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Reading Room |
Muffins Pet Connection |
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THE TEN COMMANDMENTS - FROM A PET'S STANDPOINT The following is taken from the QUARTERLY JOURNAL, NATIONAL HUMANE EDUCATION SOCIETY, P.O. Box 340, Charles Town, WV 25414 This selection is from Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, CO. I. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you get me. II. Give me time to understand what you want from me. III. Place your trust in me. It is crucial to my well-being. IV. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as a punishment. You have your work, entertainment and friends. I have only you. V. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice. VI. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it. VII. Please don't hit me. I can't hit back, but I can bite and scratch, and I really don't want to do that. VIII. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right foods, or I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak. IX. Take care of me, when I get old. You too will grow old. X. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch," or "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I love you. |
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TRAVELING AND ACCOMMODATIONS The following information was drawn from "PET FRIENDLY HOTELS", QUARTERLY JOURNAL, NATIONAL HUMANE EDUCATION SOCIETY, P.O. Box 340, Charles Town, WV 25414 Web site: www.nhes.org Well-behaved pets are now welcomed at more and more hotels & motels every day. Leaving the pet in a kennel or with a sitter is no longer the only choice. A cat or dog is part of the family and may travel with them. Call the reservation numbers for the hotel or motel and let them know that you have a pet with you. Here is a list of some of the major nationwide chains where pets are generally welcome. [Editor's Note: Hotel and motel policies may vary in different areas. If there is nothing available in a main city business section, try the suburb localities and call the various chains until you find lodging.] Choice Hotel Intl: (Econo Lodge, Sleep Inns, Quality Inns, Clarion Hotels, Comfort Inns) Tele: 1-800-228-5050 Holiday Inn Worldwide: Tele: 1-800-HOLIDAY Hospitality Franchise System: (Howard Johnson’s) Tele: 1-800-654-2000 [Editor’s Note: Spokespersons from various transit companies, trains, buses, subway etc., were contacted regarding the policies for pets/companion animals traveling with their guardians. The majority were in agreement that cats and small dogs in carriers are permitted with their human travelers. Policies concerning large dogs vary. Before leaving home with your pet, call the appropriate transit number to check. Do not wait for an emergency situation to happen when your pet needs immediate veterinary care or boarding. Call your local car service and taxi companies and ask about their pet transport policies so that you are prepared.] |
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IDENTIFICATION OF PETS The following is taken from information provided by: [Editor's Note: The following information should not be construed as veterinary advice. Please consult with your veterinarian and pet professionals for advice.] All pets should carry some form of identification, but which is the best method - tags, tattoos or microchips? Despite drawbacks associated with each, according to experts the correct answer is all of the above. Tags and collars can be removed, tattoos cut, bleached or scratched, and microchips can go unscanned. Yet by employing all three techniques, you improve your chances that your lost or stolen animal will be returned. The benefit of using ID tags attached to collars is that they are easily seen and understood by a lay person and they are non-invasive to the animals. Elastic or breakaway collars are preferred to avoid accidental strangulation. Even if the collar is removed from a stolen pet, if it is found on the premises of a thief, it can provide valuable evidence in a civil or criminal case. Tattooing pets with an identifying number that is filed with a national registry is a good way to retrieve lost pets or to find their owners. The Society's Peace Plantation routinely tattoos all cats coming in to the shelter, since they must be put under anesthesia to test for viruses and for spaying or neutering. Pets should not be tattooed on their ears, since thieves have been known to cut off the ears to get rid of the codes. Animals should instead be tattooed on their inside right thigh, or, in the case of cats, on the belly. Inserting coded microchips under the skin of pets that can be scanned by specialized devices is becoming a popular identification technique, since the chip is not noticeable nor it is easily removed. At least three large companies now provide the technology. but the scanners may not be uniform. Animal control personnel look for tags, tattoos or other I.D. to trace owners of lost pets. Visible evidence may not always deter thieves, but it may prompt a research lab or hospital to attempt to track down an owner. |
