A Wagging Tail

Mace (as most of you know) was my beloved sphynx cat.  He came to us at 12 weeks old, with a severe upper respiratory issue (feline rhinotrachitis, aka herpes) and an eye ulcer that required surgery.  The clinic I worked at had sphynx breeders that could not do the surgery, so they asked that he be euthanized.  I agreed to take him and had his surgery done (a conjunctival flap) and neuter.  The poor fella had to wear his cone of shame for about 8 weeks while his eye healed, but then he was free.  I have to say, a 12 week old kitten running around the house with an e-collar on is painful.  We got hit in the head and legs so many times with that thing.  After the conjunctival flap was removed, he was nearly as good as new.  His herp would flare up from time to time, and Mace was known to sneeze often, sometimes with great big gobs of snot being expelled, unfortunately onto our faces sometimes, the windows, or just on his own face, which he promptly would lick, and then swallow (yummy).

One of the first things that Mace did that strengthened our love for him, and started the “little bastard” nickname was the ham incident.  We did not think Mace was big enough to jump on the counter yet, so food was still left out (Dock, our other cat was good and really didn’t eat anything, but she loved baked beans).  We had a ham and left some sliced pieces on the counter so we could have seconds, when out of nowhere, we heard a thump and Mace running past us, the piece of ham bigger than he was as it dragged on the floor, then him trying to run up the stairs with his treasure.  We knew then that we would have to watch what we left out.  From then on, we needed to watch anything with cheese, cream, or milk, empty cans of soup (mushroom was his favourite), muffin cups as we literally had to pull them out of his throat on a few occasions and snacks.  He liked to chew plastic, so any bags in the house needed to be put away immediately.  But he LOVED popcorn.  Here he is helping himself.

Mace was 11 years old in April this year, and we could see that his age was catching up to him.  He was slowing down, not running around as much, and his wrestling matches with Norris became shorter.  We decided that he should go to the vets for a  senior checkup and to talk about arthritis and do his senior bloodwork.  He had peed on things off and on for years, but it seemed to be getting worse these last few months (he would only do it on clothing left out for a few days, so we figured he was just being an a-hole).  He wasn’t drinking more, but checking his kidneys, thyroid, etc was a good idea.  His appetite had also decreased a bit, but he wasn’t moving as much, so we didn’t worry too much about that.  He became more of a suck, wanting to be with us, needed to sit on us and soak up our body heat.  We thought he was using it to relieve some of the discomforts of his arthritis.

July 10, 2017, 7 pm.  After a long day of work, I was in need of a bath to relax aching muscles, and a bath bomb and a glass of wine usually helped.  Mace started crying, which was not unusual for him when he wanted your attention.  This was a weird cry though, more desperate sounding.  Mike said he was walking a bit oddly and he was worried, so he hollered and I got out of the tub (I only got about 5 minutes and 1 sip into it).  Mace was definitely painful, he was protecting his right side, and yowled and hissed when I picked him up.  He wouldn’t walk, he just sat at the back door and cried.  I looked around to see if there was anything else when I found that he had vomited his dinner.  He then got up, went downstairs (although gingerly) and used his box, urinated and had a normal bowel movement, then went back upstairs by the back door and cried some more.  We grabbed our laundry basket (full of clean cloths) and put him in there so he was warm and comfortable, and he tried to hunker in, but was still sitting oddly, painful and in distress.  He couldn’t wait until the next day for his scheduled appointment so we took him into Niagara Veterinary Emergency Clinic.

The receptionist opened the door and took us into the room.  Took him (laundry and all) to triage him and put him on oxygen as his mucus membranes were quite pale.  The vet came in about 15 minutes later and said that he had detected a heart murmur and felt something hard in his abdomen, and wanted to do some bloodwork and x-rays to see what is up.  We waited an hour watching The Office on Netflix with another couple, hoping that he was ok.  The doctor called us for the results and to look at the rads.  There was some diffuse fluid in his abdomen, everything looked a bit muddy.  While his heart looked good, sphynx cats are prone to HCM which you can’t see.  With digital xrays, the doctor was able to adjust contrast and showed us the area that he was worried about.  He also had some protein loss which was likely due to the fluid in his belly.  An ultrasound would tell us more, and they could keep him overnight on fluids and meds until the u/s could be done the next day.  The estimate was quite large (which I somewhat expected), but that made us think about what was best for Mace.  Mike was not in the room, so I needed to talk with him first, but I asked the doc what he thought.  He didn’t think it was good, but the ultrasound would let him know more.  Mike and I talked, and best case scenario, mass would be operable, his heart would be fine and he would go through surgery fine, but it would be a long road for him, not being at home, on iv fluids, pain meds, etc.  His heart and his upper respiratory tract was our big worry, whether he could handle a surgery like that, the stress of being away from home, if he’d be ok post surgically.  While the costs was a factor, it wasn’t.  If we had guarantees that things would be good, we would spend all we needed to.  There are no guarantees though, so after some tears, the tough choice was made to say goodbye.  We sat with him for about 10 minutes in the comfort room, talking with him, petting him and enjoying our last bit of time with him.  The doctor came in, was very kind and supportive of our choice.  It was quick and peaceful and painless for Mace.  His ashes will be coming home to us soon and he will have a place on the shelf beside Dock.

