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Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Three Month Old Police Puppy Practices Takedown
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Running Club Spotlight: The People and Animal Cardio Klub (PACK) - Washington Humane Society
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Monday, March 9, 2015
Woman Says After Her Home Caught Fire, The Insurance Company is Refusing to Pay Her Claim, Because She Owns A Pit Bull
Their reason…she owns a pit bull.
Mary Grace O'Brien, lives on Lawrence Street, with her three children and multiple pets.
In October, her dryer caught fire, and gutted the entire house. The family has been living with a friend.
The insurance company says that they were unaware that she owned a pit bull. She claims they never asked about any of her six pets.
"They produced a letter with a signature on the bottom," O'Brien says. "I had never seen it before and it said I have no pets. I have cats and I have dogs. I would never say that I have no pets. Nobody ever asked me."
Adirondack Insurance says pit bulls are on their list of prohibited dogs listed on their guidelines.
A broker from Sidakas Insurance Agency in Queens sold O'Brien the policy. She believes they lifted her signature from another document and put it on the application in question.
The insurance company is refusing to make a statement.
She is now filing a lawsuit against both Insurance companies.
What are your thoughts?
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Three-Year-Old Irish Setter, Jagger, a Canine Competitor Died a Day After Taking Part in Crufts Dog Show - Autopsy Indicates He Was Poisoned
Three-year-old Irish setter Thendara Satisfaction, known as Jagger, took second prize in his class at the event in Birmingham, central England, on Thursday.
The next day later, after returning home to Belgium, he became ill.
Owner-breeder Dee Milligan-Bott told CNN Jagger was "finding it hard to breathe" so a veterinarian was called, but the dog died before he could get there.
"The vet thought it was suspicious, and decided on an autopsy. Cubes of beef were found in his stomach They had at least two types of poison inside. The pieces of beef had been stitched together so that the poison didn't come out.
According to the vet, he had enough poison in his system to kill a horse.
Milligan-Bott, who is at a loss to explain why Jagger was targeted: "We can't fathom why anyone would do this."
"I've been doing this for 30-odd years and I think I would have to give up on everything if I believed that someone who shows and breeds dogs would kill a dog. We all do this because we love dogs. If you hate me for being successful, then stick a brick through my window or something. But why would you involve a dog?"
Toxicology tests are being carried out. The vet has reported the dog's death to Belgian police, and Milligan-Bott said she would likely contact West Midlands Police in the UK too.
A spokesperson for the Kennel Club, organizers of the Crufts dog show, said there had never been such an incident in the history of the competition, which dates back to 1891.
"We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear this terrible news and our heartfelt sympathies go out to Jagger's owners," said Caroline Kisko, secretary of the Kennel Club, in a statement.
"We understand that a toxicology report is due next week and that this matter has been reported to the police - we will work with them and help however we can."
What are your thoughts?
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Tips For Starting A Saltwater Tank - A Beginners Guide
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Freshwater Aquarium Setup - Fish Tank Setup
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Are You Making These Mistakes Setting Up A New Aquarium?
Starting Too Small
Even experienced aquarists are challenged by a small aquarium. Newcomers to the hobby, stay away from tanks under 20 gallons until they've gotten some experience under their belt. Remember, the bigger the tank, the less impact a mistake will have on the fish.
Adding Fish Too Soon
New aquarium owners are eager to add fish, often the same day they set up the tank. Some are lucky but many will quickly lose some, or all, of their fish. What went wrong? The water in a new tank hasn't stabilized yet. Gases are dissolved in the water, as well as minerals, heavy metals, and chemicals added by local water treatment facilities.
Without going into lengthy detail about water chemistry, suffice it to say that dissolved constituents in the water can harm the fish. Aquarium water should be treated to neutralize harmful materials, and allowed to stand for a day or so to allow dissolved gases to escape and the pH to stabilize. Only then is it safe to introduce fish to the aquarium.
