Meet Frank and Louie, the Two-Faced Cat

In Worcester, Massachusetts, a cat with two names and two faces was born. Meet Frank and Louie. He has two faces, two mouths, three eyes, and there was lots of doubts about his future.

A Veterinarian looked at the kitten and found it to be perfectly healthy with an excellent chance of survival. The Vet was right.

Twelve years after Marty Stevens rescued him from being put to sleep because of his condition, the exotic blue-eyed rag doll cat is not only thriving but has made it into the 2012 Guinness Book of World Records.

He's the longest surviving member of a group known as Janus cats.

, named for a Roman god with two faces. Janus cats almost never survive, and most have congenital defects, including a cleft palate that makes it difficult for them to nurse and often causes them to slowly starve or get milk in their lungs and die of pneumonia. The condition is the result of a genetic defect that triggers excessive production of a certain kind of protein.

"Every day is kind of a blessing; being 12 and normal life expectancy when they have this condition is one to four days," Stevens said, stroking Frank and Louie's soft fur as he sat on her lap purring. "So, he's ahead of the game; every day I just thank God I still have him."

Frank and Louie's breeder had taken him to the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, where Stevens was working at the time, to be euthanized when he was just a day old. Stevens offered to take him home, but experts told her not to get her hopes up.

But Frank and Louie did not suffer from most of the common Janus problems. Stevens used feeding tubes to nourish him for three months, hoping that would also save him from the danger of choking on food going down two mouths.

It turned out she didn't have to worry about him choking, because Frank and Louie used just one of his mouths to eat.

"The condition itself is very rare, and I think that the fact that this cat became an adult, a healthy adult, is remarkable," said Dr. Armelle deLaforcade, an Associate Professor at Cummings and head of the Emergency Services Section.

Warning: Dog Owners – Make Sure Your Dog has Their Vaccinations – Animal Shelter in Washington County, MD had a Parovirus Outbreak

In Hagerstown, Maryland, at least five positive cases of canine parvovirus have been identified at the Humane Society of Washington County, forcing the shelter to stop accepting dogs until further notice.

Officials with the shelter questioned if the troubled economy is influencing people to choose to forgo vaccinating dogs against the disease. If you are having problems paying for your dog’s vaccinations, contact your local animal shelters. Sometimes they will run special programs during the year offering free vaccinations for your dog. Also, ask your Vet if you can set up a payment plan.

The humane society issued an alert Monday saying that five puppies taken to the shelter from the 4000 block of Mills Road in Sharpsburg tested positive for the disease.

Shelter spokeswoman Katherine Cooker said all five puppies were put down. Four more dogs at the shelter contracted the disease and had to be euthantized, she said.

What Is Parvovirus?
The Americana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says, the canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that can produce a life-threatening illness. The virus attacks rapidly dividing cells in a dog’s body, most severely affecting the intestinal tract. Parvovirus also attacks the white blood cells, and when young animals are infected, the virus can damage the heart muscle and cause lifelong cardiac problems.

How Do Dogs Get Parvo?
Dogs and puppies get parvo from being in contact with infected dogs, but most likely from the fecal matter of infected dogs, which, when you think of it, is very scary. Who hasn't seen dog feces around on the grass while on a walk with their dog? Who knows what dog left it? They can get it from the groomers, boarding places where infected dogs have been, and even the Vet’s office.

Can Humans Get Pavo?
Dogs cannot transmit parvo to humans, but humans can unwittingly transmit it from dog to dog.

Can Cats Get Parvo from Dogs?
No, parvo is a disease only in dogs that attacks the cells in the GI tract. This disease is not zoonotic, so humans and felines can not catch it. Felines can get another form of parvo called panleukopenia unrelated to Parvo with similar symptoms. But dogs can't catch it from cats and vice versa.
Source: Veterinary Technician at an emergency and specialty hospital.

For more information on Parvovirus, please visit the websites below:
Parvovirus
Dr. Jean Dodds' Recommended Vaccination Schedule
Get Your Dog Vaccinated Now
ASPCA - Parvovirus

Your dog is a family member, please take time and have their yearly checkup at the Vet.

Labrador Retriever Puppy – Protects Brothers with Diabetes

A recent addition to a household in Hampton, Virginia, is helping to protect Zajdel Kazee, and his 8-year-old brother, Lucas. Both brothers  have Type I Diabetes.

The new addition is Skittles, a Labrador Retriever puppy who comes from Diabetic Alert Dogs by Warren Retrievers. "They do a scent recognition training and choose the dogs that pass the test with flying colors, and those are the dogs that are places as diabetic alert dogs, " explained the boys' mother, Liza Kazee.

