Warning to People Posting Free Pets

An excellent post on craiglist:
http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/pet/1528828382.html
WARNING to people posting FREE pets (Anywhere in San Antonio)

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Date: 2009-12-29, 9:33AM CST
Reply to: comm-kyenj-1528828382@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

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PLEASE ask a fee for your pet and have your pet spayed or neutered BEFORE you post them on CL.
Why, you ask?

Because here are TWO situations that happened recently:

A friend posted a poodle that she found, free to a good home. A woman came to her home and took the poodle, claiming she loved her and would take good care of her. Two days later the poodle was back on CL for sale!! She was able to get her back, the the poodle was anxious and upset. God knows what happened to her in those two days. She did NOT have a loving home that was promised.

A friend found a golden retriever, thin and with a broken hip, dumped at a gas station in San Antonio. He had been laying there for days, and people were leaving him crackers, but NO ONE stopped to help him. She took him to the vet to be put down, because he could no longer walk and was in bad shape. He just happened to have a microchip! His "previous" owners had given him away FREE on Craigslist to a woman with two daughters! They too, thought he had a good home!!

PLEASE rethink what you are doing before you send your pets off to the world of unknown adopters! SCREEN people, ask questions, charge a fee, visit their home! DO NOT send your pets off to be abused, bred or injured. Their innocent lives are in YOUR hands. DO RIGHT BY THEM!!


•Location: Anywhere in San Antonio
•it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests



PostingID: 1528828382


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An Ounce of Prevention is Worth A Pound of Cure - Lost Dogs

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
It an old cliche but is so true in so many instances. Especially when it comes to our lost babies.
Sometimes, dogs get out and there is nothing that could have been done. But many lost pet situations can be prevented:
See
An Ounce of Prevention is worth a pound of cure - Lost Dogs

Animal Education Links

Click here for slides, coloring books, etc..

Animal Education Links

Click here to go back to the Fuzzy Children Blog

Click here to go back to the Main Blog

Snowflake 11-24-2009

Snowflake 11-24-2009
Originally uploaded by fuzzychildren

Snowflake is available for adoption or rescue
210-655-1373
or http://rrc.petfinder.com

Giardia Bateria

In San Antonio, we are always happy to see the rain. But wet conditions can be a concern when we live with furry companions. Giardia is one type of bacteria that can be exacerbated by wet conditions. If your baby seems to be loosing weight for no reason or has fowl-smelling diarrhea, talk to your veterinarian. Humans and non-humans can get giardia from drinking contanimated water.
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2386

Precautions when living with shy dogs

I keep an opened corralling pen in front of my front door. It not only slows the dogs down if they decide to bolt, but it also reminds me that I must take my time when leaving the house. My dogs stay in the house when I'm at work. Even well-adjusted dogs can get freaked out by a thunderstorm or a car backfiring and either jump the fence or dig under. I always walk my dogs on either a slip leash or martingale collar. Once again, even a non-skittish dog can get spooked and slip a regular collar. In my opinion, regular collars are for holding ID (and left on at all times) and martingales are for walking.

Dogs Deserve Better

http://www.ksat.com/video/21671453/index.html

Checking on Potential Adopters

If you adopt out animals, here is some info you can use to check on potential adopter.s Of course nothing beats a face-to-face interview and home visit:
http://docs.google.com/View?id=ddtbr7bw_344hm92frd4

T shirts, Post Cards, etc..

So I go to  Office Depot and get this  T shirt transfer stuff  for less than 2 dollars per transfer http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/825464/Avery-Personal-Creations-Light-T-Shirt/

 

Then I go to the Dollar store and buy Hanes 100% cotton white undershirts - a 3 pack costs around 5 dollars or so.

 

I make up some graphics using Word or Publisher.  See attached.  Using my inkjet printer, I print the graphics in mirror image right onto the transfer stuff as if it were paper. Then I iron on the transfer stuff onto the T shirt.  You have to press hard and have the iron really hot and it works.  I've washed my T shirts twice and they are still holding up.

 

Something you might want to use to advertise the seniors - including Arnie.  Volunteers can walk around wearing the special shirts.  I guess you can compare the cost of making the shirts yourself vs paying someone to make them - and figure in the time it take to print and iron, etc..

 

If that's not cheap enough for you - I bought some freezer paper at the grocery store.  I cut a sheet into the size of  regular paper.  Took an old pair of baggy shorts, cut out a square the size of paper and ironed the freezer paper onto the cloth.  This made the cloth sturdy enough to go through the inkjet printer.   Printed directly onto the cloth then pulled off the freezer paper. Then sewed the cloth onto a crotched bandana.   Could also print directly onto the bandana.  Probably can't do this with a laser printer.

 

I also purchased post card stock and made handouts for Rodney.  See attached.  The attached documents could come through kind of weird because I made them using Word 2007 and saved them down to Word 2003.

 

When I go to events, I can hand out stuff on Arnie if you have something to give me. Can't do it  this Saturday because I'm working with another group instead of on my own.

 

Also you can get gift items with animal pics on them.  But those normally take about 3 weeks to get made walgreens does it, kodak http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/category.jsp?parentCatId=Products&catId=Home_Decor_and_Games

 

At Home Depot they have magnetic business cards that you can print on.

 

La Trenda

210-857-1024

210-649-0391

AnimalSheltering.org Home

http://animalsheltering.org/

Go to animal sheltering for a plethora of information. Want some tips on
volunteer management? Type that into the search box at the top right of the
page. Need ideas for fundraising? Type that into the search box.

