HART-Empire Network II - Pet Related Channel

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Leanne Breiby
leanneb@germinder.com
816-822-0192
913-205-9949
Lea-Ann Germinder, APR
lgerminder@germinder.com
816-213-8238
917-334-8682

Cat Owner Mourns Pet’s Death - Spreads Awareness About Feline Heartworms

COLUMBIA, S.C., March 1, 2007 ­– Harley Jones (also affectionately called “Baby Girl”) was a loving and shy indoor cat. She was born on May 1, 2005, under a porch in Columbia, S.C. Ashley Jones and her husband Jared brought her home to join their family, which included their five-year-old cat Dempsey, and three-year-old dog Bear.

The Joneses treated Harley and their other cat for fleas, and protected Bear from both fleas and heartworms. Unfortunately, they would learn the hard way that, without heartworm prevention, the disease could affect their felines as well.

One afternoon in October, shortly after Harley’s first birthday, Ashley came home for lunch and found Harley lying on the floor of the kitchen, not breathing or moving. Earlier that morning, she had been hopping up on her lap, eating and acting normal. Ashley was shocked and upset to see her lying there. Hastily, she called the Columbia Cat Clinic and drove Harley straight there.

Dr. Leigh Sheridan met them quickly in the examination room, gave Harley a thorough exam and reported that she had died. Due to the sudden nature of the death, Dr. Sheridan suspected heartworms, but ordered a necropsy to be sure. The results confirmed her suspicions: Harley died of complications from feline heartworms.

According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners heartworm disease is contracted through a mosquito bite and causes significant lung disease in cats. Many cats infected with heartworms do not exhibit any signs and very tragically, the first sign of the disease is that the cat suddenly dies. It is a very serious disease, but very preventable.

“My husband and I felt helpless, and wished there was something we could have done to prevent [Harley’s death],” Ashley said. “We now protect our other cat against heartworms and are proud to raise awareness so that other cat lovers do not have to experience such a tragic event.”

For more information on feline heartworms, visit www.knowheartworms.org and for further information on pet health, visit www.catwellness.org and www.goodnewsforpets.com

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Wow! Their cat & dog promo has been extended- apparently slow to start but has been picking up speed. I’m sure they will be very, very, VERY busy adopting out animals all this Canada Day Long Weekend!!

Adult cats are only $25*

Adult dogs are only $75*

Kittens under 6 months are only $75

* “Adult” means 6 months or older
* Adoption fee includes spay or neuter, microchip, 6 week health insurance, 2 week health plan, first vaccinations, and more.

(click to view Flyer in full size)

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By Kit Marsters

When facing the choice between adding either a feline or a canine friend to our household, many of us take into the equation the amount of time we need to spend with our new friends. Of course, we all know that a dog needs to be walked several times a day, and that some dogs do not deal well with being left on their own for the amount of time we spend at work. Cats tend to be more independent.

Some people think that cats merely tolerate our presence and so long as we feed them, they are happy. However, whilst food, of course, tends to be met with great enthusiasm, it takes a bit more than that to guarantee feline contentment.

Cats need to be intellectually stimulated. They do need us to spend time with them, not only to receive the occasional petting or being curled up on our laps, but quality playtime. To just buy the occasional catnip mouse and leave it on the floor for their convenience is not enough.

If you have a kitten in your house, you will no doubt notice their naturally playful behaviour. Playing strengthens a cat’s muscles, keeps them fit and helps control their weight. There are reports that playing helps to develop a kitten’s brain, with regards to their hunting and social behaviour.

Older cats, too, need the stimulation that play offers, and when shopping for toys it is recommended to look for those that offer visual, auditory and tactual stimulation. Also important is to check that the toy is safe – not all of them are. Some have sharp edges, some have small parts that can be swallowed. It is best to go for those toys that cannot be swallowed and are made of non-toxic materials. And, especially with any new toy, supervise your cat’s playtime.

Apart from playtime, please keep in mind that the myth that cats do not get attached to their humans is indeed just that – a myth. Many felines will develop a special bond with their human house mate, and they will notice your absence. Remember how insulted a cat can be when you dare to stay away overnight! And how, when you come home from work, you will often be greeted by a highly enthusiastic cat, his/her tail high in the air to say hello. Some cats will even position themselves to keep an eye out for your return, waiting for you.

Spend some special time with your cat each day, even if for half an hour. It doesn’t just benefit your furry friend, it also benefits you. Playing with a cat is relaxing, good fun and can help you wind down after a hectic day.

