Lit That Sheds Light

For avid readers like me, any time is a good time to curl up with a book.  A recent heat wave had me looking for ways to stay cool and not over exert.  I looked no further than my bedroom bookshelf.  I love collecting books and always have a selection of those read and loved as well as those waiting to be read.  In looking for my next read, I stumbled across a copy of Black Beauty by Anna Sewell. 

Black Beauty holds a dear place in my heart because when I read the book as a child, it made me think about life from the perspective of an animal, always at the mercy of humans - some kind, some not.  My mother taught her children compassion by reminding us to be gentle with our dolls and stuffed animals.  When we came into contact with real babies and animals, we already knew how to stroke gently or respect a creature who did not want to be touched.  Black Beauty put a voice and a face to my mother’s lessons.

I’ll always be grateful to Mom for teaching us that animals have feelings but many lack anyone to protect them from harm.  The books I chose to read as a child often lent a voice to the voiceless and it was a great way to reinforce the concept of animals as sentient creatures.  

When Black Beauty was published in 1877, it was the first book of its kind to promote sympathy, respect, and kindness for horses.  It inspired its own kind of animal activism among horse lovers and led to abolishing the use of the checkrein, a practice where the horse’s head was forced into an unnaturally high position that caused pain and permanent damage to the animal’s neck.  Animal activists still use the book as a symbol of compassion.

As the children in our lives embark on summer vacation, there are a host of good animal-centric books to be devoured and many lessons on compassion to be gleaned from these treasures.  Consider Charlotte’s Web, Call of the Wild, My Side of the Mountain and The Incredible Journey to name just a few.  What books impacted you as a child?  If you could choose just one to share with a young person, which would it be?  

These days my reading lists often center on 21st Century solutions to making the world a better place.  It’s amazing how many of these books - The China Study, The Starch Solution, Veganist - encourage better treatment of animals as a means of saving ourselves and the planet.

by Elizabeth Sundstrom 

Wishing all of my readers and the animals in their lives a safe and happy summer.  I will be on vacation July 12-29.  This column will resume on August 4.

Travels Without Fido

It’s that time of year again when many of us are looking forward to an annual vacation.  For my husband and me, the hardest part of preparing for travel is the anticipation of leaving our pets behind.  No matter how prepared we try to be, there is always the concern that an emergency will arise in our absence, as it did two years ago when our cat, Mrs. Bean, became critically ill with fatty liver disease.  Thanks to the diligence and quick action of our neighbor, Wanda, who was caring for Mrs. Bean, our story had a happy ending.

I’m getting ahead of myself though.  Our annual vacation preparations include arrangements for the care and feeding of our cat and two dogs.  There are special foods to purchase, vet visits to ensure the animals are in good health, and written documents for the pet sitters and vet allowing our permission to provide medical care in the event of an emergency.  We also provide the caregivers with copies of our itinerary so they know how to reach us. Mrs. Bean stays home and is cared for by Wanda while the dogs are lodged with our friend, Julie, who operates a doggie B&B from her home in the nearby hills.  

The written permissions and contact information became critically important when Bean fell ill.  While traveling outside the country, we received an e-mail from Wanda indicating that Mrs. Bean was off her food and appeared to be very lethargic.  How would we like Wanda to proceed?  We immediately requested she take Mrs. Bean to the vet.  The vet kept Bean and treated her over the next few days until we arrived home.  By that time, it was determined that Bean required surgery and feeding through a stomach tube for the next month.  However, it was Wanda’s quick intervention that ultimately saved her life.

As important as providing the above documentation is having a dedicated and reliable caregiver.  Wanda and Julie both fall into that category.  When searching for a pet-sitter or interviewing a kennel operator, the most important consideration aside from the animal’s physical safety and comfort, is trusting the caregiver.  Will he or she give your cherished pet enough attention to know when something is wrong or different about the pet’s behavior?  Will he or she then know what steps to take on behalf of your pet?  Leaving our animal family behind while we vacation is much easier knowing they are in such kind and capable hands. 

Wishing all of my readers safe travels this summer and hoping you return home rested to find your pets healthy and happy.

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

Too Much of a Good Thing

The City of Los Angeles is 503 square miles.  According to Pet Rescue and Adoption of Los Angeles, there are between 26,000-44,000 stray dogs on the streets of L.A. on any given day.  If that number seems shocking, according to a story reported by Judy Muller in February of this year, there may be as many as 2 million stray cats in Los Angeles!  

When I asked my colleague, Sandi, a couple of weeks ago how many pets she had helped rescue since Pet Allies started last fall, she had no clue.  Truth is, she is so busy trying to rehome unwanted dogs and cats that record-keeping is not a top priority.  Especially now that we are in the midst of “kitten season.”

Sandi also said that with so many animals in need of new homes, time and money are the biggest obstacles.  There are simply never enough volunteers, foster homes, or resources to ensure that all, or even most, of these animals get a fair chance.  

On this blog we often talk about the importance of spay/neuter as a means of reducing pet suffering through eliminating pet overpopulation.  What else can we do?  The American Humane Association suggests several actions we can take when choosing an animal companion.  

• Always adopt from a shelter or legitimate non-profit rescue organization.  For every animal purchased from a pet store or breeder, a shelter animal will die.  In some shelters, as many as 50 percent of the dogs and cats are purebred.
• Consider all the responsibilities of pet guardianship and commit to taking on this animal for the remainder of his/her life.
• Spread the word about pet overpopulation.  Most people have no idea how dire and unavoidable the situation has become.
• Spay/neuter!  Always.  Puppies and kittens can undergo this surgery as early as 2 months of age. Many shelter insist on altering the pet prior to adoption.