Get Active Dogs a Puzzle

Something to figure out. It helps stimulate them... Gives them something to do. Google "dog puzzles to find something your dog might enjoy. Or get kong at aby pet supply stoe
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Allgeries

Before giving up you pets due to allergies, please read:
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/allergies_to_pets/

Dr Kirby of Alamo Heights Pet Clinics likes Pando Music for comforting pets www.pandomusic.net

Missing Pets

http://www.missingpetpartnership.org/index.php launched in 2001 - nonprofit
Website mentioned on PetsmartCharities webinar
http://www.petsmartcharitiesblog.org/webinar/recording%20links.htm

Synopsis
We use dogs to find humans, drugs, etc.. but don't use them to search for pets. So she started doing that.
Training folks in a 6 day class to be certified in search but just in seattle area.
No estimates on how many cats are lost.
No agencies to help look for lost cats
Most animal agencies won't rent traps
Flyers, phone calls to shelters aren't enough.
Must know temperment. Tactics searching for cats is different than searching for dogs.
Displaced cats will hide and not resond. Will need to crawl under houses and desks, Will need to trap. Don't give up hope if cats doesn't go into trap right way. One cat took 22 days before he went into a trap
Motion activated wildlife camera
Moltry brand - infrared doesn't flash, doesn't make a sound - less likely to get stolen - Use to confirm presence of a cat.
Grieving people give up to quickly. Assume cat is killd by coyota.
Most displaced cats (normal indoor cats that get out) usually don't travel far
Outdoor cats - search the cats normal area plus 3 to 4 houses. Check hiding places
Cats that are hurt will hide and not meow
Cats don't "go off to die" they hide when they are sick and hurt and the die for lack of care
Once example - people gave up on finding their lost cat and got a kitten. Then found their lost cat in the the chimney.
8X11 flyes aren't big enough - people are driving by on cell phone, texting, etc..

missingpetpartnership.org - icon that says social network (organe in color). click on that and click on Youtube and the two videos one is titled buddy and the other is titled rusty. Two diff pet cats that were humanely trapped by a neighbor because the assumption was they were feral because they here hissing and spitting in the trap.
Hissing cat could just mean terrified trap - not always feral.

Looks for clues - clumps of hair

Listen for wildlife. Chirps could be alerting about cats





Searching for lost cats instead of giving up are a part of reducing the stray pat population.

"Dangerous" Breeds

ASPCA - "There is no documented case of a single, neutered, companion Pit Bull (meaning an animal maintained within the household to function solely as a pet) causing a human fatality"

http://www.petsmartcharitiesblog.org/slides2/1113-14-15MuzzlingDangerousDogs-VanKavageBresch.pdf

Please Help Roo

http://www.loveforpawsrescue.com/

Saving Strays

Before picking up a stray dog or cat, please ask yourself: I'm I willing to keep this animal for at least few days until I can find the owners. Most shelters in San Antonio are always full. So in most cases, you won't be able to drop him/her off at the nearest shelter right after picking up.
Please see this website for addditional info on saving strays. The document is a work in progress:
http://docs.google.com/View?id=ddtbr7bw_94fpbtt4fs

Free Pet Care Class - San Antonio, TX

Free pet care class at Northeast Lake View College
http://alamo.edu/nlc/docs/FallWinter2009CESchedule.pdf

Pet Care for Kids $FREE (1 hour)
Have a new fuzzy companion at your house and want the kids
to help with her or his care? Do you want your children to
learn about pet care before you adopt? Bring your child to the
Pet Care class so they can learn how to take care of their
special family members. Adults will learn too. In addition to
proper animal care, adults can learn about adoption
resources, free or reduced price spay/neuter resources, and
immunization resources.
Note: Children and adults of all ages are invited; however,
children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent. This is
an information only class. Please do not bring pets to class.
No textbook required.
Oct 31 (S) 2:00 - 3:00 pm NLIB 130 Walker, L.
Dec 5 (S) 2:00 - 3:00 pm NLIB 130 Walker, L.
main blog http://latrenda.blogspot.com

Cost of Having a Fuzzy Companion

Please be prepared to spent at least one thousand dollars a year or do not get a companion. If you like being around dogs or cats, volunteer at a shelter, baby sit the neighbor's fuzzy children, etc..
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2%201671&aid=1543

Parvo

Parvo has an incubation period; it's very easy to pick up and sometimes there is no way to prevent it from occuring but there are ways to minimize it's occurance. #1 of course is a course of immunizations. The pups must get shots at regular intervals when they are very young Can the puppy still get parvo even if he/she has all of his/her shots? Yes. That is why a very young pup should not go ANYWHERE until the course of immunizations are complete. When you get your new baby DO NOT: Let him/her roam around in your front yard - you don't know what dogs have been through your front yard - you baby could not only pick up Parvo but a host of other diseases Let your puppy walk on the floor in Petsmart - there are vet clinics in Petsmart and people might be bringing sick dogs through the store Let your puppy walk around on the floor in a vet clinic or Animal Shelter Let your puppy anywhere outside on the ground Note: If you have lived in your house for over a year and you know that you no other unimmunized dogs have been in your backyard, then you can let the pupp outside briefly to potty. Otherwise wait until your pup has had a full round of shots (about 16 weeks old) before ever letting him/her step foot outside Also very important - if you know that a sick animal has been inside your house, clean everything with bleach (or something that your vet recommends kills parvo) and DO NOT bring another young puppy into that house for at least 6 months. So if you adopt a young puppy that comes down with Parvo and dies, do not get another puppy for at least 6 months or the new puppy will get sick also. For the person whose pup died within 3 days. Yes, there is an incubation period but there should have been some signs if he died that quickly. Diarrhea, lethargy, not eating, etc.. Yes, Parvo can be recoverable, but not always. So... if you plan on getting a very young pup, be prepared to spend a lot of money You must have enough money to get the pup his/her full round of shots You must have several thousands dollars in savings available because sometimes a pup might still come down with Parvo or Distemper or another disease no matter what you do and it will cost several thousand dollars to treat him/her And then you must have at least 100 dollars a year set aside just for yearly immunizations. Adult dogs can also easily get Parvo if they don't get their shots every year. So how can you prevent the heartbreak of getting a seemingly healthy puppy that all of a sudden gets sick? #1 - Adopt an older dog - 6 months or older. One that has already been through the puppy stages. Adult dogs make great pets. Many of them come housebroken and obedience trained and old dogs can learn new tricks #2 - Do not buy from a breeder when there are thousands of perfectly great dogs that are put to death every year. It only incourages irresponsible breeding #3 - If you must buy from a breeder, buy from a reputable one. A breeder that uses free advertising on craigslist is not reputable. A breeder who keeps puppies outside is not reputable. A breeder who wants to meet you at a public location rather that at his/her house or facility is not reputable. A breeder who is not certified and can't show you papers on their animals is not reputable. A breeder who can't show you her/her permit is not reputable.

