DECEMBER 2011 NEWSLETTER
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE BOARD OF ANIMAL CARE AND WELFARE, INC.
The Board of Animal Care and Welfare, Inc. would like to thank all of our friends, members, and participating veterinarians for your continued support. Without you we would not exist. If you can find it in your heart to donate this holiday season, we would appreciate your gift. As you know, we help low-income families with low-cost spays, neuters, and medical emergencies. Also, our Board members place many homeless puppies, dogs, kittens, and cats. Without you, we could not do all of this. Have a very Happy Holiday Season.
BOARD MEMBER ESTHER HACKWELDER CELEBRATES HER 90thBIRTHDAY: Esther Hackwelder has been a Board member since 1970 when Kay and Ed Blotzer started Animal Care and Welfare, Inc. She celebrated her 90th birthday and is still going strong! Congratulations to Esther. We wish this amazing lady many more happy and healthy birthdays to come.
NINE ADULT CATS ADOPTED AT THE $5.00 FELINE EVENT: The $5.00 Feline event that we took part in in conjunction with Best Friends’ national campaign helped us place nine fabulous adult cats into wonderful homes. This gave us the opportunity to save MORE lives. Look at our adoptable pets on www.animalcareandwelfare.com. Tell all of your friends. Help us find homeless cats and dogs their forever homes. Remember, ADOPT – DON’T SHOP!
ANIMALS ROCK! III WAS A SUCCESS: Thank you to those who participated in Animals Rock! III. This fundraiser made about $3,000.00. Thank you so much. Look for our next Animals Rock! in the spring of 2013.
STEELERS RAFFLE: Congratulations to Amy Swickline, the winner of the Steelers Raffle! We’d like to thank Drs. William and Susan Smith again for donating the tickets for the second year in a row. Thanks to all of you who contributed to this very lucrative fundraiser.
SUCCESS STORIES: Enclosed you will find Success Stories. These pictures depict just some of the animals that are now in their forever homes. In 2011 we placed 98 dogs and 42 cats! We could not do this without your help.
AUTOGRAPHED TERRY BRADSHAW JERSEY TO BE RAFFLED IN THE SPRING: We will be raffling off an autographed Terry Bradshaw jersey in the spring. More information coming soon.
PLEASE DON'T FORGET!!! AC&W IS COLLABORATING WITH HCMT:
Animal Care and Welfare, Inc. has offered Homeless Cat Management Team a matching program to help with capital funds needed for a permanent spay and neuter clinic. Every dollar donated to HCMT will be matched by AC&W for their permanent spay and neuter clinic up to $50,000 (inherited from a long-time member of AC&W). Send your donations to HCMT, P.O. Box 100203, Pittsburgh, PA 15233-0203 or go to their website www.homelesscat.org and give through their JustGive program. Please identify your gift as "permanent clinic" or "capital campaign" in the memo line for both options. HCMT has some money in their capital program, and we are hoping that this matching program will get them much closer to their financial goal needed to open a permanent clinic. So, please help AC&W help HCMT! Please tell your animal-loving friends, your family, co-workers, everyone...and double your donation for this great opportunity. The quicker we raise the funds, the sooner we can help animals and people with low-cost spays and neuters.
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NOVEMBER 2011 NEWSLETTER
"ANIMALS ROCK! III" WILL BE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20: ”Animals Rock! III" will be on Sunday, November 20 from 5-9 p.m. at Games N' At on the South Side, 2010 Josephine Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, (412) 481-2002. Included in the $25.00 cost will be food, games for four hours, bowling for two hours, DJ Tom Tucker, 50/50 raffle, basket raffle, silent auction, and more. It will be a BYOB and we will provide the soft drinks. Food includes pasta, salad, fruit salad, bread and butter. There will also be $1.00 desserts available. This fundraiser will benefit our spay/neuter program. Hope to see you there!
