Getting Savvy on The Cavy

guinea pig

Guinea Pigs Аs Pets

The fact that they didn’t come from Guinea, but instead are domesticated versions of Andean cavys, doesn’t seem to matter much to most guinea pig owners.  These small pets were brought to the west by European traders in the 16th century, and ever since have been highly prized for their lovely coats, calm natures and the ease of caring for them.  In fact, guinea pigs are great for small children!

vet with guinea pig

On “Being A Guinea Pig”.

At one time, the cavys were food for the natives in the Andean region of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.  The Moche people of ancient Peru worshipped animals, and often depicted the guinea pig in their art. Folklore traditions involving guinea pigs are numerous; they are exchanged as gifts, used in customary social and religious ceremonies, and frequently referenced in spoken metaphors.  They also play a role in traditional healing rituals by folk doctors, who use the animals to diagnose diseases such as jaundice, rheumatism, arthritis, and typhus.  They are rubbed against the bodies of the sick, and are seen as a supernatural medium.  Black guinea pigs are considered especially useful for diagnoses. Spanish, Dutch, and English traders brought guinea pigs to Europe, where they quickly became popular as exotic pets among the upper classes and royalty, including Queen Elizabeth I.  Experiments have been carried out on guinea pigs ever since the 17th century, mostly on research regarding juvenile diabetes, tuberculosis, scurvy, and pregnancy complications.

kirk and tribbles

And Now For Some Science Fiction Trivia!

Did you know that the Star Trek: The Original Series episode “The Trouble With Tribbles”, written by David Gerrold, was inspired by a short story about guinea pigs called “Pigs Is Pigs” by Ellis Parker Butler?  In the story, two guinea pigs at a railway station breed unchecked while humans argue as to whether they are “pigs” or “pets” for the purpose of determining freight charges.  So there’s your bit of science fiction trivia for the day!

guinea pig with headphones

Guinea Pigs Are Great For Small Children and Small Spaces

Guinea pigs are large rodents, weighing 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 pounds, with an average lifespan of 4-5 years.  They can live quite comfortably in a medium cage (30″ x 36″, larger if you have more than one), which makes things very convenient for their owners!  They rarely bite, making them an ideal choice for children who are old enough to handle them gently. They enjoy living in groups of two or more; ideally this would mean several females and a single neutered male.  More than one male can safely be housed together, providing the cage is large enough.  Wire mesh floors are not recommended, as this commonly causes injury and infection.  At one time, wood shaving type bedding was the norm, however it is now known to have harmful hydrocarbons.  We recommend only hardwood shavings (aspen), shredded paper or corn cob bedding materials.  This should be several inches deep and changed twice weekly.  Although the cage should be inspected daily with an eye to removing soiled bedding, droppings and stale food. Clean the cage completely once a week by replacing dirty bedding and scrubbing the bottom of the cage with warm water.  Then dry everything completely before adding fresh bedding.

guinea pig with dog and rat

 It’s not a good idea to keep your cavys in the same cage as other rodents.  They may act aggressively toward your guinea pig–or even pass along infections.  And be sure you watch your dogs and cats around your cavy–sometimes they can think small pets are food and not friends!

guinea pig eating grass

Speaking Of Guinea Pig Foods…

The cavy’s natural food is grass, so timothy hay is good, or you can use special pellets made from timothy.  Some alfalfa may also be fed.  It’s best to check with your vet on the proportions they recommend.  This pet also requires fresh, raw vegetables like broccoli, apple, cabbage, carrot, celery, and spinach on a regular basis, or it may contract scurvy!  Luckily, supplements are available if you have a picky eater.  Like rabbits, cavys have teeth that continue to grow all their lives, so they need a constant supply of edible chewables; otherwise they may chew on cloth, paper, plastic, and rubber.

There іs а list оf foods tо avoid wіth thеsе furry pets. A number of plants are poisonous to guinea pigs, including bracken, bryony, buttercup, charlock, deadly nightshade, foxglove, hellebore, hemlock, lily of the valley, mayweed, monkshood, privet, ragwort, rhubarb, speedwell, toadflax and wild celery.  Also, any plant which grows from a bulb (tulip or onion) is poisonous, as well as ivy and oak tree leaves.

silky guinea pig

Grooming Your Cavy

Guinea pigs are great for small children also because they can simply use a comb or brush. It’s a good idea to do this weekly.  But if you have a long-haired breed of guinea pig, daily is best.  Cavys also groom themselves and each other.

Behavior

When frightened, a group of guinea pigs will dart in all directions, squealing or shrieking, and sometimes hop!  This is an instinctive reaction, and is intended to confuse predators. Cavys are very vocal in general and make a wide range of sounds: whistling, bubbling, purring, rumbling, chutting or whining.  They have been known to whistle when they see their owners–or when they see you bringing them food!

baby guinea pig

Breeding

It’s important to know that female guinea pigs can become pregnant as early as one month of age (before they are fully adult).  The average gestation period is about 65 days.  Litters can be anywhere from one to six pups, with an average of three.  Unlike most other rodents, baby cavys are almost completely developed at birth.  And if you have more than one female, they commonly care for each other’s young.

brown guinea pig

Health

You’ll want to handle your cavy frequently, not only for good socialization, but also because they can be prone to injury from a variety of causes: typically, hay getting stuck in the throat or eyes.  But they can also develop pneumonia (so watch for excessive sneezing.)  And they can contract lice and mites.  They cannot tolerate excessive heat or cold. And you’ll want to keep them out of drafts.  Generally, if you are comfortable, they will be, too. If going out in cold weather with your cavy, just cover the cage with a small blanket.  And remember to pre-cool the car before you travel on hot days. Like most prey animals, it is instinctive for the guinea pig to hide pain and distress.  Frequent handling will show you how your pet normally responds, so you can quickly detect any changes and make appropriate health care decisions with your vet.