Adding Too Many Fish at Once
The fish owner isn't eager to fill the tank with fish? Unfortunately adding too many fish all at once is another common new owner mistake. Until the bacterial colonies have fully established, the aquarium cannot safely support a full load of fish. Only add a couple of
small hardy fish initially. Wait until both the ammonia and nitrite levels
have risen, and then fallen to zero, before adding more fish.
Overstocking
Even getting through the initial startup, it's very common for new owners to overstock the aquarium. Although an experienced person may successfully keep a school of twenty small fish in a ten gallon aquarium, it would be disastrous for a beginner to attempt it.
Debate exists over the inch per gallon rule, but it provides a good basic yardstick from which to start. I recommend taking eighty percent of the net gallons of water in the tank as the maximum number of inches of fish to keep in the tank. The net gallons of water is the amount of water actually placed in the aquarium after the gravel and decorations a in it.
For example, lets say an aquarium holds 16 gallons of water after the decorations and gravel have been added. Multiplying a 16 times 80% yields a result of 12.8 - or about 13 inches of fish as a maximum number. It is always wise to go under the maximum to rather than all over.
Keeping Incompatible Fish
New aquarium owners often choose fish that look appealing to them, without knowing the environmental needs of the fish. Some fish may fight with one another, or require widely different water conditions. Either way, they should not be kept together. Always research each species before choosing tank mates. Select peaceful fish that thrive in similar water conditions.
Overfeeding
The number one mistake made by fish owners is overfeeding their fish. Fish are opportunistic and will seek food at all times. Just because they appear hungry, doesn't mean they need to be fed all the time. Feed them no more than is completely consumed in five minutes.
During startup feed fish no more than once per day, and during critical times when ammonia or nitrite levels are high, withhold feeding for a day or two to reduce the wastes being produced. Fish can easily go several days without food, and not suffer ill effects.
Insufficient Filtration
An aquarium filter should filter all the water in the tank through it at least three times per hour. If it doesn't, it is too small. If in doubt about filter size, move to the next size up. You can't over-filter, but you can definitely under-filter, and the results can be harmful to your fish.
Not Testing the Water
New owners aren't magically given full knowledge of the nitrogen cycle, and the need to monitor the water chemistry in their aquarium. As a result they often are unaware of the need to test their water, and fail to take steps to deal with harmful toxins.
When the tank is first set up, it should be allowed to run for a day or two. Before adding the fish the pH, hardness, ammonia, and nitrite levels should be tested for a baseline record. During the startup cycle it is important to test the ammonia and nitrites often (see Nitrogen Cycle for details). Once the tank is well established, test the water monthly to be aware of unseen problems that may be brewing. If fish suddenly die, test the water to see if anything has changed.
Not Changing the Water
On other area that new owners aren't always educated about is aquarium maintenance, which includes changing part of the water on a regular basis. Wastes build up in the tank that can only be removed by vacuuming the gravel and removing some of water and replacing it with fresh water.
Although your fish may not die if you fail to maintenance and regular water changes, they will be stressed by substandard water conditions. As a result they will be more susceptible to disease and often will have a shorter lifespan than they should have.
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MRI Machine Explodes At Oradell Animal Hospital, Critically Injuring Repairman
The critically injured worker suffered cuts and crushing-related injuries; the other two had minor to moderate injuries including respiratory complaints, the chief said. He said their identities were being withheld pending family notification.
Responding to reports at 11:51 a.m. of a fire and an explosion at the animal hospital at 580 Winters Ave., police found the ceiling of the east wing collapsed, but the building remained structurally sound, the chief said. There was no evidence of a fire, he said.
About 60 animals and 100 employees were in the building and the staff subsequently accounted for all animals and employees.
Three men were injured, all contract workers from a private company not affiliated with the hospital.
They were in the process of removing the 10-year-old MRI machine when the explosion happened. The machine was being leased from Advanced Veterinary Technologies, and was having software problems.
Emily Cottam, an emergency and critical care resident at the animal hospital, was in the rear of the hospital near the explosion. “The ceiling fell on my head,” she said.
Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Occupational Safety and Health Administration are assisting in the investigation. The building will remain closed until further notice.
MRI explosions are rare but can be deadly, said Wlad Sobol, Ph.D., a medical physicist and professor of radiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine.
“I’m aware of maybe half a dozen events that led to catastrophic failure of a magnet” in the last decade, Sobol said.
Sobol, who has studied MRI explosions, said that there are two potential causes.
An MRI — magnetic resonance imaging — machine is a superconductive device, meaning it contains wire that can conduct electrical current without generating any resistance, or heat. Superconductivity happens at extremely cold temperatures, made possible by bathing the wire in liquid helium. If for some reason the superconductivity is lost — if one of the magnets in the device is dropped, for example, or the helium runs out — the large amount of energy stored inside the magnet quickly encounters resistance and releases heat.
“The amount of energy stored in a magnet like that is not trivial,” Sobol said, adding that it is equivalent to several kilograms of TNT — “It’s like a bomb in its ability to destroy stuff.”
The other possible scenario is that the ventilation system for the liquid helium becomes clogged. “The pressure will build up and the magnet will explode,” Sobol said.
Shortly after noon, about 60 people had congregated in the hospital's parking lot, along with several dogs. The staff brought animals out of the building, some on leashes, some carried in blankets and some in moving cages or hand crates.
Soon after the incident, no smoke or fire was observed coming out of the building. But A&S Drive was blocked off by police tape between Winters Avenue and Ring Road. Among the units that responded were Bergen County sheriff’s officers, Paramus and county police, and Paramus and Hackensack fire departments, the latter’s collapse team, Bergen County Hazardous Materials Unit, and the county Office of Emergency Management.
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Sony Stops Production of Aibo, the Robot Dog - Parts No Longer Available for Repairs
At around $600 to $2,000 a pup, each iteration of Aibo cost less than some real dogs. And the perks didn’t end there. He doesn't need to eat or be taken out for a walk. He can be cut off when you are away. He does have a feature that when he cocks his leg, your hear noise like water running.
Hideko Mori, a robot dog owner of eight years, purchased the pooch after the death of her husband and, like many other Aibo owners, became attached to her unique cyborg companion.
“I can’t imagine how quiet our living room would have been if Ai-chan wasn’t here,” Sumie Maekawa, a longtime Aibo owner, told The Wall Street Journal, using an honorific suffix applied to girls’ names.
Tatsuo Matsui, who owns two digital dogs with his wife, added, “I can’t risk my precious dogs because they are important members of our family.”
Sony decided to discontinue the bot in 2006, after selling around 150,000 units.
"Our core businesses are electronics, games and entertainment, but the focus is going to be on profitability and strategic growth," a Sony spokeswoman said at the time. "In light of that, we've decided to cancel the Aibo line."
For years following the announcement, Sony would repair Aibos that experienced technical difficulties. But in July 2014, those repairs stopped and owners were left to look elsewhere for help.
“The first time I spoke directly to a client he told me, ‘He’s not very well, can you examine him?’” Hiroshi Funabashi, a robot dog repairman, told AFP. “I realized he didn’t see it as a robot, but as a member of his family whose life was more important than his own.”
The Sony stiff has led not only to the formation of support groups--where Aibo enthusiasts can share tips and help each other with repairs--but has fed the bionic pet vet industry.
“The people who have them feel their presence and personality,” Nobuyuki Narimatsu, director of A-Fun, a repair company for robot dogs, told AFP. “So we think that somehow, they really have souls.”
While concerted repair efforts have kept many an Aibo alive, a shortage of spare parts means that some of their lives have come to an end, and funerals have been held for 19 Aibos that engineers at A-Fun were unable to save.
Each formerly automated animal is wearing a tag with its owner’s name, as well as where it is from.
"It’s not at all unusual for people to develop strong emotional attachments to non-living objects or machines," says cyberpsychologist Eleanor Barlow, giving the common examples of naming a car, or a child becoming attached to a doll. "Research suggests this can happen in order to satisfy a need in us...to care for something to improve our own sense of well-being or by way of a child substitute."