My clients (my friends), our families and our friends have been so great with words of sympathy and support that I am so grateful.  If you never had the pleasure of meeting Mace, you got to know him through Mike and I, through our stories, and our aggravation.  While cleaning up yesterday, I thought that I would much rather have him around and all that entailed, then have an easier time.  With only Norris, we have only 2 boxes now instead of 4, none are dining room anymore.  No peeing in odd places, no separating Mace and Norris to eat, no patting down a blanket before you sit down to make sure you aren’t sitting on him.  No one trying to help themselves to popcorn, no one yelling at you at 4pm when he knew damn well dinner wasn’t served until 5.  No trying to get extra nighttime snacks by telling Mom that Dad didn’t give it to them yet, no demands for you to move so he could have a perfect lap to sit in, no demands to be tucked into a blanket or bed.  There will also be no more face loving, not more snuggles on the couch, no more conversations (he was a great talker) no more running around the house with his little chicken legs, no more boxing matches with Norris.  No more make out sessions with Norris either.  No more purrs, no more love.  His personality was too big for the house, and I’m still waiting for him to come downstairs, demanding something.  Mike and I made the right decision and I am so glad that we were able to do that.

As an end point, Mike asked me if I think there is an afterlife for pets.  I do and I think Mace was telling us he was here by waking us up with Pearl Jam’s “Last Kiss” the next morning, and by being my Facebook Memory with this pic.  Love that his energy is still around.

Thank you so much to everyone at NVEC, my clients, our friends and our family.  He will be missed immensely.

 

I was recently looking at a facebook post about a woman who was looking to shave her cat for the summer.  A bit of a debate spawned about whether she should do it or not.  Here’s some pros and cons.

Pros

• Matting-if you cat is long haired and cannot groom properly (whether it is due to age related issues such as arthritis, skin conditions, or they are overweight) then it may be necessary to remove the matts by shaving them off. Instead of having a patchwork kitty, a lion cut is a nicer looking alternative to keeping your cat comfy, and pretty (or handsome)
• Skin issues-if there is a skin infection or a fungal infection, topical medications will be able to be applied easier and work more effectively if applied to a shaved cat.
• “Cling-ons”-Many cats, both short and long hair deal with this issue. Feces (and urine) can get caught in the hair increasing chances of skin, oral and urinary tract infections.  There is likely a reduction in cuddling and lovins from owners.
• Heat-Summer heat can be hard on cats. If you don’t have air conditioning, or your cat likes to go outside, but it’s just too darn hot, you may want to consider a shave.  Buddah is one such cat who loves the outdoors, but gets too hot.  So after a lion cut, he is much happier, less stressed and has a better quality of life.
• Reduction in shedding-It won’t stop, but it will be easier to manage
• Pesky bugs-Easier to see fleas and ticks
• Hairballs-Nothing wakes you up faster in the middle of the night like stepping in a fresh one.

Cons

• Increased chance of sunburn-hopefully our four legged friends are smart enough to move to a cooler spot before this happens. There are sunscreens available that are pet friendly
• Pets hair is designed to help regulate body temperature-shaving them may actually affect their ability to keep themselves cool. Most pets will drink water, move to a cooler or shadier area.
• It can be stressful-Especially if your cat is not used to it, or does not like being handled much.
• They may get cold-Though most animals are smart enough to move to a warmer area. Have blankets, beds, pillows and such to help them warm up if they need to.

