The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

A New Bill Introduced in the Nevada State Legislature Earlier this Week Would Allow Owners to Give their Ailing Pets Medical Marijuana, What Are Your Thoughts?


A new bill introduced in the Nevada state legislature earlier this week would allow owners to give their ailing pets medical marijuana. Many owners across the country said it’s about time, and that “pot for pets” should be legal everywhere.

Under this bill pets in that state may soon be able to use marijuana.

Democratic State Senator, Tick Segerblom sponsored the new law to allow animal owners to give their pets marijuana if a veterinarian verifies the animal is sick and the drug could alleviate its sickness.

Becky Flowers, a California ranch owner, said she gave her mare Phoenix regular doses of medical marijuana for several years to help ease the pain of a degenerative joint condition. The horse could barely walk due to extreme swelling in her front legs that traditional and herbal medications didn’t seem to help, Flowers said.

The Senator said he has concerns about whether animals could have a negative reaction to the pot.

The proposal is part of a larger bill that would make changes to the state’s medicinal marijuana law, removing penalties for drivers who have marijuana in their blood and adding regulations for training in pot shops.

The bill is in the first stage of the legislative process and faces many hurdles before pets in Nevada will legally be allowed to toke up with their owners.

In this May 30, 2013, file photo, Companion Cannabis, by Holistic Therapeutics, a Marijuana medicinal tincture for dogs and cats is displayed at La Brea Compassionate Caregivers, a medical marijuana dispensary in Los Angeles. Pets might soon be able to use pot under a bill introduced Tuesday, March 17, 2015, in the Nevada Legislature. Democratic Sen. Tick Segerblom is sponsoring the measure that would allow animal owners to get marijuana for their pet if a veterinarian certifies the animal has an illness that might be alleviated by the drug.

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Bronze Star Veteran Adopts His New Four-Legged Battle Buddy:Through Pets for Patriots


After three combat tours in Iraq, a Bronze Star Army veteran becomes a hero of a different stripe: to an adult dog who would become his new battle buddy as he transitioned to civilian life.

Inspired to service by Vietnam War POW
During nearly a decade of service, Chris traveled the world. Originally from Oklahoma, the young Army veteran started his military career at Fort Carson, Colorado with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team (BCT), 4th Infantry Division (ID). Over the years he would deploy to the Middle East,  and serve in more than a dozen countries around the globe before finishing his career stateside.

“I completed three combat deployments to Iraq with the 4th ID,” Chris says, “and became a Bronze Star recipient in 2008.”

Chris saw the world while serving in the Army, but the inspiration to serve came from a place much closer to his home – and his heart.

“My grandfather was a Vietnam veteran and POW (Prisoner of War),” Chris says. “He was one of the smartest men I knew, my best friend and my hero, so naturally I wanted to follow his footsteps.”

In July 2011, Chris accepted a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to MacDill Air Force Base (AFB) in Tampa, Florida, where he finished his military career by working in Protective Services for the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).

Pizza, pepperoni and pals
There is little doubt that Chris’ years of service, including three combat tours to Iraq, provided many memorable experiences. Despite enduring the brutality of war, the Army veteran chooses to remember a more comical moment of his nearly ten-year military career.

Chris and three coworkers were passing through Istanbul, Turkey. Their flight was not until the following morning, so they stayed overnight in the city at a hotel within the government rates. The brochure made the hotel look appealing enough, but that was where the appeal ended.

“Once we arrived we thought it was Halloween because this place was dark, creepy, and I was ready for a ghoul to jump out at me,” Chris recalls. “The rooms were unbelievably small, I didn’t have a toilet seat, and my friend Brian’s room didn’t have electricity!”
Undaunted, the foursome walked down the street to a local Domino’s pizza for a small taste of home. Not surprisingly, none of the employees spoke English, so Chris simply pointed to a picture of a pepperoni pizza on the menu.

“Sure enough, they were pepperoni…with mushrooms and corn!” he says. “We did our best to not complain, and ate since we were starving.”

In the end, the Army veteran admits the pizza was not too bad, despite the “unorthodox toppings.”

“We went back to our hotel and tried to get some sleep,” Chris says, “with our shoes on. We still laugh to this day about that pizza and hotel.”

In for a cat, out with a dog
Now separated from service, Chris lives in Florida and is often home alone. He longs for companionship, especially since his girlfriend Veronica lives and works in Colorado as a registered nurse, and he no longer travels for his job.

“I have always wanted my own dog,” Chris says. “Growing up, we always had cats. And living alone here in Florida and my constant traveling for work made it very difficult for me to consider adopting.”

One day when Veronica was in town for a visit, the couple decided to go to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, just to “browse.”

