By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org
Whoever “released” the owl and red-tailed hawk last week at the Youth Science Institute’s Nature Center in San Jose did them no favor. Neither of the birds could fly. Fortunately, both were rescued before they succumbed to starvation or were mauled by predators.
by Brigid Wasson
Most people don’t realize that horses are as overpopulated as dogs and cats. There are an estimated 9.2 million horses in the United States. Caring for a horse can easily cost $3,000-$6,000 a year, and that’s for a healthy, sound animal. Add vet bills, training fees, show entry fees, or other expenses and you’re over the $10,000 mark. For those of us really into horses, it’s worth every penny, and we give up other things in order to pursue our hobby. For those facing the loss of their job or home, however, the horse can become an unbearable burden.
Courtesy of Pet Talk
The American Dental Association recommends that we brush our teeth twice a day, floss daily, and visit our dentist regularly to have teeth cleanings and oral exams. Keeping our teeth clean is vital to our oral health and well being, why should our pets be any different.
When was the last time you brushed your pet’s teeth or had them professionally cleaned? For many people the answer could be never. This seemingly slight overlook of your pet’s dental care could be causing serious problems in your pooch’s mouth.
By Pete Keesling
Q:
We recently got a new puppy and at our first visit to the vet, we found out he has roundworms. We have two children, ages 4 and 7. My concern is for my children’s health, they don’t clean up after the dog, I do. But they did get licked on their face and hands. Kids being kids, I am sure they touch every part of their faces afterwards at some point, should I be concerned with transmission?
By Colleen Grzan
Hope, the red-tailed Hawk that was found last year in Hollister with severe injuries resulting from a shotgun blast, has been in intensive care at WERC since December.She was re-examined Feb. 10 by one of WERC’s veterinarians, Dr. Laura Bellinghausen. Hope’s previous examination and x-rays in January showed that though her wing had been kept wrapped for four weeks, the bone had not properly healed.
By Laurie Frazer
Puppies need socialization and training. Training usually encompass behaviors dog owners appreciate, like sit, stay, come. They recognize the importance of such behavior and are willing to pay for someone to do it or someone to teach it.
Most puppy owners know nothing of socialization. No amount of training will correct a complete lack of socialization. A lack of socialization can results in a dog that has poor learning and problem-solving abilities, is hyperactive, fearful and aggressive.
Rena is a 2-year-old Labrador retriever. She has been spayed, is very sweet and friendly, and knows how to sit. She also loves walks and has lots of energy. She is available for adoption at the San Martin Animal Shelter. If you are interested in adopting this or any other animal at the shelter, please call (408) 686-3900.
By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org
Patience may be a virtue, but we know how frustrating it is to call someone and get their answering machine. As with almost all other non-profit animal-care facilities, we wish that we had the financial resources to hire someone 24/7 to immediately answer all the calls coming in about injured animals that need to be rescued, questions about what to do with “orphaned” baby birds, and assorted queries regarding wildlife. In addition, there are calls to sign up for bird walks and schedule school programs.
By Jayne Steinmetz
Not even the family pet is immune to the effects of the recession. Foreclosures are forcing many families out of their homes and into apartments or other rental properties, some of which do not allow pets. Many people are forced to choose between paying for food and gas or paying for pet care. Shelters and rescue organizations are swelling with surrendered pets.
Even when the economy is booming, millions of cats and dogs are euthanized every year because there are not enough homes for them. Spaying and neutering dogs and cats at an early age is more important now than ever.
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Courtesy of Pet Talk
Heaters are on and blankets seem to have taken over our homes as we
bundle up to wait out the winter season. Luckily, we are able to add
more layers or turn up the thermostat if we start to feel uncomfortably
cold. Our outdoor pets and livestock are not so fortunate, so it is our
responsibility to make sure they have adequate shelter from the harsh
weather and temperatures.
“Animals should be able to get out of the elements,” notes Dr. M.A.
Crist, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M University
College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.
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By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org
Only in Saturday-morning cartoons will you see a wily little bird out-maneuver a cat! In real life, our feathered friends stand little chance against a feline predator. Even if it does manage to escape claws and teeth, the bird may die from being traumatized or from injuries, even minor ones. A cat’s saliva may contain toxins and a tiny bite can be deadly to the bird. Baby birds that have fallen from their nests and fledglings that are learning to fly are totally helpless against a cat.
Viveca is an 8-month-old domestic short hair cat. She has been at the San Martin Animal Shelter since July. If you are interested in adopting this or any other animal at the shelter, please call (408) 686-3900.By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org
This barn owl baby with her heart-shaped face is here to remind you that Valentine’s Day is fast approaching.
Is your sweetheart on a diet? Does he or she have hay fever? Instead of a box of chocolates or a dozen roses, the perfect gift for the animal lover might be a donation in his or her name to your local wildlife care center or pet shelter. It’s a size that will always fit and never goes out of date.
The everything canine Web site, Doggies.com, announced today that its 10-year-old information site, built for dog lovers will now feature a directory that lists dog related businesses.
The new directory is searchable by business type and location. It features thousands of preloaded business listings from North America that specialize in dog related enterprise.
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