Because of the high cost, the family continually raises funds, and Warren Retrievers' Guardian Angel Service Dogs assists it and others in covering the price of the dogs. Price for a dog and the training, which includes in-home visits for several days 3 times a year, is $17,000.

The boys named Skittles after their favorite candy.  If their blood sugar drops, 10 pieces of the sugary treat brings their levels back into the normal range. Skittles already is going to stores and church with the family, sporting his bright orange service dog vest. Eventually, he will go to school with the boys.

"It's every parents decision, but it's about keeping your kid safe. If he can keep my kid from having one seizure, he's done the job, you know, the money was worth it," said Kazee.

"When they check their fingers, we involve him. We make it exciting for him, you know. We call him over: 'Let's check Wyatt. Let's check Lucas,'" described Kazee of some of the training and bonding process. "He sits or jumps on them, and, then, checks while they're doing it, and if it's high or low, we 'treat' him. We give him a treat for doing a good job."

Although glucose monitors are supposed to let you know when the blood sugar is going out of range, Kazee said there often is a delay. In the short time Skittles has been on the job, he has noted problems with the boys' levels as soon as they started leaving the normal 100-150 range. "He'll jump on me, bite me on my ear," offered Zajdel, "but for Lucas, he'll just sit right next to him or try to come to him."

"It's rough, but you can get through it as long as you're confident," Zajdel said of living with Diabetes. In the past 6 years, the Tucker-Capps Elementary School student has had 14 seizures related to his Type I Diabetes.

"He's taken over my pillow, so I end up sleeping at the end of the bed," shared Zajdel, pointing to the only drawback.

             Video: (Place your mouse on video for start button)


For more information on children with diabetes and diabetes alert dogs, visit the websites below:

Children with Diabetes Foundation
Guardian Angel Service Dogs
Dogs Assisting Diabetics
Diabetes Alert Dogs

Washington Humane Society - Friends of Fashion for Paws – Great October Events!

Friends of Fashion for Paws, October is going to be a busy month for all, but please if you can, add our two upcoming events to your calendar! We would love to see you there!

What is Fashion for Paws (F4P)?
Fashion for Paws (F4P) is a high caliber marketing and fundraising program of the Washington Humane Society (WHS) that infuses the nation’s capital with cutting-edge high fashion and luxury lifestyle brand events, drawing an extraordinary crowd of VIP’s, fashion and animal lovers alike.

First, October 13th from 5-8pm is the Shops at Wisconsin Place Passport to Style event that F4P is a beneficiary of! To purchase your $20 ticket (F4P will receive all $20 from your ticket purchase) please visit:
http://www.shopwisconsinplace.com/passport/index.php

October 28th: Then, the big Halloween Blow Out Extravaganza! We're excited to announce the W Washington D.C. Hotel has chosen Fashion for Paws benefiting the Washington Humane Society to be the beneficiary of their Rooftop Howl-O-Ween Bash on October 28th at 9:00 p.m. Please join us on the W Washington, D.C. POV Rooftop Lounge & Terrace for dancing to the tunes of one of the hottest DJ's, photo booth fun and more! Limited tickets available for purchase (tickets are $30) at: TICKETS.

For more information on the Howl-O-Ween Bash :The “W” Washington, DC Hotel – Rooftop Howl-O-Ween Bash – Fashion for Paws Benefiting the Washington Humane Society

Also, if you feel like getting out to do something fun with your pup! Be sure to check out this deal and register TODAY for just $10 for the WHS DC WALK FOR THE ANIMALS on October 15th! http://dealsfordeeds.com/deals/todays_deal/315

For more information on: WHS Announces 2011 DC Walk for the Animals – Register Now! – Walk Date October 15, 2011

Update! Daphne the 2 Year Old Beagle – Has Reached Her Donation Goal! – She Will Have Her Surgery – Thank You for Your Donation!

You may have read my story earlier this month about Daphne, a 2-year-old Beagle, that needed surgery to save her life: Help is Desperately Needed for Daphne a 2 Year Old Beagle – Please Read Her Story

Because of your donation, Daphne will have her much needed surgery, she will be able to walk again...but most importantly, she will have a chance to live a full life! Homeward Trails will keep me updated on her surgery. The staff at Homeward Trails, Daphne, and The Pet Tree House want to say “Thank You” for your donation!

Please take a look at her chip-in…she has actually gone over her goal!

You can visit their website at: Homeward Trails

The Pet Tree House will keep you updated on Daphne's surgery.

