Man's Seeing Eye Dog Has Eye Troubles of His Own

Ronald Henry's guide dog Kehotay has been by his side for the last eight years, but now it's the golden retriever who needs a helping hand.

Kehotay helps Henry get around because Henry lost his sight and hearing several years ago. But now the 10-year-old golden retriever is having eye troubles of his own.

"I've been worried sick about him," Henry told ABC's Nebraska affiliate KETV. "He's my team, my partner."

The dog arrived at veterinarian Dr. Mike Hord's office with a cloudy right eye and corneal ulcers in December. But after the ulcers healed four weeks later, the pressure in the eye had more than tripled, which may be a sign of a bigger problem called pigmentary uveitis, which is common among golden retrievers, Hord said.

Now, Henry and Kehotay are headed to a specialist to make sure the condition isn't more serious, and that Kehotay can keep his right eye.

"They have definitely grown into quite the pair," Hord said, adding that he's been treating Kehotay for the last seven years. "All you have to do is see them together and you can tell that."

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Meet Pickles, A 21-Pound, Three-Foot-Long Cat That Was Rescued And Adopted Last Year

Feast your eyes on Pickles, the cat. He's 21-pounds, three-foot-long, and was rescued, and adopted last year.

Nicknamed Catasaurus Rex, Pickles became an Internet sensation after the MSPCA of Boston posted an ad online, seeking a new home for the oversize animal. When Andrew Milicia and his girlfriend Emily Zarvos went to see the cat for themselves, they didn’t expect to fall in love. But that’s just what happened, and now they say he’s an irreplaceable member of their family. “He’s our son, we love him,” Zarvos says with a smile.

Though Pickles doesn’t play well with other cats, he loves cuddling with Zarvos, and taking up half of the family’s three-person couch. And, as you could have probably guessed, he has a large appetite. “He's kind of like a dog when it comes to food—he'll come in and sit right in front of you and just stare at you until the plate’s gone,” his owners shared. But, as Zarvos explained, they don’t mind these quirky habits; “I'm so happy we have him, he's the best pet you could hope for.”

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Rescuers Freed a Group of at Least 17 Manatees Stuck in a Mass Stranding in a Storm Drain

Satellite Beach, Florida - Rescuers freed a group of at least 17 manatees stuck in a mass stranding in a storm drain in Satellite Beach, Florida.

Crews from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, the Satellite Beach Fire Department and Police Department and city utilities worked to access into the culverts where the marine mammals were trapped, so a five-member team from SeaWorld could lift them out and release them back into the water, officials said.

With rain in the forecast, there was concern that the animals stuck in the drain could drown if the culvert were to fill with water.

Manatees, which are very curious, occasionally swim into storm drains, but because the culvert gradually narrows, some larger animals can get wedged and stuck, according to Ann Spellman, a marine biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Even if only one gets physically wedged in the pipe, any others following it can't get out, because they cannot swim backwards and don't have room to turn around.

After the mass stranding was discovered Monday, the city installed grates on the mouth of the culverts in the area to prevent any other manatees from swimming in.

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Are Men Walking Cute Dogs More Desirable to Women Than Flash Cars or Posh Clothes? What Do You Think?

A man who owns a cute dog is four times as attractive to women as one wearing designer clothes or driving a flash car, according to a new study.

One in five women (21 per cent) say a man who owns a cute dog is instantly more sexy.

Meanwhile, just one in 20 like men in designer clothes and six per cent fancy men with flashy cars.

Indeed, having a dog is even twice as appealing for women as having an impressive house (12 per cent) or a big salary (11 per cent).

The study, by notonthehighstreet.com , looked at both the biggest turn-ons for women and men away from simple physical attraction.

Half of men (48 per cent) look for a woman who makes them feel relaxed ahead of a girl who might make them laugh (34 per cent).

Meanwhile, four in ten men (39 per cent) admit compliments on their physical appearance are a way to their heart.

The survey of 2,000 Brits also found men are three times more likely to recognise when someone is flirting with them than women,

Renowned psychosexual therapist Cate Mackenzie compiled a list of top flirting techniques to see whether men and women agreed with her.

Half said maintaining eye contact was the most important thing to do when flirting, followed by paying someone a compliment (41 per cent) and teasing someone (32 per cent).

Of all the courtship rituals she drew up, on average men said they recognised and implemented 3.4 of them - compared to just 1.2 for women.

A spokeswoman for notonthehighstreet.com said: “It’s surprising UK men are the most enthusiastic about employing ‘old fashioned’ romantic techniques, something which they perhaps aren’t always given credit for.

“It’s nice to see that in the generation of online and app dating, there is still fondness for the traditional ways of wooing.”