Safe Outdoor Cats

Cats should not be allowed to roam outdoors. The can wander into the streets and get run over. They can be picked on, injured or even killed by mean humans. The can be injured or killed by predators - dogs, other cats, or other creaters.
If you really want your cat to go outside, take him/her outside on a harness. Kitty won't like it at first, but puppies don't like leashes at first either. They will adjust.
Or build your cat a nice outdoor enclosure. Something with a top so they can't climb out. If you want to get really fancy, build the enclosure around a window or a door and put in a little cat door so you cat can go in and out at will and stay safe.
Think you can't afford an enclosure? Then either keep the cat inside all the time or find way to come up with the money at http://fuzzychildren.blogspot.com/2009/08/if-you-cant-afford-vet-care.html

References, pictures, ideas
http://habitathaven.com/
http://habitathaven.com/catalog/8_Photo%20Page.pdf
http://habitathaven.com/catalog/10_Page%2010%20WITHOUT%20FLOOR.pdf
http://habitathaven.com/catalog/11_Page%2011THREE%20SIDED.pdf
http://www.catsofaustralia.com/cat-enclosures.htm
http://www.classypetshop.com/cat-enclosure.htm?gclid=CJDz4u7z1ZwCFchM5wodX1aVQQ

GoD and DoG

Somone posted this on an Animal User's Group. I think it's very sweet and I think non-christians would enjoy it. Please check it out if you love dogs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H17edn_RZoY

If you are looking for a foster or temporary home for your own animals

Instead, look into boarding

Think you can't afford boarding, look at ways to save money at "If You Can't Afford Vet Care" Or looking into putting together a neighbor or friend boarding coop such as in "If you don't have time for your pets"

Don't know about boarding?
Board you dog or cat at your vet. If you don't have a regular vet, then get one. See why at "If You Can't Afford Vet Care"
Ask friends and family which boarding facilities they like and use one of them
Go to http://www.yellowpages.com/ and do a distance search for "boarding" or just pull up all the boarding facilities in San Antonio and visit ones to find which one you like. You should have a boading facility in mind before you need one.

Don't want your pet in a kennel all day? Then look into the doggie play and stays such as Lucy's , Camp Bow Wow, Pawderose, Otto's Doggi Day Camp, etc..

If your dog is not social then look at paying a reputable family to keep your pet at their house. If you think you can't afford to pay somone, then refer to "If You Can't Afford Vet Care"

List of boarding facilities in San Antonio

If you don't have time for your pets

If you don't have time for your pets

Hire a dog walker or pet sitter to visit your pets while you are at work

Drop your dog off at a doggie play and stay before work and pick him or her up after work

i.e. Camp Bow Wow, Lucy's, Pawderosa, etc.

Many of the doggie play and stay places provide pet taxis for drop off and pick up - which could be an option if you can't find a place close to work or home.

Can't afford any of the above

Get with neighbors and or friends and create a pet care coop. Just like a carpool, neighbors can take turns watching each others pets. Example - Say you have 4 people in the coop. On Mondays, Sam can watch all 4 neighbors pets, On Tuesday, Susie can watch all neighbor's pets, etc..

Don't have good neighbors or friends or have pets who are social? Then start looking at ways you can cut back to have money for pet sitting or play and stay

Refer to If you can't afford vet care for ideas for saving money

Do you really not have time for your pets or is it that you are not "making" time?

Working extra hours sometimes can not be avoided. But look at other ways ou can make time

A good walk only takes about 30 minutes (or an hour if you have an energetic dog) - get up earlier in the morning before work or stay up later at night to take your pet for a walk

Get a laster pointer - you can sit and relax while your doggie or kittie does all the work

Watch your favorite TV Show or read a book while you stroke your doggie or kitty

If live close enough, come home at lunch to visit your doggie or kitty

Cut back on non work related social activities. Is that date at the movie more important than you fuzzy companion?

Make social engagement around your pets.

If you can't afford vet care

When your pet is sick or if there is an emergency:
The first thing to do is to get to the closest vet right away. Do not spend time calling around to get the cheapest prices. The few dollars saved is not worth your pet's health. After initial treatment, then you can call around looking for the cheapest follow up care.
The more time you spend making phone calls, searching the Internet, asking for money, etc..the sicker your pet will get. Not only does the pet suffer needlessly, but your vet bill is going to be even higher when you go in because the pet is going to be sicker

Never try any home treatments. Never use anyone else's medications. You will wind up making your pet sicker and then vet treatment is going to be more expensive.

Unless you are a vet, you don't have the expertise to treat your pet yourself. Treatments are different for every animal. A medication prescribed for one dog or cat will make another one sick.


If you don't have any money to go to the vet, stop by the pawn shop on the way to the vet. Pawn anything that isn't more valuable than your pet. Which is anything and everything - your television, jewelry, computer, etc..

Or get a pay day loan or a car title loan. After the pet is taken care of, you can pay back the loan by cutting back on expenses:
- Turn off cable TV
- Turn off your cell phone service or at least get a cheaper service. You can get a pay-as-you-go plan from Virgin Mobile for 5 dollars a month. Only talk on the phone for emergencies
- Give up beer and any other type of alcohol
- Give up cigarettes
- Give up any consumption that is not necessary - you don't need potato chips, cakes, pies, etc..
- Eat less food
- Give up meat. A meal of beans and rice is full of protein, fiber and vitamins and you can eat for a few cents
- Don't eat out
- Give up illegal drugs
- Give up prescription drugs if if giving them up isn't a detriment to your health
- Give up over the counter pain killers - the pet's well being is more important than your pain.
- Take on a second or third job

-- taxi driver, fast food, day laborer, etc..

- Mow the neighbors' lawns, clean their houses, wash their cars

- Pick up aluminum cans, bottles -anything you can recycle

- Turn off the internet or get a cheaper internet plan

- sell whatever you can - computer, TV, clothes, etc..

- Sell your furniture - it's better than you sit or sleep on the floor rather than let your pet suffer.

Try a barter deal with you vet - offer to clean up poop or mop floors in exchange for a vet care or at least a payment plan.

Did you know that you can go several days without days without food and still survive? Just be sure to drink plenty of tap water and stay hydrated.
No one can diagnose your pet over the phone or over the Internet (not even a vet) you have to physically take your pet to the vet to get examined.

Before your pet gets sick or hurt
Plan ahead
Buy pet insurance just in case your pet gets sick or hurt
Keep a saving account just for pet care (if you don't have money for a saving account, see ways to cut back above)
Never let your pet run loose if you know you can't afford vet care when he gets hit. Even if you can afford vet care, never let your pet run loose.
Keep your pet up to date on shots. The shots are a lot cheaper than paying for the illness that will result from not getting shots.
Keep your pet on Heartworm Preventative. HW preventative also will prevent other parasites. And the preventative is a lot cheaper than treating your pet for parasites
Establish a relationship with a regular vet. If something major happens to your pet, a vet who knows you and your pet is more likely to work with you on a payment plan.

