I would like to point out a sad situation happening locally here in Cleveland. Please read the story and comment at free will. Please cross-post freely.

http://www.examiner.com/x-10601-Cleveland-Pet-Rescue-Examiner~y2009m9d28-Terminal-Tower-Cats-mysteriously-disappear-local-company-suspected

Penny

Same Unknown Kitty

Name Unknown

Isabella

Max

Suey

Claus Family

Ashes

Ashes II

Sadie

PennyBig Mac

Peaches

Saylor

Butters

I thought you’d be interested in these tips from Dr. Donna J. Spector, DVM, DACVIM, who wrote the following pet tips for National Preparedness Month (September). 

 You never know when an accident may happen—keep a pet first aid kit in your car and home.  Place the contents in a water-proof plastic container for safe keeping. 

 Dr. Spector’s recommendations for making a First Aid Kit for dogs and cats:

– Phone numbers and directions on laminated (water-proof) paper—for owners home, veterinary clinic, emergency clinic, and poison control center.

– Equipment and Supplies—muzzle, restraints, collar/leash, scissors, flea comb, tweezers, pliers/hemostats, magnifying glass, nail clippers, penlight or flashlight, paper towels, towels, tourniquet, cotton swabs, cotton balls, bandage material, bandage tape, eye dropper, oral syringe, thermometer, lubricating jelly, disposable/latex gloves, ice cream sticks or yardstick (which may be used as splints), emergency ice and heat packs, liquid dish soap, and saline solution (for rinsing wounds). 

– Nutritional Support—rehydrating solution (pedialyte, etc) and sugar solution (karo syrup, etc). Also keep a collapsible bowl in the first aid kit. 

– Medications—activated charcoal, alcohol, betadine/nolvasan, eye rinse, triple antibiotic ointment, ophthalmic (eye) ointment, hydrogen peroxide, benadryl (diphenhydramine), cortisone spray/ointment, sterile saline, antidiarrheal liquid or tablets, flea and tick prevention and treatment, styptic powder, and ear cleaning solution. 

– Also, always include any prescription medications your pet may be taking. 
 Check your kit frequently for expired products and restock as necessary—pay close attention to the dates on the hydrogen peroxide and antibiotic ointments.  Ask your VCA veterinarian for advice on other first aid kit contents for your pet specifically.

I usually don’t post stuff like this, but thought I would try to help this woman as my good deed for the day.

**PLEASE CROSS POST FREELY**

I got this letter from a friend (who got it from one of her friends…) and wanted to share. No matter where you live, if you can help, please contact me and I will contact her. You can reach me at thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com. Put “Save Sophie” in the Subject Line please.

——————————————————————————————-

“I am trying to find a home for my cat. I’ve sent out emails to all of my friends, put a flyer at the vet’s office, contacted many of the locals pet associations here but have not had any luck.  Most of the shelters here either won’t take in animals from homes only strays or they are kill shelters who only keep the animals for two months and then they are euthanized. I can’t put her outside b/c she is declawed.

My cat’s name is Sophie, she is 11 years old, declawed and spayed. My 2 year old has allergies/asthma and the Dr recommended that we get rid of the cat, but we haven’t had any luck and I was trying my best to just deal with it, but now I am pregnant and with a new baby on the way, I really need to find a home for her. She is a wonderful pet. Very calm and loving and very good with children. She would even be a wonderful pet/companion for an elderly person. She has no medical issues.. I am attaching a picture of her. If there is anyway that you can help, I would greatly appreciate it.
 
By the way, I am in Louisiana, but would do whatever I have to do to find her a good home.
 
Thank you for your time.”

Here is Sophie:

*Please read to the bottom for important contest information!*

Imagine going an entire year without washing your hair, clipping your nails or brushing your teeth. Hard to believe for humans, but it’s a reality for hundreds of thousands of pets each year.
 
While professional grooming can put the sass back into the step of a favorite pet, the more important health and wellness benefits of a groom can’t be overlooked.  Yet, according to a recent PetSmart survey, only about half of all pet parents are aware of the health benefits of professional pet grooming.