The research coincides with the launch of Cate Mackenzie’s ‘The Art Of Flirting Workshop’ in Old Street, London, where men and women can work on their flirting techniques.

Cate, as a life and sex coach, has been running similar groups since 1993.

The spokeswoman added: “We created ‘The Art of Flirting Workshop’ to have a little bit of fun and to encourage people to have the confidence to flirt.

“The workshop is open to those who are in a relationship or single, while the tips and techniques can be transferred to any aspect of life.”

Below is a list of the top 10 flirting techniques, as agreed by men and women:

• Maintaining eye contact - 50 per cent
• Paying someone a compliment - 41 per cent
• Teasing someone - 32 per cent
• Looking at someone and then looking away - 20 per cent
• Asking someone for help - 17 per cent
• Complimenting someone only on their appearance - 17 per cent
• Buying them a drink - 16 per cent
• Chatting to someone about the place you are in (i.e. if you are in a supermarket, talking about vegetables and how to cook them) - 15 per cent
• Text them after meeting them - 14 per cent
• Be tactile with them - 14 per cent

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Cat Doesn't Recognize Dog After Grooming - Wants Nothing To Do With Him (Video)

This is a really cute video, guaranteed to make you say "awww" for the dog.

These two are furry house buddies. The dog comes home from the groomers, and the cat doesn't recognize him…he wants nothing to do with him!

The poor dog is trying so hard to be friends. It's like he's saying, "hey, it's me!" But the cat's not buying it!



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Pet Disaster Preparedness

Our pets enrich our lives in more ways than we can count. They are members of the family. In turn, they depend on us for their safety and wellbeing. The best way to ensure the safety of your entire family is to be prepared with a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan includes your pets. Being prepared can help save lives.
Emergency action plans for your family should include your animals

For information on disaster planning and emergency actions to take for livestock, horses, birds, reptiles or other small animals, such as gerbils or hamsters, please visit the Humane Society of the United States www.HSUS.org or Ready.gov.

Learn First Aid for Your Pets

Just like any other family member, pets deserve to be cared for and protected. That’s why the American Red Cross has developed Dog First Aid and Cat First Aid, comprehensive guides to help keep pets healthy and safe. From basic responsibilities, like spaying/neutering and giving medications, to managing cardiac emergencies and preparing for disasters, these guides offer information pet owners can trust.

Check out the Red Cross Store for pet first aid products or take a Pet First Aid class.

Create a pet disaster plan in case of an evacuation

If it is not safe for you to stay, it is not safe for them either.

• Know which hotels and motels along your evacuation route will accept you and your pets in an emergency. Call ahead for reservations if you know you may need to evacuate. Ask if no pet policies could be waived in an emergency
• Most American Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns and other considerations. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are allowed in Red Cross shelters.
• Know which friends, relatives, boarding facilities, animal shelters or veterinarians can care for your animals in an emergency. Prepare a list with phone numbers.
• Although your animals may be more comfortable together, be prepared to house them separately.
• Include your pets in evacuation drills so that they become used to entering and traveling in their carriers calmly.
• Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are current and that all dogs and cats are wearing collars with securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Many pet shelters require proof of current vaccinations to reduce the spread of disease.
• Consider having your pet “microchipped” by your veterinarian.

Assemble a portable kit with emergency supplies for your pets

Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers so that they can be carried easily.

Your kit should include:

• Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that they can’t escape.
• Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan and a manual can opener.
• Medications and copies of medical records stored in a waterproof container.
• A first aid kit.
• Current photos of you with your pet(s) in case they get lost. Since many pets look alike, this will help to eliminate mistaken identity and confusion.
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.

Know what to do as the disaster approaches

• Often, warnings are issued hours, even days, in advance. At the first hint of disaster, act to protect your pet.
• Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets.
• Ensure that all pets are wearing collars with securely fastened, up-to-date identification.
• Check that your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment's notice.
• Bring pets inside so you won’t have to search for them if you need to leave quickly.

Helping Pets Recover after a Disaster

Your pet’s behavior may change dramatically after a disaster, becoming aggressive or defensive. Be aware of their well being and protect them from hazards to ensure the safety of other people and animals.

• Watch your animals closely and keep them under your direct control as fences and gates may have been damaged.
• Pets may become disoriented, particularly if the disaster has affected scent markers that normally allow them to find their home.
• Be aware of hazards at nose and paw or hoof level, particularly debris, spilled chemicals, fertilizers and other substances that might not seem to be dangerous to humans.
• Consult your veterinarian if any behavior problems persist.

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Would You Consider Using Holistic Natural Remedies On Your Pet?

Holistic health and natural remedies are things we commonly turn to when we don’t want to (or can’t) go to the doctor, and more people are relying on them for their furry family members now, too.

Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on costly prescription medications for your dog or cat, you can rely on natural remedies for some of the most common pet ailments. There are many things that can help ease your pets’ discomfort from pet food to people food and healthy treats to tinctures. Whether it’s fleas, dry skin, minor abrasions, upper respiratory infections, Fluffy’s hairballs or plain old stress, here are some tried and true natural remedies for your fur baby’s problems.

No More Fleas, Please!
When the fleas are biting and Sparky is scratching, get rid of those pesky pests by rubbing him down in citrus juice. Lemon, lime or orange rinds work great, so make the most of your fruit and have a nice tall glass of lemonade while you relax in the shade with your flea-free friend. Prefer essential oils? No problem! Rosemary, peppermint, and pennyroyal are great for itching associated with fleas. As a preventative, add a mixture of brewer’s yeast and a bit of garlic to your dog’s dry food. Fleas hate it! (Do NOT give garlic to your kitty though.)

Soothe Skin
Does your fur baby have irritated, itchy skin? It’s tea time! Just make chamomile tea as you normally would, pour it into a spray bottle, and store it in the fridge. The next time you see your cat or dog scratching, spray the cool brew directly onto his skin for immediate results. For even better results, add some vitamin E to the mixture! If your favorite little fur ball just can’t get relief, try an oatmeal paste using

If your favorite little fur ball just can’t get relief, try an oatmeal paste using oatmeal and water. Mix it up and apply directly to the affected area for 10 minutes to relieve Rover quickly. For cats, invest in a humidifier and switch to grain-free wet food, as dry kibble can actually cause dry skin.

Scrapes and Scratches
Accidents happen. Whether it’s a territorial scuff or playing too rough, toenails can cause all kinds of cuts, scrapes and scratches. The best thing to do for your dog or cat is to make sure the affected area is clean and free of dirty fur. You can use a simple saline solution for this. Either squirt some of your favorite contact lens cleaner directly onto the wound or mix up your own. This will wash away debris and encourage healing. Keep an eye on the wound for infection and take your furry friend to the vet if you see inflammation or pus.

From Meow to Achoo!
If your kitty is prone to upper respiratory infections and tends to have bouts with sneezing, runny eyes or any symptoms associated with feline herpes, they might respond well to L-lysine therapy. While this is a lifelong disease, the symptoms can be treated by just adding some lysine to her food. Because it’s a vitamin given in small doses, it won’t hurt your other cats if they all share food.

Hairballs Be Gone
Coconut oil is an amazing cure-all for humans and it can help with getting rid of Fluffy’s hairballs. While shaving your cat is technically an option, it might cause unnecessary tension between you and your favorite feline (We’re also joking here). Try the coconut oil first. Just half a teaspoon per day for a week should do the trick! Canned pumpkin can help, too, as well as olive oil.

Serenity Now!
Is your pet stressed? Whether it’s stress from a recent move, travel, storm or illness, there are some great ways to calm her down. Like humans, dogs have been known to respond well to lavender, chamomile and valerian. Just put a few drops on a clean rag and leave it just out of reach from your pooch, letting her bask in the relaxing scent. Try spearmint or cardamom oil to help with car sickness.

Happy, Healthy Pets 
Now that you are armed with information and resources, you can help your pets (and your wallet) by easing their ailments from the comfort of your own home — and without any unnecessary chemicals. Not only does that create less stress for you, but Fluffy and Sparky will appreciate it as well!

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A Stray Cat Taken To An Animal Shelter, Escapes And Returns To The Family Who Found Him…And Get's His Forever Home

Mr. Fancy, a stray tabby, was taken to animal shelter after a kind family cared for him for a month. However, he was determined to get back to them. Sometimes animals can just sense a good person. That was the case with Mr. Fancy. The long-haired tabby showed up in the yard of the Bosche family in Lucedale, Miss. early last year.

Anne Bosche said the family dog originally spotted him. She put out some food for him, which he accepted even though he seemed skittish. After the initial meeting, Mr. Fancy came back to the house each night for a month. He was wary at first but was waiting on the porch each day after about a week.

Eventually, the family made the decision to take him to a local animal shelter.

Mrs.  Bosche said she felt uncertain about taking the cat to the shelter. She said "I cried the five miles back to my house." Apparently she had good reason to. According to the shelter, he escaped 20 minutes after he arrived.

It took a month of navigating busy streets, but Mr. Fancy finally made it back to the family that had been so kind to him.

One morning Mrs. Bosche heard her husband talking to someone in the kitchen.

Confused, she walked in to see who it was. To her surprise it was Mr. Fancy. He ran up to her, meowing the whole way, when she entered the room. Mrs. Bosche refused to let him go again, and now Mr. Fancy has a permanent home.

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