Homeless With Pets

Posted on March 16, 2015 by Joy Jones

Shortly after Dave and I moved to New Mexico, I began noticing how many of the homeless people here have pets with them. There’s a mission here in town that we visited about six weeks after we arrived. They have a food kitchen, and we wanted to take some donations there for Thanksgiving dinner. Next to the food kitchen was an office where people needing work could sign up to be helped. And outside, along with all the downhearted, poverty stricken people, were their pets.

A few weeks after that, we were exploring a new part of town, looking for a particular store in a strip center, when a homeless man walked by carrying a guitar…and at his feet walked a perky little puppy, head held high–just like any other dog, happy to be walking at his master’s side.

Most recently, Dave and I went to the local farm coop store where we buy our humanely produced meats and organic produce. Outside on that particular day, enjoying the warm February weather, was a homeless man and his two dogs.

All of these encounters made me start thinking about the percentage of homeless people that have pets…and how in the world they manage to care for them when they can barely get along themselves…

Why Do Homeless People Have Pets?

We’ve all read the stories of, and some of us may even personally know, people that had children hoping to be loved. Then the children went on to betray or disappoint the parents. In some cases the children are even abused or neglected–all because human beings seldom are able to fulfill the expectations others set for them–love not withstanding.

But the love of a pet doesn’t work that way. Without judgement or agenda, against all odds and reason, they simply love. And for the homeless, this may be needed most of all.

Meet Chris and Brandy. Chris is very protective of his pet, since a previous dog was taken by Animal Control because she was unlicensed.

Where Do The Homeless Come From?

Statistics tell us that in the U.S., more than 3.5 million people experience homelessness each year. 35% of the homeless population are families with children, which is the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. 23% are U.S. military veterans. But…who are they really?

I saw an interview once with Neale Donald Walsch, the author of the Conversations With God series. In it, he revealed that he had spent a year on the street as a homeless person.

Before, Walsch worked variously as a radio station program director, newspaper managing editor, and in marketing and public relations. In the early 1990s he suffered a series of crushing blows—a fire that destroyed all of his belongings, the break-up of his marriage, and a car accident that left him with a broken neck. Once recovered, but alone and unemployed, he was forced to live in a tent in Jackson Hot Springs, just outside Ashland, Oregon, collecting and recycling aluminium cans in order to eat. At the time, he thought his life had come to an end.

When asked why he hadn’t turned to his children for help, he replied that there were two reasons: 1) he thought every day would be his last and 2) he was too ashamed. He went on to add:

“Don’t pass anybody on the street,” Neale says. “We’ve all got a quarter or a dime or a dollar or a fiver, that we can let go of. And you can make somebody’s whole day with 50 cents or a dollar. So try never, ever, ever to pass anybody in need. When you see them holding up the sign, ‘Will Work for Food’ or when they walk up and ask for a little bit, share. Share. If you see somebody on the street who’s got his hand out, try to get off your judgment and be generous.”

What’s important to remember is that in a world where one missed paycheck, an abusive spouse or a serious medical condition can put someone out of their home, not every homeless person is dangerous or lazy.

How Many Homeless With Pets Are There?

The National Coalition for the Homeless estimates that between 5%-10% of homeless people have dogs and/or cats. It could be more like 25% in rural areas. These numbers may differ across the country due to a number of factors: weather, the local economy, and the cost of living.

How Can The Homeless With Pets Care For Them?

When I saw the man at the shopping center, though, the first thing that struck me was how the dog didn’t know its dire situation. He just pranced along in the sunlight, happy to go wherever his man went. But I wondered for a long time after we gave him money for food, how the man would prevent fleas or heartworm for this wee puppy. What would he do if the dog were injured?

Even the kindest benefactor often won’t approach a homeless person on the street to offer help for their pet. And many homeless are fearful if they accept, their pet will be taken away from them. Often, their pets are the only comfort they have, and their only link to reality.

Luckily, there are organizations that can help. Chief of these is Feeding Pets Of The Homeless. They are a nonprofit volunteer organization that provides pet food and veterinary care to the homeless with pets in local communities across the United States and Canada. For us here in Las Cruces, New Mexico, the local agency that distributes food and medical care for pets of the homeless is Action Programs for Animals, whom we have worked with in the past and plan to again in future.