As artificially intelligent machines are increasingly incorporated into our modern lives, people substituting robot interfacing for human interaction. And when a machine resembles something living (like Aibo), people are likely to both form a stronger bond to it and feel a greater sense of loss when it vanishes, said Barlow.
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Did You Know: The shape of a Cat’s Face Holds Valuable Clues to its Personality?
The shape of a cat’s face holds valuable clues to its personality — helpful for strengthening your bond with your current cat or determining if a potential new kitty is right for you.“Cat face geometry is one of the best tools for matching a cat to a person,” explains Arden Moore, author of “Fit Cat: Tips & Tricks to Give Your Pet a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life” (Amazon Books, $15.90). “It especially helps with ‘mutt’ cats whose breed cannot be determined.”
You can order on Amazon.com below:
Here, Moore breaks down the personalities for the three basic cat face shapes to help determine the ideal human companions for each.
Face Shape: Round
Personality: Referred to as “library cats,” these are the quiet felines who “get spooked if the doorbell rings,” says Moore. They’re shy and gentle and they love a good cuddle — and will happily pose for your Instagram. Once you develop a bond, they will never leave your side.
Ideal Companion: You enjoy curling up on the couch with your Kindle or Netflix and a cup of tea. You’re a homebody, and likely live alone in a studio apartment on a high-numbered floor, away from the noise of the streets below.
Face shape: Square
Personality: Confident and independent, square-faced felines can be mellow and roll with the punches. “They can hang out with dogs, kids — nothing really rattles them,” Moore says.
Ideal Companion: You have a social life, but look forward to greeting a furry friend when you return home. You work a 9-to-5 job, and live with your spouse, children and a pup in a Park Slope brownstone.
Face shape: Triangle
Personality: The “jocks” of the cat world, “they’re the perfect cat for someone who wants to teach their pet tricks,” says Moore. Triangle-faced cats tend to be the most vocal and would rather watch birds out the window than sit in a lap.
Ideal Companion: You’re the life of the party, hosting frequent soirees and showing off your cat’s latest trick. Your work schedule may be erratic, but you don’t mind late-night meows — and you don’t own another, more submissive cat. FOLLOW US!
Tumbelina, A Kitten Born With A Severe Disability, Doesn't Let It Get In The Way Of Her Spirit
Tumbelina was rescued from a high kill shelter by people willing to invest in a cart for her and take care of her special needs. I get the chills knowing there are so many good people out there that can see how much love and spirit a kitten like Tumbelina has. Thank you, Valley Cats Inc. for rescuing this precious baby.
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Dog Owners Alarmed at Beneful Lawsuit as Purina Denies Claims
After NBC News reported on a recent lawsuit claiming that Nestle Purina PetCare Company's Beneful dry kibble dog food contains toxins that may have killed thousands of dogs, readers across the country — via over 100 emails and scores of social media posts — voiced their concerns that the trusted brand may have harmed their pets as well.
"My little boy had been healthy and all of a sudden within a week got super sick and passed away," Morgan Malone, 19, of North Carolina said of her miniature dachshund, Doc, in an email. "He had been eating Purina Beneful dry dog food."
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Giant Octopus Was Caught on Video Trying to Escape His Glass Display Tank at the Seattle Aquarium
Aquarium officials say the octopus, named Ink, was not attempting to escape, but learning to explore his new home.
Once back inside the top was fastened to keep him inside.
Ink is one of two new giant Pacific octopuses on display at the aquarium.
Another octopus is being kept in separate tank at the aquarium because the species is solitary by nature. They have a shore lifespan of usually 3 - 4 year.
Next year, Ink will be released back into the wild as part of an ongoing education and conservation program for the species.
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Saturday, March 7, 2015
Meet Natasha, The Cat With 24 Toes
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Cats are known having nine lives but this tabby has shown it has more than the usual allocation of digits.A rare condition left the ginger tabby with oversized paws and half a dozen more toes than your average feline.