I had a long haired cat (Dock) and I never really considered shaving her, mostly because she had a thin coat, never matted and didn’t get many poop balls.  I believe that you know your pet best, and whatever your decision is, keep your pets comfortable.

I am currently at an event in Niagara Falls for animal wellness. It has been a great day, I have met a few potential new clients, and had fun greeting all of the pups that have visited from Therapy Tails Ontario. Many people are also enjoying the dogs, so I’m not talking to too many people, so here I am writing.

I am considering becoming a Reiki practitioner, treating pet to live a healthy, balanced life, with reduced stress, anxiety and emotional and physical pain.  Many of you who know me know that I like to dabble in the unique, the different, the unexplainable.  I have incorporated aromatherapy, colour therapy and music therapy into my business, and I tried crystal therapy (without much success with pets).  I am a believer in energy, that it lives and flows through everything, that we are all connected, and with the right frame of mind, we can affect that energy and flow.  Reiki is usually translated into “universal life energy” and by becoming a Reiki practitioner, you become a conduit for that energy, directing it into the direction that you want, allowing the pet to decide if they want to accept the energy, how much they want, and where they want it.  It goes towards my philosophy of working with the pet, not against them.

It would involve a few days, likely out of town, learning Reiki from a Reiki master, obtaining my Reiki Level 1, then my Animal Reiki, then ultimately a Reiki Level 2.  My hope would be to bring a better energy and level of communication to each pet, helping to ease any anxiety they feel with my presence, as well as connect with them to a deeper level, and perhaps even finding areas that the pet may want brought to their humans attention. Ultimately, adding a full reiki treatment to my list of services, and with reiki level 2, giving them treatment from a distance if that is what the pet wishes.   If your pet feels better, both physically and emotionally, then their energy will affect the energy in the house, adding to a reduction in stress in general, helping the humans in the home to live a more balanced lifestyle as well.   

I have just had a coincidental encounter with a woman who teaches reiki (Roxane Rysdae HbA, RP-CRA, The Healing Self).  We had a quick chat and I felt a good vibe from her.  While chatting to her about animal reiki, she brought a very valid point to me. That energy is energy, not matter who or what it is.  Reiki is reiki.  Level 1 would let me treat humans, pets, wildlife, even plants if I wanted too.  Animal Reiki is not necessarily a thing, the animal reiki course would likely be about how to read animal movements, behaviours, body language, etc.  That is something I am already very comfortable with and do not really need further help with, so I could use that time, effort and money to do Level 2, allowing me to treats pets from a distant location.  She also has a great policy that in order to learn from her, you need to receive a reiki treatment from her.  Considering I have never actually had one, it is good for me to know what it feels like, to help align my own energy, and to be a bit of a bonding experience between master and student.  She would be the one I would want to teach me, plus it helps that she is local. I was talking with Marybeth Haines of The Power of Pets and she had mentioned this woman’s name earlier. Funny enough, I was researching reiki and teachers as Mike and I were watching an episode of Iron Fist on Netflix where reiki was mentioned and discussed.  This seems very karmic to me and it increases my beliefs that this is a path I’m supposed to take. 

After a bit more research, a treatment for myself and some comments from you, my wonderful friends, I will let you know whether I will be adding to my services or not.  Even if I use my ability for my own family (hubby and pets), I believe it would be a good investment, and I’m leaning more and more towards doing it, but I would still love your feedback.  Leave your comments on the blog itself, or the Facebook posting. 

 

 

As most of you know, I consider my main job to make pets and owners comfortable with reduced stress and anxiety and I’m always looking for different ways of doing that.  By coming to your home, there is no car ride to increase anxiety, stress, or cause motion sickness.  (I see Heidi the dachshund for nail trims because she gets car sick).  I am also very open with what I’m doing, allowing owners to stay with me while I work, though sometimes for the pets, it is better to have “Mom” or “Dad” not be present (Cathy loves her cat Forrest, but she get nervous and worries and that increases his stress, though she is getting better).  Using certain positions to hold the pets as well may the trick to a good experience (Harry gets so upset when he can’t see what I’m doing, I’ve developed a way to trim his nails where he can watch me.  He still wants to eat me sometimes, but it’s much better than it was).

This is where Sadie (and Natalie) have been wonderful.  I have known Natalie for about 16 years now, and I’ve known Sadie since she was a pup.  She was originally going to a groomers for a bath, and while she did okay, Natalie noticed that she wasn’t a big fan of going there.  Likely it is because she is so bonded to Mom that separation anxiety was the reason behind Sadie’s stress level.  So over that last few years, I have worked with Sadie, Natalie, her daughter Sam to help make it a more comfortable experience.

