Category Archives: All Animals

How Pets Can Heal You

Posted on August 17, 2011 by | Leave a comment
tabby cat

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My Fellow Students of Life,

I love animals! I grew up with dogs, rabbits, fish, and birds. I never had cats until my adult life. I adopted my black and white cat Benny from Mixed Up Mutts who partners with PetSmart. I adopted my tabby cat CeCe from The Arizona Humane Society. They are a joy to have in my life. More importantly, they’re a good way for me to get and stay grounded. If I’m having an ‘off’ day, I’ll pet one of my cats and immediately shift my energy. The focus is off of me and my issues and onto my cats. Before you know it, my troubles melt away and they aren’t important anymore.

Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms. ~George Eliot

An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language. ~Martin Buber

Animals have these advantages over man: they never hear the clock strike, they die without any idea of death, they have no theologians to instruct them, their last moments are not disturbed by unwelcome and unpleasant ceremonies, their funerals cost them nothing, and no one starts lawsuits over their wills. ~Voltaire, letter to Count Schomberg, 31 August 1769

It often happens that a man is more humanely related to a cat or dog than to any human being. ~Henry David Thoreau

If you’d like to get a pet, consider adopting an animal from your local animal shelter. They usually hold special events to promote the adoption of animals from shelters — some accept donations in lieu of an adoption fee. It’s a win-win situation! All shelter animals deserve loving, forever homes. Adopt one today and watch how your new friend will add joy to your life. Adopting a pet can be a life saver in more ways than one.

Rebecca

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7 Ways Hoarding Buries You Alive

Posted on August 2, 2011 by | Leave a comment
Peter Pack Rat

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Are you a pack-rat? What about a hoarder? Does your heart race when you see people throw out newspapers, magazines, or old furniture?  Do you have material items from the 1980s or 1960s? Have you sold your house but still haven’t completely moved out? If any of this sounds like you, hoarding could bury you alive.

Hoarding is serious and shouldn’t be taken lightly. People have issues with hoarding for many reasons. For example, those who grew up during the depression tend to be hoarders and or pack rats. They hold onto to material items and stuff refrigerators, freezers, and pantries with food because they fear not having enough. There is truly enough.

On a personal note, my father (deceased) and a few of my ‘older’ relatives are/were pack rats. They can’t and won’t throw anything out such as string, nails, dishes, old newspapers, containers, etc. because they believe something could be used at a later date. My father would leave his birthday and Christmas gifts in the box with the wrapping paper still on it; the tissue paper still in the box. He believed the wrapping and tissue paper could be reused, even though my mom would buy new wrapping paper every year (sales). My mom eventually stopped by new wrapping paper.

7 Ways Hoarding Buries You Alive

1. Strains family and other relationships.

2. No one wants to come over to see you; you become isolated.

3. Your home begins to smell from rotten food and or animal feces — it becomes unsanitary and unsafe.

4. If you hoard animals, you do them more harm than good. Animal control will remove the animals. Some of them will be euthanized; others will be placed in foster homes to be nursed back to health. Healthy animals go up for adoption straightaway. It’s not fair to the helpless animals.

5. You feel you need to acquire more and keep accumulating stuff.

6. You become angry and bitter because the people who love you want to help — they want you to change. But you can’t admit you have a problem; therefore, don’t want to change.

7. You’re setting your children and or grandchildren up for a life of hoarding. Remember, children learn from the actions and words of the adults in their lives. They could grow up to ‘mimic’ your hoarding habits. Do you really want that life for them? How would it benefit them? How would they live a happy, healthy life as a hoarder?

If you or someone you know suffers from hoarding, please get help. There’s no shame in hoarding — all of us have had to face something in our lives. Admitting you need help is the first step. If the people who love you want and offer help, take it. You’re very lucky to have people who love and care about you. They want you to live a happy, fulfilled life — you deserve to live a happy, fulfilled life.