Little Girl Busy Blowing Dandelion Seeds In the Park

Allergens

Guinea pigs as pets may not be a good idea if you are typically allergic to the dander of hamsters and gerbils, or have asthma.  It can take up to 18 months to find relief from allergy medications for these reactions.

 

swimming guinea pigs

Funny Things

 Strangely, they are really good at…swimming!

To sum up, guinea pigs are great for small children, especially if you are short on space.  They are very interesting, funny little creatures, who should be handled and groomed frequently and gently.  We’d love to hear stories of you getting savvy about your cavy!  Please drop us a comment and let us know if you have any questions, or just want to send us a pic or two of your guinea pigs.

Joy Jones

Joy Jones, our Editor In Chief, is a syndicated columnist living with her husband Dave in Las Cruces, New Mexico. When not working on Your Pet Space, she writes a metaphysical column, as well as urban fantasy and humor. You can e-mail her at joy@yourpetspace.info as well as follow her on Facebook or Twitter.

Goodbye, JellyBean

cat JellyBean lying down

Saying Goodbye To Our Older Cat

JellyBean sleeps a lot. She eats sparingly and although she can use the bathroom, it’s with great effort. Her little legs are wobbly, like a new fawn’s, but JellyBean is eighteen, and she will not be with us much longer.

My husband and I make sure every day that she has adequate opportunity for food and water. We’ve set out special dishes in strategic places to both assist and entice her. We took an old LL Bean box and made a “handicapped stall” to enable her potty needs, while putting less stress on her weak legs.

On the couch, she head-butts my arm and stares up at me with cloudy eyes. She still wants to be the Queen of Attention. She still wants to be in charge.

When will it be the right time to adopt a pet again?

At one point we were thinking about adopting a new kitten. We agreed that another black cat was the way to go since so many black animals need good homes. We’ve loved our eighteen years with the once perky, but bossy, black JellyBean, and although we could never replace her, we’re thinking about life with pets in the future.

As I watch my beautiful, shiny girl fade away, I long for new life and energy to fill this house. It’s too quiet. I want scampering, climbing and playful mews in the night. I want sandpaper licks and wide, hopeful eyes.

cat JellyBean's face

Are we ready yet?

I am confident that a baby animal, (probably a kitten), is out there for us. I’m just not sure where or when he or she will cross our path. When they happen along, my family and I will be willing and quick to welcome the precious life into our circle of people and existing pets.

JellyBean has been more than an eighteen year commitment. She has been an eighteen year blessing, and in a perfect world we would never have to tell her goodbye; only open our hearts to another new love.  But the Circle of Life will continue to remind us that as one pet door closes, another one will eventually open, and we will know…

We’ll just know.

 Editor’s note:  this blog post was penned in July of this year.  Sadly, JellyBean has passed over the Rainbow Bridge.  However in August, the author felt it was the right time to adopt a pet again–so please allow me to introduce you to…Apple!

Apple the cat in a chair
apple3

apple2

 

Paige Adams Strickland, our Adoptions Editor, is the author of, Akin to the Truth: A Memoir of Adoption and Identity. She is a Spanish teacher in Cincinnati, Ohio and is married with two daughters and a son-in-law. She has owned both cats and dogs but currently has four cats. You can contact Paige at adoptions@yourpetspace.info. Her book blog is www.akintothetruth.squarespace.com, and she welcomes visits and comments there. Her book is available on iPad, Kindle and as a print version here.

Paige Strickland

The Cost Of Eating Inhumanely

mo meat

I can’t tell you the number of friends and family members I have that are vegetarians.  People sometimes assume because I’m Buddhist, I am, too.  But, although I rarely eat steak and frequently enjoy a vegetarian dish, I do eat meat.  Yes, I eat meat at the same time I champion humane treatment of animals–how is this possible?

There was a time when I considered becoming vegetarian.  But, in the end, I knew myself too well.  I love pepperoni and will probably be eating pizza on my deathbed!  I might not be a steak person, but I do love a great hamburger.  And my husband can cook a chicken like nobody’s business.  So…I do eat meat, I have always eaten meat and I will always eat meat.  That’s a given.

But what was I to do about this niggling feeling that I ought to be able to enjoy my food and also be respectful to the animals that died for it?

grass fed cattle

Six Ways You Can Change and Reduce Meat Consumption

Some of you may already have read my review of Dr. Temple Grandin’s book Animals Make Us Human.  In this book, she puts forward an important concept: that if we are going to eat animals as part of our diet, there is no reason the ones we raise for that purpose must be frightened at the end of their lives.  In fact, she designed certain devices used by the meat processing industry today that ensure the animals are calm right up to the end, which is very quick.  And really–that’s all we want too, isn’t it?  Because of Dr. Grandin’s research, meat processing is light years ahead of where it was only a few years ago.  However, according to the World Animal Protection Organization, the treatment of farm animals is the world’s biggest animal welfare issue – and it’s getting bigger. By 2050, livestock production will be twice what it was in 2000. Right now, more than 70 billion animals are farmed for food each year – two-thirds in conditions that mean they can’t move freely or live naturally.  More and more, moral consumers are saying, no more factory farms!

