I am not an expert on this subject. All of the views below come from other sources. I would like to know what you think about Animal Hoarding. The Humane Society of the United States says: What is an animal hoarder? An animal hoarder is a person who amasses more animals than he/she can properly care for. Such individuals generally fail to recognize or refuse to acknowledge when the animals in their custody become victims of gross neglect. Animal hoarders are sometimes referred to as animal "collectors" or animal "addicts." The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says: What Is Animal Hoarding? Animal hoarding is a complex and intricate public health and community issue. Its effects are far-reaching and encompass mental health, animal welfare and public safety concerns.
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Raw food diets might be the oldest form of pet food; after all, they are very close to what ancient dogs used to eat. As more people become aware of the benefits of raw food diets for humans, more pet owners are switching their dogs to raw diets, as well, for a variety of reasons.
“As pet owners investigate what builds their own good health, they realize good food applies to the whole family—including the four-legged family,” explains Dr. Cathy Alinovi, DVM, a holistic veterinarian who is also certified in Veterinary Food Therapy and Chinese Herbal Therapy.
In fact, many dog owners switch to a raw diet because their dogs have health problems. This is exactly why dog owner Jessica Winstead put both her Chihuahua mixes on a diet of raw food mixed with canned pumpkin and sweet potato, even though the diet has had different, though positive, effects on the dogs. “My older dog moved in along with my boyfriend about five years ago and he was slightly overweight, but the raw diet leaned him out,” Winstead says. “He also seems to have more energy.” Her other dog, a four-year old rescue, went on a raw diet to address hair issues. “He was missing hair on the back of his spine and was slightly underweight, but since he's been on the raw diet his hair has evened out and he even gained a little weight,” Winstead says. “Our older chi-mix weighs about five pounds more, so we feed him a half portion more than our other mix—but he still leaned out and our smaller guy still gained weight!” Switching to a raw diet, however, is not always that simple. Here are five common mistakes owners often make when switching their dogs to a raw diet. To read more on this story, click here:5 Mistakes People Make When Feeding Pets a Raw Food Diet
Most cats appear naturally agile and athletic, easily jumping from their perches to the floor with an uncanny sense of balance. However, signs of arthritis can begin at any age, even in kittens. Watch for these early-warning signs of arthritis in your feline friend: What Is Arthritis? Arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, causes pain and inflammation in a cat’s joints. Although fairly uncommon in felines, arthritis tends to affect the elbow joint when it does strike—but many joints can be afflicted. What Are the Symptoms of Arthritis in Cats?
Felines suffering from arthritis may show overall stiffness
swelling of the joints
lethargy, lameness
decreased flexibility and discomfort when you pet or handle them in certain positions. Decreased activity
Lapsed litterbox habits (due to pain caused by getting in and out of the box)
Hesitancy to run, jump or climb stairs
If you notice any of the above symptoms in your cat, please take them to you Vet for a checkup!
The Shih Tzu (pronounced Shid Zoo in singular and plural), is undoubtedly one of the world’s oldest dog breeds. The Shih Tzu is often referred to as a "small lion." They originated in Tibet, but are most associated with China where they were highly revered as a palace pet and prized companion. The Shih Tzu is an active, happy, and affectionate breed. A compact and solid dog, the Shih Tzu’s long, flowing double coat is its most distinctive feature. The word Shih Tzu means "lion" and although this dog is sweet and playful, they are not afraid to stand up for themselves! Temperament: Shih Tzu love to strut around the house with their head held high and tail wagging! They strut like they own the place! Most have an outgoing, happy, friendly personality! Shih Tzu tend to get a little bossy as they reach the adult age, and quiet down when they get to be seniors. They love to be spoiled at all ages! Human Companions: The ideal companion for the Shih Tzu would be singles, seniors, families with older children. Though good family dogs, Shih Tzu are not especially good with very young children. They cannot be handled roughly or awkwardly and tend to get snappish when their patience wears thin. Size: Shih Tzu usually weigh between 9 and 16 pounds full grown, and measure between 10 – 11 inches in height. Colors: Shih Tzu come in a rainbow of colors. They are Liver and white, cream, black, brindle and white, solid blue (rare), solid brindle, gold and white, black and white, solid white, solid red, red and white, solid silver, silver and white. The Body: The Shih Tzu body is slightly longer than tall, its legs straight and muscular, and its feet firm and well-padded.The head is round, broad, and wide between the eyes, and in balance with the rest of the dog. The dark eyes are large and round; the ears are natural and heavily feathered; the muzzle is square, short and unwrinkled, and flat; lips and chin should neither protrude nor recede. The jaw is undershot, the incisors of the lower jaw overlap the incisors of the upper jaw. The Coat: The coat is long and flowing and generally grows in an upward direction from his nose, which is why you’ll often see him with his fur tied on top of his head. The growth of his fur in all directions from his face has earned him the nickname “chrysanthemum-faced dog.” Most show dogs have the long flowing coat, however, most pet owners like to keep the hair cut short. Health: Basically healthy, the Shih Tzu is subject to a kidney disease called renal dysplasia, and to slipped stifles or kneecaps. His slightly protruding eyes are prone to injury, and his short muzzle often produces slight wheezing problems.
