Pet Friendly Moving

Pet-friendly Moving...Save, Don't Abandon

For animal lovers, one of the most difficult things about our current economy and the real estate market is the number of pets that are being abandoned, either because families are forced to move into places that don't accept pets and/or because they can not handle their pet's unexpected medical problems, or sometimes even their basic food costs.  Knowing that none of us can adopt every needy animal, here are some suggestions on how each of us can help:

• Develop a list of local shelters, veterinarians and foster pet owners who will accept unwanted or abandoned pets.  Keep the list handy so you can give it to people you meet and hang it on public bulletin boards that you encounter in your neighborhood.  Be sure to send a copy to anyone you think might need some encouragement to do the right thing.  Leave a list at houses with foreclosure signs.
• Support adoption of shelter animals.  The faster they find homes, the easier it is for shelters to house new animals.
• Periodically ask your friends, people where you work, neighbors, etc., if they are interested in adopting a pet or know someone who might be.  Add them to your list.
• Keep a blanket, leash, water, tempting pet nibbles and a bowl in your car so that when you spot an abandon animal, you might be able to rescue it.  Collapsible pet-carriers can also come in handy for small animals.  Of course rescuing an animal can be tricky and potentially dangerous because frightened animals can be elusive or aggressive.  If you can, call for some help.  Sometimes throwing a blanket over the animal will give you a chance to grab and leash or contain it. 
• Take a picture with your cell phone or camera to make "found" signs and post them around the area where you found the animal.  Use social media and websites like Craig's List to spread information about the pet including where the pet was last seen and is currently living.  An irresistible picture will always help.  Be sure to include contact information.
• Make a concerted effort to return a stray pet to its owner, especially a pet wearing a collar and ID tags.
• If you're able to, offer day care, dog walking or temporary boarding for someone's pet to help the owner through a difficult time until  he or she can resume a pet-friendly life style. 
• Or, perhaps you can donate funds for animal medical care or professional boarding to your local vet or commercial boarding facility to help them care for strays or the pets of clients who cannot afford the necessary care.

If you have other suggestions, please send them to me so I can add them to the list.  And, in keeping with the current economy, my book Pet-Friendly Moving is now available at the reduced price of $1.95 each.  See the Pay Pal info to the left.  The book offers helpful information on identifying or creating a pet-friendly home and how to move there, no matter where your pet has previously lived. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pet Friendly Feline Thyroid Therapy, part 2

In the previous post I wrote about cat-friendly containment in conjunction with my cat's thyroid treatment, but cat condos can be useful for any number of reasons.  In this post, I offer some specifics about Radioiodine Therapy from the cat's owner's perspective.  Everything starts with a diagnosis by your usual veterinarian.  Once a thyroid condition has been identified, the next decision is which course of treatment to pursue.  In some cases, a daily pill may work just fine.  The alternative, Radioiodine Therapy, offers several significant advantages.

• It's non-intrusive.  The medication is administered by a single needle dosage.
• It's effectiveness generally lasts for the rest of the cat's life.  No further thyroid-related treatments will be required. 
• It works fairly quickly to restore the thyroid's normal functions and the cat's thyroid-related health.
• There is significant medical research to support the efficacy of the procedure.

Some considerations:

• Appropriate Radioiodine Therapy facilities and experienced veterinarian specialists are not necessarily available where you live.  Your usual vet can help you identify the possibilities.
• There may be a waiting period before your cat can begin the treatment. 
• Your cat will have to be boarded for a few days or more at the facility where the treatment is administered.  Even if you live nearby, you will not be allowed to visit your cat.
• Your cat will still be radioactive when he or she is released from the treatment facility which means your cat will have to be isolated for a specified amount of time.  Other animals and people should not be exposed to your cat until the specified time period is over.  The primary care giver can have only limited exposure.