Update! Stray Pot Belly Pigs Captured in Anne Arundel County, Maryland

If you read my story: Pot Belly Pigs Roaming Loose in Anne Arundel County, Maryland that I posted on September 17th , you will remember that two pot belly pigs were running loose and avoiding capture  in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

Officers caught Miss Piggy last week. A second homeless, domestic pot belly pig seen living for weeks around an office park near the Baltimore-Washington Parkway in Linthicum has been safely captured, according to Anne Arundel County Animal Control.

The male pig named after a frog, Kermit, since his previously captured female counterpart was called Miss Piggy, was tranquilized and apprehended on Hammonds Ferry Road Wednesday.

The couple will be spayed and neutered and put up for adoption if no one claims them.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources determined the pigs weren’t feral and not an ecological danger when they were loose.

The pigs may have been pets that outgrew their welcome and were abandoned, DNR officials suggested.

Montgomery County Humane Society - Love Ball 2011 – You Are Invited! - October 22, 2011 – Get Your Tickets Now!

The Montgomery County Humane Society (MCHS)  would like for you to join  them in celebrating the thousands of animals who have found new homes through MCHS this year and thank the many people who have helped give them a chance for a better life— adopters, MCHS employees and volunteers, fosters, and compassionate citizens.

The Love Ball is for everyone who loves animals — dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, horses and more. Over 300 pet owners are expected for this evening that includes a cocktail reception, live and silent auction, dinner, awards ceremony and dancing. Dogs are welcome guests.

Come meet this year’s emcee Sue Palka, weather forecaster for FOX5 News. Special guest award presenters include Aly Jacobs from the Jack Diamond Morning Show on MIX 107.3 official radio sponsor, and Andrea Roane, WUSA9 TV news anchor.

For the Montgomery County Humane Society, the Love Ball is one of the biggest fundraisers. Proceeds support vital programs and services, including adoption, humane education, lost and found, low-cost spay/neuter, animal medical care, rescue, workshops, counseling, and more.

For more information and to ORDER TICKETS to the gala of the year, click on the Pink Paw below!

You can sign up on their facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=267801069916572

**Please note - you MUST order tickets to attend the event!! Responding "yes" to this event on facebook is not enough.**

Click here to take a look at last year’s Love Ball

Please tell family and friends about this great event!

Foods You Should Never Give Your Cat

Do you know that you should not give your cat milk every day? According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) most cats like milk, but do not need it if properly nourished. Also, many will get diarrhea if they drink too much milk. If it is given at all, the amount should be small and infrequent.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says, unless they are spoiled or moldy, milk, cheese and other dairy foods are not considered to be poisonous to pets. However, cats do not possess significant amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk. Feeding milk and milk-based products to cats can actually cause them to vomit or have diarrhea, which in severe cases could lead to inflammation of the pancreas. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before offering any “people food” to your pets.

Listed below are some of the foods that you should never give your cat:

Bones from Fish or Poultry - Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system

Canned Tuna (for human consumption) - Large amounts can cause malnutrition, since it lacks proper levels of vitamins and minerals. It can also lead to thiamine deficiency in cats.

Chocolate and Cocoa contain a chemical called theobromide  that can adversely affect the heart, lungs, kidney and central nervous system.

Citrus oil extracts - Can cause vomiting. Cats are more sensitive than dogs.

Dog Food - If accidental ingestion, will not cause a problem; if fed repeatedly, may result in malnutrition and diseases affecting the heart.

Fat Trimmings - Can cause pancreatitis.

Fish (Raw, Canned or Cooked) - If fed exclusively or in high amounts can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death.

Milk and Other Dairy Products  - Some adult cats and dogs may develop diarrhea if given large amounts of dairy products.

Mushrooms - Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death.

Onions and Garlic (raw, cooked, or powder) - Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions.

Persimmons - Seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis.

Raw Eggs - Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.

Rhubarb Leaves - Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.

Salt - If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances.

String - Can become trapped in the digestive system; called a "string foreign body."

Table Scraps (in large amounts) - Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced. They should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed.

Sugary Foods - Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.

Yeast Dough - Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.

Macadamia Nuts - Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle.

Human Vitamin Supplements Containing Iron - Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys.

Grapes, Raisins and Currants - Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys.

Baby Food - Can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to cats .

Alcoholic Beverages - Can cause intoxication, coma, and death.

Poison Control Hotline
888-232-8870  (TOLL FREE)

For anyone who may not know, the poison control number charges you $35. This goes to pay the vet in case of a phone consultation. If you ever have to call, make sure to have credit card ready.

Foods That You Should Never Give Your Dog

Does your dog beat you to the table? Looking up with those puppy dog  eyes … waiting for you to drop something down to them? Stop! … and think of what you are eating.  Ask yourself, is this going to hurt them?

The experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center set the record straight. As the premier animal poison control center in North America, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365  days a year. If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, make the call that can make all the difference: (888) 426-4435. A $65 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card. For more information visit them at ASPCA - People Foods.

Listed below are some of the foods that you should never give your dog.

Chocolate and Cocoa contain a chemical called theobromide that can adversely affect the heart, lungs, kidney and central nervous system.

Grapes and Raisins can cause irreversible damage to the kidneys, possible resulting in death.

Onions can cause a form of hemolytic anemia called Heinz body anemia, a condition that causes the destruction of red blood cells. Kidney damage may follow. Caffeine is quite similar to the toxic chemical in chocolate. It can damage the heart, lungs, kidney and central nervous system.

Macadamia nuts, while generally not considered fatal, can cause your dog to experience severe illness.

Alcoholic beverages contain ethanol - a seriously toxic chemical compound that causes central nervous system and respiratory depression.

Apple seeds, cherry pits, peach pits, and plum pits contain the toxin cyanide.

Baby food can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs. It can also result in nutritional deficiencies, if fed in large amounts.

Milk and other Dairy Products  - Some adult dogs and cats do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhea. Lactose-free milk products are available for pets.

Raw Eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.

Sugar-Free Gum - Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener most often found in chewing gum and candy. In dogs, it stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin, resulting in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Xylitol ingestion can also cause severe liver damage.

Moldy or Rotten foods can cause many problems for your dog, some more serious than others. Any food that seems "past its prime" should be kept out reach. Be especially careful to keep your dog away from trash cans.

Poison Control Hotline

888-232-8870  (TOLL FREE)

Click below to see video of foods that you should never feed your dog.

Everybody Knows Harry Potter – His Dog Padfoot from the Movie is Looking for a Forever Home

Baby Sirius Black needs a home! Berry, the German Shepherd dog who played the pup version of the animagus Sirius Black, is up for adoption.

Berry, the German Shepherd who portrayed Padfoot in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, is hoping his next leading role will be cast with a loving forever home. Berry who is 10-years-old and his best buddy Porridge, a 13-year-old Shepherd/Lab mix, are up for adoption with the German Shepherd Dog Rescue in the UK.

Berry is up for adoption because his owner, stuntman and trainer Paul Thompson, could no longer afford him, and his other dog, Porridge. The dogs must be adopted as a pair.

According to Berry's profile on German Shepherd Rescue:

My Dad contacted German Shepherd Dog Rescue because he realized he didn't have the time to look after us properly anymore. His work takes him away from home an awful lot and whilst his friends and family tried to help look after us, we weren't getting the walks or brushes we were used to.

How you can adopt Padfoot and Porridge:

If you meet the criteria for adoption which is a long list when adopting a slightly older UK dog like Berry, you must live in the UK, no children under 7, no apartments, can't be left for more then four hours on their own, etc. You can also visit the website to get more information about Padfoot and Porridge at: German Shepherd Dog Rescue.

Do You Have a Hero Pet? – Buddy a German Shepherd Leads Police to Fire in Owner’s Home

Do you have a hero pet? A pet that has saved a life, or has done something to warn you of danger. We would love to hear about him/her.

This story happened in April 2010, You may have heard about Buddy and what he did to save is owner.

Buddy, a German shepherd lives in Caswell Lakes, Alaska, considerably north of Anchorage, with his best friend, a 23-year-old human named Ben Heinrichs, and Ben’s parents. He was the star of a 1-minute video shot on a state trooper’s dashcam, and it’s one of the most amazing things you’ve ever seen!

A heater ignited chemicals, which started the blaze in the family's workshop. Buddy was told to go and get help by his injured owner. In the video, you can see Buddy running to meet the trooper's car then racing through winding back roads to the house. The trooper guided firefighters to the scene. The owner suffered minor burns, but the fire destroyed the workshop.

Alaska State Troopers presented a special award to Buddy. He even got a prize, a silver-plated dog bowl engraved with his exploit…. soon to have a fresh steak in it!

Please take a look at this video of an amazing dog!



We would love to hear about your hero pet!

WARL - Please Join Us for Our Latest Speaker Series Event - "An Evening with Ingrid Newkirk, PETA Founder and President"

The Washington Animal Rescue League cordially invites you and a guest to a League event you definitely won't want to miss!

Ingrid Newkirk, PETA Founder and President, will talk about the “haves” - those dogs and cats who people think have it made, but do they? - and the “have nots”: the dogs and cats who, in our 21st Century world, are treated as if they were inanimate objects.  Come and learn what’s going on around the world and in our own backyard. 