Here’s a video about their important work:

Many of our readers follow us from Albuquerque and our home town of Cincinnati, Ohio. There, you can contact these local distribution centers:

St. Martin’s Hospitality Center
1201 3rd St. NW
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
505-242-4399

Cincinnati Pet Food Pantry
2319 Madison Ave.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45212
513-275-5842

Pets In Need
520 W. Wyoming Ave
Cincinnati, Ohio 45215
513-761-7387

Faith and Deeds Food Pantry
6921 Morgan Rd., Unit A
Cleves, Ohio 45002
513-638-5024

If your city isn’t listed here, Feeding Pets Of The Homeless has an awesome search feature on their website.

Shelter for the homeless with pets is somewhat more problematical. However, if you are homeless due to domestic violence, you can contact:

Albuquerque, NM

SAFE House

800-773-3645
shelter@safehousenm.org

Statewide New Mexico

Animal Protection of New Mexico (APNM)
Companion Animal Rescue Effort (CARE)
CARE Hotline: 844-323-CARE
APNM.org/CARE
ADMIN: 505-265-2322

Batavia, Ohio (Cincinnati area)

YWCA House of Peace
513-753-7281 or 1-800-644-4460

Another Resource for The Homeless

Sunrise House

Word of mouth travels quickly in homeless communities. Once a food bank or soup kitchen starts distributing pet food, they come. Some find out about the programs through the websites by accessing the internet at public libraries.

It is our sincere hope that someone reading this post finds the answers they seek here.

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 send her a friend request on Facebook.

The Story Of Several Servals

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Joy Jones

In a previous post on Exotics, Joy Jones talks about some of the pros and cons of keeping exotic pets and what you should think of when you consider having one in your home. Some people have done their research and for either personal or professional reasons are ready and able to handle the unique challenges of keeping marsupials, snakes, chimps, alligators, or hybrid cats. These types of pets require special attention and are certainly not for everyone, but let us suppose that you or someone you know has an exotic of an even greater extreme, such as a serval? What do you do when the upkeep of your exotic is no longer a fit for your suddenly changed lifestyle, financial situation, or living arrangements? If you’re very lucky, you will find your animal a new home, full of loving people who only want the best for the mental and physical well being of someone who is always going to remain a part of your family in your heart.

This is where the Conservators Center comes in. The Conservators Center is a small, nonprofit wildlife conservancy that provides a forever home for wild animals in need, offers educational tours to the public, and coordinates with other reputable organizations to help maintain species that are threatened. The Center is not a zoo and they don’t have a massive “collection” on their grounds, but they are able, at times, to bring in animals deserving of a new home that is more appropriate to their exotic nature. You would expect these guys to be located just about anywhere but in the middle of rural North Carolina, yet just a short drive from my house, visitors can experience the music of singing dogs, the howling of wolves, and the “chuffling” and “oofing” of tigers and lions.

Matthai Lion oofing–photo by Ron Smith

Yes, you read that right. Out beyond the pastures in Caswell County, live lions and tigers, along with wolves, foxes, binturongs, lemurs… All in all, about twenty total species call the Conservators Center home, including many small cats, like the servals.

Of all the animals that find a new home at the Conservators Center, it is typically only some of the small animals that had been pets in a previous life. Lena Serval, originally from the Great Lakes area, is one of those examples. She started out with a career in educational programs, but found herself unsuited for that work and then discovered that life as an indoor cat wasn’t really for her either. We all know that house cats will spray on occasion, well wild cats will REALLY spray, and having that distinct odor in the house can become an issue rather quickly. Her owners wanted the best for her, so they turned to the Conservators Center, where she was accepted as one of the family. (She still has a small role in education through the tours that are given, but we won’t tell her that.)