Still, how can you–just you reading this–help to make things even better for the animals that eventually become our food?  Well, there are lots of ways.

1) Reduce meat consumption by trying Meatless Mondays.  Here’s a great video about that.

2.  Buy pastured livestock meats from acceptable sources, where the animals are treated humanely all their lives–such as local farms or farmer’s markets.  Even if you do this only some of the time, you’re ahead of the game.

3.  When shopping for meat other than at these sources, make sure the labels indicate third party certified for animal welfare.  And ask your store to provide humanely raised meats.

4.  Even today, the poultry industry is among the worst violators of treating animals humanely before and during slaughter.  So don’t forget about the eggs you buy.  They should be labeled ‘cage free’ or ‘free range’, indicating the hens were not living in tiny battery cages (about the size of a single piece of paper) all their lives.

5.  If you must eat fast and processed foods, give your business to the chains that are doing the best job of buying pastured livestock from humane producers: Chipotle, Whole Foods, Wolfgang Puck Restaurants, Sara Lee, Krispy Kreme, Hellmann’s, Safeway, Wendy’s, Sonic, Cracker Barrel, Burger King and McDonald’s.  You’ll also want to avoid these brands:  Tyson, Smithfield, Butterball, Pilgrim’s Pride, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Domino’s Pizza.

6.  Take action.  Learn everything you can about eating humanely, and why there should be no more factory farms.  When travelling, avoid local cuisine such as the burgers in the Cayman Islands, which are often made with green sea turtle meat (an endangered species.)

fresh fish stamp

WhAT IF YOU REDUCE MEAT CONSUMPTION BY EATING Fish and Other Seafood?

Sadly, Germany and Norway lead the way in the reduction of inhumane methods to slaughter fish.  The largest majority of fish you buy in the US will have died a painful and protracted death.  So please consider reducing the amount of fish you eat, at the very least.

factory farm

Why No More Factory Farms?

Factory farming has been labeled as the biggest cause of animal cruelty in the world. The frenzied pace of breeding, raising and killing required to mass produce meat means that animals suffer the following:

·        Intense confinement and overcrowding.  Over 100,000 animals are forced within a single structure, resulting in trampling, suffocation, cannibalism and starvation.

·        Severe Stress.  Animals are restricted from natural behaviors like grazing, rooting, scratching, foraging, mud wallowing, running and nesting.

·        Routine mutilation without pain relief.

·        Extreme exposure to heat or freezing cold while in transport.

·        Fear and Distress.  They’re subjected to busy, industrialized slaughterhouses designed to be able to kill 200 animals per minute.

·        Frequent improper stunning and slaughter methods.  Factory farm animals routinely have their throats cut, are boiled and dismembered alive – and while fully conscious – by workers under extreme pressure to produce a high output. Sadly, with cost and convenience as main drivers of consumer decisions, most of us are supporting this type of farming.

factory farm not fresh

Factory farmed meat instead of using that from pastured livestock is also a danger to human health.  Factory farms selectively breed animals and inject them with growth hormones to grow as big and as quickly as possible.  Because animals live together is such close quarters, factory farms pump animals full of antibiotics to prevent the spread of disease. But overuse of antibiotics has caused microbes to become resistant, and future infections cannot be treated.  Despite the widespread use of antibiotics, factory farmed animals are still susceptible to contract many diseases such as salmonella, mad cow disease and tuberculosis, which can be passed on to humans through eating their products.

anti biotics on factory farms

When you consider the amount of growth hormones & drugs we are using and consuming through factory farmed meat, it is no wonder diseases such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and cancer are increasing. Rates of new infectious diseases are rising like never before. Most scientists agree that factory farming plays a leading role in these increasing threats to human health.

dollar sign

But Why Is Meat From Pastured Livestock So Expensive?

The feed and processing for pastured livestock is more costly.  Herbicides and pesticides are often not used, so more labor is needed to take care of the fields where these grains grow.  Properly certified processing plants and farms are regularly inspected and humane handling training for the workers is expensive.  When pastured animals feed, they don’t put on weight as quickly as those being pumped full of hormones and restricted from moving around.  So it’s more costly to bring them to market.

I hear many people say, “How can I afford to eat humanely?”  But the question really is, “How can you afford not to?”

 helpful links

America For Animals.Org

Humaneitarian

Farmer’s Market Online Directory

Certified Humane

 

Joy Jones

Joy Jones, our Editor In Chief, is a syndicated columnist living with her husband Dave in Las Cruces, New Mexico. When not working on Your Pet Space, she writes a metaphysical column, as well as urban fantasy and humor. You can e-mail her at joy@yourpetspace.info as well as follow her on Facebook or Twitter.

 

 

Product Review: Cat In The Bag

two cats travelling

Cash (the cat in black) and Little Dingle saying, “We be trippin!”