Before you get a pet.
Look at your income and budget. Do you have an extra 2000 a year to spare after paying bills and putting away money for retirement and putting away money for the kids education and for rainy day savings? If so, then it's probably okay to get a new fuzzy companion.

If you don't have the extra money, then do not get a pet. It's not fair to the pet. And it's not fair to your friends, family and strangers who will wind up caring for your pet when you cannot.

Don't have a lot of money but you still want to get a pet?
If yes:
Are you willing to go hungry to pay vet bills so that you pet won't suffer?
Are you willing to work extra hours or take on a second job to pay vet bills so your pet won't suffer ?
Are you willing to give up non essential things like cable TV, Internet, cell phone, air conditioning, cigarettes, etc.. so your pet won't suffer?
If you can't answer yes to all of the above, please don't get a pet.

If you have a pet that you can't afford, are you willing to try to find a good home with excellent vet records and enough money to care for a pet?

If you like being around animals but know you can't afford one of your own, then volunteer at an animal shelter or volunteer to be a foster parent.

RESOURCES

If you can't afford Vet Care:
http://www.uan.org/index.cfm?navid=162
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/what_you_can_do_if_you_are_having_trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html

Low Cost Spay Neuter/VaccinationsMan and Beast
Animal Defense League
SNAP
Windcrest Animal Hospital
San Antonio Animal Control
More info here: http://fuzzychildren.blogspot.com/2010/03/low-cost-spay-neuter-vaccinations-in.html

Low Cost Pet Meds1800petmeds.com

Shelters/Rescue Groups/Contacts, etc..
http://docs.google.com/View?id=ddtbr7bw_402c9p75mcv

How much do YOU weigh?

I hear it all the time. "I'd like to bring the dog in the house, but he is too big." We had to move to a smaller apartment so we couldn't take the dog because there wasn't enough room."
My first response to that is: "How much do you weigh?" If a 180 pound human can live in a house, why not a 50 pound lab?
I met some people a couple of months ago who had turned in a very small dog because they were moving into a condo. I bet they took their sofa and their big screen TV to that condo, but somehow a 10 pound dog won't fit.

I understand their are people out there who don't feel like I do about dogs and I respect that. But if your sofa is more important than your dog, then obviously, you don't like dogs. If you don't like dogs, then why did you get one?

If you loose your house cat

Good info from sapaws.com:
http://www.sapaws.com/When_your_house_cat_dashes_for_door_dont_panic_.html

Travelers - take your pets

Saw a post somonewhere that reminded me of an old Twilight Zone Episode. The ending narrative:
"Travelers to unknown regions would be well-advised to take along the family
dog. He could just save you from entering the wrong gate. At least, it happened
that way once—in a mountainous area of the Twilight Zone"

Check out the episode by clicking here:
http://www.cbs.com/classics/the_twilight_zone/video/video.php?cid=649562032&pid=\
1C83Z0a4Yv19oUM1Hzu7vclL7y0DcX4m

If you can't afford vet care

This useful list was taken from: http://www.uan.org/index.cfm?navid=162

Prepare and PreventNon-routine veterinary care is almost always an unexpected expense and a financial burden. Though not all situations are preventable, there are a few simple things animal guardians can do to minimize risk of finding oneself in the desperate situation of being unable to pay for emergency care.
Spay and neuter all animals. Many health problems are prevented by spay or neuter.
Keep cats indoors. Keep dogs on leash when not in a secure area. Use caution when leaving animals unattended, and only leave them unattended in a secure area.
Practice good routine care. Give necessary vaccinations, heartworm and flea prevention where needed, feed a good quality diet, and provide ample fresh water.
Contribute to a special savings account for veterinary care. Even $5 per month can add up to a significant amount.
Keep the number of animals you are responsible for within your means.
Research the benefits of purchasing a pet health insurance policy.
General Information and Advice on FundraisingWhen a loved animal member of your family is sick and the treatment is difficult to afford, the situation can seem helpless. Financial assistance programs are few and far between, and a situation can rarely be paid for entirely by grants.
Below are some suggestions from previous LifeLine applicants. If you have a successful fundraising strategy to share, please e-mail us.
Be upfront with your veterinarian about your financial restrictions.
Discuss with your veterinarian the minimum treatment to save your animal's life. For example, amputation can be a more financially attainable option than reconstructive surgery; or purchasing a wheelchair for an animal can be more attainable than a full hip replacement. Your veterinarian can help you evaluate what is most attainable for your situation, keeping your animal's quality of life in mind.
Ask other area clinics how much they normally charge for a similar treatment on a similar animal. Costs can vary widely from clinic to clinic.
Find a quick way to earn money, such as having a bake sale, yard sale or car wash.
Create a funding page using your social network site or other funding tool, like ChipIn, Dropcash orFundable.
Contact local animal shelters and rescue organizations for leads to low-cost clinics and/or help with fundraising. Petfinder.com has a comprehensive list of rescue organizations from all over the country. Visit Petfinder.com and click on “Shelters” at the top of the page.
Post fliers or collection jars with a description of the situation and a picture of the animal at local dog parks, vet clinics, pet stores and other community gathering places.
Contact church or community organizations and explain your situation. They may be willing to help you fundraise or to raise awareness.
Local restaurants may offer a fundraising opportunity in which a portion of a day's sales is donated to an organization.
Offer to wash floors or do other labor at the veterinary clinic in exchange for lowering the treatment cost.
Ask for loans from your family and friends.
Ask family and friends to help spread the word about your situation.
If you have family or friends who smoke, ask them to take a break from smoking and give their cigarette money to your animal.
If the animal is a purebred, contact that breed's enthusiast club in your area.
Explain the situation to your landlord or mortgage company and try to arrange a payment option to free up rent money for veterinary treatment.
Check out some more ideas

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/what_you_can_do_if_you_are_having_trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html

