TALKING TO ANIMALS Monthly Newsletter
By loving and understanding animals, perhaps we humans shall come to understand each other.
Dr. Louis J. Camuti
=========================================================================
September 2007
=========================================================================
Published monthly for subscribers to the Talking-To-Animals Newsletter
By Charlene Boyd
http://www.talk-to-animals.com
To view past issues of Talking-To-Animals, please visit our newsletter archive.
YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO FORWARD THIS NEWSLETTER TO FRIENDS
=========================================================================
In this edition.
1. Welcome! This month's topic, Being a Good Steward for Our Pets
2. Pet tip of the month - Natural flea treatments
3. World Animal Day is coming
4. A flea treatment horror story
5. The dog from Lebanon - Karma's Story
6. From the Bookshelf
7. The Tail End
=========================================================================
1. WELCOME DEAR READERS,
good steward for our pets.
of the safety and welfare of another or a group. I'm hearing this word a lot these days in reference to managing
or taking care of our natural resources, a very important consideration for all of us. It is imperative that we
manage our natural resources so that generations to come will be able to enjoy the legacy left to them.
responsibility we take the time to research the best and healthiest foods, veterinary care, and training techniques.
We know that the bond with our pets can be enhanced or destroyed by the method of training techniques used. Positive
techniques should always be the focus when training. Our pets' well-being is of primary importance to us. Most of
us are now aware that unnecessary vaccines can compromise the immune system and may not be necessary.
operative word is "companion." They need adequate socialization and time spent with us. They are not farm or wild animals;
their place is in our lives, homes and hearts.
to reassure you that with a little research you will find that there are still many excellent foods with high quality ingredients
and proper quality control available today. We need to ask ourselves: Do we buy the cheapest food because it is on
sale? Does it really matter if it is made with human grade ingredients or are meat by-products or animal digest
(contents of dead animal's stomach) OK. I shudder to even think what that is! Does it cost more to feed better foods?
You bet it does! The savings on vet trips and a longer life span more than off-set the additional cost of a superior food.
Many clients tell me their pets have better coats, fewer skin problems and clearer eyes. That is worth the world to me.
loose or left outside for hours to bark and annoy neighbors. We don't tie them up or leave them outside when the weather
is extreme.
veterinarian for regular checkups. If money is tight, we pass on the dinner and night out on the town for a good
physical exam or dental, because we know in our hearts what is lasting and more important overall.
for our wonderful pets, wild animals and our own natural world, as fragile as it is. When you can look outside yourself
and can consciously make a decision to care for other living things, then you are practicing good stewardship of
our living planet. You are also fulfilling man's highest potential--that of caring about others.
2. PET TIP OF THE MONTH - NATURAL FLEA TREATMENT
because of my deep love for animals. One of them had a discussion on natural flea prevention and I thought
I'd pass along some of their tips as well as some of my own (please note - some of these may work better
than others. You can try them out to see how they do for you and your pets, realizing that it make take
more than one treatment to work.):
This is from a breed list:
Natural Flea Treatments:
"Vitamin B complex - changes taste of blood so we're not that attractive &
acts as natures tranquilizer
Garlic - changes taste of blood so we're not that attractive & acts as an
antibiotic
Black Walnut
& helps eliminate internal parasites
Dosage for Black Walnut Hull is 1 capsule per 40 lbs of body weight.
I generally rotate Vitamin B, Garlic, and Black Walnut Hull so my dog is
receiving one of them at least 1 meal out of 2 .. and I take them myself
year round.
Diatomaceous Earth (food grade ONLY) - can be purchased in bulk from
organic gardening supply .. kills hard shell pests on contact. DE is a mined
sea fossils that resembles a gray gritty talc that slices the hard shell of
fleas, ticks, ants on contact and they WILL DIE once they come in contact ..
DE will also help eliminate internal parasites and is very inexpensive
I do know of some rescue groups that use DE as "free feed" in pastures ..
can safely be used on birds and cats.
I have personally LIGHTLY dusted my yard about twice a year for the past 15
years and put DE directly on my cats that go beyond the yard .. when they
lick themselves they will receive the internal benefit.
When I have had to work (or play) in tick & flea infested areas I have put
DE into my own hair and on my sleeves and pant legs .. they may crawl on me
but they will be dead before they can attach.
The only thing you must be cautious of when applying DE is to do it gently
to avoid creating a dust cloud .. I probably have enough dog and cat fur in
my lungs .. I don't think I need any thing else."
