Don’t Give Up (Wilson’s story) by Mildred Pierce

I used to have a love-hate relationship with my rescue dog, Wilson. What started out to be a cute little playmate/companion for my other dog Cooper, turned out to be the biggest undertaking of my life…

I met Wilson while volunteering in the recovery room at the PawsChicago spay/neuter center. He had been found on the street and rescued from some kids that were kicking him. That little face staring out at me from the cage melted my heart…

But from the moment I brought Cooper to meet him, I could see he had his own agenda. Wilson was in control of the ball, the kisses, and the staff! And he soon took control of our house too…

As expected, there was an adjustment period. But instead of gradually settling in and finding his place, Wilson became the boss, controlling the furniture, the toys, our walks, the doorways, my affection, Cooper, everything! All of which, I could have lived with, until…

The biting began about a year after adopting Wilson. He didn’t want to go into his crate, so he planted himself firmly on the couch, forcing me to pick him up and put him in. He chomped onto my hand with no warning, and drew blood. I was so freaked out I returned him to Paws. But as guilt set in, I remembered the promise I made when I first signed the papers. I re-adopted him within the week. The biting continued though, and started to escalate. Thus began the search for a solution to this very scary behavior…

After trying several types of training classes with no positive change (including one that uses electronic shock collars), a co-worker referred me to animal behaviorist, Dr. Valerie Chalcraft…

When Valerie came to our house, she began by observing and evaluating everything – Wilson’s interactions with Cooper, and with me, and more importantly, how I reacted to, and managed his behavior. She diagnosed Wilson with (owner-based) dominance aggression with underlying fear, and immediately put a plan together to desensitize his triggers and reduce his overall arousal…

Working also with our vet, a checkup was in order first, then he was started on Prozac. We also changed his food to one with a lower protein %, and Valerie fitted Wilson with a Thundershirt. But the biggest challenge would be for me to learn to read Wilson’s signals (nearly impossible, because he rarely gave a warning before biting), and to stay as “hands off” as possible, while working on basic submissive behaviors in a non-threatening way.

In addition to tools such as a basket muzzle filled with treats to allow safe brushing and handling, and food puzzle toys to keep Wilson mentally stimulated and challenged, Valerie also suggested a few books that I continue to refer to when I sense Wilson (and I) need to revisit and reinforce or correct a specific behavior.

It was, and still is, a long, slow process, and it was about a year before I realized that we were making progress. Sure, there have been a few setbacks, times when I missed very subtle signals, but what I learned about patience, perseverance, and consistency helped not only with Wilson, but with Cooper too, and the dogs I work with at Paws.

We still don’t know why he is/was aggressive, but Wilson and I are closer now, and I’m glad I didn’t give up on him.

Written by Mildred Pierce @cjfish31

My Furbabies by Susan Stacy

Once upon a time, many years before my 5 current furbabies were born and came to rule our house, there was a neighborhood stray named Molly. At this time, Clayton and I had just gotten married and were living in an apartment complex. One day, the lady that lived next door came to get me to tell me that Molly the stray had three kittens in her utility shed. One of my other neighbors wanted the little girl, who was gray with white feet. I absolutely HAD TO HAVE the little black boy. A few days later, the other kitten disappeared. We soon learned that the black baby was extremely shy and fearful. His eyes were matted and needed treatment, but we had such a difficult time catching him to work on his eyes that he was eventually partially blind in one eye. It took me all summer of working with him to get him to trust me. We soon became inseparable with him sleeping at my head every night.

Blackbaby

After about six years, I got pregnant and Clayton and I became concerned that BlackBaby would be jealous of the new baby when he arrived. Black would sit on my lap and purr when John kicked. When John was born, Clayton brought something home that the baby had worn to let Black smell of it. From the day we brought little John home, Black took it upon himself to become the baby’s personal guardian.

He would sit at the door of his room while he slept. If the baby cried, Black cried and ran back and forth between us until I got there. When John got a little older, BlackBaby starting sleeping at his feet. It didn’t matter what John did to him, including trying to ride him, BlackBaby never scratched him or hissed at him.