Help for Pet Health Care Costs
Many pet owners, at one point or another, are faced with unexpected veterinary bills. Veterinary medicine has advanced to such a degree that caregivers have new, and often expensive, options for the care of their ailing pets. Although the cost of veterinary care is actually very reasonable in comparison with the much higher cost of human health care, an unexpected medical emergency can present a major financial dilemma for an unprepared pet owner.
Having TroubleAffording Your Pet?
There are groups that can help.
The Humane Society of the United States recommends that, in addition to preparing for routine pet-care costs, you regularly set aside money to cover for unexpected veterinary bills or consider pet health insurance. For example, create a special "pet savings account" and contribute money to it on a regular basis. Another great option is to purchase a pet health insurance policy. The HSUS has partnered with Petplan USA, to offer great saving to our members. Petplan USA is affiliated with Petplan UK—the world's largest and most trusted pet insurance company. It's recommended by more pet owners and veterinarians than any other. Use whichever option works best for you. The important thing is to have a plan and stick to it.If, despite your planning, your pet incurs major veterinary expenses that you have trouble affording, consider these suggestions:
• Ask your veterinarian if he or she will let you work out a payment plan. Many veterinarians are willing to work out a weekly or monthly payment plan so that you do not have to pay the entire cost of veterinary care up front.• Contact your local shelter. Some shelters operate or know of local subsidized veterinary clinics or veterinary assistance programs. You can find the name and number of your local shelter in the Yellow Pages of your phone book under "animal shelter," "animal control" or "humane society," or by calling Information. You can also go to Pets911.com and enter your zip code to find a list of animal shelters, animal control agencies, and other animal care organizations in your community.• If you have a specific breed of dog, contact the National Club for that breed. (The American Kennel Club, akc.org, has a list of the national dog clubs.) In some cases, these clubs offer a veterinary financial assistance fund. Additionally, The HSUS has a list of breed-specific assistance groups.• There are some organizations that offer assistance locally (by state or community). See our state-by-state (including Canada) listing.• The HSUS also has a list of organizations that provide assistance to senior, disabled or ill pet owners.• Ask your veterinarian to submit an assistance request to the American Animal Hospital Association's (AAHA) "Helping Pets Fund." In order to qualify, your animal hospital must be AAHA accredited. To learn more about the program visit the AAHA web site. To find an AAHA accredited hospital in your area, search online at Pets911.com.• If you bought your dog from a reputable breeder, check your contract to see if there is a health guarantee that covers your pet's ailment.• Check with veterinary schools in your state to see if they offer discount services to the public. You can find a list of veterinary schools in the Education section of the American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) website, avma.org.• Use your credit card. Ask for a higher credit limit or a cash advance.• Call your bank. Ask about loan programs or other options they can suggest that might be helpful in your situation.• Ask your employer for a salary advance.• Alert family and friends and ask them each for a $25 loan.• Consider taking on a part-time job or temping.• Contact Care Credit at www.carecredit.com
• Apply for a Citi Healthcard at www.healthcard.citicards.com
• Start your own fundraising collection at www.fundable.com
Given the current state of the economy, many pet caregivers are in need of basic necessities such as pet food. If you find yourself in this position, be sure to contact your local humane societies as some organizations have started their own pet food bank program. In addition, you can visit petsofhomeless.com/members.htm to view a state-by-state listing of food banks that are offering pet food for the pets of the homeless and disadvantaged.
The following is a list of organizations that provide financial assistance to pet owners in need. Please keep in mind that each organization is independent and has their own set of rules and guidelines. Therefore you will have to investigate each one separately to determine if you qualify for assistance:
IMOM Inc., IMOM.org
Help-A-Pet, help-a-pet.org
The Pet Fund, thepetfund.com
Good Sam Fund, goodsamfund.org
United Animal Nations LifeLine Fund, uan.org
Angels for Animals, angels4animals.org
Brown Dog Foundation, browndogfoundation.org/home
Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program, fveap.org
Feline Outreach, felineoutreach.org
Cats In Crisis, catsincrisis.org
The Perseus Foundation (Cancer specific), PerseusFoundation.org
Canine Cancer Awareness, caninecancerawareness.org
Cody's Club (Radiation treatments), codysclub.bravehost.com/
Diabetic Pets Fund, petdiabetes.net/fund/
The Mosby Foundation, themosbyfoundation.org
Magic Bullet Fund (Cancer Specific), themagicbulletfund.org
The Binky Foundation, binkyfoundation.org
God's Creatures Ministry Veterinary Charity, http://www.all-creatures.org/gcm/help-cf.html
Please remember that, depending on the severity of your pet's illness or injury, you might still lose your pet even after great expense. Discuss the prognosis and treatment options thoroughly with your veterinarian, including whether surgery or treatment would just cause your animal discomfort without preserving a life of good quality.Also remember that a little preventive care can go a long way. Having your pet spayed or neutered, keeping her shots up to date, and keeping your pet safely confined can prevent serious and costly health problems. If you have trouble affording the cost to spay or neuter your pet, contact your local animal shelter. They might operate a clinic or know of a local clinic that offers subsidized services.Unfortunately, due to our limited resources as a nonprofit animal protection organization, The HSUS does not provide direct financial assistance to pet owners for veterinary or other expenses. If you know of any veterinary assistance programs or services that we have not included here, please let us know by calling 202-452-1100. Breed Specific Assistance ProgramsThe Boston Terrier Rescue Net, bostonrescue.netCorgiAid, corgiaid.org Special Needs Dobermans, doberman911.org Disabled Dachshund Society, ourdds.org Dougal's Helping Paw (Scottish Terriers, West Highland White Terriers and other small, short legged terriers), http://www.welcome.to/dougalsfundLabrador Harbor, labradorharbor.org/Labmed, labmed.orgLabrador Lifeline, labradorlifeline.orgWestimed (West Highland White Terriers), westiemed.orgPyramedic Trust (Great Pyrenees), http://www.angelfire.com/bc2/pyramedic/summary.html
Working/Service DogsHelping Harley Cancer Treatment Grant, http://grants.landofpuregold.com Assistance Dogs Special Allowance (ADSA) Program, http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/PG82.htm
State-Specific ProgramsCANADAAnimal Cancer Therapy Subsidization Society Lucky Moffat Memorial Fund, actssalberta.org/lucky/lmmf.asp (Alberta Canada Only)The Farley Foundation, farleyfoundation.org (Ontario Canada Only)
CALIFORNIAActors and Others for Animals, actorsandothers.comSF/SPCA Animal Hospital, sfspca.org/hospital/index.shtml Animal Health Foundation, http://animalhealthfoundation.net/Peninsula CatWorks (cats only), www.peninsulacatworks.org
COLORADOMax Fund, maxfund.orgHarrison Memorial Animal Hospital, www.hmah.org
CONNECTICUTConnecticut Humane Society Fox Veterinary Clinic, cthumane.org/site/PageServer?pagename=About_Fox
MARYLAND/WASHINGTON, D.C.Washington Animal Rescue League, warl.org
MASSACHUSETTSAlliance For Animals Metro Action Clinic, afaboston.org/clinic.htm Massachusettes SPCA (Provides financial assistance for pet owners receiving services at one of its three medical centers, mspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AAMC_Boston_Financial_Assistance):
Angell Memorial Animal Hospital-Boston350 South Huntington Ave. Boston, MA 02130617-522-7282
Angell Animal Medical Center-Nantucket21 Crooked LaneNantucket, MA 02554508-228-1491
Angell Animal Medical Center-Western New England171 Union St.Springfield, MA 01105413-785-1221
The Sampson FundPO Box 1756Orleans, MA 02653sampsonfund.orgThe fund is to benefit companion animals of Cape Cod and the adjacent Islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.
MICHIGANMichigan Humane Society maintains three veterinary clinics:michiganhumane.org
DetroitMHS Detroit Center for Animal CareVeterinary Center:7401 Chrysler DriveDetroit, MI 48211313-872-0004
Rochester HillsMHS Rochester Hills Center for Animal CareVeterinary Center:3600 W. Auburn RoadRochester Hills, MI 48309248-852-7424
WestlandMHS Berman Center for Animal CareVeterinary Center:900 N. Newburgh RoadWestland, MI 48185734-721-4195
NEVADAShakespeare Animal, shakespeareanimalfund.org
NEW JERSEYSave U.S. Pets Foundation (Veterinarian must apply on behalf of pet owner), www.saveuspets.org
NEW YORKNY S.A.V.E Inc., nysave.org/index_2.html ALL 4 PETS, all4petswny.org (Limited to Western New York)
NORTH CAROLINAAshley's Angel Fund, ashleyfund.org/
OREGONThe Bearen Foundation, bearenfoundation.org/funding.htm
PENNSYLVANIAAnimal Care & Assistance Fund, http://www.animalcarefund.orgThe Animal Rescue of Western PA, animalrescue.org/Clinic.htm The Humane Society of Berks County Veterinary Hospital, berkshumane.org/vets/vets_services.asp RHODE ISLANDRIVMA Companion Animal Foundation, companionanimalfoundation.org
TEXASTexas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine "The Capper and Chris Save the Animals Fund," cvm.tamu.edu/capperchris/index.shtml
Organizations Offering Assistance Programs for Senior, Disabled or Ill Pet OwnersCALIFORNIAVoice for the Animals Foundation, Helping Friends Program, http://vftafoundation.orgAniMeals Helen Woodward Animal Center, animalcenter.org/animeals/ SF SPCA Animal Hospital, sfspca.org/hospital/index.shtml SHARE Marin Humane Society, marinhumanesociety.org/ProgramsServices/SHARE.htmlPAWS San Diego, pawssdc.org/PALS - Pets Are Loving Support, http://sonic.net/~pals/index.htmlPAWS Los Angeles, pawsla.org/PAWS San Francisco, pawssf.org
CONNECTICUTManchester Area Network on AIDS AID-A-PET, mana-ct.net/Aid-A-Pet.html
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIAPETS-DC, petsdc.org/
GEORGIAPALS - Pets Are Loving Support, palsatlanta.org
HAWAIIHawaiian Humane Society: PALS Program, hawaiianhumane.org/programs/pals/
MASSACHUSETTSPhinney's Friends (MSPCA), mspca.org/phinneysfriends
MICHIGANPet Support Services, petsupportmi.org/
NEVADAShakespeare Animal, shakespeareanimalfund.org.
NEW JERSEYPetPALS of Southern New Jersey, petfinder.com/shelters/NJ151.html
NEW YORKHumane Society of Lollypop Farm, lollypop.org/orgMain.asp?ssid=&storyID=105&orgID=14&sid
PENNSYLVANIAPittsburgh PAWS (Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force), andrew.cmu.edu/user/natashat/PAWS/
TEXAS SPCA of Texas, spca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=programs_socialservices_2004#petomeals UTAHPet Samaritan Fund, www.petsamaritan.org
WASHINGTONPet Project: Seattle-King County Humane Society, seattlehumane.org/petproject.shtml and seattlehumane.org/foodbank.shtml Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Good Samaritan Fund, www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-prd/GoodSam
CANADAPet Program (Toronto PWA Foundation), pwatoronto.org/what.htm#pets
For more information, visit cdc.gov/healthypets/resources/local_organizations.htm.