Another tip I personally use when I take my dogs out for a walk is to mix
citrus and eucalyptus essential oil with water in a spray bottle, and spray their coats before
going to the dog park or for a stroll around the neighborhood. You just need
a few drops of each oil mixed with water and put in an average size sprayer.
Charlene
3. ON WORLD ANIMAL DAY, ANIMAL CHAPLAINS TEACH US LESSONS TO LAST ALL YEAR LONG
From the website "Animal Chaplains"
the world will bless hundreds, perhaps thousands of animals in many different settings on October 4th 2007. At
a pet cemetery on the east coast, to a city park in the desert, to a sandy beach on the west coast, they will walk in
on a leash, fly in on a harness, and slither in their cages. Barking, mewing, bleating, mooing, whinnying and
purring will join human voices in hymns of praise and worship.
World Animal Day was founded at an ecologist's convention in Florence, Italy in 1931 as a way of highlighting the
plight of endangered species. October 4th was chosen as World Animal Day because it is also the Feast of
St. Francis of Assisi, a Catholic Church holiday which is often celebrated with an annual "blessing of the pets".
Since then, it has grown to encompass all kinds of animal life and has been widely celebrated around the world.
Churches and synagogues in many faiths traditions have adopted "Pet Blessing Day" or "World Animal Day" in
increasing numbers every year.
visitors to the official World Animal Day website. The site provides ideas and resources to individuals, families,
community groups and congregations everywhere. People can post their pledge for volunteering at a World
Animal Day event. In addition to blessing pets, volunteers will work at animal shelters, zoos, rescues, and
other nonprofit organizations. Dogs will be walked, cats will be brushed, horses will be groomed, and fish will
benefit from freshly cleaned tanks. Donations will be given to animal welfare agencies, and pets will be adopted.
School children will collect pet food to be donated to charities, and bake sales and car washes will be held as
fundraising events. Veterinary clinics will hold free spay and neuter days, or may offer to vaccinate pets at no
charge. All over the world, on the very same day, the well-being of animals will be on the minds of millions of people.
speak of animal cruelty such as athlete Michael Vick's alleged ties to illegal dog fighting. Animal Chaplains
would like everyone to know that every major faith endorses the responsible stewardship of the earth and
all of its creatures. "Deliberate harming of animals is in direct opposition to teachings in all of the major world
faiths. Caring for animals is our global spiritual responsibility. If we can teach this ethic to all of our children,
animal abuse and suffering will someday become a distant memory".
Animal Chaplains, go to www.AnimalChaplains.com.
***********************Sponsored Ad***************************************
VetLocator.com is the web's largest directory of Pet Professionals anywhere. Here you can find an easy to
use directory of Veterinarians, a Holistic Pet Health Directory and an Other Pet Professionals Directory.
For another great newsletter, sign up for VetLocator's Pet News. Each month you'll receive quick
and easy-to-read information on pet health news, great pet tips and heartwarming stories along with
fantastic money saving offers that will make you and your pet smile.
Visit them at www.vetlocator.com
=============================================================================
4. A FLEA TREATMENT HORROR STORY
treatments for fleas, ticks and some internal parasites. I feel very strongly that these products should not be used
on very young puppies and kittens with immature immune systems, older or debilitated pets or those with immune-
related conditions. Natural methods of flea control are definitely more time-consuming for owners, but in the long run,
much healthier and safer for pets and our environment.
***Disclaimer: This story is traumatic to read. As you read it please realize that this is one person's experience
and that you must do your own research as to whether or not what you read is correct.
"As most of you know, Paul and I have always had dogs as part of our family. Two years ago, a good friend gave
us two beautiful Pomeranian/Chihuahu
week. We lost our beautiful, playful, loving, 4.45 lb, Jaz. She died so unexpectedly, and so tragically. We are
really struggling with this more than any other animal we have ever lost. We are still in shock! HOW did she die?
Well, this is what you have to pass on to everyone you know who has a dog, particularly if it is under 25 lbs.
Since Jaz was 1 yr old I started giving her K9 Advantix, from mid spring to early fall, to protect her from fleas, mosquitoes
and ticks. I was sure to watch the label to give her the appropriate dosage, and apply it in the manner suggested. The package
I bought was for, and I quote, "puppies over 7 weeks old and older dogs under 10 lbs." Little did I know I wasn't protecting her,
but slowly killing her. (Revolution does have doses for dogs under 5 lbs...but it had never been prescribed for Jaz.) In fact, I
was so sure of this product, I was trying to coerce my sister into using a similar product on her cats.