Blackbaby and Johnny

When John was in 2nd grade, my Daddy gave us a tract of land next to his house downtown. We built a house and of course, brought Black with us. After a year or so, John decided he wanted his own baby kitten. We found a little 8 week old rescue kitten that was a precious ball of fur. We knew she was the one when she took her tiny paw, placed it on my cheek and looked directly into eyes.

Having been an indoor cat since we adopted him, Black had never seen a kitten and we were apprehensive about the arrival of the new tiny little 4-legged diva. We named her PrincessPuff. BlackBaby adopted this kitten like she was one of his own. He washed her, played with her and taught her everything she would need to know.

It broke my heart when we lost BlackBaby. I still think of him every day, but I know that he lived a long, happy life and he is patiently waiting for me when I cross Rainbow Bridge.

RIP BlackBaby

Written by Susan Stacy, you may find her on Facebook under same name and on Twitter @Trancer1092

BLOG / FURBABIES / WORLD OF PETS - 07/15/2013

How having pets changes your social life? by Joanna

Many of pet owners know this all too well: as soon as they get pet or two their friends, family, coworkers, neighbors and even strangers have opinion on it.
Not all of them are supportive of new addition.

What if the family or close friends are against having pets?
Pet owners go through natural adjustments to their life, joined by new pet, they tend to go under reasonable amount of stress. But if people who share living space with them are negative and don’t support their new animal, they fall under horrendous amount of pressure. It affects everyone: new pet owners, their family and new pets.
Animals are very sensitive in perception of human feelings and reactions. If they sense resentment or that they are not welcome, they will respond. They will want to be accepted by rejecting party, also please new owner, and at the same time would be challenged by new surroundings. Most likely they will develop behavioral issues due to so many difficulties. That’s why it is crucial to talk to loved ones before getting a pet. If they are opposite to the idea, there are two choices: cease idea of getting the pet or move independently. Forcing onto family new pet will most likely end up badly. Pets will become victims in most cases.

When it comes to other people in pet owner’s life, there are many choices.
First is to get two or more pets together, so they will keep each other company and will miss owner less. Of course planning their meals, water, safety ahead is priority. Also, friendly neighbor or family member, who can check on them and update on their status (or in case of an emergency), would be helpful.

Another option, very popular lately, is getting pet sitter. There are websites, where one can check their credentials, insurance, reviews. It is very important that pet owners make their homework and find professional, experienced and reliable person.

Very similar to last option is pet hotels and kennels. Again, research is the necessity. It is good to visit them first to check conditions and observe other pets’ behavior.
Asking questions shouldn’t bother any of paid pet sitting professionals. If they act rude or omit answers, possibly have something to hide.

New way of being social is taking your pet along. Surely it depends on the venue. For each child in United States there are 4 pets. Increasing number of people will take their pets with them. In such circumstances it will be inevitable to see more places willing to accommodate them. Pets are guardians or medical help for some people. They are “new children’ and family members.

This is the option I choose for my life style. I go where my pet can go (and be safely happy).

There are people who are great hosts and they invite people to their homes. Some let pets roam between guests, others keep them in separate rooms, prepared and accommodated properly to pets’ needs.

And there is a last option: no social life. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way. If all friends, family and acquaintances are not supportive of pets, given they don’t live together, one has alternative of socializing with pet owners. And opportunities here are endless. Parks, pet venues, pet playgrounds, social media, neighborhood shelters, “pet friendly” vacations. Some people even get married connected by passion for pets.

So if one can’t change opinion of friends and loved ones on pet adoption, one can just change social circles altogether and join pet loving people. They are strong, live longer (thanks to pets’ health improving abilities), usually are less self-centered and kinder, have more patience and higher immunology. One would be joining the cream of the crop of the human race.

Written by Joanna @petmonarchy

BLOG / WORLD OF PETS - 07/07/2013

Living City Kitty Life… by Coco-Mau Aqua

Living City Kitty Life…

Some of my pals who live away from cities were wondering how my life looks like in Manhattan. So let me describe my usual day.

First thing you should know I typically sleep in Joanna’s bed. As soon as our neighbors start to make noise, I get up. Since I use toilet, the doors to the bathroom are always open, so I can use it anytime.

