Foster Kittens Go To Forever Home; Boulder Humane Waives Adult Cat Adoption Fees

 Posted By Dawn Kairns, Author of MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life

GARFEE 
AGE: 13 years
SEX: Female (Spayed)

It's time for a little plug for our local humane society, who does an absolutely fantastic job with homeless animals ... and this precious face is just one of them. For the month of June, Garfee, along with many other adult cats, is available from The Humane Society of Boulder Valley -- for free.

This is how The Humane Society of Boulder Valley is honoring Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, by giving cats away in June. Great for them! Isn't this a super way to decrease the number of homeless cats, as well as euthanasia? The Humane Society of Boulder Valley (HSBV) is waiving the adoption fee for all adult cats (age 6+ months) for the entire month of June.

HSBV won the ASPCA’s $100K Challenge, a national contest designed to inspire animal shelters across the country to save more lives. During the three-month challenge, HSBV saved a total of 2,640 cats and dogs according to the Boulder Weekly, an increase of 968 over the same period in 2009. Periodically waiving adoption fees for both cats and dogs was one innovative way HSBV found to help homeless get into their forever homes.

The Humane Society of Boulder Valley provides shelter and care to more than 8,000 animals each year. 89 percent of these animals are successfully adopted or reunited with their guardians.  HSBV's behavior modification program, which helps shelter dogs and cats overcome behavior problems, and their foster program, which makes it possible to help more animals by providing individualized care to those with special needs enhances their success rate.

HSBV's successful adoption programs allows them the ability to open their doors to thousands of animals in other shelters throughout our region. These animals would otherwise be facing euthanasia due to overcrowding or lack of resources.  HSBV partners with 55 regional animal welfare agencies, and are part of the national Rescue Waggin’® program sponsored by PetSmart Charities.

Martina discovers the bathtub

We have fostered for the Humane Society of Boulder Valley in the past -- dogs and pups primarily, after Maggie died. We fostered one kitten, and one only, years ago. Why did we stop? Because our Cinnamon literally had a "hissy" fit that didn't quit.


Last week we had the absolute pleasure of fostering 2 precious sibling kittens from HSBV, Monster and Bear, who we re-named Martina and Yoda. I must admit Martina reminded me of Cinnamon at that age, both her very present "I'm a little pistol" facial expression, and her spunky personality.

Tom NOT getting involved  :>)

Tom was letting me do this one -- my responsibility, right? OK, true, I did most of it, but take a look at this. You think he didn't love it? And then there was Maddie. She SO wanted to play with them, play bows and all. She could hardly stand watching them play together without jumping in. Yoda seemed pretty fearless with Maddie, and sniffed noses pretty early on. Martina always came to Maddie from behind, and did a little back hunch and hiss when Maddie approached her head on. Until the last couple of days, that is. But Martina's initial caution with Maddie sure didn't stop her from turning Maddie's wagging tail into a toy!

I'll keep watch over them. Can we keep them?

They brought much joy and laughter to Tom, Maddie and me during their 5-day stay in our home. I returned them to the shelter on late Friday for their spay and neuter on Saturday. That, of course, was bittersweet. I couldn't imagine the two kittens going to separate homes. They were truly each others' favorite toy, and I said so on the foster write up I did for them to go with their paperwork. 

Yoda on their bed in bathroom

Their photos went up on the internet late Saturday. They went onto the adoption floor on Sunday. I watched the website like a hawk, hoping for a fast adoption.On Monday I was gone most of the day. When I came home, Martina and Yoda's photos were gone! I called the foster department at the shelter, but it was after hours. I emailed. Had they been adopted? Together?? I waited a long 24 hrs. before I saw the email I'd waited and hoped for:

"Hi Dawn, The two kittens you had did in fact get adopted yesterday, and they went to the same home. I hope that is good news."

Good news? Are you kidding? I was elated!!

If you live in the Boulder area and are interested in fostering animals in your home, visit Boulder Humane Foster Volunteer. To check out the wonderful cats and dogs available for adoption, visit HSBV's website.  I wish you wonderful lives in your new forever home, Martina and Yoda! And much, much LOVE!

Pit Bulls: National Dog and Nanny for Most of America's Early History

Posted By Dawn Kairns, Author of MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life 

Pitbulls are one of the most misunderstood and mistreated breed of dogs. Sadly, many cities ban them, resulting in countless and senseless pitbull euthanasias. But 100 years ago pitbulls were used as nannies for American children, as the following photos from YW Grossmman's wonderful blog post show. How did we come to turn on this breed? Here is an excerpt from Grossman's post and a few of the photos.

Please visit this amazing post and photo blog on pitbulls by YW Grossman

FOR OVER ONE HUNDRED YEARS AMERICANS KNEW PIT BULLS FOR WHAT THEY DID BEST. BABYSITTING.

by YWGROSSMAN 

 

"Astoundingly, for most of our history America’s nickname for Pit Bulls was “The Nanny Dog”. For generations if you had children and wanted to keep them safe you wanted a pit bull, the dog that was the most reliable of any breed with children or adults..."