STEELERS RAFFLE: Drs. Sue and Bill Smith of Chester Veterinarian Clinic have generously donated two Steelers Tickets - again! These box seat tickets are valued at $400.00. Some perks of these tickets include: extra wide seats, air conditioning/heating, private concession stand and private restroom. The cost of this raffle is one ticket for five dollars and three tickets for ten dollars. You can purchase tickets by sending your check to Animal Care and Welfare, Inc., 715 Wenzell Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15216 or by calling 412-400-8204. The drawing for these tickets is Thanksgiving, November 24, 2011. Good Luck!
NEW ON OUR WEBSITE - PAYPAL! Animal Care & Welfare has added PayPal to our website. This service can be used to make donations or purchase our products, such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. To use PayPal, you must first sign up at www.paypal.com . Signup for PayPal is free and can be completed in three easy steps: Create an Account, Add Payment Information, and then Start Using. With PayPal your donations and purchases are protected and your information is encrypted so you are the only one who can see it. For more information visit www.paypal.com.
PLEASE DON'T FORGET!!! AC&W IS COLLABORATING WITH HCMT:
Animal Care and Welfare, Inc. has offered Homeless Cat Management Team a matching program to help with capital funds needed for a permanent spay and neuter clinic. Every dollar donated to HCMT will be matched by AC&W for their permanent spay and neuter clinic up to $50,000 (inherited from a long-time member of AC&W). Send your donations to HCMT, P.O. Box 100203, Pittsburgh, PA 15233-0203 or go to their website www.homelesscat.org and give through their JustGive program. Please identify your gift as "permanent clinic" or "capital campaign" in the memo line for both options. HCMT has some money in their capital program, and we are hoping that this matching program will get them much closer to their financial goal needed to open a permanent clinic. So, please help AC&W help HCMT! Please tell your animal-loving friends, your family, co-workers, everyone...and double your donation for this great opportunity. The quicker we raise the funds, the sooner we can help animals and people with low-cost spays and neuters.
THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT, JAX CAN FINALLY RELAX!
This is just one example of how your donations and memberships help the animals: Jax showed up at a home in West Virginia with a flea collar wrapped around his neck and embedded in his armpit. The kind people who discovered him were able to carefully remove the collar from this docile, sweet cat out of a gaping two-to-three-inch wide and long wound. They then took Jax to Chester Veterinary Clinic where the Vet cleaned out the wound WITHOUT any anesthetic - that's how calm Jax is! The people who saved Jax also wanted help finding a good home for this wonderful and exceptional, laid back guy (they already have four cats). Dr. Smith contacted our Board Member Sue Krul and she agreed to take Jax and treat him until she could find a first-rate, loving home where this would never happen again. When Jax was neutered, the wound did have to be sutured to encourage healing. After about five weeks of care, love, and companionship from humans, canines, and felines, Jax now has a new home with another companion cat and is doing very well! His new family loves this fun feline with so much personality. Thank you for your help!
BELOW: The first two pictures show the wound Jax endured from a flea collar embedded in his armpit. The third picture shows Jax after his recovery. He is a beautiful guy with a tremendous personality. Jax is in a great home thanks to people like you!
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OCTOBER 2011 NEWSLETTER
STEELERS RAFFLE: Drs. Sue and Bill Smith of Chester Veterinarian Clinic have generously donated two Steelers Tickets - again! These box seat tickets are valued at $400.00. Some perks of these tickets include: extra wide seats, air conditioning/heating, private concession stand and private restroom. The cost of this raffle is one ticket for five dollars and three tickets for ten dollars. You can purchase tickets by sending your check to Animal Care and Welfare, Inc., 715 Wenzell Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15216 or by calling 412-400-8204. The drawing for these tickets is Thanksgiving, November 24, 2011. Good Luck! We have enclosed a flyer for posting, if you would. Thank you.
"ANIMALS ROCK! III" WILL BE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20 - SAVE THE DATE! ”Animals Rock! III" will be on Sunday, November 20 from 5-9 p.m. at Games N'At on the South Side, 2010 Josephine Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203,
(412) 481-2002. Included in the $25.00 cost will be food, games for four hours, bowling for two hours, DJ, raffles, and more. It will be a BYOB and we will provide the soft drinks. More information will be coming.
