Spring is here, and dogs and cats are everywhere. Responsible pet guardians make good neighbors. Those with and without pets can co-exist peacefully. Let’s review some guidelines for keeping dogs and cats safe in the city.
Identification on pets is essential, and licensing is required by law. Dogs are generally safe off leash in an enclosed area on their own property. In Portland, there are parks with designated dog areas. The safest are fenced. (How many lost pet signs have you seen?)
Each dog park has its own rules and hours. Once your dog is off leash, more than ever, you are responsible. It’s tempting to chat with other dog people and forget to keep an eye out for your dog. That may make it too late to break up a potential fight. (Maybe you can predict your dog’s behavior, but you can't predict the manners of other dogs.) With a focus on socialization, dog guardians are often unaware when their dog has left what needs to be picked up. Carry extra plastic bags, and be a good neighbor by being a responsible guardian. Keep an eye on your dog.
Those with or without dogs can be good neighbors by demonstrating etiquette when encountering an unknown dog on leash. Always ask permission to pet the dog, no matter how friendly the dog appears. It’s not only good manners, it’s a safety measure. A fearful dog can be as dangerous as an aggressive dog. Safety can’t be predicted by breed; animals are individuals, too.
Outdoor pet cats exercise their wanderlust and hunting skills, even when well fed. Keep identification and a bell on your cat’s collar. Remember, cats are born hunters, and experts at stealth. Some know how to stalk prey (frequently birds) without making a sound. Outdoor felines are subject to dangers that can shorten their lifespan to a mere two years or less.
Whether or not you are a pet guardian, you can also demonstrate good citizenship by keeping an eye out for what is happening in your neighborhood. Abuse and neglect of animals does happen. Just like children, they need responsible others looking out for them. If you witness an animal being neglected or abused, phone the investigators at the Oregon Humane Society (503-285-7722.) Or go to www.oregonhumane.org, click on Services, then Investigations. Use your best judgment deciding whether to personally confront someone. If you see your neighbor’s dog leashed up on the front lawn with an empty water bowl on a hot day, maybe you can fill it yourself. Most pet guardians are responsible, and have good intentions. Assume the best of others, and they will often rise to the occasion.
Spaying and neutering. It’s probably the most critical issue in animal welfare. There simply are not enough homes for all of the cats and dogs born. The statistics are astounding. For every person in the US, 15 dogs are born and 45 cats. According to the Humane Society of the US, more than 3 million cats & dogs are euthanized in shelters annually. Not only is a spayed or neutered pet a healthier, happier pet, it is the most important choice you can make as a pet guardian. If you or your children want to see the miracle of birth, borrow or rent a nature movie.
Rescue groups abound, and before you decide to go to a breeder for your next pet, do an internet search to see if the breed you want has a rescue group. There are many great rescue groups in town, beginning with our very own Oregon Humane Society.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Saying Goodbye to Puppy
It already sounds like a sad story, doesn't it? My last day with Zora, who I had known since her adoption day when she was just eight weeks of age, was bittersweet. Ironically, that morning together turned out to be our best.
Zora had no idea what was ahead when she left her 12th floor condo, and jumped into the back seat of my car. At 14 weeks of age, she was still skittish walking in the Pearl. It was simply too noisy, too busy, and she was a comical sight as I sometimes dragged her along. Little did Zora know that we were headed over the Broadway Bridge, to the much quieter environs of residential Irvington.
I was on a house sit for Molly, adopted from Golden Bond, a rescue group for Golden Retrievers. Clearly, Molly had been abused, and she was skittish in her own way. But Molly was making great progress, and there were some dogs who didn't set her to barking. Zora and Molly both needed socialization with other dogs, and I saw this as a potential win-win.
Zora and I entered Molly's home from the back. They sniffed each others scent, and then I opened a door. Molly was surprised, and I assured her that Zora was only visiting. Fortunately, there was a lot of tail wagging, on both sides.
The highlight of the morning was extended play time in a huge, enclosed back yard. It was the first time I was able to let Zora off leash, and watch her romp on grass with another dog. Molly's favorite activity is ball playing. Molly chased the ball, and Zora barked with glee as she chased Molly. I savored the moment, witnessing Zora and Molly playfully running freely on a beautiful day. One of those completely perfect moments in time.
Zora's Mom was able to pack, while her dog was enjoying a play date. She had been laid off the prior week, and was now getting ready to move to New Hampshire, where she and her husband had a farm. Daily city noise would be replaced by the sounds of nature. That morning Zora had a taste of the good life to come.
