By sharing our concerns and successes, we all benefit.

Animals live to serve us one way or another, so knowing how to take care of them is critical for our mutual well being.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Curious kitten finds the printer very interesting.

Curious kitten had to get a closer look when the printer started printing.

Fuzzy friends

The kitten climbs into the bunny cage at night.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Animals can adapt to change if it is done gradually and patiently.

Animals need time to adjust to changes.  With TLC and consistant gradual changes they will usually do fine.  Be patient.

Payson Roundup

Animals need time to adjust to change
Chandra Cushman

October 22, 2010

Here at the Humane Society of Central Arizona, we experience change on a daily basis. The change we see here, though, is positive. It sometimes is not something we notice until a few months have passed; it’s slow change.

Like when a young dog comes in and is so afraid we have to carry him from the car back to the kennel. Then, a few months later, it’s like we are working with a completely different dog.

As time goes by, these fearful dogs begin to trust and love us. They make great strides with manners, socialization and showing their love and appreciation. I’ve had previous adopters tell me that the shelter animal they’ve adopted showed them more affection than previous animals from their past that they bought from a pet store or purchased from a breeder.

Some animals need some time to adjust to the new change in their life after being adopted. With some, shelter life is all they’ve ever known. That’s why the benefits always outweigh the struggles when it comes to adopting a shelter animal. So let me ask you this: Is it time for a positive change in your life?

Many of you know of the newest addition to our family here at the Humane Society of Central Arizona. Her name is Sarah Hock and she is our new executive director. I wanted to sit down with Sarah and ask her some questions that were fun and would help you get a better feel of who she is. So, here we go!

Q: If you could be a dog, what kind would you be?

A: “I wouldn’t, I would be a cat. Cats are intelligent, independent and mischievous.”

Q: What are your immediate and long-term goals for HSCAZ?

A: “My immediate goal is to serve all animals in HSCAZ’s care to the best of our ability. My long-term goal is to do more education and outreach programs in the community in regards to preventative health care, pet responsibilities and the joys of adopting a shelter animal.”

Q: What makes you proud to be part of the family here at HSCAZ?

A: “The opportunity to work with such dedicated staff and volunteers here at HSCAZ.”

Q: What are your favorite music bands?

A: “Jackson Brown, David Bowie, The Pixies and The Constantines.”

Q: How many animals do you have?

A: “I have six cats, all are rescues. The latest addition is a kitten I bottle-fed from just 2 days old.”

Q: What is a common misconception about shelter animals?

A: “That if they are in the shelter system, there must be something wrong with them. We have plenty of healthy, happy animals that have simply had the misfortune of losing their home.”

Q: Aimes is our featured pet of the week. What do you think the ideal home for him would be?

A: “A patient, understanding home that will be willing to work with him. Someone who understands where he came from. Preferably a home with other dogs so he can play and continue to learn how to be a dog.”

AIMES

Aimes came in to the shelter on May 4, 2010. He was a nervous wreck and had to be carried from the car to the kennels in back because he refused to walk on a leash. He was shaking in fear, so thin his ribs were showing and covered in dirt and poop. His future didn’t look too bright, but we wanted to give him a chance.

After just a few days he started to come to the front of the kennel, showing interest in us. I remember washing him off to get rid of all the dirt and seeing that he was actually white underneath, not brown.

We slowly gained Aimes’ trust. With each day that went by we saw more and more progression with him. We had to put a harness on him to get him to go on walks because he refused to walk with just a leash and collar. Our dedicated volunteers were patient while they taught him how to walk on a leash; he probably never had before he came here.

Aimes really started to perk up once he got to go to the play yard and play with the other dogs. He was a little confused at first, not knowing how to play or interact with other dogs, but he sure got the hang of it quick.

Aimes is now house-trained and does well with all dogs and even children. We have taken him to mobile adoption events in the Valley and he does just fine in public. Since he is a Harrier hound mix, his nose tends to lead him while he is on walks and in the yard, so a decent-sized yard and plenty of activity is something he will definitely need.

Watching some of these animals come in and do a complete 180 is something we take pride in. If they can do it for us, they can certainly do it for you, just give it time. Remember, change is good.

Come down and meet our adoptable animals at 812 S. McLane Road. October is the American Humane Association’s Adopt-A-Dog Month®. For one more week, all dog adoption fees are just $25 at the Humane Society of Central Arizona. We have a special discount fee for our senior animals and our Lonely Hearts Club members of just $15. Adult cats are $50 and kittens are $70.

Don’t forget to vote for us every day during the Holiday Shelter Challenge at www.theanimalrescuesite.com!

Originally published at: http://www.paysonroundup.com/news/2010/oct/22/animals-need-time-adjust-change/

Friday, October 22, 2010

Welcome home, Kitty!

 Another trip to the Humane Society, and this little Siamese mix was ready for adoption.  She looked me in the eyes, and reached out of the cage to get my attention.  She has been so much fun this evening.  She is quick and of course playful.  Movies tomorrow.

Natural Pet Care

www.chicagotribune.com/features/tribu/ct-tribu-weigel-holistic-pets-20101018,0,4615261.column

chicagotribune.com

Natural pet care

If a massage is good enough for you, why can't it be good for your dog, too? Check out these unusual pet treatments.

Jen Weigel
Lessons for life
October 18, 2010
Advertisement
If you own a pet, you know how expensive it can be to care for their health. I have received several e-mails from readers telling me how awful I am for not shelling out $800 to get my dog's teeth cleaned and removed. (I did get a second opinion, and for $200 and change my rescue, Max, is much better now -- so stop with the name calling, OK?)

