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Check Out Our Informative Stories & Articles Civilization: Defined by Treatment of Animals
By Sandi Martin
So you think we live in a civilized society. America is, after all, a powerful nation. We have cars that talk, computers that run faster everyday. We know what a civilized society is. Or do we?
Gandhi once said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
So how great is our nation? Let’s consider some recent events and then we’ll come back and answer that question.
A 22-year-old Bartow County man recently was arrested for hitting a Chihuahua in the head with a claw hammer. Then he set the animal on fire.
In Atlanta two teenaged brothers recently stood trial for taping a puppy’s feet together, pouring paint on it and putting it in an oven. The Atlanta Journal reported on February 16, 2007 that the owner of the puppy stated he was high on marijuana and wasn’t that attached to it (the puppy). The owner also felt that the dog probably died quickly, “in the first hour and a half”.
Savannah, Georgia, May 2006. A witness observed a man speeding down the wrong way of a Savannah street. The driver intentionally hit a dog and killed it.
July 3, 2006, Cherokee County. Two Bull Terriers escaped from their owner after they were spooked by a cat. Someone later found the dogs; someone had severely beaten them before throwing them from a highway overpass, where they landed on the concrete, 40 feet below. One dog died.
Gary D. Miller had a strong reaction to his sentencing of aggravated animal cruelty charges when he learned that he could never own a dog again. On February 13, 2004, Miller was arrested at his home in Jonesboro. Police found a dog fighting pen, the bodies of two dogs and the bones of perhaps several more located in the woods behind Miller’s home. One dog was found partially blind. Miller was taken into custody after police found him hiding in his attic.
Douglasville, Georgia, July 5, 2006. Brian Heidik was charged with battery and cruelty to animals. Heidik was the winner of Survivor-Thailand. He allegedly shot a puppy with an arrow.
Forty-two year old Vicki Lynn Knight attempted to poison two dogs by feeding them ground beef laced with rat poison. She did not succeed. She did receive five years probation, a $1000 fine, and 130 hours community service. The attempted poisoning happened in June of 2005 in Cumming, Georgia. Vicki has relocated to Texas.
In Gwinnett County, Atlanta Falcons player Jonathan Babineaux was charged with felony animal cruelty in February 2007. The animal in question died from blunt force trauma to the head. The case is still pending.
Randall Lamar Morgan, a 58-year-old deputy sheriff in Banks County faces four counts of animal cruelty after the bodies of four dead dogs were found on his property. Morgan denied owning the dogs. One of the dead dogs was found with a collar that had Morgan’s contact information. All dogs apparently died from starvation. They were chained on the property with no access to food or water. Under Georgia law, the charges in the cruelty case are misdemeanors: Date, March 5, 2007.
In 2000, Georgia enacted a felony provision for animal cruelty. The maximum amount of jail time is five years with a $15,000 fine. The law also allows mandatory counseling as part of sentencing.
Currently there are eight states without felony provisions for cruelty to animal: Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Mississippi, North Dakota, South Dakota and Utah.
The states with the most maximum jail time are Alabama and Louisiana, with 10 years.
Colorado has a maximum fine of $500,000. Some states carry a maximum fine of only $1000 and some have a maximum jail time of only six months.
It goes without saying that our state needs to clarify and strengthen this law.
A lot of people assume that this problem we have with animal abuse and neglect is something that has happened because of our society becoming more violent everyday. If you think it’s a modern problem, then explain this statement from Leonardo DaVinci,
“The time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals as they now look on the murder of men.”
So, how great is our nation? I don’t think Gandhi would think we’re too great. But what about you? And more importantly, what are you going to do about it?
Boarding: Pet Sitter Takes Different Approach
By Leah Robinson
Looking for someone to take care of your pets during the holiday season? One pet sitter says she will be glad to come to your home or you can feel free to drop your babies off at her place, where they will sleep on the sofa, the bed – well, somewhere comfy!
Glenda Moyer, Owner of Animal House Pet Sitters and Boarding, opened her business in November 2006. She offers stress free options for the care of your pets while you have to be away from them.
“I offer private boarding in my home so that if your pet likes to play with others, but you do not want to leave them at a kennel, where they could be hurt, get sick from being around numerous dogs or suffer from separation anxiety - you have another option for overnight care,” explained Moyer. Her goal is simple: providing a good atmosphere for pets while their parents are away.