Sadie’s bathing happens about every 3 months at Sam’s house.  This way, Sadie is still in familiar territory, with someone she trusts, but Mom is not around (hearing Mom’s voice increases her anxiety).  So after a bit, Sadie was still experiencing some stress/anxiety (not as much as she was before) so I tried to find additional ways to help her (and other pets) with the process.  That’s when I started referring to Sadie as my guinea pig.

First I tried crystal therapy.  Working with crystals, chakras, elixirs, etc, I hoped to find something that would help.  In my owner personal experience with crystals, I believe there is a placebo effect which pets cannot utilize.  Those did nothing for Sadie (or a few other pets) so I gave up on that course of action.

My second attempt was aromatherapy.  I found that a drop of lavender on my hands and rubbed on her head did help improve her frame of mind.  It helped so much that Mom even got a diffuser to put on her collar and some lavender for times of stress.  While it doesn’t take it away, it does help.  (It also helped Riley and Jake)

Third item was to avoid a bath all together.  Sadie loves to roll in the backyard.  So I hear from Natalie how lovely she smells and if there is anything she can do in between baths.  We don’t want to dry out her skin more that needed.  She agreed to let me try a waterless shampoo that I had been looking at.  The Chi brands made one that turned out to be quite good, smelled great and left her with a silky, shiny coat.  It did not last overly long though.  So I tend to use this more as a spot treatment when needed.

My last venture has been music.  They say music soothes the savage beast, and I did find that is the case (though I don’t think I can call Sadie savage, or Thelma and Louise who I found also enjoyed the music)  I have a cat version as well that I used with Sushi and found that it did help a bit as well.

As long as what I do has a positive effect on the pet, I will continue to look for new things to try to help.  I am so thankful to Natalie and Sadie for helping me help others.  Your friendship and loyalty is immensely appreciated.

 

I’ve had the Pure Commotion Interactive Electric Cat Toy for a few years now and completely forgot about it.  The great thing about cat toys is you can put them away for a few months, then bring them back out and the cats think they are new.  I have a few boxes of toys which I rotate and when a new one comes out, Mace and Norris (usually Norris) pick their own out to play with.

Norris was excited when I initially grabbed the toy.  He knew what was coming and seemed ready to have some fun.  Norris is a horizontal player, preferring to play on the ground versus jumping for toys, likely due to his previous orthopedic surgery, so he flopped over and watched the feather toy and grabbed for it when it got close.  I had to make a bit of a noise when he grabbed it, so he would not break the toy.  He is a cat so he gets distracted easily, but pretty much laid there and played for about 5 minutes in total.  Even Mace came to see what was up, but he just sat there and the feather hit him in the face a few times before he walked off (he’s a vertical player, but since he is older now, doesn’t jump as much as he used to).  See his review here.

Norris would give this toy 4/5 paws up.

Now for MY review of the toy.  The legs fold up and the feather rod comes off making it easier to store.  The batteries I put in there years ago are still going strong.  There is a timer, so you can put it on and leave it if you have other things to do, and a speed control.  I do like that it is a “predator/prey” type toy, working with the cats natural instincts, giving much needed stimulation to indoor cats.  I do not like that there is little possibility for actual movement, though some cats might run around trying to get the feather, Norris (the flop-a-saurus) will not lose any weight playing with this toy.  If I remember, it was also about $40, making it on the expensive side.

I give this toy 3/5.

Any toy can be used for enrichment, making a bored, indoor house cat the killer he is supposed to be, even for a few minutes.  Check online for some great, homemade toys and activities you can do with your pets to keep them slim, trim, and enriched (Pinterest is one of my favourites)  Happy Hunting!

I have wonderful clients.  I loved getting Christmas cards ready to send out, and as I wrote them, I remembered each client and I smiled.  Even those pets that don’t necessarily like me, I still have fond memories of them.  Whether it’s a tail wag and a smile after I finished wrestling them, a big slurp up the side of my face, or the vast amounts of pet hair that I bring home on my clothes or in my mouth. I think that the pets appreciate the amount of tenderness I have in my voice, the sincerity I have in my movements and the empathy I have in my heart.