NEW ON OUR WEBSITE - PAYPAL! Animal Care & Welfare has added PayPal to our website. This service can be used to make donations or purchase our products, such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. To use PayPal, you must first sign up at www.paypal.com . Signup for PayPal is free and can be completed in three easy steps: Create an Account, Add Payment Information, and then Start Using. With PayPal your donations and purchases are protected and your information is encrypted so you are the only one who can see it. For more information visit www.paypal.com.
KAY AND ED BLOTZER, JR. TRIBUTE: Go to our website to a link to see a You Tube video that is a wonderful tribute to Kay and Ed Blotzer, Jr. For those of you that are unaware, Kay and Ed Blotzer, Jr. were our founders. Ed was a Chief Humane Officer and a true friend of the animals. Go to YouTube.com and put in the search Tribute to Ed Blotzer.wmv.
DON'T FORGET!!! AC&W IS COLLABORATING WITH HCMT
Animal Care and Welfare, Inc. has offered Homeless Cat Management Team a matching program to help with capital funds needed for a permanent clinic. Every dollar donated to HCMT will be matched by AC&W for their permanent clinic up to $50,000 (inherited from a long-time member of AC&W). Send your donations to HCMT, P.O. Box 100203, Pittsburgh, PA 15233-0203 or go to their website www.homelesscat.org and give through their JustGive program. Please identify your gift as "permanent clinic" or "capital campaign" in the memo line for both options. HCMT has some money in their capital program, and we are hoping that this matching program will get them much closer to their financial goal needed to open a permanent clinic. So, please help AC&W help HCMT! Please tell your animal-loving friends, your family, co-workers, everyone...and double your donation for this great opportunity. The quicker we raise the funds, the sooner we can help animals and people with low-cost spays and neuters.
FACT: Black cats are the most euthanized animal. Why not adopt a black cat?
THANK YOU KRIS FULMER: We would like to take this time to thank Kris Fulmer for all of her help with the newsletters, articles, mailings, raffles, etc. She has been a tremendous help.
ADOPTION ANIMALS: If you are looking for a new best friend, why not check out our adoption animals? All of our pets available for adoption are on our website: www.animalcareandwelfare.com.
HYPERTHYROIDISM IN CATS: Hyperthyroidism was discovered in cats about thirty years ago. However, the cause of this disease has been elusive. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include a dull coat, slightly high temperature, hiding, drinking and frequent urinating, nervous energy, enlarged thyroid gland, muscle weakness and thinness despite a large appetite. It is vitally important to have your vet make this diagnosis. The importance of nutrition is essential. It is recommended that your cat eat a high-quality, fresh-food diet that is free from dyes and preservatives. The drug, Tapazole, an anti-thyroid drug can be used in the long term or the short term. However, it is documented that fifteen percent of cats will suffer from side effects. This and other options such as radioactive iodine or surgery should be discussed with your vet. For more information contact your vet or a homeopathic vet, www.frontierherb.com/herbfest/98/notes/snimm.html or www.catthyroid.com .
DOG AGGRESSION: Dog dominance is known to lead to dog aggression. Therefore, it is important to stop certain behaviors before they get out of control. Symptoms of dog dominance behaviors are as follows: refusing to move out of your way, hiding/stealing your belongings, destroying your personal property, peeing on your bed, guarding food/toys, humping/mounting you, guests or even your things, and putting your possessions in his area. The best way to handle this sort of behavior is to remain calm, follow through with your actions, and most of all make no excuses for your dog. It is very important to work with your dog for at least 45 minutes of rigorous exercise per day, where the dog is focused completely on you, the Guardian. This will show the dog that you are in control. For more information contact your vet or visit www.squidoo.com/dogdominancebehavior .