I am fortunate that I've lived relatively near a facility that specializes in Radioiodine Therapy when each of my cats required thyroid treatment.  The treatment has improved during the 10 years between when my first cat and my current cat were treated by Dr. Michael R. Broome at Advanced Veterinary Medical Imaging, located in Tustin, CA.  The first time, the isolation and boarding periods required were much longer.  Now AVMI offers clients the opportunity to check in on their cats in their respective "apartments" at anytime during the day with on-line video cam transmission.  I loved that benefit, though I admit that even the most ardent cat lover can watch a sleeping cat for only so long.  By the way, if you live in the greater L.A. area, it may be more convenient to meet with Dr. Broome in W.L.A. where you can then drop off and pick up your cat after treatment.  As mentioned above, your veterinarian can refer you to other clinics in your area.

The very best part of the treatment is seeing how effective and content both of my cats were when they returned from the treatment.  My first cat, Cocoa, was about 7 years old when he was treated, which is fairly young.  He lived a happy life for another 6 years.  Grayzie, on the other hand, turned 16 about 3 months after her treatment.  She is a very content cat, now a little deaf, who sleeps a lot.  Thanks to her Radioiodine Therapy, she will enjoy a peaceful old age. 

Whatever treatment you decide upon, please be sure you see your usual vet as soon as possible if you note any erratic behavior, changes in eating or drinking habits, or the condition of your cat's coat.  The sooner your cat receives whatever treatment is determined, the happier you and your cat will be.

If you would like more general information or have information to add about Radioiodine Therapy, I'd love to hear from you.  If you would like clinical information, Dr. Broome's website is www.avmi.net.

 

 

Pet-friendly Feline Thyroid Therapy, part 1

Cat lovers know that thyroid issues are fairly common among our feline friends.  They are also quite serious and threatening to a cat's well-being.  Cocoa, my first cat, had thyroid issues about 10 years ago when he was relatively young, which is when I became familiar with the symptoms and available treatment options...generally a pill everyday for the rest of the cat's life or radioiodine therapy which usually offers a permanent cure.   So a few months ago when my cat Grayzie started manifesting the symptoms...manic one minute and lethargic the next, ravenously hungry and thirsty alternating with total disinterest in food or drink, ratty looking coat, etc....I knew what the vet's diagnosis would be.

I might have considered the pill option except that Grayzie has always been Miss Indepedent and does not tolerate being touched unless she is in the mood.  Despite all the tried and true ploys, it has always been extremely difficult to administer pills to Grayzie, always leading to her extreme agitation.  It also makes it difficult to be sure she has actually swallowed the pill.  So, it was not a difficult decision for me to opt for the radioiodine therapy which had been so effective for Cocoa.

Having made the decision and the arrangements for Grayzie's treatment, the next dilemma was how to secure her, an indoor/outdoor cat, for the possible 6-8 weeks of her combined pre and post procedure intervals.  This was especially challenging in a house with two indoor/outdoor dogs and a layout that doesn't allow Grayzie or the dogs to be isolated in any one room.  The most workable solution was a cat condo.

If you're not familiar with cat condos, they are similar to aviaries, but include adjustable shelves for cats to climb and snooze on.  The floor can hold a litter box as well as food and water bowls.  There are several lockable doors allowing easy access to your cat without risk of her escaping.  They rest on wheels so the condo can be easily moved around to the most advantage spot as the light and temperature change.  They require almost no assembly.  The whole thing rises up and collapses like a slinky.  And, you can hose the bottom off fairly easily while the cat perches on one of the higher shelves.  They're made of durable steel so you may be able to find a used one in good condition.  Or, shop around at pet stores and on the internet.  Prices vary.

I'm not suggesting that condo living is an idea long-term arrangement, but the condos are spacious and open enough for most cats to cope with being locked up in them when necessary.   Grayzie was relatively serene and enjoyed the passing scene from her protected perch on the porch or by the window.  In my next post, I'll write about the actual procedure, why containment is required and what to expect when your cat comes home, etc. 