“My goal is to provide a safe, clean, stress free and fun place to leave your pet when it is necessary to do so. I like to call my style of boarding “home away from home” boarding,” she said. In addition to tender, loving care, Moyer, who services the Grant Park, East Atlanta, Midtown, Highlands’ areas, said there are plenty of toys to play with in a special play area, an extra-large doggie door that leads to the back yard, as well as a small swimming pool for the summer months.
While her business sounds glamorous, like any other, it took hard work to get it started, Moyer told Critter Magazine. She first joined professional organizations like Professional United Pet Sitters.
“I then went to my county court house and applied for my business license. Once I received it, I then purchased insurance and a bond for my clients and my own protection,” Moyer told us. These few examples of the process she underwent in order to start up, she said, is all worth it since she enjoys what she does.
“I take pride in my business and love that I can offer a great alternative to boarding at a kennel offering great care for your pets. I love caring for animals and have truly found my passion. It has been a lot of work but well worth it and if someone is interested in starting up there own pet care company I would suggest a few things that I have found to be important. I would suggest that you defiantly do your research first looking up your demographics in your area, keep your target area within 5 to 10 miles from your home, come up with an idea that is special this will make you stand out from the rest, also make sure you have a license, insurance and get bonded, this shows your professionalism. Stay organized and on top of returning calls right away. Build policies form that list hours of operation as well as a cancellation policy and get a signature at the time of your first meeting. Keep your clients keys together and in a safe place. Setting boundaries is a very necessary thing because we work 24/7 every week of the year it is very difficult to have time for your self so explaining your hours to your clients and your policies will cut down on confusion and keep you from being taken advantage of. Any services done after hours will be considered emergency calls and you should be compensated extra for helping out your clients on your personal time. Most clients will understand this if you explain it in a professional way.
If you would like to drop your pet off at Animal House Pet Sitters so your animal may have free reign of the house, choose its own bed and socialize with a few playmates during the day, your baby must be spayed or neutered, current on all vaccinations and healthy. They must also be friendly and non aggressive.
Contact Glenda Moyer at 404-622-4398 www.animalhousepetsitters.com / gam2298@bellsouth.net
Flyball 101
By Tammy Wilson
Flyball is a fast and fun dog sport. It is like drag racing with your dog! It is growing here in Georgia by leaps and bounds. If you have a dog that loves to chase and play, and you want to have a fun way to release his energy in a positive way that involves you, this is it!
What is Flyball?
Flyball is a relay race with four dogs on a team. The course consists of a starting line, four hurdles spaced 10 feet apart and a box. The first hurdle is six feet from the start line and the box is 15 feet from the last hurdle for a 51 foot overall length. The dogs jump the hurdles and step on a spring-loaded box that shoots out a tennis ball. The dog catches the tennis ball and then runs back over the four hurdles. When the dog crosses the starting line, the next dog goes. The first team to have all four dogs run without errors wins the heat, otherwise known as the run.
Tournaments are usually organized in either a double elimination or round robin format. Double elimination is usually best of three or best of five. Round robin is
usually best three out of five and the first team to win three heats receives one point towards its standing in the tournament.
Height of the hurdles depends on the team of dogs’ height – four inches below the shoulder height of the shortest dog. Six-inches is the minimum height and
12-inches is the maximum.
The North American Flyball Association, Inc. (NAFA) judges four classes of competition: Regular, Multi-breed, Veteran’s and Non-Regular. The Spring Loaded flyball team from Michigan currently holds several world records for the fastest time. According to NAFA, Spring Loaded holds the record of 15.22 seconds for the Regular class competition and 15.36 for the Mixed-breed competition.
Flyball has been around since the early 1980s, and is finally beginning to grow as a dog sport here in Georgia (it is extremely popular in many other parts of the
country). We now have a couple of tournaments in
Georgia each year. Feel free to check websites NAFA (www.flyball.org/tournaments.html) and U-FLI
(www.u-fli.com) for upcoming events.
I have been competing in Flyball for seven years. All of my dogs were adopted from shelters, or they were given to me because they were unwanted. My dogs have many points and titles and hold a few records in Georgia. Flyball is an awesome sport for rescue dogs, mix breeds, purebreds - any dog can play flyball! Flyball is the only dog sport, I know of, that encourages rescue and loves to have mixes play.