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AUGUST 2011 NEWSLETTER
GREAT NEWS!!! AC&W COLLABORATES WITH HCMT
Animal Care and Welfare, Inc. has offered Homeless Cat Management Team a matching program to help with capital funds needed for a permanent clinic. Every dollar donated to HCMT will be matched by AC&W for their permanent clinic up to $50,000 (inherited from a long-time member of AC&W). Send your donations to HCMT, P.O. Box 100203, Pittsburgh, PA 15233-0203 or go to their website www.homelesscat.org and give through their JustGive program. Please identify your gift as "permanent clinic" or "capital campaign" in the memo line for both options. HCMT has some money in their capital program, and we are hoping that this matching program will get them much closer to their financial goal needed to open a permanent clinic. So, please help AC&W help HCMT! Please tell your animal-loving friends, your family, co-workers, everyone...and double your donation for this great opportunity. The quicker we raise the funds, the sooner we can help animals and people with low-cost spays and neuters.
LOST OR FOUND PET? GO TO TELEPHONEPOLE.ORG. Approximately 1,000 pets go missing every day in the United States. Telephonepole.org is a lost and found website for animals in Western Pennsylvania. This website is sponsored by the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society. When going to this website, you will find an option for either lost or found animals. The information options for either the lost or found pet are quite detailed. The fields include the name of the Guardian, the species of the animal, the gender, the date lost or found, the neighborhood in which the animal was lost or found, contact number, an option to upload a picture of the animal, plus a space for the description of the animal. Telephonepole.org also gives tips on what to do when you find or lose an animal plus tips on how to describe a lost or found animal, which is very helpful when you are upset or unsure of what to do when you lose or find a pet.
A REUNION OF DOG AND FAMILY DUE TO TELEPHONEPOLE.ORG. Following is a success story we personally experienced as a result of telephonepole.org. In 2009 a black lab named Abby disappeared from a residence in South Fayette, PA. Abby's family frantically looked everywhere and put her information on telephonepole.org. In June 2011 a black lab was found in Georgetown, PA and was taken to one of our Board members, Sue Krul. Sue does many dog and cat rescues at her business, Paws Here Awhile Pet Resort, also in Georgetown, PA. Sue put the lab's information on telephonepole.org and posted flyers all through the community. After waiting a substantial amount of time, she heard nothing and gave Kayak her shots, microchipped her, etc. and put "Kayak" up for adoption. Meanwhile, Peggy Buckley, who helps reunite animals with their guardians via computer and in person, noticed Kayak on the lost and found website and deducted that Kayak might be Abby. Abby's family, which includes five children, went to Paws Here Awhile Pet Resort to see if Kayak was really their beloved lost dog Abby. They were not sure at first, but when Kayak got in the car with the children and refused to get out, they knew that their beloved Abby was finally home. So, never give up when you lose a beloved pet or when you try to reunite a found pet with their original guardians. Always check telephonepole.org. Also, please microchip your pets so that they can more easily be identified and reunited with their families. K. Fulmer
PET CARE FAIR SATURDAY: A very special thank you and kudos to Christ United Methodist Church's Pet Ministry. They did it again...they had a wonderful Pet Care Fair. We placed three adult cats and two puppies that day. One of our cats had been with us for over a year. She now has a wonderful home thanks to this event. Hope to see you again next year!