When we returned to the Pearl, I wasn't successful finding street parking, so Zora's Mom came down to retrieve her. It was not the lingering goodbye I had anticipated. Zora was quickly leashed, Ann and I gave each other a quick hug, and then, they were gone. The rushed goodbye did make it a bit easier to leave a puppy I had grown to love, and will never forget. I fought back tears as I headed back over the Broadway Bridge, and comforted myself thinking about Zora in the countryside, running freely, reveling in life, unleashed.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Adoption Challenges
The woman who phoned was new to Portland. She had found a dog she wanted to adopt at the Oregon Humane Society, and she needed pet taxi service to his new home. Adopting an animal is exciting, and there is usually hopeful anticipation that he or she is going to a loving, forever home.
I met "Julie" and then her adoptee, "Shadow." He is a young, healthy Shepherd mix who now had another chance after his last family returned him after only four days. There weren't too many details, but Julie did learn that Shadow didn't like cars. That was a sign of the adventure to unfold.
The OHS staff leashed up Shadow and walked him to my car. Fortunately, he bounced into the back seat, without too much hesitation. Julie sat next to him, and we were on our way. We then learned about Shadow's barking. Of course, he had no idea what was ahead for him. He couldn't know he wouldn't be competing for attention again with two dogs already established in a household. He was now to be an only child, which would possibly suit him perfectly. But how was he to know that? The last time people took him out of a kennel, they returned him. How could he trust anything? So the barking continued, as we headed over the bridge to his new home. My heart went out to him and his obvious anxiety, as I tried to ignore the piercing pitch of his barks.
When we arrived at Julie's one bedroom apartment, Shadow explored every corner of the minimally furnished two rooms he was allowed in: the living room and bedroom. Walking him around the neighborhood revealed more sides of his anxious personality. He gets manic not only in a car, but around cars. Car headlights. Cars moving. Unexpected noises. He jumps in the air, barking wildly. He pulls right to left on the lead. He startles easily. He is clearly having a difficult time adjusting to city life.
Now it's a few days later. The vet who made a house call recommended small doses of Prozac. Julie is a nurse and has learned that Prozac sometimes has the opposite of the intended effect in dogs,so she is hesitant about trying it. She is now wondering if Shadow would be better off in a house in a quieter neighborhood, with an enclosed back yard to run around in.
In child welfare there is sometimes the tragedy known as "adoption disruption." It sometimes occurs when the new parents are unable to bond to the child they adopted. The child is returned to foster care. You can imagine the impact on a child. Animals can experience something similar. They know when they've been in a home, and then returned to a shelter. If it happens several times, the animal may withdraw and become so despondent that the only humane option is to gently put the animal to sleep.
Julie has a heart filled with love. But what if Shadow needs more than that? What would be best for Shadow, I wonder? Adoption disruption, in his case, could give him another chance at finding a home that may be a better match. A trainer may be able to bring him around, though it's possible that his fears are so imbedded that no amount of Prozac will do the trick. However it turns out, I pray that it works in Shadow's favor. He deserves that chance.
I met "Julie" and then her adoptee, "Shadow." He is a young, healthy Shepherd mix who now had another chance after his last family returned him after only four days. There weren't too many details, but Julie did learn that Shadow didn't like cars. That was a sign of the adventure to unfold.
The OHS staff leashed up Shadow and walked him to my car. Fortunately, he bounced into the back seat, without too much hesitation. Julie sat next to him, and we were on our way. We then learned about Shadow's barking. Of course, he had no idea what was ahead for him. He couldn't know he wouldn't be competing for attention again with two dogs already established in a household. He was now to be an only child, which would possibly suit him perfectly. But how was he to know that? The last time people took him out of a kennel, they returned him. How could he trust anything? So the barking continued, as we headed over the bridge to his new home. My heart went out to him and his obvious anxiety, as I tried to ignore the piercing pitch of his barks.
When we arrived at Julie's one bedroom apartment, Shadow explored every corner of the minimally furnished two rooms he was allowed in: the living room and bedroom. Walking him around the neighborhood revealed more sides of his anxious personality. He gets manic not only in a car, but around cars. Car headlights. Cars moving. Unexpected noises. He jumps in the air, barking wildly. He pulls right to left on the lead. He startles easily. He is clearly having a difficult time adjusting to city life.