There are some problems in life we cannot change.  But working together, we can ensure a brighter future for our companion animals.  They give so much to us.  Let’s make sure we return the favor.

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

Animal Advocates in Action

During the coming months, I will be blogging occasionally about the women who founded Pet Allies Network (PAN) in the fall of 2012.  Who are they and what do they do?  I hope you will enjoy learning about PAN and the small but dedicated group of individuals trying to ensure positive outcomes for homeless pets. These articles will examine some of the ways PAN tackles that challenging issue.

Pet Allies Network consists of seven people: Sandi, Faith, Lisa, Roni, Kim, Alana, and me.  Several years ago, Best Friends Animal Society allowed volunteer writers to contribute to the Best Friends website.  That’s how we all “met” and became virtual friends.  Only Alana and I live outside Orange County (OC).  Alana is our Facebook guru and I focus on writing.  

The remainder of the group is scattered throughout OC where they facilitate rescues of deathrow dogs and cats from area shelters and aid private parties who need to rehome their pets. Although PAN networks with numerous shelters and organizations and provides resources and guidance for individuals, PAN is not a 501c3. Nor does it arrange adoptions or have a facility to house animals.  

Since I have no involvement in the hands-on process, I asked Sandi to tell me more about it.  PAN connects people, provides sample application forms and sample home check questions for individuals. Sandi draws heavily from her year-long experience as a paid employee of Best Friends and utilizes that knowledge for PAN.  

Sandi earns her living as a writer and donates her free time to animal rescue.  She doesn’t consider herself an animal activist.  "I don't know if I'd call it activism - just a belief in kindness to animals.  I believe animals deserve a chance to live full lives just like people do.”  She sees animals as partners, “just of a different species.”  

Next week you’ll read about some of the animals PAN seeks to help.

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

Hot Days, Cool Heads

Some messages bear repeating, if only because the consequences are so dire and the outcomes entirely preventable.  Summer is almost upon us and temperatures are rising.  This is a reminder that cats and dogs are subject to heat stroke.  Leaving pets unattended in a car, even for a short period of time, can be deadly.

Many people are well-intentioned and only plan to leave the pet briefly while running errands.  What could go wrong?  Even if the windows are left cracked and the temperature feels tolerable outside (between 70-80 degrees), it can quickly rise to over 100 degrees inside the car and within ten minutes your beloved pet can be near death.  Notice the first thing most of us do when entering our cars on a hot day is either roll down the windows or turn on the air conditioning.  Pets don’t have those options.

Hot cars are not the only source of concern on toasty days.  Animals should always have access to clean, cool water.  Dogs should not be confined to concrete or asphalt with no source of shade or compelled to exercise in extremely hot or humid weather.  Canines with heart or lung disease should be monitored closely.  And avoid muzzling your dogs on hot days.

Some breeds are more prone to heatstroke than others.  Dogs with double coats for instance.  Or breeds with pushed-in faces because they have smaller air passages and a harder time expelling hot air.  The symptoms of heat stroke include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, thick saliva and vomiting.  

Since cats are not exempt from heat stroke, precautions should be taken to ensure their comfort and safety during hot weather as well.  Symptoms for heat stroke in a cat include excessively restless behavior, sweaty feet, drooling, redness of tongue, and rapid breathing.

Additional symptoms for both cats and dogs include weakness, confusion, staggering, and seizures.  If your pet displays any of the symptoms of heat stroke, immediately remove him from the hot area and apply cool - not cold - wet towels to the stomach, feet, and head. Provide water but don’t force the animal to drink.  Seek vet care immediately. 

What can you do if you see a pet locked in a car with the windows rolled up?  You can call the police or, better still, the local humane authorities.  When you do, be prepared to supply them with the car’s color, make, model, license plate number and its exact location, such as an address or a section in a parking lot. Remain at the location until authorities arrive.

We all want to enjoy the summer.  Doing so means staying cool no matter what type of animal you may be.  Let’s not overlook - even for a few minutes - the needs of our companion animals. Saving a loved one’s life is that easy. 

'Tis the Season

In last week’s blog I referenced the fact that it’s “kitten season.”  But what does that mean and how does it translate to a crisis for homeless cats, rescue groups, and shelters throughout the country?

According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), “kitten season” starts in early spring and ends in the fall, peaking during the summer months.  A female can become pregnant as early as five months of age, having as many as three litters a year, 4-6 kittens per litter.

Now for the big picture math.  Approximately 70,000 cats and dogs are born in the U.S. every day.  To put this number into perspective, only 10,800 human babies are born in the U.S. on a daily basis. In any given year, there are 70 million strays, 30 million of which will die from abuse and exploitation.  As for the shelters we’ve come to rely on to aid us in managing the unwanted pet problem, there are only between 4,000-6,000 shelters in the U.S. and most still have staggering kill rates of 3-4 million dogs and cats per year.  The problem of pet overpopulation is avoidable if we humans do our part.

One reason it's difficult to convince people to alter their pets is the fact that most of us don’t see large numbers of homeless animals in our daily lives.  Such was not the case for Nancy Janes during a vacation to Romania more than 10 years ago.  Deeply distressed by the number of homeless and suffering dogs she saw on the streets, she started a non-profit, Romania Animal Rescue (RAR), upon her return home.  She estimates that millions of lives have been saved by reducing the number of homeless animals through spay/neuter.