Pasco, Washington - For the last month, there have been allegations of animal abuse at a Pasco dog grooming salon. "This was a nightmare for our family," said victim Jane Doe. "We thought we were going to lose our dog... I just don't want this to happen to anybody else." Often overwhelmed with emotion, this pet owner we're calling Jane Doe recounts the trauma she and her family went through after their beloved Schnauzer was groomed at Paw Spa. As far back as June of 2016, investigators have pored over numerous complaints of animal abuse at the business. However, in the last few months, even more victims have come forward. "Eyewitness statements this time, where we actually have people that came forward that have actually witnessed the events and are willing to testify to those events this time," said Angela Zilar, Director of the Tri-Cities Animal Shelter & Control Services. With new evidence, animal control - along with the Pasco Police Department - have brought their information to prosecutors. "The Pasco Police Department has received a complaint in regards to a local Pasco business that's been, where there's allegations of animal abuse, animal cruelty," said Sgt. Scott Warren with the Pasco Police Department. "It was assigned to an officer, it was investigated and it's been forwarded to the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office for review." Paw Spa owner Michelle Burt denies the allegations against her business, saying they have measures in place to ensure both customer, pet and salon protection. "As a grooming salon, we have incidents," Burt explained. "We've always been able to prove that the incident was not done on purpose because we've had it on camera. We've always sent the dog to the vet, taken care of the vet bill." In Jane Doe's harrowing complaint, she details how her Schnauzer had to have its stomach drained of 16 ounces of fluid after witnesses say the dog was choked to the point of almost losing consciousness. She says her dog had multiple seizures, sending him straight to the ER. Almost two years later, the memory of seeing her dog suffer still haunts her. "We really, truly thought that we were going to lose our dog over a place he was for an hour," Jane Doe said. "So to me, it's kind of no different than dropping your kids off at daycare or at school, and something happening to them there, where you think it's a safe place for them to be." Even though she wants to remain anonymous, Jane Doe still wanted to share her own experience. "If anything else, I just, I just want people, I guess, to be aware, um, and if nothing happens, that would really make me sick to my stomach, to be honest." As of today, the case is currently being reviewed by the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office. We'll continue to follow this case and provide updates.
