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TALKING TO ANIMALS Monthly Newsletter
"By loving and understanding animals, perhaps we humans shall come to understand each other."
Dr. Louis J. Camuti
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January 2006
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Published monthly for subscribers to Talking To Animals Newsletter
By Charlene Boyd
http://www.talk-to-animals.com
YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO FORWARD THIS NEWSLETTER TO FRIENDS
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In this edition:
1. Welcome!
2. Inspirational quotations about animals
3. Featured Article: How to improve you pet's health
4. A story from my files: Keisha's Story
5. FAF's (fascinating animal facts)
6. Pet Resources - Books, Websites and Products I Recommend
7. Questions Answered
8. The Tail End
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1. WELCOME
I want to wish all my readers a Happy New Year! I find that January is a month
that is filled with hope and the promise for a bright new year and for good things to come.
The holidays are behind us, gifts are put away, decorations are down and good times with
family and friends are warm memories. January is the month when we make promises to
ourselves to lose weight, eat healthier foods, and perhaps to save money each month.
This issue of Talking To Animals will feature tips to improve the health and happiness
of your pets. The touching story of Keisha, a puppy from a puppy-mill sent by one of my
clients is a powerful reminder to know beforehand the background or source of your new puppy or kitten.
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2. INSPIRATIONAL QUOTATIONS ABOUT ANIMALS
"Concern for animals is a matter of taking the side of the weak against the strong, something the best people have always done."
Harriet Beecher Stowe
"In their innocence and wisdom, in their connection to the earth and its most ancient rhythms, animals show us a way back to a home they have never left."
Susan Chernak McElroy
From Animals as Teachers and Healers
"An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language."
Martin Buber
(1878-1965)
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3. FEATURED ARTICLE:
The feature article will focus on ways to improve your pet's health and the relationship you we share with them. The American Veterinary Medical Association in a recent news release stated that the three main concerns for pets in the United States are obesity, high blood pressure (yes, pets develop high blood pressure too!) and diabetes. No surprise here, as our pets reflect our main health concerns too. I recently worked with a 30-pound cat! The normal sized cat weighs in at 10-12 pounds, depending on breed. Obesity is also linked to an increase in diabetes in pets. Snap on the leash and take your dog out for a good walk every day. Both of you will benefit from the exercise and it is a great way to deepen the bond with your dog. Cats enjoy toys on the end of a wand that they can chase and pounce on. Laser lights are also an effective way to exercise a cat and can be entertaining for both of you.
Regular grooming makes your pet feel pampered and well cared for. Even shorthaired dogs and cats need regular brushing to remove dead hair and cut down on shedding. Nails should be clipped regularly. If you are not comfortable doing this task a groomer or your vet can do it for you. Smell your cat or dog?s ears frequently. Some ear infections have a distinct smell and some breeds need to have the hair plucked or trimmed in the ear canal to forstall chronic ear infections.
Physical exams by your veterinarian are the best way to keep your pet in tip-top health. Seventy percent of dogs and cats over the age of four have periodontal disease. Many veterinarians offer non-anesthesia cleaning at affordable prices. Vaccination protocols in recent years have changed. Yearly vaccinations, other than rabies, are not required by adult animals who were vaccinated as puppies and kittens. A booster vaccination at one year of age and then again at three years of age is usually sufficient. Talk to your veterinarian about what is required for your particular pet.
Today's pets are no longer animals that are accustomed to being outside full time. The rule of thumb is: if you are uncomfortable outside, your pet is too! Extremes in temperature are stressful to pets. Always provide adequate protection from heat and cold, especially for very young or older pets. Dogs should not be allowed to run outside if it is very hot. Hyperthermia is more common than people realize. Always have cool water available to your pet.
Do you want to increase your happiness quotient? Spend regular time with your pets. They aren't called companion animals for nothing! They are truly at their happiest when they are in our company. Talk to your pets; tell them how wonderful they are. Our voice is music to their ears. Touch them, play with them-both of you will feel better afterwards. Cats enjoy your quiet company when you are reading, watching TV or working at the computer. Laps are a favorite resting place for them! Cats enjoy new toys as much as dogs do. Most cats find catnip toys fun and will spend long periods of time batting them around. Enroll your dog in an obedience class that emphasizes positive reinforcement techniques. Choke chains are not in favor these days for training. Other classes for dogs include agility, rally obedience, freestyle obedience and herding. Dogs love to "do things" with us and this is a great way for both you and your dog to get some exercise and to forget the worries of the day. Animal-assisted therapy is suitable for most companion animals of all species. Animals are natural healers with the handicapped and elderly people.