Rebecca

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Help! Gaining Weight Sucks

Posted on May 10, 2011 by | Leave a comment

I moved to Arizona aka The Grand Canyon State in September 2007. While I was there, I reached my goal weight of 115 lbs. and clothing size 2; I’m 5 ft. 8 in. Living in Arizona meant I was able to purchase organic fruits and vegetables (not costly), and of course, hike the beautiful mountains. When you hike 7-days a week in 80+ degrees, you’re bound to lose weight. Fast forward to July 2010, and I had to move back to Ohio from Arizona. This was devastating for me because I took everything I had (financially) to move to Arizona. I absolutely loved being in the state because of the weather, the parks, people, proximity to California, Mexico, and Nevada, the Arizona Humane Society, bookstores, and much more. I thoroughly enjoyed living in Arizona.

I slowly gained weight since late 2009 because I had fearful thoughts (relatives contributed to this) of having to move back to cold, rainy, and snowy Ohio. And, certain family members kept ‘bugging’ me about “how and why I could live over 2,000 miles” away from my family. Guilt slowly crept into my mind and moving back to Ohio became a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Since Ohio weather is not ideal for me, I’ve slacked off with my workouts. It’s May, and I still have the electric heater on (it’s on right now) along with my electric blanket. I also redeveloped some bad eating habits since living with my mom like eating dark chocolate, cookies, candy, potato chips, and ice cream now and again (I since stopped this). When I lived in Arizona, I used to treat myself to Gelato, but I never bought a container of it to keep in my freezer. I would get a small bag of Baked Lays to go with my Veggie Sub from Subway. The only time I bought a regular sized bag is when I had a coupon and a craving for the chips.

I’m highly disappointed and ashamed of myself. How could I let this happen? Why did it happen? Why am I gaining belly fat? What can I do to stop it? Why didn’t moving to Arizona work out? How do I get back to the state I love so much? I felt and still feel a deep connection to the Southwest. I’ve also developed a connection to the South. I’m a Leo, maybe it’s the fire sign in me that’s drawn to warm and sunny areas of the U.S.

I worked very hard to reach my desired weight. Some people (my mom) thought I was too thin but that’s not my problem. I loved the way I looked! Right now, not so much.

Today, I was supposed to participate in lobbying for Ohio’s animals (I may as well do something good while I’m here), but none of my ‘professional’ clothes fit me! My clothing sizes range from 2, 4, and 6; there’s no way I could get into my size 2. I couldn’t get into my size 4 skirt or 6 dress pants; I can get into my size 6 khakis! I’m very, very upset about this. I refuse to purchase new clothes in a bigger size when I have a wardrobe box filled with perfectly good clothing. I will get back into my old clothes.

It seems like my body has changed; I know it changes every seven years. It seems like I have more belly fat than usual. I know stress (I’m super stressed) causes belly fat. But, I don’t understand how I could gain 40 lbs. in a short amount of time. I even became a vegetarian! I could understand if I ate chips, fast foods, chocolate, candy, cookies, cakes, etc. every day, but I don’t. What has happened? Am I so stressed out that the weight won’t budge?

I’m doing my best to ‘psyche’ myself up to work out but it’s so frickin’ cold outside that I have no desire to. When lived in Arizona, I used to ‘bounce’ outside the door and walk to the post office or the park that was close to me; this was in 80+ degree weather. I loved being a dog walker for AHS and hiking South Mountain Park. I was highly active and loved being outside; I love nature! It’s no wonder the weight fell off of me. I wasn’t stressed at the time, and I was in a place that really felt like home.

Sigh…

Rebecca

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What Does Sarah Palin Have Against Wolves?

Posted on June 17, 2009 by | Leave a comment

Sarah Palin has ordered the aerial killing of wolves. Could you imagine if she and John McCain won the Presidency and Vice Presidency of the U.S.?

Eye on Palin is dedicated to exposing Governor Palin and her vicious attacks on wildlife in Alaska. What does Palin have against conservation and the conservation of wildlife? Who knows. Maybe the wolves will receive a reprieve because she’s too busy belly aching about David Letterman’s jokes which were taken out of context!

Rebecca

What do you think about Palin’s aerial hunting of wolves?

