. Most of all, Anthony wants to keep Loopey by his side because she helps him with his autism. "She has been a blessing for my son," Pia says. "He has been comforted and unconditionally loved by Loopey, as she has by him. The way my son has reacted to Loopey is amazing. She is a very smart animal and has become a very important part of this family."

Read more...

A 10-year-old female Jack Russell Terrier mix was lost Saturday, July 4, in the Hanover area, after being frightened by fireworks.

She's white with brown patches and brown ears, and was wearing a blue-green collar. Her name is Patches, and she's very friendly.

Her owner is in the hospital, and family members are trying to find Patches.

If you see Patches, call 717-630-8257.

Animal Rescue's Pet of the Week is Nessa, an approximately 2- or 3-year-old chow mix with a sad story.

Her former owner made her run alongside the car, then cut the leash and drove off. So, understandably, Nessa is a bit shy at first.

She's looking for someone to love her forever and help her forget her past. Could it be you?

For details, call 717-993-3232, e-mail info@animalrescueinc.org or visit www.animalrescueinc.org.

Want to know why Fluffy has stopped using her litterbox, or why Fido's losing his hair?

Here's your chance to ask the questions you forgot to ask during your pet's yearly checkup, things you always wanted to know, or just to get another opinion.

Dr. Valerie Miller of East York Veterinary Center is gathering questions for an "Ask the Vet" column, to be posted online at www.inyork.com/petnews.

Send questions to rose@ydr.com.

Note: Questions will be used as a basis for the column, and cannot be answered individually. The column should not be used as a substitute for regular veterinary checkups.

Yesterday I posted the following update on Facebook:

On the morning walk dog tried to eat the following: a clump of grass, bark, a stick, a bottle cap and a cigarette butt - gross.

The responses from various friends and family made me giggle, so I thought I'd share.

From Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine:

CNN's Wolf Blitzer calls it a growing controversy. Last month, The Situation Room aired military videos obtained by PCRM through the Freedom of Information Act that reveal the unlawful use of live animals for medical training.

Congress and PCRM are asking the military to switch from these inhumane exercises to nonanimal teaching methods.

Find out more...

From Dog's Life magazine:

For many people, nothing beats lounging in the backyard on the Fourth of July with good friends and family -- including the four-legged members of the household.

While it may seem like a great idea to reward Rover with scraps from the grill and bring him along to watch fireworks, in reality some festive foods and products can be potentially hazardous to your pets.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers the following tips:

Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases.

Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.

Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets' reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing--or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin, and if ingested can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. If lighter fluid is inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems could develop.

Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pets severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals who have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. And keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes & raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals.

Do not put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it.While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.

Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingestions can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.

Never use fireworks around pets! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.

Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, so please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities. Instead, keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home.

SOURCE: For more information, visit the ASPCA website.

From Petside.com:

Does a flash of lightning or a rumble of thunder cause your dog to tremble or pant uncontrollably? Did last year's Fourth of July fireworks celebration prompt him to drool as though he were teething or to have a housetraining accident?

If any of these scenarios have occurred, or if he shows other signs of stress, you can help your four-legged friend deal more comfortably with thunderstorms, fireworks and other loud noises.

Listed below are a few suggestions that might help your pet:

Divert his attention. Sometimes, all a dog needs to overcome his fear is to have his attention diverted elsewhere.

"If a dog is frightened, get him engaged in a fun game of fetch, give him a phenomenal food-stuffed toy or bone, or get a handful of treats and ask him to perform all his tricks," suggests Dr. Lisa Radosta, a veterinary behaviorist from Royal Palm Beach, Florida. "And get happy and excited yourself. It works wonders."

Offer a mother's comfort. Many fearful dogs calm down when their owner uses a product with dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP).

The DAP, which is similar to the pheromone released by mother dogs nursing their puppies, "comes in a variety of forms such as a diffuser, a collar and a spray," says Dr. Emily Levine, a veterinary behaviorist in Fairfield, New Jersey.

More information about DAP products is available at www.petcomfortzone.com.

Find him a safe place. Some dogs try to find a place to hide away from storms --and if your dog is one, you can help him.

"Provide the dog with a small, dark area such as access to a closet if the dog tends to seek those types of places during storms," recommends Dr. Lore Haug, a veterinary behaviorist who practices in Sugar Land, Texas.

Wrap him up. Some dogs may respond to a product called The Anxiety Wrap, a form-fitting fabric wrap that applies pressure to various areas of the dog's body.

Use of the wrap may create "biofeedback slowing down the heart and therefore the animal feels less anxious," speculates Levine. "Or the wrap may be hitting certain pressure points that, when firmly touched, helps to calm the animal, much like wrapping a crying baby in a blanket."

That being said, other experts suggest that you acclimate your dog to the wrap before using it to calm your dog during a storm.

Introduce some competition. If you're going to be leaving the house to watch a fireworks display -- or if thunderstorms are in the weather forecast -- "play competing background noise such as a radio or TV, or use a white noisemaker," suggests Haug.

Drawing the shades to hide any lightning or fireworks is a good idea, too.

Act normal. Experts agree that coddling or attempting to comfort your stressed dog is not a good idea.

"The change in the owner's behavior from normal only makes the dog think there really is something to worry about," warns Haug. "The owner should interact with the dog in as normal a manner as possible."

Get help. If your efforts don't seem to reduce your dog's stress, seek help. "Reach out to your veterinarian for anti-anxiety medication," suggests Levine.

For very severe or intractable noise anxiety, a veterinarian may refer dog and owner to a veterinary behaviorist -- a veterinarian who has completed post-graduate work in animal behavior.

After evaluating the dog's behavior, the veterinary behaviorist can develop a comprehensive program to address the dog's thunderstorm, fireworks or noise anxiety, and any other issues he may have.