With a little thought and planning, 2006 can be a year filled with good times and good health for you and your pet. Our animals are such an integral part of our lives that we will want to do everything to insure their health and happiness. The pay-off is a win-win for everyone and that is not such a bad deal.
IMPORTANT FOOD RECALL
Certain Diamond Pet Food products have been recalled because of aflatoxin contained in the foods (which is poisonous). You can check it out at this site: http://www.diamondpetrecall.net. Several hundred dogs have died to date. The website has a list of symptoms to watch for and specific products that are being recalled.
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4. A STORY FROM MY FILES: Keisha's Story
This is a sad, yet touching story about a puppy-mill dog. "Keisha" the dog in the story, received much more love and care than many of the kittens and puppies that come from puppy-mills. Unfortunately more and more dogs are coming from the puppy-mills in the Midwest. Many of the puppies and kittens purchased from pet stores are from these sources. Usually they have health or temperament problems stemming from poor breeding practices, inadequate nutrition and poor sanitation. Most puppies and kittens purchased at pet stores are impulse purchases. Please do a little research before you buy a kitten or a puppy so hopefully, you can avoid the heartbreak that Keisha's owners experienced. Rita begins her story....
Keisha's Story
My sister bought Keisha from what she thought was a nice couple who met her half way between cities on the highway. The breeders were from up North in Minnesota and of course they didn't want people to see the conditions that they were breeding in so they offered to drive half way. She was a beautiful puppy, a mix of American Eskimo and Pomeranian.
My sister had small children and Keisha had sharp puppy teeth and was biting the children. They had made a poor choice and were not ready for a puppy so I offered to take her in a heartbeat. The first 2 years she seemed healthy, but soon that would all end. She started off by licking her feet and we didn't think much of it until it rapidly progressed into biting the feet bloody to the bone and rubbing her head and ears into the carpet endlessly. We first tried over the counter things like lotions and sprays but they did not offer any help. We then went through 2 years of seeing different vets and trying different foods and medications. Keisha was diagnosed with allergies but no one knew how severe they would develop.
You see it all started at the breeders, (Puppy Mill). One or more of Keisha's parents that were bred most likely had allergies. A reputable breeder would never breed a dog purposely knowing they have allergies. Our Vets' conclusions were that Keisha did not receive adequate nutrition as a puppy and denied her own mother's milk. She probably was fed a cheap off-brand food, dirty or little water, and lived in unbearable conditions. This set her up for disaster for the rest of her years. Who would have thought that a dog's insides could actually reject everything she ate and the very air she breathed into her nostrils was detrimental to her health? She was basically allergic to her own body. This was one of the worst cases that the local vets and the University of Minnesota Vets had ever seen.
We could not leave her outside for more than a few minutes because she was allergic to the grass, weeds, flowers, dead bugs, cotton, dust, mold, you name it, she was allergic to it. She loved to be outside and go for walks, but her nose would develop white foam around it and her head would get hot to the touch if left out too long. She could get all of her feet bloody to the bone in less than 5 minutes. She would rub her head, ears and eyes onto anything that would offer a little relief including the rocks and cement sidewalk outside. Even though she was miserable she tried so hard for us. She tried to always please us, offer us unconditional love and to cuddle with us as much as she could. She was a wonderful part of our family and we loved her so much. So much, that we had to try everything we could to help her. We tried antihistamine trials of many different kinds and none worked. We tried fatty acids, special foods, prescription shampoo baths daily, and even trimmed between her toes to prevent yeast infections. I sewed special pajamas with feet on them for her to wear at night and made leggings for the daytime, but she bit threw them all. She could take Band-Aids and wraps off her legs in seconds. We took her to many different Vets and ended up at the University of Minnesota where she saw allergy specialists. They gave her numerous allergy tests and she tested positive to almost everything. So we started her on allergy shots with high hopes they would help. They didn't help at all though. After 6 months on them she actually became allergic to her own shots and was getting sick every time we gave her one.