A Cross Country Trip With Cats

My wife and I drove 1600 miles across the country – a twenty four hour trip – with three dogs and two cats.  The plan was to drive three or four hours, take a break to give the dogs a chance to run, then back on the road for another three or four hours before stopping for the night.  Managing the dogs seemed like an easy task.  They would ride just behind the front seats of the Honda Pilot in the cargo area.  Getting the dogs in and out of the vehicle without losing one seemed pretty easy, too; we would simply put them on a leash before opening the door.

But What About Cat Travel Safety?

The cats were another story.  They would be in a 24 x 36 dog crate for the journey.  This would give them enough room to lay about and still fit a litter box in the same crate.   Getting them from the vehicle to the hotel room would be a challenge, though.  They might dash when the crate door opened, or squirm out of our arms while being carried to the hotel room.  This is where Cat in the Bag came in handy for a cat travelling in a car.

Cat in the Bag is a fabric bag with a large opening at one end that can be zippered closed, and a smaller opening at the other end for the cat’s head.  Using it is a snap!  With the zippered end wide open the cat walks into the bag and puts his head through the smaller opening at the other end.  You zip up the large opening, then tighten the Velcro around the cat’s neck so he can’t slip out.  The Velcro acts as a collar and you adjust it as such.  That is, leave room for one finger so it isn’t too tight around the cat’s neck.  Once the cat is in the bag you can pick the bag up by the convenient sewn-in handle and away you go.  Viola!  It is just that easy.

Okay, maybe not that easy.  When we tested it on Cash, (our “cat in black”), he did not want to go in.  It was a bit of a struggle and he was scared until he realized his feet were under him and his head was free.  After that he did not mind going into the bag.  Our other boy, Dingle, was another story.  It wasn’t until his very last trip in the bag that he went in willingly.

A Cat Travelling In A Car Is Like…Well, Nothing Else You’ve Tried!

You may be asking why we didn’t use a traditional cat carrier.  There are two reasons.  One reason was  where to put it?  We knew that storage space would be limited.  Cat carriers would never fit in the Pilot with the dog crate and the dogs.  And our moving truck was full to bursting!  The biggest reason we did not want to use a traditional crate style cat carrier, though, was comfort.  This trip would be stressful on the cats as it was.  Can you imagine trying to get them in a cat carrier twice a day?  My cats, like most cats, hate carriers because they have a fear of forced confinement. They will brace, struggle and scratch in a desperate attempt to avoid being put in a crate.  I didn’t need that stress any more than they did. Getting the cats from the house to the car, then car to hotel, hotel to car, until at last car to house would have been a total of eight trips.  Can you imagine putting a squirming cat into a cat carrier eight times in four days?  Torture for both man and beast!

cat in the bag

The Cat in the Bag took the stress out of the equation of cat travel safety.  A cat does not fight the bag carrier like he fights a crate. When your cat is in his Cozy Comfort Carrier, his head stays outside the bag so you can hold him, pet him and calm him. He doesn’t feel isolated or trapped. The loose, soft cotton bag gives him plenty of room to stretch, sit up, stand up, lay down and curl up.  And with his head outside of the bag he does not feel confined.

But, once you have properly fastened the adjustable Velcro collar around his neck, he is secured in the bag and it is safe to take him outside. You will be able to carry him without him scratching you or getting away and getting hurt.

I mentioned earlier that Cash went into the bag with no problem, but Dingle resisted. So how do you get the cat into the bag?  Start by seeing that the small opening with the Velcro is fully opened.  You need enough room at that end for the cat to easily stick its head through the opening.  Unzip the other end so that the bag is fully open.  Gather the material together and slip the cat’s head through the small opening.  He may able to get a paw out but there is no getting its whole body through that hole.  Pull the bag over the cat’s body and zip shut.  (watch the tail!)   It is just that easy. At least it was with Cash.  Dingle wasn’t so willing.  To get Dingle into the bag I had to kneel, and hold him against my legs.  Using my forearms to hold him in place, I put the bag over his head and he quickly stuck his head through the small hole.  He thought it was a way out and kept going which helped me to draw the rest of the bag over him and zip it up.  You would think he would figure that out, but it worked this way every time I needed him in the Cat in the Bag.  Eight times!  So it really wasn’t all that hard after all.  And as corny as it is, once you arrive at your destination you will not be able to resist letting the cat out of the bag.

Dave Jones, the cat man

Dogfather…or Catman?

The bag is made of tightly woven cotton, is soft on the cat, and it will not rip or tear.  The cloth handle attached to the bag is solid and long enough to put over your shoulder.  This made carrying multiple cats easy for me. The bag carrier does not add any weight to the cat and is not as awkward to carry as the crate. The cat does not slide or scrabble back and forth like he would in a crate — the hammock-like bag keeps him in one spot-which made it easy for me.

A Cross Country Trip With Cats Can Be A Snap

The Cat in the Bag is a great way to move cats without the stress of a traditional cat carrier, and the Cat in the Bag can be used for so much more.  Giving your cat medicine, dental care, nail trimming, and even baths are much easier when the cat is in the bag.  Have you ever given a cat a bath?  In my experience – they don’t like it.  Cat in the Bag makes the process easy.  You can soap them up, wash them, and rinse them thoroughly while they are in the bag.  And you get the job done without getting scratched!


Go to the Cat In The Bag website for more detailed information on the product.