Now it's a few days later. The vet who made a house call recommended small doses of Prozac. Julie is a nurse and has learned that Prozac sometimes has the opposite of the intended effect in dogs,so she is hesitant about trying it. She is now wondering if Shadow would be better off in a house in a quieter neighborhood, with an enclosed back yard to run around in.
In child welfare there is sometimes the tragedy known as "adoption disruption." It sometimes occurs when the new parents are unable to bond to the child they adopted. The child is returned to foster care. You can imagine the impact on a child. Animals can experience something similar. They know when they've been in a home, and then returned to a shelter. If it happens several times, the animal may withdraw and become so despondent that the only humane option is to gently put the animal to sleep.
Julie has a heart filled with love. But what if Shadow needs more than that? What would be best for Shadow, I wonder? Adoption disruption, in his case, could give him another chance at finding a home that may be a better match. A trainer may be able to bring him around, though it's possible that his fears are so imbedded that no amount of Prozac will do the trick. However it turns out, I pray that it works in Shadow's favor. He deserves that chance.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Puppy Love
Her name is Zora. I met her on her first day in her new city home. She was in her travel crate, laying on a blanket, surrounded by toys. At only eight weeks old, all these new sights and sounds were pretty scary. She stuck her head, then a foot, outside her crate, and then backed in again. She did this several times, whimpering her puppy anxiety. I got down on my knees and talked to her. She was one of the cutest pups I've ever seen, with huge feet and floppy ears, which she will one day grow into. The consultation with my new client, Zora's Mom, was longer than usual, since I was captivated by Zora. After all, what's more fun than being around a baby animal?
Two days later, I returned for my first visit to walk and play with Zora. She was simply tuckered out from the adjustment, and the first day without her Mom. She snuggled into my lap and napped. I served as a human heating pad, I suppose. It gave her comfort, and I was glad to provide it. Over the next several days, she was slowly introduced to the busy streets outside her 12th floor apartment. She's reluctant to venture beyond her own home, and it's a comical sight as she is half coaxed, half dragged outdoors. At first, we ventured only as far as the nearest tree. The next day, another tree, another block.
Now it is week two, and Zora is nine weeks old. She is still fearful of being outside, with all the city noises of the Pearl. Today we actually got a half mile walk in, and on the way we found trees without metal grills covering the soil. So Zora got to stand on the earth, as she sniffed. Her puppy cuteness draws attention everywhere we go.
In the coming weeks, surely her courage will emerge, for she is a Great Dane. She will grow into those floppy ears (which will remain uncropped, thank goodness) and big feet. She will stand tall, and people will still stop and stare. She will evolve into an elegant, canine beauty.
I feel blessed to watch her grow, and to get paid to do what I love. Zora is one of those special animals who has already wiggled her way into my heart. She gets my vote for Cutest Puppy in the Pearl.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Great new product: The Furminator!
It's amazing how well this "deshedding" tool works. If you have a long haired cat or dog or your animal companion has a thick undercoat, this tool is far superior to any of the conventional combs and brushes on the market. The teeth on the metal comb pull out the dead undercoat. By the end of the first week of using this, Porter, my chubby Main Coon kitty, appeared almost svelte because so much fur had been taken from his undercoat.
What it can't do is to eliminate those nasty knots; they still need to be cut out with scissors. Yep, The Furminator is pricey, but well made and effective. You can find it in Portland at Freddie's and most pet supply stores.
What it can't do is to eliminate those nasty knots; they still need to be cut out with scissors. Yep, The Furminator is pricey, but well made and effective. You can find it in Portland at Freddie's and most pet supply stores.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Be the pack leader for your dog!
In the wild, dogs (and their ancestors, the wolves) roam across large stretches of terrain in packs. There is always a pack leader, usually an alpha male, and his partner, the alpha female.
Dogs will test boundaries, just like kids, until you assert yourself as leader in no uncertain terms. Yes, there can be two or more human leaders: your partner, and your dog walker, for example. Your dog needs to understand that people are in charge; they are leaders. Once that is communicated, your dog will become less hyper vigilant and watchful. He or she (not "it") will likely be a little more relaxed about protecting the pack, although depending upon breed, that extinct will not be fully extinguished, and that's probably all for the good.