The ginger tabby spent a year looking after herself on the Upper West Side in New York before she was adopted by Shirley Belwood.
Shirley couldn’t face leaving her behind when she emigrated to Wimborne, Dorset, around ten years ago.
And now a grand 19 years old, Natasha has become one of life’s survivors thanks in part to her super-sized feet which stand out from her average body.
Natasha has seven toes on both front paws – two more than normal – and five on her hind legs instead of four.
Her owner, Shirley Belwood spoke of her adopted pet:’I heard her crying for ages outside my apartment window, and I just had to find her.
‘She’s got a lot of attitude and she’s quite the character but we’re so close.
‘She doesn’t do as much these days as she has diabetes, but she’s still so frisky and cranky – a typical New Yorker.
‘The nurses at the vets say she ‘swears a lot’ at them whenever she goes. That just shows what she’s like.’
The world record for the cat with the most toes is currently held by a Canadian cat named Tiger who has an impressive 27.
Some polydactyl cats have problems with joint growth, the forming of legs and nail beds and extra thick claws fusing together.
They are sometimes referred to as ‘Hemingway cats’ because author Ernest Hemingway became a famous fan of them after being given a six-toed cat by a ship’s captain.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Legal Status of Ferrets
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Do You Know What The Best Pet Reptiles Are For Children?
Many people buying reptiles, especially kids, can get so caught up in the “coolness factor” of the animals that they surrender to impulse buying, which is when an animal is purchased without any real thought as to its suitability as a pet for that particular person — not just now but in the future, too.
Many reptiles can live a long time. Will your 12-year-old still want that tortoise when he or she (the kid, not the tortoise) is 20 years old? How about 50 years old? Tortoises are famous for being long-lived, but many herps can live longer than 10 years.
Cute baby reptiles can get big. Visit an animal rescue and ask how often they take in green iguanas, large constrictor snakes or African spurred tortoises. Additional reptiles, such as most monitors, tegus,red-eared sliders and others, may outgrow enclosures that were fine for them as babies but are no longer.
Will the animal get the proper care? Proper husbandry is a must for any animal whether it’s scaly, furry or feathery. Knowing how long animals will live and how big they get is important, but a herp’s specific care requirements should be researched, and determined realistic for a youngster to provide, before it is brought home.
The good news is not all reptiles are very demanding pets. This is one huge reason why some make great pets for children. Read on, and you’ll find there are seven other reasons why reptiles make great pets for young people.
1. Reptiles are “Low-Maintenance” Pets.
Pets such as dogs and cats, though beloved by millions, require a lot of attention. Reptiles don’t.
For one thing, pet reptiles don’t need to be fed every day. Every other day is fine, and some don’t even need to be fed that much. Although not recommended for children, huge pythons have been known to go a year without eating. I would never recommend that a pet snake be fed only once a year, but only feeding them a couple times a week is fine.
When discussing pets, the issues of hair and the maintenance that goes along with it often come up. Reptiles don't need to be groomed.
Another facet of a reptile’s low-maintenance reputation is in regard to the animal’s need for owner interaction. This is aside from what’s required for general health, such as feeding and cleaning. Reptiles need both, like any pet.
Reptiles don’t crave affection from their owners. Although many accept handling, most are simply tolerating it. Some may actually enjoy being handled, and many reptile owners say their pets love being held. The bottom line, though, is that reptiles are also content to be left alone.
2. Reptiles Don’t Require Much Space
You already know how large a reptile gets is an important nugget of knowledge to possess. Some can get very big. African spurred tortoise hatchlings, for instance, are the essence of cute when you see them marching around their enclosures like little tanks. But over the years those cute little tortoises turn into behemoths. Granted, the adults could still be considered cute, but I’m not sure how cute you will think they are if one has burrowed into your backyard and unearthed your entire sprinkler system.
