Gooseberry's return visit

Hi everyone! I’ve decided to try to restart my blog for a bit. I stopped blogging a few years back because my loss of Mewdy Blue just took my heart. But now my cats are telling stories that I have to share. I’ll probably only posted once weekly because my day job of writing articles for magazines keeps me plenty busy.

Gooseberry came on the scene in 2008 and quickly decided that Mewdy Blue was his hero. He’d follow the older cat everywhere, to Mewdy Blue’s tempered annoyance. When his hero died Goose (his nickname) acted lost. He wandered around on his own and seemed as if he had lost his heart much as I had. But today Goose is much better and back to his crazy self.

I sometimes compare him to Waffles of Glogirly fame. He loves to leap high in the air for his toys. He also races up and down the stairs as I move his stick toy (feathers on a stick). And he’s quite the talker. He and I have long conversations at times. I think he must have some Siamese in him.

Last week I was petting Gooseberry near his tail, something I do all the time, and I felt a bump. He is 11 years old now so I’m always on the lookout for lumps and bumps. I got him into the veterinarian last Friday and scheduled him for a lumpectomy. Thursday of this week he had his surgery as well as blood work and everything went well.

This morning I woke up to see Goose sitting proudly on my bed and I slowly realized something was wrong. He didn’t have his e-collar on. That meant that he also chewed out all of his sutures – both layers of them! So today we were back at the veterinary office getting staples in this time. He’s fine now and I’ve fashioned a kind of anchor for his e-collar. I tied it to his harness (which he hardly ever wears anymore) so it will be harder if not impossible to get off. Of course I’ll have to watch him closely until that incision heals but I’m more optimistic now.

The only trouble now is that I have to wait up to a week to hear the results of his biopsy. I had another cat years ago who had a lump much like this one and it was a mast cell tumor. He had a lot more over the years and eventually died of them. He did, however, live to the ripe old age of 19 so that’s a plus. Please send prayers and whatever you have Goose’s way won’t you?
I've never done a blog hop before but I'm going to try to do the Sunday Selfies blog hop so here goes. Here's the link to the Cat On My Head blog, the host of this hop: https://thecatonmyhead.com/

Chaser, one smart dog – or one of many

Ever wonder how much your dog understands? Or maybe how much can he learn? Author John W. Pilley (with Hilary Hinzmann) is about to tell you in his book, “Chaser, Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a Thousand Words.”

I’ll say up front that I received a free review copy of this book but in no way did that influence my opinion of it. I’ve reviewed several books over the years and usually I end up donating them either to local libraries or to my cat club’s raffle (whether I like them or not). But this one is already highlighted and labeled with my name. As soon as I’m done going over and over it I will find a special place for it in my own library.

Chaser’s story begins with the early days when the breeder was only thinking of raising another litter of Border Collies up to her present day life. And, not to ruin the ending but I think most readers will be happy to know ahead of time that Chaser is still alive and still learning. No sad endings here!

We get to see Pilley’s earlier adventures training his previous dogs. He illustrates his love for the dogs so eloquently. He even earned the respect of an entire college for his dogs’ good manners. His first Border Collie, Yasha, and then Chaser, were given permanent college I.D.s to allow them free access to the college grounds. As a University employee I can tell you that is rare.

This guy really knows Border Collies. More importantly he knows dogs. But his research shows that it doesn’t take a degree in Psychology to have a happy, well-trained dog. He points out first by example and in the end by the flat out statement that the best reward for a job well-done is play. Isn’t that true for people as well as other animals?

Although Pilley is a retired professor his writing in this book is conversational and easy to read. At the same time it gives the reader just enough real science to satisfy those of us who are familiar with scientific methods and terminology. I like that Pilley gives us a true representation of all the strings and red-tape that scientists must deal with. You’ll see just why takes so long to get any answers out of the lab and into the public eye.

My favorite aspect of this story though is the love that shines out in this book. For example, Pilley and his wife, Sally, turned down requests for some appearances because they didn’t want to transport Chaser in the cargo hold of a plane. They make sure their car is well-cooled before Chaser can get in and they organize their days around Chaser’s needs.

I have to mention that several times while reading this book I found myself drawing comparisons between Chaser and my own beloved Mewdy Blue. Beginning with the day he was born I nurtured Mewdy Blue’s personality. I believe our mutual love for each other revealed his special character and talent. After reading about Chaser, I wonder how much more we could have done together if we’d only had time. Sadly I was a working stiff for much of his life. The “what ifs” in life plague me.

Yes, “Chaser” shows you a dog that has learned well over a thousand words, verbs and many parts of grammar that some humans don’t know. She runs agility and dotes on her owners. But you get so much more out of this book. You’ll learn from this book how you can teach your own dog tricks, obedience, and manners. You’ll also learn how to make sure your dog is happy. Mostly you’ll come to appreciate the wonders of your pets.

