Lillies Can Kill Cats

There are many different species of plants called “lily”: Easter lily, day lily, Asiatic lily, tiger lily, peace lily, calla lily, and lily of the valley, among others. And though they may be beautiful to look at, a cat could die of kidney failure if he should eat any part of these toxic species and not receive treatment immediately. In fact, as little as two leaves can make your cat sick, and if left untreated, can become fatal in as little as three days.

Things to watch out for:

Drooling
Vomiting (pieces of plant in the vomitus)
Loss of appetite
Increased urination, followed by lack of urination after 1 to 2 days
Dehydration

When determining if a lily plant you want or have is toxic, always look at the scientific name of the plant. The scientific name is a two-part name: the “first name,” which is capitalized, is the genus; the “second name” is the species, and it is not capitalized. You may see additional names following the first and second; these are subdivisions of the species and are not important for determining toxicity. The second name is sometimes abbreviated sp. or spp. This means that the actual species has not been identified. Sometimes the first name is abbreviated, usually with just the first letter of the name. This is usually done when there is a list of several species from the same genus.

The lily plants of greatest concern are any from the genus Lilium (Lilium sp.), which includes Easter lilies, tiger lilies, and Asiatic lilies, and any from the genus Hemerocallis (Hemerocallis sp.), which includes day lilies.

If your cat has recently eaten a lily and has not vomited, call your veterinarian to see if you should induce vomiting before bringing her to an animal hospital.
Call the nearest animal hospital or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-213-6680.
The sooner she gets treatment, the better her chances are for survival. And if you can, bring a piece of the lily plant to the hospital.

Finding a chewed-on lily plant or pieces of plant in the vomit allows for a definitive diagnosis. Because the toxic principle in lilies attacks the kidneys, blood and urine tests will be taken to evaluate kidney function.

If your cat has only recently ingested the plant material and has still not vomited, your veterinarian will try to induce vomiting. Activated charcoal will be given orally to absorb any toxin that might remain in the gut. The key to survival is high volumes of fluids given intravenously (IV) to try and prevent dehydration and the kidneys shutting down. The fluids will be given for 1 to 2 days, while monitoring your cat's kidneys as well as urine output. Lack of urine production is a sign that the treatment was unsuccessful.

Calla or arum lilies (Zantedeschia aethiopica) and peace lilies (Spathiphyllum sp.) contain crystals that are extremely irritating to the mouth and digestive tract, causing drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea; however, they do not affect the kidneys.

Lily of the valley (Convalaria majalis) affects the heart, causing irregular heartbeat and low blood pressure, and can progress to seizures or coma.

If treatment is successful, there are no reported long-term consequences. Monitor your cat for changes in his urination habits, especially frequency of urination.

If at all possible, do not have lilies in your house, not even as cut flowers. If you do have lilies in the house, make sure your cat cannot reach them and inform everyone in your household of the dangers lilies pose to the cat.

Cats are less likely to chew on lilies in your yard, especially if there are more appealing things to chew on, like grass and catnip; however, it is best not to have any lilies in your yard.




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Can You Keep Cephalopods As Pets?

Cephalopods, the class of mollusks which scientists classify octopuses, squid, cuttlefish and nautiluses, can change color faster than a chameleon. They can also change texture and body shape, and, and if those camouflage techniques don't work, they can still "disappear" in a cloud of ink, which they use as a smoke-screen or decoy. Cephalopods are also fascinating because they have three hearts that pump blue blood, they're jet powered, and they're found in all oceans of the world, from the tropics to the poles, the intertidal to the abyss. 

Cephalopods have inspired legends and stories throughout history and are thought to be the most intelligent of invertebrates. Some can squeeze through the tiniest of cracks. They have eyes and other senses that rival those of humans.

Usually, hobbyists interested in keeping a pet cephalopod should stick with Octopus or Cuttlefish - Squid don't survive well in aquaria) should first consider buying one at their local aquarium store. Even if they don't regularly stock cephalopods, most good saltwater shops can special order an octopus (and in rare cases, a cuttlefish) if it is requested. 

The main advantage one gains by going through a pet store is in cost—and it's a big difference. Because pet stores buy through distributors and in bulk quantities, a cephalopod at the local shop will cost nearly half of what it would to get through the mail: overnight shipping is expensive and saltwater is heavy; not to mention if the shipment has to cross a national border and become mired in red-tape permits and government bureaucrats that think cuttlefish are fish and octopuses are not because the word fish is not part of their name. Although some retailers will require a deposit to cover their risk, another advantage to the consumer lies in the fact that you normally get to examine the animal and ask the shop owners and caretakers questions about it before you make it your pet. 

Here's The Caveat:

Most shop owners lack specific knowledge about cephalopods, their care requirements, and species information. The online shops and mail-order houses are usually no better about it. In fact, most of what the industry knows about cephs is from trial-and-error and long-standing rumors—rumors that don't favor our soft friends. Many will slap the omnipresent O. vulgaris or O. joubini tag on their animal and sell it as such, regardless of where it came from or what it actually is. The animal you receive could be a baby with the potential to grow very large, or it could be a full grown adult of a small species that may have only weeks left in it's natural lifespan. 