The reptile species recommended for children remain a manageable size and will not require a room-sized enclosure. Most will do fine in a 20-gallon terrarium or enclosure of similar dimensions: approximately 3 feet long and 1½ feet wide. Some, such as a single crested or leopard gecko, or a kingsnake, could even be kept in a 10-gallon terrarium. Turtles and tortoises will need more space. The leopard tortoise, for instance, can grow to about 20 inches in length and weigh 30 pounds; it will eventually need a pen in which to roam.
Yet the space a reptile requires for exercise is meager compared to some pets. The space within their enclosures is all they require.
3. Reptiles are Easy to Feed
Insects and rodents are readily available. Plus, some reptiles from my list such as bearded dragons and tortoises eat fruits and veggies. There are commercial diets for reptiles, too.
If you keep one of the snakes on the list but don’t like the idea of feeding it live mice or rats, there is an alternative: frozen rodents. They are widely available. Just remember to thaw them before offering them to your snake, and don’t use the microwave, or things could get gross. You can use hot water to thaw them. You may have to jiggle them a bit using long forceps to get the snake to strike.
One argument for feeding frozen rodents rather than living ones is that live rodents can bite snakes or harbor parasites that may harm the pets. Such parasites die during the freezing process.
Many hobbyists prefer to feed live rodents to their snakes. Many find a snake’s feeding behavior interesting to watch. When feeding live rodents, though, never leave one in a snake enclosure unattended, especially overnight. A live mouse or rat could gnaw on your snake and cause it severe injury.
When it comes to lizards, turtles and tortoises, a variety of commercially prepared diets are available. These are manufactured with the animals’ nutrition requirements in mind. Although they could be considered complete diets, it’s a good idea to vary your pet’s menu. For example, owners of bearded dragons could offer crickets one day, a salad the next and then a commercial diet.
To make herp food healthier for your pets, you often want to add a calcium, vitamin and/or mineral supplement. Usually in powder form, these supplements can be applied to insects. Place bugs in a plastic bag with some of the supplement, inflate the bag with air, and shake it up and down until the insects are coated with the power. Then offer them to your lizard. Powder can also be sprinkled onto veggies and fruits.
4. Keeping Reptiles Provides a Lesson in Responsibility.
Being fairly “low-impact” animals, reptiles are better candidates to teach youngsters how to care for a pet than more high-maintenance animals. They are less likely to suffer the consequences of neglect as quickly as other pets.
No pet should suffer neglect, but children are known to occasionally forget to feed pets or clean their cages. Reptiles hold up to this sort of situation better than other pets. Of course, if the situation continues for too long, it’s not healthy for the reptile either. At that point the parent may have to step in, but the basic principle holds true: reptile care is not as much of a chore as caring for other types of pets.
If a feeding is missed or other care requirement temporarily neglected, parents can discuss with their children how important it is to care for the reptile properly and correct the behavior accordingly. In the meantime, the reptile likely is none the worse for wear (unless the neglect is allowed to go on for too long — and nobody should let that happen).
5. Reptiles Foster Interest in the Natural World.
Reptiles are more exotic than other pets, which is a large part of their appeal. This is also the reason many television nature shows on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel focus on reptiles. Nature shows are often children’s first exposure to reptiles and can provide the motivation for their wanting to own some.
6. Reptiles Don’t Pose Much Risk of Personal Injury.
Sure, a pet reptile can bite. However, a bite from any of the reptiles on my list would be pretty inconsequential.
Deep within the souls of some people there’s something that recoils at the thought of a snakebite. It’s true that some snakes can deliver an impressive bite. Reticulated pythons have large fangs, and the bite of a venomous snake, of course, should definitely be avoided. But these snakes are not for kids or beginners.
A bite from more kid-friendly snakes, such as corn snakes, ball pythons or California kingsnakes, are minor wounds. These snakebites typically consist of a lightning-quick jab followed by a pinprick-sized bead of blood (or two) at the bite site. No pain is typically involved. I’m sure some particularly enthusiastic biters could inflict pain, but kid-friendly snakes are not known to be in that league.