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Black and White Cats Have a Mind of Their Own

Posted on May 15, 2009 by | 3 Comments

Who else has a black and white cat? My little Benny just turned 1-year old and still acts like a kitten. I caught him chewing on my AC Adapter cord, again. He hasn’t done that since last year. Now I have to buy a new one. Needless to say, he’s been banned from the office. Maybe I expect too much from Benny because I’m used to having dogs. I do miss having a dog.

This is my first and LAST cat! Benny is not independent (clingy), he likes water, climbs on everything, and has debunked every myth about cats that is out there. He’s a cute little guy, but he’s close to being shipped to OH to live with my mom!

Benny is an indoor cat. He has cat trees and a condo. He’s also a traveler. We flew to OH for Christmas 2008. This was a great holiday for him. He received a lot of cat toys from my mom along with a bunch of treats. He also met Harriet (Yorkie-Poo) and PJ (Parakeet). Harriet was good enough to put Benny in his place. After all, he was in HER house! Benny has a good life, better than some kids!

I’ve found out that cats, unlike dogs, are not that trainable. Not-to-mention the fact the lack of obedience classes for cats. Why is this? You can find a ton of programs for dogs, but nothing for cats. It’s very disheartening and frustrating. Wouldn’t it be a good idea to have cat training classes?

I would like to hear from you if you have a black and white (Tuxedo) cat. Did your cat chew your cords? If they did, what did you do? If you sprayed the cat with water that won’t work with Benny because he LOVES water! Plus, I don’t believe in this type of training.

Let me know if you have any advice on how to handle/train Benny. I don’t want to take him to the shelter. I guess I could call the organization that I got him from. Of course, they were supposed to check up on us within 90 days of my adopting him. That never happened — it’s now 2009. I adopted Benny in August 2008! If you have any advice, it would be greatly appreciated. Please help us….Thank you!

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Shocker! Halo Purely for Pets Canned Spot’s Stew is Actual Stew

Posted on August 13, 2008 by | Leave a comment

Not only is Ellen DeGeneres a queen of comedy and talk show host but she’s also part owner of Halo Purley for Pets. Halo touts itself as having the “world’s best natural pet care products.” Their entire line of products for cats and dogs are made with the highest quality ingredients. They are also made with real ingredients. For the skeptics out there, Halo puts their money where their mouth is!

Pet lovers who buy canned food for their cats and dogs usually receive a product that is processed into a brownish/pinkish mush. The ingredients are listed on the label, but can you clearly pick them out? In most cases the only ingredient you see is the broth.

Halo’s canned cat food is not your average cat food. Spot’s Stew Wholesome Chicken Recipe is the “original,” with natural ingredients. That’s right folks. The label reads something like this: chicken, zucchini, yellow squash, celery, chicken broth, carrots, green peas, and other natural ingredients. Can this be canned cat food? Yes, it’s a very healthy and natural meal for your cat or kitten.

Spot’s Stew looks like the stew grandma used to make for Sunday dinner. It even smells like it! Your cat or dog will wipe the plate clean and will bark or meow for seconds! If you want the very best for your best friend, then pickup a couple of cans of Spot’s Stew today. Cats and dogs everywhere give it two “paws” up!

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How Pets Can Teach Us Empathy

Posted on July 22, 2008 by | 1 Comment

Pets are great companions and teachers. They love us unconditionally just as we are and do not expect us to change. One lesson pets teach us is empathy. The following excerpt is from Buzzle.com: “In one study, we found that 3- and 4-year-olds with pets were better able to understand the feelings of other children than those without pets,” Poresky says. He also says there are life lessons to be learned from taking responsibility for a pet. “A dog or cat won’t always do what the child wants them to do, and that can be very important,” he says. “This helps kids learn that there are other perspectives and ways of looking at things.”

Perhaps the world would be a better place if all of us were given a pet to care for when we were kids. Studies show that children who are given pets learn how to understand the feelings of others, learn responsibility, and life from different perspectives. They also learn loyalty and how to selflessly give of themselves. Sometimes these lessons need to be re-learned when we become adults.