I am Cash, and I approve this message. Cash 300

dave-with-castle 300

Dave Jones, our Video Editor, is president of Your Pet Space by day and a professional magician by night. He lives with his wife Joy in Las Cruces, New Mexico, but grew up on a farm with pigs, chickens and cows as well as dogs and cats in Ohio. You can e-mail Dave at dave@yourpetspace.info as well as follow him on Facebook.

Advocacy Matters!

Advocacy and Animal Rescue

Lots of people equate “animal rescue” with the simple act of saving a dog or cat from euthanasia at an animal shelter.  However, there are many facets of rescue including adopting, fostering, transporting, fundraising, and advocating.  All areas of rescue are important, and combined efforts enable employees and volunteers in the rescue community to save lives.

Advocating on behalf of animals is also varied.  Most people involved in rescue are happy to preach “Don’t breed or buy while shelter pets die!” to anyone willing to listen.  Others tackle the issue of animal cruelty, and unfortunately rescuers are all too often witness to its victims. 

Beginnings In a Fondness For Animals

My path to animal advocacy began early.  As a child I was innately drawn to animals and always loved them.  I had dogs as pets growing up.  Fortunately, I am married to someone who shares my fondness for animals and for many years we have had dogs and cats as part of our household.  For a long time we have been proponents of the “adopt, don’t shop” mantra, and we support our local humane society with financial contributions when we can.

My “official” leap into the world of rescue came as the result of an animal cruelty case.  In December 2011 a young female pit bull was found abandoned and in terrible condition at Joyce Park in Fairfield, Ohio.  She weighed only 27 pounds and had pressure sores over the bony protuberances of her frail body.  The first temperature reading obtained after she was rushed to a veterinarian was a mere 91 degrees, (normal is 101-102 degrees).  Her feet were so swollen and infected from being confined in wet, dirty conditions that she was unable to stand.  She also had scars from old wounds on her body, the causes of which would never be determined.  Her saviors named her “Audrey”.

I learned of Audrey’s story on the local evening news from the warmth and comfort of my kitchen table while I was having dinner.  I was overwhelmed by the vision of her struggling, skeletal form on the television.  I was also shocked.  Joyce Park is less than 3 miles from my home.  I couldn’t imagine someone leaving this dog to die “right in my back yard”.  I was angry.  When I learned that the perpetrator, if caught, would only be charged with a misdemeanor I was positively enraged, and an advocate/activist was born!

justice for audrey

Sadly, after Audrey, other stories followed locally.  One such case was that of Bruiser, a 10-month old pit bull mix puppy who was starved to death by his pregnant 19-year-old owner in Hamilton, Ohio.  Then there was Joseph the German shepherd.  He had been tied to a tree in a backyard in Middletown, Ohio for up to 4 yrs.  He was emaciated, heartworm positive and had horrible chronic ear infections when he was rescued.  I attended courthouse rallies, wrote letters, placed phone calls to judges and state legislators, and met lots of other animal lovers in the process.  Each case only served to strengthen my resolve to “DO SOMETHING!”

OVCA

Today I am on the steering committee for Ohio Voters for Companion Animals, or OVCA.  The organization was formed in January 2013 and is an Ohio-citizen driven, community based organization dedicated to increasing the engagement of the Ohio animal community in public policy.  We strive to elect officials who believe that all companion animals should be treated humanely. 

OVCA’s focus is on grassroots engagement to influence legislation to improve Ohio companion animal-welfare laws.  We would also like to educate and support the law enforcement and judicial communities in the enforcement and administration of Ohio’s animal welfare laws. 

OVCA firmly believes that a critical step in achieving its goal of eliminating cruelty to companion animals within Ohio is to elect candidates who demonstrate an understanding of the issues and support policies to address and criminalize deliberate acts of cruelty. 

We have an active face book page which to date has garnered nearly 10,000 “Likes”, (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ohio-Voters-for-Companion-Animals-OVCA/476497349080766), and a comprehensive web site (ohiovotersforcompanionanimals.com).  Our focus is on tracking companion animal legislation in Ohio, although we sometimes also look to other states for examples of good legislation.  We follow many ongoing cruelty cases throughout Ohio to monitor what kinds of sentences judges are handing down with guilty verdicts.

OVCA makes lobbying easy for the novice.  We help to educate you on the legislative process, and we can assist you in identifying who your legislators are.  We even give you tips on what to say when contacting a Senator, Representative or Committee Chairperson.  Lobbying for a cause you believe in does not have to be daunting or intimidating!

voting for animals

The following bills are currently pending in the Ohio legislature:

1. HB 57 would require an individual to file proof of successful completion of training with the county recorder prior to being appointed as a humane society agent and to require the revocation or suspension of an appointment under certain circumstances.

2. HB 243 would require a child who is adjudicated a delinquent child for cruelty to a companion animal to undergo a psychological evaluation and, if recommended, counseling, to require the court to sentence other offenders who commit that offense to probation supervision, and to include the protection of companion animals in temporary protection orders, domestic violence protection orders, anti-stalking protection orders, and related protection orders.

3. HB 274 (aka “Goddard’s Law”) would strengthen penalties against companion animal cruelty. It would revise the provisions and penalties regarding treatment of companion animals, it would revise the definition of “companion animal” in the Offenses Relating to Domestic Animals Law, and it would provide a state collaborative effort to assist veterinarians in identifying clients who may use their animals to secure opioids for abuse.

