The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : December 2018 The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : December 2018

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Dunking, Autofellating Otter At Oregon Zoo Dies At 20


Eddie, a sea otter at the Oregon Zoo, died this morning, as reported by the Oregonian. He was 20, a remarkably old age for otters, which usually live to be around 15. His main pastimes were dunking a little ball into a hoop, and blowing himself.

A clip of Eddie dunking a ball into a hoop became popular when the zoo posted the video in 2013. This wasn’t just for show: The otter performed this exercise to work out his arthritic elbows. As for the purpose behind excessively licking his own genitals—well, he probably liked it.

To read more on this story, click here: Dunking, Autofellating Otter At Oregon Zoo Dies At 20


You may be interested in reading: Sea Otter Plays Basketball to Help Alleviate Arthritis Pain


FOLLOW US!
/

New Research Has Found Breeding Threatened Native Animals Like Quolls As Pets Could Stop Extinction


New research has found breeding threatened native animals like quolls as pets could become a lucrative industry that would help prevent their extinction.

A team of biodiversity researchers has released the study examining the feasibility of a breeding industry for native mammals, focusing on the eastern quoll and mitchell's hopping mouse.

Like the northern quoll, which is threatened by the spread of cane toads, the eastern quoll has been all but eradicated on the mainland by predators such as foxes.

The study found that breeding native mammals as pets could lead to them replacing domestic cats, which threaten small native animals.

A pet breeding program could also help build a greater understanding of the animals' needs.

The study recognises that a breeding industry would have to be regulated but as long as keepers are well trained, there should not be any major welfare issues.

One of the report's authors, Rosalie Chapple, says she hopes the research leads to more captive breeding programs.

"I do have a fair bit of scepticism about it," she said.

"I think to have the debate is really good because that in itself has the chance of raising public awareness of the problems of extinction, but to the extent to which a small initiative like this can make a difference to conservation is very questionable."

FOLLOW US!
/

Christmas Puppy Surprise: Oklahoma Parents Secretly Adopt Dog Daughter Had Been Caring For At Shelter


Christmas puppy surprise: Oklahoma parents secretly adopt dog daughter had been caring for at shelter originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

Christmas came early for one Oklahoma daughter whose father adopted the dog she was caring for at a shelter — and the moment was caught on camera.

Hallee Fuqua had been asking for a dog for years, her father, Lance Fuqua, said in a Facebook post. However, her parents had told her to wait until after she graduates to get one.

She began volunteering at the local Humane Society in Stillwater, Oklahoma, in during her Thanksgiving break. She quickly fell in love with Rambo, a Plott Hound and Mountain Cur mix.

To read more on this story, click here: Christmas Puppy Surprise: Oklahoma Parents Secretly Adopt Dog Daughter Had Been Caring For At Shelter

FOLLOW US!
/

Japanese Artisans Launch Line Of Miniature Furniture For Cats


In the past, cat accessories and beds proved to be difficult to place in a room because they didn’t fit well with the overall ambience and aesthetic. A litter box just ruins the pristine cleanliness of a bathroom while a bulky cat bed ruins the inviting atmosphere of a bedroom. However, Japan could change just that.

A Japanese group of artists makes downsized furniture for cats

In their craftsman MADE collection, a group of artisans called Okawa Kagu decided to take advantage of the growing population of cat lovers by taking modern-day furniture and downsize it to a cat’s scale.

Fukuoka is home to over 150 furniture factories

To read more on this story, click here: Japanese Artisans Launch Line Of Miniature Furniture For Cats

FOLLOW US!
/

Saturday, December 15, 2018

Humane Rescue Alliance: We Have an Influx of Cats – Urgent Adoptions Needed. Fees For Cats 6 Months and Older Waived This Weekend – December 15th & 16th


WASHINGTON, D.C. –.  The Humane Rescue Alliance announced today that the organization’s two adoption centers and foster homes have an overabundance of cats six months and older up for adoption. In an effort to encourage cat adoption this weekend, the organization will waive adoption fees Saturday and Sunday. Part of the increased influx of cats is due to two back to back field services cases.

“We have more than 200 cats waiting in our adoption centers and foster homes, ready to go home with their new families,” said Becca Stern, HRA’s director of adoptions. “We encourage people to come and meet them.”

