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Sheltering Helpless Animals In Distress - South Shore, Nova Scotia
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Written by Shaid
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Thursday, 31 January 2013 01:29 |
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Ever been sitting back relaxing and been joined by your kitty who wants to nuzzle your face or head butt you under the chin? This is often called head bunting by cat behaviorists.
You probably like it and that is probably because you realize that kitty is being affectionate. A kind of hug. But, why does she do it?
There are a few reasons and one is that it is a method she uses to bond and communicate contentment with you. She may also do it to other people and other pets in the house – not just other cats. She is telling you that she sees you as a friend.
Another reason is that she is rubbing her scent on you – her pheromones. The sense of smell is very important to a cat. Like dogs, cats will sniff each other’s behinds to learn important things about each other (well, important to them!). They use scent to communicate and to mark territory. Cats have scent glands in various locations on their bodies – paw pads, lips, tail, cheeks, chin as well as their forehead.
Cats like to rub against things to leave their scent for themselves. It is comforting to them to know they have been in that location previously. In my house there are several cabinet corners that have to be washed regularly as the cats leave an oily residue behind when they rub. They like to leave their scent on things that are important to them and by head bunting your face, she tells you that she likes you and trusts you.
Each cat has its own unique odor and she is leaving her signature wherever she rubs. Once she has rubbed against you, you are marked as a part of her family unit.
Cats are very sensitive to touch. They have pain and pleasure sensory cells all over their bodies. That is why they react immediately to anything that touches their fur and especially their whiskers. It is also why most love to be stroked and brushed.
Often your cat will follow you around and get underfoot or rub against your legs. This is part of the same behaviour. It can be a bit annoying if you are trying to get somewhere quickly and it can certainly be a tripping hazard.
Just keep in mind when she is doing it, it is because she wants to be close to you and she wants you to know it. You are just purr-fect in her estimation… whether you call it head butting, bonking or bunting!
Come and see our pets at the shelter! |
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ANIMAL EMOTIONS: DO THEY HAVE THEM? |
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Written by Shaid
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Friday, 18 January 2013 00:22 |
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As “parents” of our pets, most of us believe that we can tell when they are happy or sad and that they also tune into our emotional states and respond to them empathetically.
There is no scientific consensus on emotion in animals, eg what emotions certain species of animals, including humans, feel. Most of the debate is about mammals and birds and since they cannot speak, it is difficult to prove anything. However, animal pain was recognized long ago and resulted in the criminalization of animal cruelty.
The story of Koko the gorilla and her pet cats is well-documented. She has cared for several cats over the years and Koko's relationship with All Ball was featured in the 1987 book Koko's Kitten, which was written by Francine Patterson (Koko’s scientist/sign language trainer).
The Boston Globe printed a story in July 2007 about a resident cat in the dementia unit of the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Providence. When death is near, Oscar nearly always appears at the last hour or so. Yet he shows no special interest in patients who are simply in poor shape, or even patients who may be dying but who still have a few days. Animal behavior experts have no explanation for Oscar's ability to sense imminent death. They theorize that he might detect some subtle change in metabolism -- felines are as sensitive to smells as dogs -- but are stumped as to why he would show interest.
The emotions of cats have also been studied in the lab and it has been shown that cats can learn to manipulate their owners through vocalizations that are similar to the cries of human babies. Some cats learn to add a purr to the cry, which makes it harder for their humans to ignore. Individual cats learn to make these cries when a particular cry elicits a positive response from a human and the cat is more likely to use that cry in the future.
The idea of animal emotions is prominent in Darwin's work with his 1872 book The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. Willingness to see animals as emotional beings (and humans as having a rationality that can override the emotions) goes back to Ancient Greek philosophy.
Whatever you believe about your pets’ abilities to experience emotion and tap into yours, here are some tips for increasing your dog’s happiness quotient:
5 Ways to Perk Up Your Dog from the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.
Start by cheering yourself up first! Remember, dogs are social animals. So, if you’re glum, they’re gonna be glum, too, because they reflect your mood. And even if you don’t feel happy, fake it! Studies show that forcing yourself to smile and talk in a happy voice tricks your brain into believing you’re happy. And your dog reads your mood by the sound of your voice and the smile on your face – just like you read his by his wagging tail.