Chaser and her owners continue their search for all that she can accomplish. I doubt they’ll have any “what ifs” in their relationships. Whether you are a dog lover or an animal lover like me, you'll love this book.

I should add that if you want to learn more about Chaser check out her website at  http://www.chaserthebordercollie.com/

Or you can see some of her videos at http://www.chaserthebordercollie.com/#!chasers-channel/c2j

Collection of articles

Today I have a collection of interesting sites for your surfing pleasure.

Even animals can be involved in the healing process at Newtown, CT. A group from the Chicago area travelled to Newtown with their “comfort dogs” to offer mourners and others a few moments of non-judgmental love:

http://news.discovery.com/animals/dogs-sent-to-newtown-to-comfort-grieving-121217.html

Another dog is helping a woman with a unique problem maintain a sense of normalcy in her life. Service dog for woman who can’t stay awake:

http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=671571

One of the very young victims in Newtown had a special love for animals. She wanted to be a veterinarian:

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/12/16/little-girl-killed-in-newtown-massacre-had-wanted-to-be-veterinarian-since-age-2/

The best reason in the world to vaccinate pets for rabies:

http://www.dailytribune.net/news/article_e4c526c4-410e-11e2-8d4a-0019bb2963f4.html

I love to see coverage of rare animals in the wild, even more so if it includes video. Here scientists were lucky enough to get video of rare clouded leopards (this article also includes an earlier video):

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/20627836

As always be vigilant about the chemicals and other substances around your house and yard. Make sure that your pets cannot get ahold of them or you or someone you know could go through an experience like this. A dog dies after ingesting a poisonous substance and releases a toxic gas:

http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20121208/NEWS/121209845/1078&ParentProfile=1062

Here’s another story about a special dog. A therapy dog helps children overcome challenges:

http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/dog-who-teaches-kids-talk

In time for Christmas, here’s one about pets that are naughty or nice:

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/life/pet-stories/pet-points-your-pet-naughty-or-nice-666407/

….and one about a reindeer that received knee surgery to correct a luxating patella:

http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2012/12/young_reindeer_resting_mass_after_knee_surgery

I hope you enjoy this offering. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. And if the world still exists I hope to post again on Friday!

National Senior Pet Health Month

Mouse

Do you know how to best care for your senior pet? For that matter do you even know what senior means in the pet world?

September is National Senior Pet Health Month in the U.S. so this is a good time to stop and think about your pet’s age and relative health. How old is your pet? Most cats are considered mature at about age 7 and “senior” after age 10. With dogs the determination is a little more difficult and individualized. Larger dogs generally have shorter lives than smaller dogs and thus mature much sooner.

Blizzard

Dr. Bianca Zaffarano at Iowa State University’s Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department talks about this on the ISU website:

http://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2012/09/13/agingpets

If your pet isn’t yet a senior you can still protect his future health today. Familiarize yourself with your pet’s normal health condition. Fix in your mind the following behavioral tells:

·      Routine playtimes

·      Favorite toys

·      Favorite foods and amounts eaten

·      Drinking habits

·      Litterpan habits (bowel movement consistency, color and normal urine appearance)

Basically know your pet’s normal everything. At some point in your pet’s early adult life have your veterinarian run basic bloodwork in order to set a baseline for your pet. Any lab work run later will be compared to this baseline to determine if anything abnormal is going on. Also weigh your pet on a regular basis. If your pet’s weight changes drastically from month to month consult your veterinarian immediately.

Twygal

This month talk to your veterinarian and ask what you should be doing for your senior pet. Make sure his diet is appropriate for his age and activity level. Watch his activities to be sure he isn’t suffering any pain from arthritis or other maladies.

Most importantly cherish this time with your senior pet. You’ve shared so many years with him, so many experiences, so many special moments – now is the time to sit back and truly appreciate them. Love those seniors but make sure they are living a happy life.

Ozma and Zeit Geist

A New Generation

Rainbow

Funny how a day can pass. Today I found myself sorting through the many harnesses in a rainbow of colors, changing tags and reassigning them to my present cats. Each one holds a memory so precious, so far from my reach. A tear came to my eye as I set Rainbow’s aside, unable to reassign it.

The reason for this sorting evolved from a biography, of sorts, that I am writing about Mewdy Blue. As I typed in his age, 15, I realized sadly that someone has to step up and take over his activities. He is a local celebrity in that he started as a show cat early in life doing very well and developing into quite an accomplished cat.