Ms. Newkirk  is author of 14 books, including the newly released Compassionate Cook, Making Kind Choices and Let’s Have a Dog Party, which will be on sale to benefit the Washington Animal Rescue League after the talk. 

Limited Seating.  RSVP required.  Click here to RSVP. 
Date: Monday, October 3, 2011
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location:
Washington Animal Rescue League
 71 Oglethorpe Street, NW
Washington, DC


Vegan hors d'oeuvres • Free parking
If you would like to make a donation to help all of the animals at the shelter, click HERE.
Please Share!

WHS Honors Washington Nationals Pitcher John Lannan with Humane Hero Award at Pups in the Park Game at Nationals Park

The Washington Humane Society (WHS) honored Washington Nationals pitcher John Lannan with the first-ever Humane Hero Athlete award for serving as a voice for animals in the Washington Metro area community. WHS Chief Executive Officer Lisa LaFontaine presented Lannan the award during the September 24th Pups in the Park game, when the Washington Nationals played the Atlanta Braves.

Lannan donated his time to WHS to produce powerful public service announcements to promote the adoption of DC’s homeless animals, as well as 2011 Pups in the Park event games. The Washington Nationals also presented a check to WHS in the amount of $8,685, totaling Pups in the Park dog ticket sale proceeds.

The Washington Humane Society has partnered with the Washington Nationals to host Pups in the Park games at Nationals Park. Fans are invited to bring their dogs to select games throughout the season. Pups participants are hosted in a special pet-friendly section of the stadium that features activities, treats and information booths, as well adoptable WHS dogs.

One hundred percent of every $5 Pups in the Park dog ticket purchased benefits the vital programs and services of the Washington Humane Society, including adoption, spay and neuter services, humane law enforcement and humane education.

                                                  Lannan Award Presentation

                                               Lannan Check Presentation
John Lannan

The Official Site of the Washington Nationals

Pet Project – Pet Connect Rescue – Two Senior Dogs Looking for a Forever Home – Seen on Fox5 News

Fox5 Annie Yu met with Randi Martin and Bruce Cohen of Pet Connect Rescue. They presented two of the sweetest senior dogs. Their names are Maggie and Casey. Their owner passed away and they were put in a kill shelter.

Thanks to PetConnectRescue, they were removed from the shelter and are now in fostering care. They have been together for 10 years so they are looking to be adopted together.

If you have room in your heart and your home, please consider adopting Maggie and Casey and giving them a forever home to live out the rest of their years.

If you are interested in giving these sweet seniors a forever home please click HERE.

Take a look at the video of these adorable senior ladies!

Pet Project - PetConnect Rescue: MyFoxDC.com

Please read my story on: Adopting The Senior Dog

Website: PetConnectRescue

WARL - "Pit Bull Confidential" – Please Watch this Video Dispelling some of the Negative Myths about Pit Bull Terriers

This video,"Pit Bull Confidential" was made by, Washington Animal Rescue League volunteer Linda Gunther, and featuring their CEO, Dr. Gary Weitzman.

A short film dispelling some of the negative myths about Pit Bull terriers. The film features Interviews with those who love, rescue and adopt Pit Bulls to help you decide whether a Pit Bull is right for your family.

This film also endeavors to set the record straight about Pit Bulls in order to reduce the countless numbers of Pit Bulls that needlessly end up in shelters where many are euthanized. Pit Bulls are highly loving, people-friendly dogs that make devoted pets. They may not be right for every family, but they deserve the chance to show you what sweet and charming dogs they are.

Please read my story : Pit Bulls – Do They Make Good Pets?
Please Share!

You Don’t Need Money To Be Kind To Animals

You don’t need money to be kind to animals. When I saw this picture I knew that I had to share it with the world.


I am not sure where this picture was taken or who the woman is, but if you ever heard the saying that a "picture is worth a thousand words"…this is it!

This heartwarming picture is a reminder that we all should be kind to animals. God bless her.

You may also be interested in reading my article, “Homeless Dogs In Washington, DC".        

Two Tiny Bear Cubs Fight on the Road at Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park

Two adorable bear cubs were seen having a brawl by tourists on a road at Hetch Hetchy Valley  in Yosemite National Park, California. These two might have been fighting, but nobody watching on wanted to intervene, as it was the cutest thing they’d ever seen.

'That is the cutest,' one woman says, as the camera pans to show a bigger bear near the roadside watching what is happening.