Most octopuses in the aquarium trade are in the small to medium size range as adults—rarely larger than a grapefruit. Both scientists and hobbyists alike find frustration in finding transportation for their cephalopods, and international orders will need to address permits to cross national borders. 

In addition to costing more than many marine fish and invertebrates, none of the cephalopod family tolerate shipping stresses well, and there's always the chance of inking during shipment. 

Most other type of cargo has higher priority than live fish and invertebrates, and some of the species listed below are only available in certain seasons. Also, the prices below do not include shipping costs—which can be over $50 for the smallest specimens and thousands for the largest. 

Things to think about before you buy a cephalopod:

1. Home aquarists and scientists agree- cephalopods can be really hard to keep alive in a tank. They require a very clean, stable seawater system, escape proof lids, and they are picky eaters. Keeping one can be expensive, and feeding one can be expensive.

2. While some countries have strict collecting laws, many tropical animals are collected from the wild using irresponsible and illegal methods such as poaching and/or “cyanide fishing”. Cyanide fishing involves squirting cyanide into the reef and breaking coral to dig out the poisoned, stunned animals. It kills coral, other invertebrates, and fish. Ask your aquarium shop for tank-raised animals.

3. It might be deadly. Blue-ringed octopuses are deadly. There is no anti-venom for their bite. Other octopuses are so poorly known that we don’t even know how dangerous they might be. Relatives of Abdopus aculeatus have a poison in their bodies that’s similar to TTX, the poison in blue-ring venom (Robertson et al. 2004 Toxicon 44: 765). Striking animals like “Wunderpus” and the “Mimic” might be highly venomous. It appears that the skin of the "Flamboyant" cuttlefish is toxic. You don’t want to be the one who finds out. 

4. It might be rare, so taking a wild animal might put those cephalopod populations at risk.

5. It might try to crawl out. Octopuses are well-known for their abilities to escape aquaria. Intertidal species are notoriously hard to keep in a tank. If it goes walkabout when you’re not looking, then you will find a dead octopus on the floor the next morning, or behind the couch in two years. 

6. It might eat your other pets. Crabs, clams and sometimes snails are not safe from the voracious appetite of a cephalopod. Often fish will either eat your cephalopod or be eaten by your cephalopods.

7. They don’t live very long, most species only about a year. By the time you get your tropical cephalopod, it is an adult near the end of its live span. You’ll be lucky to keep it alive for a few months

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Golden Retriever Sits Outside Store Waiting For Owner…Patiently

Jackson, the Golden Retriever, sits patiently outside a busy Target store waiting for his owner to return. Adopted from an animal shelter less than a month ago, the 3-year old Retriever has been training every day. 

He visits local high-traffic locations to practice ignoring distractions while his owner hides just out of sight and keeps an eye on him.

People walk by and pat him, but he doesn't move…and surely is not going to leave with anyone. 

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WARNING: Dogs Missing from Nanjemoy and Laplata Areas in Maryland: 9 Dogs Missing in the Past 10 Days - Watch Your Pet

Sharing from, Southern Maryland Lost and Found Pets Facebook Page:

Everyone, please watch your pets at all times, even in your own yard. In the past 10 days, there have been a total of nine dogs missing between Nanjemoy and laplata area, and several more in the days before that.

Pet theft is on the rise, there are many reasons people will steal a pet. Some reasons are pet flipping, to be used as bait in dogfighting, to be sold to laboratories for experimental testing.

Please be vigilant and watch for any suspicious people or cars, and more importantly please watch your pet.

Southern Maryland Lost and Found Pets Facebook 

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You Can Help Raise $1,250 For Animal Allies, a Volunteer No Kill Organization Dedicated to the Rescue of Homeless and Abandoned Animals, With Your Purchase of an 'Adopt Don't Shop' T-Shirt

Fairfax Station, VA - If you have ever rescued an animal from a shelter, rescue organization or took in a stray, then you know the warm feeling you get caring for them. As you look into their eyes, it's if they are saying, 'thank you'.

There is no love, like the love that you get from an animal that you have rescued! They will never, ever forget what you have done for them.

I have setup a fundraiser campaign for Animal Allies of Fairfax, Virginia. My goal is to raise $1,250 to help this wonderful organization by selling t-shirts, that I designed with my favorite quote "Adopt Don't Shop!"

What a wonderful way to show the world that you have saved a life, while also getting the word out that animals should be adopted and not purchased!

About Animal Allies:

Animal Allies, a nonprofit, all-volunteer no kill organization dedicated to the rescue of homeless and abandoned animals. We are a registered 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in the State of VA. Founded in 1984, Animal Allies is devoted to curbing the irresponsible breeding of pets in an effort to end the overpopulation of homeless animals.

Animal Allies volunteers work to rescue lost, abandoned, or stray animals and find loving homes for them if possible. All animals in our system are vetted to check for disease and spayed and neutered to stop the cycle of unwanted animals.