“Originally, we were planning on getting a cat,” says Chris, “but when we passed through the kennel with the small dogs, we absolutely fell in love with Darla when she yelped at us to come see her. She was adorable and was very distressed about being in there. I set up a meet with her in their yard and she was extremely affectionate and friendly. We knew just then that we were going to take her home.”

At the time, Darla was a five year-old Pug and Beagle mix, often called a Puggle. She was surrendered by her previous family because they were unable to support her financially.

“Darla is such a great dog,” Chris says. “It makes me happy that they gave her to a no-kill shelter, rather than just abandoning her on the streets. I am extremely grateful I had the courage to adopt her.”

Chris noted that Darla was very well trained, and he “hopes for the best” for her previous family.

While at the shelter, the Army veteran learned about their partnership with Pets for Patriots, which helps veterans and military personnel adopt adult and special needs pets, and large breed dogs – and provides a range of benefits to make pet parenthood more affordable on an ongoing basis.

“I immediately applied that same day,” he says. “It is a great program and I encourage all veterans to consider using Pets for Patriots. Not only do you receive a few helpful benefits from the program, but when you adopt from a shelter, you are saving a life!”

Bronze Star veteran and his battle buddy
“Living alone can be very boring, and at times can really make stressful times even worse,” Chris shares, “since no one is around to talk to, or help me keep my mind distracted.”

Life is no longer lonely or boring for the Bronze Star veteran.

“Knowing Darla is at home waiting for me to walk through that door is exciting for me. It doesn’t matter if I’ve been gone for twenty minutes or four hours,” he says. “She always greets me as if she hasn’t seen me in years!”

Like many veterans, Chris misses the camaraderie and closeness of his fellow soldiers, but Darla has become something of a four-legged battle buddy for the decorated veteran. For her part, the little dog has taken well to her new life, including ditching her own bed to sleep under the blankets with Chris.

“She refuses to sleep in her own bed,” he says. “It’s very funny to see her jump on the bed and use her nose to push the blankets over her so she can burrow underneath. Even if I make her sleep in her own bed, she will somehow jump up on my own bed without me knowing, and sneak under the covers.”

Soon Darla may have to share the covers with Veronica, since she and Chris are moving soon to Denver so that they can finally all be together. Once there, Chris will pursue a new challenge in the civilian world.

“My passion is snowboarding and shooting guns,” Chris says.  “And I hope to one day open my own bar and grill.”

Whatever the young Army veteran decides to do, Darla will have his back.

“The loyalty and affection she gives me can make any day so much better,” he says. “It doesn’t matter how mad, irritated or stressed out I am, because once I walk through that door she makes everything go away and helps me to relax. She helps me keep my head up.”

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Are There Dangers In Keeping Pet Rats?


Picture of pet rat
There are very few dangers of keeping pet rats, but only if those rats are domesticated and kept in cages. Rats that have ever been wild may carry a number of diseases that can be transmitted to humans. When the animals have never lived in the wild, the dangers of getting a disease from them are nearly eradicated. Even so, humans should not handle rodents that may have a disease if there is any risk of transmission.

While rats can carry many different diseases, ones kept as pet very rarely have any way of catching them. Diseases may be spread through bites and scratches and occasionally through contact on the skin. It is possible for a rat to carry a disease that is hazardous to humans without showing any symptoms, making it difficult to judge whether the animal is safe to handle. The best way for a pet owner to avoid getting sick is to keep his rats healthy and clean.

Rats that run around freely in a house are much more dangerous than those kept in cages. Diseases can be carried by rat urine and feces, which rats often drop wherever they walk. Also, because rats can get urine and feces on their feet, it is possible for a person to get sick from handling one and touching her face or food without washing her hands.

Other than diseases, the dangers of keeping pet rats are similar to those of keeping other pets. Rats can bite or scratch, and they can be aggressive if handled or raised improperly. Most are relatively small, meaning that the capacity of a rat to injure a human is likely less than that of a dog. Even so, bites can be painful and can get seriously infected, so it is not a good idea to touch or handle a rat unless it is familiar.

Most concerns over the dangers of keeping rats as pets are related to the history of wild rats spreading disease, not to domesticated rats. Not only are domesticated ones unlikely to spread diseases, but their diet and natural behaviors might even make them safer than animals like cats and dogs. Even so, a rat that looks sick or that has been out in the wild for any period of time should be inspected by a veterinarian. When they do spread diseases, those diseases have a tendency to be serious and are not always easy to diagnose because they are often rare.



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Monday, March 23, 2015

In Honor of National Puppy Day: I Am Sharing Adoptable Puppies from: The Washington Humane Society, Prince George's County Animal Shelter, The Washington Animal Rescue League, and Maryland SPCA


In honor of National Puppy Day, I am sharing adoptable puppies from my local animal shelters.

