When to Euthanize
A veterinarian has suggested guidelines that may be used by pet owners when they feel euthanasia may need to be an option. He says the owner should ask himself: is the condition prolonged, recurring or getting worse, no longer responsive to therapy? Is the pet in pain and is it no longer possible to alleviate the pain? If the pet should recover, is he likely to be an invalid or unable to care for himself or to enjoy life? And he also asks–can you provide the necessary care and will such care interfere with your life? Will the cost be unbearably expensive? Can the pet walk and balance reasonably well: is he able to eat and drink enough for normal maintenance; able to breathe without difficulty; able to urinate and defecate without difficulty?
The decision to euthanize should be made on an individual basis with the veterinarian. These guidelines are offered only to help a pet owner focus on the problems.
SHELTER MEDICINE–USING LIVE ANIMALS FOR SURGICAL PRACTICE
Although many veterinary students opt not to use live animals to learn surgical procedures, shelter medicine forces them to use living, breathing cats and dogs to learn spay and neuter techniques. Spays are “major abdominal surgery”, according to John Berg, DVM, chair of the Dept. of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School, and performing them is “especially helpful in developing skills.” Thus, ironically population control requires the use of animals and perhaps more skilled future veterinarians. A BIGGER PROBLEM IS–AFTER DECADES OF ADVOCATING AND PRACTICING SPAY/NEUTER SURGERY, WHY ISN’T IT WORKING?
SMUGGLING ACROSS MEXICAN BORDER
According to USA Today smugglers are buying puppies cheaply in Mexico and selling them in this country for up to $1,000 each. Many of these puppies are underage and carrying distemper, rabies, parvovirus and ringworm. Many of the illegal puppies find temporary homes in non-profit shelters that can circumvent dog laws before putting the puppies up for adoption. (Shelters have immunity from puppy lemon laws and all federal and state regulations.) They then become part of the FOR PROFIT SHELTERS that are becoming more prevalent. Also, Columbian smugglers are reportedly turning puppies into drug mules by surgically implanting them with packets of liquid heroin.
It is not only wise to buy American, but adopt American and if possible from local organizations.
WHAT I WANT FOR MOTHER’S DAY
Lowe’s has children’s gardening tools on sale. I have asked my daughters for a child-sized rake and a hoe. Over the years I have found that these short-handled rakes are wonderful pooper scoopers! I have had many people help me with dog care over the past two years and these rakes are the favorites because they work in all lengths of grass as well as other surfaces. They are also great indoors for snagging a wayward toy from a hard-to-reach corner or a milk bone that took a detour! The hoes, while not as valuable, are equally impressive in their unique pet care ways.
May 09, 2009 | | Uncategorized