Let Fido play with his food. Experts say one of the biggest reasons for doggy depression is boredom. So, next time you leave them at home, make sure they have toys to engage their mind – like a “treat ball”. Basically, a rubber ball with holes in that you pack with kibble. And the bits drop out piece by piece while they’re playing with it.
Another way to boost your mutt’s mood: change your tune. Studies show that cows produce more milk when they listen to country music. Because it helps them stay happy and relaxed. So, try some tunes. There is a list of “music for dogs” CDs at www.tesh .com. You can also try this: Record a tape of your voice or common household noise, and play it when you’re not around. Because hearing familiar sounds is comforting.
Use soothing smells. Certain aromas have an uplifting effect on dogs and humans. So, what’s the best? Vanilla! But instead of using vanilla air freshener – which can be toxic - sprinkle a few drops of vanilla extract on Fifi’s favorite chew toys. And let her chew herself calm.
Finally, let your pooch loose! Dogs don’t like to be in the house constantly, or only go for walks on concrete. So, once a week, let Rover run free in an off-leash park or a meadow. The exercise will help him stay fit. It’ll also produce the same feel-good brain chemicals that come with human exercise, like endorphins and serotonin. |
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The EXPECTED AND UNEXPECTED COSTS OF PET OWNERSHIP |
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Written by Shaid
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Saturday, 05 January 2013 16:01 |
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When we purchase a new pet be it a kitten, puppy or other animal, we are immediately faced with the costs of treating the parasites they often have, then the cost of vaccinations. Soon after, neutering is an expense – though much cheaper than the costs associated with a litter of babies. Then spring comes along and we need to shell out for flea, tick and heartworm medications. All of this is on top of the paraphernalia they need: litter boxes, collars and tags, crates, beds, scratching posts, feeding bowls, collars and leashes etc. Pet food also eats into our own grocery budgets.
Of course, if you adopt your new furry friend from a shelter, they are parasite free, have their first shots and are spayed or neutered – these costs alone add up to more than $300. This is why shelters do need to charge what they do for the adoptions and the adoption fee is only a portion of what it actually costs and that is before being housed and fed at the shelter. Veterinary fees are one of the major expenses the shelter has to cover. Sometimes when a pet comes into SHAID it requires emergency vet attention or even surgery. This could be because of abuse it has suffered or medical conditions its former owners were unwilling or unable to address.
Many people have excuses to avoid neutering their pets. We hear things like, “How would you like to be neutered?” or “If I spay my cat, she’ll be lazy and not catch mice or she’ll get fat.” These are, to be blunt, untrue. Neutered dogs and cats are happier and healthier and do not engage in risky behaviour while trying to mate – like running away which can result in encounters with wild animals, fights with competing males, vehicle accidents or humans aggressively chasing them from their property – all of which can result in injuries and infections.
There are also a myriad of health benefits. Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer and spaying BEFORE her first heat gives the best protection from these. You will also avoid the yowling and inappropriate urination that is often exhibited by a cat in heat. Neutering your male before he is six months old prevents testicular cancer and avoids “marking territory” by spraying strong-smelling urine all over the house.
Spaying and neutering is also the socially responsible thing to do. Thousands of unwanted pets are euthanized each year, crowd our animal shelters or suffer as strays.
As most of us go through life saving for our children’s educations or a new vehicle and pay our mortgages, we can be suddenly faced with unexpected expenses for our pets. Whether it is a medical emergency due to an accident or disease, these costs can be a serious financial burden.
It often seems that we are able to find the cash for the latest and greatest PDA/Cell, computer or other “toy” but balk at the price of our pet’s medical procedures.
A pet contingency fund can be part of any family’s budget. Put away some money every pay so that if an emergency comes up, it can be paid for without undue hardship. If you quit smoking, redirect the former cost to an emergency account. Whenever you decide to buy a luxury item or take a vacation put away a percentage of its cost to your account. It will soon add up and then you will be ready in the face of an unexpected emergency. If you are lucky and never need it, you can apply it to your RSP or donate it to a charity.