Nothing makes me happier than seeing a comfortable pet and a happy owner.  It’s a good day when I’m done, my laundry basket is full, and I’m covered in pet hair and sweat and I’m thirsty and hungry.  Sometimes my clients get to see how I interact with their pets, and sometimes they don’t, but I know the pet appreciates the work when we are done.  Whether it is a simple nail trim, or a full trim down, every animal gets treated as if they were my own pet, and every client gets treated like a friend.  Because of that, I received quite a few thank you emails and texts after the Christmas cards arrived, and some even gave me little goodies such as chocolates, a tip for coffee at Tim’s or my favourites shown above (the picture is from Shadow and Whiskey, and the mobile grooming fleet is from Mystic, Sox, Ann and Dennis, as well as Carrie, Dan and Wilber).

As I celebrate my 2nd anniversary and start my third year in business, I want to say thank you to those who have travelled this road with me from the beginning, as well as those who have just joined my extended family.  I appreciate each and every one of you for letting me into your home and trusting me with your furry family members.  I am happier than I have been in a very long time, and loving every moment.

This time of year should be one of happiness, friends, family and loved ones.  But many people are missing important people and pets at this time of year which can make the season difficult, if not unbearable.

2016 saw the loss of many of the pets I have helped.  While I do not have pictures of some, I have pictures of others, but that does not mean they won’t be missed by me, but most of all by their family.

Percy, a 10 year old Chihuahua terrier cross whose breath would knock down The Hulk, but whose kisses would warm the Grinch’s heart

Scarlet, an 11 year old short haired grey and white cat whose heart was as big as her appetite

Rocky, a 10 year old short haired brown tabby who loved to give head butts

Suzie was an 18 year old cantankerous old lady of a cat who found her strength when it came to her nail trim

Shelby was a 13 year old black lab who would do anything for a treat (what lab wouldn’t)

Tigger was a long haired orange tabby and white who didn’t look like he should have been 18 years old, and who didn’t act like it when it came to getting his hind end trimmed

Zoe was a quite, introverted Chihuahua of 14 years old who would spend her summers in Florida. Even dogs can be “snowbirds”

Kosmo is one I’ll miss most as I have know him the longest, and he took a big chunk of the heart of a good friend of mine.  He was an older terrier whose heart gave out before it wanted to.

Finally the hardest one of the group is darling Mystic and Princess Sox.  They were inseparable in their 15 years, and once Sox had said she couldn’t do it anymore, Mom and Dad knew that Mystic would could not carry on without her.  The level of connection between them was so entangled in who they were, that Mystic would have not been able to cope without his sister, and due to his failing physical and mental health, he showed Sox the path to comfort.

If you have had to say goodbye to a loving furry family member, know that there are resources out there to help you cope.  Here are a few links that may help.

www.powerofpets365.com

http://www.twoheartspetlosscenter.com/

http://www.ontariopetloss.org/

http://www.petsatpeace.ca/grief-resources.html

With Christmas only a few days away, remember your pets with all of the love they deserve and believe that their spirit is enjoying the holiday with you.

 

 

The colder weather has finally hit us in Niagara Region and very soon we will see white stuff hitting the ground.  Now is the time to evaluate your pets’ needs in the colder weather.  Whether you pet is indoor, outdoor, or a bit of both, it is important that they are warm enough, have enough shelter, food and fresh water.

Many of our cats and dogs live inside most of the time, so the cold will hit them the hardest.  If your dog is one of these that quickly goes outside, then back in, make sure that they have a good area that is cleared of snow and ice for them, that way they are not getting too wet trying to wade through snow drifts, or that they will cut their delicate little paws on an icy patch running back into the house to find their favourite spot in front of the fireplace.

If they need to take that walk, (cause no one really knows why they won’t go in their own yard) then make sure that they have a sweater if needed, booties (or you can make your own foot balm) and you are aware of when it may be getting too cold for them (or too hot if they have a warmer sweater).  Salt, sand and ice can build up between their foot pads, causing discomfort, and sores so make sure that their booties are on, or you clean their feet when they come in, you don’t want them licking that off their toes as they may be toxic.  A towel fresh from the dryer will help them warm up and dry them off. 