Gibson's Bath

Short-, medium- and long-haired dogs can all benefit from the once-over professional groomers perform during every grooming visit. Regular grooming can help prevent or identify a wide variety of issues that impact the pet and pet families including:

- Skin and paw disorders such as allergy problems or cracked pads

- Painful mats between paws which can cause chafe and irritation

- Bad breath and tarter leading to periodontal disease

- Shedding, which can increase pet parent allergies or leave clumps of fur in the home

“Just like any other member of your family, you wouldn’t neglect to take them to the doctor for a health check up, dentist for a teeth cleaning or salon for a hair trim,” said Linda Erickson, PetSmart’s resident pet grooming expert. “Our pets have the same basic needs. Professional grooming and basic at-home upkeep is an important way to keep pets healthy and happy.”

Much like human coiffures, the right cut and trim from a professional groomer can give body, bounce and shine to the most unmanageable mane. Bathing pets regularly and with the proper shampoo also helps to remove loose hair and keeps pets smelling fresh. PetSmart grooming services, such as the FURminator Shedless Treatment, reduce excess shedding and help maintain coat health, especially for pets with heavy undercoats. The treatment is ideal for shedding dogs and also for some traditionally “haircut-only” dogs, such as Terriers and Spaniels.
 
Erickson adds that pet parents can keep their pets looking and feeling great between visits to the groomer by following these simple tips:

- When brushing pets’ teeth, make sure to use a toothbrush and toothpaste specially designed for pets.

- Dogs should be brushed before bathing and washed only with shampoos specially designed for dogs. (Human shampoos have a pH level that can be harmful to pets.)
 
- Dogs with long, flowing hair should be brushed daily.

- Dogs with short hair and heavy undercoats benefit from a brushing three to five times a week.

- While combing and brushing, check your pet for unusual problems such as hair loss, inflammation, unusual tenderness, or lumps under the skin.

Kitty Care

Sasha Post-Bath

Even though cats groom themselves regularly, PetSmart can lend a hand to ensure proper hygiene. PetSmart grooming salons offer cats grooming services cats can benefit from throughout their lifetime, including ear cleanings, toenail trimming and yes, even a bath once in a while. Pet parents can assist in home cat grooming and prevent fur balls their cat might otherwise swallow by regularly combing and brushing their cat’s coat.

For more information on pet grooming, check out these articles and videos by PetSmart.

VIDEO: Demonstration of grooming techniques (Short-Haired Dog)

VIDEO: Demonstration of grooming techniques (Long-Haired Dog)

VIDEO: PetSmart’s FURminator DeShedding Treatment

ARTICLE: Dog Grooming Tips

ARTICLE: Cat Grooming Tips

ARTICLE: Control Shedding

ARTICLE: Dog Grooming Q&A

*CONTEST:  In coordination with this article, PetSmart is offering one lucky ThoughtsFurPaws reader a grooming package for a giveaway. All you have to do is send me your best picture of your pet being brushed, bathed, or otherwised groomed and you could win! Email entries to thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com. Winner will be announced on October 7th!

Here are some more entries into the September cat photo contest. There’s still time to enter your furry funny feline — deadline is September 30th! (See the other entries here, here, and here.)

Walter

Thelma Lou

Maggy

Zoey

Starlight

Sage

 

Sammy

Zappa

Stifler

Moe

A ThoughtsFurPaws reader recently sent this to me in an email and I thought I’d post it in case some of you want to participate and, along the way, help animals in shelters.

The reader, Cindy Lentino, is a grad student at GWU doing a survey for her master’s thesis about pet ownership and health.

The purpose of her research project is to assess health and physical activity levels of adults in the U.S. of pet-owners and non-pet owners. It consists of taking an anonymous online survey which is estimated to take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.

The only requirements to participate is to be 18 years or older and currently living in the U.S.

**Most importantly, for every completed survey received, $1 will be donated to various charities (up to $400) that benefit animal welfare, including, the Humane Society of the U.S. and the Best Friends Animals Society.**

Cindy is trying to recruit mainly pet owners first and then having them nominate a non-dog/non-pet owner to take the survey as well. (Not sure how much luck we will all have in finding a non-pet-owner around our group of pet blogs but if you happen to know one, please forward along!)

To take part in this study, please visit:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ru5lgmEE9bfNQcC4NM1gPw_3d_3d

To follow Cindy’s progress on Twitter, follow her at http://twitter.com/CindyCorgiMama.

The deadline to participcate is September 30th.

Thanks everyone

Jaime