FELINE LEUKEMIA: Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) was first discovered in the 1960’s. FeLV is spread by salvia, urine, feces and most commonly through direct contact (mutual grooming, sharing litter boxes, food and water bowls). Kittens that have a FeLV positive mother may be infected in the womb, during birth, or while nursing. About 40% of exposed cats have strong enough systems that can destroy the FeLV virus. Of the cats that become persistently infected, 25% die within one year and approximately 75% die within three years. FeLV weakens the immune system and predisposes cats to a variety of infections. Possible signs of FeLV are: loss of appetite, weight loss, inflamed or pale gums, fever, poor coat condition, abscesses, diarrhea, vomiting, upper respiratory infections, changes in behavior, problems in female reproduction, enlarged lymph nodes, chronic skin disease, jaundice, respiratory distress, and lethargy. Kittens less than one year old are most susceptible. The second most susceptible are those who live with an infected cat, outdoor cats and those born to a FeLV positive mother. However, healthy cats over three months of age which are vaccinated for the FeLV virus are highly unlikely to contract the virus from another cat. FeLV is diagnosed by the use of the ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) test. A PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is used to confirm the ELISA test results. There are two stages to FeLV. The first stage is called Primary Viremia. This is the early stage in which some cats are able to have an effective enough immune response to eliminate the virus from the bloodstream. The second stage is Secondary Viremia, the later stage characterized by persistent infections of the bone marrow plus other tissue. This stage is also the point of no return. An overwhelming majority of cats in this stage are infected for the rest of their lives. The following are some ways to help your FeLV cat: feed your cat a balanced quality diet, take your cat for a vet checkup every six months for blood tests and wellness checkups, provide a quiet place for your cat to rest, and spay or neuter. There is a vaccine available for cats that are at risk of contracting FeLV. It is not advisable to introduce a new unvaccinated cat into the household. There is no cure for FeLV. FeLV is not contagious to humans or any other animal species. For more information contact your vet, or go to www.aspca.org , www.homevet.com , www.vetcornell.edu , or www.familyvet.com . Submitted by Kris Fulmer
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June 2011 NEWSLETTER
RABIES AND MICROCHIP CLINIC: Our Rabies Clinic was a success! Eighty-four dogs and cats got their rabies vaccinations. Many pets also got microchips and nail cuts. Thanks so much to Dr. Becky Morrow, D.V.M. for being our vet and giving the rabies shots. Also, thank you to our volunteers. Without volunteers we could not have these events. If you are interested in volunteering, please call 412-244-1372.
PENNSYLVANIA'S RABIES VACCINATION LAW: Since February 13, 1987, Pennsylvanians who own or keep dogs and household cats over three months of age must have them vaccinated against rabies. Vaccinations are mandated by the Rabies Prevention and Control in Domestic Animals and Wildlife Act which became effective on February 13, 1987. People who violate the law can be fined up to $300.00 for each day they are in violation. Police, state dog wardens and municipal animal control officers are charged with enforcement. For more information call or write the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, 2301 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9408 - (717) 783-5301.
PET CARE FAIR SATURDAY, JUNE 25: Look for us at Christ United Methodist Church at 44 Highland Road in Bethel Park. The church's Pet Ministry is once again having their annual Pet Care Fair on Saturday, June 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. We will have cats and kittens available for adoption. There will also be many vendors and lots of food - even vegan and vegetarian!
CANCER-SNIFFING DOGS MAY LEAD TO NEW TESTS: A dog trained to sniff out colorectal cancer was almost as accurate as a colonoscopy in a study that suggests less invasive tests for the disease may be developed. The Labrador Retriever was at least 95 percent as accurate as colonoscopy when smelling breath samples, and 98 percent correct with stool samples, according to the study, published in the medical journal "Gut". The dog's sense of smell was especially effective in early-stage cancer, and could discern polyps from malignancies, which colonoscopy can't. The results point to the existence of volatile organic compounds that might be the basis for noninvasive, early colorectal cancer diagnostics, wrote the researchers led by Hideto Sonoda of Kyushu University in Japan. Colonoscopies involve inserting a tube with a camera through the rectum, and less invasive fecal blood tests only detect early-stage disease in one out of 10 cases, they wrote. "Most striking is the ability of the dogs to detect bowel cancer at its earliest stages," Trevor Lockett, a bowel cancer researcher with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization in Australia, said in an e-mail.
FOSTERING: As you may know, cats and dogs are wonderful companions for both the young and young at heart. Unfortunately, a lot of animals end up in overcrowded shelters or high-kill shelters which decreases their chance of finding a “forever” home. One way that people can help these animals increase their chances of finding a “forever” home is fostering,
Fostering an animal can be rewarding and sometimes challenging. First, fostering saves adoptable animals from stressful shelter environments which greatly increases their chance of finding a “forever” home. Second, fostering an animal gives a person the opportunity to see what it would be like to have a pet, or an additional one. Though fostering requires time and work, the rewarding experiences outweigh any frustration which a foster parent may be experiencing along the way.
