Monday, April 18, 2011
A Timely Warning: Spring – Coyotes – Cats & Dogs
Here in the North West it hasn’t felt much like spring with what seems an endless chill in the air, but it is indeed spring and with it comes the annual abundance of new life. Coyotes, having bred from January to March, are now having pups and their dens will have from 5 to 15 little mouths to feed. Although I advocate for wildlife, I love my pets too. Unfortunately, our cats and small dogs are easy prey for these stealthy, almost invisible hunters that can run up to 65 kms/hr. I have witnessed a neighbor’s cat swiped in broad daylight, in the blink of an eye, from atop a stack of firewood. I’ll never forget the horrible shrieks that woke us at 3:am last spring when one of our cats had became a coyote family’s meal. It was a crushing blow to lose a beloved pet this way. A few evenings ago we watched three deer browsing on our lawn in the twilight. Suddenly they raised their heads, ears pricked forward, alerted to something on the other side of our hedge. Just then we saw our neighbor’s orange tabby sprint by, puffed up and looking like he was being chased. A moment later, almost invisible in the diminishing light, we saw the coyote in full pursuit. Fortunately the cat barely made it to a tree and was able to escape but it took a lot of patient coaxing to get the terrified cat down from the safety of his perch high in the branches. I was recently told about a young woman who watched helplessly as her small dog was attacked and eaten by coyotes. Horrified, she watched, unable to drive them off before it was too late. Coyotes are part of our wild natural landscape and it would be a poorer place without them. Who hasn’t been thrilled by the sound of their wild yips and howls on a moonlit night? But as pet owners, or pet guardians, it is our responsibility to protect our pets from harm. Every spring I see notices for missing cats posted on bulletin boards and telephone poles, obviously put there by people who love their pets. I encourage everyone to keep their kitties indoors, particularly at night and especially at this time of year, even if it does means having to clean a litter box. The same warning extends to small dogs. Never leave a little dog outside by him/herself as small dogs are also at risk of being taken even from a closed yard. By protecting our pets, we help to protect wildlife by preventing these tragic encounters. After all, the wildlife is one of the reasons I enjoy living here.
Monday, January 24, 2011
What's happening to the birds and fish?
We are being told by authorities in government and the media that the worldwide occurrences of bird and fish die offs are normal, however I feel that they are worrisome to say the least: I can’t believe so many deaths in so short a period can be normal. Especially when the reasons that have been provided by experts in several of these cases just sound incredibly weak. Birds flying too high, fireworks, water too cold, water too warm, etc.
Not included in this list is the recent incident of 200 cattle dying in Wisconsin. In that case, veterinarians attributed their demise to a pathogen causing pneumonia, killing them over a period of three days, probably so if they were being raised in a feedlot. None-the-less, it may be worthwhile to keep our eyes open on this.
This is a global phenomenon and I fear it’s not over yet.
The current list:
1.
-70 Mexican Free-tailed bats found dead on a walking path underneath a bridge in Tucson, Arizona. Officials claim that these bats should have migrated to Mexico.
-500 Dead penguins in New Zealand, has been going on since beginning of December.
-150 tons of red tilapia found dead in Vietnam on 41 separate river farms.
-100 pelicans die in North Carolina. (occurred on different days in December)
2. Friday, December 31st, 2010:-5,000 dead red-winged blackbirds fall from the sky in a square-mile area in Beebe, Arkansas.
3. Saturday, January 1st, 2011: -100,000 dead drum fish washed up along the shore of the Arkansas River.
4. Monday, January 3rd, 2011: -500 more birds in a square-mile stretch along a highway in Labarre, Louisiana.
5. Tuesday, January 4th, 2011:-100 shad fish dead, supposedly of a temperature shock, in Ontario, Canada.
6. Wednesday, January 5th, 2011: -2,000,000 juvenile spot fish, dead, along the shore of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland.
-100 jackdaws found dead in the Falkoping, Sweden.
-100 snapperfish found mysteriously dead, many with missing eyes, along a beach in New Zealand. Officials claim fish died of cold, but residents say the fish looked fat and healthy.
-40,000 'devil' (velvet) swimming crabs found dead on a beach in the UK. And among that, there's dead lobster, anemone, starfish, sponges, etc.
7. Friday, January 7th, 2011:- 8,000 turtle doves fall from the sky in Faenza, Italy. Mysteriously, these birds have blue stains on their beaks. Lab tests show the stain was either caused by poisoning or high-altitude flying causing a lack of oxygen called hypoxia.