Carson Serval–photo by Kim Barker

Akai Serval is a different example of household pet. She was happy to be indoors with her family and shared space with them without worry, until she was six years old, when she started chewing on things that weren’t meant to be chewed on. Furniture and other household items suddenly took on a whole new purpose in her life, which became an unhealthy habit. Her owners were prepared to build her an outdoor enclosure, but loved her so much that they knew they wouldn’t be able to force her to live outdoors if she was within sight. Who among us isn’t guilty of falling for those sweet, sad eyes that gaze up and say, “Why, Human? What is this strange thing you have done? Don’t you want me anymore?” I am probably the biggest sucker of all, so I certainly know that guilty feeling that makes you say to yourself, “Just one more night, THEN we make the change.” Three months go by and you are still sitting there telling yourself the same thing, “One more night.” The battle between the heart and the head is probably the hardest of all when it comes to the animals we love.

Knowing this was probably going to be their fate, Akai’s family made the hard choice to search for a home away from them, where their girl would be happy and healthy. Again, that brought them to the Conservators Center, where Akai Serval had the opportunity to eventually interact with others of her own kind. They paid for a new enclosure for her and still come by to visit, but Akai’s story doesn’t stop there. Want to know the happiest part? It turns out that her parents and siblings are living at the Conservators Center as well. But wait! There’s more! Thanks to the forward thinking folks at the Center, her enclosure was built side by side with that of another serval named Carson, who had only been with them for a short time. The enclosures were built with a connecting doorway that allowed for a careful introduction to be sure the two would get along. The two servals have become good companions and the doors remain open.

So why are some exotic owners, turning to the Conservators Center to provide care for these beloved members of their family? Primarily, it is because the Center is very specialized. Their focus is on carnivores and their specialty is on the smaller carnivores (though they do have two lemurs , who were taken in after MUCH consideration and research). In fact, there are a few species of small cat here that are hard to find anywhere else, including genets and jungle cats; both photographed at the Conservators Center by National Geographic Fellow Joel Sartore for his Photo Ark project.

Trekkie Wolf–photo by Taylor Hattori images

Still, when it comes to rehoming an exotic pet, there must be more than specialization to consider. What kinds of things are involved in the rehabilitation and proper care of a previous pet in this transition phase to their new home? Many of these animals have bonded to their owners, and as any animal lover can understand, it can become very hard for that pet to let go of its former humans. In much the same way that your dog pines away for you when you are gone, so do some of the animals that moved to the Center. Your dog knows you will eventually come home, but these exotic creatures have come from all over, left their homes and their humans behind and find themselves surrounded with sights, sounds, and smells that are completely foreign to them. Saying goodbye under those circumstances certainly isn’t easy and the Center’s staff work hard to help the animals in the best way that they can. Each animal brought to the Center is seen as an addition to the family, not just another animal to be obtained as part of a collection, and because of the facility’s size and structure, staff are able to give more personalized care than other locations often can provide. Lifetime Adopters, keepers, volunteers, interns, and even staff who are not animal keepers, all take some part in helping to give previous pets enrichment activities and special attention throughout their lives here.

Calvin Lion and Wic Tiger snuggle–photo by Taylor Hattori Images

We have covered the Center’s specialized knowledge, we have looked at the devotion to care that the staff provide the residents, but we haven’t looked at one of the most important parts of this process: the exotic animal itself. Former exotic pets can come from a place where they have been fed improper diets, or were given meals that do not provide the balanced diet that an exotic animal needs. Wild cats require whole prey (such as rats) to live happy, healthy lives, and the Conservators Center has experience in helping to transition previous pets to the dietary requirements that are ideal, which is certainly NOT as easy a task as it sounds.

Personal disclaimer: Yes, I am the small animal writer and write many articles about my rats. Yes, I said they feed rats as a part of the diet at the Center. Yes, I have seen evidence of this with my own eyes. No, I do not hold it against the Center. This is the diet that is necessary for the animals in their care and if I’m visiting when there is a little bit of the day’s meal evident, I choose to look the other way. I would much rather see evidence of a healthy meal than an unhealthy one. Oh, and yes, I am a repeat visitor.