Mewdy Blue

Eventually he moved into the agility ring and won the regional award. With his partner, Lady Butterfly, he became a pet therapy cat visiting youth shelters, adult day care and long-term care facilities to help brighten the day of many people. He has appeared on television, in newspapers and in person many times. He even acted as a guinea pig for veterinary students learning to do physical exams as well as giving demonstrations of his tricks and agility skills.

So now that Mewdy Blue is ready to retire from the limelight who can possibly fill in for him?

I planned to visit my mother in her assisted living apartment so I packed up Gooseberry, his new (reassigned) harness, leash and carrier and headed out. The first part of the day Goose talked and talked and talked about the situation (I know he’s got some Siamese in him) and looked everywhere for the perfect hiding place. When he’d finally settled down a bit I put on the leash and took him out into the hallway for a walk.

Gooseberry, ready for anything

You know that boy actually walked on the leash?! I’m not saying that cats don’t walk on leashes just that he has never done so before. The couple of times I’ve taken him outside to judge his reaction he panicked and raced for the door. Remembering that experience I had thought that an inner hallway might be easier on him. His first outing no other people were in the hallway but we could hear their “noises” from behind closed doors.

Goose was nervous but he did a great job of following me down the hallway. If he balked a little I simply pointed up ahead and he followed my finger. A simple stroking of his head was all the reward he needed. It wasn’t until we turned a corner and saw an air conditioner sitting on a cart that he decided he’d had enough. He took one look at that contraption and told me in no uncertain terms that we were going back to the apartment. No mechanical monsters for him!

Goose, packing for his first show

I left him in the apartment with my mother for a couple of hours then we went down for the obligatory early supper (who eats at 4:30 anyway??). Afterwards I took Goose out for another hallway carousing. This time other people appeared from out of the elevator and he decided it wasn’t fun anymore. He seemed comfortable as long as I held him in my arms so he got a little experience around other people that way.

So my little buddy, Gooseberry, is on his way to learning how to be a pet therapy cat. I’m sure with a little more exposure to different environments, other people and more leash-walking he’ll be up to the challenge. Who knows? It might even improve his chances at cat shows. And the day that started with a tear turned out to be rewarding.

Tennessee Walking Horses

Bunny, a Quarter Horse

I am in tears and not for the reason you'd think. I just watched this video from ABC News Nightline and can't believe the things we humans do to animals that trust us.

All my life I've watched horse shows admiring the beauty of the species, watching the "natural" gaits and the "free" spirits as they floated around the rings. As I got older I began to realize the realities of those spectacles and lost my love for the sport. I knew that poor Hackney ponies were forced to wear chains on their feet in order to make them lift their legs up high in the ring.

I learned that those beautiful flowing tails were broken to make them stand up tall. And I discovered that Tennessee Walking Horses didn't really have that exaggerated gait naturally. I began to wonder just how it was that they got those Western Pleasure horses to hang their heads so darn low to the ground.

Bunny

I thought I'd heard that a lot of these practices were now banned in show horses but haven't seen a society horse show in many years nor looked into that world in quite some time. I remember years and years ago seeing those horses in their stalls struggling to stand comfortably with their feet fixed with extra high "lifts" on their hoofs. But then I stopped seeing hoofs fixed quite so high and hoped that things had changed. Now, from what they've shown on this video I see that things haven't changed all that much.

Horses are special creatures. If you've ever known a horse you will understand that. A horse is naturally a prey animal but somehow trusts us enough to partner with us as we ride or drive them. To truly enjoy your time with a horse you develop a strong bond with that animal. I always felt that I became a part of the horse and the horse a part of me when I worked with my own.

I knew what Gaucho would shy at long before he even noticed it. I could feel how Mike wanted me to adjust my posture to make his stride more comfortable as the grade of the trail changed. I knew when Blueboy was having trouble with his footing and changed our path or got off of him. And when Toby was done for the day I knew when to turn around and head back to the barn even though he was willing to go on.

Most importantly I took care of my horses and listened to their needs. We enjoyed each other's company.

Why do owners think that Tennessee Walking horse gait is so important that they'd allow someone to torture trusting horses in such a cruel fashion? It doesn't look right at all. I'd rather see they lope and canter like a normal horse. Why does a horse have to lift its feet so darn high while pulling a buggy? Aren't horses showy enough as they are? And why in the world do they think that a Western Pleasure horse gets any pleasure out of holding its head down so low to the ground? That's not the proper posture for horses; I worry that they might be injuring their backs.

If you were able to watch that video what did you think? Have you ever wondered what went on behind the scenes of horse training? What about racing horses? Do you wonder what weaknesses are bred into those poor horses just so they can move faster? Think about it as you watch the Preakness this weekend.

I love reading comments from my readers. Please let me know your views on horses and our relationships with them.