Through a detailed process, we do our best to make sure each animal goes to a suitable home where they can enjoy love and shelter and the necessities for the rest of their lives, and provide their human companions with love in return. Our organization is funded solely through the generosity of the public and countless hours put in by our volunteers.

Ready to order? Click here: Adopt Don't Shop T-Shirt

Animal Allies, Inc.
Fairfax Station, VA 22039
(703) 940-9183
Website: http://www.animalallies.com/

Front of shirt reads: I rescued my best friend!

Back of shirt read: Visit your local animal shelter...and save a life! 'Adopt Don't Shop'

Front of shirt reads: I rescued my best friend!

Back of shirt read: Visit your local animal shelter...and save a life! 'Adopt Don't Shop'

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Meet The Texas Couple Who Shares Their Home with an Eight-Stone Capybara, Named Gary: It's No Different Than Having a Dog or Cat

Finding an eight-stone rodent on the couch would see most people racing for the phone to dial pest control.

But it's a daily occurrence for Melanie Typaldos, 57 and her husband Richard Loveman, 54, who share their home in Buda, Texas, with a giant capybara named Gary.

Ms Typaldos adopted Gary after falling in love with the semi-aquatic mammals - the world's largest rodent - during a holiday in Venezuela. They love their pet they even let him sleep in their bed.

"Athough some people might find it strange, it's really no different than having a dog or a cat," said Ms. Typaldos. 

"Gary is really very smart and he's very affectionate. He comes when he's called and he likes to sleep with me," she added.

Ms. Typaldos adopted the capybara from an owner who was no longer able to care for him, and said the cuddly eight-stone creature quickly became a part of the family.

The 57-year-old even claims to have taught Gary to perform tricks.

"He learns tricks very quickly, faster than your typical dog would," she said.

"He knows how to shake, turn in a circle, and stand up on his hind legs. He even jumps up on things on command."

In their natural habitat, capybaras spend most of their time in the water - so Melanie installed a giant pool in her garden to make Gary feel at home.

He was also introduced to the animal lover's menagerie of other pets; including a horse, rabbits tortoises, dogs and a cat.

She said: "He gets on well with the other animals, although he likes to chase the rabbits for fun.  He does sometimes get angry with the tortoises because he thinks they invade his space and there is nothing he can do about it."

Ms. Typaldos takes Gary, who lives on a diet of grass, to visit pupils at schools around Buda to help educate the children about different animals.

She said: "Most people don't know what a capybara is but as soon as they see him, they want to come pet him and feed him treats. He loves the attention," she added.

Despite her affection for her pet, Ms. Typaldos warned that capybaras were not your standard domestic pet.

"Capybaras can be quite aggressive sometimes and their teeth are very, very sharp," she said.

"Gary is not at all aggressive, but a capybara bite can be pretty serious."

"He gives you that same sort of companionship and affection that other animals do, I can't imagine life without him." She said.

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Thinking About Adopting a Capybara? You May Want to Reconsider Your Choices

While they are extraordinary animals and are very tame, there are many drawbacks to keep a capybara as a pet.

First and foremost, in some places, it is illegal to keep them as pets. In Texas and Pennsylvania you are allowed to keep them, and in many other places, you would need to consult your local legislation to see if you need any special permit.

But legal formalities aside, make sure you understand what keeping a capybara as a pet involves.

Capybaras live in groups, thus adopting one animal only will not be good.

You would need to adopt at least two capybaras, but preferably more.

Secondly, consider their size. They are huge. They are more than twice the size of a jackrabbit, they are the biggest rodents. Keeping at least two big rodents in good condition may be challenging and costly in itself, but besides that, they have special needs as well.

Because they are semi-aquatic creatures, you would have to provide them with plenty of water at all times.

And they need plenty of space. It is not a wise idea to keep them indoors, as they will chew on everything they find. Your carpet and furniture won’t be safe with a capybara nearby.

If you still decide to get a capybara as a pet and provide them everything they need, make sure you have a nearby vet who can take care of the pet if needed. And make sure to fence the place where you keep them, as otherwise they will run away, as they are very fast animals.

Finally, if everything that was written here didn’t deter you from trying to keep one as a pet, reward yourself with watching this video of Garibaldi Rous, a pet capybara. 

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REWARD! Washington, DC - Missing Dog in the Howard University Area, 811 Euclid Street, NW - Have You Seen This Dog?

Ollie was recently adopted from the Washington Animal Rescue League. He is missing.

On March 30th he was being walked, and pulled loose, and ran off. This happened around 2:00 p.m. in the area near Howard University on Georgia Avenue (811 Euclid Street, NW).

Ollie is 40 pounds, and is wearing a pick collar that says 'WARL' and a light blue harness with a grey leash attached.

He will likely have his tail between his legs because he is scared. 

DO NOT CHASE! Just note the location and call Roger at 914-844-7692 or AnneMarie at 801-971-2836. Reward offered.

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