My kitten Salem taught me how to practice non-judgment and empathy. Even though his life was short, he will always be with me. Salem had a rough start in life. God only knows how long he sat on the patio of the first floor apartment that is below me. He probably was there at three weeks old; I took him in when he was five weeks old. It was not easy for the both us. The poor thing had issues and so did I. Continue reading →

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Unraveling the Murder Mystery of the Virunga Gorillas

Posted on July 1, 2008 by | Leave a comment

Mountain Gorillas are one of three subspecies of the Eastern Gorillas. Currently there are 700 individuals which are broken into two groups. One of those groups are the Virunga Gorillas. These gorillas are found in the Virunga volcanic mountains of Central Africa within four national parks. Those parks are Mgahinga, in south-west Uganda; Volcanoes, in north-west Rwanda, and Virunga and Kahuzi-Biéga, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The plight of the Virunga Gorillas began last July when photographer Brent Stirton took a photograph of a dead 500-pound male gorilla named Senkwekwe who was murdered execution style. Senkwekwe was strapped on his back to a litter made out of saplings. That photograph was published in Newsweek for the entire world to see.

Who would do such a thing? The answer to that question is a complicated one. Stirton and writer Mark Jenkins were fortunate enough to be allowed into the part of Virunga where the mountain gorillas live. The area is now controlled by a militia. Brutal militias, corruption, and an environmental terror are part of the answer. Combine these with the war in the Congo and the repercussions of the Rwanda genocide and a horrific scene unfolds.

Stirton’s theory about the Virunga Gorilla murders is this: “It is part of an ongoing struggle over illegal charcoal production in the park’s ancient hardwood forests – a struggle that involves corrupt Congolese army factions and more than one Hutu militia.”

Visit National Geographic to watch a video on the Virunga gorillas and to read the article by Mark Jenkins with photograph by Brent Stirton. For further reading about the Virunga Gorillas, visit NPR and read the article “Chronicling the Virunga Gorillas.”

To protect these beautiful creatures, visit African Wildlife Foundation and make a donation today. To support the local artists and mountain gorillas of Virunga, visit Virunga Artistians.

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5 Secrets to Prevent Your Kitten From Biting!

Posted on June 17, 2008 by | Leave a comment

If you just purchased or rescued a kitten, good for you! Depending on how active your kitten is he or she may be a biter! To be fair its normal for kittens to claw and bite. But, it hurts like hell when your precious little one is climbing up your leg or gnawing at your foot! OUCH!

Kittens and cats are predators so its instinctual for them to bite. Even though you provide your kitten with toys, food, and water its instinct is to hunt. Your kitten requires an outlet as it hones its hunting skills. Play time is necessary. Your kitten may like play time to last from 15 minutes to a half hour, three times a day. Do anything you can to burn up the kittens energy. The “fishing” toys are popular. You can drag it in front of your kitten so he can “stalk and play attack” the toy. Consider sock puppets. This way your kitten can distinguish between “flesh” and “non-flesh.”Shop at PetSmart.com for all your kitty toys.

    5 Secrets to Your Kitten Biting Less

  1. Teach your kitten to enjoy being handled or petted. Scratch your kitten behind the ears. Pet your kitten gently on its head.
  2. Redirect the kitten’s attention. Have many toys on hand.
  3. Yell OUCH and stop playing!
  4. Hire a pet behavior specialist. Visit Web Trail-Pet Behavior to learn more.
  5. Get another kitten! If your kitten has a playmate, he will leave you alone. This is the best solution and it always works.

Useful Links

  1. Perfect Paws. A great resource on how to train your kitten. Good luck!
  2. Pets.ca. “Pet forum for dogs, cats, and humans!”
  3. Cats.About.com. Good information on how to stop your kitten from biting.
  4. KittyKind. Is a not-for-profit, no-kill, all volunteer rescue located in NY. Offers advice on how to curb your kitten’s biting.