4. HB 310 would revise current law to include persons diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as mobility impaired persons for purposes of the statutes governing assistance dogs and to prohibit misrepresentation of a dog as an assistance dog.

5. SB 177 would include the protection of companion animals in temporary protection orders, domestic violence protection orders, anti-stalking protection orders, and related protection orders.

6. SB 217 would require the State Veterinary Medical Licensing Board to inspect the place of business of a person that is licensed, registered, or permitted under the Veterinarians Law and would establish requirements and procedures for those inspections.

7. HB 251 would restore sentencing provisions to allow prison for offenders of felony animal cruelty.

8. HB 569 would strengthen penalties against animal fighting.

OVCA will be closely monitoring the activity of these bills at the Ohio Statehouse. You can stay up-to-date by watching for information or “Action Alerts” on our face book page. You can also sign up for email alerts at our web site.

Please join OVCA on the quest to better the lives of companion animals in Ohio. Channel anger about animal cruelty into something positive and be pro-active in demanding change. OVCA aims to become a strong citizen based lobby at the statehouse, one that will help control and influence companion animal legislation in Ohio. Your participation is vital since the more members we have, the more influence we will have with Ohio legislators.

Advocacy is an oft overlooked but important piece of the rescue puzzle. It simply takes you caring and speaking up to be successful. Make sure our legislators can hear you!

lisa holbrook

Lisa Holbrook is a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) at a community hospital in suburban Cincinnati. She lives with her husband Bryan and fur-kids in Fairfield, Ohio. Besides being active in companion animal advocacy, they foster kittens for Animal Friends Humane Society of Butler County. You can contact her at lisa@ohiovotersforcompanionanimals.com.

New Mexico: The Next Generation

Hello once again, loyal Cincinnati readers!

It’s really unusual for us, as you know, but you may have seen that our blog has not been updated since July!  Some of you have even sent us new blog posts that have not yet been published.  We’d like to apologize for that.  BUT, there’s a very good reason for all of this!

moving-cat-dog

What’s Been Happening With Our Big Move

A big move has been in the works for Your Pet Space for some time, and in the last three months we have started to make it happen.  Let me fill you in a bit…

As most of you already know, Your Pet Space was started last September as a sole proprietorship pet service business, based online.  But as of this September, we have become a Corporation and are seeking a physical location to expand our services!

moving forward

The Big Move

When we started YPS, we were based in Cincinnati, Ohio.  In the last few months, though, Dave and I have been looking across the country for a suitable location to add a physical pet day care, boarding and general wellness facility.  We searched in Ohio, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Las Cruces, New Mexico (one of our favorite vacation spots over the years).

sonoma ranch

In the end, we have decided to start the new chapter of YPS in Las Cruces–and over the past week, we have moved there!  (A four day journey by road, taking along our three dogs and two cats, which you have probably already met on our staff page.)  We anticipate many new blog posts about what we learned on this trip–and maybe even some product reviews!

cincy tri state

las-cruces

What This Means For You In Cincinnati And The Ohio Valley Tri-State

Now, if you are one of our followers or customers in Cincinnati, you’re probably going, “What the–?” right about now.  And we want to assure you that we will never forget or abandon our home town.  You can still shop through our affiliate links for great deals, and we will still promote pet adoptions and organizations there.  However, for awhile you may see more posts about Las Cruces, New Mexico pet organizations and the good work they’re doing here in the southwest, as we expand our network of contacts into this area.

We’ll keep you updated as well on our new facility (once we find the right one) and everything that happens along this journey.  In the meantime, feel free to comment to this post, ping us on live chat, contact us in e-mail or through our Contact Us page.  We love to hear from you and welcome your feedback at any time.

Above all, we hope you’ll stay along for the ride on this wild journey we’ve made into the west!  You have all become dear and wonderful family to us, and we love you.

Joy and Dave Jones

Joy and Dave, Your Pet Space, Inc.

Joy and Dave, Your Pet Space, Inc.

Fostering A Pet

rescue angels

Dogs And Puppies Need Your Help

Having foster homes is very critical to an animal rescue simply because it helps Save Lives. Foster homes are crucial when 90% of the animal rescue’s in-take are dogs and puppies pulled from high kill shelters and pounds. There are more dogs and puppies needing rescue than the rescues can take in due to lack of foster homes. The more foster homes a rescue has, the more dogs and puppies that can be saved from being euthanized and given a second chance to find a wonderful loving family to love them for the rest of their days.

How To Get Started Fostering A Pet

What does fostering a pet entail you ask? It is quite easy. All the rescue needs for you to do is 1.) open your home and your heart to the animal, 2.) provide love, a safe haven and socialization, 3.) be able to transport the pet where ever it may need to go (such as the vet or an adoption event) and finally to love love love getting licks and playing!  It is that simple! In return for the above, the animal rescue will provide the vet care and food for the pet while it is in your care.

Fostering Through An Animal Rescue Is Specific To The Pet

Don’t get me wrong and please understand that every rescued animal is different in personality and socialization. Some of the animals may not like children.  That animal would need to go into a foster home without small children or any children at all. Some animals may have a fear of men.  That animal would need to be socialized with men to work on the fear of being around men, which may result in a foster home without men. Or an animal may not like other animals…so a foster where that animal will be the only animal may be needed. There are many different situations with being a foster home but only one thing will always remain the same with each animal you foster–their love for you!

foster homes needed

FAQ About Fostering A Pet

In case you have some questions, here are some Q & A’s that will hopefully help.