What the perfect day to give one of these adorable puppies a forever home!

Take a look, you may just find your forever next best friend!



WASHINGTON HUMANE SOCIETY

Rainy
Animal ID: 25062835
Species: Dog
Breed: Terrier, American Staffordshire/Mix
Age: 5 months 24 days
Sex: Female
Size: Small
Color: White/Grey
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed: No
Site: Washington Humane Society
Location: Adoptions Kennel

Hi, I'm Rainy! I'm a petite young pup with plenty of fun personality. Friendly and social, I'm looking for a forever family who can provide me with plenty of the mental and physical enrichment that every growing pup needs. There's so much going on in the world and I'm very curious about it all, so sometimes I get a little distracted trying to understand everything. Don't think it means I'm not just as interested in you- once I've had a chance to explore a little I'm all about snuggles. Do you share my enthusiasm for life? Come meet me at New York Avenue!

To learn more about Rainy, click here: RAINY








Dougie
Animal ID: 25066104
Species: Dog
Breed: Hound/Boxer
Age: 6 months 23 days
Sex: Male
Size: Medium
Color: Brown/White
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed: No
Site: Washington Humane Society
Location: Adoptions Kennel

My name's Dougie! I'm just about the cutest pup you can imagine, and at only 6 months I'm ready to give you all the puppy lovin' you've been looking for. I used to live with a family, but they had to give me up. I just can't wait to find my new forever family! Could it be with you? I'm at the New York Avenue shelter waiting to meet you.

To learn more about Dougie, click here: DOUGIE







Lucy
Animal ID: 24793382
Species: Dog
Breed: Terrier, American Staffordshire/Mix
Age: 9 months 6 days
Sex: Female
Size: Medium
Color: Fawn/White
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed: No
Site: Washington Humane Society
Location: Foster Home

Hi, I'm Lucy! I'm a sweet pup looking for some awesome humans to call my own. My favorite activities include cuddling, eating (I'm VERY treat motivated!), chewing bones, and playing with my big brother. I'm very gentle and loving with my foster humans but sometimes I get scared easily, so I would probably do best in an adults-only home. I'm looking for a family who will give me plenty of love, long walks, and cookies. If you want to meet me, email my foster family at alicia.guidi@gmail.com.


To learn more about Lucy, click here: LUCY







Layla
Animal ID: 25219098
Species: Dog
Breed: Shepherd/Mix
Age: 4 months 1 day
Sex: Female
Size: Medium
Color: Black/Tan
Declawed: No
Site: Washington Humane Society
Location: Main Kennel

To learn more about Layla, click here: LAYLA









Washington Humane Society
District of Columbia Animal Care and Control
(New York Avenue Adoption Center - WHS is contracted by the Department of Health to operate this facility)
1201 New York Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-576-6664

Adoption Center Hours:
12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily
Closed for adoptions on Wednesdays


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WASHINGTON ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE



Duke
Animal ID: 24586855
Species: Dog
Breed: Terrier, Pit Bull/Mix
Age: 8 months 12 days
Sex: Male
Size: Small
Color: White/Brown
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed: No
Housetrained: Unknown
Site: Washington Animal Rescue League
Location: Main Dog Room
Intake Date: 3/4/2015
ARN: Orange

For more information on Duke, click here: DUKE





Washington Animal Rescue League
71 Oglethorpe Street, NW
Washington, DC 20011

Adoption Hours
Mon: Closed
Tues: 12pm-7pm
Weds: 12pm-3pm
Thurs: 12pm-7pm
Fri: 12pm-7pm
Sat: 12pm-5pm
Sun: 12pm-5pm

Phone: (202)726-2556
Email: adopt@warl.org






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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER


JASPER - ID#A420377

My name is Jasper and I am an unaltered male, gold and apricot Golden Retriever and Poodle - Standard.

The shelter staff think I am about 5 months old.
I weigh approximately 37 pounds. I have been at the shelter since Mar 17, 2015.








POLO - ID#A419857

Shelter Staff named me Polo and I am an unaltered male, black Labrador Retriever mix.
The shelter staff think I am about 8 months old. I weigh approximately 38 pounds.
I have been at the shelter since Mar 04, 2015.









ANGELICA - ID#A420296

Shelter Staff named me Angelica and I am an unaltered female, brown German Shepherd Dog mix. The shelter staff think I am about 14 weeks old. I weigh approximately 13 pounds. I have been at the shelter since Mar 16, 2015.