‘They're like puppy size,’ another onlooker says. 'I want one,’ says one person watching the cubs, who were fighting in front of a parked car. An onlooker says 'one of them is so small’, before joking: 'Oh please come to my car'. The cubs later go and follow an adult bear away from the road

For more information on bear cubs, visit the website below:
Why Do Bears Play?

Does Your Cat Have Arthritis? – Do You Know the Symptoms?

Most cats appear naturally agile and athletic, easily jumping from their perches to the floor with an uncanny sense of balance. However, signs of arthritis can begin at any age, even in kittens. Watch for these early-warning signs of arthritis in your feline friend:

What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease,  causes pain and inflammation in a cat’s joints. Although fairly uncommon in felines, arthritis tends to affect the elbow joint when it does strike—but many joints can be afflicted.

What Are the Symptoms of Arthritis in Cats?

• Felines suffering from arthritis may show overall stiffness
• swelling of the joints
• lethargy, lameness
• decreased flexibility and discomfort when you pet or handle them in certain positions. Decreased activity
• Lapsed litterbox habits (due to pain caused by getting in and out of the box)
• Hesitancy to run, jump or climb stairs

Chart showing arthritis points on cat. Click on thumbnail to see a larger chart.

For more information on cats with arthritis, visit the websites below:
Feline Arthritis
Cats Do Suffer From Arthritis, Study Shows
Feline Arthritis – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment



If you notice any of the above symptoms in your cat, please take them to you Vet for a checkup! 

Does Your Dog Have Arthritis? – Do You Know the Symptoms?

Can dogs have arthritis?…yes they can. They can develop it just as we humans do.

When I noticed my shih-tzu, Domino starting to limp, I took him to the Vet. He diagnosed him with arthritis and prescribed medication, and also suggested that I get him an orthopedic bed specially made for dogs with arthritis. The bed did not look like a bed at all…it looked more like a piece of foam. When I put him on it, he immediately jumped off. Later that day I saw him checking it out, sniffing and put a paw up on it.

I placed it next to his bed upstairs and left it there. He continued to sleep in his regular bed.  I awakened one morning to find him asleep in the new bed.

Domino had two beds, one downstairs and one upstairs…he was spoiled. I put it next to the bed upstairs.  I started to notice when I was downstairs he would go upstairs. This was unusual because he always stayed downstairs with me. I could not figure out what was so interesting upstairs all of sudden to him. Not thinking about the bed, I decided to go see what he was doing. I would find him sitting or lying down on the bed.

I don’t know if these beds really work since I had no way of asking him if it felt better. I just assumed that it was comfortable for him. I finally moved it downstairs and he continued to sleep on it.

The chart below will show you the points where arthritis can be found in a dog. Click on Thumbnail to see a larger chart.

Have you noticed your dog having any of the following symptoms?

• Reluctance to jump, run or climb stairs
• Seeming to have stiff or sore joints
• Favoring a limb
• Difficulty sitting or standing
• Sleeping more than usual
• A personality change that involves resisting touch
• Weight gain
• Decreased activity or less interest in play
• Barking or whimpering when touched
• Seeming less alert

What Is Arthritis?
Canine arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, is characterized by pain and inflammation in a dog’s joints. Arthritis is caused by the breaking down of smooth cartilage that covers and protects the bones that form a joint. Once the bones are exposed, painful wear and tear can occur.

Treatment for canine arthritis begins with prevention, as keeping a dog at a healthy weight and providing appropriate exercise is important for long-term health.

For more information on dogs with arthritis, visit the websites below:
Arthritis in Dogs: Symptoms and Causes
Dog arthritis
Arthritis in Dogs

If you notice any of the above symptoms in your dog, please take them to your Vet for a checkup!

The Cat House on the Kings - Do You Consider this Animal Hoarding?

Lynea Lattanzio lives with 700 furry felines her 12 acre estate in Parlier, California, and is dubbed the crazy cat. With hundreds of the cute creatures scratching, sleeping and jumping around the Cat House, she said: 'If I were a cat, this is where I'd be.'

Ms Lattanzio, was banned by her mother from having cats as a child, started to take in rescue animals and strays after her divorce in 1981.

The Cat House, which she founded just outside Fresno, also offers low-cost spaying and neutering referrals and facilitates pet adoptions. Costing her a hefty $40,260 (£26,000) per week - or $5729.31 (£3,714) per day - to maintain, she relies on donations and a dedicated team of volunteers to help her carry out the work. The gated sanctuary supports eight specialized cat homes and boasts felines of all breeds and sizes. Over the years she has welcomed a staggering 19,000 moggies onto her estate.

She said cats are often flown in from New York, after owners decide their apartments are too small for their pets. Sometimes, locals drop unwanted kittens right on her doorstep. A nursery, an intensive care unit and even a retirement home for elderly cats are housed in its walls, where endless meows echo throughout the day.