Closer to home, my colleagues at Pet Allies Network had all previously volunteered and/or worked for animal rescues.  They knew firsthand the plight of homeless animals and decided to dedicate themselves to making a difference in Southern California.  Learn more about them and why they decided to start Pet Allies Network in an upcoming blog.  

For those of us who want to make a difference but need to start on a smaller scale, what can we do?  Well, we can spay and neuter our own pets and politely educate those around us, encouraging them to do the same.  For people who lack the funds to alter their pets, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) provides a search engine to aid people in finding low- or no-cost clinics.  If you don’t have a pet but want to make a difference, consider volunteering at your local shelter or making a donation to aid in the cause.

The numbers say it all and even though we don’t witness the outcomes firsthand, we know that 34 million pet deaths per year is not acceptable.  Let’s all make an effort to do one thing to lower that number.  If you're already active in animal rescue, please write and tell me how you're making a difference!

Feral colony in Richmond, California

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

Perfect Endings

At bedtime, I used to love holding my cat Zoe pressed against my chest, listening to her purr contentedly as I nuzzled my face into the soft fur of her neck.  Truthfully, it’s hard to hold onto a bad day when that’s how you’re ending it.  We know that pets provide many health benefits for their humans, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.  While we may be feeling mellow listening to the cat purr, what is she feeling?

Any cat lover will tell you that cats purr as a sign of contentment.  Newborn kittens are able to purr by the second day of life and often so do while nursing.  Relaxed felines purr while eating, drinking, and while giving or receiving affection.  However, cats also purr when they are in distress or pain.  A mother cat may purr while delivering her kittens while other cats purr as they lie sick or dying.  Purring can also communicate submissiveness or non-aggressive intentions from one cat to another.  

Scientists theorize that purring is caused by a release of endorphins into the brain, explaining why cats purr while in pain.  There are several theories regarding how the body produces a purr, none of them definitive.  The frequency range of a purr is between 25 to 150 Hz.  This frequency range is beneficial to healing so a cat may purr to aid in healing herself.  Researchers also believe that a sick or frightened feline might purr to psychologically comfort herself.

Our domesticated house cats are not the only purring creatures.  They share that attribute with mountain lions and bobcats.  Like the house cat, these cats cannot roar.  Cats such as lions and tigers that can roar lack the ability to purr due to structural differences surrounding the larynx.  Surprisingly, purring is not exclusive to cats.  A number of other creatures purr as well, including rabbits, raccoons, bear cubs, hyenas, and bats!

While we still have much to learn about how and why cats purr, according to current science, this is some of what Zoe’s purring most likely did for me: reduced blood pressure, triglycerides and risk of heart attack and stroke, to name just a few things.  People with cats may also live longer (and certainly happier) lives.  Most important of all, Zoe was a loyal and loving friend.  The emotional and physical health benefits of that cannot be measured. 

One of my colleagues in the field at Pet Allies Network, Sandi Cain, reminded me today that it is “kitten season.”  There are more babes and adults than homes.  Statistics indicate that 60 percent of American households have at least one pet and cats have edged out dogs as the pet of choice.  However, many thousands of cats die every year for no reason other than lack of homes.   You and I can make a difference.  Please spay and neuter your pets.

Wishing all of my readers more purr-filled endings to stressful days.

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

Altering Our Views on Spay/Neuter - Part II

In last week’s blog, we looked briefly at the positive aspects of spay/neuter for dogs and, as promised, this week’s blog looks at the upside of vasectomy and tubal ligation as less invasive forms of sterilization.  Before we get started, our feline-loving friends (which includes me!) may be wondering if the same rules apply to cats.  According to petMD, it is always advisable to spay/neuter cats at or before maturity for some very good reasons.  

First of all, an adult, non-castrated feline will spray his territory both indoors and out.  Non-spayed females have heat cycles during spring and fall but can experience estrus several times during the season.  What many people don’t know is that both cats and dogs can become infected with sexually transmitted diseases, making spay/neuter an important step towards insuring good health for one’s pets.  Opting for vasectomy or tubal ligation for a cat would not eliminate any of the above mentioned behaviors or health concerns.

Back to dogs.  I have to say that finding information regarding the benefits of vasectomy and tubal ligation for dogs is not easy!  That’s mainly because the arguments in favor of these surgeries tend to bump up against what many veterinarians and rescue organizations have worked for decades to convince people to do: be proactive in reducing the pet population by having your cat or dog spayed/neutered as early as possible.  More on that in a minute.

After spending a week scouring a number of reputable online sources hoping to provide readers with a list of reasons why vasectomy/tubal ligation could be a viable alternative to other forms of sterilization, this is the short list of what I found.  Most people who opted for vasectomy/tubal ligation for their dogs had the following reasons:  1) in-tact dogs are more competitive/athletic, 2) questions about the health benefits of spay/neuter, 3) concerns about the surgery and long-term health risks, 4) the belief that Fido has no current behavior or health problems requiring spay/neuter, and 5) keeping open the option of future breeding.

The arguments I read in favor of vasectomy/tubal ligation did not convince me.  One of the best arguments indicated that canine endocrine and immune systems are negatively impacted by early spay/neuter but there has been no long-term study comparing dogs who are sterilized via spay/neuter vs. vasectomy/tubal ligation.  While there is a growing body of evidence supporting that argument, for now it remains unproven.  However, there is strong evidence that spay/neuter can prevent certain life-threatening cancers and infections.  