All animals can be unpredictable at times, but the chance of a Russian tortoise, leopard gecko or other animal on my recommended species list inflicting serious injury is pretty much zero.
7. Reptiles are Quiet.
Reptiles don’t make as much noise as other pets; they certainly don’t bark or yowl.
It’s true that some geckos may emit slight barking noises, and frogs can make a variety of sounds. But for the most part, reptiles are a quiet bunch. They aren’t likely to disturb housemates or neighbors.
Hamsters, rats and other rodents also can be quiet, but often they are nocturnal. If they’re kept in kids’ rooms, their nighttime activities and noises could distract children from falling to sleep.
8. Reptiles appeal to kids and many adults. It’s their exotic, some people consider it almost alien demeanor and appearance. They never cease to fascinate.
There are plenty of reasons for youngsters to keep reptiles, and there are plenty of reptiles that make great pets. So the next time kids ask for a boa constrictor, instead of flat-out saying, “No,” maybe parents could say, “How about a corn snake instead?”
And to any young people thinking about hitting up their parents for a pet reptile, remember this: Do your research first, and ask only for a pet you know you can care for properly. If you don’t do that, you and the reptile could end up having bad experiences. If you see a reptile you like, read about it, learn all you can, and then approach your parents. Tell them why you think that reptile is perfect for you, and perhaps they’ll agree.
12 suitable pet reptiles for kids:
- bearded dragon
- leopard gecko
- crested gecko
- corn snake
- ball python
- California kingsnake
- red-footed tortoise
- Russian tortoise
- leopard tortoise
- red-eared slider
- painted turtle
- common musk turtle
Captive Bred Is Always Best
Young hobbyists starting out in reptiles should be given the best chance of success, and captive-bred animals provide just that. Many species described in this article are widely bred in captivity, so buying a captive-bred pet should not be difficult. Captive-bred animals are already acclimated to captivity. They won’t stress out as much as a wild reptile that’s been captured and shipped. Many of these can become fine pets, but others harbor illnesses that might not be apparent at first. Such health issues are less likely in captive-bred reptiles.
Resist the Impulse
If you see a really cool reptile at a pet store, resist buying it unless you already know you can take care of it long term. If you are unfamiliar with the animal, go home and do some research first. Get the pet later. It’s better to do it this way than to buy the reptile first, take it home, and then find out it will eventually weigh 100 pounds. Impulse buying leads to trouble. Learn before you buy!
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Tips on What to Look for When Choosing a Pet Ferret
Once you've done all of your research and are prepared for ferret ownership, it's time to go and pick out your ferret! Whether you adopt a ferret from a shelter or purchase one from a pet store or a breeder, there are things you need to consider when making this big decision.
There are four main places where you can find ferrets:
Pet store
Ferret shelter
Private breeder
Classified ads in newspapers and online (such as www.petfinder.com)
Where you get your ferret from depends on what you are looking for in a ferret. If you are a first time ferret owner, you may want to consider adopting an older ferret from a shelter. Kits (baby ferrets) can be a real challenge for an owner not prepared for their energy and enthusiasm! Kits are very active and they need substantial training and socializing. Older ferrets typically have more training and they are calmer than younger ferrets.
Another benefit of adopting a ferret from a shelter is that you are more likely to end up with a ferret that fits well into your life and household. Shelter operators are much more familiar with the ferrets in their care than a pet store employee would be, so they can make a better match. This is because a shelter operator spends more time interacting with his or her ferrets, but also because a kit's personality and activity levels are going to change drastically in the first year of his life. Therefore, a pet store employee really can't know how your ferret is going to be in three months or even three weeks.
Picking a Healthy Ferret
When you choose your ferret, especially if you're purchasing a kit from a pet store, look for a ferret with the following signs of health:
- Glossy, soft coat
- Bright, clear eyes
- Clean ears
- Clean teeth
- Trimmed nails
- Healthy skin
- Active, curious attitude
- Alert to surroundings
Avoid ferrets that have obvious issues, such as runny ears or nose, or ferrets that are living in filthy cages. While the situations that these ferrets are living in can be heartbreaking, a dirty cage is a breeding ground for parasites, and you could end up bringing diseases home that could affect your other ferrets or pets if you try to save them. If you see bad conditions, it is better to notify the proper authorities that the animals in the store are being neglected than it is to bring them home.
