Relax at your next trip to the Vet: Can Scrubs really make a difference?

As many times as we have boxed up our kitties in their carriers and prepared them for that long trip to the Vet's Office it never seems to get any easier. I don't know who is more apprehensive, us or the shivering pets, some of them sick, entering an intimidating Veterinarian's office for the first time. On a recent trip to a new Vet in town, scheduled to get several of our rescue cats neutered, I couldn't believe my eyes as we were greeted by a warm and friendly office staff wearing fun custom made scrubs in beautiful pastel shades like pink and blue.

I am still not sure if it was us or the cats but the environment in this office made a huge difference in our experience that day. Taking a pet to the Doctor is already stressful so as a pet parent, you have to be as calm as possible so your pet won't become rattled and have to be medicated, restrained or worse.  The women in the office told me that they had their scrubs custom made to fit their new animal friendly office design by going to Blue Sky Scrubs, online at http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/categories/Scrubs/Scrubs-for-Women/Original-Scrubs/

I was actually so impressed that I am ordering some for myself! I just can't decide on the color!

The Best Care for all Pets

Even during these challenging economic times, most families I know consider their pet a part of the family and would never scrimp on their routine veterinary care, pet meds, nutritional food, exercise and of course the loads of love that they so richly deserve! I can tell you first hand that rescuing and caring for dozens of stray cats is not an easy or inexpensive venture but the alternative is not one that I am willing to consider. Most of the homeless and abandoned kittens and cats that I come across in my rescue efforts are still quite young and simply need basic pet care, a spay/neuter procedure and a little TLC to transform them into an adoptable angel. If I had one wish it would be that all animals would have a forever home with a family that cares for them and appreciates all the incredible qualities that pets seem to bring out in people.

That said, we all know that caring for even one pet can be quite a commitment, financially and physically, so I will share a few tips that I have learned over the years caring for my own pets as well as some of our rescue cats.

• First, find a local Veterinarian that you and your pets are comfortable with and trust so that this process is as painless and price-friendly as possible
• Second, find a reputable online site to purchase your pet meds so you can stock up in a flash. Especially if you are busy, with multiple critters, an online source is a real time and money saver! You can also pick up toys and treats at the same time saving on shipping costs
• Hopefully you have been able to find a healthy diet for your pet however, if you do have a problem you can report complaints about a pet food product electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal or you can call your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators 
• Always Always Always make arrangements to spay or neuter your pet. There are Low Cost Programs now in most areas

The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well-being of both. This includes, but is not limited to, emotional, psychological, and physical interactions of people, animals, and the environment. The way we care for our animals is a big part of this incredibly special union.

Microchipping your pet: Is it the best way to keep track of your wandering loved one?

Up to 8 million animals end up in shelters every year. Unfortunately only about 20% of dogs and less than 2% of cats are ever reclaimed by their owners. One way to increase the chances of finding your lost pet is by having a microchip implanted.

• It's quick! Implanting can be  done in seconds. It doesn't have to be done by a veterinarian but it is recommended, since it does matter where you put it and how you inject it.
• It's almost painless! It hurts about as much as getting blood drawn. It is a large needle so there is a pinch. 
• It's affordable! If you are going to the vet for just one microchip the procedure will be about $50. Scheduling the procedure with your pet's routine check up or other treatment will probably cost even less because you have already paid for the office visit. Local animal shelters and rescue groups do it for less so it might be worthwhile to check it out.

Louise Murray, DVM, director of medicine at ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Hospital in New York City explains how micro chipping works:
What is Micro Chipping:
A needle is used to place a little chip under the animal's skin, usually between the shoulder blades. The chipm as a unique number on it that can be picked up and read by a scanner.
Will the Chip help me get my pet back is lost?
Yes, but only if someone takes them to a shelter or veterinarian's office to be scanned for a chip. Some people think it is like a tracker or GPS device but it only works if scanned.Once they get the chip number and the company that made the chip, the shelter or staff will contact that company to find the owner. Remember to keep your contact information current otherwise they will not be able to locate you.
Do all scanners used by Shelters pick up all microchips?
No, there are more universal scanners now but some work better than others. Not all shelters have universal scanners that work well and the personnel using the scanner need to know how and where to scan. Chips can migrate so they need to scan the body thoroughly--easier said than done sometimes.
Do all Shelters scan for microchips when they find a pet?
All Shelters should scan a pet and they should do it with a universal scanner but there is no guarantee that all shelters do this.
If my pet is micro chipped does he need a tag too?
Yes, A microchip is only part of your pet's identification system. Your pet should also have a collar with tags on it. You can't assume that the person that finds your pet will know anything about microchips but if your phone number is right there everyone knows what to do.

Earn Cash for the Animals and Yourself by Taking Surveys

You can earn some extra cash for yourself and the shelter animals by taking surveys through Opinions4good (Po4G), an Internet-based market research organization. Each survey pays at least $5 and only takes minutes to complete. And if enough people sign up, the Peninsula Humane Society will receive an additional $15,000 to $25,000 for their shelter animals! Anyone, anywhere is eligible to sign up, so please spread the word!
No doubt for a good cause and costs nothing but a little time. For more information about this and other unique pet services like, adoption and fostering opportunities and pet assisted therapy
visit their site for fascinating animal tales!

The  Pet Assisted Therapy teams are made up of dogs, cats and rabbits and their handlers who work in pairs, with their pets, to visit hospitals and other health care facilities offering the unique kind of therapy only an animal can provide. Don't underestimate the power and strength of the special bond that develops between an animal and his human counterpart, magical is the best word that I can find to describe it.

Devastation of the Japan Tsunami: Helping Animal Survivors

Cat Survivors or Japan's Cat Island!

I think we are all still in shock as images of the devastation in Japan flash across screens everywhere, wondering what can we possibly do to help? Personally, I couldn't help but wonder and worry about the animals survivors of Japan and where would the surviving pets go now? If their families are forced to leave their home or whatever is left of it, what about their four legged friends? I read of so many folks, unwilling to do this, putting themselves at risk, unable to part with their pet. I too would have a problem leaving my cat, Baby behind, either we both go or we both stay, she is my family! What an unbelievably difficult time this must be for Japanese families, to survive this disaster, only to face heart breaking decisions involving their pets -- Pets that provide unconditional love, even now, and can provide a sense of comfort to a family in turmoil!
Like most animal rescue efforts, saving the surviving animals in Japan will take a lot of work and commitment from many people, especially with a huge disaster like this! I was incredibly pleased when I read about all the organizations involved with relocating and caring for some of these animals, either temporarily or permanently, the good news is that there are many people willing to help.
Post your own story here or perhaps you have heard of a heartwarming animal story that you simply must share! I would love to hear from you and feature it here so that others can read about some of the good things that occur in this world as a result of animal interaction!