Since U.S. shelters euthanize approximately two million dogs per year in this country and many shelters have alarmingly high (70 percent or more) kill rates, the current best answer to that problem still seems to be spay/neuter.  Vasectomy and tubal ligation will prevent pregnancy but they pose other health and behavior problems that are not worth the risk.

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

Altering Our Views on Spay/Neuter

Last week while reading an interview with Ted Kerasote, author of a new book called Pukka’s Promise, Kerasote discussed his bias in favor of having his dogs sterilized via vasectomy or tubal ligation rather than neutering or spaying.  Frankly, I never knew that was an option.  Evidently, most veterinarians don’t consider it one either so this alternative is rarely if ever offered.

After doing some research of my own, I learned on petMD that even in the San Francisco Bay Area where I live, as of 2010, only two vets were performing these alternative forms of sterilization.  Since vasectomies and tubal ligations are easier to perform and result in less pain and a quicker recovery time for Fido, I wondered why vets were so resistant.  And what is the difference between spay/neuter versus vasectomy/tubal ligation?

A vasectomy involves severing the ducts leading to the testicles.  Although the dog can no longer father pups, he can have sex and also retains the aggression associated with testosterone.  With castration, the testicles are removed entirely and the dog’s testosterone levels drop, showing a decrease in aggression towards humans and other male dogs.  It also eliminates the male’s constant urge to roam in search of a partner.  In addition, neutered dogs suffer fewer prostate problems, hernias, and perianal tumors.

With females, sterilization is invasive; the recovery process is longer and involves more pain.  The spaying procedure is known as an ovariohysterectomy (OHE) which is the complete removal of the reproductive tract.  The female will no longer produce hormones such as estrogen and progesterone - hormones that are believed to be potentially harmful later in the dog’s life.  Lastly, she will no longer have twice-yearly heat cycles.  A tubal ligation involves the oviducts only.  A third procedure is a hysterectomy which means removing only the uterus and leaving the ovaries, which continue to release hormones into the body.   

 While some people struggle with the idea of sterilizing a beloved pet, there are known medical benefits in doing so, particularly for females.  Many rescue organizations are now performing spay/neuter on puppies as young as eight weeks.  According to the North Shore Animal League the benefits for females include fewer ovarian and uterine tumors, a reduction in mammary cancer (particularly if the procedure is performed early), and elimination of health risks and stress involved in pregnancy.

Next week I’ll be writing about the perceived benefits of vasectomy and tubal ligation.  For those of you wondering how cats fare in this argument, I’ll also address that issue.  In the meantime, I would love to hear from readers who have opted to sterilize their dogs via vasectomy or tubal ligation.  Do you see any benefits or drawbacks?   What prompted you to make that choice?

For now, I’m just happy that more people are making the connection between sterilization and pet overpopulation.  Sterilization is still the most humane way to address that problem.  And if it provides additional health benefits to our companion animals, then it’s a win-win situation for all concerned.

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

Another Kind of Dog Fight

Fenced in recreational areas where dogs can exercise off-leash are very scarce where I live. For a group of local residents who wanted to take their dogs to a safe, enclosed area to socialize, Memorial Park seemed like the ideal place.  Located on property belonging to Albany High School, the park had been a gathering spot for many years for canines and their guardians. An informal agreement with the school allowed the dogs to use the large, grassy area when the students were not.  

Last year there were complaints from coaches and several neighbors that the dogs had become a nuisance. It became clear that the future of the dog park was in jeopardy.  A committed and responsible group of dog guardians organized to fight the proposed closure.  Petitions were routed and meetings were held with Parks and Recreation to hear arguments from all sides.  The City Council had tough decisions to ponder in a town known for trying to accommodate the varied needs and interests of its 18,000-plus citizens.

The pro-dog people were open to compromise to ensure continued use of the space.  The most vocal anti-dog people countered that a “no dogs allowed” ruling was the only answer.  Following many months of negotiation and compromise on both sides, a decision was reached by the City Council.  A fence was erected separating the canines from the kids, creating a much smaller space for the dogs.  The park was then closed from November through February to re-seed the lawn, an expense kindly born by the city.  

The dog park is once again open, now with a lengthy list of rules and regulations posted in several places.  I walk past the park every day as I did before all the disagreements ensued.  The dogs rarely number more than ten at any given time, all engaged in play while their humans enjoy each other’s company.  It’s hard to believe that so few dogs could be a the center of such acrimony.  

There is talk that several neighbors have not yet given up the fight to close the dog park.  I hope this rare and precious urban resource will remain available to the dogs.  For those of us who reap so many benefits from our canine companions, it is nice to be able to offer something in return.

Downtime at the dog park

 by Elizabeth Sundstrom

An Education in Compassion

Several weeks ago you read about Cindy, whose father had given her a kitten as a young child, hoping the feline would fill a void in the girl’s life.  Squeaky the kitten did much more, providing Cindy with a lifelong love of cats that would lead her on a mission many years later when she worked as a high school teacher in a rural Northern California town.

While at work one day, Cindy noticed a young Siamese cat cowering under a portable classroom at the country school where she ran the Health Academy program.  As Cindy approached the cat she saw that the Siamese was guarding the remains of another feline.  Scrawny, scared and apparently feral, Cindy decided to feed the talkative Siamese, hoping to prevent her suffering the same fate as her late companion.