But did you know there are some holistic options that might keep fido healthier in the long run?

"I'm seeing an increase in Reiki treatments with animals," says veterinarian Dr. Shane Siwek, owner of Kindred Spirits. "You can use Reiki for any physical problem. I have one client who brings a dog in once a month, and they notice he feels better."

What exactly is Reiki? "It's a system of hands-on healing, originated in Japan in 1922 by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui," explains Siwek. "Reiki healers use symbols that connect to the energy.You can put them in your space or on acupuncture points. I mainly do Reiki for relaxation."

Reiki is also used on animals with cancer or eldery animals close to death. "It helps with the transition. It's comforting and relaxing for both the pet and the owner."

Dr. Siwek knows these techniques might sound strange to those more used to traditional medicine, but people quickly understand its benefits when they see the results.

"Many times pet owners come to me because they've exhausted all of their possibilities with western medicine," she explains." I've been a vet for 23 years and started Animal 9-1-1 back in 1992. If I see an animal with an infection, I'm going to use antibiotics. But I think we should use the best of both worlds."

Other popular holistic treatments available at Kindred Spirits include acupuncture, herbal supplements, massage and chiropractic services.

"We even have flower essences that work wonders," she says.

And if an animal specialist is too pricey -- the cost of holistic treatments often seem much more appealing.

"Our Reiki appointments for an hour are $75," says Dr. Siwek. "A pet massage or chiropractic runs about $55. Acupuncture combined with Reiki and herbs can really help relieve pain and move energy."

Dr. Siwek also teaches her caregivers acupressure so they can do treatments at home and lower their frequency of visits. And while some holistic health care can be covered through animal insurance, just as with human insurance, it can be a battle to get reimbursed.

"The pet insurance isn't very open to these therapies," Dr. Siwek explains. "I've written letters explaining what therapies are for, but they still second guess everything. It's exhausting."

Still, pet most owners will try anything if it means their pets are happy and healthy.

"More and more people are taking this route now more than ever," she says. "People are realizing we need to integrate things and they're looking for affordable alternatives. They wouldn't come to see me if western medicine was working."

jweigel@tribune.com

Thursday, October 21, 2010

barhopping horse

What might you find on "weird horse news?:

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Zenyatta's 19th consecutive victory

Watch Zennatta's 19th consecutive WIN 

Zenyatta

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Zenyatta
Zenyatta2009LadySecret.jpg
Zenyatta winning the Lady's Secret Stakes.
Sire Street Cry
Dam Vertigineux
Damsire Kris S.
Sex Mare
Foaled 2004
Country United States
Colour Dark Bay/Brown
Breeder Maverick Production, Limited
Owner Jerry & Ann Moss
Trainer John Shirreffs
Record 19: 19-0-0
Earnings $6,404,580
Major wins
El Encino Stakes (2008)
Apple Blossom Handicap (2008,2010)
Milady Handicap (2008,2009)
Vanity Handicap (2008,2009,2010)
Clement L. Hirsch Handicap (2008,2009,2010)
Lady's Secret Stakes (2008,2009,2010)
Santa Margarita Handicap (2010)

Breeders' Cup wins:
Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (2008)
Breeders' Cup Classic (2009)
Awards
American Champion Older Female Horse
(2008,2009)
Honours
NTRA "Moment of the Year" (2008,2009)
Zenyatta Stakes at Oak Tree
Horse (Equus ferus caballus)
Last updated on August 9, 2010
Zenyatta (foaled April 1, 2004 in Kentucky) is an American champion Thoroughbred racehorse whose nickname is "The Queen". She remains undefeated in her 19 starts. In the 2009 Breeders Cup Classic, she defeated Grade/Group 1 winners in dual champion Gio Ponti, winner of the Arlington Million; European Twice Over; 2009 Belmont Stakes winner and champion Summer Bird; Colonel John; Richard's Kid; 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird; European Rip Van Winkle; Hollywood Gold Cup winner, Awesome Gem; Santa Anita Handicap winner, Einstein; and Girolamo. In her other victories, she has defeated Grade 1 winning females Ginger Punch, Hystericalady, Life Is Sweet, Tough Tiz's Sis, Romance Is Diane, Double Trouble, Sealy Hill, Cocoa Beach, Santa Teresita, Carriage Trail, and Music Note. She has won 19 races from as many starts, 17 of these being Graded stakes races including 13 Grade I events. She is one of only a few undefeated horses in American Thoroughbred racing history, which include Colin and the late "super filly" Personal Ensign.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Euthansia: a hard decision

By the time I decided to have Mica euthanized, I wondered why I had let him suffer so long.  He looked awful, as he went from one water source to another, covered with drool.  When he leaned over the swimming pool, I grabbed him and said to myself: "What am I waiting for?" 

Our vet sent us a plant to memorialize Mica!

I was surprised to find a florist delivery at our door "in loving memory of Mica. With love and sympathy from all the staff at Crescenta Canada Pet Hospital."
Mica brought us loyal companionship for nearly 2 decades.  Having a living plant to memorialize him gives his life some dignity, as he did indeed bring some good to the world. 

Mica

Mica always had something to say.  Not tonight.  He is gone.  He is no more.
I hope you are waiting for me in heaven, Mica.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Mica took a one way trip to the vet

We took Mica to the vet after 2 weeks of watching him suffer.  While he waited for the vet; he looked into our eyes lovingly, and purred.  We were blessed with 19 years with him.  Until just recently, he was playful. 

Monday, October 11, 2010

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