Products that we are all familiar with, such as the one I used, and including Advantage, Frontline, Capstar and Revolucion
are all pesticides. Do you know what Permithrin or Selamectin is used for? Killing ants and other insects. It is very toxic.
The vet said, it would be the same as giving your dog a teaspoon of Raid every day. (Revolution seems to have a lower
percentage of active ingredients.
K9 Advantix has TWO toxic active ingredients!
If you were to call the manufacturers of these products they will tell you it does not enter the blood stream. And, if the
dog/cat show signs of stress, just simply give them a bath to wash it away. Revolutions label states it enters the blood
stream, and cannot be washed away. All will insist their product does no harm to your pet. However, the Vet says something
quite different. Jaz was taken care of by two Vets over the past three days. Each from a different facility and not related to
each other. Each told me the same thing!
Here is what happens: Once the poison is given to your dog via a liquid applied to the skin. It enters their system...and never
fully leaves it. Some of the toxins remain. The following month you give another dose and more toxins remain in the body...until
finally the toxicity is so great it begins to break down the organs, gets into the blood stream, and then all havoc breaks loose.
The Vets said, because Jaz was so small, after the first six doses, I probably would never have had to give her anymore for the
next THREE YEARS. That's how long it could have stayed active in her body. Larger dogs & cats tolerate it better, but in time,
the same thing happens. By the time a larger dog starts having problems, their owners and vets think it is a sign of aging...and
rarely ever look into toxic poisoning. They said they are seeing more and more evidence of this happening to our pets. Advantage
and Advantix have only been out since aprx. 2002. Over the past two years we are hearing more about the actual affects of these
products.
There are symptoms to watch for. The unfortunate thing is, you don't recognize the symptoms, until too late. Why is this?
Because one doesn't usually acquaint the symptoms with a product you have been giving your pet for some time. Early
symptoms could simply be, skin rashes, and a little more shedding than usual. In larger dogs, they might become more
aggressive. By the way, there are no signs to watch for on the label...only instructions for humans if they touch or swallow
this poison. (Revolution dose have a few warnings) Jaz had a small skin problem on her lower back. I was told it was just
a normal dog thing and to change shampoo, and given an ointment. Well it turns out, it was a "burn" from the toxins.
Later symptoms are, seizures, (most people think seizures are due to breed and aging dogs, brain malfunctions, etc.) Throwing
up two to three times a day (many will think it do to food or something they ate outside). Increased urinating and a need for a lot
of water. Listless. Runny eyes. Eventually bleeding.
The only symptom Jaz had that we could have caught was the small skin rash or "burn." Notice how things quickly progressed.
After giving her the last dose, a week ago Monday, within two days she seemed to become listless. Then she perked up again,
like her old self, so we thought she was over whatever ailed her...a 48 hour flu. Then we noticed on Friday, she was always
going to the bathroom. She chose not to sleep in her bed with her sister, and using her stuffed bunny as a pillow, but she
wanted to be away from everyone, choosing to sleep on a cold floor on the side of the sofa, where she could not be seen.
For three days, we filled her water dish every couple of hours, and within minutes she was eliminating it. However, she was
eating well. But, by Sunday, she could barely walk, now preferring to lay on the cool tile floor but near her water dish. When
we returned home from church, we noticed her shivering. So I sat with her, covered in a blanket. On Sunday she also stopped
eating. No Vet or animal hospital was open. Even the animal emergency center had closed for some reason. We had to wait
until Monday to get her to a vet. First thing Monday I took her to the vet, who immediately recommended hospitalization. He
said it was either kidney failure or diabetes. At the hospital they gave her x-rays and blood tests, took stool samples,
urinalysis. They ruled out everything. All her vital organs seemed OK. She had slight fever so they put her on an antibiotic drip.
As the hours went by, nothing worked. Then she had a seizure. As more time went by they realized it was Toxic poisoning. The
doctors drilled me on things she ate. Things and plants to look for in our yard. Then they asked what type of flea control I was
using. That did it. However, because these reactions are just now making themselves known, most vets do not know what antidote
to give. They put her on various drips of stronger antibiotics and other things to try to flush the poison out, but nothing worked. That
began their mad search to find out more.
One vet had three people on-line to find out as much as they could. I pulled out my lap-top and tried to help. At 2am we were
still trying to find a way to help her. Another tried to get info from the Bayer Co. who manufactures K9 Ad. They were more
concerned about a lawsuit, insisting their product couldn't be at fault. Two vets kept making calls to
but no one would return calls. We knew she wasn't going to survive, but thought we would give docs until 10:00am the next
morning. If nothing changed, we would approve of putting her down. However, I was called into the hospital at 7am, she had
three seizures that night, after I left at 2:30am.