Please visit http://www.ywgrossman.com/photoblog/?p=780 to read the full post and see the rest of Yanah Grossman's amazing photo blog of pitbull's with children 100 years ago.

 

For Suzie, The Lucky, Loved & Rescued Street Dog from Taiwan

Posted By Dawn Kairns, Author of MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life

For Norm and Helen ... In Loving Memory of Suzie

I met Norm and Suzie the "street dog" about 10 years ago, at the Brewing Market, next door to McGuckin's Hardware, every Boulder dog's favorite store. I wrote about these fun dog places that I frequented with Maggie in my book. Norm's love for Suzie jumped out, their bond palpable. I recognized Norm and Suzie's bond ... it was that same deep soul mate connection I had with Maggie.

Through the years I have always been struck by this pair, and Norm's tremendous commitment to Suzie. You see, they met when he was doing business in Taiwan so many years ago, and he did what it took to bring her home with him to Boulder, CO. I have not yet met Helen, Norm's wife, but I know she, along with Norm, is missing this wonderful soul, Suzie, with all of her heart, too. This is the slideshow tribute Norm and Helen put together for their precious Suzie. Suzie passed on May 13, 2011.

Norm and Helen, I am so very sorry for your tremendous loss. The life you gave Suzie was beautiful. Every street dog should be so fortunate to be loved and cared for as you did this furry angel, Suzie. I hope the gift of life and love you gave Suzie remains forever in your awareness and offers comfort to your hearts.

Ode to Animal Rescuers

Posted By Dawn Kairns, Author of MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life

It has truly been a time of unprecedented disasters: earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, to name the most recent. Many lives have been lost, humans as well as animals. With each disaster, animal rescuers are called upon to search for, assist, and transport displaced animals to safety. Having traveled to Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina to help care for displaced animals, I have a sense of the effort it takes and the sadness it can involve. I also remember the sense of immense satisfaction and fulfillment available to those helping the animals.

This tribute is for you, all of you animal rescuers who give so much of yourselves to help our furry angels. It is for those of you who travel long distances to rescue in emergency situations; for you who travel to kill shelters to save those whose time is up to transport them to waiting rescue groups; for all of you kind souls who foster animals in your homes, for without you there would be no rescue groups; for all of you who adopt dogs, cats and other animals; for the thousands of you on twitter and Facebook sharing information and links to help save the animals across the country and throughout the world; for all of you volunteers at animal shelters and rescue groups; and for any of you who I have failed to mention to make the lives of homeless animals better, this tribute is to you:

By the love of those who I've been privileged to rescue

I have been rescued.

I know what true unconditional love really is 

for I've seen it shining in the eyes of so many

Grateful for so little.

I am an animal rescuer.

My work is never done. 

My home is never quiet. 

My wallet is always empty.

But my heart is always full.

--Author Unknown

"Pawty" Time: Reading Therapy Dogs Celebrated by Columbine Elementary

Posted By Dawn Kairns, Author of MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life

Columbine Elementary Canine Reading Program had their end of year "pawty" for the dogs and handlers yesterday. The kids made chocolate chip cookies for we humans and dog cookies to thank the working dogs, too. And whoops! The first thing Maddie did when she walked in the room was grab a HUGE chocolate chip cookie from the platter! I had my hand in her mouth digging it out in no time! Luckily, I retrieved most of it.

I know I don't act like a therapy dog ... but I make them smile and play!

She was all over the place with excitement -- not at all the behavior you might expect from a therapy dog -- a reading program therapy dog no less! The kids took turns taking her leash and walking her in circles around the room, and Maddie complied so readily. It was such a joy watching the children's joy with the dogs, and vice versa. I realized that much more was happening here than helping kids to read. This program is also a form of humane education. The young children watch the handlers with our dogs and without words realize the dogs are so valuable and precious to us. They take in our bonds and form their own with the dogs. They play, love, learn compassion and the joy of dog. And they will grow up and hopefully always hold these memories in their hearts, of love and compassion for animals.  May they transfer it to people, too.

We hugged good-bye until next year. Some we won't see as they move away or go on to Middle School...

Intuition, Our Personal Built In Guidance System

Posted By Dawn Kairns, Author of MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life

Do you ever find yourself doubting the power of your inner voice, your intuition? Those of you who read  MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life know I paid a big price for not following my intuition. One of the profound ways I was changed through my relationship with Maggie was learning to trust my intuition. Our intuition, our gut sense, is a gift from the Divine. If you are not already trusting and listening to yours, I strongly encourage you to listen pay attention and begin to foster your gift ...
       

The following excerpt is from the InnerSelf.com article, Intuition: The Most Trusted Guide
by Isaac E. Nwokogba. 