Presentation on Fuzzy Companion Care

http://docs.google.com/View?id=ddtbr7bw_371d3jps644

Financial Assistance for Fuzzy Companions

Here are some places where folks can go if they need financial assistance for their pets. This is a short list. If you google "pet fund" or "pets in crisis"or something like that they you will probably find more. I haven't looked into all of them, but I'm pretty sure they all have the same theme:
Won't help with routine care.
Won't help pay bills that are paid off or due.
Will only help if can't afford to pay and pet will die if vet is not paid.
One or two of them are very strict - won't help animals that are not fixed. Won't help with medical bills that are the owner's fault (like if your pet runs loose and gets run over)

Financial Assistance for Companion Animals
This one lists several agencies:
http://www.michiganpetfund.org/medical-behavior-resources-training-assistance.php

Here are others:
http://www.catsincrisis.org/crisisFund.htmlhttp://www.savingpaws.org/doing.html
http://www.savingpaws.org/doing.html

For routine care - there is an abundance in financial assistance
Check with Windcrest Animal Hospital, Man and Beast, SNAP, Animal Care Services, Animal Defense League, etc..

No reason to not get your fuzzy companions fixed

Free and low cost spay neuter clinics all over town. Check SNAP, Man and Beast, Animal Control, Windcrest Animal Hosp etc..

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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From:
Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:35:26 -0000
To: <AAPAW@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [AAPAW] Special Spay/Neuter clinics @ACS in July

Animal Care Services is hosting eight low cost cat spay/neuter clinics in the month of July. Both cats and dogs can be scheduled for low cost surgery in the ACS Veterinary clinic and residents will be able to get their pets sterilized, vaccinated and micro-chipped for a special rate of just $10. Clinic dates are as follows:

July 6th- cat neuter day

July 7th- cat spay day

July 8th- dog neuter day (in honor of Dog Awareness Week)

July 13th-cat spay day

July 14th- cat neuter day

July 20th- cat neuter day

July 21st- cat spay day

July 27th cat spay day

All clinics will be held at the ACS shelter located at 4710 State Highway 151 and are open to Bexar County residents only. Ferals and owned cats will be accepted on cat clinic days but each clinic is limited to three animals per household in order to offer these services to as many residents as possible. Space is limited and some restrictions apply so residents should call ACS at 207-6652 to reserve a spot today!