In the meantime, I welcome any suggestions you may have about how to keep a cat reasonably content during forced containment, whether for a thyroid procedure or anything else.

PET-FRIENDLY PILL POPPING

If you've been following this blog, you know that one of my dogs, J.J., had major surgery recently.  One of the most stressful aspects of the event turned out to be his adamant refusal of all of the post-op pills that were prescribed.  Since he'd never presented a problem taking pills previously, I was taken by surprise and assumed that his post-op pain and head gear, along with his becoming deaf as part of the surgery, were responsible for his contrariness.  So, we got by with some liquid medicine alternatives.

A few weeks after the surgery, J.J. developed a post-op infection in one of the incisions.  After venting my frustration to a different doctor in the vet's office about how all the usual pill administration methods such as a spoonful of peanut butter or cottage cheese had failed, she offered me her mother's solution.  Basically, she makes a tiny, bite-size sandwich out of soft bread filled with peanut butter in which she hides the pill.  So simple, so obvious and so effective!  This time around, pill popping has been a breeze.  J.J. gobbles up the whole sandwich in one quick bite.  Sometimes Moms really do know best.

Pet-friendly new neighbors

Moving to a new home is one of the most frequent reasons that pets wander and sometimes get lost or "rescued" by well meaning neighbors.  One of the most important and helpful things to remember is to always walk your dog on a leash.  First, it will prevent Fido or Fifi from wandering and second, it will prevent them from trespassing onto your new neighbor's property.

 

Even the most diligent of us pet owners cannot always control our pet’s behavior.  However, one thing that is absolutely always within our control is leashing our dogs before taking them for a walk.  Lots of communities have leash laws.  New neighbors who are not pet-friendly are always looking for a reason to complain about other people's pets.  Don't make it easy for them. 

 

There is no validity nor exception for those owners who insist “My dog would never hurt anyone.”  If you are one of those owners, please be reminded that this isn’t just about you and your dog.  It is also about how others…human, feline and canine… react when seeing an off-leash dog, or worse, being approached by another dog that is not leashed.  And, consider the risk to all concerned if an unleashed dog is suddenly in the path of a car.  Shelters and hospitals, both animal and human, are crowded with patients who have been the victims and perpetrators of unleashed dog situations.  There is a reason for the word “accident.”   Occasionally a leash or collar un-clips, but deliberately choosing not to leash a dog is not an accident.

 

Remember that leashes, like fences, make pet-friendly neighbors. 

 

 

 

 

 

Pet-Friendly Abuser Registry, but.....

A recent article in The New York Times reports that California may enact legislation creating a registry for animal abusers similar in concept to the registry of human sex offenders referred to as Megan's Law.  As a pet owner, I applaud the concept and the motivation to protect animals in general and my pets in particular.  When my black cat was still alive,  I dreaded every October knowing that many black cats are horrifically abused on Halloween.  On the other hand, there are also potential civil and privacy rights involved in this kind of legislation.  Similar legislation in other states has stalled, no doubt because of the privacy issues.

Such legislation has potential benefits for people as well as animals.  According to Stephan Otto, the director of legislative affairs for the Animal Legal Defense Fund which drafted the proposed bill, "We know there's a link between those who abuse animals and those who perform other forms of violence." 

Having thought about the concept for awhile, and in the absence of details about the proposed legislation, I'm inclined to be in favor the idea, if not necessarily the specific proposed bill.  This could become a very controversial issue.  What are your thoughts? 

Pet-friendly Post-op Care

Unfortunately, every pet owner eventually must cope with a pet’s illness, accident or other medical condition.  Some are short-lived, some are protracted and saddest of all, some are not curable.  Under any circumstances, managing your pet’s comfort and care can be challenging.

 

Happily, our Cocker Spaniel JJ has been recuperating well from a total canal ablation of both ears.  While his condition was never life threatening, it has been an intense experience for the patient and the care givers, starting with the initial decision to do the procedure which causes deafness.

