By Pet Talk
Have you ever taken a brand new puppy on its first walk, or to a dog
park with other dogs? This can sometimes be a difficult undertaking,
seeing as puppies have yet to be exposed to many humans and animals in their young life. But dogs and cats need to develop social skills just as much as people do! It is important for an animal’s health and well-being to become a socially acceptable pet.
By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org
West Nile Virus (WNV) was a hot topic news item a few years ago. Lately, though, the disease appears to be forgotten…but it’s not gone. W.E.R.C. (Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Center) has just received a Steller’s Jay that died with symptoms of West Nile Virus. We have heard recent first-hand reports of Scrub and Steller’s Jays found dead of no apparent cause. One person stated he didn’t know WNV was still around because of the lack of media coverage. Corvids (crows, jays, ravens, magpies) are the bird species most frequently reported with WNV.
Hi, my name is Moose. I’m a big, handsome gray cat with a pink nose. You could say I’m the John Goodman of cats. Lots of people who visit me enjoy picking me up. I like it for a while. But I’d rather be petted while I am pacing around your ankles. I’m quiet and mellow, and I get along with many of the other cats here at Pet Friends. I would be a great addition to your household with cats or not. Won’t you adopt me? For more information about me and the other cats and dogs at Pet Friends, call (831) 634-1191, or see more pictures of us at www.petfriends.org. You can also reach us by email at topcat@petfriends.org.
If you are going on a road trip and bringing along a pet, you should be aware of California’s laws on pet safety. The California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) also has a few tips to make your travel experience safe.
“There are a lot of things to consider when traveling with pets,” says Mark Nunez, DVM, president of the CVMA. “By taking a few precautions, travel with your companion pets can be both safe and enjoyable.”
Limon is a 3-year-old Chihuahua who has been spayed. She is sweet, mellow and knows some commands. She has been at the San Martin Animal Shelter since June and is ready to be adopted. If you are interested in adopting this or any other animal at the shelter, please call (408) 686-3900.
Loki (r) shown with baby Great Horned Owl he fostered to prevent it from becoming imprinted.
by Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org
Imprinting is a species-specific type of learning during a critical early period (typically 4-10 weeks old) where the bird’s social attachment and identification are established. In other words, in the first few days after opening its eyes, the baby must see its parent (or a species-surrogate, i.e. bird hand puppet) feeding and caring for it. Imprinting is an irreversible process that “steals” the bird’s self-identity as a raptor.
Meow, I am Darren, a big, fluffy, gorgeous feline living in the newly constructed condo area at Pet Friends in Hollister. I live here with my two sisters, Delilah and Daisy. Lately, people who used to know me as a shy and withdrawn cat, have found me sitting on the laps of anyone who will give me the time of day. I especially like to lift my back side so I can get my “pants” scratched. I like that a lot! As they say on Valentine’s Day, “Won’t you be mine? What time is it? Time to adopt Darren!”Look for more pictures of Darren and the other cats and dogs at www.petfriends.org or call (831) 634-1191 for more information.
M.G., a 2-year-old pug, gives a big smackeroo to Samantha Barker on her fourth birthday. Let’s hope she got a towel for her birthday…
Katy is a 2-year-old Australian cattle dog/pit bull mix who has been spayed. She is very mellow and friendly. She has been at the San Martin Animal Shelter since May and is ready to be adopted. If you are interested in adopting this or any other animal at the shelter, please call (408) 686-3900.
By Sue Howell, werc@werc-ca.org
At W.E.R.C. we not only do wildlife rehabilitation but also do wildlife education.
When presenting our non-releasable educational animals to the public, we can relate the natural behavior of the animals simply by relating our experiences. Our animals are not tamed, only tolerant of their captivity. Their spirits are still wild.
Courtesy of Pet Talk
With temperatures topping 100 degrees it is officially time to cool off. Summer time is time to get to the pool or lake for relief and fun in the sun. While we all know that water safety is crucial for ourselves and especially for children, it’s also important to keep our pets safe around water as well.
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Cecily is a 3-year-old domestic cat. She has been spayed, is sweet and relaxed. She has been at the San Martin Animal Shelter since April and is ready to be adopted. If you are interested in adopting this or any other animal at the shelter, please call (408) 686-3900.