Has A Rescued Dog Rescued You?
Allen Anderson, A Dog Named Leaf
Allen Anderson has always enjoyed writing and was heading in that direction when life got in the way. Allen then switched gears and went into police work where he could gather more story ideas for his writing. After becoming a police officer, Allen decided he enjoyed it because he enjoyed helping people.
While out on police calls, Allen would see the family pet, who would really be the only "adult" in the room. The dog would help to calm things down and comfort the children during times of crisis. Allen knew he would write about this some day.
In one of his books, Allen writes about his dog Leaf, who was adopted from a shelter when he was about one year of age. While Leaf was a beautiful black Cocker Spaniel, Allen and his wife Linda soon learned that he came from an abused background, which made him a total complete emotional and otherwise wreck.
Leaf didn't fit in, wasn't potty trained and in fact had never been inside a house before. While on one hand, Allen wondered if this adoption was the right thing to do, on the other hand he decided that he would never give up on his dog. Allen felt he immediately bonded with Leaf, who didn't trust people, as he himself didn't trust people because of his background in police work.
While Allen was busy saving Leaf, Leaf was also busy saving Allen. Unbeknownst to Allen, he had an unruptured brain aneurysm and would need brain surgery. When Allen first received the news, he was traumatized. In fact, he didn't want to tell his wife Linda, because if he were this upset, he felt his wife would be a total basket case. So Allen came up with this brilliant idea to write his wife a fact sheet on brain surgery. When he presented it to his wife, she looked at him and said, "You have a brain aneurysm; you're going to have brain surgery, and you gave me a memo!"
It was then time for Leaf to be there for Allen. Find out how the story ended in, "A Dog Named Leaf."
Allen Anderson and his wife Linda Anderson founded the Angel Animals Network in Minneapolis in 1996, and have written many books about the spiritual qualities of animals.
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Is Your Pet Making You Single?
Stephanie St. Martin, Pet Chatter
Stephanie St. Martin was a single gal who had been in a relationship with Bailey her Bunny for many years, and she wasn't about to throw the longest relationship she's ever had away. Stephanie said cuddling with Bailey had happened more frequently than cuddling with another human, and Bailey didn't even like to cuddle!
Dating for Stephanie wasn't always easy with Bailey. When asked on a date if she had a pet, she stated she had a rabbit, which left her date not knowing what to do or say next. Stephanie would then say Bailey was her son, or main man. She sometimes whipped out her cell phone and showed them a picture of Bailey, and their looks become even more perplexed. Usually this was the nail in the coffin for the relationship.
Stephanie gives us advice when dating and owning a pet. She said you should be honest up front and let them know you have a pet, but you might want to just dial it back a bit. Don't immediately pull out all of the pictures and go on about all of their toys and medical problems. And don't call them your child. Well, at least not on the first date!
Stephanie thinks it's endearing when someone has a pet. This means they have a nurturing quality that she looks for. She feels if they haven't killed their pet, she can trust them!
While Stephanie had no desire to be the crazy rabbit lady in her lifetime; did Bailey the Bunny keep her single? The verdict is still out on that one! For most of us, owning a pet should help us find a mate.
The Deadly Spill - Pet Antifreeze Toxicity - Dr. Debbie
Chilly winter weather means pet owner must be on the lookout for special health risks. An unfortunately common cold weather emergency is antifreeze poisoning. Just a small spill of this essential car fluid can be fatal for pets. So whether you have a dog, cat or are currently pet less but own a car - this toxicity is one you need to be aware of to keep animals safe.
Antifreeze Toxicity in Pets
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a compound that is used in automobiles to cool engines, and is resistant to freezing temperatures. Ethylene glycol is highly toxic to household pets - just a small quantity causes illness and death. Additionally, antifreeze has a sweet taste that animals find appealing and are apt to drink. Pets that ingest antifreeze rapidly develop neurologic symptoms and kidney failure. Small amounts of antifreeze can prove fatal for pets. Just a teaspoon can prove toxic for a cat or small dog, while several tablespoons are toxic for a larger dog.
Ethylene glycol is also found in some lesser known places but still poses the same toxic risk. It is used in winterizing fluids for toilets in vacation homes and RV's. Ethylene glycol is also found in home solar units, break fluids and within portable basketball goalpost bases.
What Are The Symptoms of Antifreeze Toxicity?
Initial symptoms occur within 30 minutes to 12 hours after ingestion and include increased thirst, increased urination, depression, uncoordination and seizures. Some pet owners describe their pet acting "drunk."
Later symptoms occur 12-72 hours after ingestion and may include severe lethargy, difficulty breathing, mouth ulcers, vomiting and coma.
How is Antifreeze Poisoning Diagnosed and Treated?