-100 dead starfish washed ashore on Folly Beach, South Carolina.
8. Saturday, January 8th, 2011:-100 birds found dead, clustered on the ground in Sonoma County, California.
9. Tuesday, January 11th, 2011:- 1000+ gizzard shad, dead along a Chicago lakefront within a 5 inch range, being eaten by Canada geese and mallard ducks. Experts claim it is bizarre and abnormal, because Canada geese and mallard ducks don't usually eat fish-so why dead ones. An expert also claims that both of these animals are, however, "opportunistic".
As of January 11th, 2011: OVER 2,155,570 animals have died, mysteriously, in a matter of 12 days! Surely, this is cause for concern.
Not included in this list is the recent incident of 200 cattle dying in Wisconsin. In that case, veterinarians attributed their demise to a pathogen causing pneumonia, killing them over a period of three days, probably so if they were being raised in a feedlot. None-the-less, it may be worthwhile to keep our eyes open on this.
This is a global phenomenon and I fear it’s not over yet.
The current list:
1.
-70 Mexican Free-tailed bats found dead on a walking path underneath a bridge in Tucson, Arizona. Officials claim that these bats should have migrated to Mexico.
-500 Dead penguins in New Zealand, has been going on since beginning of December.
-150 tons of red tilapia found dead in Vietnam on 41 separate river farms.
-100 pelicans die in North Carolina. (occurred on different days in December)
2. Friday, December 31st, 2010:-5,000 dead red-winged blackbirds fall from the sky in a square-mile area in Beebe, Arkansas.
3. Saturday, January 1st, 2011: -100,000 dead drum fish washed up along the shore of the Arkansas River.
4. Monday, January 3rd, 2011: -500 more birds in a square-mile stretch along a highway in Labarre, Louisiana.
5. Tuesday, January 4th, 2011:-100 shad fish dead, supposedly of a temperature shock, in Ontario, Canada.
6. Wednesday, January 5th, 2011: -2,000,000 juvenile spot fish, dead, along the shore of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland.
-100 jackdaws found dead in the Falkoping, Sweden.
-100 snapperfish found mysteriously dead, many with missing eyes, along a beach in New Zealand. Officials claim fish died of cold, but residents say the fish looked fat and healthy.
-40,000 'devil' (velvet) swimming crabs found dead on a beach in the UK. And among that, there's dead lobster, anemone, starfish, sponges, etc.
7. Friday, January 7th, 2011:- 8,000 turtle doves fall from the sky in Faenza, Italy. Mysteriously, these birds have blue stains on their beaks. Lab tests show the stain was either caused by poisoning or high-altitude flying causing a lack of oxygen called hypoxia.
-100 dead starfish washed ashore on Folly Beach, South Carolina.
8. Saturday, January 8th, 2011:-100 birds found dead, clustered on the ground in Sonoma County, California.
9. Tuesday, January 11th, 2011:- 1000+ gizzard shad, dead along a Chicago lakefront within a 5 inch range, being eaten by Canada geese and mallard ducks. Experts claim it is bizarre and abnormal, because Canada geese and mallard ducks don't usually eat fish-so why dead ones. An expert also claims that both of these animals are, however, "opportunistic".
As of January 11th, 2011: OVER 2,155,570 animals have died, mysteriously, in a matter of 12 days! Surely, this is cause for concern.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
A Christmas to Remember and a Warning: Bad to the Bone
Christmas Eve, and we were expecting eleven friends and family for the holiday festivities. Decorations up, a sparkling tree bolstered by gifts spreading out across the floor, garlands wound from floor to ceiling.
To keep Kaspar and Rutgar from underfoot and barking every time someone came to the door, they were given their annual Christmas raw beef bones. In the confusion of last minute preparations and greeting guest, we had not noticed how much of his bone Rutgar had consumed.
I usually take the bones away after 15 minutes to half an hour and discard them and I usually only give them the occasional large knucklebone. This year, however, I was so busy that it wasn’t me who chose their bones and Mr. Rutgar got a bone that he was able to chew off chunks and swallow.