When we bring a pet into our family, we are taking on the responsibility of caring for them for their lifetime. A little planning can ease the way to doing just that. |
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Written by Shaid
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Monday, 26 November 2012 00:24 |
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OPEN YOUR HOME AND YOUR HEART TO A HOMELESS PET.
EVERY CAT AND EVERY DOG DESERVES ANOTHER CHANCE
IN A RESPONSIBLE HOME!
Animal Shelters are full of loving pets. Visit your local animal shelter.
Think before adopting a pet - it is a very long-term commitment.
If you want to offer something to your animal shelter, here are some ideas:
- Paper towel
- Bleach
- Non-clumping cat litter
- Canned cat & dog food
- Dry cat & dog food
- Cat food for urinary track
- Cat food for sensitive stomach
- Kittens ID food
- Cat & dog fleece blankets
- HE laundry detergent
- Lysol floor cleaner
- Office supplies
- Computer paper
- Stamps
- Cat & dog toys, ...
Thanks!
543-4849
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 12 December 2012 01:33 |
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GROOMING FOR YOUR DOG AND CAT |
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Written by Shaid
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Wednesday, 14 November 2012 00:23 |
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It is as important to keep your pets groomed as it is to feed them a healthy diet and keep up with their medicals. Consider grooming needs BEFORE choosing a pet. A Labradoodle pup may look fluffy and cute, but has a high maintenance coat and you need to prepare to invest in the time and tools or pay a groomer regularly. Dogs in the wild were rife with parasites and often had skin conditions which resulted in shorter life spans than our pets do.
Brushing removes dead skin cells, dirt and debris and prevents matting. Mats are uncomfortable and can restrict range of motion. They provide a breeding ground for parasites and bacteria. Certified groomer and owner of the Dog Gone Beautiful Dog Spaw in Lunenburg, Aidan Brame, has had the horrible experience of grooming a dog that was so matted, maggots were living on him.
A professional groomer’s training and experience indicate that if a pet is severely matted, it is possible to dematt, but that shaving is the most humane option as dematting can take hours and is painful.
Regular grooming sessions also provide a great opportunity to bond with your pet since most enjoy the attention.
Different types of coats need varying amounts of attention and many require clipping or shaving. Short-haired dogs and cats may never need to be groomed whereas a spaniel may be a lot easier to look after and more playful when his coat is short. Long-haired pets can also be prone to feces getting stuck in the fur. If you do bathe your pets, choose a high quality PET shampoo – never use human shampoo or dish or laundry soaps. These can irritate the skin. Bathing is an opportunity to inspect your dog for parasites, growths, “hot spots” or other irritations and any changes in their skin coloration which may need to be checked by your vet.
Also vital is keeping the nails trimmed. This has to be done regularly since nails can curl into and become embedded in the pads of the feet which is uncomfortable and can easily become infected. Long nails can also cause an unnatural gait which may result in damage to joints.
It is important to research groomers before choosing one. Ask friends or family (and your vet) for a referral and then go speak to the groomer before making an actual appointment. You should feel comfortable asking him/her questions and they should be open and informative with you. You want your pet to have a positive experience and to not hate going to the groomer and you certainly want to make sure the groomer is a fully trained professional who cares about your pet’s wellbeing. There was a recent item in the UK news where Trudie, a cocker spaniel, died after a groomer confined her with a heater.
Some things you may want to ask before making a grooming appointment: Is he certified by a grooming school (vs an online course) and is he a member of any of the Professional Grooming Associations? What kinds of products are used (quality hypo-allergenic ones)? How often is equipment sterilized? Does the shop look clean and organized and smell fresh? How will your dog or cat be restrained? Can you stay and watch? Is there a safe spot for a break or pottying? How many animals are being groomed at once – is it a production line or does a certified groomer take the time to be thorough and gentle? Many pro groomers use a hydro-surge which surges soap, water and air to stimulate the skin and lift the coat resulting in a very thorough bath. It massages the skin and is soothing as well as highly beneficial for dogs that have dermatological issues. Will the groomer show you how to maintain the coat, nails and ears between full grooming sessions? Does he take time to greet your pet and adjust tone of voice as needed to keep your pet calm? Your pet needs to sit as still as possible to avoid being injured. Even the best groomers will occasionally nick an animal. Will the groomer stop if your pet shows signs of stress and/or is too upset to be groomed safely?