For the last 3 years of her life she had to wear an Elizabethan collar constantly and it hardly ever came off. You might think this to be mean, but it was the only choice we had because with that hood on, she actually seemed a bit more at ease and knew she couldn't get at her feet so easily. But at times even with the hood, she would rub the edges of it on her feet and get them bloody that way. She'd run from run to room as if to be running from the constant itching, as if she could out run it, but she never could. People would point, laugh and ridicule her when she was out in the yard. Even other dogs seemed to treat her differently and she knew it. It was so sad that I cried silently in my heart everyday for her. We just kept thinking that there must be something that we hadn't tried so kept searching. They put her on prednisolone along with other meds but that did not work either and only reduced her to a glossy eyed little girl that was still miserable and not her true self any longer.
We just kept thinking, who puts their dogs down because of allergies? I couldn't bring myself to it until one day she just gave me that look and I knew that I had to help her the best way I knew how. It was time. I cried as my husband and I took her to the vet clinic. It didn't take long and she went limp and fell to sleep. Through the tears I managed to muster up enough courage to say my goodbyes and give her a final kiss on her little head.
When I got home, I felt terrible and had so many regrets. I just wanted her back so badly and couldn't stop crying. I was sick to my stomach for days and couldn't eat. I didn't know what to do. I finally did an Internet search and Charlene's name appeared on my screen. I knew that it certainly couldn't hurt to give her a call. She helped me to grieve and get through Keisha's death and I will forever be grateful to her. My husband and I did not take her body home, but we put together a little memorial in her treat jar. We put the poem "The Rainbow Bridge" in the jar along with her favorite ball, bone and a picture of her with our family. We read the poem out loud and buried the jar beneath a beautiful flowering Crabtree in our yard. We then put a statue of an angel holding a puppy beneath the tree. I cannot tell you how much that helped us to grieve and to heal. Every time I look at that statue I get a sense of peace knowing that Keisha is in heaven with G-d and she is finally comfortable in her brand new fur suit.
I now encourage people to be very cautious of where they adopt a pet. Ask questions, check out the breeder's home conditions, ask for health guarantees, and please think twice about purchasing a pet from a pet shop. There are many pets at local shelters that need loving homes.
Thank you Keisha for all you taught us in your 10 years with us. You will live on in our hearts forever.
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5. FAF's (fascinating animal facts)
A snail can sleep for three years (wow, lucky guy!)
The cockroach is the fastest animal on 6 legs covering a meter a second.
The only two animals that can see behind it without turning its head are the rabbit and the parrot.
A zebra is white with black stripes.
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6. PET RESOURCES - Books, Websites, Products and Publications I Recommend
This month I will be reviewing two books. The first one is about a serious topic that we don't like to think about, what will happen to our pets if something happens to us? What if we become seriously ill and are not able to care for them? Have we made provisions for their care many of us view our pets as companions, members of the family. Yet, we are woefully unprepared in the event we become incapacitated in their care.
"All My Children Wear Fur Coats" How To Leave A Legacy For Your Pet by Peggy R. Hoyt is a comprehensive blueprint for ensuring that the love and care you provide will be continued for the life of your pet. It covers topics from "planning for your pet's future-what to do if something happens to you," estate planning and pets, and animal care organizations. Written by an attorney who has a deep love for animals, this subject is written with sensitivity and compassion. A portion of the proceeds of the book will be donated to the Humane Society of the United States and other animal welfare organizations.
On a lighter note, the next book this month, "Animal Blessings" by June Cotner is a collection of prayers and poems celebrating our pets and other animals. This book reminds us to be grateful for everything our pets and all the other animals of the world bring into our lives on a daily basis. Some the selections are very moving and profound, some are humorous, quick to bring a laugh or smile. This would make a wonderful gift for an animal-loving friend.
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7. Questions Answered
Question:
I have heard conflicting advice about feeding rawhide treats and chews to my dog. What are your thoughts about these treats? My dog really seems to enjoy them.