On a personal note, my kitten is very active. Forget about three 15 minute sessions, he can play morning, noon, and night! He likes to run around my apartment. He begins in the living room, runs to the bedroom, goes into the bathroom, and out the other door that leads from the bathroom; it’s a “Jack and Jill” bathroom.

Trying to get him to go to sleep is a challenge. Yes, I know cats are nocturnal creatures. I began to leave the bedroom door open so he can go out into the living room and climb on his “kitty condo.” I’m glad I bought the kitty condo. He loves his “fishing” toys. I have the one attached to his kitty condo and he plays with it. The other “feather” toy on a stick is the one I use to “tickle” him and have him chase it. Also, he loves paper! I give him napkins which he rips apart. He loves his “crumpled” up paper towel which he kicks around like a soccer ball. I did buy him two “spongy” soccer balls which he kicks back and forth. He would probably make a good mascot for a soccer team!

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Stop! Are You Ready For a Kitten? Better Think Twice!

Posted on June 9, 2008 by | Leave a comment

Check out the response from Halo Animal Rescue in Phoenix, AZ:

“We are unable to take your pet in at this time. If you need a home for them immediately, you’ll need to take them to the AZ Humane Society or Maricopa County Animal Control but unfortunately they may be euthanized due to the overwhelming number of dogs and cats brought to the shelters daily. We highly recommend you consider consulting with a pet behaviorist such as petbehaviorsolutions.com if you are having any sort of behavioral issue to see if there is the possibility of finding a solution that makes you able to keep your pet. We can post your pet on our website with a few photos and a write up to help you find a home for him/her if you’d like but the pet would need to be spayed/neutered first. If you’d like information on free spays and neuters, please visit http://www.halorescue.org/spay.html or call 602-265-SPAY. Once the pet is fixed, please email up to 3 photos in a JPG format and a paragraph about the personality, likes, dislikes and the ideal home for your pet including your contact information you’d like posted to courtesylisting@halorescue.org if you’d like us to put your pet on our website. Please ensure you properly screen applicants and charge some sort of adoption fee. We would be grateful if you sent HALO Animal Rescue a donation for posting your pet (suggested donation is $10).”

Not only is the temperature rising in Arizona but so is the cat population! Why do people have pets without having them spade or neutered? Duh! Is not enough for that one. A pet is a responsibility just like a child. But then again most people cannot discipline or take care of their children!

If you are new to the state of Arizona, good luck trying to find a “no-kill” shelter. Apparently, they do exist but trying to locate one is like looking for a “needle in a haystack!” When you do stumble upon an animal shelter, the people who work there act as if you are bothering them. They must be understaffed and underpaid. In Arizona, there is much emphasis on “rounding up” all of the illegal immigrants that come into the state from the Mexican border. You can solve the border issue by temporarily closing the borders of the USA! This way the USA can take time to straighten herself out, but that’s an article for another time. How about focusing on the out-of-control pet population? Furthermore, make it mandatory that your pet is spade or neutered. If not, then you pay a fine! And, if you are a breeder, then you better have a permit. If that law does not exist, it would be a good idea to implement it.

The bottom line is a kitten is like having a newborn baby, who knew! If you adopt a young kitten or rescue one from somewhere, make sure you are up for the responsibility. Patience and time are two key factors when training the kitten. Love and attention are required as well! Avoid reading everything on the internet because no two kittens are the same.

You may consider hiring a pet behavioral specialist. If you live in Arizona, please visit Pet Behavior Solutions. Sometimes a little professional help is necessary. Believe me, I know. Sam Kabbel, the president and owner of Pet Behavior Solutions came to my home and “enlightened me about kittens and cats. The information I received has been a tremendous help. I never had a kitten as a pet. Plus, I received personalized instructions to help me train my kitten. He was a stray and had a rough start in life like so many others. So far so good. Thanks to Sam at Pet Behavior Solutions, Salem and I are doing much better!

If you are in the market for a pet, please do your research. It is not fair to the animal or you if it’s not a good match. All pets, like children, deserve a caring and loving home. Be sure that your “new addition” is the right one for you!

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