If your lifestyle involves, for example, regular business trips away from home, for days at a time, please assure there is someone around to look after your cat, and not just to put some food in a bowl. If you have to be away almost all the time, though, a cat might not be the best pet for you. You will be missed, and if you have to have a pet but can’t really fit them into your busy lifestyle, it might be worth looking for those who need less attention and affection.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pet Forums.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kit_Marsters

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By Susan Fielding

Having any kind of pet in your home is a major responsibility, as they have the same needs as we do. They need to be loved, fed on time and kept safe.

If you are looking for a bird as a pet, the first thing you should have before even bringing it home is a bird cage. This is going to be his/her home and should give your bird a feeling of comfort and security. Buying a bird cage is an expensive affair, and great care should be taken before purchasing one.

The first thing to consider is safety, as many birds have become injured - from minor toe abrasions to death from strangulation.

The majority of bird cages are made from different kinds of metal that include wire, stainless steel, zinc, brass and chrome. The most economical types are wire cages, and are processed in two different ways: galvanized after welded, and galvanized before welded. The reason for galvanizing the metal is to prevent the metal from rusting; therefore buying a cage that has been galvanized after welding is the safer option.

Metal cages are manufactured in a variety of metals, sizes, shapes and colors and are moderately priced. They are usually made of brass or chrome plated, or they have a powdered coated paint finish. Bird cages that have the painted finish are more resistant to chipping and rust, and are easier to clean than the plated cages where the plating can wear off over time.

A cage made of stainless steel is the most expensive, but it is the safest material for cage construction and will last a lifetime. While decorative features may give the cage a great look, it can be risky and cause injuries.

Bar spacing is also important in preventing injuries. The bars need to be smaller than the bird’s head, and horizontal bars give a bird greater climbing mobility for additional exercise and play.

When considering size, the largest bird cage should be considered, or at least one where a bird can extend both wings at the same time. Therefore the width of the cage is more important than the height.

Other features to consider are the main entry door on the cage, which should be large enough to be able to remove the bird with ease, and lock down feeder dishes and dish covers and hoods to prevent a mess. Entry doors and feeder doors should have a locking mechanism to prevent accidental escape.

Removable grids and litter trays, as well as removable seed guards and play tops to give the bird time out of the cage, are other options to look out for.

Purchasing a new bird and buying supplies is a thrilling experience, but the safety factor should be given top priority to ensure your bird is secure within the confines of his/her new home.

For further detailed information on bird cages be sure to visit Bird Cages

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Fielding

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By Eric Letendre

A lot of people have problems with their dogs pulling on leash. Pulling starts from a very young age. Learning what triggers the pulling and how to change it can make leash walking with your dog more enjoyable and fun.

Dogs naturally pull on leash for several reasons. First, it works, period! Your dog learns at a very early age that if they hit the end of the leash and start leaning and pulling, they will make forward progress. The dog is trying to close the distance between themselves and whatever they are looking at - and the leash is restricting that.

Since most dogs can cover distance a lot quicker than humans can, they will pull to the point of gasping for breath. Second, dogs have what is called opposition reflex. As soon as they feel pressure on their necks or chests they reflexively lean into it. So, given this information, it is vital to begin anti-pulling exercises at a very young age.

To begin, you must be able to stand still with your dog on leash without him pulling and straining at the end of it. Have some treats ready to reward your dog when the leash becomes slack. Put the loop of the leash on your thumb and hold the remainder of the leash in your free hand.

As your dog pulls and the leash becomes tight, pull your dog back into you while giving him a verbal correction. Some dogs will run and hit the end of the leash again. You must persevere and pull your dog back into you with a verbal correction as many times as it takes.

Sooner or later he will give up and stay near you with the loose leash. At this moment, heavily reward your dog with food, praise, and pats. Once he is standing consistently with you on a loose leash you can begin your walk.

When you begin your walk, start with the leash hanging loose. As you take a few steps forward, your dog will most likely run ahead and hit the end of the leash. As soon as he takes off and the leash becomes tight, immediately change directions and make a full turn. Your dog will have no choice but to follow suit.

As your dog catches up to you, be ready to heavily reinforce him. Proceed forward and be prepared to turn around again. Try to focus on the times when your dog is walking next to you and the leash is loose rather than on times when the leash is tight.

If you allow your dog to make forward progress when the leash is tight, then you are training your dog to pull. Your dog needs to learn that there will be no forward progress made when the leash is tight. In fact, they will lose distance by making the turn.

Another exercise to try is the red light/green light game. Begin walking forward with your dog. When he hits the end of the leash and begins pulling, immediately put on the brakes. Your dog will most likely fight this and start bucking, but it is important to remain rigid and become a statue.

