I'm not a cat-napper...am I? - LB's Blog

I'm not a cat-napper...am I? - LB's Blog - SacPaws.com http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/LB en-us AB 2949 - Pets and foreclosure http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/LB/264 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/LB/264 <p>There's a new bill to help deal with all the abandoned pets due to foreclosures. It requires anyone who comes across an abandoned pet in a vacated property to contact animal control. Apparently pets are considered private property and cannot be removed until a certain amount of time has passed, so pets must be left behind legally. Here's the entire bill:</p> <p><a href="http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_2901-2950/ab_2949_bill_20080512_amended_asm_v96.html">http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_2901-2950/ab_2949_bill_20080512_amended_asm_v96.html</a></p> <p>Thoughts? </p> Chincilla lovers... http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/LB/260 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/LB/260 <p>If you love chinchillas, head over to the Sacramento County Fair. I was just there, and they had lots of chincillas at the pet expo. They also have a dog stunt show. Admission is free, but beware of all the children!</p> <p><a href="http://www.sacfair.com/">http://www.sacfair.com/</a></p> Signs your pet has heat stress http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/LB/241 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/LB/241 <p>It's H-O-T hot out there and my kitty is walking around wearing a fur coat. I know pets can get heat-stroke, but I didn't know all the signs to look for. I looked them up:</p> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Heavy panting</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Glazed eyes</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Rapid pulse</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Unsteadiness </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Staggering gait</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Vomiting</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Deep red or purple tongue</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">I also thought that all you needed to do is bring down their temperature with cold water, ice, etc., but everything I've read says to TAKE TO THE VET IMMEDIATELY!</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Hopefully no will experience this problem. Can't wait for this heat wave to be over!</div> <p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"></span></p> Tips to prevent dog bites http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/LB/240 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/LB/240 <p>May 18 - 24 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Each year, nearly 400,000 children seek medical attention for dog bites. Here's a list of tips from the CDC to teach your kids to help prevent dog bites.</p> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Do not approach an unfamiliar dog. </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Do not run from a dog and scream. </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Remain motionless (e.g., "be still like a tree") when approached by an unfamiliar dog. </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., "be still like a log"). </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult. </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult. </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Avoid direct eye contact with a dog. </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies. </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first. </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult. </div> Cat Genie - Anyone tried it? http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/LB/232 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/LB/232 So I just heard of this Cat Genie thing...it's a toilet especially made for your cat. It not only cleans itself, but flushes all the 'stuff' down the toilet. You hook it up right next to your toilet, and a tube takes the waste from kitty's toilet to yours. Technically, you and kitty could 'go' together. I'm all for trying the self-cleaning litter box, but a special toilet...seems a little over the top, especially for nearly $400. Anyone tried it? Plants poisonous to cats http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/LB/230 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/LB/230 <p>Here's a list of some of the more commom plants that are poisonous to cats...I had no idea!</p> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Almond (Pits of) </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Aloe Vera </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Apple (seeds) </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Apricot (Pits of) </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Asparagus Fern </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Autumn Crocus </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Avocado (fruit and pit) </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Azalea </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Baby's Breath  </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Beech </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Bird of Paradise </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Black-eyed Susan </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Boxwood </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Branching Ivy  </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Cactus, Candelabra </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Cherry (pits, seeds & wilting leaves)  </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Chrysanthemum </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Clematis </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Cornstalk Plant </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Cyclamen </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Daffodil </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Delphinium </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Eggplant </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Elephant Ear </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">English Ivy </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Eucalyptus </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Evergreen </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Ferns </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Fiddle-leaf fig </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Foxglove </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Geranium </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">German Ivy </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Heartland Philodendron </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Hemlock</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Holly </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Honeysuckle </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Hurricane Plant </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Hyacinth </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Hydrangea </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Iris </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Iris Ivy </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jack in the Pulpit </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jimson Weed </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jonquil </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Lantana </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Larkspur </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Laurel </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Lily (Calla, Easter, Valley, Oriental, Peace, Tiger, etc.)