This is Bruno, and he’s a 25-pound cat who’s currently up for adoption at the Wright-Way Rescue Adoption Center in Morton Grove, Illinois. The 7-year-old cat is polydactyl, meaning he has a few extra toes. He also has a strange habit of standing on his hind legs, the shelter said on Facebook. “This usually happens when I want food. No, my foster parents did not teach me this. They are not sure how I learned,” the shelter said. He’s now on a diet and “walking, playing, and doing tricks” so he can lose some weight. Bruno also apparently loves to be petted while he eats. “It took my foster mom a little time to realize what I was meowing about, since she had just put food in my bowl,” the shelter said. “Soon she found out it’s because I want pets while I eats! I will still eat if you don’t pet me, but I will meow more and stare at you for a while.” He also drinks a lot of water, but is very particular about it. “I never drink the water in the kitchen where my food is. I only drink the water that was put in a completely different room,” the shelter wrote. “If you have a larger house, perhaps put multiple bowls of water around for me and be sure to give me fresh water at least once day?” “Yes, I know I am EXTRA,” they wrote. Besides getting pets while eating and staying hydrated, Bruno’s hobbies are simple: lying down and, well, getting more pets. “When I am in a normal home, most of my day is spent laying around, but never far from my family. I usually prefer to lay on the floor or right next to you, but occasionally I like to be a lap-cat,” the shelter said. “I also really like playing with my feather wand toy. Not so much my other toys or scratchers, though. I do like to sleep with my foster parents, but at the end of the bed so you still have room.” He also likes “when you scratch the sides of my face and neck.” “I like to be pet on the top of my head and spine only. I know my tummy is so tempting to touch, but I would prefer if you didn’t,” they said. “I may swat my hand and pretend to bite if you do.” Bruno is overall just a “pretty laid back, lazy cat who just wants to be in the presence of my owners,” and potential adopters can stop by to meet him at the shelter starting this weekend. Visit me on facebook:Bruno Location: Address: 5915 Lincoln Ave, Morton Grove, IL 60053 Phone: (847) 728-5434 Website: Wright-Way Rescue
Anyone requiring an emotional support animal may need a few moments with that pet now: Airlines and cruise ship operators have announced tighter restrictions on such animals traveling by air and sea. Southwest Airlines said Tuesday it is limiting the emotional support animals (ESAs) allowed on its flights to only dogs and cats, while Royal Caribbean is prohibiting all such creatures, reports said. That means no emotional support ducks, peacocks or hamsters. Southwest's policy requires that all such dogs and cats be restrained by a leash or kept in a carrier, the Los Angeles Times reported. The Dallas-based airline will also limit each passenger to one emotional support animal, according to the report. Well, that didn't fly! United airlines refused to allow a woman, and her emotional support peacock, to fly. You have to see it to believe it. For service animals that are trained to assist with passengers' physical disabilities, the carrier will accept dogs, cats and miniature horses, the paper reported. “We want to make sure our guidelines are clear and easy to understand while providing customers and employees a comfortable and safe experience,” said Steve Goldberg, Southwest's senior vice president of operations and hospitality, according to the Times. Southwest's new policy, which takes effect Sept. 17, requires travelers with an emotional support animal to present a letter from a medical doctor or licensed mental health professional "attesting that the passenger must fly with the animal," the Times reported. Several other airlines, including Alaska, Delta, JetBlue and United have also adopted stricter rules on pets boarding planes. For travel by sea, cruise ships are tightening restrictions on ESAs, with Royal Caribbean prohibiting all emotional support animals aboard its international ships effective immediately, according to Miami's WFOR-TV and the Royal Caribbean blog, an unaffiliated industry site. "We are updating the policy to differentiate emotional support animals from service animals that are trained and certified to perform a function for a person with a disability," Royal Caribbean said in a statement, according to the blog. The cruise ship company also said it's "important to us that all our guests enjoy their vacation, which is why we put into practice this new policy," adding that the policy for service animals traveling with guests who have a disability would remain the same. Reservations of travelers with ESAs noted on bookings prior to July 30 would be allowed to sail, the report said. Other cruise lines Norwegian and Carnival also do not allow emotional support animals onboard, but does permit trained service animals, MarketWatch reported.
Animal shelters across the country are teaming up with NBC and Telemundo stations to find loving homes for pets in need. The fourth annual Clear the Shelters event, a nationwide pet adoption initiative, will be held Aug. 18. Hundreds of shelters — including locations in D.C., Maryland and Virginia — will waive or reduce fees as part of the one-day adoption drive. The goal is to #ClearTheShelters by finding forever homes for as many animals as possible. More than 61,000 pets were adopted during last year's event, including more than 1,300 in the D.C. area. One of those was a dog named Odysseus, then 10 years old. The odds weren't necessarily in his favor: He was a senior dog and also a large one, at 73 pounds. But the German shepherd went home with his new humans that day and found his happily ever after. To learn more about this event, click here:Clear the Shelters Interactive Map: Find Animal Shelters Waiving Adoption Fees This Saturday, August 18 Please Share!
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