Christmas morning, stockings distributed me and my hubby snuggled under the covers, eager to see what ‘Santa’ had filled our stockings with. I invited Rutgar to hop up on the bed as he usually does on these cold winter mornings while we have our first cups of coffee. I looked down beside the bed where he was huddled, looking pitifully up at me. I had a sinking feeling. I could tell he was in some kind of distress. I reached down and picked him up. He was trembling in pain. He’s had the occasional tummy ache, but this looked more serious. I wondered if he had somehow gotten a piece of chocolate or some other forbidden delicacy. Then I remembered, the bone… I had taken it away from him but as I thought about it, I realized that when I did, it was a lot smaller than when I had first seen it.
I watched him for a little while longer and realized he needed professional help and fast. I called the vet’s emergency line. “Get here fast,” he said. “Can you be here in 20 minutes?”
The family was getting ready for breakfast followed by the ritual gift exchange. “Sorry everyone, but we have to get to the vet right away. Just go on without us and we’ll get back as soon as we can,” I implored in a bit of panic.
Still in our pajamas, we scrambled to throw on clothes and get out the door quickly with our very sick little dog. It had snowed Christmas Eve and the roads were unplowed and icy. The drive to the vet hospital seemed to take forever with Rutgar trembling in my arms all the way.
Dr. Pat was waiting and we rushed our little guy on to the scale and then into the exam room. Dr. Pat palpated Rutgar’s tummy and could feel an impaction in the lower intestine. With rubber gloves he examined Rutgar internally. (A polite way of describing the ‘up the bum’ examination) The procedure was extremely painful for Rutgar and was followed by several enemas and a large dose of laxative. Little by little tiny pieces of bone started to come leaking out, but there was still so much the Dr. couldn’t reach. He sent us home with instructions to give Rutgar more laxative and small amounts of water every half hour.
When we arrived home everyone was sitting on the couches around the living room, waiting for our return before opening gifts, but our heats weren’t really into it. We watched Rutgar sitting hunched in the corner and in obvious pain. Rutgar loves Christmas and especially loves opening his own gifts, but this year, he made a couple of futile attempts and just laid down, looking sorrowfully up at us.
Boxing Day and he was no better. I had dutifully stayed up all night giving him 36cc of water every 30 minutes otherwise he would drink and drink until he would vomit, exacerbating dehydration. Dr. Pat was going to be away for the day so he had asked us to call him at 6:30am to give him a progress report. “Better bring him back and let me have another look,” he said. So, it was off again for another torturous treatment, exploring for bone shards, followed again by more enemas and laxative. “Looks like full blown pancreatitis. He needs to continue getting the laxative and small amounts of water around the clock.” He called later that night to see how Rutgar was doing. “Not much better I replied. Not passing much but a bit of bloody diarrhea.” I told him.
“Give me a call tomorrow morning and let me know how he’s doing. I’m going to be away again and if he needs surgery, I wont be able to get to him until Wednesday,” he advised. My heat fell, although I really didn’t want Rutgar to have surgery, I didn’t have much hope that he would last another two days. “I may have to put him on an IV if he further dehydrates. Just keep giving him water every 45 minutes to an hour,” added Dr. Pat. I was already exhausted from two nights without sleep and facing yet another.
Monday morning and Rutgar was showing little sign of improvement. “Bring him back in,” said Dr. Pat. We drove off again for more of the same treatment with Rutgar howling and whining in pain. “I wish I could give him a sedative but after listening to his heart, it’s too risky.” In exasperation he went on, “Gosh, he feels empty, but no… I still feel something hard but I can’t reach it. Well, go home. Give him a bit more tonic lax and continue with small amounts of water often and I’ll call you later to see how he’s doing.”
It was heartbreaking watching Rutgar painfully straining to pass the offending impaction. We were all worried that there might be a bone shard stuck into his lower intestine that would require surgery. We tried to walk him as Dr. Pat advised but Rutgar didn’t want to go more than a few paces before stopping and straining again.
Then, Tuesday and Rutgar gave a mighty push and I saw something solid drop onto the snow. There it was, a chunk of bone the apparent same diameter as his colon. Rutgar looked relieved but I was afraid to be too optimistic, fearing that there might be another large piece of bone stuck somewhere up inside. I knew that there was certainly more of the calcified cement like bone granules left that this large chunk had been blocking.
“I’m so glad,” said Dr. Pat. “I really wasn’t looking forward to surgery. It’s an awful operation. Just keep me informed and let’s see how he does.”
Hour by hour, minute by minute, little Mr. Rutgar was improving. I no longer had to withhold water and his appetite had returned. Three small meals a day of rice, wet food, bits of elk and lamb to round out his meals and he was wanting more. He was back to begging at the table and although it’s a bad habit, it warmed me to tears to see him so interested in what we were having.
