Here’s a little information for those who would like to help out our local shelters whether it be helping the animals, giving back, bonding with family, or for any other reason you deem necessary. For those first-time volunteers there are usually some fees associated with volunteering for things such as T-shirts, insurance, etc. and most (if not all) have a volunteer orientation that is mandatory beforehand. Adults can volunteer but there are usually some exceptions when it comes to kids. Some places also require a background check to be completed before volunteering.
Helotes Humane Society 10675 Shaenfield Rd., San Antonio, TX 78254
210-422-6242
Orientation every 3rd Saturday of the month. Cost $25 per adult & $20 per student (minimum age is 16).
I know Mondays can be a bit hectic with kids, spouses, school, work and many other responsibilities. Here’s a short inspirational pet story to help make your heart smile.
This adorable little piggy goes by the name of Chris P. Bacon. I love that his parents have a sense of humor. He has a congenital defect affecting his rear legs. He was first brought to veterinarian Dr. Len Lucero to be euthanized. The woman who brought him was reluctant but did not know what kind of life he would have. Other than the defect, he was a happy and healthy pig.
Dr. Lucero decided to take him home and build a prosthetic out of his son’s old toys. This resilient piggy learned how to use his new device to get around.
A company called Handicapped Pets provided a better prosthetic to Dr. Lucero during a veterinarian conference. This one is normally used for dogs.
Thought this video was too cute to pass up. He has his own song!
Lucero
Cute pics!
Chris. P. Bacon has a furever home with Dr. Lucero. No matter what life gives you, there is always a way and people to help you through it. There is always hope.
Bacon
All photos courtesy of Chris P. Bacon Pig on Wheels Facebook.
An African elephant named Bubbles and a black lab named Bella have become an internet sensation due to their unique friendship. Bubbles was rescued in Africa from poachers that had killed both her parents for their ivory tusks. But it didn’t end there. If no one adopted Bubbles, she would eventually be released or killed due to facilities being unable to house and support them. She was fortunate enough to be saved by the Myrtle Beach Safari in South Carolina, and this is where the friendship begins. A contractor who was building a pool for Bubbles left Bella behind at the safari.
Bubbles arrived at the park weighing in over 300 lbs. and now she is a wonderful 9,000 lbs. She loves to swim with her best friend Bella, and play fetch. Bubbles has been around other animals but none of them compare to Bella.
Here’s a short video of their thrilling friendship!
Feeding dogs foods other than dog food can be a bit tricky for some people. What else can they eat? Or, more importantly, wantcan’t they eat? Here’s a quick run-down of some of the bad foods:
Xylitol – a sweetener found in candy, gum, baked goods, pudding, toothpaste, and even some diet foods. Symptoms can include vomiting, lethargy, coordination problems and even liver failure.
Avocado – contains a fungicidal toxin called persin. If you grow avocado plants keep them away from pets. Symptoms include vomiting or diarrhea. The seed can also become lodged in the intestine, becoming a fatal obstruction.
Alcohol – beer, liquor, wine or even food containing alcohol. Symptoms include those similar to humans affecting the liver and brain; “…vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, breathing problems, coma, even death” (WebMD). It doesn’t take much alcohol to do harm and the smaller the dog, the more severe it may be.
Yeast Dough – if eaten before it’s baked the dough may rise in your dog’s stomach. Symptoms include painfully swollen abdomen, alcohol poisoning (yeast ferments the dough to make it rise and creates alcohol).
Onions & Garlic – all forms such as raw, cooked, powder, etc. Too much can cause anemia by killing the red blood cells. Symptoms include weakness, breathing problems and vomiting.
Caffeine – in coffee, teas, chocolate, cocoa, energy drinks, some medication. Symptoms include hyperactivity, elevated heart rate, vomiting, seizures, and collapse.
Raisins & Grapes – can cause kidney failure. Symptoms include fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.
Persimmons, peaches, plums, apricots, cherries – the pits in these contain cyanide, poisonous to dogs and humans, dogs are at risk for swallowing the pits. Symptoms can include bright red coloring in the gums, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and death.
Salt – chips, salted pretzels, etc. can lead to sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms include really thirsty, depression, tremors, high temperature, seizures, fatigue, coma, and death.
If any of theses occur call your vet immediately, or take them to the nearest animal ER. You can also contact the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
All pictures corresponding to food descriptions were provided by WebMD.