Soon more strays appeared from hiding places under buildings and in shrubs near the tennis courts, eventually rounding out the total number to 12.  The school was a good location for a feral colony since it provided shelter and a food source of garbage and field mice.  Because several of the 42 students in Cindy’s classroom were participating in internships with a local veterinarian, volunteering 160 hours of their time over the course of the school year, Cindy engaged their efforts in saving the cats, who were considered a nuisance by many school officials. Even the janitor joined in by contributing food.

Through their internships the students already knew about trap-neuter-return (TNR) and obtained humane traps from a local rescue organization called H.A.L.O.  Four adults were caught, fixed, and their ears were clipped prior to release.  The vet allowed the interns to witness the surgeries and also provided free shots to the cats.  A litter of kittens and two of the cats were not yet feral so the students found them homes by participating in adoption days at Pet Smart .  

Cindy’s students developed a strong consciousness about strays in their rural area where many people did not consider altering their animals a priority.  Their awareness empowered the students to make a difference.  Not only were their efforts making life better for the cats, the school eventually started a veterinary science class, expanding learning options for other students.

In the meantime, Cindy was wrestling with bureaucracy.  School officials, including Cindy's boss, hoped the cats would starve or disappear if Cindy’s class stopped feeding them, thus eliminating the “problem.”  Cindy did not consider that a humane way to address the issue and did not want the students to view it as a viable option when dealing with strays.  She was warned to cease her efforts and when she did not, a written reprimand was placed in her file.

Cindy and her class nurtured the colony for two years.  Following their graduation, three of Cindy’s students became veterinary technicians.  But Cindy knows that all of her students became better people through compassion in action.

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

Memee - The Montclair Hostess

“Dogs have always found their way to me; I never went looking,” Julie says of the many canines who have graced her life beginning in childhood.  So it comes as no surprise that she has spent the last 40 years as a groomer and boarder.  Her current dog, Memee, is as much partner as friend in their joint endeavor.

For many years Julie donated her time to a local shelter, grooming strays to help increase their chances of being adopted.  It was during one of those visits that Julie noticed a very young puppy in a nearby kennel.  The dog was tired, sick, and had a few tubes indicating she had been through a rough time.  Julie was informed that the Dutch Shepherd with brown paws and large black ears had been found cowering under a car.  What attracted Julie’s attention was the dog’s whimpering, which sounded a lot like she was saying “Me, me.”  Julie stuck her fingers through the bars of the kennel and the pup crawled over to make contact.

By the time Julie arrived home, she knew she wanted the dog, whom she could not stop thinking about.  She informed the shelter and made a subsequent visit the next day.  Then another visit a week later to fill out the forms and pay the necessary fees for spaying and shots.  Memee came home with Julie the week after Thanksgiving.  That was six-and-a-half years ago.  The once frightened and sick pup has grown into an “unusually sweet and lovable dog” weighing in at 65 pounds.

Memee not only found a safe and secure home with Julie, she found a community of dog pals and an important role to play in Julie’s business.  Julie boards dogs year-round, usually four at any given time.  Memee plays hostess, greeting regulars like Roxi, the German Shepherd, with a kiss or showing new dogs around and consoling fearful canines.  “Memee loves having dogs come and go.”  She has never met a dog she couldn’t abide, including the 20-pound Fox Terrier who likes to nip at her heels for fun. 

Life with dogs has been very satisfying for Julie.  There was a time in her career when she doubted her choice. What was a woman with a master’s degree in English literature doing cleaning up dog droppings?  The death of her beloved Saint Bernard/Australian Shepherd, Lucy, prompted Julie to write a book about living with dogs.  As the book took form, she realized that just as education had opened her mind, dogs had freed her spirit.  They made her laugh, ushered many good friends into her life, and gave her purpose.

If Memee could speak, she might say the same about Julie.

Memee (2nd left) on the job

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

Lucy - The Road Warrior

People have many reasons for wanting pets in their lives. For Bill and Wanda, both avid outdoor people who enjoy hiking, biking, and bird watching, having a dog means including her in their vacations as well.  Lucy, a 7-year-old rescue, was spotted on-line by Wanda when the pup was just two months old.  “Her large, brown eyes instantly captured me,” Wanda recalls of the Poodle/Australian Shepherd mix.

Since joining the family, Lucy has seen most of the American northwest and recently accompanied her humans to San Antonio, Texas, on a road trip that meandered through Southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico.  Traveling with Lucy requires careful planning but Wanda says that some of her happiest vacation memories include Lucy or one of her predecessors.  Their family tradition started in the 1970s with a Golden Retriever named Willie.  After all these decades, “It feels unnatural to be on a trail or a beach without a dog,” Wanda states.

Lucy knows when Bill and Wanda are preparing to go away and when the day finally arrives, she is seated by the front door to ensure they don’t forget her.  By then, Wanda has carefully researched the trip on-line, scouting for dog-friendly campsites, beaches, and parks; nearby kennels in case Lucy needs to be boarded for several hours or a day; and veterinarians in the event of an emergency.  Many national parks have increased restrictions in recent years regarding where dogs are allowed and if they can be off-leash.  Knowing this information in advance helps minimize problems and make the best use of time.  

When traveling with a dog, Wanda stresses the importance of considering the canine’s welfare and enjoyment.  Wanda would not include Lucy on an urban adventure that involved many indoor activities and required her to be left alone in the RV or boarded most of the time.  Weather is also taken under consideration with the couple choosing to travel during spring or fall to avoid extreme temperatures that can pose health problems for pets.  For her safety, Lucy has a harness that is attached to the seat belt in case of a car accident. Easy access to a spill-proof water dish in the small RV plus her own blanket round out her comforts.     