If you are interested in checking out this cutting edge sport, contact Tammy Wilson for class times and scheduled events. One-hour flyball classes cost $10.
770-505-1666 / aussiepossie01@bellsouth.net / 1325 Hiram Sudie Road, Hiram, GA 30141 Kennel Cough: What You Should Know Before Taking Your K-9 to Daycare
By Amanda Trice
Dog owners regularly vaccinate their pets with a standard vaccine to prevent kennel cough, however many don’t know what the virus is and how it affects their canines. Often times when dogs are infected it is a result of boarding or coming in contact with other dogs.
“Kennel cough is a highly contagious, viral infection that affects the upper respiratory system,” said Dr. Karen Barnes, veterinarian at Westside Animal Emergency Clinic in Lithia Springs. “Pet owners often describe the cough as having a dry, hacking, honking, choking sound. These are the most common clinical signs.”
Veterinarians commonly refer to the condition as tracheobronchitis, canine infectious tracheobronchitis, Bordetellosis, or Bordetella. Symptoms can sometimes include vomiting and a nasal discharge. Dogs do not always become lethargic, and they often continue to eat. However, more severe symptoms can progress into fever, lethargy, pneumonia and in severe cases, even death. The majority of severe cases occur in animals with weak immune systems, or young unvaccinated puppies.
“Most clinics [and boarding facilities] require vaccinations every six months for a consistent schedule, and require dogs be vaccinated prior to boarding because of the risk,” said Dr. Barnes. “The vaccination prevents kennel cough in most cases, and I highly recommend vaccinations to prevent illness.”
There are two different types of treatment options for kennel cough. If the dog has a good appetite and is alert, the disease can run its course, just as a cold would with humans. However the virus must run its course over the period of up to two weeks, and the dog will be contagious until this period of time has lapsed. The second option is to give the dog an antibiotic and/or steroids to reduce the severity of the cough and to make the animal more comfortable.
Recent research indicates kennel cough may cause disease in some humans, primarily those with vulnerable immune systems, and young children. However, in normal, healthy adults, there does not appear to be a risk factor.
Facts About Declawing Cats
By Leah Robinson
Instead of a simple nail trim, declawing is the removal of the entire bone connected to the claw. Declawing is an actual surgical procedure, which veterinarians typically consider more harsh and abnormal than spaying and neutering. The declaw surgery, called an onychectomy, has been compared to humans’ fingers being amputated to the first knuckle because, essentially, that’s what’s being done when cats are declawed.
Growing up, I thought it was good when a cat had been declawed, meaning it could not harm me or anyone else. In actuality, the cat’s number one line of defense has been stripped away, which may result in biting. After learning that cats could experience chronic pain in the pads, muscles and/or back due to this procedure, I felt bad for the cats I had come into contact with that had been declawed. Cats walk on their toes, instead on the balls or soles, like most other mammals. So, cats’ claws serve an actual purpose: balancing, exercising and stretching the back, leg and shoulder muscles, as well as the paws.
Sure claws may damage furniture, but that is one of the givens that come along with parenting a cat – knowing this fact in advance goes back to researching and preparing for a pet, prior to opening up a home to an animal. A cat’s claws also allow it to mark its territory, similar to dogs’ territorial markings with urine. So, in some cases, since a declawed cat can no longer mark its territory with its claws, it may resort to staking its claim with urine.
To avoid declawing, resulting in pain and/or damage, there are alternatives. There are clip-on, decorative accessories that cover indoor cats’ claws to prevent the puncturing of furniture and other household items. Also, cat owners can teach their furry babies to use a scratching post.
Sources:
www.atlantaanimalalliance.com
Bloat: Second Leading Cause in Dog Deaths By Amanda Trice
Like humans, animals can get bloated too, but in canines it can be extremely dangerous. Bloat is the second leading cause of death in dogs, and many pet owners don’t even know what it is.
Bloat is a digestive disorder that causes a buildup of gas in the stomach. Production of gas is a normal function, but if the animal is unable to release the extra gas, the stomach can become enlarged, and can twist.