MARTIN - ID#A420329

Shelter Staff named me Martin and I am an unaltered male, brown and black Mastiff mix.
The shelter staff think I am about 6 months old. I weigh approximately 47 pounds.
I have been at the shelter since Mar 16, 2015.









Prince George's County Animal Shelter
3750 Brown Station Rd
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
(301) 780-7200
12:00pm - 6:00pm









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MARYLAND SPCA


Jack and Zoey

"Do you know what day it is, other than Monday? Today is National Puppy Day! I'm Jack (my foster mom called me Jumpin' Jack Flash), and my sister is Zoey (our foster mom called her Feisty). We're hoping National Puppy Day becomes Forever Adoption Day for us! Come on down to the Maryland SPCA, and ask to meet us. We're getting ready for naptime, but we'll be ready to play and share our puppy breath with you when the adoption center opens."

Jack and Zoey are both 2-month-old Hound mixes. Meet them today between 2:30-6:30 p.m.





Maryland SPCA
3300 Falls Rd, Baltimore
Maryland 21211

Hours of Operation:

Monday and Tuesday: 2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Wednesday to Friday: noon-5:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Pet visiting hours end 15 minutes before closing each day.
Phone
(410) 235-8826





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Sunday, March 22, 2015

Washington, DC - Adorable Simon, a 3-Year-Old Pit/Terrier Mix Will Be Coming from a Loving Home to the Animal Shelter on April 1st, If He's Not Foster/Adopted Within This Week - Please Read His Story


Simon had a birthday yesterday, and would love to be fostered/adopted! He has only one week left before going to the animal shelter. He is an adorable dog, but unfortunately, city life is not agreeing with him. Please read what his dad says below:

Sharing from Simon's dad:

HELP NEEDED: Alan and I adopted Simon two months ago. He is such a sweet pup but we have come to the realization that Simon would be better served in a quieter neighborhood. He is wonderful inside the home, so sweet and cuddly, yet once we go outside he is so scared in our Dupont neighborhood with all the hustle and bustle. Simon is a 3-year-old pit/terrier mix and had a real tough life before he was rescued by the Humane Society last year. He has a slight wrist deformity in his front two legs but that doesn't stop him from being completely normal.

We are working with the Humane Society to try to find a new foster home in a quieter neighborhood. If you (or know of anyone) whom might be a good fit for Simon, either as a foster or a permanent home, we would greatly appreciate it.

We are trying to move fast because Alan and I will be headed out of town in 2 weeks and need to find Simon a good place to live before then. It tears us up to have to do this but we've realized that finding a temp/perm. home for Simon outside of our busy world is the best to allow him to be a dog.

If you are interested in fostering/adopting Simon, please contact Michael Bigley at:
michaelbigley@gmail.com









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What is this Cute Furry Ball with the Teddy Bear Face? It's Called a 'Ili Pika', An Endangered Mammal that Was Recently Photographed for the First Time in 20 Years


This furry ball of cuteness is an endangered mammal closely related to rabbits and hares. The species was first discovered in 1983 and individuals have rarely been seen since.

It was first spotted in the Tian Shan Mountains in China, where it makes the holes and cracks of the cliffs its home. Despite other family of pika living across the Northern Hemisphere, these mountains are the only place this Ewok lookalike seems to feel at home.

Although scientists know where to find the Ili pika, it's still extremely hard to get on camera. For example, between 2002 and 2003 two researchers, Andrew Smith at Arizona State University and Li Wei-Dong at the Xinjiang Academy of Environmental Protection in Beijing, completed seven trips to twelve different sites to study population status of the animal. After 37 total days of attempted spottings, the two men came up completely empty handed.

Then, last summer, the man who originally discovered the species in '83, Weidong Li, had a chance encounter with the elusive creature. He and a group of researchers were out in the Tianshan Mountains for, what else, Ili pika spotting, when around noon they saw one and snapped the iconic picture above.

Only 29 of these individual animals have been seen alive. A rare find, indeed!

The Ili pika was not always endangered.

In the early '90s scientists estimated that about 2000 Ili pikas thrived in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Although Smith and Wei-Dong did not see a live Ili pika during their expedition, they found the animal's characteristic fecal deposits and distinctive snow tracks.

From this, they concluded that the population is not nearly as robust as it used to be. In their paper, published in 2005 in the journal Oryx, Smith and Wei-Dong, suggested the animal be added to the endangered species list.

We recommend that the Ili pika's Red List status be changed from Vulnerable to Endangered," they wrote in the paper.

Recent years have not shown any improvement. Over the last decade, the Ili pika population has continued to decline by an estimated 55%.

The reason for their dwindling numbers isn't clear, but Smith suspects it's related to disease, increased nearby human activity, and/or climate change.



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