Aidan says it is very important for her to take the time to build relationships with her furry clients. She gets to know how to handle each animal resulting in sessions that are more enjoyable for them both.
The grooming process is invasive and it can be stressful. A good groomer becomes familiar with returning pets and will notice changes in their body and skin. Aidan recently found a cyst on a dog which turned out to be a cancer requiring surgery. They often find fleas, lice, ticks, ringworm and dermatological skin issues that the owner was unaware of.
Your pet’s teeth also need attention. There is no chew toy or treat that is as good as using an appropriate pet toothbrush and pet paste. If you are consistent and patient, they do like the taste and will become accustomed to the process. Brushing not only prevents periodontal disease and bad breath, you may never have to pay for dental surgery or de-scaling.
Cleaning your pet’s ears may be needed, however, it is best to get direction from your vet. Over-cleaning or using too much force can result in more infections, not less.
A well-groomed pet is happier and healthier AND he smells better around the house! |
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FINDING SHELTER AT S.H.A.I.D. TREE |
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Written by Shaid
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Sunday, 04 November 2012 21:16 |
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Every day there are calls coming into Shaid about stray cats and owned cats needing to be re-homed. There are so many cats/kittens homeless it is heartbreaking. Shaid is almost always FULL, when we have adoptions and a few spots becomes available we then pull out a lengthy waiting list for cats/kittens. There are many times we simply do not have any room left, sad but true.
Many people are very understanding; some are frustrated because they want to do the right thing, help a homeless, innocent cat/kitten that just appeared in their yard. This time of year every Shelter is overwhelmed with cats/kittens. So how can we change what appears to be a never ending task! It seems simple, just SPAY and NEUTER…. but is it that simple?
We all know it is a big expense to spay and neuter. It is a pet owner’s responsibility to provide shelter, care, and love. Providing care would seem to include spaying and neutering. Having sat with homeless cats birthing, it does not appear to be fun for them at all, nor is it fair to them or their kittens to be homeless.
If you have a pet that is old enough to be spayed or neutered and just haven’t gotten around to it yet, please make it a priority to do so….. There really are too many homeless animals now……
So how does a cat or innocent little kitten become homeless? It is quite easy to understand how this happens; there are many stray or feral cats that just continue to have kittens several times a year. And yes many owned cats as well…. One cat can have many, many kittens in her lifetime if left unaltered. Consider this; when a cat is having her second litter of kittens, her first kittens are almost old enough to have kittens themselves.
This cycle is ongoing and never-ending unless we all do our best to help control it.
Shaid ONLY adopts pets that have been spayed, neutered and vaccinated. We also dewormed and treat for fleas if needed. Cats are also tested negative for feline leukemia. Not only do you have the wonderful feeling of rescuing a pet from a shelter when you adopt from Shaid, you have big savings on Veterinary bills. Shaid is a caring, wonderful, non-profit organization that continues to provide care, shelter, vet care and love to so many homeless animals.
The day this article was written Shaid had 8 Dogs and 55+ Cats/Kittens. Shaid also has 1 long-term dog in a foster home, 3 senior cats with special needs in foster homes and a Mom with 4 kittens in a foster home.
We currently have several cats at the Shelter since 2011that would love to have a forever home…….
Fran, a sweet 6 year old female. Fran needs a soft food diet due to dental surgery. Fran has been at Shaid since February 2011.
Diva, a 3 year old female. Diva can be a bit stand offish at times but once she is able to have a larger space she is sure to become a very nice companion, she has been at Shaid since August 2011.
With 55+ cats and 8 kittens available for adoption there is sure to be one that is perfect for your family. We welcome everyone to visit Shaid, we are open daily from 11am – 3pm. Our website is www.shaid.ca you can also follow us on Facebook, just search S.H.A.I.D. Tree Animal Shelter and click LIKE! |
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Last Updated on Sunday, 04 November 2012 21:19 |
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