Do not look at your dog, talk to your dog, or move forward again. You will probably need to put the red light on often in the beginning, but with repetition and consistency, your dog will begin to see the picture; leash is tight no distance is covered, leash is loose forward progress is made. Yippee!

Yet another exercise is to form circles. Begin walking forward with your dog on a loose leash. If your dog runs forward and hits the end of the leash, pull him back in close to your body and spin in a circle once or twice.

Stop and begin to walk forward again. This will momentarily disorient your dog long enough for you to make several steps with a loose leash. At this point you can heavily reward him with a few special treats coupled with heavy praise. Remember that the key to training is information and communication from you.

There are hand and arm saving pieces of equipment on the market for adult dogs with extreme pulling habits. Gentle Leader Head Collars or Haltis are great tools to use until your dog is trained. However, dogs do not generalize well, and if you use a special collar to walk your dog, once you take the collar off the no-pull effect will not filter over. The best prevention is to train your dog on his flat buckle collar and reinforce loose leash walking. Good Luck!

Eric Letendre, author of The Amazing Dog Training Man, invites you to visit www.amazingdogtrainingman.com for free dog training video clips, tips, articles, and advice. Free Newsletter.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Letendre

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By Richard Livitski

Congratulations! After searching long and hard at the shelters, thru the newspaper and even enlisting friends and family in your search, you’ve found the right puppy! So what’s next? Giving him/her a proper name of course!

So you think to yourself, just any ol name won’t do. It’s got to be unique, something different! Well, allow me to give you a few dog naming categories that will hopefully help you to come up with some really novel names for your four legged friend.

First though, when coming up with a name keep in mind a few things to watch out for.

1. Stay away from names that might be potentially embarrassing to both you AND your dog. The name “Stinky” might be cute at first, but once the joke gets old, think of how you’ll feel a year from now when you have to call “Stinky” home at night. Embarrassing names could also apply to negative words that might rhyme with your dogs name.

2. There’s been a tendency in recent years to give dogs human names. Though there’s nothing wrong with this, be kind to your pooch and name him after someone you like. Also, if want to name him after someone you know, better check with that person first to see if it’s alright. I’m not sure how much your human friend Max will like hearing, “Get off the couch Max!” or worse “We took Max to get fixed today.”

3. If possible, keep the name to one or two syllables. Dogs not only learn it quicker, but it makes them easier to train as well.

On with the names!…

In this article I’ve listed just 3 of the many dog name categories that might help you to think a bit outside the box when coming up with great puppy names. They are…

Unique Dog Names: Have you ever considered naming your dog after something that you eat or drink? I’m serious. Allow me to give you just a few examples that will hopefully get your creative juices flowing… Bon Bon: I can see this as a good name for a small black dog. Caviar: For a dog with expensive tastes. Maybe a good Poodle name? Jalapeno: A good name for a dog with a sometimes fiery disposition. Crouton: Another good name for a small breed. Maybe a Chihuahua? Latte: Possibly a good name for a black dog. Kahlua: I can see this name on a brown dog.

As strange as it sounds, many more food and drink related dog names can be as close as your refrigerator, pantry or liquor cabinet!

Cool Dog Names: The dictionary defines the word “cool” as something that’s fashionable, or hip. To me, when it comes to dog names, a name that’s “cool” is a name that one doesn’t normally hear. One that is creative enough to be memorable. And that perhaps matches that particular dogs appearance or disposition. Here’s just a few names from my site that I put into the “cool” dog name category for starters…

Aspen, Azure, Capri, Charisma, Denali, Java, Mahala, Maui, Mignon, Nirvana, Pirouette, Rio, Sahara, Sierra, Taboo, Tiara

Funny Dog Names: By funny, I’m referring to cute dog names that will match it’s physical appearance. Here’s just a few ideas… Espresso: For an energetic black dog. Kisses: For a small affectionate pup. Brutus: For a BIG dog. Putt-Putt: For a dog with short legs.

Here’s some additional ideas…

Big Dog Names: Barbarian, Big Foot, Butkus, Chewbacca, Genghis, Godzilla, Hummer, Terminator, T-Rex, Tsunami

Small Dog Names: Doodle, Gumball, Kewpie, Laptop, Nibbles, Widget

For additional funny ideas, think opposites! Peanut for a BIG dog, Moose for a small dog.

If you spent as much time as you did when finding the perfect dog, why not spend a little extra time in finding the perfect puppy name? Your dog will thank you for it!

When Richard Livitski isn’t busy running around after his own dogs, he’s busy searching for more unique, cool and funny dog names for www.dog-names-and-more.com where dog names as well as other helpful dog related topics can be found.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Livitski

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