She said: 'We're a no-cage, no-kill adoption sanctuary. I'm not crazy, what I do is crazy. I prefer to say I'm eccentric or masochistic. It's the same thing, only nicer. 'I'm sure there are other places that do what I do. I just don't know where they are. And obviously they are few and far between. What I say is - if they don't have a home, at least they have a life.'

Cats of all shapes, colors and sizes make hundreds of new friends when they arrive on the estate, as if hundreds of cats were not enough to look after!  Ms. Lattanzio also has 15 dogs. She says, however, this is just the start.

Ms Lattanzio, who promotes the sanctuary online on Facebook, PetFinder and YouTube.com, expects the series to increase traffic at the refuge. She has no intention of turning any animals away. After 19 years working to build the California sanctuary, she is content caring for her hundreds of strays - even if outsiders do continue to call her the crazy cat lady.

Click on pictures to enlarge:

         


         


    




The Staff at The Cat House on the Kings

Amazing – Tree Climbing Goats

Morocco is a country located in North Africa. It has a population of more than 32 million. People living in Morocco's rural communities where argan trees grow benefit from the marketability of the fruit's oil, but the goats they are able to buy then climb the trees to graze on the leaves, jeopardizing the forests in the process.

Amazingly, these uncanny animals are actually real. They climb the Argan trees of Morocco in search of food, which is otherwise sparse in the region. Over time they have become not only able to climb trees but downright adept at the art of the traipes across trees with a sure-footedness that is hard to imagine from a hoofed animal.

Known as skilled navigators of treacherous mountain conditions, maybe it isn’t such a surprise after all to find goats making their way up the steep and narrow trunks and branches of only slightly more dangerous trees.

The goats climb them because they like to eat the fruit of the argan tree, which is similar to an olive. The fruit of the tree has a nut inside, which the goats can’t digest, so they spit it up or excrete it which the farmers collect. The nut contains 1-3 kernels, which can be ground to make argan oil used in cooking and cosmetics. This oil has been collected by the people of the region for hundreds of years, but like many wild and useful things these days, the argan tree is slowly disappearing due to over-harvesting for the tree’s wood and overgrazing by goats.

Argan Trees:
Argan trees have been used for millenia by the Berber people of Morocco to produce a nutritious, edible oil also valued for use in cosmetics and medicines. During the past two decades, argan oil has soared in popularity and price to become the world's most expensive oil.

Over-enthusiastic harvesting is another problem for the trees. As people try to maximize profits, and get the most from each tree, they also damage the tender buds of next year's growth.

Argan Oil:
While this story is mainly on the tree climbing goat…my interest was sparked about the argan oil. This is the first time I have heard of it….have you ever used it?

Argan oil is an oil produced from the kernels of the argan tree, endemic to Morocco, that is valued for its nutritive, cosmetic and numerous medicinal properties.



Boom in Moroccan argan oil boosts rural economy but threatens forests
A Powerful, Beauty Enhancing Oil from Morocco
Argan Oil Exposed: Miracle Product or Scam?

Giant Panda Mei Lan – Atlanta Zoo – Is a Boy!

In the world of the giant panda, Mei Lan, Zoo Atlanta’s first born panda cub, turned out to be a male.

Mei Lan, who’s name means “Atlanta Beauty” left his birth town Atlanta in February 2010 for the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in his parents home country China.

When he was born on September 6, 2006 he was determined to be a female 19 days after birth.

The staff at Chengdu Panda Base recently noticed the appearance of male reproductive organs.

Dr. Rebecca Snyder, Curator of Mammals at Zoo Atlanta, wrote the following on Zoo Atlanta’s website: Panda Cub Updates.

For more information on Giant Pandas, visit the websites below:
Giant Panda Facts
Giant Panda

Should A Pet Be Considered Like A Child In Divorce Court? Who Do You Think Should Get The Pet?

In the state of Maryland, a dog was considered on the same level as a car or a house, deemed by the law to be a piece of property. There wasn’t anything in the law about creating visitation rights that can be upheld when it came to a piece of property.

The issue, then, was whether to treat the dog as a piece of property, as a child, or somewhere in between.
Maryland Judge Graydon McKee opted to treat the pet as more of a child than a lawnmower.
He determined that it wouldn’t be fair to order the couple to sell the dog and split the proceeds. Instead, he ordered joint custody.

What do you think?

Birdwatching for Beginners

Birdwatching or birding is the observation of birds as a recreational activity. It can be done with the naked eye, through a visual enhancement device like binoculars and telescopes, or by listening for bird sounds.