"Developing our intuition is not as difficult as it may seem. We all have it and it's always working even without any effort on our part. It is a force within us that is constantly yearning to express itself especially when so much is at stake for us. Our challenge is to recognize its powers and follow its directions more often than most people currently do. All that is required is for us to pay more attention to what it has to tell us.

Allowing your intuition to express itself may be as simple as asking who's at the other end of the line before picking up the phone; where should I go for dinner? Which road should I take? Should I make this call now or wait, or will I get this job? These are simple questions we sometimes ask ourselves without allowing the answers to come from within us. The tendency here is to immediately interrupt the response with objective analysis or try to guess the answers: maybe it's my mother calling; I don't like this or that about that restaurant; or that road is always too busy.

Developing your intuition is as simple as allowing the answers to these simple questions to come from within, without interruption, guesswork, or objective analysis. Unlike probing the subconscious where you seek general guidance and the response to which is not expected to be immediate, you ask these questions with the expectation of an immediate, direct response from within. Well-developed intuition can be our most trusted guide. It is always right and responds in our best interests."

Visit InnerSelf.com, Daily Inspiration for more inspirational articles or to receive the wonderful Daily Inspiration messages.

 

How to Control Fleas Without Chemicals

Posted By Dawn Kairns, Author of MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life

This is the time of year many pet guardians have to think about protecting their dogs and cats from fleas and ticks. Because they are recommended by veterinarians and common place to use, many folks don't realize that many flea and tick products are toxic to both their pets and to humans. This excellent article by author Ingrid King (see her full bio below) addresses the use of safer natural alternatives for you and your pets.

  How to Control Fleas Without Chemicals 

Many of the flea and tick treatments available today contain toxic chemicals that can be hazardous to pets and to people.  Even when these products are used according to the manufacturer's directions, these chemicals are not safe for pets or humans.  The Environmental Protection Agency, in coordination with the Food and Drug Administrations Center for Veterinary Medicine, is pursuing a series of actions to increase the safety of spot-on products for pets.  These actions are designed to help consumers use these pesticides safely.  However, many pet owners prefer to not use these products at all and are looking for safer, more natural alternatives instead.

There are safer, natural ways to control fleas.  They may require a bit more effort on your part, but isn't that effort worth it if it's safer for you and your pet?

Combing

Use a good flea comb with tightly spaced teeth.  Comb your pet daily during flea season and drop any fleas you find into a bowl of soapy water to kill them.

Bathing

Bathe your pet with a gentle shampoo such as oatmeal.  You don't need to use harsh flea shampoos - most of them have chemicals in them, which is what you're trying to avoid by not using the pesticide spot-ons in the first place.    Fleas tend to accummulate in bedding, so wash your pet's bedding as well.

    

Vacuuming

Vacuum thoroughly, including on and under furniture and in crevices and near baseboards.  Discard the vacuum bag immediately after vacuuming to prevent fleas and eggs from reinfesting your home.  Severe infestations may require professional steam cleaning.

Diet 

Feeding a high quality, varied diet can help prevent fleas.  A stronger diet leads to a stronger immune system, and it is believed that this can contribute to your pet being more resistant to fleas.  Pet owners who feed raw or homemade diets have reported that their pets no longer have flea problems.  

Maintain Outdoor Areas

Keep your grass mowed and keep shrubbery trimmed short in areas where your pet spends time.  This will increase sunlight and dryness, which will help reduce the flea problem.  Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in your yard to cut down on the flea population.  Diatomaceous earth also makes a great natural pantry bug killer, it works for all insects.  It's reported to be safe around pets, but don't sprinkle it directly on your pet!  

Natural Flea Control Products

There are numerous natural flea control products on the market, but not all of them are safe for pets.   In particular, avoid using products containing essential oils such as Pennyroyal, Tea Tree or Citrus oils.  None of these are safe to use around pets, especially around cats.  The Lavender Cat is an excellent website devoted to scientific research about cats and essential oil safety.  The site is currently being revised, but it has some good basic information about why essential oils are not safe to use around cats.  Some manufacturers of essential oils claim that their oils are pure and safe to use around cats, but quite frankly, I wouldn't take any chances on statements of that nature unless they're backed up by research by an independent toxicologist.

The National Resource Defense Concil's Green Paws website has a comprehensive directory of flea and tick products, including natural products, and lists ingredients and toxicity warnings. 

If you're using natural products to control fleas for your pets, please share with us what has worked for you in a comment.

(c) Ingrid King 2011 

Re-printed with permission of the author

Ingrid King is the award winning author of Buckley’s Story – Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher.  She is a former veterinary hospital manager turned writer. Her online magazine News for You and Your Pet goes out to subscribers around the world. Her blog, The Conscious Cat, has been called “educational cat nip for the cat lover” and is a comprehensive resource for conscious living, health and happiness for cats and their humans.  For more information about Ingrid and Buckley’s Story, please visit www.ingridking.com.

Photo: Public Domain Pictures