After morning toiletries comes time for the breakfast. Every night Joanna leaves 2-4 dishes with different foods so I can snack before she wakes up.

As I’m finicky Kitty I do what all pets do. I try to wake up my human. If she is not moving, I start to walk on her body parts until she opens eyes. Once I get her attention I start to give her my magical kisses. I use those only in the morning or when very hungry. Since I give her wet nose and side mouth smooches she runs into the kitchen to prepare fresh food for me.

After my breakfast regardless of human’s action, I start to roam and hunt. I check for those obnoxious birds and squirrels who annoyingly tease me through the windows.

Sometimes there are some flies or bees which pass by closely. I make sure I keep them away from my home! Looks like my tactics are working because until now no birds nor squirrels got into our apartment. I have to admit, insects are canny and from time to time visit us uninvited. I tap them few times on the head and Joanna makes them vanished.

I am and ‘purrse’ kitty. I get to go where no sphynx or cat goes:). My human takes me everywhere. Lately we were in the doctor’s office. I went to hotels, casinos, buses, trains, restaurants (get my own sit), supermarkets, Times Square, Hamptons, Montauk beaches, boardwalks, malls, work spaces and even was in the front of White House. Some people find out, but once they see how cute and stoic I can be, they welcome me warmly. Last time I was buying newest IPad with Retina (yes, you read it right, I did!) in Apple Store on 59th Street and 5th Avenue. People who work there were so nice, let me touch devices and choose with my own paws. Even took few pictures of me and Joanna.

When weather is nice we go to the Central Park or by Hudson River or to the park on E 92nd Street. I love to watch people, kids, animals or play with dogs.

We don’t see any cats unless we go to Petco or Petsmart where Joanna is showing me those less fortunate kitties, filled with unconditional love, waiting to be adopted. Usually she feels very guilty that she can’t take them home…

I go with her to work to meet clients. They are noisy places filled with talking humans and loud live music. If we are long she sneaks some food for me.

Joanna works also from home. I’m usually on her desk, next to her laptops, lying on my “flower” bed watching her working and birds or squirrels at the same time.

When I get tired or bored, I fell asleep, next to her.

Everyday I love to play chase with Joanna in our apartment, running like a miniature puma through the jungle.

Best part of my day is to be sitting in the ‘purrse’ and watching New York City unraveling in the front of me.

Every week or whenever I jump into bathtub, Joanna prepares me bubble bath. I love warm water so much that Joanna put up ‘kiddy pool’ in our living room.

But believe me, if you are suburban kitty and you can roam free sometimes and have home filled with loving family to come to, you are the luckiest four paws on Earth.

Joanna says she wishes I can feel wind in my hinds without limits of a City life. And hear those birds actually singing instead of drums from engines of driving cars.

If you want to be the city kitty in the ‘purrse’ you have to get use to the noise and trust your human to protect you from civilization.

But I have to admit, I am Manhattan Sphynx and I love it here.

Dedicated to my Beloved New York City

Written by Coco-Mau Aqua @petmonarchy

BLOG / SPHYNX WORLD / WORLD OF PETS - 06/30/2013

A Larger Family Than I Had Planned by Lisa Reed

I never had only one cat before but Otis seemed very happy alone. Periodically I considered adopting another but wasn’t sure if it would work for him. I had previously had 2 sisters and a brother and a sister who grew up together.

Last July feral cat had two kittens in my backyard.
The experts I consulted said to keep feeding the mother and leave the babies with her as long as possible.
A few days later there were July storms and it was pouring for days. I feared the tiny kittens would not make it. I went to the spot that they had been but they were gone.

My father heard crying during the night and we went out at 6 AM to investigate.
We found two soggy tiny kittens in a well and took them.

My initial intent was to rescue them and turn them over to a so kill shelter. We took them to the animal medical center to be checked out.

They were one month old sisters.
They needed to be bottle-fed and antibiotics for upper respiratory infections.
They had runny eyes and needed ointment. They had fleas.

Once I bottle fed them the first time I fell in love and knew I would keep them.

They went from tiny hissing balls of fluff to sweet affectionate babies by the end of the first day.

It is almost one year later and I have never been so happy for circumstances to work this way.