Thursday morning I took him for walk and this time there was no hesitation. As soon as he realized the car wasn’t coming out of the garage and there would be no trip to the vet, he step became buoyant. He joyfully dipped his head in the new fallen snow, lifted his nose to the cold air and trotted out ahead of me. I have never seen him so excited and happy to be going for a walk on such a cold day. He simply couldn’t get enough of it. I’m certain he was expressing, “I’m alive… I’m alive… And all is well with the world!”
He’s back to his funny little self. My husband is a cartoonist and for years his cartoon dogs looked just like Mr. Rutgar, and when Rutgar came along it was as if he was a living manifestation of my husband’s drawings.
Rutgar is back to eating regular meals and enjoying his Christmas toys. Hearing the constant squeak – squeak - squeak as he chews and tugs at them is the best sound we could hear right now even though I know it will drive us crazy before long.
So, here’s a bit of advice when faced with a pet emergency.
1) Our vet isn’t opposed to large, raw knuckle bones (beef or buffalo only) but they should be taken away if pieces start to break off and for safety sake, take them away in 15 minutes to half an hour.
2) Have a clear description of what has occurred leading up to the emergency to give your vet some idea of what is happening and to prepare for your arrival at the hospital.
3) If treatment takes place at home, it is important to keep accurate notes. You want to be able to answers your vet’s questions. When did she last have water? When did he last vomit? Is he able to walk? Is she straining? Is she urinating? You get the picture…
This all could have ended tragically but… thankfully it didn’t. So, let’s make 2011 the best Year ever and take time to appreciate those we love. Those with fur and those without… Cheers everyone.
To keep Kaspar and Rutgar from underfoot and barking every time someone came to the door, they were given their annual Christmas raw beef bones. In the confusion of last minute preparations and greeting guest, we had not noticed how much of his bone Rutgar had consumed.
I usually take the bones away after 15 minutes to half an hour and discard them and I usually only give them the occasional large knucklebone. This year, however, I was so busy that it wasn’t me who chose their bones and Mr. Rutgar got a bone that he was able to chew off chunks and swallow.
Christmas morning, stockings distributed me and my hubby snuggled under the covers, eager to see what ‘Santa’ had filled our stockings with. I invited Rutgar to hop up on the bed as he usually does on these cold winter mornings while we have our first cups of coffee. I looked down beside the bed where he was huddled, looking pitifully up at me. I had a sinking feeling. I could tell he was in some kind of distress. I reached down and picked him up. He was trembling in pain. He’s had the occasional tummy ache, but this looked more serious. I wondered if he had somehow gotten a piece of chocolate or some other forbidden delicacy. Then I remembered, the bone… I had taken it away from him but as I thought about it, I realized that when I did, it was a lot smaller than when I had first seen it.
I watched him for a little while longer and realized he needed professional help and fast. I called the vet’s emergency line. “Get here fast,” he said. “Can you be here in 20 minutes?”
The family was getting ready for breakfast followed by the ritual gift exchange. “Sorry everyone, but we have to get to the vet right away. Just go on without us and we’ll get back as soon as we can,” I implored in a bit of panic.
Still in our pajamas, we scrambled to throw on clothes and get out the door quickly with our very sick little dog. It had snowed Christmas Eve and the roads were unplowed and icy. The drive to the vet hospital seemed to take forever with Rutgar trembling in my arms all the way.
Dr. Pat was waiting and we rushed our little guy on to the scale and then into the exam room. Dr. Pat palpated Rutgar’s tummy and could feel an impaction in the lower intestine. With rubber gloves he examined Rutgar internally. (A polite way of describing the ‘up the bum’ examination) The procedure was extremely painful for Rutgar and was followed by several enemas and a large dose of laxative. Little by little tiny pieces of bone started to come leaking out, but there was still so much the Dr. couldn’t reach. He sent us home with instructions to give Rutgar more laxative and small amounts of water every half hour.
When we arrived home everyone was sitting on the couches around the living room, waiting for our return before opening gifts, but our heats weren’t really into it. We watched Rutgar sitting hunched in the corner and in obvious pain. Rutgar loves Christmas and especially loves opening his own gifts, but this year, he made a couple of futile attempts and just laid down, looking sorrowfully up at us.