Answer:
Most of these rawhide treats are very attractive to dogs because they are treated with flavors that dogs find appealing such as ham, liver or chicken. The biggest worry for pet owners today is that many of these treats are coming from China where processing standards are not as high as in the United States. They are chemically treated to remove fat, meat and gristle from the hide. Artificial flavor enhancers are then used to make them appealing to dogs. There have been cases of dogs poisoned by the caustic chemicals used in manufacturing process. Another concern is dogs that are left unsupervised can chew them down to small pieces that can become impacted in the stomach or intestines, requiring emergency surgery to remove. Make sure that all chew toys are made in the United States and are taken away from your dog before they splinter or break.
Question:
Why does my large parrot begin to shriek in the late afternoon? It is the time of day that I really need some peace and quiet with my family.
Answer:
We sometimes forget what the natural habitat is for exotic or wild animals. When we buy a parrot or closely related bird, we need to remember that these birds are from a jungle environment. In the jungle, it is normal for birds to become noisy in the late afternoon or early evening. They are communicating with each other and getting ready to nest for the night. Just as we have a social time with our family before bedtime, parrots do too! I always like to remind people to think about this before they purchase a large parrot. They can make interesting pets but can be high maintenance as they have very special needs.
Question:
My dog likes to eat my cat's food, is that ok?
Answer:
Dogs and cats have different nutritional requirements. Cats require a food that is higher in protein and fat than dogs do. Cat food is very tasty to a dog, but if eaten on a regular basis, will in time, make your dog gain weight. Not a good idea!
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8. THE TAIL END
Dear readers, I was contacted by a couple late yesterday to help them deal with the loss of one of their dogs during Hurricane Katrina. When they were forced to evacuate, they were not able to take either of their two dogs. When they returned to New Orleans several weeks later, one dog was found dead in their house and they later learned that the other dog was taken by a rescue group and is in North Carolina, waiting to be reunited with her owners. The couple is temporarily housed on a cruise ship in the port of New Orleans. The aftermath of Katrina is not receiving much attention in the news of late, but much work still needs to be done to help these animals and people who have suffered such tremendous losses. Below is information on a shelter run by the University Of Louisiana Veterinary School that is housing animals that still need much help. All donations go to directly support the efforts of the LSU Veterinary School. The shelter is located at Parker Coliseum. Please make checks payable to:
Walter J. Ernst Veterinary Memorial Foundation
Mailing address:
Office of Public Programs
Louisiana School of Veterinary Medicine
Baton Rouge, LA
70803-8410
Write ANIMAL EMERGENCY SHELTER on your check.
Your generosity is deeply appreciated by everyone still involved with helping the animals and their owners. The need is still very great in the area. Thank you for any help you can give!
Until next month,
Charlene
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Mission Statement:
"I feel that my primary role as an animal communicator is to speak the truth for the animals. By speaking their truth I am able to share with their owners their unique perspectives and spiritual philosophies. The special bond that companion animals share with their owners is one that is built on love and trust. Through this special relationship both owners and their animals have an opportunity to experience love, trust and mutual understanding. It is the key to all relationships we develop with our pets. As we become more sensitive to our pets, we learn that we are all One, created by the same Divine spirit. Our ultimate goal is to live in harmony and joy with the animals we love and cherish."
Charlene Boyd
To all my readers, I always look forward to hearing from you and I do answer each and every email I receive. If you would like to email or call me to talk about your pet and any help I might give, my number is 877.907.1741 or charlene@talk-to-animals.com.
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TALKING TO ANIMALS Monthly Newsletter, talk-to-animals.com and Charlene Boyd, Animal Communicator are trademarks of Charlene Boyd, Animal Communicator, Coto de Caza, California, USA Phone 877 907-1741.
Copyright 2005, Charlene Boyd, Animal Communicator.
You are welcome to forward this entire newsletter to friends.
Please visit my website for articles you may publish and share freely!
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To find out more about animal communication and to visit our newsletter archive, please go to our website at www.talk-to-animals.com. To contact Charlene regarding a lost animal, animal behavior problems or the death of your pet, email her at charlene@talk-to-animals or call 877 907-1741.