I love my girls Ruby and Boots with all my heart and Otis is coming to accept and play with his sisters. I adopted Otis at 11 months because I did not want kittens again but I’m so happy I raised these girls, they are so loving and bonded to me.
I’m so grateful to have them.

Written by Lisa @lisareed13

BLOG / WORLD OF PETS - 06/21/2013

Five Furbabies by Susan Stacy

My home is ruled by five very spoiled cats, that are loved and cherished beyond belief.

The oldest, PrincessPuff, is a 12year old ginger female, which I have been told is unusual. She is definitely the diva of the
crew.

PrincessPuff in her glory:

KingMoo was the next one to join the family. As his name indicates, he is black and white like a moo cow. He is the boss, the alpha cat. Because he often sits in the window and watches everything that happens next door at my parent’s house and down the street, my Daddy calls him the Mayor of Mimosa Street. The three youngest furbabies are all bobtails and
all related to each other.

Here is KingMoo and BabyTwo

Sammy is the largest cat in the house and the oldest bobtail. He is also the sweetest, most loving baby. Daisy has the same mother as Sammy, but was born in the next litter. She is petite, shy by nature, and absolutely gorgeous.

Sammy with Daisy smiling behind his back:

BabyTwo is believed to be their cousin. She was born to a stray in the same neighborhood. We rescued her the morning that she was being sent to the pound. The reason she is named BabyTwo is because she looks so much like KingMoo, but without a tail.
Even though she is no longer a little kitten, she is still very much a baby and I suspect that as spoiled as she is, she will always be a baby.

Written by Susan Stacy, you may find her on Facebook under same name and on Twitter @Trancer1092

BLOG / FURBABIES / WORLD OF PETS - 06/15/2013

The story of TSK or Time Share Kitty by Dana Moody

The story of TSK or Time Share Kitty

A few years back, before we retired we were going to our home in the mountains on weekends only. We noticed a cute brown tabby cat in the neighborhood, he was very friendly and would visit us.

After some inquiring we found out the kitty belonged to a neighbor. She had taken him because she didn’t want him to end up at a shelter. Her mom had a friend that had to go into an assisted living home and couldn’t take him.

The cat’s name was Starsky (apparently there was a Hutch at one point as well) our neighbors small boy, who was a little dyslexic, called him Skistar.

Before we knew his name we called him Time Share Kitty (TSK) since he always came to stay with us on the weekends. Sunday afternoons when we were packing up to go back down to the city we would take him back to our neighbors.

She is a very sweet and kind woman, but with 2 small boys and a real big dog the cat liked our calm, peaceful home better. Our neighbor had said we could keep him if we wanted.

Once we started staying in the mountains full time he became ours forever!

Since he is no longer Time Share, we just call him Kitty. But he has many nicknames: Strudel, Mr Cat, Dude, KitKat, Goose (as in silly goose) .

TSK_guestBlog. Gallery

He is the best cat ever! Very mild mannered, likes going for car rides, walks on a harness and leash. Likes calm dogs even!

TSK_guestBlog.-005

This video was made some time ago, and one of my first….so please forgive it’s roughness 🙂
http://youtu.be/NC3nqzSpoH4

Written by Dana Moody, you may follow her on Twitter Dana Moody @danapixie

BLOG / WORLD OF PETS - 06/11/2013

My name is Pantoufle, for friends Pantie by Auntie Stefi @Brici161

My name is Pantoufle, for friends Pantie

Hi Friends!

Why should you be interested in reading about a normal Italian CAT, with a funny French name, Pantoufle (Slipper in English) shortened Pantie (well… embarrassing in English)?

Strange names were typical in my family. My biological mom used to have an “exotic” name, Nekko, the Japanese translation for cat in English.
When I arrived home, the movie ‘Chocolat’ was very popular in Italy. Dad looked at me and said: “Your name will be Pantoufle like girl’s Bestie in the movie”.

I have been a very lucky kitty living inside and outside accordingly to my mood. Usually Wednesdays were dedicated to resting and no way I would leave my comfortable basket even if my friends Mosé and Romeo could come and pick me up for an adventure. We used to have a meeting every day at the same time. Mom has never understood where we used to go. It used to be a secret between us cats.