Boxing Day and he was no better. I had dutifully stayed up all night giving him 36cc of water every 30 minutes otherwise he would drink and drink until he would vomit, exacerbating dehydration. Dr. Pat was going to be away for the day so he had asked us to call him at 6:30am to give him a progress report. “Better bring him back and let me have another look,” he said. So, it was off again for another torturous treatment, exploring for bone shards, followed again by more enemas and laxative. “Looks like full blown pancreatitis. He needs to continue getting the laxative and small amounts of water around the clock.” He called later that night to see how Rutgar was doing. “Not much better I replied. Not passing much but a bit of bloody diarrhea.” I told him.
“Give me a call tomorrow morning and let me know how he’s doing. I’m going to be away again and if he needs surgery, I wont be able to get to him until Wednesday,” he advised. My heat fell, although I really didn’t want Rutgar to have surgery, I didn’t have much hope that he would last another two days. “I may have to put him on an IV if he further dehydrates. Just keep giving him water every 45 minutes to an hour,” added Dr. Pat. I was already exhausted from two nights without sleep and facing yet another.
Monday morning and Rutgar was showing little sign of improvement. “Bring him back in,” said Dr. Pat. We drove off again for more of the same treatment with Rutgar howling and whining in pain. “I wish I could give him a sedative but after listening to his heart, it’s too risky.” In exasperation he went on, “Gosh, he feels empty, but no… I still feel something hard but I can’t reach it. Well, go home. Give him a bit more tonic lax and continue with small amounts of water often and I’ll call you later to see how he’s doing.”
It was heartbreaking watching Rutgar painfully straining to pass the offending impaction. We were all worried that there might be a bone shard stuck into his lower intestine that would require surgery. We tried to walk him as Dr. Pat advised but Rutgar didn’t want to go more than a few paces before stopping and straining again.
Then, Tuesday and Rutgar gave a mighty push and I saw something solid drop onto the snow. There it was, a chunk of bone the apparent same diameter as his colon. Rutgar looked relieved but I was afraid to be too optimistic, fearing that there might be another large piece of bone stuck somewhere up inside. I knew that there was certainly more of the calcified cement like bone granules left that this large chunk had been blocking.
“I’m so glad,” said Dr. Pat. “I really wasn’t looking forward to surgery. It’s an awful operation. Just keep me informed and let’s see how he does.”
Hour by hour, minute by minute, little Mr. Rutgar was improving. I no longer had to withhold water and his appetite had returned. Three small meals a day of rice, wet food, bits of elk and lamb to round out his meals and he was wanting more. He was back to begging at the table and although it’s a bad habit, it warmed me to tears to see him so interested in what we were having.
Thursday morning I took him for walk and this time there was no hesitation. As soon as he realized the car wasn’t coming out of the garage and there would be no trip to the vet, he step became buoyant. He joyfully dipped his head in the new fallen snow, lifted his nose to the cold air and trotted out ahead of me. I have never seen him so excited and happy to be going for a walk on such a cold day. He simply couldn’t get enough of it. I’m certain he was expressing, “I’m alive… I’m alive… And all is well with the world!”
He’s back to his funny little self. My husband is a cartoonist and for years his cartoon dogs looked just like Mr. Rutgar, and when Rutgar came along it was as if he was a living manifestation of my husband’s drawings.
Rutgar is back to eating regular meals and enjoying his Christmas toys. Hearing the constant squeak – squeak - squeak as he chews and tugs at them is the best sound we could hear right now even though I know it will drive us crazy before long.
So, here’s a bit of advice when faced with a pet emergency.
1) Our vet isn’t opposed to large, raw knuckle bones (beef or buffalo only) but they should be taken away if pieces start to break off and for safety sake, take them away in 15 minutes to half an hour.
2) Have a clear description of what has occurred leading up to the emergency to give your vet some idea of what is happening and to prepare for your arrival at the hospital.
3) If treatment takes place at home, it is important to keep accurate notes. You want to be able to answers your vet’s questions. When did she last have water? When did he last vomit? Is he able to walk? Is she straining? Is she urinating? You get the picture…
This all could have ended tragically but… thankfully it didn’t. So, let’s make 2011 the best Year ever and take time to appreciate those we love. Those with fur and those without… Cheers everyone.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Looking for their Forever Homes
This comes from a good friend in California. ( 4275 North Elton, Baldwin Park, Ca 91706 Phone 626 430 2378 ) You will need to sign into Facebook in order to view all these wonderful canine companions who are waiting to be adopted to their forever homes. If you are in California and near this shelter, take a look at this beautiful, heart melting face and take her home.