 

After two days and nights at the hospital, JJ returned home with the expected plastic cone to prevent him from scratching at the surgical sites and also to protect his head which was wrapped in a headdress reminiscent of and as attractive as those white bathing caps that female humans were required to wear in public swimming pools until the advent of long-haired hippy male swimmers.

 

Meds were the first issue.  Three pills and one liquid were prescribed twice a day, but despite every trick,  JJ resisted all attempts at getting him to swallow a pill.  Because he became so agitated and aggressive with each attempt, the vet recommended forgetting the pills and administering only the one liquid med…fortunately, the most important and only one JJ would accept. 

 

Then there was the crate, required in the hopes it would keep JJ from thrashing around and also separate from our other dog and the cat.    JJ is a rescue dog, so no one knows how he was treated as a puppy, but it’s doubtful he was crate trained, since he was such a not happy crate patient.  It became obvious that he was truly calm only when he could nestle with me…not practical for my going to work or any of other normal life's demands.

 

And because of the cone, JJ could not fit through the doggie door.  Nor, for several reasons, including torrential rains throughout his recuperation, was he allowed to go outside by himself until the stitches were removed 10 days after the surgery.   So, essentially, he could never be left alone for more than three hours at a stretch and had to be leashed for every bathroom break.

 

It has helped a lot to focus on how quickly his pain disappeared. So now, less than a month after the surgery, all of the logistical post-op challenges have almost become humorous.  What remains is for JJ and the rest of us to adapt to his deafness.  He vents his obvious confusion and frustration from not understanding why he can’t hear by chasing the cat around the house, something he never used to do.  (He knows better than to pick on his canine partner who is Alpha dog and larger.) 

 

So, we’re now at the “this too shall pass” stage. JJ is learning some sign language, responds to clapping and floor vibrations, and takes cues from Alpha dog about what’s going on.  JJ’s still a champion chow hound and still loves to nestle, so we’re getting back to normal.  From JJ's experience, here are some things we’ve learned that might be helpful if you’re going to face protracted post-op care.

1. Be sure you ask your vet all the necessary questions before you make a decision…about the procedure, about the post-op care, the length of recuperation, any diet changes, any special equipment needs for meds, beds, etc., how much post-op human hands-on care and attention your pet will require, how to manage interaction with your other pets, just for starters.
2. And, of course, there's the cost.  Don’t be bashful.  Ask for a detailed estimate of the anticipated costs, including  any “what if” possibilities.  Depending on your situation, ask about Care Credit, something that many human doctors and dentists as well as veterinarians offer.  It allows you to arrange for an interest-free loan to cover the expenses.  If possible, have someone not as emotionally involved as you, review the estimate with you before you commit. 
3. If your situation is not a critical emergency, get an alternate opinion if you’re not 100% comfortable with your first veterinarian and/or the cost situation. 
4. Take a look at your calendar and make whatever changes you can to free up the time you will need to devote to post-op care.
5. If you don’t have enough household coverage, solicit the help of a friend or trusted pet-sitter to spell you during the post-op phase.  Or, line up someone to do your errands in case you won't be able to leave the house.
6. Have your pet groomed before the surgery if possible, since you don’t know how long you may have to wait after the surgery until the next grooming.
7. While your pet is hospitalized, be attentive without being a pest.  It helps your pet when the hospital staff knows how much you care…although calling every hour is not a great idea.
8. If something feels wrong during the post-op phase, ask.  Often, your vet’s office will be able to answer your problem on the phone and you won’t have to be anxious.  
9. Keep yourself busy while you’re hanging around the house.  It's a good time to do those home repair projects, catch up on paper work, rearrange the furniture...anything to avoid brooding, pacing or over-eating, no matter how anxious you are. 
10. Be sure everyone in your household, especially children, knows what to expect during the post-op period.  Normal love and attention might agitate or hurt your recuperating pet, causing reflexive reactions which could be dangerous.
11. Don't forget that your other pets need attention too.  