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PET LISTING SERVICES IF YOU HAVE TO GIVE UP YOUR PET, YOUR BEST FRIEND. MUFFIN'S PET CONNECTION Visit Muffin's web site and sign our guest book. If you have to give up your pet, please do not abandon him/her. This is your best friend, and abandonment on a city street or a country road is beyond cruel. Abandonment is also against the law, and is punishable by a fine and a jail sentence. There are many dangers that your confused and lonesome pal cannot face alone. Try all possible means to keep your pet. If it is a rental issue, consult with an attorney skilled in this matter. Discuss your worries with your veterinarian, groomer, trainer, pet sitters and other pet professionals. Do not put out "Free to a Good Home" ads, unless you are prepared to ask for personal references, charge a nominal fee, check references before releasing your pet, use a Pet Adoption Contract and ask to bring your pet to the new person's home. Ask what happened to animals that they had in the past and who their veterinarian is. First visit the new home and later deliver the pet yourself. Always follow your instincts. NEVER release your pet before you visit the new person's home. If you think something is wrong, do not leave your pet there. Change your mind about the arrangement. Often there is a great risk that devious people will acquire your pet easily: 1) for dog fight training 2) to sell him / her to laboratories for experiments. If this is not an emergency and you have a week or two, try listing with a Pet Listing Service of a Community Animal Services Organization. They assist pet owners who cannot keep their pets. They are NOT a shelter. MUFFIN'S PET CONNECTION has found homes for thousands of pets. Their computerized adoption list is circulated city wide to veterinarians, groomers, organizations, pet sitters and the Animal Network. They are on the web at www.petfinder.com. They network with shelters, rescuers, dog trainers, pet sitters, behaviorists and pet professionals. |
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HOUSING - HOW TO KEEP YOUR PETS Children and adults benefit from companion animals. A person can receive health benefits from pets in many ways. This includes alleviating a wide range of mental and physical problems and giving emotional support to reduce stress. Physicians often recommend pets for people who have arthritis, high blood pressure, heart conditions, glandular, skin, respiratory, neurological, orthopedic conditions, depression and many other problems and diseases. A doctor's letter stating that the pet is needed by the person, supports the pet guardian in a housing situation involving the management or the landlord. A sample letter may read as follows: To Whom It May Concern: Ms. Mary Smith is a patient of mine. As part of her medical therapy program, I have recommended that she maintain her cat(s) for emotional support. It is my professional opinion that this is an important support system for her day to day living. Sincerely, ___________, M.D. Federal laws for your protection with pets in housing include: The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988; Section 227 of the Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This includes emotional support animals in "no pet" housing, publicly or privately owned. Ask a librarian to help you locate them in the reference section of the library. The Housing Opportunity and Responsibility Act was signed into law on October 21, 1998. This allows for residents of most federally assisted rental housing to keep common household pets. For further information, write or telephone your elected Senators and Representatives. Check your local phone directory for their addresses and phone numbers. |
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MUFFIN'S PET CONNECTION A NON-PROFIT COMMUNITY ANIMAL SERVICES ORGANIZATION TELE: 718-833-7988 Muffin's Pet Connection, Inc. Established 1988 Muffin's Pet Connection is a Low Cost Spay/ Neuter Certificate Program. There are many licensed participating vets city wide. No waiting for your certificate. Same day pick up or mailing Certificate. Or charge Online muffins.org. Muffin's is a Pet Listing Service. We assist pet owners who cannot keep their pets. WE ARE NOT A SHELTER. (We have found homes for over thousands of pets) Our computerized adoption list is circulated city wide to Vets offices, Groomers, Organizations, and the Animal Network. We are on the web - petfinder.com Muffin's network includes: Shelters, Rescuers, Dog Trainers, Pet Sitters, Pet Professionals and Behaviorists. We have Traps / Cage rentals. Muffin's is a grassroots organization. We give out Homeless Homer adoption starter kits with adoptions and Muffin's Pet Connection certificates. Muffin's provides a newsletter, "The Muffin Connection" and Hot Line Numbers E-mail address: pets@muffins.org Visit Muffin's web site and sign our guest book. |