10 Week Old BRIDGET (A4165510) on Borrowed Time at Baldwin Park
URGENT URGENT URGENT, please help network her out of the shelter. Thank you. A4165510 Bridget is a bouncy, happy, kissy ten week old chocolate and white spayed female pit bull who was returned to the Baldwin Park Shelter on September 2nd, because she h...ad an upper respiratory infection. Weighing twelve pounds, Bridget will likely be fifty pounds when full grown. She loves toys and other dogs – in fact, she seems to love everything she meets. She’s attentive and focused, and seems to be affirmatively looking for direction and training. When Bridget’s tail wags her whole body wiggles! Bridget will make the perfect indoor pet for an active family in a private home. To watch a video of Bridget please click here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYEw0UZHCqg 4275 North Elton, Baldwin Park, Ca 91706 Phone 626 430 2378 See More
By: Ryoko Matsui
If you don't live near this shelter, I'm sure there is one near you with more adoptable and loving pets just waiting to meet you.
10 Week Old BRIDGET (A4165510) on Borrowed Time at Baldwin Park
URGENT URGENT URGENT, please help network her out of the shelter. Thank you. A4165510 Bridget is a bouncy, happy, kissy ten week old chocolate and white spayed female pit bull who was returned to the Baldwin Park Shelter on September 2nd, because she h...ad an upper respiratory infection. Weighing twelve pounds, Bridget will likely be fifty pounds when full grown. She loves toys and other dogs – in fact, she seems to love everything she meets. She’s attentive and focused, and seems to be affirmatively looking for direction and training. When Bridget’s tail wags her whole body wiggles! Bridget will make the perfect indoor pet for an active family in a private home. To watch a video of Bridget please click here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYEw0UZHCqg 4275 North Elton, Baldwin Park, Ca 91706 Phone 626 430 2378 See More
By: Ryoko Matsui
If you don't live near this shelter, I'm sure there is one near you with more adoptable and loving pets just waiting to meet you.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The hazard of living close to wildlife.
Due to health problems, our daughter moved back in with us three years ago. Since then, she has lost one loved cat to diabetes. Early two days ago, both her cats were accidently let out by a young man who rents a room with us. Unfortunately, we've had coyotes hanging around quite close to the house. Now after two mild winters, the coyotes most likely have large litters to feed. So far the coyotes have killed two skunks and a young raven close by. They're very stealthy and now it looks like they've taken our daughter's cat, Desto. I never let our little dog out at any time without someone being right there with him. This was a tragic mistake for our daughter and her poor cat. We've all grown to love him dearly and he leaves a huge hole in our hearts. Our daughter is inconsolable.
We heard the coyotes howling just before dawn and then we heard a cat screaming. I'll never forget that horrible sound right outside our bedroom window. First thing I did was to ask my husband where the cats were. We thought they were safely inside... this is too sad to continue. Please, let this be a warning to anyone who has small pets in coyote country, and that's just about everywhere. It's just too easy for our dear ones to slip out the door, especially when you have summer visitors. We even had a sign on the door that said, "Do NOT let the cats out."
We hoped and prayed that the fur we found in the tall weeds below our bedroom window wasn't Desto... but it must have been. He never returned. We finally located the other kitty late yesterday. Bhasat, had been hiding in the space between the upstairs deck and the roof. He was terrified. He's back to his normal self this morning and already 'sharking' the doors. We're all being extremely careful to make certain he doesn't get out and that's not easy with so many people going in and out.
I just spoke to the neighbor below us who said she saw a coyote in her yard yesterday afternoon and the other neighbor to the north of us lost 5 chickens. These coyotes are getting very bold.
We just learned that another neighbor's ShiZhu went missing during the last thunder storm and that was several days ago. No doubt the thunder storm frightened the little dog away but unfortunatly with the kind of coyote activity we've had lately, it's unlikely she will return.
In the meantime, our little dog and the remaining kitty are obviously grieving as both have refused food since the loss of Modesto.
Coyotes thrive even in downtown Los Angeles. Please, keep your pets close. Even a large dog can be taken down by a pack of coyotes.
We heard the coyotes howling just before dawn and then we heard a cat screaming. I'll never forget that horrible sound right outside our bedroom window. First thing I did was to ask my husband where the cats were. We thought they were safely inside... this is too sad to continue. Please, let this be a warning to anyone who has small pets in coyote country, and that's just about everywhere. It's just too easy for our dear ones to slip out the door, especially when you have summer visitors. We even had a sign on the door that said, "Do NOT let the cats out."