If you have other suggestions that may be helpful regarding post-op pet care, please let me know so I can share them with others.  And, my best wishes for a speedy and successful recovery to your pet.

Cat-friendly neighborhoods

I'm an equal opportunity lover of dogs and cats, but as other lovers of both know, cats generally make easier neighbors...our cats for my neighbors, and theirs for us.  We live in a densely occupied complex now.  We're aware of at least 15 cats we can count as Grayzie's and our neighbors.  Each cat has its own home and all are well looked after.  Nevertheless, most of them, including Grazyie, regularly play musical houses, yards and porches.

On the day we moved into our current house, we pulled into our new driveway, let the dogs out to explore their new yard and then let Grayzie out of her carrying case.  She explored the driveway for a moment and then headed straight for our neighbor's porch which has been her home away from home ever since.  From that vantage point, she knows when our car is arriving or leaving, can hear when her breakfast and dinner bells ring, and can tell when our dogs are not blocking her access to our dog/cat door.

We're grateful our neighbor enjoys Grayzie's presence, but have never figured out why she prefers the neighbor's porch, when ours offers sun, shade or breeze...to say nothing of several cozy chairs...at any given time. On the other hand, Goldie from across the street prefers our porch to her own and has scared me many mornings when I open the porch door and she darts into flight over the porch fence. And so it goes....all around the block.

The neighbors' gypsy cats keep us entertained.  However, we are glad we also have dogs...not only because they're equally entertaining in their way, but also because they keep the feline visitor population under control as well as various more threatening critters at bay.  It's not that there isn't always more room at the inn, but random access inevitably leads to random chaos or worse. There are reasons for watch dogs and why you never hear about "watch cats."

PET-FRIENDLY NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

During this time of year while you are making your new year resolutions, don’t forget about some pet-friendly resolutions.   Is Rover’s license current?  Are Fluffy’s vaccinations up-to-date?  When was the last time your best buddy was properly groomed?  Does the bedding need to be replaced?  Is your pet’s containment arrangement still functioning properly?  Have you been procrastinating about proper training?  Do you walk your dog sufficiently and regularly?  Does your pet get enough attention?  Etc., etc., etc.  Just a short list of many possibilities to think about in the new year. 

I hope you and yours enjoy a peaceful, happy and safe new year.

Pet-friendly Gift Tips

Stumped as to what to give family and friends this holiday season? Pets make gift giving so easy because they're always grateful for a treat, a toy, a scratching post, a new bed, cage or aquarium, ...even a donation to an animal shelter or a useful book, though they may not know it.  So, when you absolutely, positively can't think of what to buy your human friends, get something for their pets.  The thought will be equally appreciated by the pets and their humans.

New pets are frequently adopted or given as gifts during the holidays.  There are many cautionary tales about the risks of bringing a new pet into the home during the holiday season, especially as a surprise.  The risks include too much unsettling commotion for new arrivals, too many dangerous temptations like tree ornaments and lights, wrapping paper and ribbon, not enough or too much attention for the new arrival.  Whenever possible, consider introducing your new pet after the holiday commotion is over and gift wrap a picture of the new addition or a stuffed animal stand-in for the gift giving ceremonies.

If you are welcoming a new pet during or after the holidays, or know someone who is, a perfect gift is my book, Pet-Friendly Moving, which you can purchase from this website.  Before you finalize your order, you will have the opportunity to include special instructions and/or a gift message and to send the book directly to a different recipient. The book offers useful suggestions on how to make Fluffy or Fido's new home a pet-safe and pet-friendly environment.  Pet-Friendly Moving is also very useful for people and pets who travel together or are planning to move to a new home. 

However you and your pets celebrate the holiday season, we at Pet-Friendly Moving wish you and yours the happiest of holidays and a peaceful new year filled with lots of furry, scaly and feathered friends.