Leaders go first, and set the pace. The pack follows. If you are walking with your dog, he/she should be in the heel position, on your left, walking right next to you, or slightly behind. You set the pace, making sure to correct if your dog pulls. Stop. Resume your walk, and stop again if the pulling occurs. Repeat as often as necessary. You can also abruptly change direction, which will get your dog's attention. Dogs are intelligent (some more so than others) and capable of learning many human expectations. Do not use an expandable lead, unless you keep the lead short. When you exit your house, go out first, with your dog following. You can train your dog to stay in the sit position at the door until you give a release word, like "okay!" When you return home, enter the house first. Provide food (as a reward) after the walk, not before. If you are not ready to eat but your dog is, try mimicking eating, for about ten seconds before feeding. In the pack, leaders eat first.
It's controversial whether the leadership position is destroyed by inviting your dog to either lounge on your sofa with you, or to sleep in your bed. In your dog's eyes, this is an invitation to equality. But as the saying goes, pick your battles. Decide what's most important to you. Some trainers advocate that the dog follows at all times, including in the home. That is probably a good thing, and will help prevent getting tripped on the stairs.
Leash training is essential for city dogs, as well as keeping identification on your dog at all times. (How many "lost dog" posters have you seen?)
Call in an experienced trainer if it seems that your dog has gained the upper paw in your household. Your life will be a lot saner with a trained dog who is obedient to commands. Consider having your dog trained to respond to both verbal and hand signals. The latter can come in handy should your dog be at a distance, or, if your dog should become hearing impaired late in life.
Don't be afraid to be the Alpha Male or the Alpha Female. If there is more than one leader, make sure the commands are consistent. If your dog forgets, or even does something destructive, punishment is cruel and does not teach anything other than fear. Dogs, like most animals, live in the present moment. In that respect, there is much we can learn from them about living a joyful life in the here and now.
Dogs will test boundaries, just like kids, until you assert yourself as leader in no uncertain terms. Yes, there can be two or more human leaders: your partner, and your dog walker, for example. Your dog needs to understand that people are in charge; they are leaders. Once that is communicated, your dog will become less hyper vigilant and watchful. He or she (not "it") will likely be a little more relaxed about protecting the pack, although depending upon breed, that extinct will not be fully extinguished, and that's probably all for the good.
Leaders go first, and set the pace. The pack follows. If you are walking with your dog, he/she should be in the heel position, on your left, walking right next to you, or slightly behind. You set the pace, making sure to correct if your dog pulls. Stop. Resume your walk, and stop again if the pulling occurs. Repeat as often as necessary. You can also abruptly change direction, which will get your dog's attention. Dogs are intelligent (some more so than others) and capable of learning many human expectations. Do not use an expandable lead, unless you keep the lead short. When you exit your house, go out first, with your dog following. You can train your dog to stay in the sit position at the door until you give a release word, like "okay!" When you return home, enter the house first. Provide food (as a reward) after the walk, not before. If you are not ready to eat but your dog is, try mimicking eating, for about ten seconds before feeding. In the pack, leaders eat first.
It's controversial whether the leadership position is destroyed by inviting your dog to either lounge on your sofa with you, or to sleep in your bed. In your dog's eyes, this is an invitation to equality. But as the saying goes, pick your battles. Decide what's most important to you. Some trainers advocate that the dog follows at all times, including in the home. That is probably a good thing, and will help prevent getting tripped on the stairs.
Leash training is essential for city dogs, as well as keeping identification on your dog at all times. (How many "lost dog" posters have you seen?)
Call in an experienced trainer if it seems that your dog has gained the upper paw in your household. Your life will be a lot saner with a trained dog who is obedient to commands. Consider having your dog trained to respond to both verbal and hand signals. The latter can come in handy should your dog be at a distance, or, if your dog should become hearing impaired late in life.
Don't be afraid to be the Alpha Male or the Alpha Female. If there is more than one leader, make sure the commands are consistent. If your dog forgets, or even does something destructive, punishment is cruel and does not teach anything other than fear. Dogs, like most animals, live in the present moment. In that respect, there is much we can learn from them about living a joyful life in the here and now.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
A Feline Challenge
Satya — how could a creature so lovely suddenly metamorphose into a hissing, growling spitfire? Her family tells me she is really very sweet. I’m sure she is, with them.
She is my charge for ten days. Along with “the boys” Spock & Socks, and, I must not forget – the fish. They are upstaged by Satya’s medical needs. She is alert, active at times like any other kitty, and her coat and eyes look healthy, even with hyperthyroidism and diabetes. Another case of deception by appearance.
The first visit was pretty much routine, so it did not prepare me for what was to come. The next time I showed up, though, Satya made it quite evident that my presence was not welcomed. (After all, I am NF: Not Family.) Call me optimistic but I assuredly decided to wait her out. Several hours passed; she remained vigilant. She let me know it would not be pretty if I stepped an inch closer to touch her.