We hoped and prayed that the fur we found in the tall weeds below our bedroom window wasn't Desto... but it must have been. He never returned. We finally located the other kitty late yesterday. Bhasat, had been hiding in the space between the upstairs deck and the roof. He was terrified. He's back to his normal self this morning and already 'sharking' the doors. We're all being extremely careful to make certain he doesn't get out and that's not easy with so many people going in and out.
I just spoke to the neighbor below us who said she saw a coyote in her yard yesterday afternoon and the other neighbor to the north of us lost 5 chickens. These coyotes are getting very bold.
We just learned that another neighbor's ShiZhu went missing during the last thunder storm and that was several days ago. No doubt the thunder storm frightened the little dog away but unfortunatly with the kind of coyote activity we've had lately, it's unlikely she will return.
In the meantime, our little dog and the remaining kitty are obviously grieving as both have refused food since the loss of Modesto.
Coyotes thrive even in downtown Los Angeles. Please, keep your pets close. Even a large dog can be taken down by a pack of coyotes.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Is it too late to save the world?
I have refrained from making political statements on this blog and have kept my writing mostly light-hearted and pet related, but I can no longer ignore the big picture. After all, as indicated in my description for this site, we share this planet with our pets and all other life forms. In view of the ongoing catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico, I now feel compelled to make comments regarding this disaster that affects us all, no matter where we happen to live.
Recently, the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) our national radio and television network, invited listeners to submit answers to the question, “What do you feel is the most important issue facing us today… be it local, national or international?”
For me, the answer can only be the need to stop the abhorrent destruction and desecration of this glorious Mother Earth. Think about it. A friend wrote to me that he finds the saddest thing in all this is that he’s afraid that American taxpayers are going to have to pay for the clean up. To me, this argument pales if we can't survive as a species on this planet. What do governments, corporations, politics, taxes, profits, liars, cheaters, saints and sinners matter if nothing of us or other life on this planet survives and all that remains is the devastation and havoc we've created?
The oil continues to gush into the Gulf waters with no real end in sight. BP is back to trying to cap the ‘leak’, something that’s already been tried and failed. In the meantime, The National Wildlife Federation’s very conservative estimates reports that already more than 150 threatened or endangered sea turtles are dead and 316 sea birds, mostly brown pelicans and northern gannets, have been found dead along the Gulf Coast as a result of the spreading oil. This does not include the number of mammals, (dolphins, whales, manatees, etc.) or the impact to oyster beds, shrimp harvest, or blue fin tuna. Really, the list is endless from the tiniest life forms right up to the top of the food chain. While these numbers continue to climb, the workers and volunteers who are struggling to clean up the mess are getting sick from the toxic chemicals that have been used to break up the oil slick. It wouldn’t surprise anyone to see increases in cancer and related diseases amongst these folks in the coming months and years.
We all have to share some responsibility in this. Long ago we bought into being a petroleum based global culture. If we pulled every gasoline-powered vehicle off the roads tomorrow, it would certainly help but that’s not our only use of oil. Like lead to the Romans, oil and our addiction to its many uses in the products we use every day will ultimately cost us far more in terms of our existence than any benefits we may reap.
When I got into my car yesterday, I realized I was surrounded in plastic, another petroleum based product. Even the low cost candles I grabbed when the lights went out during a recent storm are made from petroleum.
What is the alternative? I wish I had an answer… I sure wish someone would have an answer. This endless assault on the planet has to stop. I do my part. I recycle and try to limit my use products that are harmful to the environment, but… my part is so small in the face of the magnitude of what is happening worldwide. Yet, we must continue to be vigilant, do what we can as individuals to ‘stem the tide, and to have hope that it’s not too late.
I encourage everyone reading my blog to view this slideshow. Regardless of what some may think of Michael Jackson, he certainly had this right. This slide show, backed with his Earth Song is powerful stuff. I couldn't stop the tears. What have we done?!?
Mother Earth is under assault from every direction... She will survive but we may not.
Please watch and pass it on. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw4-HQeduu8
Recently, the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) our national radio and television network, invited listeners to submit answers to the question, “What do you feel is the most important issue facing us today… be it local, national or international?”
