If your animals could talk, what would they say?
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
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/
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
Lessons for life
October 18, 2010
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
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 WeigelLessons for life
October 18, 2010
| Advertisement |
|
|
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
Copyright © 2010, Chicago Tribune
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Zenyatta's 19th consecutive victory
Watch Zennatta's 19th consecutive WIN
Zenyatta
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Zenyatta | |
|---|---|
 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 | |
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!
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.
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
Sunday, October 10, 2010
ESPN listed Secretariat 35th of the 100 greatest athletes of the 20th century
ESPN listed Secretariat 35th of the 100 greatest athletes of the 20th century, the highest of three non-humans on the list (the other two were also racehorses: Man o' War at 84th and Citation at 97th ).
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Secretariat (horse) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Secretariat (March 30, 1970 – October 4, 1989) was an American Thoroughbred racehorse, who in 1973 became the first U.S. Triple Crown champion in twenty-five years, setting new race records in two of the three events in the Series—the Kentucky Derby (1:59 2/5), and the Belmont Stakes (2:24)—records that still stand today.
Secretariat was sired by Bold Ruler (a grandson of Nearco) and foaled to Somethingroyal. He was foaled at Meadow Farm in Caroline County, Virginia. Like the equally famous horse Man o' War, Secretariat was a large chestnut colt and was given the same nickname, "Big Red."
Owned by Penny Chenery (aka Penny Tweedy), he was trained by Lucien Laurin and mainly ridden by fellow Canadian jockey Ron Turcotte, along with apprentice jockey Paul Feliciano (first two races), and veteran Eddie Maple (last race). He raced in Penny Chenery's Meadow Stable's blue and white checkered colors and his groom was Eddie Sweat. Secretariat stood approximately 16.2 hands (66 inches, 168 cm) tall, and weighed 1,175 pounds (533 kg), with a 75 inch girth, in his racing prime.
Secretariat Entertains Despite Flaws
| | Print | |
| Written by Eric Egan |
| Saturday, 09 October 2010 22:30 |
 Secretariat,
directed by Randall Wallace, opens with Secretariat's owner, Penny
Chenery, quoting a Bible verse from Job. In the verse, God speaks of the
horse in vivid language that evokes images of power and majesty. He
describes His creation as a proud and haughty beast whose stride
“swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage” and whose neck is
“clothed with thunder.” One could be forgiven for assuming that God was
speaking of one horse in particular. With a stride that swallowed the
ground at a gluttonous 25 feet and a neck that one Time reporter compared to a buffalo's, no horse epitomizes equinity quite like Secretariat.In 1973, Secretariat became the first horse in 25 years to win the much-coveted Triple Crown of horse racing and simultaneously achieved two still-standing track records and a still-standing world record. He won the final race of the Crown, the Belmont Stakes, by a whopping 31 lengths. It should come as no surprise that a film should eventually be made about the thoroughbred's exploits. The only surprise should be that it has taken this long. Secretariat is as much the story of Penny Chenery as it is of the horse that captured the imagination of a nation. The story begins with the unexpected death of Chenery's mother. Christopher Chenery, Penny's father, is all but a shell of his former self as a result of his dementia. Chenery's husband and brother pressure her to sell the farm, but Chenery has plans of her own. She intends to save the ailing Meadow Stables and make it the racing operation that her father had always dreamt it could be. Through a combination of a little luck and a little breeding theory, Chenery obtains ownership to the offspring of a mare named Something Royal and a stallion named Bold Ruler. The result of that union turns out to be a spirited young foal that, over the course of the film, develops into the finest equine to ever touch its hooves to turf. The film's opening and subject matter mean that the film, like Secretariat, sets very high expectations for itself. For the most part, Secretariat lives up to these expectations but it does have its flaws. The performances are all wonderful, which should come as no surprise considering the stable of tested talent that Wallace has in his employ. The film portrays Chenery as a woman who not only dares to chase her own dreams at a time when a housewife's dreams were expected to vary little from her husband's, but decides to chase a dream that is considered a domain of men. In the early 70s, women were not warmly received in the realm of The Sport of Kings. Lane successfully captures the essence of a woman whose fire and spirit rival that of the chestnut thoroughbred that she owns and yet retains her femininity. At no point does Lane's Chenery come off as cutthroat. John Malkovich definitely steals the show with his portrayal of Secretariat's outlandish French Canadian trainer, Lucien Laurin. Laurin is described at one point in the film as dressing “like Super Fly” with his brightly colored and clashing attire. This makes for some pretty entertaining outfits and provides the film with much-needed comic relief. Without Malkovich's acerbic and pessimistic Laurin, the film would simply be too sweet. And though Laurin is pessimistic, Malkovich ensures that he is always charming. The flaws that keep Secretariat from living up to the potential suggested by the film's opening and subject matter stem from an issue with pacing. The reason that I was immediately drawn in by the film's opening is, in part, because I was fully expecting to feel the thunder of Secretariat's hooves pounding the track beneath his 1,100 pound frame and witness the awe-inspiring grace of a running machine swallow ground in copious amounts of slow motion. I was expecting to bask in the glory of the horse that seems to fit God's own example of his race. Unfortunately, Wallace never allows the camera to linger long enough on Secretariat. There are moments that capture Secretariat's awesome power, to be sure, but they are too fleeting. Just as we begin to feel the hot breath emanating from the beast's burning belly and just as we begin to feel the thunderous power with which Secretariat's hooves beat the earth, Wallace cuts away. The film should have borrowed its rhythm from the horse's gait and the pulse-pounding excitement of the race. Instead, the film's rhythm feels borrowed from all too many Disney films that have come before it, and the film suffers a little as a result. This being standard Disney fare, most of the supporting cast learn from Chenery's unwavering passion. The moments of epiphany, unfortunately, fall a little flat. In one instance, Chenery's husband, beleaguered for most of the film by his wife's insistence on being anything other than a model housewife, finally learns to "believe," in that generic sort of way that Disney characters usually do. As he tenderly caresses his wife's cheek at a pre-race ball, he informs her that she has taught everyone so much and that he too has learned something. Then he dances with his daughter while Penny looks on warmly, leaving us to wonder if what Mrs. Chenery taught her husband was not how to believe, but how to dance with his daughter. There is something missing in basic film syntax. A nice, pithy line full of wisdom accentuating his epiphany would have made for a much more inspiring scene. Another instance of an avoidable mistake comes as Chenery is delivering an inspiring speech. Wallace, best known for penning the script of Braveheart, inexplicably focuses on Lane's back. Note to film makers: An actress' performance is far more effective if the audience can see her face. It is little things like this that keep Secretariat from reaching its full potential. Yet, for all its drawbacks, Secretariat still manages to carry the spirit like a half-ton wave of muscle and sinew carries a diminutive jock wire-to-wire. Secretariat is good, clean entertainment for the whole family, and while it may lack Secretariat's astronomically large, 22-pound heart it's still more than worth your time. |
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