Now that I have gotten the business of cat diet out of the way, it is especially important to me that I note two things. Firstly, because of the very nature and size of the facility, the Conservators Center must be very selective in the animals that they accept. The special needs of the species and space considerations come into play when they consider adding to their family. There is a lot of work involved in rehoming an exotic animal and the Center needs to weigh their ability to provide proper care in the time of that transition. In other words, to be granted a place here is, in a way, an honor. Secondly, in writing this article I am not in any way suggesting that keeping exotic pets is something that anyone and everyone should do. As I mentioned in the beginning of this article, this kind of animal ownership comes with very specific responsibilities of research and care. Only a few of the animals currently living at the Conservators Center are former pets and while they do accept animals that have come from varying backgrounds, they do not encourage exotic pet ownership specifically. That having been said, they are still welcoming of animals in need of a new home, regardless of their previous living situation.

But let’s get on to the fun part, shall we? I am sure that there are readers out there who love big cats and picked up on a few hints of some topics that have yet to be covered. The Conservators Center is a nonprofit organization that takes care of servals and other small animals, but early on I said you could hear the “oofing” of lions at this place, which means they keep the big cats too. Where do they get the money to feed all these beautiful animals? How do they pay to house them? Who picks up the vet bill?

Thomas Lion watches Freya Tiger moving to her new habitat–photo by Taylor Hattori Images

Bonus Link: Freya Tiger Gets A New Enclosure

As with all nonprofits, a lot of the money comes from donations. Few of the animals who were once pets are sponsored by their previous owners, as in the case with Akai Serval, so the money must come from other sources. All of the animals are available for the Lifetime Adoption program through the Center. This program allows animal lovers everywhere to adopt one of the residents through monthly payments that vary depending on the animal that is chosen. You can adopt one of the smaller cats, singing dogs, and other unique animals for $75 a month, or if bigger critters (or ones with ringed tails) are your passion, you can adopt one of the lions, tigers, leopards, wolves, and lemurs for $110. The adoption lasts one year and can be renewed at the end of that time.

Most places send you the adoption information and that is where your participation ends, but that isn’t the case with the Conservators Center. Sure, you get your name on a sign and a mention on the website, yes, you are given the paperwork and photo that almost every other agency will send out, but what if you want to come for a visit? At the Conservators Center Lifetime Adopters are given discounts on special tours and merchandise, as well as free admission for the adopter, but it doesn’t even stop there. If you are a Lifetime Adopter, you are given the chance to work with a staff member to learn how to properly give treats and provide enrichment activities for your animal. (Before sceptics jump on the dangers, keep in mind the previously mentioned safety record of the Center. These guys know what they’re doing. A staff member accompanies and oversees these activities with the adopter.)

Lifetime adopter gives treats to her lion with staff escort–photo by Caleb Smallwood

After reading about all of this, you would think that we’ve said it all. Not quite. You don’t have to adopt an animal to come for a visit. Anyone can make a reservation to see the animals on Adventure tours, Photo Safaris, Treats & Toys tours, and Twilight tours, many times getting to hear the “oofing” and “chuffling” of lions and tigers or the howling of singing dogs and wolves that I mentioned earlier. (For tour information and scheduling, click here.) On top of all of that, there are several special events at the Conservators Center, each a seasonal treat that are as much enjoyed by the humans as they are by the animals who are given the special moments as extra enrichment. Each year there is a Pumpkin Prowl after Halloween, a Tree Toss after Christmas, and sometimes the animals are given the chance to make paintings (by rubbing against scented nontoxic materials as an enrichment activity) which are then sold at auction. Still want more? There is a Girl Scout Day held in the spring and the fall. Oh, and you can friend one of the residents on Facebook! Just go to ArthurTheTiger.

So the next time you think about visiting some wild animals, think about coming over to North Carolina, where you can stand five feet from over twenty species of beautiful creatures and become lost in the rumbling sound of lions at sunset. I can’t think of a better way to spend time with these animals than what I discovered in my own back yard.

Keep checking back with Your Pet Space for more articles on the Conservators Center and their residents! I would like to give special thanks to Mandy Matson, Director of Communications at the Conservators Center for putting up with my many questions and for helping me get the records straight for this article.

Mirrani Houpe, our Small Animal Editor, has had rats since she took home her first little boy once they both completed the second grade. Since that time she has purchased, rescued and bred many kinds of rats, from many backgrounds. She may not be a vet, psychology major, or scientist, but her babies have her very well trained when it comes to how to care for them. She is constantly working with her family’s veterinarian to come up with new and innovative ways to love and care for the most often misunderstood rodent in the pet world. You can e-mail her at mirrani@yourpetspace.info

Leonard Nimoy’s Pet Shop

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Joy Jones

Nimoy, with his own cat and dog.