Though it sounds labor intensive, Wanda says the rewards are well worth it.  They have stopped at many interesting locations they would have sped past if Lucy didn’t need a break.  And years ago while traveling across country with Willie, the Golden Retriever, they were also the recipients of an act of kindness resulting from having Willie with them.  When their 1967 VW bus broke down and left them stranded at a campsite in Elco, Nevada, Willie made friends with two fellow campers.  After several days passed and the local mechanic could not repair the car, these campers offered to tow Bill, Wanda, and Willie to Salt Lake City for a quick fix that would allow them to continue their journey.  Wanda credits Willie for igniting this good will between humans.

Despite the fun they have, life on the road can be tiring and Lucy is always happy to get home and curl up in her bed while Bill and Wanda unpack the RV.  Another long-held family tradition; another memory to cherish. 

Lucy, Corpus Christi Lake, 2013

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

Life Stinks...Sometimes

We finally joined the club.  It happened when I least expected it, plus it occured on my watch much to my chagrin.  Last Thursday, as we do every morning at 5:30, the dogs and I were standing on the front lawn so that they could relieve their bladders.  We often play a game where I release their leads afterwards and they race each other to the door in anticipation of a treat.  This time they bypassed the door, racing straight ahead through the bushes down the side of the house, cornering a humor-impaired skunk.

Sydney staggered out first, looking quite literally stunned. Coco immediately followed.  The look on Sydney’s face betrayed her dilemma a fraction before the odor assaulted my senses.  Sydney had taken the brunt of the attack, getting sprayed directly in the face.  By then Paul was on the porch having heard me hollering their names to no avail.  Our plight quickly became apparent and he was dispatched to the computer to determine how to proceed while the girls and I remained outside, me holding my nose and keeping a firm grip on the leashes.

Ten minutes later when Paul emerged from the house, having scoured the internet for information, he immediately asked if Sydney had been injured.  Skunks can bite and scratch in addition to spraying.  If your dog gets sprayed, be sure to check for other injuries including redness or discharge from the eyes.  Do not ignore “small” injuries because they can abscess within days.  Sydney's ego was deeply bruised but there was no evidence of physical damage.  Fortunately, we had all the ingredients on hand for a home remedy, which include hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and liquid soap.  Sydney was more than happy to submit to Paul’s ministrations.  Despite that, we struggled to rid her and the house of the odor over the next two days.

Here’s our take-away from this fiasco.  One, don't forget our wild nocturnal neighbors.  As Paul reminded me several times, the dogs know we have company even before we hear or see these creatures and giving chase is a natural response.  The consequences are potentially dangerous, not to mention stinky.  The girls will receive a proper escort to the door in the future.  Two, keep the necessary ingredients on hand just in case a skunking occurs despite our best efforts. 

With the weekend behind us and the odor of our angry friend nearly gone, we can reflect on recent events and laugh.  It’s surprising how many friends, family, and colleagues have similar stories of being initiated into the skunk club.  Sometimes more than once!  Not a reassuring thought.

Sydney - pondering the wisdom of leading the chase

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

Pippa - The Teacher's Pet

When the last of Holly’s two Bearded Collies died three years ago, she knew there would be another canine in her future.  It was just a question of when.  “They were the love of my life,” she says of Tasha and Maddie who lived to be 15 and 14 years respectively.  “They came to me as four-year-olds with a roommate.”  The roommate eventually moved out but the dogs stayed.

After a year of being alone and feeling like “there was no life in the house,” Holly began searching on Petfinders, the Milo Foundation, and several other rescue sights.  Her search was prompted in part by her cousin Susan with whom Holly went hiking on a regular basis.  Susan complained one day that Holly spent more time talking to the dogs they encountered along the way.  Holly laughingly admits it was true.  

Holly knew she could provide a dog with a good life and it was certain a dog would make her life better.  After a seemingly exhaustive search, Holly adopted a black, four-and-a-half month old Poodle mix whom she named Pippa.  A grade school teacher, Holly timed the adoption to coincide with summer recess, which began on June 11. Pippa joined the household on June 12.

The two bonded immediately despite a brief rough patch (Pippa started her day at 6:00 a.m. while Holly was looking forward to sleeping in during her summer respite).  They filled their time with puppy classes and hiking many of the nearby trails.  Holly wanted to involve Pippa in all aspects of her life. When classes resumed Holly brought Pippa to campus after school once a week to expose her to the children.  

With hundreds of kids in after-school programs, Holly and Pippa quickly became a welcome part of the routine.  Because she has hair rather than fur, children with allergies were able to touch Pippa.  Some were petting a dog for the first time in their lives.  Ranging in age from Kindergarten through 5th grade, the children lined up to take turns throwing Pippa's ball and rewarding her with kibble when she retrieved it.  “Kids without dogs were drawn to the opportunity,” notes Holly, further convincing her that this socializing strategy was beneficial for both Pippa and the children.

Adopting Pippa has enriched Holly's life in the ways most meaningful to her.  She understands and embraces the responsibility that comes with being an animal guardian.  "Dogs depend on you for everything and you have to organize your whole life around them because they never outgrow it."  For Holly, who admits her relationship with Pippa is no less important than her relationship with humans, the joy she receives in return makes the sacrifice a privilege.

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

Vaccinating Your Pet - Helpful or Harmful?