Once the decision has been made to foster an animal, decide on whether you would like to foster a cat or a dog. Next, call the organization of choice to get your foster animal. Before the animal is in your home, make sure you have the basics for your animal (food, toys, litter, etc.). It is important to pick a vet and have the number close at hand in case of an emergency or for normal visits to the vet. Often, the organization sponsoring the dog or cat will help with food and vet costs.
To find out more about fostering, check out www.pets911/services/foster/whatisfostering.php or http://matadornetwork.com/change/beginnersguide-to-fostering-animals/ . Even if you already have a pet, fostering can be rewarding on so many personal levels. Call 412-244-1372 or 724-573-4665 if you are interested in fostering for Animal Care and Welfare, Inc. Submitted by Kris Fulmer
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April 2011 NEWSLETTER
UPCOMING RABIES AND MICROCHIP CLINIC: Animal Care and Welfare, Inc. will be having a rabies and microchip clinic on Sunday, June 5th at the PA Fitness Gym located in Imperial, PA. Rabies shots will be $10.00, microchips $30.00 and nail cuts $8.00. More details to follow. Save the date and tell all of your friends.
MAILING LIST UPDATES: Animal Care and Welfare is in the process of updating our mailing list. Because all of our members and sponsors are so important to us, we would appreciate it if you could take a moment to fill out the provided form and return it in the envelope enclosed. Thank you so much!
BISCUITS BINGO A SUCCESS: Animal Care and Welfare would like to thank Officer Christine Luffey for coordinating such a successful Biscuits Bingo - again! This event raised over $1,200.00 for Animal Care and Welfare - one of the many lucky recipients of the proceeds. A special thanks to all of those who attended and supported this worthwhile event. It couldn’t have happened without you, and we look forward to seeing you next year!
DECLAWING CATS: The technical term for declawing is Onychectomy. Declawing or Onychectomy is considered illegal in many European countries. Today many pet owners opt for this surgery for their beloved cat without really understanding many details. First, cats are digitigrades, meaning they walk on their toes. Secondly, the cat uses its claws for a variety of things which include defense, stretching their muscles, balance and exercise. Declawing is an amputation of the last joint of your cat's "toes". Also, it is not a single surgery but ten separate very painful amputations. The recovery is just as painful as the surgery. During recovery the cat still has to walk, use the litter box, etc., which leaves the cat in constant pain. Some complications are higher when compared with other surgeries. These complications include damage to the radial nerve, hemorrhage, bone chips that prevent healing and chronic joint and back pain. Also, what happens to your beloved cat if they accidentally got outside? Without their claws, your pet would have no means of defense. There are options available instead of this painful surgery. The first is nail trimming. Your vet can show you how to properly do this without any harm to your cat. Secondly, get a scratching post. Use treats or catnip to make this idea more attractive to your cat. Also, cats seem to prefer to scratch carpet fabric that has a vertical drag. Thirdly, use aluminum foil or spray antiperspirant to the target areas in which your cat likes to scratch. This provides "unwelcome" places to scratch. You can try double-faced tape on your furniture, as well. Fourth, check out "soft paws". They are safe, non toxic, easy to apply, come in a variety of colors and were developed by a vet. Still have unanswered questions? Check out www.declawing.com, www.marvistavet.com, www.softpaws.com (1-800-989-2542) or talk to your vet. submitted by Kris Fulmer
TOP TEN POISONS FOR CATS ACCORDING TO THE ASPCA ANIMAL POISON CONTROL CENTER:
Permetherin Insecticides: designed for dogs; never use dog flea and tick products on cats.
Topical insecticides: remember to follow directions carefully.
Glow jewelry & sticks: the liquid is mostly toxic.
Lilies: almost all varieties can lead to kidney failure.
Liquid potpourri: cats can lick this, or clean it off their paws after stepping in it.
Anti-inflammatory drugs: like aspirin and ibuprofen.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol): one of these can be fatal.
Anticoagulant rodenticides: cats may eat these or may eat rodents who have the poison in their system.
Amphetamines: even very small amounts are serious.