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| HORSES – AMERICAN HIPPOTHERAPY ASSOCIATION A SPECIAL INTEREST SECTION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN RIDING FOR THE HANDICAPPED ASSOCIATION NORTH AMERICAN RIDING FOR THE HANDICAPPED ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 33150 The therapeutic benefits of the horse were recognized as early as 460 BC. Hippotherapy is a treatment that uses the multidimensional movement of the horse; from the Greek word "hippos" which means horse. Hippotherapy uses activities on the horse that are meaningful to the client. Treatment takes place in a controlled environment where graded sensory input can elicit appropriate adaptive responses from the client. Specific riding skills are not taught (as in therapeutic riding), but rather a foundation is established to improve neurological function and sensory processing. This foundation can then be generalized to a wide range of daily activities. The horse's walk provides sensory input through movement which is variable, rhythmic and repetitive. The resulting movement responses in the client are similar to human movement patterns of the pelvis while walking. The variability of the horse's gait enables the therapist to grade the degree of sensory input to the client, then combine this movement with other clinical treatments to achieve desired results. Clients respond enthusiastically to this enjoyable learning experience in a natural setting. Physically, hippotherapy can improve balance, posture, mobility and function. Hippotherapy may also affect psychological, cognitive, behavioral and communication functions for clients of all ages. Clients who may benefit from hippotherapy can have a variety of diagnoses: examples include Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injury, Developmental Delay, Learning or Language Disabilities, Autism and Stroke. However, hippotherapy is not for every client. Each potential client must be evaluated on an individual basis by specially trained health professionals. Formed in 1993, the American Hippotherapy Association's mission is to promote research, education and communication among physical and occupational therapists and others using the horse in a treatment approach. |
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DANGEROUS AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS FOR YOUR PETS Much of the following was drawn from the brochures HOW TO KEEP FROM LOSING YOUR PET and HOUSEHOLD DANGERS and other information provided by: TREE HOUSE ANIMAL FOUNDATION [Editor's Note: Many of the items listed seem to need only common sense to recognize. Unfortunately, many dangers are already present, and we do not realize this until a tragedy happens. Begin a thorough inventory and tour of your home and property. Note any potential problems. When you see something that is worrisome, write it down in your guide and follow-up on it. Our pets depend on us to protect them. This information is not to be construed as medical or veterinary advice. Please consult with your physician, your veterinarian and pet professionals for advice.] Cats and dogs are not aware of the dangers outdoors, and many people do not realize they exist. Your responsibility to your pets is to keep them indoors and closely supervised outdoors. Protect them from being hurt or lost. Once pets start roaming outside, they often become confused and lost; and they are prey for thieves. Consider the following dangers that exist daily. 1. Open doors and windows Unscreened windows and open doors are very inviting for curious or playful pets. Full length screens that are attached or nailed to the windows are necessary. The small portable screens can be easily pushed out and are not safe for either pets or small children. Be careful when you open and close doors leading to the outside. It only takes a few seconds for a pet to escape. If you do not see it happen, your pet may be missing for several hours. Time is precious when looking for a missing animal. Tell all members of the family about watching the doors when visitors come and go. Every time you leave the house, and at bedtime, check to see where your pet is. If you have several pets, count noses so you know all pets are safe. Be careful that you don't lock a pet in the cellar, a closet, attic or other little used area. Cats often explore open dresser drawers and become locked inside when they are shut. 2. Visitors Repair and Construction Personnel, Parties, Dinners, Holiday Banquets, Barbecues, Birthday Celebrations, Dances, new situations, sudden changes and all other occasions that involve people moving about your house and property. These distractions make it impossible to watch your pets. Place them in a room by themselves with their toys, food, water and a litter pan for the cats. Here, your pets have the security they need. Check your window screens to see that they are closed and in good condition. They may need replacement. You may want to lock the door to the room. Check routinely to see that your pets are okay. If the janitor has a key to your apartment, be sure to mention that your pets stay inside, and that the doors remain closed. When you are away for a vacation or a mini-vacation, tell your pet sitter that the pets stay indoors and are always walked with a leash. You may consider boarding your pets. Leave an emergency phone number where you can be reached and your veterinarian's phone number with the personnel. Use a pet carrier to transport cats and small dogs for even a small distance; for example, in the same apartment building. Do not carry a cat in your arms from the car to the house, and never allow your cat to roam about your car en route. Have their collars and ID tags on them with your phone numbers listed. Keep current photos of your pets in their records along with markings and size description. DO NOT leave a cat or dog out in the yard alone unless you are there to watch over them, as you are leaving them open to thieves. Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. Thieves can open locks in seconds. Spay and neuter your pets as this reduces your animal's urge to run out and roam. An altered pet is also healthier. An unaltered female may become pregnant after escaping. Do not add to the pet over-population problem. If you move to a new home, take extra care that your pets do not become lost. New surroundings are a big adjustment for your pets and they can become confused. Confine your cat and dog to a small room at first, with their necessities, and let them become familiar with the new home's scent. Then gradually introduce the pets to the rest of the new house to reduce stress. 3. Cruel, abusive adults and children There is evidence to support the relationship between cruelty and abuse to animals and cruelty to humans. This includes domestic violence. In a household, often the animals and the children are being abused. Listen to what the children say. If Puffy is being beaten, the child probably suffers the same fate. It is important not to ignore abusive acts by children toward animals. Teach the child proper care and responsibility at that time toward the pets and stop encouraging an attitude that will lead to violent behavior. Protect your pets, especially on Halloween. This includes the day and evening before Halloween. Cats, especially, are victimized at this time. Many shelters do not permit the adoption of black cats or white cats for many days prior to Halloween because of the abuse and deaths of the cats in the past. 4. Common household items can be dangerous. Thread, yarn, string, gift wrapping materials, dental floss, corks, cellophane, aluminum foil from cigarette and gum wrappers, cords from drapes, rubber bands, paper clips and sewing supplies are all on the list. Never leave a pet alone with any of these. They may be swallowed and can cause strangulation, intestinal blockage and death. Many pets die from eating the string that meat roasts are tied with. Don't be misled by pictures of kittens playing with yarn. It is best not to take a chance with your pet's life. Dangling cords can cause injury or strangulation. Sharp objects of any kind should be stored away to prevent puncture wounds. Do not give thread spools to your pet to play with as the wood or plastic can splinter in the pet's mouth. Keep garbage cans covered with a secure lid. This will stop your pet from finding small bones that splinter when chewed. Put brooms away after using them. Some pets like to chew on the broom straws which could perforate the intestines, stomach or throat. If your pet likes to play with paper bags. cut the handles off of the shopping bags to avoid his/her head from being caught. 5. Household appliances Do not let your pets near any appliance that is in use. The sharp blades of a fan can kill. Heating elements on a toaster or portable heater can burn. Check all washing machines, dryers, ovens and refrigerators before use, and keep doors shut at all times. A curious pet may jump inside and die. Cover unused outlets. 6. Pet toys Avoid any toy that is not well constructed. Never allow your pet to play with a toy that had glued-on decorations or trim. "Mice" and "fish" often have eyes, noses and tails that come loose with play. They can be lodged in the pets throat. Do not let your pet play with single jingle bells or easily swallowed items. 7. Household cleaners and products As with children, keep your pets away from bleaches, caustic chemicals, disinfectants, cleansers, dyes, toilet bowl cleaners (keep the lid down) and antifreeze. Keep chemicals tightly capped and out of reach. Antifreeze is always a hazard, especially in winter months, as pets often drink it, and this can be fatal. Powdered carpet cleaners are inhaled by pets as they roll about on the floor. It also gets on their fur. ALWAYS READ THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE CONTAINERS, PARTICULARLY ABOUT CHILDREN AND PETS. If the label states: DO NOT USE AROUND PETS AND CHILDREN, THEN DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT! Always check with your veterinarian if you are worried about a product. Do not use bug killers in powder form, and if a pet toy should come in contact with a poison, just throw it away. The poison can linger for a long time. Check bottles for combinations of words having Phenol in the name. Don't use products with Phenol or other harsh chemicals to clean the litter pan. This includes coal tar products, acids, lye bleaches and ammonia. Other poisons include crayons, lime, fertilizers, furniture polish, clothing dyes, paint and varnish remover, dishwasher compounds and broken fluorescent bulbs. 