Several weeks ago my colleagues at Pet Allies Network asked me to write about the titer (pronounced tighter) test as an alternative to annual vaccinations.  Coming from a non-scientific background as a writer, I was reluctant to take on the assignment.  Then the notice from the vet arrived in the mail reminding my husband and me that our 16-year-old cat, Mrs. Bean, was due for her annual FVRCP and 3-year rabies shots.  The subject suddenly became very timely.  

The titer test is a simple blood test that determines the “level of antibodies to disease in the blood.”  The results are used to evaluate whether your pet needs to be revaccinated.  There is growing concern among many veterinarians that repeated vaccinations are both unnecessary and unhealthy.  A research study published as far back as 1996 connects vaccinations in dogs with a serious immune disease that “attacks red blood cells as though they were foreign.”  No less alarming is the evidence pointing to vaccine-associated sarcoma in cats.  It results in uniformly fatal tumors located in the neck and leg areas where the shots are administered.

Though the titer test is simple, the cost can be prohibitive, starting at about $100 depending in part on whether the blood is tested in-house or shipped to a lab.  My vet quoted me $350!  She also indicated that Mrs. Bean most likely did not need either the rabies shot or the titer test based on numerous previous vaccinations and lack of exposure to infected animals.  While those opposed to the titer test argue that it would need to be done annually, those in favor suggest that it is a one- or two-time expense at most and much less costly than treating some of the diseases associated with over-vaccinating.

To be sure, all puppies and kittens should be vaccinated at the appropriate ages.  But are we over-vaccinating our pets by doing so annually, spending more money than necessary and perhaps needlessly jeopardizing their health?  To help people understand the practice and potential drawbacks of vaccinating, Drs. Will Falconer and Janet Tobiassen Crosby have written several comprehensive yet easy-to-understand articles on the subject.  The two questions Dr. Falconer would like pet guardians to keep in mind are 1) are the vaccinations beneficial and 2) are they safe?  Further complicating matters is the fact that the law requires dogs and cats to be vaccinated in order to be licensed.

Much to my relief, my vet was eager to discuss titering and help me make a decision that would best serve Mrs. Bean.  We decided to forego another round of vaccinations for now.  Our collective goal is to do what is best for the cat, allowing her to live a long and healthy life.  Since Mrs. Bean often collaborates with me on these articles, I hope to have my partner around for a long time.

I realize that the subject of vaccinating is as controversial as it is complex so I have noted my sources in the article above.  There is much more information on both sides of the argument.  Ultimately, we all want to make the right choices for our pets and we at Pet Allies hope this helps start or further the discussion in your household. 

Mrs. Bean at work

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

Squeaky - the Cat Who Liked to Read

When Cindy was a little girl, her father was busy building what would become a successful career in truck sales.  The effort required frequent moves and by the time Cindy was in the third grade, she had lived in three states and was enrolled in her third school.  The moves had taken a toll on the quiet little blue-eyed girl who was having difficulty learning to read.  Her teacher often became exasperated with her.  Learning was becoming a fearful experience.

Concerned, her parents consulted their pediatrician for ideas.  He suggested a pet would be a good source of friendship and a constant in Cindy’s life during future moves.  Cindy’s father scoured the pet ads in the local paper and the following Saturday he drove Cindy to nearby San Francisco to meet with a woman who was offering free kittens.  They left with Squeaky, an orange and white short hair.  

Squeaky was amenable to friendship with Cindy and soon became her after-school companion.  They spent time under the high bed in her parents’ bedroom with Cindy reading to Squeaky.  She also enjoyed brushing the patient feline.  After accompanying the cat to the vet, Cindy became interested in medicine and would pretend to give Squeaky and herself shots.  The vet encouraged her curiosity in the medical field by giving her an empty syringe to use during play.  Cindy's interest would eventually blossom into a nursing career.

By the following year Cindy’s reading scores had improved and she began to excel in school.  Not surprisingly, there were subsequent moves and new schools to adapt to.  Squeaky remained a constant and loyal friend for the next seven years.  The companionship he offered the lonely child was never forgotten by Cindy and it left her with a lifelong love of cats.

Thirty years later, following her retirement from nursing to pursue a second career as a high school health education teacher, she had the opportunity to pass along Squeaky’s gift.  This time it was she who was teaching others the power of compassion and friendship when she enlisted her class in caring for a feral cat colony living outside their classroom.

More on that in a future column...

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

Yay for Yellowdogging!

The staff at Pet Allies Network has been abuzz this week with talk of the Yellowdog Program.  Several people were already familiar with the concept, which originated in Sweden.  Others of us were not.  We’re all excited about it though and hope you will help spread the word.

The Yellowdog Program is actually a campaign that a group of Swedish dog lovers - including dog psychologists, trainers and pedagogues - are promoting to aid dogs with special needs.  It’s simple.  If you have a dog whom you do not want other humans or canines to engage with while you are out walking, affix a yellow ribbon to Fido’s lead or tie a yellow bandana around his neck to alert people that he needs space. Your dog may need space for a number of reasons including old age, illness or injury, shyness or behavioral problems in certain situations.  

Sometimes it’s we humans who need the space. My husband and I were walking our two very friendly Poodle mixes a couple of weeks ago when we happened upon a lovely one-year-old Golden Retriever.  As we approached, his guardian quickly maneuvered him into the street and instructed him to sit.  Noticing the puzzled looks on our faces - since all three dogs indicated a desire to meet -  she raised her arm, exposing a wrist guard used for carpal tunnel syndrome and said it hurts her when the dog pulls on his leash even slightly.  Yellowdogging would have instructed us to avoid contact, alleviating any need for an explanation.