Your veterinarian will perform blood work, urine tests and may perform a specific test for the presence of ethylene glycol.
Suspect cases, even if unproven, are aggressively treated with intravenous fluids. Intravenous antidotes are given to bind the toxin, and anti-seizure medication is administered if needed.
Once kidney failure has set in, the prognosis is unfortunately grim for survival.
How to Prevent Accidental Antifreeze Poisoning?
Pet owners should recognize what an antifreeze spill looks like. Look for puddles of this fluid in parking lots, driveways and streets and keep your pets far away. The color of antifreeze may be green, pink, yellow, red, blue or orange. Report antifreeze spills to neighbors and businesses. One time I made a fuss at a pet-friendly coffee bar when I noted an antifreeze puddle smack dab in the path of dogs. Speak up - the life you save could be your own pet.
Don't allow your pets to roam. Outdoor cats and dogs that are permitted to wander are at risk for encountering antifreeze spills. How can you prevent a toxicity when you can't monitor your pet's behavior or whereabouts?
Keep your car and garage safe. Immediately clean up any antifreeze spills and safely secure bottles of antifreeze away from pets and children. Keep up regular automotive maintenance to ensure no antifreeze leaks.
Switch to less toxic antifreeze. While no antifreeze is completely safe, look for antifreeze that contains propylene glycol in place of ethylene glycol. This compound is a safer choice, but still can pose a toxic risk if ingested in larger quantities. Some antifreeze products have a bittering agent included to deter animals and children from ingesting it. But according to the ASPCA, there isn't any published data proving that adding a bittering agent helps to prevent ingestion. Any antifreeze should be considered potentially toxic and handled with appropriate caution.
What to Do if Your Pet Ingests Antifreeze?
Time is of the essence - seek prompt treatment at your veterinarian or emergency hospital for the best chance of survival. Don't wait until serious symptoms arise, because once advanced kidney failure develops, the prognosis is poor.
For more information about pet toxicities visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control website.
Featured veterinarian known as "Dr. Debbie" on national pet radio program, Animal Radio. Ebook author of "Yorkshire Terriers: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend"; "Pugs: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend"; "Mini Schnauzers: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend"; and "Shih Tzu: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend." Dr. Debbie's books.
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Animal Radio News with Stacey Cohen
T-Rex Of The Sea
A scientist said he discovered prehistoric remains belonging to a reptile thought to be the onetime "Lizard-eating ruler of the sea." The scientist uncovered the fossil remains of the so-called "T-Rex of the Sea" while on a trek through the Nevada Mountains. The 28-foot-long reptile considered to be a "Super predator" died roughly 245 million years ago. Scientists believe the remains are of the earliest type of ichthyosaur, that's the Greek word for "fish lizard," which experts say closely resembled a dolphin and evolved from being a land animal to a sea animal.
Finding The Right Pet Sitter
With so many pet businesses and service dotting the landscape these days, it's hard to know which one is the right one for you and your pet. Here are some tips to help you decide about pet sitters. When you're searching for a reliable daycare or in-home sitter for your pet consider the following: Screening and security should be top on your list of things to do when looking for a pet sitter. Start by getting references from friends, neighbors and co-workers; Interview the pet sitter before you hire her. Ask the pet sitter if she knows pet first aid and CPR. Ask if the pet sitter is a pet parent herself, or if she's ever been one. Nobody knows how to take care of your furry loved ones quite like other pet parents; Make sure visits can be at least 15 minutes. Be sure the pet sitter is bonded if she is part of a business with other staff members. She should also be certified. When it comes to a daycare, seek out a place that screens all animals for both health concerns and temperament. Run a check on a daycare or pet sitter with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints reported.
How Many Fire Engines Does It Take To Rescue A Stranded Squirrel?
A town in England discovered that the answer to the question, "How many fire engines does it take to rescue a stranded squirrel?" is three. Or at least that's how many responded after a local resident called to say the rodent had fallen into a pond and was trapped on a small island. At least seven firefighters arrived to help the squirrel, creating a bridge with one of their ladders so the animal could crawl his way back to the mainland. But despite the successful rescue, some questioned why so many men were sent for such a small animal. A spokesman for the firefighters explained that the first call they got said there were people in the water as well.
Cat Smuggles Contraband Into Prison
A cat was locked up after it was found carrying contraband into a prison. The white cat was first spotted entering the main gate of a prison. When guards approached the feline felon, they noticed its body was wrapped in tape. Attached to it were drills, a mobile phone, an earphone, a memory card, batteries and a phone charger. A spokesperson for the prison said they investigated the matter. However, they said that "It's tough to find out who's responsible," since the cat obviously cannot speak. All 263 inmates at the prison were being considered as suspects. The cat was taken to a local animal shelter where it received medical care.
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