Those interested in adopting a cat this weekend should visit one of HRA’s two adoption centers:  71 Oglethorpe, NW and 1201 New York Avenue, NE.  Pets available for adoption from HRA have been spayed or neutered and microchipped. Check www.humanerescueallance.org to see all animals available for adoption.  

About the Humane Rescue Alliance: 

The Humane Rescue Alliance has protected and served the animals of the community for more than 145 years and serves more than 60,000 animals annually. The broad range of programs offered include: rescue and adoption, humane law enforcement, low-cost veterinary services, animal care and control, behavior and training, spay-neuter services, humane education, and many others. The organization is dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of all animals, bringing people and animals together, and working with all communities to support these relationships.  HRA is based in Washington, DC, the only major urban area in the country that has all of its animal protection programs and services unified in one organization, making the Humane Rescue Alliance a model for the nation.

Please Share!






FOLLOW US!
/

Tips on Sharing the Christmas Holiday with Your Cat


Many people think that it is a good idea to give pets as holiday gifts, but about half of those animals just get returned because the gift receiver didn't want the pet. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), says that you should never give a pet as a gift.  Instead, they ask that you check with the ASPCA Adoption Center. You can use the zip code search to look at available cats in your area.  They are offering a unique opportunity for pet lovers.

Know someone who wants to add a feline to the family? Now you can give the gift of companionship with their Gift-a-Pet Certificate. At this time, they are only offer Gift-a-Pet certificates for cat and kitten adoptions.

The ASPCA says, securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should they imbibe.

Keep these items away from your cat :
Glass ornaments, Christmas trees , Poinsettias, Christmas cheer, spun glass or angel hair, foil candy wrappers, batteries lit candles,`electric lights, tinsel, electrical cords, metal hangers, spray snow, artificial snow, angel hair, Christmas ribbon, Christmas tree ornaments and Christmas tree water that may contain fertilizers and bacteria, which, if ingested, can upset the stomach.

Tips:

1. Do not leave food crumbs on plates and make sure all food items are sealed in containers with lids.

2. Also place candles where cats cannot knock them over. Never leave a cat unattended in a room with lit candles. He will gravitate to them like moths to a porch light.

3. Keep stoves and countertops off-limits to cats. Electric stovetops can be very hot without changing color, and present a serious burn hazard to curious noses and tender feet.

4. You may be tempted to put your cats in the garage to keep them out of the way when your Christmas visitors arrive. This is not a good idea for several reasons. Anti-freeze is both attractive and deadly to cats. Anti-freeze and caustic chemicals stored in the garage spell certain disaster if a cat comes in contact with them. Although it may seem like an attractive idea to keep a normally indoor-outdoor cat in the garage over the winter, please keep them in the house. If you need to keep your indoor-only cats away from the festivities, consider a "Safe Room".

5. Keep trash cans either secured with a tight fitting lid, or under a cabinet. Caution your guest on arrival about giving turkey and other table foods to your cat.

6. Once the meal is over, place any uneaten leftovers in the garbage and remove the garbage bag from the room. It should immediately be placed in a garbage bin where it can't be accessed by your cat.

7. If you have guests coming into the home around the holidays this poses many dangers to pets.  A child who does not know how to properly interact with your cat may end up getting scratched

8. Sage (Salvia species) is considered to be edible in small amounts. However, it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and even central nervous system depression if eaten in large quantities.

9. Cats are sensitive to the effects of essential oils, so for safety’s sake, I suggest you break the bad news to kitty and keep him away from the sage you are cooking with this Christmas.

10. As guests enter and exit your home for Christmas dinner this provides an opportunity for your cat to escape.

11. If you think someone gave your cat too much table food, contact your vet immediately. The same is true if your cat got into the trash and ate something he shouldn't have.

12. Cats in particular love to climb on Christmas trees and grab the low hanging branches. Make sure the tree is secure in the stand and tie the tree to a permanent fixture, like a railing. A toppled tree can crush a kitten or puppy and the broken ornaments pose problems of their own.

13. Some cats are attracted to the motion or sound of water that comes out of a faucet. So be careful about leaving the water running when preparing your Christmas dinner.

14. Holidays are a confusing mix of noise, people, strange sights, sounds and smells. Make sure your cat or dog has his own space, either a crate or a separate room, to retreat to when it all becomes overwhelming. You and your pet will be happier for it.