Since starting the Yellowdog Program on June 27, 2012, the organizers have set up a website and translated it into 17 languages.  It has Facebook groups in six countries and has been viewed by people in 117 countries.  Yellowdogging has also received significant media attention in Sweden.

Please inform your fellow dog lovers about the Yellowdog Program.  By spreading the word, we can all help create positive change for special-needs dogs and their humans.  We can reduce the potential for unfortunate situations where a dog snaps or is accidentally hurt, not to mention the difficulties that arise between humans on those occasions.

Yellowdogging is so simple, creative and intelligent, it makes us wonder why no one thought of it years ago!

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

Rocket - the Blended Family Dog

When we think of blended families, it usually pertains to step-parents and children that accompany a new marriage.  But what about the adjustment faced by animals when their humans divorce and find new love?

Jane and her then-colleague, Ezra, had known each other for a year when they started dating.  A month into their new relationship, Jane met Rocket, Ezra’s 11-pound Chihuahua/Basenji  mix whom Jane describes as a “handsome little man and very protective of his daddy.”  In 2001 Ezra and his former wife had adopted Rocket from Furry Friends in Fremont, California.  Rocket was three at the time but quickly developed a strong bond with his new parents and was suspicious when Ezra brought Jane home following the divorce several years later.

When Ezra introduced Rocket to Jane, it took the frisky canine a while to accept her as part of the pack.  Rocket’s devotion to Ezra runs so deep that everyone else is secondary. If Rocket and Ezra were alone in a room, Rocket would bark at Jane when she entered.  “Rocket is not a waggy-tail, loves-everybody kind of dog,” Jane observes, and he took his time learning to trust her.    

Rather than being annoyed by the dog’s possessiveness, Jane loves the fact that Rocket is discerning.  Three years into their new family, Rocket still barks at Jane when she intrudes on his time with Ezra.  But more recently Rocket has also started barking at Ezra when he enters a room Jane and Rocket are occupying.  Jane chalks up some of Rocket’s grumpiness to old age and health issues but appreciates being part of his inner circle.

When asked why she loves Rocket, Jane responds without hesitation.  “He’s soulful.  He’s a love who just wants to be part of the mix.”  Rocket likes hanging out at home.  One of his favorite routines involves Jane and Ezra playing cards while he lounges in his dog bed.  A committed dog and cat lover, Jane worked hard to win Rocket’s heart.

To what does she credit her success?  “Glucosamine treats and a warm body.”  Rocket loves to come and suckle Jane’s warmth by leaning into her.  He values his independence and doesn’t want to be petted or held, just supported and warmed.  “He’s a heat-seeking rocket,” she laughs.

Rocket and Jane managed to work out their differences and find common ground in their shared love of Ezra.  While they may still fight over him from time to time, little-man Rocket now accepts Jane as someone he can lean on in more ways than one.  He’s glad she came to stay.

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

My Girl Zoe

Our beloved cat Zoe died on Friday, February 15, at approximately 4:30 p.m.  My husband Paul and I realized that morning that she was in pain and her health had deteriorated quickly following her diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma on January 30.  It was an aggressive cancer that does not respond to chemo and made surgery impossible due to its location in her throat.

Zoe was one of four girls born to my next door neighbor’s cat, Lizzie.  I was single then and living in an apartment.  At barely a year old, Lizzie was on her second litter.  I came home from work one day to find another neighbor’s son had treed the heavily pregnant cat while he and a friend threw stones at her.  I immediately took her in and her kittens were born a few days later.  Lizzie chose, of all places, a newly cleaned, covered litter box in which to deliver her babies.  Two of the kittens were born close to midnight September 25 and two more in the wee hours of September 26.  For a petite feline who weighed under 10 pounds, her brood of four seemed unimaginable.

Zoe was a timid kitten, earning her the title of Shy Kitty.  Finding good homes for Lizzie and her babes proved harder than anticipated so in the end, Paul kept the only black kitten, Mrs. Bean, and I kept Zoe.  Shortly after Zoe’s birth, one of my two cats, Zorro, died unexpectedly.  Zoe’s name was chosen to celebrate Zorro and her presence in the home helped heal our hearts.  She relentlessly pursued a friendship with my remaining cat, Redmond, and he grew to cherish her.

Zoe had a Cheshire cat smile, a high pitched voice, and matured into a little talker, shedding her shy kitty moniker with ease.  After Paul and I married, Zoe quickly adapted to the life of an indoor/outdoor cat, took on the job of vector control, and managed to keep other cats out of the backyard through intimidation rather than fighting.  Agile and adventurous, Paul and I awoke one morning in our second-story bedroom to find Zoe staring back at us from her perch in the Redwood tree next door.  She often followed me to the property line in the morning as I walked to work and was there to greet me in the afternoon when I returned.  

Zoe lived a good life.  She never lacked a full belly, a loving home, or a sense of security.  My girl always came when I called, including last Friday when I interrupted her sunbath on a beautiful, warm afternoon to take her on her final journey to the vet.  Zoe was loyal, loving, and brave to the very end.  Paul’s was the last face she saw.  She died in my arms as we prayed for her easy passage to the next life. 

Sweet, Zoe, I had forgotten how much a broken heart hurts.  Thank you for sharing every day of your life with me.  You are loved and missed.

Zoe Sundstrom
September 25, 1997 - February 15, 2013

by Elizabeth Sundstrom