Hunting has always been my favorite activity but always on my own. I used to be the best terrace guardian against lizards, night butterflies and birds. Mom has always been so upset about it and used to get so mad and shout at me while running to free the poor animals from my jaws.

“That’s me” I used to think, wondering why she used to be so angry! These humans! But best occasions were in her absence, enjoying the pleasure till the end, hiding the preys under my favorite rug.

How frightening it was for mom while cleaning up!

Best season of the year was spring. Neighbors used to come home for a couple of months from Santo Domingo where they lived during the rest of the year. Everyday I run up and down the stairs to roam freely. It came with the terrible price of listening to neighbor lady’s shrills, practicing her soprano voice and smelling her horrible perfume! Unbearable but for free you never get anything.

My last battle started in February 2013. Very high fever, vet, screening and diagnosis, terrible diagnosis: FELV. No treatment can heal it, only medications to control it.

Mom and auntie could not believe it. I had always been vaccinated … how could it happen?

Mom did all what she could, feeding me like a baby, giving me injections, loving me more than ever. No way, FELV was very aggressive. I have been loosing half of my weight for three months till the very end when I got half paralyzed.

I was a very loved and spoilt kitty and mom was a wonderful parent looking after me all the time, refusing to sleep and being at my side till I was put to eternal sleep and cremated. She was worried I could be mistreated while reaching the beautiful OTRB meadows. But all her sorrows disappeared when she was reassured she don’t ever have to abandon me and could get my ashes back on the same day.

Hey pals! No tears nor sadness! I am happy now, running free and hunting again. I am no longer suffering and live in my mom’s, beloved ones’ and friends’ heart.

From Auntie Stefi with love

Written by Auntie Stefi @Brici161

Wonderful Mom of Pantie is Hf_Fulvia @Hf_Fulvia

You can follow them on Twitter

BLOG / WORLD OF PETS - 06/06/2013

Why you need to have a pet Twitter account? by Joanna

Why you need to have a pet Twitter account?

Hi everybody (effurebody), you probably ask yourself: what is she talking about?
Why this website is covered by videos of her pet, and she obsessively supports all posts and articles concerning animals only?

Well, my dear readers, I discovered other dimension of our life.

Please, before you quit reading this, let me explain…

I won’t repeat how it all started, because you can check post before, hopefully you read my blog regularly.

But most importantly I want to share the reason why I started with Twitter Pet Lovers Account and why I think all animal oriented people should have it?

As you figured out by now, I fell for my sphynx big time, so I decided to join twitter to connect to pets’ enthusiasts.

I was tremendously surprised by supporting and loving relationship I discovered between pet twitter accounts.

I have to admit I was reluctant at first. My several (or little more) tweets felt like I am talking to myself..

I know, how pitiful you say… I agree, I felt like I am tweeting to a wall.

I was even more sad because it has happened when I discovered my sphynx went through ” fake” pregnancy.

For most of you it may seem trivial, but I prepared myself to receive kittens, set up nursery, and emergency kit as well as supplemental feeding. And honestly, called and annoyed every clinic in Manhattan and surrounding areas, asking them thousands of questions. I wanted make sure I choose the best for my cat and her off spring. I was Momma Tigress, roar!

One day, I can’t remember when exactly, I received first favorite feedback, and then retweet and finally first nice response. After that things went spiral. I convinced my family there is other life out there and the closest to call it would be Pet Twitter Heaven!

Few months later I have over 2000 followers and counting. I am not planning to go back to three dimensional life anymore.
My existence consists of four dimensions and all thanks to pets and their love and power to transform humans. And I must say twitter was perfect (purrfect) soil for that. You will find there pet related advises, cute pictures, smart jokes, and even romance. And most surprisingly, if you need shoulder to cry on there is no better place than Pet Twitter Universe. All tweeps are full of compassion, always willing to help, running to rescue. I guarantee you will never feel alone after you join.

So next time you are lonesome, I have advice for you: get a pet and start tweeting.

Dedicated to all my followers. Thank you for all joy you bring to my life.