When a dog has bloat and the stomach twists, also known as the gastric dilation-volvulus, the openings at the top and the bottom of the stomach twist, blocking all materials from entering or leaving. As digestion continues, the stomach will swell, and as it gets larger, it can push against blood vessels and decrease circulation. It can also take up space, where the diaphragm needs to expand, which makes it difficult for the dog to breathe. If left untreated, the circulation and breathing problems can cause infections, bleeding disorders, heart failure and sudden death.
“Bloat is a life-threatening, rapid disorder, and it needs to be treated immediately,” said Dr. Todd Hughes, veterinarian at Polk Veterinary Care, LLC. “It is most common is large, deep-chested dogs, and the [most obvious] signs are labored breathing, loss of appetite, heart racing and the gums looking a dingy, pink color.”
Other symptoms include an inflated, swollen belly, nausea, vomiting, attempts to vomit, unexpected weakness, or collapse. Some dogs may appear depressed or show signs of pain. If a dog has symptoms of bloat he will need to be treated immediately. The veterinarian can verify the condition by performing an exam and X-rays. If a canine is diagnosed with bloat, and the stomach hasn’t become twisted, the veterinarian can decompress the stomach with a tube and no other treatment is needed.
If the stomach has twisted, the canine will need to be treated surgically. During surgery, a veterinarian will untwist the stomach, and often times will also perform a gastropexy during surgery, which requires attaching the stomach to the abdominal wall so it won't twist again in the future. A dog that’s had bloat has a high risk of bloating again.
“You can reduce the risk with dietary management, because it can be caused by eating too much, too fast, especially highly fermentable foods,” said Dr. Hughes.
If you notice anything about your pet that seems new or unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Never Give Up: Reuniting Parent with Dog
By Leah Robinson
“She sounds like a little squeak toy and I missed that so much,” says Douglas County resident Marilyn Beene, who was recently reunited with Lillie, her lost Chihuahua. Beene says her husband took the almost nine-month-old dog out with one of their other dogs without a leash and before he knew it, Lillie had disappeared.
“In like ten minutes it happened. He answered his cell phone, I went to the gas station and when I came back she was gone,” Beene said as she remembered that day as if it were yesterday. “I know it’s terrible, they weren’t on a leash; that’s never happening again.”
“I was thinking of the worst things,” Beene said, remembering how she felt with Lillie being gone. She said she thought of the Pit Bull her neighbors had could have gotten hold of Lillie; one woman told her a hawk could have gotten Lillie. A Humane Society board member informed her that some people in Douglasville would steal a purebred dog and trade it for drugs.
Over the course of seven days, Beene and her husband searched frantically to find Lillie. They called local veterinarian offices and passed out flyers, but little did they know those flyers, along with another diligent animal rescuer would actually help them get Lillie back.
Owner of Rover Makeover Grooming Carol Watson takes in strays, and usually tries to find homes for them. Around the same time Lillie came up missing, a friend of Watson’s informed her that a Chihuahua was abandoned at a nearby store.
“My friend asked if I could take it in, find it a home or its old home,” explained Watson. So she called around to local vet offices and the county Humane Society to let officials know she had found a dog.
Beene found out Watson had found a dog that fit the description of Lillie, so she called hoping Watson had her dog. With false hope, the dog Watson had was not Beene’s missing dog, but she gladly gave her a home anyway – she calls her Darla. When Beene picked Darla up, she also brought a flyer and a picture of her missing dog.
After meeting with Beene, Watson visited a diner next to her grooming business, where she heard a woman talking about a dog she recently found.
“I asked what area she found her and how old she was and it was real close to where Lillie got lost at,” said Watson. After asking how old the dog may have been, as well as how it looked, Watson showed the ladies the flyer Beene had given her. Watson excitedly said she saw the dog, called Beene and “Marilyn and Lillie both started crying” when they saw each other.
“Lillie looked like she had lost about a pound or so, so we’ve had to fatten her up,” Been said happily. She said she is really proud of the people in Douglasville, and she thanks God for Carol Watson. Her message to others missing a loved one is “Don’t ever give up.”