Since most vet offices are closed on holidays including Christmas, you should have an emergency contact number on hand. Most likely, this will be the nearest Pet Emergency Center.


                                     Merry Christmas from The Pet Tree House! FOLLOW US!
/

Tips on Sharing the Christmas Holiday with Your Dog


The ASPCA says to securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water, which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset, from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.
                                                                                       
Keep these items away from your pet:
Glass ornaments, Christmas trees, poinsettias, Christmas cheer, spun glass or angel hair, foil candy wrappers, batteries, lit candles, electric lights, tinsel, electrical cords, metal hangers, spray snow, angel hair, Christmas ribbon, Christmas tree ornaments and Christmas tree water.


Tips:

1. Try to keep all foods pushed toward the back of the counter, prepared and uncooked.

2. Feed your dog in their dog bowl.

3. Caution your guest on arrival about giving table foods to your dog.

4. If you have guests coming into the home around the holidays this poses many dangers to pets. A child who does not know how to properly interact with your dog may end up the victim of a dog bite incident.

5. If you think someone gave your dog table food, contact your vet immediately. The same is true if your dog got into the trash and ate something he shouldn't have.

Since most vet offices are closed on holidays including Christmas, you should have an emergency contact number on hand. Most likely, this will be the nearest Pet Emergency Center.

                                                     Merry Christmas from The Pet Tree House! FOLLOW US!
/

Breaking News: New Jersey Becomes First State to Adopt a Sweeping Ban on Wild Animals in Circuses


New Jersey has made history by becoming the first state in the country to ban the use of numerous wild animal species, including elephants, tigers, lions, bears and primates, in circuses and traveling shows.

Governor Phil Murphy today signed into law a measure that recognizes both the animal welfare concerns and the public safety dangers posed by such shows. The bill passed the state Senate unanimously in June, and the General Assembly in October.

To date, four states and close to 150 localities across 37 states have passed laws governing the use of wild animals in circuses and traveling shows and many more are in the process of considering legislation. In 2016, California and Rhode Island banned bullhooks, a cruel elephant training tool. In 2017, Illinois and New York banned the use of elephants in traveling shows. In Hawaii, we await the signature of Gov. David Ige on a regulation enacted by the board of agriculture to ban dangerous wild animals, including tigers, lions, bears, primates, elephants and crocodiles, from being brought into the state to perform in circuses, carnivals and other public exhibitions.

To read more on this story, click here: Breaking News: New Jersey Becomes First State to Adopt a Sweeping Ban on Wild Animals in Circuses

FOLLOW US!
/

Three ‘Rhino Poachers’ Eaten By Lions After Breaking In To South African Game Reserve


Three poachers were killed in  the Sibuya Game Reserve in South Africa, but not by men.

They were eaten by lions.

It is believed that the three men illegally entered the game reserve to poach rhinos. Instead they found themselves in an unusual — and deadly — situation.

“They strayed into a pride of lions – it’s a big pride so they didn’t have too much time,” Mr. Fox told AFP news agency. “We’re not sure how many there were – there’s not much left of them.”

The lions needed to be tranquilized before anyone could approach the remains of the poachers. Because of this, the bodies were not recovered right away.

Eventually recovered at the scene were: three pairs of shoes, various limbs, and a head. In addition, equipment often used by poachers for cutting off rhino horns were also recovered.

Some people felt that the poachers got exactly what they deserved. Ricky Gervais, who’s a comedian, actor, write, and director, posted dryly, “Rest in pieces.”

Other people were concerned about the lions, and the reserve was contacted about their health after the attack. The lions didn’t show any changes in behavior, according to Fox.

To read more on this story, click here: Three ‘Rhino Poachers’ Eaten By Lions After Breaking In To South African Game Reserve


FOLLOW US!
/

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Pet Ads On Craigslist


PETA and AALAS have been kind enough to provide the following perspectives on this controversial subject:

1. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) [www.peta.org]

We are writing in regards to the "free to good home" advertisements that appear on the Craigslist website.