Sadly, I’ve been saying I was going to get around to this post for more than a year–and now it’s happening in the wake of Leonard Nimoy’s death. Sorry, old friend. But I know somehow you’ll understand…

Sometimes we forget that this business was created to be not only about pets and the people that love them, but also our branding grew out of our deep love of science and science fiction. No one in science fiction was unfamiliar with who Leonard Nimoy was. And when he died, every single fan felt it as though he was truly a part of their family.

Because you see, Leonard Nimoy belonged to us–and us to him.

Leonard Nimoy’s Pet Shop

Would you be surprised then to learn, that Leonard Nimoy had a pet shop? I was! I actually learned this in the same way that most online wisdom is gleaned–from googling something else. 🙂

In her 1970 article on Nimoy’s Pet Pad, Michele Jaques says, “Nimoy would have liked Mr. Spock to have a cat or dog on board the ‘Enterprise’.” For most of his fans, this brings up the Star Trek episode “Catspaw,” where Spock is shown stroking a lovely black cat, who later turned into a woman. Me-ow, right? It is obvious though, from his handling of the cat that Leonard loved animals and they loved him.

In the episode “The Enemy Within”, a dog is dressed as a space alien, and once again Nimoy holds a small, furry one in his arms. This time he looks worried, and rightly so! In the story, the dog has been divided by the transporter into one angel and one devil dog!

According to Jaques, Nimoy went through a bit of a spiritual transformation when Star Trek was cancelled in 1969. Above all, he spent the years after dedicating himself to doing things that had meaning. And he considered his pet shop in Canoga Park in the San Fernando Valley a spiritual venture. There, he had such animals as chipmunks, monkeys, crocodiles, boa constrictors, even a South American otter! Leonard himself had a dog and cat, a hamster, two rabbits and a tank full of fish. His children had a pet tortoise that lived in the back yard.

Nimoy’s Pet Pad lasted only a couple of years…but it was a worthy effort made by a truly Renaissance Man. Thank you, Leonard. Thanks for letting all of us know you–really know you.

Who Knows The Best Places To Shop For Pets? We do!

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Joy Jones

We are required to let readers know that we are compensated for our product reviews. We personally test the products to be able to provide the honest reviews you will read of products offered through our website.

It occurred to me the other day that I’ve been adding affiliates left and right to our pages over the last year. I know every one inside out…but if I were just coming to our site for the first time, would I know how to choose the best place to pet shop? Probably not. So…that’s what this post is all about.

Our Pet Food Providers

Dave and I use a variety of pet food providers–and we like to change things up once in awhile–either to give our pets some variety, or for nutritional reasons. For instance, I just started giving our dogs ground flax seed with their food again–they’ve been getting some dry skin since we moved to New Mexico. In the past, we only might have to give them this ingredient in the dead of an Ohio Winter. But with less humidity here, we’ll need to give them this all year long. In addition, Hoagy, our basset hound, and Little Dingle, our European tabby cat, need weight control food.

Because we need a variety of foods, we shop at a few different places through our website. Let me highlight a few and their best features…

Pet Food Providers For Dogs or Cats With Allergies, Special Diet Needs or a Nutritional Issue

We recommend Petbrosia–for food custom designed for your dog or cat. Their wholesome diets are matched to your pet’s health needs, made from all-natural ingredients grown and raised in America. Petbrosia matches your pet’s diet according to their breed, age, weight, and other health needs.

You can read here about our dog Hoagy’s vomiting issue and how it was solved with this product. Buy Petbrosia at Your Pet Food Space.

Natural Treats And Foods For Dogs And Cats

We buy from Only Natural Pet. Our dogs love their natural training treats! They have an unacceptable ingredients list you can view, so you fully understand what’s in your pet’s food. They offer a 100% guarantee, support sustainability with their natural treats and foods for dogs and cats, and often feature sales of overstocked items. Shop Only Natural Pet at Your Pet Supply Space.