Immortal Jellyfish (a.k.a Turritopsis Nutricula) has an extraordinary regeneration process when it reaches a mature state. “When it is injured or starving, it will attach itself to a surface in warm waters and turns into a sort of living blob…its cells undergo a process called “transdifferentiation” (Brown). Now, it can still be killed by predators and transdifferentiation (basically transformation of cells into other various cells) only occurs when maturity is reached. If they starve or get sick as polyps, they do not regenerate and therefore die” (Brown). Wow, sounds like something out of a Sci-Fi movie!
Miracle Milly
The world’s smallest dog (in height) is Miracle Milly. She is a female Chihuahua born December 2011 in Dorado, Puerto Rico owned by Vanesa Semler. Milly is a tiny 3.8 inches tall, and weighs only a pound. When she was born she weighed less than an ounce and fit into a teaspoon. She had to be carefully cared for when she was born and was feed by an eye dropper every two hours until she could eat on her own. She’s just so darn cute!
Dog Nail Clippers (guillotine-style works best for small breeds, pliers-style for larger breeds)
Dog Treats (optional, as a reward)
Styptic powder for dogs (to stop the bleeding if clipped too close)
Vetbabble
Sorry, the pic of the clippers looks a bit intimidating, but it shows various clippers that can be used. Clipping your dog’s nails can seem scary at first but with a little guidance it can be a positive experience. If you know your dog will be uncomfortable around the clippers, you can start getting your pet use to the sight of them by placing the clippers near his feet. Praise and give him treats, and do this for about 15 minutes, this can be done for a day or 2. The next day, squeeze the clippers so your pet will get use to the sound they make, and continue praising and treating (PetMD).
Now, to begin, make sure that the blades are working correctly and that you are comfortable with the clippers. Place the handle in the palm of your hand. Grab the paw with the other and use your fingers to separate your pets toes, if it’s necessary. Make sure you are clipping from underneath and not from the top downward. Slide the clippers over the nail, keeping within the whitish part of the nail. “The pink area of the nail is the live part and has blood vessels throughout – called the quick” (PetMD). Make sure you can see the blade and then make a quick, firm cut by squeezing the handles.
PetMDMattox
Other tips:
Use a file for a smoother nail
A bath may soften the nail before clipping
For more in depth instruction use the links provided below
Good Morning, you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed peeps! Today, I’d like to give some tips on bottle feeding new born puppies. This should only be done if absolutely necessary, such as instances of orphaned puppies, pup not receiving enough milk, etc.
Happy Puppy Team
Quick tips:
No cow’s milk
Wash hands thoroughly before each feeding
Sanitize all bottles and nipples before each feeding
About 1 ounce of food for every 8 ounces of body weight
Milk replacer should be room temperature before feeding
Leftover milk replacer needs to be refrigerated, but should be thrown away after 24 hours
Supply List:
Milk replacer
Nursing bottle and nipples
Scale (to manage puppy’s weight)
Towels
Heating Pad (optional)
Supplies can be purchased at a pet store, vet’s office, or online
First make sure milk replacer is at room temperature, test on the inside of your wrist. If more than a couple of drops come out when the bottle is upside down, try using a different nipple. If the milk replacer comes out too fast it can actually cause the puppy to choke. Grab the bottle, puppy, towel and find a comfortable spot to sit in. Wrap the puppy in a towel to prevent it from getting too cold during feeding. Begin feeding the puppy, make sure the puppy is on its belly when it’s feeding, never on its back. Puppies should be fed about every 2-3 hours, about 6 feedings a day, for 3-4 weeks. If you are using a heating pad to help keep puppies warm, remember to leave enough space for puppies to wiggle off the pad if they need to.
You will also need to stimulate puppies to eliminate waste. To do this use a damp cloth/cotton ball to rub puppy’s stomach and crotch area. Puppy poop may be a yellowish mustard color, this is normal, toothpaste consistency. Puppies may not poop after each feeding, but they should regularly poop. Clean the mess and the puppy.
Milestones
Day 1 – Puppies eyes are closed
Day 5 – Umbilical stump falls off
Days 14 thru 21 – Puppies begin to open their eyes
Day 21 – Puppy should begin to crawl
Day 28 – Puppy should be able to stand, begin weaning
Days 35 thru 42 – Puppy should be able to eat from a bowl
Just a little tid-bit about myself, my name is Rebecca Castillo, I am a mother to an awesome teenage boy, wife to an exceptional husband, part-time worker and full-time college student. I also have two furry companions. One is an 8 year old lab/pit mix named Ringo I rescued from a shelter in Abilene, Tx as a pup; and a 2 year old named Zion a…well I’m not sure what he’s mixed with…but he was rescued from poor conditions as a pup too. I will post a couple of pics of the bunch soon, I just need to find a few good ones.
Pet Talk 