When she saw me, her eyes seem to say "I'm glad your here to be with me".
Doctor said she was not in pain, just in panic from being in a strange place with strange people.
We decided not to "put her to sleep" unless she started having problems. She went into a peaceful sleep and died two
hours later. Then, we got the call from the
The information we found on-line is incredible. There are thousands of blogs all over the country. People begging other
people to stop using these products on their dogs. (To be fair, there are as many that say how great the products are...
most are on websites that sell the products). What happened to Jaz, has and will continue to happen to other dogs until
word gets out, or the manufacturers change the product, does better labeling, responds to emergencies, and prepares
antidotes for those who are suffering from this poison. Vets must learn more. Jaz' body was donated to a Veterinarian
research team. Perhaps her small body will aid in finding a way to help other small pets survive this poison.
Within three hours of Jaz dying...I heard EIGHT stories of other people having the same thing happen to them or a friend
of theirs. These stories were not from strangers, but from people I know. If they had passed on their story earlier, perhaps
I could have saved my little friend the agony she went through. I also learned there was recently an episode on a program
similar to 20/20 or 60 minutes that investigated the same things I am mentioned, I am hoping, through my hurt and
sadness, that I can, maybe, help prevent the same thing happening to you or someone you know.
My advice, please tell your friends and family to stop using these products on their small pets. In fact, use it with great
caution on larger dogs as well.
We all want them,and our homes to be free from fleas. So, if you or your friends decide to keep using these poisons,
do so sparingly...
even during the months you don't give them this 'medication.
known this earlier.
Please pass on the word...and thank you for reading such a long story. (Someday I may learn how to make a long story
short, rather than a short story, long).
DW
-----
***Just as a note, before including this message in my newsletter, I wanted to make sure there was more than just one 'story'
like this. I did research online and found a other similar reports (3 or 4 before I stopped the research). From what I saw,
unscientific I must admit, it looked like little dogs were affected more than the bigger dogs. There were two other owners
who had Pomeranians that had a similar sad outcome.
And now, as the owner of three bearded collies that I love dearly, I will tell you how I handle fleas. I do use Frontline on
my dogs but I only use it once every 3 months and I combine that with garlic and brewers yeast supplements. My dogs all
live to a ripe old age and I don't perceive anything amiss when I use these treatments with them. I do work very closely with
our wonderful veterinarian in insuring that their health stays strong.
5. THE DOG FROM LEBANON - KARMA'S STORY
Readers, there are times in my work as an Animal Communicator, that the animal I am working with needs additional help from
another professional to help resolve the situation it is experiencing. Sometimes I work with veterinarians, sometimes with
nutritionists and sometimes with TTouch practitioners (to read about TTouch, you can click HERE). As a matter of fact, in next
month's newsletter I will share the story of Lucy the cat and the work that Cynde, a T-Touch practitioner and I did to help resolve
Lucy's issues.
The following story is one that came from Cynde:
"Have you ever been so overcome by emotion and a feeling of what must be done, even though it defies common sense? Those
feelings and emotions among many others, that fall under the “I’m totally in love” category, filled my heart . . . no flooded my heart in
just a few seconds of real time, even though I could have sworn it was at least an hour.
The story actually started in April 2006, when I had the pleasure of assisting with a TTouch Practitioner training at Best Friends
Animal Sanctuary in
his or her unique self. If some never find an adoptive home or are considered "not adoptable" then so be it, they are allowed to
live in comfort at Best Friends for the rest of their lives.
So, in August, when I heard that there was a rescue effort unlike anything ever attempted taking place in
attention. The relentless bombing between
by animals left behind and then the nightmare of
handle. Most Lebanese are not animal lovers and they were shooting and/or poisoning these street animals. Best Friends received
a call for help, and it was answered immediately by Best Friends staff and volunteers airlifting 300 cats and dogs out of
safety of the Best Friends Sanctuary.
In November 2007, I again found myself at Best Friends for a TTouch training. While escorting the class through the temporary shelter
(dubbed Little Lebanon) erected just for these lucky animals, I found myself in front of a certain cage for the third time watching a
nondescript dog that appeared to be bouncing while sticking his huge gumball nose through the fence to take a sniff of my hand. Did I say
a sniff . . . it was more like he was trying to breathe in my very essence. One of the caretakers saw my inability to leave and felt that she
must tell me why this dog seemed to bounce. You see, this was a rare dog indeed; he had recovered from Distemper and has now been
left with a severe form of neurological tremors. His immune system had been so compromised that he was not able to deal with the
onslaught of the vaccines given him, therefore contracting Distemper from the vaccine, itself. As you can imagine I was overcome with
emotion. It all seemed so clear now, that my years of training and practicing as a TTouch Practitioner culminated at this very moment . . .