Written by Joanna

BLOG / PET'S PHUN / WORLD OF PETS - 06/05/2013

Kitty at the window by Elwood @MynameisElwood

Kitty at the window

I am a fortunate kittie. In the 10+ years since my family brought me home to become their indoor kittie, many neighbourhood cats have come to visit. One day last fall, a new shadow appeared at my window. Little did I know then, that this kittie would turn out to be as special as me.

It is not unusual for all neighbourhood cats to come visit on our deck. During the hot days of summer, mummy leaves fresh water every day some food and sometimes, for those kitties we know very well – a little something special. All neighbourhood kitties know to come during the day, but never at night, because we don’t leave treats out. Kitties have homes and need to go home for the night.

When this new cat came along peering through the blinds, neither mummy nor me thought anything of it. Just another new cat moving into the neighbourhood. Kitty’s visits became so routine that we christened him “Deck Cat;” DC for short. Not very original but it was a name none the less.

Mummy never gave Deck Cat’s visits much thought until the day the thermometer dipped well below zero Celsius and she noticed Deck Cat curled up in the sunshine trying to keep warm in the wind.

This was a worry, although very cold out, the snow had not yet come to our deck. Did the people who owned DC not realize that winter would soon be upon us and no cat should be left to wander in the cold?

She cracked open the deck door, slowly whispering her classic “Sweetie Pies”.
A startled DC bolted from the warm and safety of the deck, down the stairs, and vanished! Perhaps Deck Cat headed for his home? We found out later that more likely, DC bolted under our deck.

Working against time and temperature, Mummy made several attempts to capture DC before the cruel winter weather set in – but to no avail. Deck Cat eluded her, but always returned

for a little water and a treat. As the weather turned colder, mummy set up a box in a high place, out of the wind and she continued to lure Deck Cat into a cat carrier without success. DC did not like people… not even my mummy!

One particularly cold wintery night we noticed our back neighbour puttering in his garage workshop. Although nothing to do with Deck Cat, Daddy was happy to see this fellow up and about again – since we had not seen this neighbour since his accident last fall. Our neighbour went to his workshop almost every cold night, followed by his dwag. The workshop light was bright and the chimney puffed great floofs of smoke – it must be a very warm workshop indeed. And Mummy secretly hoped that DC found a way in to that warm garage.

Deck Cat survived winter; he visited our deck daily!

He ate and drank what mummy left out for him and Mummy kept two wind-block boxes outside – one on the deck in a high spot, another under the deck where we all assumed DC retreated to when it became unbearably cold.

We last saw DC on the fence, just before a very bad spring storm, the hail was so loud I put paws over my ears while hiding in a closet! Mummy was so worried about Deck Cat – what if the hail hit him? What if he was too scared of the thunder? What if something really bad happened? Mummy was so upset, when the storm stopped she asked Dad to help look for DC. They looked for two days… nothing. Mummy calls “Sweetie Pies, Sweetie Pies..” Nothing. Food went untouched, the new blankets in the wind-block boxes void of cat hair. Deck Cat was gone. It wasn’t until daddy asked the “garage guy” neighbour why he was taking down a trampoline that we found out exactly where DC went!

Over the winter Deck Cat befriended “Garage Guy.” It began during that first cold snap in November, DC found his way through the pet door in GG’s garage. Garage Guy just let DC be that first night. The next, GG brought some food and water to the garage and left the cat flap open for DC to come and go as he pleased. That’s how it went over the winter and into spring. Then one day, DC jumped up onto the workbench and rubbed against the Garage Guy’s hand. That’s when Mrs. GG decided they should adopt DC and loaded Deck Cat into a his very own cat carrier and off to the rescue vet they went, to have DC checked out – and to make sure that indeed no one owned him.

In between his visits to the rescue vet to make sure DC didn’t feel abandoned, Garage Guy took down the family trampoline and put up a cat enclosure.

Today, Deck Cat – now DUDLEY, came home – to his forever home. Never to wander between our houses looking for food and shelter, never to feel lonely – but then, neither will Mr and Mrs. Garage Guy!

Sent from my tuna tin!

Written by Elwood is my name @MynameisElwood

BLOG / WORLD OF PETS - 05/28/2013

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