For me, the answer can only be the need to stop the abhorrent destruction and desecration of this glorious Mother Earth. Think about it. A friend wrote to me that he finds the saddest thing in all this is that he’s afraid that American taxpayers are going to have to pay for the clean up. To me, this argument pales if we can't survive as a species on this planet. What do governments, corporations, politics, taxes, profits, liars, cheaters, saints and sinners matter if nothing of us or other life on this planet survives and all that remains is the devastation and havoc we've created?
The oil continues to gush into the Gulf waters with no real end in sight. BP is back to trying to cap the ‘leak’, something that’s already been tried and failed. In the meantime, The National Wildlife Federation’s very conservative estimates reports that already more than 150 threatened or endangered sea turtles are dead and 316 sea birds, mostly brown pelicans and northern gannets, have been found dead along the Gulf Coast as a result of the spreading oil. This does not include the number of mammals, (dolphins, whales, manatees, etc.) or the impact to oyster beds, shrimp harvest, or blue fin tuna. Really, the list is endless from the tiniest life forms right up to the top of the food chain. While these numbers continue to climb, the workers and volunteers who are struggling to clean up the mess are getting sick from the toxic chemicals that have been used to break up the oil slick. It wouldn’t surprise anyone to see increases in cancer and related diseases amongst these folks in the coming months and years.
We all have to share some responsibility in this. Long ago we bought into being a petroleum based global culture. If we pulled every gasoline-powered vehicle off the roads tomorrow, it would certainly help but that’s not our only use of oil. Like lead to the Romans, oil and our addiction to its many uses in the products we use every day will ultimately cost us far more in terms of our existence than any benefits we may reap.
When I got into my car yesterday, I realized I was surrounded in plastic, another petroleum based product. Even the low cost candles I grabbed when the lights went out during a recent storm are made from petroleum.
What is the alternative? I wish I had an answer… I sure wish someone would have an answer. This endless assault on the planet has to stop. I do my part. I recycle and try to limit my use products that are harmful to the environment, but… my part is so small in the face of the magnitude of what is happening worldwide. Yet, we must continue to be vigilant, do what we can as individuals to ‘stem the tide, and to have hope that it’s not too late.
I encourage everyone reading my blog to view this slideshow. Regardless of what some may think of Michael Jackson, he certainly had this right. This slide show, backed with his Earth Song is powerful stuff. I couldn't stop the tears. What have we done?!?
Mother Earth is under assault from every direction... She will survive but we may not.
Please watch and pass it on. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw4-HQeduu8
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Useful and fun places to visit on the web
In today’s blog, I’ve included several great places to help you look after your pets.
I heartily recommend subscribing to Dr. Phil Zeltzman’s, newsletter. Dr. Zeltzman is a veterinarian who always has good and practical advice for caring for your dogs and cats. Be sure to visit his site to subscribe to his great newsletter.
www.drphilzeltzman.com
Another wonderful resource for pet owners can be found at: http://www.goodnewsforpets.com/
Let’s not forget one of my favorites: www.freekibble.com Every time you click on either bow wow or meow, you are helping to feed dogs, cats, puppies and kittens in rescue shelters around the country. Your click automatically donates 10 pieces of kibble and it’s free! You only need to answer the multiple choice trivia pet question and no matter if you are right or wrong, the kibble gets donated… and it’s fun.
And for something really special to brighten your day, enjoy this wonderful video and song. I guarantee you wont go a day without humming this lovely little tune. GoD And DoG by Wendy J Francisco
I would love to hear back from you. Please feel free to leave a comment, or suggest another wonderful site that you are fond of.
I heartily recommend subscribing to Dr. Phil Zeltzman’s, newsletter. Dr. Zeltzman is a veterinarian who always has good and practical advice for caring for your dogs and cats. Be sure to visit his site to subscribe to his great newsletter.
www.drphilzeltzman.com
Another wonderful resource for pet owners can be found at: http://www.goodnewsforpets.com/
Let’s not forget one of my favorites: www.freekibble.com Every time you click on either bow wow or meow, you are helping to feed dogs, cats, puppies and kittens in rescue shelters around the country. Your click automatically donates 10 pieces of kibble and it’s free! You only need to answer the multiple choice trivia pet question and no matter if you are right or wrong, the kibble gets donated… and it’s fun.
And for something really special to brighten your day, enjoy this wonderful video and song. I guarantee you wont go a day without humming this lovely little tune. GoD And DoG by Wendy J Francisco
I would love to hear back from you. Please feel free to leave a comment, or suggest another wonderful site that you are fond of.
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