  • Can foster parents adopt their foster pets?

Yes! As long as foster parents meet the shelter requirements that are necessary for adopting, foster parents have the first choice to adopt their foster pets, unless otherwise specified.

  • Are foster animals contagious? Will my pets or my health be jeopardized?

It is always a health risk to expose your animal to other animals, whether at the off-leash areas, the vet waiting room or other common animal areas. If your pets are current on their vaccinations, maintain healthy diets and lifestyles, and are not immune compromised, then the health risk should be minimal.

If someone in your household is immune compromised, consult the doctor before fostering. If you are pregnant (or someone in your house is (or plan to become) pregnant, talk to your doctor before fostering cats. You may need to take some special precautions during your pregnancy.

  • Are purchases made for foster care tax-deductible?

Purchases made for foster care may be considered donations to the shelter and would be tax-deductible. Please check with your shelter or rescue group regarding their tax-deductible status. If the organization is a non-profit, keep your receipts.

  • What do I do if my foster animal needs veterinary care?

It’s always best to speak with the specific shelter or rescue about how to handle medical emergencies, as each group may have a preferred way of managing crisis, require notification prior to treatment or have a preferred veterinarian. I’ve included some rough guidelines below, but it’s always best to sketch out a plan ahead of time with your foster contact.

pet first aid

Animal Rescue Emergencies

If you have an emergency during business hours, please call the shelter or rescue directly. If something happens after hours:

  1. Restrain the animal to prevent it from hurting itself or anyone in the area.
  2. Evaluate the situation and need for assistance.
  3. Is the shelter or rescue’s veterinary office open for business with vet staff available?
  4. Call the shelter.
  5. Get the animal in to see the vet immediately.
  6. Is the animal’s life in imminent danger? Is the animal’s airway obstructed or is the animal having trouble breathing? Does the animal have any broken bones or open wounds?
  7. Call for emergency clearance.
  8. Get the animal in to see the vet immediately.
  9. Is the animal running a fever of 104F or greater?
  10. Look at the animal’s gums. Are they white or healthy pink? Is the animal eating or drinking?
  11. Is the animal able to urinate and defecate? Look at the animal’s stool. Is there blood in the feces or urine? Are there obvious parasites present?
  12. If the situation is not an emergency, call the shelter vet staff first thing on the next business day.
  13. If emergency medical attention is needed, or if you are uncertain, call for emergency clearance. Have the animal’s name, impound number and any information about the situation available so the staff can advise you of the appropriate steps.
  14. Once you are cleared to go to the emergency veterinary clinic, a shelter representative will contact their office and let them know that you are coming. In many cases, the medical treatment of the animal will be billed to the shelter. However, some rescue groups do ask you to pay and be reimbursed.
  15. ALWAYS check with the shelter staff before making an appointment with a veterinary clinic. Without proper clearance, the shelter cannot reimburse you for any medical costs.

dachsund

  • What does fostering a dog involve?

When you foster, you agree to take a homeless dog into your home and give him or her love, care and attention, either for a predetermined period of time or until the dog is adopted.

  • Why do adoption groups need foster homes?

There are many reasons a dog might need foster care. Some of the most common include:

  1. A rescue group doesn’t have a physical shelter and depends on foster homes to care for dogs until suitable homes are found.
  2. A puppy is too young to be adopted and needs a safe place to stay until he or she is old enough to go to a forever home.
  3. A dog is recovering from surgery, illness or injury and needs a safe place to recuperate.
  4. A dog is showing signs of stress such as pacing or hiding in the shelter.
  5. A dog has not lived in a home before or has not had much contact with people and needs to be socialized.
  6. The shelter is running out of room for adoptable dogs.
  • Why should I foster a dog?

Fostering a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have (other than adopting, of course). By taking an animal in need temporarily into your home you’re:

  1. Freeing up a spot so the shelter or rescue can take in another dog.
  2. Giving your foster dog the time he needs to be ready for adoption.
  3. Helping the shelter or rescue learn more about the dog so he can end up in the best home possible.
  4. Socializing the dog to a home environment and possibly getting him used to being around other pets and different types of people.

love to help

How You Can Get Started Fostering A Pet

Now, you are probably wondering how to go about becoming a foster home. That is simple too! Just find a rescue or shelter on Petfinder.com and view their websites for the foster application. Once you apply to become a foster home you will meet a rescue supervisor who will go through the whole foster home process with you.

You are not only giving an animal a new life but you are helping to save a life. For more questions please don’t hesitate to contact me through my email  below or by phone at: 513-615-6726.