As you may be aware, animals given away for free can, and unfortunately often do, meet gruesome fates. They can end up in the hands of animal abusers like Barry Herbeck, a Wisconsin man who was convicted last year of torturing and killing animals he obtained through "free to good home" ads. He confessed to taking his kids with him when responding to the ads so people would be comfortable turning animals over to him. People known as "bunchers," who obtain animals illegally from random sources to sell to research facilities for profit, often acquire animals by answering "free to good home" ads. Small animals advertised as "free to good home" are sometimes acquired by individuals who intend to use them as bait in training other animals to fight. Gerbils, hamsters, and young kittens are often acquired to be used as snake food.

Animal protection organizations all over the United States work diligently to educate people about the proper procedure for placing animals and frequently assist people in finding good homes for their animals. We routinely contact individuals who place "free to good home" advertisements to alert them to the potential perils for their animals and continuously receive appreciative calls from people who say they never knew these dangers existed.

To read more on this story, click here: Pet Ads On Craigslist

FOLLOW US!
/

‘The System is Clearly Abused’: Why 2018 Was a Terrible Year for Emotional Support Pets on Planes


It’s been a tough year for emotional support animals. Several have made headlines due to incidents with airlines and, in response, many airlines have tightened their restrictions on these animals.

The latest: Delta announced in a press release on Monday that it will be imposing stricter regulations on emotional support animals on its flights. Specifically, emotional support animals will not be allowed on flights longer than eight hours. Age also matters. Emotional support animals and trained service animals will not be allowed on flights if they are under 4 months old.

This comes less than a year after Delta announced that it would tighten its regulations on emotional support animals in response to an 84 percent increase in incidents with the animals since 2016. The airline specifically called out animals peeing and pooping on flights and biting passengers or crew.

United Airlines also changed its emotional support animal policy after an emotional support peacock was denied access to a flight. United now requires “additional documentation,” including a veterinary health form that shows the animal has been properly vaccinated and has been trained to “behave properly in a public setting. With prior documentation and clearance, a customer may travel with no more than one emotional support animal, which cannot weigh more than 65 pounds,” the new regulations say.

To read more on this story, click here: ‘The System is Clearly Abused’: Why 2018 Was a Terrible Year for Emotional Support Pets on Planes

FOLLOW US!
/

Monday, December 10, 2018

Neon Sea Creatures Light Up Ocean With Vibrant Colors


Incredible neon sea creatures have been captured lighting up the ocean with their vibrant colors – in what looked like a scene from Avatar.

Photographer Simon Pierce, 39, took the images over several months after visiting both Nosy Sakatia in Madagascar and Mafia Island in Tanzania recently. He was thrilled to spot the biofluorescence creatures – which produce their own light – he managed to capture, including fireflies and glow worms.

Simon, who is also a marine biologist, from New Plymouth, New Zealand, said: “I felt like I was in the film Avatar capturing these images. “I wanted to capture a phenomena called biofluorescence.”

To read more on this story, click here: Neon Sea Creatures Light Up Ocean With Vibrant Colors 

FOLLOW US!
/

Albino Animals Are a Stunning Oddity of Nature


Albino animals are an odd freak of nature, appearing ghost-like in their all-white form contrary to the color of most of their fellow species. Yet, they can be quite beautiful in their plainness.

Some 300 species of animals in North America have these rare albino individuals that appear white because of a congenital absence of any pigmentation or coloration, resulting in white hair and pink or blue eyes in mammals.

In some cases, unusually white creatures are actually leucistic animals—those that feature a partial loss of pigmentation that doesn’t affect the eye color.

To read more on this story, click here: Albino Animals Are a Stunning Oddity of Nature


FOLLOW US!
/

Police Department Provides Protective Gear for Its Belgian Malinois Police Dog


South Dakota winters can be brutal, with an average annual snowfall of 41 inches. So, the Rapid City Police Department     decided to provide some protection for its Belgian Malinois police dog, Jary, in the form of winter boots, according to a post on the department’s Facebook page.

But when a K-9 officer put the boots on Jary for the first time, it was immediately obvious the dog was not a fan of the protective gear. Even though he tried on the boots indoors, his gait looked as if he were trudging through big snow drifts.

And after the police department posted video of the dog’s first tentative steps on social media, it’s fair to wonder if Jary was more chagrined by having to wear the boots or by the national notoriety that followed.

Check out the entire police department video below:

                                           (Click on arrow twice to start video)

FOLLOW US!
/