Pet Friendly Moving

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 subscribed.  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 vet  in the office about how all the usual pill administration methods such as peanut butter and 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 bit.  Sometimes Moms really 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.

 
 
 

Pet-friendly Living in a Pinball Machine

I frequently wonder if my pets feel as if they live in a pinball machine. If you’re not at all familiar with pinball machines, the object of the game is to release a small ball at the start of the maze and help it to reach the end of the maze without being derailed by obstacles such as gates, levers, springs, etc.

Having lived in a variety of different homes, each posing pet-containment considerations, I have learned that gates are invaluable for several reasons:

 

• Pet-free zones make cleaning easier, help control pet-smell, reduce potential allergy issues for visitors and prolong the lives of carpets and furniture.
• Strategically placed gates can maximize your pet’s freedom within the space allowed because it’s their space which they usually will graciously allow you to share.
• Gates protect pets and small children from each other.
• Gates separate pets from visitors, when appropriate, but are usually less exclusionary than doors.
• Gates protect food and pets from each other, which despite  pets’ fondest hopes, is often in their best interest.
• Above all, gates are often necessary to protect your pet’s safety from stairs, heights, windows, etc. 

Gates come in a variety of sizes, materials and colors, appropriate for indoor and/or outdoor use.  Some work with tension and do not require installation, depending on your specific need.  If you check the internet, you will also find designer dog gates, which offer appropriate functionality, but are much more attractive than prison bar designs.   Antique and thrift shops as well as outdoor furniture and garden supply stores often offer attractive fencing and gates, usually in wrought iron, which can be used in or out of the house. 

 

My pets, being much smarter than any little ball, have no trouble getting from A to B, no matter how many gates I use to create their space.   In fact, sometimes my cats and dogs seem to amuse themselves by going from gate to gate, probably in search of possible treats.   So, whatever type of gate you have, be sure it is appropriate for the weight and size of your pets, that it is securely installed and that the latch works properly.   An appealing treat or toy on the other side of a gate can be overwhelmingly tempting, causing possible damage and danger.

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A pet-friendly move takes some planning

On one of my many moving days, a huge van arrived as scheduled with someone’s sailboat already stowed inside. This was early in my nomadic lifestyle and Cocoa was my first cat, so although I now recognize how dangerous my ignorance could have been, it never occurred to me to worry about Cocoa’s whereabouts during the day's activity. Several hours into the loading process I went inside the van to check on something. Imagine my surprise to find Cocoa sitting at the helm in the boat’s Captain’s chair ready to set sail for New York. Because of Cocoa’s nautical inclination, I learned to carefully plan all of my subsequent moves, with particular attention to my pets’ needs. 

It may seem common sensical, but it's amazing how many people don't think through the logistics of what to do with their pets on moving day...both when moving out of the old home and into the new one.  Check out the many useful suggestions in my book.

Pet-Friendly October for Black Cats

You don't need me to remind you that Halloween is just around the corner.  Every catalog, store and retailer website has been advertising its Halloween wares for weeks....all items featuring witches on broomsticks, pumpkins aglow and of course, black cats with arched backs and menacing faces. 

Superstitions about black cats go way back in time.  Until recently, it didn't seem all that harmful for people to think they somehow brought bad luck.   However, modern commerce and the media have exploited the superstition to the point where it's become necessary to lock up our black cat pets around Halloween time for their own protection.   And desperate as they are to find homes for their guests, many shelters refuse to give black cats up for adoption in October, for fear of what the motives might be of the would-be adopters.  If these precautions seem extreme to you, please accept that it's commensurate with the very real threat to our black feline friends around Halloween time.

If you've read my book, or looked at the "Photo Album" on this site, you've seen some pictures of my very first cat, Cocoa.  I named him that because he looked chocolate brown when he was a newborn, but he grew into a magnificent black cat.  According to all my friends who have had many more cats than I, Cocoa was the mellowest, most easy going cat "on the planet."  Since I'd never had a cat before, I was so oblivious to his exceptional temperament that I named my next cat Grayzie, because I thought she was crazy... and because she is gray.  Of course, I eventually came to understand that Grayzie is perfectly normal as cats go and only seemed crazy compared to Cocoa.

So in memory of Cocoa and all other black cats of the past, however mellow or not, please take very good care of your black cat in October and ask your friends and neighbors to do the same.