I was meant to be there. I knew that I could help this boy through TTouch, a holistic diet and no more vaccines.
His name was Kumar, but because of the twists and turns fate had in mind to bring me to this place at this moment . . . I changed his name
to . . . Karma.
Karma was underweight, unable to stand for very long. His left side was much weaker than his right, especially his left rear leg. When
he walked or tried to stand still, his body was fraught with involuntary tremors, and his left rear paw would roll over so that he would be
standing on the top of his foot. His tail was as stiff as a board; I'm sure caused by having to constantly balance himself. He would easily
fall over and/or his feet would just slide out from under him. One of the many afflictions of this disease is a constant tremor in the lower jaw.
He had a very difficult time when he would yawn. His jaw would tremble so hard that his tongue couldn't unfurl in that wonderful lazy way
dogs have of yawning. We soon realized that he didn't have enough control of his tongue to even lick.
we TTouch Practitioners have a saying, “Just do the work”. The “work” has absolutely done wonders. The 16 inch tail that would stick
out straight even while sleeping, now curls around his body and moves with more fluidity then ever before. He is now able to wag his tail!
How glorious! In addition my husband and I gave Karma every opportunity to lick out containers of yogurt, peanut butter or anything that
would require him to work his tongue. Now, when he yawns . . . out comes that glorious hound tongue of his. He no longer rolls over the
top of his back foot! In fact when he runs and plays with us and the rest of our four-leggeds you would never know there was a problem.
In my work as a TTouch Practitioner I have seen amazing responses to the Tellington Training Method which includes TTouches as well
as balance techniques and working in the Playground for Higher Learning. However when you see this work make such a difference to
an animal that had been so compromised, well . . . those feelings and emotions that flooded my heart . . . now all make sense.
Healthy, happy, and very relaxed, this boy melted off the footstool and remained asleep! Now that’s good Karma!
point across. Unfortunately many people think he is just the end-all be-all trainer due to his wide
exposure on television and celebrity following. I came upon this book which was recommended by a
friend. Thanks, Jane! Tamar Geller is a former Israeli intelligence officer who witnessed the horrors of
military training methods. She went on to observe wolves in the wild. She discovered that wolves
educate and socialize their cubs with games of bonding, and body language, not dominance and
punishment. As a result, she developed teaching systems that address a wolf's authentic nature,
part toddlerlike and part wolflike. Tamar's insights have helped bring dog training into the 21st century
and her techniques have won the approval of the Humane Society of the United States, for which she
has been a long-time advisor. It is a truly refreshing read to learn of other training techniques besides
choke chains, prong collars or dominance rollovers. I think the title says it all since it is the way we
feel about our family companion and friend.
=========================================================================
Are you looking for something unique for that "hard to please" pet lover? A gift certificate
for a consultation or a package of consultations for multiple pet households is a perfect gift and eliminates
a trip to the mall! One size truly fits all and there is no expiration date! A single consultation is $95 including
the tape and $165 for multiple pets. Please e-mail me if you are interested in this hassle-free gift!
=========================================================================
month's newsletter with a statement about being a responsible pet steward and making sure your pet is
spayed or neutered if it is not going to be shown or bred.
I recently read the following in the Santa Ana, California Register: "The Huntington Beach city council has
unanimously passed an ordinance for all cats and dogs over the age of four months to be spayed or neutered
and microchipped. The only exemptions are for service dogs and dogs used for showing and breeding."
due to lack of space in shelters. Sometimes as many as 10-12 dogs are kept in "gang cages" and cats don't fare any better.
into the world only to be put down later because they are unwanted. Huntington Beach is the first city that I know of to
have a law like this and with plans to enforce it.I commend the city for take such a proactive stand in this matter.
PS I always enjoy receiving your input on things so send in any questions no matter how strange
or silly you feel they might be. My email is charlene@talk-to-animals.com.
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
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 2004 - 2007, 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!
--> http://www.talk-to-animals.com/aandr.htm
This newsletter is sent to subscribers only. If you have somehow received this unexpectedly and
would prefer not to, please use the instant removal link below or email your request to
-->unsubscribe@talk-to-animals.com
=========================================================================
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.=========================================================================