Make a Decision Based on Personality
When choosing a ferret, don't choose based on coat color or gender. Coat colors change throughout a ferret's life, sometimes several times, so just because a ferret is one color as a kit doesn't mean that he will stay that color.
Gender is also not a factor unless your ferrets are not neutered or spayed, and most ferrets are. The only real difference between a male and a female is that the male is generally significantly larger than the female.
Instead of coat color or gender, make your final decision based on personality. Every ferret has his or her own distinct personality, behavior, and quirks. Find the ferret that fits with you.
Take Your Time
The ferret you choose will be with you for at least five years, and some ferrets live to be ten or twelve. When you make your choice, don't let a pushy sales associate or anyone else rush your decision. Which ferret you bring home is a very important decision, one that cannot be taken lightly. Take your time picking out your new companion. Find a ferret that you can bond with, and you two will have a great time together for years to come!
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State Representative Joe Wilkinson Names "The Adoptable Dog" As the Official State Dog of Georgia
"Georgia was founded by James Oglethorpe and became a place where people could go for a second chance at life," said Rep. Wilkinson. "So, it is fitting that we recognize the importance of giving homeless dogs a second chance at life in this state."
"Having something like this come before the state of Georgia will heighten awareness for shelters and for adoption being an option, "said Tara High, Vice President of Operations for the Atlanta Humane Society.
Rubye Reid with FixGeorgiaPets.org highlighted the importance of spaying and neutering pets to prevent pet overpopulation in Georgia shelters.
"Dogs live longer happier lives when they're spayed, and ensuring that adopted dogs are spayed or neutered helps reduce the number of pets in shelters," said Reid.
Ruthann Phillips, Director of Georgia English Bulldog Rescue, noted that the organization currently has nearly 40 foster bulldogs in private homes in Atlanta.
"Every dog and cat deserves a home, and every home needs a dog or cat," said Phillips.
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A Snowball Hits This Horse, But Wait And Watch Because It’s Not Over
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Beautiful Adoptable Birds at The Washington Humane Society - Come Meet, Gorka, Chipper, Houdini, and Green Bird
Bird is the word at our New York Avenue Adoption Center! Gorka, Chipper, Houdini, and Green Bird are chirping away hoping their new families hear their songs and take them home.
Our adoption centers are open today from noon to 7 p.m. and you can see our adoptable online at www.washhumane.org/adopt.
Animal ID: 23627936
Species: Bird
Breed: Parakeet (Other)/Parakeet (Other)
Age: 1 year 6 months 14 days
Sex: Male
Size:Small
Color:Blue/White
Declawed: No
Site: Washington Humane Society
Location: Adoptions Lobby
To learn more about Gorka, click HERE!
Animal ID: 25051141
Species: Bird
Breed: Parakeet (Other)/Parakeet (Other)
Age: 4 years 8 days
Sex: Male
Size: Small
Color: Blue/White
Declawed: No
Site: Washington Humane Society
Location: Adoptions Lobby
To learn more about Chipper, click HERE!
Animal ID: 25051161
Species: Bird
Breed: Parakeet (Other)/Parakeet (Other)
Age: 2 years 8 days
Sex: Male
Size: Small
Color: Yellow/Green
Declawed: No
Site: Washington Humane Society
Location: Adoptions Lobby
To learn more about Houdini, click HERE!
Animal ID: 25051170
Species: Bird
Breed: Parakeet (Other)/Parakeet (Other)
Age: 2 years 8 days
Sex: Male
Size: Small
Color: Green/Yellow
Declawed: No
Site: Washington Humane Society
Location: Adoptions Lobby
To learn more about Green Bird, click HERE!
Location:
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
Website: Washington Humane Society
Stray animals are accepted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
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