If your dog is outdoors most of the time, it is vital that they have shelter and it is insulated properly.  Pick a spot that is out of the wind, or that the house does not get a direct breeze inside.  Put the house in a place that won’t flood either in case of warmer weather and a thaw.  Raising the house off the ground will also help to stop heat from leaching into the frozen ground.  As for insulation, there is a variety of solutions available.  Many dog houses are already insulated, so there is little, if any work that is needed to be done.  You can purchase a dog house insulation kit, or the DIY’ers can use Styrofoam or polystyrene to help keep warmth in.  Straw or cedar shavings work well as bedding as they help with the warmth, while keeping your pet dry.  If you use a regular dog bed or carpeting and it gets slightly wet, you may have troubles.  Finally, using heaters can have benefits, but you have to be very careful to not use it too long as burns can occur, a fire, or electrocution if water is in the area.  To keep your pet hydrated, keeping the water from freezing will be one of your big challenges.  You can either replace the water multiple times per day (or as needed as it starts to freeze) or get a heated water bowl.  Here is a great website of how to’s!

Outdoor cats have much the same needs as dogs do.  Here is a link to build a cat house for those outdoor cats who may or may not be friendly.  Again, keep the water fresh.

Now to start a little debate.  Should you feed the outdoor cats or not?  I am torn in my answer.  First, if the cat is very thin or appears malnourished, sick, or possibly pregnant, you may want to feed them.  But if they are feral and leery of humans, you may decide to leave the food out for them to come and get when they are ready, that can also bring in other cats (who may not need the food, leading to possible cat-cat aggression) or other wildlife such as raccoons or possums looking for an easy meal.  The cats you are feeding may start to become dependent on the help of the well-meaning human, and may stop hunting, thereby not catching their own food, or helping to keep the rodent/bird population under control.  If the cats are not spayed/neutered, then you can end up with many feral/semi-feral cats in a small area which may increase territorial fighting, which could lead to injury, or even death.  Outdoor cats also have the same nutritional requirements as other cats, meaning a high quality protein, low ash diet.  Going out to buy that bargain brand may do more harm than good when that cat develops health issues such as a urinary issue known as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD).  But I know how hard it is to resist those poor, cute eyes staring at you from the cold.

Please remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.  Please be safe and keep warm!

I have met many pets in my days that have special needs.  Many have medical conditions that require medication, injections, special diets and closer monitoring.  I know many that are missing limbs and they get along great without one leg.  But there are two that I know that are extra special (physically) and need a bit more help than most.

Snickers had an unfortunate mishap as a pup that required the amputation of his front right leg.  He was such a happy dog that something as simple as being a tripod did not stop him from loving life and finding a great forever home.  As Snickers aged though, his front left leg started causing problems because it was doing the work of two.  Many years of pain medication, and discomfort, he broke that leg as well.  There were few options for him, but due to his amazing demeanor, and the wonderful dedication of his momma, amputation was performed, and he became bipedal.  Now, Snickers gets around wonderfully, hopping along on his hind legs for short distances, and walking well with a sling supporting his front end.  Walking him in a sling, and lifting him up and down is hard on momma (and anyone who has the pleasure of taking care of him and his brother, (Kosmo and sister, Graceland) but the smiles and kisses he gives you is worth everything.  Besides the physical help getting around, he also needs someone to hold his water bowl so he doesn’t make puddles when he knocks it over, he needs soft things to lay on, and he even has needed physio therapy for pulled muscles in his neck, chest and back (thanks to the great services of Niagara Canine Conditioning Centre).  His abilities amaze me.

 

Lucky is a young dog who found himself on the road not too long ago and could not get away from the car that was fast approaching.  Because of the accident, he has very little use in his hind end, but the perseverance, dedication and love for this little fluff ball gave him a new lease on life.  After surgery to put pins and support on his spine, he is able to get around using his front legs only (which is fine in the house) but he has a wheelchair that he boots around outside in.  Mom and Dad live in the country and when I went out to look after Lucky and his sister, I found that Lucky moves really fast in his wheelchair, off-roading around the yard like nothing is wrong.  The only lasting effect that requires special attention is that he has no control of the sphincter for his bladder, needing gentle pressure to help him urinate (he poops fine though).  The one thing that frustrated me when mom called to ask about looking after her fur babies, was that no facility was able (or willing?) to care for him, even those that specialize in pets with special needs.  While I understand the apprehension of a pet sitter or boarding facility in this situation, I found it a very easy task, one that anyone can perform with good instruction.  Mom and Dad were worried that they would never be able to vacation together as someone would have to stay with Lucky, but because I took a chance where others would not, Mom and Dad can enjoy some time away.