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FEBRUARY 2011 NEWSLETTER
BISCUITS BINGO: The 13th annual Biscuits Bingo will be held on Saturday, March 5 at a new location. It will be located at GUARDIAN ANGELS PARISH, 1030 Logue Avenue (off Steuben Street in the West End). Doors open at 10 am. The bingo begins promptly at Noon and ends around 3:30 pm. In addition to bingo there will be 50/50 raffles, cash prizes, Chinese auctions and refreshments. If you bring pet food and/or toys, you will receive a free stuffed animal. Animal Care & Welfare is one of seven animal groups benefitting from this fundraiser. For more information contact Christine Luffey at (412) 488-8425. SPREAD THE WORD...TELL YOUR FRIENDS.
WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR PET(S) AFTER YOU ARE GONE: Have you ever stopped to think about what would happen to your beloved pet(s) if you suddenly die? AC&W had an eye-opening experience recently. One morning in October 2010 I got a message from a Forensic Investigator at the Medical Examiner's Office. She explained that she just left a case involving a 44-year-old single man who died in his home. Some friends and family members had called him on Friday evening and Saturday but never reached him. No one thought anything about it until a missed appointment on Monday sent up a red flag. At that point the police, fire department, medical examiner's office and the deceased man's brother entered the home to find him face down on the floor with his beloved English Bulldog, Hank, by his side.
Now the following four scenarios could have taken place:
1. The police call their contracted animal control agency to remove the dog.
2. The brother takes the dog to keep or find a home for it.
3. The brother forfeits the dog to a kill shelter.
4. The Forensic Investigator calls AC&W to remove the dog and find a home.
It played out this way: The police thought the dog was "cool", so they did not call animal control. Instead, they let the concerned animal-loving Forensic Investigator get involved. She approached the brother about taking the dog, but his reply was "That dog was my brother's best friend, but I'm not an animal person." (He would not even keep the dog for one night.) SO: Don't assume family members will keep your pet because they rarely do. What often happens is a family member will immediately dump the pet at the animal shelter or in the case of cats just abandon them outside.
The final outcome was AC&W got involved. I met the brother later that day to pick up the dog at the deceased man's home. After being fostered for 2 weeks, we reunited "Hank" with the deceased man's ex-girlfriend. (The deceased man and his ex-girlfriend remained friends and had a verbal agreement that she would inherit Hank. We were delighted to return Hank to someone who had a seven-year relationship with him and who truly wanted him. Because the wishes were not in writing and in clear view, it was only due to her persistence that their reunion took place.)
In addition to your will, IT IS IMPERATIVE to have your wishes in writing in clear view so immediate arrangements can be made for your pet(s). Post your pet contact phone numbers in multiple conspicuous areas...your front door would be a great visible place. THIS CAN LITERALLY SAVE YOUR PET'S LIFE!!!!! Weeks can pass before your will is read. By that time your pet could be disposed of. - Corday Yeager
2010 STATISTICS: Animal Care and Welfare, Inc. spent $66,897.59 in the year 2010. We helped with 153 medical emergencies, as well as 358 spays and neuters. Our Board Members also placed 41 cats and 86 dogs.
TOP 10 WARNING SIGNS OF CANCER IN PETS:
1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow. Pet your pet! This is the best way to find lumps, bumps or swellings, which could be anywhere on the body.
2. Sores that don't heal. Non-healing sores can be a sign of infection or cancer. Your veterinarian can determine the reason why the sore is not healing.
3. Weight loss. If your pet is not on a diet but is losing weight, illness could be to blame.
4. Loss of appetite. It is not normal for pets to lose their appetite. This may be a sign of illness.
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening. Bleeding can occur for numerous reasons, most of which are abnormal. Vomiting and diarrhea are abnormal discharges as well.
6. Offensive odor. This is a common sign, especially for tumors in the mouth, nose or anus.
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing. This is a common sign of cancers of the mouth and neck region.
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina. This can be one of the first signs that your pet is not feeling well.
9. Persistent lameness. There could be many causes of lameness, including nerve, muscle or bone cancer.
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating. If your pet experiences any of these symptoms, please have him evaluated by a veterinarian.
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