.

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If you think your dog has been stolen

Saw this post on a group site. I have helped look for lost dogs and always thought a healthy reward would help stolen pets get back home. I never thought pretending you are a buyer. Great idea! See below

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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From:
Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:08:09 -0700 (PDT)
To: <AAPAW@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: [AAPAW] ....

.... Also, a few tricks of the trade I've used when trying to track down lost dogs for those who contact us with stolen/lost pets... go to cl, oodle, backpage, kijiji and post a want to buy ad, people who steal dogs often sell them... also I found a stolen dog, nearly a YEAR after the fact at a flea market near Austin... flea markets are a good place to check often for lost/stolen pets... it's quick cash and no paper trail sort of thing. That's why people still "in demand " breeds... I hope this helps your Tech....let me know if I can assist you any further! ....

.

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Animal Care Giver Manual

Click here for link to a manual that you can use for those who take care of fuzzy companions.

Check out my main blog at http://latrenda.blogspot.com/

Foods that are bad for your pets

Most people know by now that chocolate can kill a dog. Grapes can also kill - dogs have died of renal failure after consuming grapes or rasins.
Other things to keep away from your fuzzy children:
Oleander
Poinsetia
Onions
Macadamia nuts

See my main blog at http://latrenda.blogspot.com
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Dog Walking Devices

See my document here

माय Lupe

Yawning

Did you know that when a dog yawns, it doesn't always mean she/he is tired or sleepy? In dog language, a yawn is often a pacifying gesture.
The dog might be trying to say - "no need to be afraid of me. I mean you no harm."

Lupe's. Story

Lupe's Story

A couple saw a starving dog in a humane trap out in the country. They were concerned about her so they kept checking on her. They saw her in the trap for 3 days straight. On the 3rd day, she had 7 puppies in the trap. They couple then brought the whole thing (the trap containing all 8 animals) into the ADL on a Friday after hours. The following Saturday I was asked to foster her and her babies. The plan was that while the puppies were growing up, the adult dog would get some socialization then I could return all to the shelter. I said hello to the mama dog Saturday afternoon – went home and got my house ready and picked up everyone to take home on Sunday (March 19th, 2006). Lupe didn't know how to walk on a leash and she was so afraid of me that she urinated and defecated on me when I picked her up. She was frightened but very docile.

I set up Lupe and her puppies in my spare hallway bathroom. Although the door was left wide open, Lupe was too afraid to leave the room. Whenever I left the house, or went to sleep, she would come out and potty in the dining room (the furthest point from the bathroom). Not only did she stay in the bathroom, but whenever she wasn't feeding her puppies, she would stay in the bathtub.

Her socialization was slow. I had to carry her outside. She was so frightened, she either sat in a corner of the yard or ran back into the house. She would only go potty inside the house. Never outside. Like I said, the first time I picked her up, she urinated and deficated on me. The 2nd time I picked her up, she only urinated on me. The third time I carried her, I didn't get soiled. But for months afterwards, whenever she met someone new, she would defecate.

It took her about 2 months to come out of the bathroom and she slowly started moving out of the bathroom and into the bedroom with me over the course of a couple of months. She kept all her toys in the bathtub. When she decided to start moving into the bedroom with me, every morning when I awoke, I would find a new toy in my bedroom. After another month or two, all her toys were in the bedroom and she was sleeping in the bed with me.

After about 4 months, she finally started going potty outside but only in select places. In the beginning, I had to drive her to the shelter or to the vet to get her to go potty.

After about another month, she would also potty if I walked her all the way outside the subdivision – only to the left – not the right side of the subdivision.

After about anther month, she finally started going potty in the neighborhood but at the far end of the neighborhood so finally after 6 months, she stopped going potty in the house.

She wouldn't potty in the back yard until Matt-Matt moved in with us. Matt-Matt is another story.

After about 8 months or so, she finally stopped defacating when she would meet someone new but she still is very afraid of new people.

All of her puppies came back to the shelter at 6 weeks old and were quickly adopted. I felt that Lupe would probably always be a special needs dog so I adopted her. I couldn't bring myself to put her in the kennel were she would cowering in a corner.

All her babies would be adults now. I think about them all the time.

See Lupe pictures and videos here

"Lupe's Story" slide show chronology

"Free Range Puppies" – video of Lupe's puppies

Lupe's Puppies 24 April 2006" – video of Lupe's puppies

http://briefcase.yahoo.com/bc/latrenda.walker@sbcglobal.net/lst?.dir=/Lupe&.order=&.view=l&.src=bc&.done=http%3a//briefcase.yahoo.com/

Fw: MattMattArticleUpdated

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Hi, my name is Matt. My friends call me Matt-Matt. I got that name because a kennel worker said that when I bark, I sound like I’m saying “Matt-Matt.”

I was found as a stray and brought to a shelter back in March 2003. I was about 2 years old back then. I was nervous and scared and found solace within the confines of my kennel. Because I was so scared, I began lashing out at anyone who tried to enter my personal space (my kennel). I soon gained a reputation of being aggressive. Nevertheless, some kennel workers didn’t let that deter them. They looked past my aggressive reputation and saw a sweet, scared dog. One kennel worker helped a volunteer realize that if people got to know Matt outside of his kennel first, he would quickly warm up and allow those folks into his kennel later. One volunteer made friends with Matt and introduced him to other volunteers. Although Matt still has an “aggressive” reputation, he has made friends with several volunteers at the shelter who are able to easily enter his kennel. That first volunteer who got to know Matt later became a staff member and thought that after 3 and half years in the kennel barking at people Matt could use a little break. So she introduced Matt to her dog Lupe (another special needs dog who came from the same shelter). They both got along, so Matt started spending nights at home with the staff member and Lupe.

Matt was very nervous at first, but he quickly settled in to the house environment. He loves to sleep on the bed and hang out on piles of blankets and towels. He tries very hard to be a good boy. He has already learned sit and lay down (who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks) and he always comes running when his name is called. He walks very well on the leash whenever he goes away from the house. One the way back to the house, he pulls hard because he is nervous. But he is getting some help with that

Matt’s foster Mom tried hard to find Matt a permanent home. But no one came in asking about the cute little red heeler. So after 6 months, Matt made his foster home a permanent home.