If Cost Is Your Main Concern, Try These Pet Food Providers

Pet Food Direct–Run by the same company as Only Natural Pet (Pet 360), they have an auto ship option on the least expensive foods so you get the best deal and never run out. They also feature small pet food and accessories for birds, reptiles and fish. And every purchase earns you PFD rewards–which can be used to get discounted items for your own pets, or donate food to shelter animals. Shop Pet Food Direct in Your Pet Food Space.

Petsmart–A large variety of top brands and they often run specials through our website. If you want to purchase products you saw in your local store but want the convenience of having them shipped to your door, buy at Petsmart through Your Pet Supply Space.

I want to also put in a plug here for the Petsmart training program, of which our training editor Tina Caldwell, is a member. With the SmartPet PromiseSM policy, training customers are guaranteed 100 percent satisfaction or they can take the class again for free (see your local store for details). And you can read about Tina here.

Doggyloot–If you love a good deal and like shopping for bargains, you’ll love this! They dreamed up Doggyloot for two reasons: they think dogs make the world a better place, and they wanted to create a new, fun way for dog lovers to discover the very best chews, toys, treats and more at the very best prices. Doggyloot aims to extend these same good vibes to your shopping experience. They help you find exactly what your hound craves at competitive prices, and then ship it all free, straight to your door. Their product team carefully researches and tests everything they sell–and do not carry any edibles made in China. You can save up to 75% on treats, beds, even pet themed jewelry! Check out their Toy Of The Month auto ship in Your Pet Supply Space. We love it!

And of course, Amazon! Have an Amazon Prime Membership? You can use it right on our site and get free two day shipping on most items. When it’s critical we find the absolutely best price and the greatest variety of shopping options–we go here. Shop Amazon at Your Pet Supply Space.

Dog Show Supplies

Check out Cherrybrook–They are the exclusive sponsor of the American Kennel Club Online Store, have been the only general grooming and show ring supply vendor at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show for over forty years and were named a Retailer of the Year by Pet Product News for their Outstanding Holistic Approach. They carry everything from tack crates to agility training supplies–and even offer special colognes, stain removers and other enhancing items for your dog’s coat. In addition, they carry cat supplies. Shop Cherrybrook at Your Pet Supply Space.

I certainly hope you can find everything you need in our shopping areas–and please feel free to drop us a note on the Contact Us page or engage us in Live Chat if there’s ever anything you need and cannot find on our website. Until then…happy shopping!

Funny Animal Videos–The Holiday Edition!

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Joy Jones

Goodbye, JellyBean

Posted on December 1, 2014 by Joy Jones

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.

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!

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.

Product Review: Cat In The Bag

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Joy Jones

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!

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.

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.

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.

Funny Videos: Talented Tails (And Wings)!

Posted on November 21, 2014 by Joy Jones

Cat to cat massage–funny!

Check out the Pizza Hut Cats franchise–in Japan!

The song in this video was made from the notes the composer wrote by observing the position of these birds on the wires!

We hope you enjoyed these funny videos. 🙂

Fostering A Pet

Posted on July 6, 2014 by Joy Jones

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!

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.

Animal Rescue Emergencies

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

Restrain the animal to prevent it from hurting itself or anyone in the area.
Evaluate the situation and need for assistance.
Is the shelter or rescue’s veterinary office open for business with vet staff available?
Call the shelter.
Get the animal in to see the vet immediately.
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?
Call for emergency clearance.
Get the animal in to see the vet immediately.
Is the animal running a fever of 104F or greater?
Look at the animal’s gums. Are they white or healthy pink? Is the animal eating or drinking?
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?
If the situation is not an emergency, call the shelter vet staff first thing on the next business day.
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.
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.
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.

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:

A rescue group doesn’t have a physical shelter and depends on foster homes to care for dogs until suitable homes are found.
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.
A dog is recovering from surgery, illness or injury and needs a safe place to recuperate.
A dog is showing signs of stress such as pacing or hiding in the shelter.
A dog has not lived in a home before or has not had much contact with people and needs to be socialized.
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:

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

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

Posted on June 22, 2014 by Joy Jones

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:

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

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

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, 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

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!

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