Evening arrived, and I had not made progress getting the second medicine into her, though she gladly ate the first medicine, disguised in (yummy!)baby food. Reluctant to use the towel method (which would only further antagonize her), I realized I had been outsmarted by a cat. Dispirited, I finally left, hoping for better luck the next day.
Sunday morning dawned, and apprehensive about the visit, I said a prayer to Mother/Father God and St. Francis. I’m not sure if I believe in an intercessory God, yet I do believe in miracles. It does seem, at times, that prayers are indeed answered. And I may not be Catholic, but I feel a connection to the simple man of Assisi.
Luck was with me. Maybe my prayer was answered. Or maybe it was the element of surprise and my no nonsense attitude. A quick dab, a few scratches behind her ears, and the medicine was in her. A second later, though, Satya became fully alert. Hissing and growling, she lashed out. Even for an experienced professional, it can be intimidating encountering a frightened or angry animal.
Satya reminds me of another kitty. Henri tolerated, maybe even loved my Mom, but she loathed everyone else. When my Mom was no longer able to care for her,I thought there was no choice but to put Henri to sleep. My then-boyfriend intervened and took her in, even though he decidedly was not a cat person. Amazingly, within a few weeks, Henri’s more lovable side became apparent. When I asked how he did it, he responded, “I let her know who was boss.” (For those of us who know cats, we know how bizarre that answer is.)
You may have rightly gathered by now that this profession is a lot more than hanging out with the cute and cuddly. With our companion animals, pulling rank (the superior human) really doesn’t work in the long run. It’s more a matter of respecting the animal’s inherent nature, and its place, along with ours, in the great web of life.
My confidence and capability allows a small window of time where I can get close enough to medicate Satya. She has an equal right to be unhappy. She is ill, and her family is away. I respect her right to feel grumpy, particularly under these circumstances. On some level, she may sense my respect, my empathy. That’s my hope, and my prayer.
She is my charge for ten days. Along with “the boys” Spock & Socks, and, I must not forget – the fish. They are upstaged by Satya’s medical needs. She is alert, active at times like any other kitty, and her coat and eyes look healthy, even with hyperthyroidism and diabetes. Another case of deception by appearance.
The first visit was pretty much routine, so it did not prepare me for what was to come. The next time I showed up, though, Satya made it quite evident that my presence was not welcomed. (After all, I am NF: Not Family.) Call me optimistic but I assuredly decided to wait her out. Several hours passed; she remained vigilant. She let me know it would not be pretty if I stepped an inch closer to touch her.
Evening arrived, and I had not made progress getting the second medicine into her, though she gladly ate the first medicine, disguised in (yummy!)baby food. Reluctant to use the towel method (which would only further antagonize her), I realized I had been outsmarted by a cat. Dispirited, I finally left, hoping for better luck the next day.
Sunday morning dawned, and apprehensive about the visit, I said a prayer to Mother/Father God and St. Francis. I’m not sure if I believe in an intercessory God, yet I do believe in miracles. It does seem, at times, that prayers are indeed answered. And I may not be Catholic, but I feel a connection to the simple man of Assisi.
Luck was with me. Maybe my prayer was answered. Or maybe it was the element of surprise and my no nonsense attitude. A quick dab, a few scratches behind her ears, and the medicine was in her. A second later, though, Satya became fully alert. Hissing and growling, she lashed out. Even for an experienced professional, it can be intimidating encountering a frightened or angry animal.
Satya reminds me of another kitty. Henri tolerated, maybe even loved my Mom, but she loathed everyone else. When my Mom was no longer able to care for her,I thought there was no choice but to put Henri to sleep. My then-boyfriend intervened and took her in, even though he decidedly was not a cat person. Amazingly, within a few weeks, Henri’s more lovable side became apparent. When I asked how he did it, he responded, “I let her know who was boss.” (For those of us who know cats, we know how bizarre that answer is.)
You may have rightly gathered by now that this profession is a lot more than hanging out with the cute and cuddly. With our companion animals, pulling rank (the superior human) really doesn’t work in the long run. It’s more a matter of respecting the animal’s inherent nature, and its place, along with ours, in the great web of life.
My confidence and capability allows a small window of time where I can get close enough to medicate Satya. She has an equal right to be unhappy. She is ill, and her family is away. I respect her right to feel grumpy, particularly under these circumstances. On some level, she may sense my respect, my empathy. That’s my hope, and my prayer.
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