How To Make a Slip Leash

Occasionally, my blogs as well as my interests will overlap. For example, I love dogs and I also like to save money (so I can work less and spend more time walking dogs). Therefore I came up with a cheap way to make my own slip leashes.

Please see my YouTube videos on how to make a slip leash. This information is also linked to my money blog

You can make these yourself, purchase them online or at a store or you can purchase from me.

My no-frills leash goes for 10 dollars and my crocheted leash sells for 20 dollars. Any money made will go back to the shelter where I volunteer - in the form of treats, collars, leashes, etc... for the dogs and cats at the shelter.

YouTube will only allow videos of 10 minutes max so I broke this down into segments.

To view the videos, click on one of the little arrows. To view a full size video, click on the little square at the bottom right.

Caution - never leave a dog unattended wearing a slip leash. Be careful not to damage a dog's trachea while using a slip leash. Be careful not to injure yourself or others when using sharp objects such as the scissors and needles you will be using to make your slip leash.

The first segment is mostly cautions and introductions.



This second section finishes up making what I call a "no-frills" slip leash. Coming later, how to make a fancier leash and other slip leash resources if you don't want to make your own or purchase one of mine.




Other Slip Leash Resources



Next are some videos on making a fancier slip leash - with crochet and more details. The instructions are more detailed and take much longer. It will take me a few days to get all the video loaded. I'm posting here as the video is uploaded to Youtube. I'm going to look into sharing playlist.

How to make a slip leash with crochet - part one



How to make a slip leash with crochet - part two


For part three of how to make a slip leash with crochet, I'm going to attempt to make a playlist in Youtube (the slideshow in photbucket didn't work out)and share it here. I have about 50 more clips to load so it might take a few days. Hopefully, they will become viewable here as I load them onto YouTube. Please note that there will be a delay between each video clip.


To return to my main blog, go to http://latrenda.blogspot.com/

This post will also be linked in my Money Matters Blog at http://latrenda-money.blogspot.com/

My Lupe

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Shy or Unsocialized Dogs - Approaching, Socializing

Unsocialized Dog Tips
(These tips also apply to well-adjusted, happy, friendly dogs)

Applies to your own shy dog, a shy dog you meet on the street or volunteering at a shelter.
* Caution - although a shy dog's first response is mostly likely to run away when frightened, a shy dog can and will bite if she or he feels cornered or trapped. Give yourself and the dog an escape route when socializing.

How do you recognize an unsocialized dog? One, some or all of the below:
Tail tucked
Eyes darting and/or wide open
Cowering, ducking
Trembling
Heavy panting
Excessive licking
Backing away from you
When the kennel worker takes me out of my kennel and hands me to you, please just let me walk. The first thing I want to do is go potty. Then I want to smell where everyone else has pottied, then I want to stretch my legs and get used to the idea that a stranger is walking me. If you try to pet me as soon as I come out of the kennel, you will probably frighten me; I will feel trapped and forced into getting petted. Also if you try to comfort me when I’m scared you only reinforce my timid behavior.

Please realize that we don’t have to do anything when we are together. I’m just happy to get out and about. Don’t feel bad if I don’t want to play fetch or jump in the pool or talk to you right away.

If we are in a play area together or a kennel or a house, please give me plenty of space and allow me to come up to you when I’m ready. I’m much more comfortable meeting you on my own terms. I will warm up to you much faster if our meeting isn’t forced. Let me come to you when I’m ready.

Please don’t make any sudden movements. All movements should be slow, flowing and deliberate. Let me know what you are doing at all times.

I feel much more comfortable when we are on the same level. I would really appreciate it if you would sit on the ground or floor for me. Then you don’t look so big and you look much less frightening.

Please don’t look directly at me. Use your peripheral vision if possible. In doggie language, a direct stare means that you are challenging me and looking for a confrontation. Try to keep your side to my side.

Please don’t try to pet me on my head. This can be frightening to me. Once I’m ready to get petted, I will approach you. When I do this, then slowly raise your cupped hand (no straight fingers) towards my chest or shoulder and give me a little scritch. If I don’t cower, then you can try scratching my back. If I try to run off while you are petting me, please let me. I’ll come back when I feel more comfortable.

If I'm frightened, it's best to leave my leash on at all time when we are outside. Even in an enclosed area like a yard. If not, you might have a hard time releashing me or getting me back inside.

What happens if you can’t pick up my leash or get my leash back on?
Please don’t chase or corner me. This will only frighten me more and I might try to bite you
You might want to try hiding the leash and just petting me first; then slip the leash on when I’m not expecting it (slow and deliberate movements)

Since I’m so timid, I might try to escape the first chance I get. If I get loose, please don’t chase me or corner me. This will only frighten me more. Call softly if it doesn't seem to bother. Try walking or crawling backwards towards me. This make me more comfortable.
o

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

This is an old cliche but it is so relevant today. Especially with pet care in todays economic times.
Spend 5 dollars a month on Heartworm preventative and avoid a 400- 1,000 dollar bill for treating heartworms. Can't afford 5 dollas a month you say? I think most people could. Look at where you can cut back? Do you really need those 100 cable channels? That McDonald's breatkfast before work? Even if you never eat out, could you eat little less? Give up meat for a day or two. A bean and brown rice dinners if pack full of protein, fiber, and vitamins.

Another way to save on vet bills is to keep your fuzzy companion safe. Can't afford a super expensive emergency vet bill? Never ever let you dog or cat run loose where he or she could get run over by a car, attacked by another animals or shot or injured by another human.

Flexi leads are probably quite fun for your dog but humans have sustained serious digit injuries from these things (causing human emergency room bills) and dogs are also in serious danger because humans can't maintain control or gain quick control in an emergency situation. What if your dog is 20 feet in front of you and an aggressive dog runs out of nowhere (it happens!). How long will it take you to regain control?
Check out this posting: http://www.dogforums.com/2-general-dog-forum/52327-i-hit-dog-flexi.html

Tails

Did you know a tucked tail means that a dog is shy or frightened. Although a tucked tails doens't mean aggression, be very cautious. A frightened dog will bite if she or he fills cornered or trapped.

Next, how to approach a shy dog

Tails

Did you know that a dog's wagging tail doesn't always mean "I'm happy" or "I'm friendly". A wagging tail can also mean, "I'm the dominate dog and if you don't submit to me, I might have to bite you". Usually, a dominate tail wag is high and stiff.
Also watch out for tails that stand straight up. If two dogs meet and both their tails are high and tight, watch out! A fight might just be imminent.