8. People medicines, pain killers etc. Common over the counter pain killers and other medications that people routinely take without any ill effects can kill a pet. Keep all medications that the people of the household use in a safe place and tightly capped. NEVER give your pet any medication without checking first with a veterinarian. 9. Poisonous plants and foods Many plants, both the outdoor and household varieties, can be toxic to pets. There is an attached list in your guide here, and if there is doubt with any substance, please check with your veterinarian. Also place the telephone numbers of your veterinarian, emergency hospital and other pet professionals where you can quickly find them. The foods to be avoided are: mushrooms, rhubarb, cherry, acorns, sweet pea and rosary pea, potatoes (especially the eye and any sprouts from the eye; the cooked potato is okay), apricots and peaches (pits). Onions and chocolate are toxic to dogs, especially, and cats. 10. Flea powders and dips Always check with your veterinarian before using any commercial flea powders, dips etc. Kittens and puppies are especially vulnerable. 11. Lawn care and rodent extermination Lawn care chemicals can be toxic for your pets. Cats should be indoors at all times. Read all labels carefully on products. Question your landscaper about the products used, and check with your veterinarian about your pets' safety. Keep your pets away from rodent areas. Tell the exterminator you have a pet! Remove people, pets with their food and water dishes from the house during spraying and until all rooms are aired out afterwards. There can always be a danger with chemicals. |
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| HUMANE CODE OF HONOR The following is taken from information provided by: 1. I will apply the Golden Rule in dealing with man or beast. 2. I will give up my pleasure or gain to aid a creature in distress. 3. I will unselfishly respect the rights and feelings of others. 4. Anything which gives pain to another will not be pleasure to me. 5. I will be considerate and merciful in all my acts. 6. I will seek to change sadness or suffering to happiness or comfort. 7. Though others scorn, I will resist all acts of cruelty. 8. I will seek humane excellence above selfish desires. 9. I will fill my life with deeds of kindness and acts of love. 10. I will be a "friend in time of need" even to the humblest of creatures. 11. I will speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. 12. I will seek to keep alive within me that spark of human greatness called sympathy. |
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WINTER PET CARE The following is drawn from CREATURE COMFORTS, A GUIDE TO ANIMALS AND THEIR CARE by THE NATIONAL HUMANE EDUCATION SOCIETY, P.O. Box 340, Charles Town, WV 25414-0340 [Editor's Note: The following information should not be construed as veterinary advice. Please consult with your veterinarian and pet professionals for advice.] COLD WEATHER Most dogs are better off indoors except when taken out for exercise. Cats should be kept indoors at all times. The most important reason is for the animal's own safety. One of the hazards a pet faces in winter is exposure to extreme cold. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES Ethylene glycol, the major ingredient in antifreeze, attracts dogs and cats because of the sweet taste. IT IS POISONOUS and usually fatal, if swallowed. The Illinois Animal Poison Control Information Center says pets that drink antifreeze may act drunk, stagger and be depressed, often within 30 minutes. This behavior can last from six to twelve hours, at which time, the animal may appear better. However, within two days, a fatal dose will cause prolonged vomiting, severe kidney pain, ulcers in the mouth and a very painful death from kidney failure. If your pet should swallow any antifreeze, call a veterinarian at once. ROCK SALT UNDERFOOT Rock salt is used often for icy sidewalks and slippery roads. It is abrasive and may cut into an animal's paws and burn his/her mouth. Dogs may eat rock salt, which will cause vomiting. When bringing in a pet from the outside during a icy day, check the feet. Remove the ice balls between the animal's toes and wipe the feet with a damp towel, especially after walking in an area where rock salt or other chemicals were used. HOLIDAY DECORATIONS AND FOOD To prevent a tree from toppling over, anchor it in a heavy bucket of sand and tie it down. Better yet, close off the decorated rooms when pets are unattended. Select ornaments and trimmings with care. Small pieces of ornaments, tinsel, angel hair and ornament hangers can be fatal to pets if swallowed. To discourage dangerous electrical cord biting, place hot pepper sauce or Bitter Apple from a pet store directly on the cord. |
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