The Pain of Facing Euthanasia – Steps to Prepare By Kevin Marcy
Choosing to euthanize a beloved pet can be one of the most heart wrenching decisions a family can make. Most pet owners consider their pet as part of their family and a very important part of their everyday life. In fact, many “pet parents” call themselves “mommy” or “daddy”. Because the love for their pet runs so deep, quite often the decision to euthanize a pet is put off for days, weeks or months; even if it makes the most medical sense for the pet’s well being and comfort.
Dr. Alan Wolfelt, author, educator, nationally known grief counselor and pet lover, says, “If someone makes the decision to euthanize their pet they need to trust their decision and believe that they have made the right choice.” The word euthanasia is actually Greek for “happy or fortunate death”. Together you and your veterinarian should sit down and decide what is best for your pet. If it is to end with pain and suffering then understand that you are choosing a “happy death.”
Once you have made this tough decision, I recommend several steps to assist you and your pet prepare for this day. Steps that will not only add to the special memories you and your pet share, but steps that will comfort your pet when the final hour has arrived, as well as steps to help you grieve.
Step 1: Spend as much time as possible with you furry child. Together visit some of the places that are special to you and your pet. I recently served a family that told me that their pet loved the beach. So when this family new that their time was limited, they actually took a special vacation to make sure that their pet got to see the beach one last time. Silly? Not at all. We would do that for any of our human family members, wouldn’t we?
Step 2: Allow your pet to do some of the little things that you would normally never let them do but would make them happy. You know, like begging and eating table food, sleeping on your bed, chewing on an old shoe etc. Another family that I served recently told me they went out and bought ice cream with their pet, because they knew how much their pet loved ice cream, but could never have it.
Step 3: Take more pictures or videos of your pet. You can never have too many! This will help alleviate the regret of not having enough pictures in the future.
Step 4: Sit with your pet and look at and talk about the old pictures or videos that you have taken over the years. Discuss it in detail and remember how you felt, how your pet felt and even how it smelled. Now in all honesty, you will get much more from this step than your pet. But just the time spent together is all worth it.
Step 5: Make sure that you have made a decision on how your pet is to be memorialized and remembered. Memorialization is every bit as important when a pet dies as it is when a human family member dies. Search out and talk to a Pet Funeral Home or Crematory that you feel comfortable with. Discuss options, ideas, services and prices. Have all this information with you when you arrive at your Vet’s office for your final appointment. If at all possible, ask the Pet Funeral Home/Crematory to meet you at the Vet’s office at the scheduled time. (The same can be planned if euthanasia is planned for your home).
Step 6: Stay with your pet from the time you arrive at your Vet’s office until he or she takes their final breath. Bring their favorite toy or blanket, comfort them with a soothing, calm voice and hold them as long as needed, assuring your furry loved one that they will soon be in a better place and feeling much better.
Step 7: If you have other pets, allow them to be a part of all of these activities. They too will grieve in their own way and need a chance to say goodbye.
It is important to understand that even though you have absolutely made the right choice in euthanizing your pet, you must keep in mind that your grief can be affected by the manner in which your pet dies. It doesn’t matter if your pet was tragically killed in an accident, died of an illness or even old age. Because you chose to euthanize your pet it may leave you feeling uneasy or guilty. You may even feel anger at yourself, your vet or your pet, along with feeling numb. This is normal.
You must allow yourself to feel all of these feelings and more. Talk about them with another family member or a friend who loves pets as much as you do. This will, in time, help these feelings become less powerful over time and you will grow more confident in your decision.
Finally, remember that guilt, regrets and self blaming are very common feelings after a pet dies. Dr. Woffelt, also talks about having a case of the “if only;” if only I had gotten him to the vet quicker, if only I hadn’t let her out the side gate, if only I had been more responsible.
If you find yourself experiencing the “if only” feeling, don’t be so hard on yourself. There really are some limits to your responsibility for your pet. Always remember this…You loved your pet with all your heart and took care of it with all you had. Your pet really did appreciate your love and care.
Kevin R. Marcy, a 5th generation licensed funeral director, and wife Gina are owners of Pet Dreams Memorial Center. Located in Kennesaw, GA., Pet Dreams Memorial Center is a funeral home and cremation service dedicated to pets. Pet Dreams offers Pet Funerals, viewings, dignified cremation, memorial services, pet loss and grief resources, as well as a full line of pet urns and caskets. For more information visit their website at www.petdreamsmemorial.com or call Kevin at 678-594-0041.
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