Birdwatchers observe wild birds in their natural habitat. Birdwatching means learning to identify the birds and understand what they are doing.

In North America, there are over 800 species of birds. Wherever you live, you'll probably find at least 100 species that are easy to find in your area.

Birding is the fastest-growing outdoor activity in America. According to a survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 51.3 million Americans report that they watch birds. And more are taking it up all the time!

If you wear glasses, you will need binoculars that are called Eye Relief. You can read more about them here: Eye Relief Binoculars – For People who Wear Eyeglasses

These Eye Relief Binoculars can be purchased on Amazon.com. Just click on the picture to be taken to the Amazon website where you can purchase them!


     Bushnell H2O 10x42 Porro Prism Waterproof/Fogproof Binocular - Price: $68.00

           Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Wide Angle Binoculars (Black) - Price: $29.35

Hammers Long Eye Relief Birdwatching Binocular 8x40 Wide Angle - Price: $39.90

These Bird Watching Binocluars can be purchased on Amazon.com. Just click on the picture to be taken to the Amazon website where you can purchase them!

      Bushnell Natureview 8x40 Porro Prism Birding Binocular - Price:  $43.36

              Olympus 7X21 PC III Classic Binocular (Blue) - Price: $25.79

Bushnell Powerview 8x21 Compact Folding Roof Prism Binocular (Black) - Price: $12.98

Vivitar Classic Series VIV-CS-530 5x30 Pocket Sized Plastic Binoculars - Price: $6.69

        Leupold Bird-Watching Basics Book and Binocular Combo - Price:$49.99

                 Nikon Action 7-15x35 Zoom Binocular - Price:  $107.95

          Nikon 8220 Trailblazer 8 X 42mm All Terrain Binoculars - Price: $130.00

            Bushnell Perma Focus 12x50 Wide Angle Binocular - Price: $59.68

For more information on bird watching, visit the websites below:
Birding with Children
Birding Tips for All Seasons
Birdwatching -Your Lifetime Ticket to the Theater of Nature


DVD/VHS – These DVD/VHS can be purchased on Amazon.com. Just click on the picture to be taken to the Amazon website where you can purchase them!

                                         Chasing Birds [DVD] - Price:  $25.00

                     Birds of the Backyard: Winter Into Spring [VHS] - Price: $11.09

                     The Backyard Bird Watcher [VHS] - Price: $18.95

        All About Animals - Feathered Friends [VHS] (2000) - Price:$6.32

Birds, Birds, Birds! An Indoor Birdwatching Field Trip DVD Video Bird and Bird Song Guide [DVD] - Price:  $22.49

                                 

These Bird Watching Books can be purchased on Amazon.com. Just click on the picture to be taken to the Amazon website where you can purchase them!


Identifying and Feeding Birds (Peterson Field Guides/Bird Watcher's Digest 
Backyard Bird Guides) - Price: $5.98

     Backyard Birding: A Guide to Attracting and Identifying Birds - Price: $13.23

The Bird Watching Answer Book: Everything You Need to Know to Enjoy Birds in Your Backyard and Beyond (Cornell Lab of Ornithology) - Price: $10.17

The Singing Life of Birds: The Art and Science of Listening to Birdsong - Price: $12.71

             Take a Backyard Bird Walk (Take a Walk series) - Price: $9.95

                                                                               

FOR KIDS - Birding with Children

Binoculars for Kids! These Bird Watching Binoculars for Kids can be purchased on Amazon.com. Just click on the picture to be taken to the Amazon website where you can purchase them!

                         Carson Hawk Kid's Binoculars - Price: $12.56

          Energy 8x21 Star Silver Binoculars - Price: $49.99

                   Barska 10x25 Pink Porro Binoculars - Price: $14.72

 
               Citiwell National Geographic NG430 Binoculars - Price: $14.95

                 Kids Hawk 5X30MM Binoculars - Price:  $17.04

               BINOCULARS 6X 35MM LENSES PLASTIC - Price: $11.85

                Binoculars 4 X 30 MM by Schylling Toys -  Price: $9.99

Bird Watching Books for Kids! These Bird Watching Books for Kids can be purchased on Amazon.com. Just click on the picture to be taken to the Amazon website where you can purchase them!

                     Backyard Bird Watching for Kids - Price: $11.66

                 About Birds: A Guide for Children - Price:  $7.95

               Birds, Nests & Eggs (Take Along Guides) - Price: $7.95

                 Birds (Peterson Field Guide Color-In Books) - Price: $7.95

                    Backyard Birding for Kids - Price:  $9.99