Robyn Moore

Robyn Moore, our Rescue Editor, is the Founder and Owner of Lil’ Paw Prints Animal Rescue Haven, which she founded in 2006. She has lived in the Loveland, Ohio area for over 30 years. Robyn loves the outdoors and traveling. She also adores animals and helps them every way she can. You can view her rescue’s website at www.lilpawprintsanimalrescuehaven.org. You can contact her at robynm@lilpawprintsanimalrescuehaven.org

What Is Going Exotic? – Top 5 Unusual Pets

exotic pets

Going Exotic With Your Pets

For sоmе people, thеіr love fоr animals gоеs bеуоnd thе usual cats, dogs аnd fishes. Ѕоmе love exotic animals thаt wоuld сеrtаіnlу raise sоmе eyebrows. Exotic pets аrе undoubtedly great conversation starters, but tаkе note thаt sіnсе mоst exotic pets аrе nоt rеаllу domesticated, thеу саn hurt people іn уоur household, еsресіаllу kids. Таkе time tо understand thеіr nature mоrе; hоw tо raise аnd feed thеm. Таkе note оf danger signs аnd disseminate thіs іnfоrmаtіоn tо thе rest оf уоur family. Іf уоu hаvе оthеr pets іn thе house, уоu mау nееd tо consider securing thеsе pets sо thеу dо nоt bесоmе food fоr уоur exotic pet.

Your Choices When Going Exotic

Lastly, іt mау bе illegal tо оwn сеrtаіn exotic pets, sо check оut уоur local stаtе аnd federal laws tо sее іf іt іs оkау tо оwn а Burmese python, fоr example. Wіth thаt оut оf thе wау, hеrе аrе thе top fіvе exotic pets уоu mіght wаnt tо consider having:

chimp

Some Love Exotic Animals So Much, They Have Put Themselves At Risk

1. Chimpanzees. Native tо Central Africa, chimpanzees аrе primates thаt аrе sаіd tо bе closest tо human beings іn terms оf behavior, DNA аnd life span. Chimps аrе оftеn vеrу intelligent animals thаt hаvе problem solving skills аnd саn communicate thrоugh sounds, gestures аnd facial expressions. Whіlе thеу саn bе great companions, thеу саn аlsо bе vеrу troublesome. Lіkе humans, thеу саn throw tantrums, raid thе fridge, scream, аnd throw feces аt уоu. Аt thеіr worst, chimps, wіth thеіr upper body strength, hаvе bееn knоwn tо attack humans.

Toyger_Kitten

Toyger kitten

cheetoh

Cheetoh

Going Exotic Can Mean More Health Issues

2. Bengal cats. Bengal cats аrе examples оf а hybrid cat, оr а cross bеtwееn thе domestic cat аnd mоrе exotic species lіkе lions аnd tigers. Hybrid cats аrе mоrе оftеn thаn nоt а product оf artificial insemination. Hybrid cats аrе muсh prized bесаusе thеу lооk lіkе thеіr wild counterparts, but аrе vеrу domesticated. Тhіnk оf а tame tiger іn уоur hands. Оnе оf thе problems wіth hybrids, hоwеvеr, іs thаt sоmе оf thеm hаvе mоrе health problems аnd thе males аrе infertile. Моrе popular hybrid cats include thе Serengeti, thе cheetoh аnd thе cute toyger.

GOING EXOTIC CAN MEAN CHANGING YOUR Environment

wallaroo_16

Wallaroo

sugar-glider-and-baby

Sugar Gliders

3. Marsupials. Marsupials lіkе thе sugar glider аnd wallaroos аrе stocky animals wіth prominent snouts аnd shaggy fur native tо Australia. Sugar gliders hаvе а lively аnd curious disposition аnd thіs helps thеm bond wіth humans, whіlе wallaroos аrе mоrе lіkе а cross bеtwееn wallabies аnd kangaroos. Оnе оf thе challenges оf caring fоr marsupials іs thеіr nееd fоr аn environment thаt wоuld closely resemble thеіr habitats, sо thаt mеаns vines аnd branches thеу саn climb оn. Тhіs bесоmеs а problem fоr people whо оwn wallaroos, bесаusе thеу hаvе а tendency tо escape. Sugar gliders, оn thе оthеr hand, tend tо disturb уоu аt night whеn thеу аrе mоst active. Тhеу demand fоr уоur attention. Ноwеvеr, іt саn bе solved bу gеttіng аnоthеr glider tо kеер іt company!

burmese python by William Picard

Burmese python, photo courtesy of William Picard of New York

Food For Your Exotic Pet

4. Snakes. Undoubtedly thе mоst frightening оf аll pets, snakes аrе rеlаtіvеlу easier tо kеер аnd maintain. Тhе mоst popular pet snakes аrе pythons: ball pythons, albinos, Burmese pythons аnd reticulated pythons. Whеn уоu dо kеер pythons, уоu wоuld nееd а large tank wіth adequate humidity аnd high temperatures. Adult pythons tend tо eat lеss, eating оnlу еvеrу 10 tо 14 days аnd pythons аrе usuаllу happy wіth dead mice, gerbils, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits оr chickens. Well, ехсерt fоr Burmese pythons, whісh hаvе bееn knоwn tо eradicate whоlе populations оf small animals.

alligators

Alligators

croc by danist soh of singapore

Crocodile, photo courtesy of Danist Soh of Singapore

Some Exotic Animals May Be Territorial

5. Alligators. Alligators tend tо bе friendlier thаn crocodiles аnd thеіr temperaments аrе better tоо. Тhеу usuаllу hаvе broader snouts thаn crocodiles аnd shоws lеss teeth thаn crocodiles dо. Note thаt alligators аrе solitary creatures аnd аrе vеrу territorial. Тhеу саn live uр tо 10 years.

In conclusion, there are many more factors to consider when thinking about exotic pets.

We recommend you seek counsel from a wild animal specialist before bringing one home, to be sure you can provide the right environment and care for these amazing creatures!