A physical handicap cannot keep these pups down, and it goes to show the strength of not only the animal themselves, but the love and dedication that an owner must have to mentally and physically deal with a special pet.  Thank you to Helen, Leo and Kristy for giving these boys a chance to continue lighting the lives of those that have met and loved them.  You inspire me by your love and compassion, and your pups inspire me with their strength and willingness to live life to the fullest.  I applaud you.

 

 

So most of you know that I have a sphynx cat named Mace.  Having an unusual breed of dog or cat shows how unique and different we all are.  While a sphynx is not a breed I would have chosen for myself, fate decided that he belonged to me (or is it that I belong to him?!) and I love the little monkey to bits.  But before I had cats, I had ferrets.  It started with me being introduced to a friend’s roommate’s pet ferret and I instantly fell in love with the crazy ball of fur.  Still living at home with my family, I let them know that I wanted one, and I got the “not while you’re living at home, but when you move out” (My mom thought they moved too much likes snakes, which she has a huge fear of).  So I did just that.  Moved out, and got my first ferret Joven.  Joven was joined by Mercury.  Not to get into a long story, but over the years, Mike and I had Joven, Mercury, Orion, Harley Quinn, Hagrid and Sprout.  Our cats included Dock, Mace and Norris.  I have also a betta fish at home named Walker (not after the texas ranger, but Saint Walker.  I’m a nerd, I accept it) and newest addition an axolotl named Pinkie.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taking on pets is not something I take lightly.  I want to be sure that I can care for them properly, give them what they need (and want) and afford them.  With my ferrets and my axolotl, I did tons of research before I got them for just that reason.

Working with pets, I have seen all types of animals that will wiggle their way into our hearts.  Here is a list of some of the pets and their great owners who have done things right.  Me with Pinkie (axolotl).  Jenn with Quinn and Ralphy (pot bellied pigs), Vic with her bearded dragons, Chris with his iguanas, and Alex with Freddie (conure).

Before you go ahead with any purchases, here are some things to consider and research

• Housing-Are they caged, do they need a tank, or free range. Along with that is what do they need in their house.  Shavings, a heat lamp, litterbox, decorations to hide in, etc.
• Size-how big will they get, will you need to upgrade their accommodations. Pinkie came to me at about 3 inches long (he may get up to 12 inches long).  I knew he would need bigger accommodations so I had to take that into consideration.  Will the dog stay small or grow to the size of a small horse.
• Life span-how long do they typically live and am I willing to provide for them for that long. Dogs can live anywhere from 8-15+ years, cats 12-18+ years, ferrets maybe 8 years.
• Vet visits-do they require shots, spaying/neutering, grooming, etc. Or in my case with Pinkie, is there even a vet around that will deal with axolotls
• Illness-what can possibly happen, what is the cost to treat, are there breed predispositions that you may need to consider such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, DJD, entropion, etc
• Time involved-are you able to exercise them, pay attention to them, give them the love and attention they deserve. Some animals are happy just hanging out, but some need a lot of enrichment, mental stimulation, exercise and so on
• Cleanliness-do they need a litterbox, outside time, chew toys, a yard, weekly tank testing and cleaning, will they cause damage outside by rooting in the grass, or digging. Weekly tank maintenance is only about a half hour for now, but may increase as I get Pinkie a friend and a bigger tank
• Set up costs and upgrade costs-cage, food, bowls, leashes, toys, tank, decorations, substrate, litter, all of these add up even before you get your pet
• Maintenance costs-bigger pets typically require bigger budgets
• Family, friends and neighbours-Will they bark, make noise, are they nocturnal. If you get a tarantula as a pet, I’ll guarantee I will never come over again.
• Personality of pet-How trainable are they, and how much interaction is needed. Pinkie is very personable, coming up to see me as I speak to him.  Walker shows signs of aggression sometimes when I come to speak to him.  Pets have their own quirks and personalities and they have to live with us as we have to live with them.
• Enrichment-Pets get bored, so be ready to do things to make them happy. Cats especially need play time and interaction.  I’ll bring up the food toss game again as it does so much for Mace.  The ferrets needed time outside of their cage to do what ferrets do, hide things, so I would hide them first, then they would find them and take them to their own hidey hole.

I urge anyone who is looking at a pet of any type to be prepared.  Read books, google them, join a facebook page or forum, and talk to other pet owners.   You can never do enough homework.  Good luck and happy pet loving!