</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Marigold </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Marijuana </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Mistletoe </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Morning Glory </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Mushrooms </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Narcissus </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Needlepoint Ivy </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Oleander </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Onion </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Peach (pits and wilting leaves) </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Peony </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Periwinkle </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Poinsettia (low toxicity) </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Poison Ivy </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Poison Oak </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Poppy </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Potato </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Primrose </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Privet, Common </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Rhododendron </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Rhubarb </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Sago Palm </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Sweetpea </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Swiss Cheese plant </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tobacco </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tomato Plant (green fruit, stem and leaves) </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tulip </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Wisteria </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"></div> “STARVING DOG” EXHIBIT http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/LB/213 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/LB/213 <p><strong><font color="#666666"><span class="Subtitle">From ASPCA:</span></font></strong></p> <p><strong><font color="#666666"><span class="Subtitle"></span></font></strong><strong><font color="#666666">ASPCA RESPONDS TO OUTCRY OVER “STARVING DOG” EXHIBIT<br /> </font></strong>Late last week the ASPCA issued a <a href="http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=press_042408"><font color="#2371b6">press release</font></a> in response to the tremendous outpouring of public concern over a 2007 art exhibition by Costa Rican artist Guillermo Habacuc Vargas that featured an emaciated dog. Because reports on the duration of the exhibit and the condition and fate of the dog vary widely—including those issued from the Nicaraguan gallery involved and Vargas himself—it is impossible at this time to know conclusively what happened, or if the images and stories flooding the Internet are real. However, the ASPCA understands and shares the outrage felt by animal lovers over this alleged act of cruelty that, if true, sadly is not a criminal act in Nicaragua. </p> <p>“The ASPCA is opposed to cruelty to animals of all types, in all societies,” says ASPCA President Ed Sayres. “However, it is also not the policy of the ASPCA to condemn entire communities or countries for the cruel acts of individuals. What we need to do is step up our efforts to educate the public on the humane treatment of animals so that such events do not occur again.” </p> <p>Online activity regarding this incident has increased steadily over the last several weeks after many websites have reported that Vargas is planning to participate in the VI Central American Visual Arts Biennale later this year in Honduras. </p> <p>While the ASPCA’s programs are limited to the United States, we are a member and supporter of the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA). WSPA and member society the Honduras Association for the Protection of Animals and their Environment (AHPRA) have persuaded organizers of the Honduras Biennale to make AHPRA official exhibition observers. Additionally, although Vargas has stated that his exhibit will not feature a dog, the Biennale has agreed to codify rules prohibiting animal abuse. WSPA has also indicated to the ASPCA that it will increase efforts to enact stronger animal protection laws in Nicaragua. </p> <p>The ASPCA asks supporters to advocate on behalf of animals through their own actions by supporting international, national and local animal welfare organizations, and by educating their own communities about how to detect and combat animal cruelty. To add your voice to the chorus of those working for the humane treatment of animals, please visit <link /><a href="http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_fightcrueltyorg&s_subrc=fightcrueltyorgnewsalert"><font color="#2371b6">www.fightcruelty.org</font></a> to take the ASPCA’s Pledge to Fight Animal Cruelty. </p> Tip to reduce allergies http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/LB/175 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/LB/175 <p>Good stuff from the ASPCA:</p> <p>- Allergens collect in rugs, drapes and upholstery, so do your best to limit or eliminate them—and take care to regularly steam-clean whatever fabrics you do keep as part of your décor. <br /> <br /> - Create an allergen-free space. “A bedroom is often the most practical choice,” recommends Dr. Steven Hansen. “By preventing your pet from entering this room, you can ensure at least eight hours of freedom from allergens every night. It’s also smart to use hypoallergenic bedding and pillows.” <br /> <br /> - Clean the litterbox frequently, using low-dust, perfume-free litter—clumping litter is a good choice. <br /> <br /> - Vacuum frequently, using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter or disposable electrostatic bag. <br /> <br /> - Worried your allergies are so bad that you may have to give up your pet? Most people are allergic to several things besides pets, such as dust mites, molds and pollens. Allergic symptoms result from the total cumulative allergen load. That means that if you eliminate some of the other allergens, you may be able to live comfortably with your pet. Advises Hansen, “If you suspect that you or a member of your family has allergies, take them to a specialist who can determine the exact cause of your symptoms and help alleviate them.” Medications and desensitizing shots can often allow you and your companion animal to live happily together.</p> Does your pet have nightmares? http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/LB/173 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/LB/173 I think my kitty does. Last night she jerked in her sleep so much that it woke me up. I started to pet her and she did it again and woke herself up. She looked around a little dazed, then went back to sleep. Is it possible she was dreaming? Has anyone experienced this with their pets? Help stop 'artists' animal cruelty http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/LB/166 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/LB/166 <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">In 2007, the 'artist' Guillermo Vargas Habacuc, took a dog from the street, tied him to a rope in an art gallery, and starved him to death. <br /> <br /> For several days, the 'artist' and the visitors of the exhibition have watched emotionless the shameful 'masterpiece' based on the dog's agony, until eventually he died.</font></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"> </font></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond">The prestigious Visual Arts Biennial of the Central American  decided that the 'installation' was actually art, so that Guillermo Vargas Habacuc has been<strong> </strong><strong>invited</strong> to <strong>repeat his cruel action for the biennial of 2008</strong>.</span> </font></font></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"> </font></p> <p><font face="Times New Roman"><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond">PLEASE HELP STOP HIM.</span></strong><font size="3"> </font></font><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><br /> <br /> </span><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><a href="http://www.petitiononline.com/ea6gk/petition.html">http://www.petitiononline.com/ea6gk/petition.html</a></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"></span></strong></p>