Feb. 26/2020

Feature:
Dogs, cats, soon need to be fitted with microchips

     "Lost pet posters may soon be a thing of the past. That's the idea behind a new Montreal bylaw stipulating all cats & dogs over 6 months must be microchipped...
                                            
     Cats, dogs, & rabbits must also be sterilized...

     'We think it's wonderful,' said SPCA spokesperson Anita Kapuscinska. 'Microchips are one of the best ways to be able to find your companion animal...
                                                   
     Kapuscinska also emphasized the importance of sterilization, which she said 'helps counter overpopulation issues & is very beneficial to animals for behavioral & medical reasons.'
                                       
     A microchip is a small electronic device the size of a grain of rice, which a veterinarian inserts under the animal's skin, on the back near the shoulder blades. The process is relatively painless- 'it's comparable to having your ears pierced,' said Kapuscinska. The chip remains with the animal for life, & is a direct link to its owner.
                                              
     Chips contain a unique ID number that can be scanned at the SPCA or a veterinary clinic, giving access to owners' contact information.

     The SPCA has been outfitting cats & dogs with microchips for years, the cost of which is included in adoption fees...
                               
     The regulation will save pets & owners a lot of stress, Kapuscinska believes...

     'Animals (with microchips) who come to the shelter as strays are reunited with their owners right away,' she said...'The quicker we're able to reunite a family with a lost animal, the better it is for the animal & the people.'
                                    
     Kapuscinska spoke of animals being reunited with their owners after years apart thanks to microchips...

     Tags are an even quicker way to identify an animal & its owner. For $10, the SPCA engraves tags with the animal's name & owner's phone number. Tags come in various colors, shapes, & sizes.
                                                   
     It's recommended for cats & dogs to be both tagged & microchipped, Kapuscinska said.

     'Tags & collars get lost. Microchips never get lost. The 2 together are the best way to protect the animal.'"

T'cha Dunlevy
The Gazette, Montreal
Dec. 16/2019     

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Weekly Chuckle

Feb. 19/2020

Feature:

Baby rhino born at game reserve on Valentine’s Day

“Visitors to the Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa, about 2 hours drive from Cape Town, might be in for a beautiful safari surprise with the possible sighting of a new rhino calf at the reserve. The anti-poaching unit started their Valentine’s Day with a sighting of the calf with its mother on the reserve…14 February 2020.

Aquila is proud to have been able to bring the first rhino to the Western Cape in 250 years & in February 2005, the reserve announced the birth of the first rhino in the Western Cape in 250 years. Now, 15 years later the reserve conservation teams are absolutely delighted to once again be able to confirm the birth of another baby rhino on the 10,000 hectare Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa…

In May 2014, Aquila acquired a…male rhino bull to continue its breeding programme at the reserve. The new rhino bull was purchased from the Limpopo area after his owners discovered signs of the rhino being tracked.

At the end of 2015 & the beginning of 2016, Aquila was proud to announce the births of 4 rhino calves at the reserve.

This Valentine’s Day birth is once again a proud moment for the conservation teams at this Cape Town Big 5 private game reserve – as they continue to conserve, protect, & preserve these species for future generations.”

Getaway.co.za

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Weekly Chuckle:

Feb. 12/2020

Feature:
Stitches the Cat Becomes Resident Therapy Animal At Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

“It’s no longer uncommon to see Golden Retrievers or Labradors wondering around airports providing busy travelers with a moment of calmness. Therapy dogs have become a part of airport strategies to help people cope with the chaos of travel, but one airport has taken a different approach to therapy animals.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport announced their newest therapy animal on November 8, 2019, Stitches.

Stitches, an 11-year-old, 13-pound tabico cat—mixture of tabby & calico—is currently on duty at the airport. She’s hard to miss as she’s chauffeured around Terminal 1 in her stroller sporting a large “pet me” sign—letting everyone know she’s ready for cuddles.

…the Twin Cities Pioneer Press reports that Stitches is a member of North Star Therapy Animals & has been a therapy cat for the past 3 years. When she’s not at the airport, she can be found helping at nursing homes or relaxing at home watching her favorite show, Law & Order: SVU.

If you’re traveling through the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, you could just be lucky enough to meet her for snuggles…”

 

Kendall Curley   

November 13/ 2019

Petmd.com

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Weekly Chuckle

Feb. 5/2020

Feature:
Pet Projects
     "...a growing trend is to live in tiny homes...let's say you have a furry friend who needs to join you in your personal compact castle. You've got to be sure their well-being is taken care of before making any moving decisions.

     ...Humans usually have designated eating areas in the form of a kitchen table; animals should have something similar. A regular spot for food bowls should be established early. If you have more than one dog, or a combination of critters, try to feed them either at different times or in separate parts of the house to keep them from getting territorial about food.
                                 
     If you have an indoor cat, consider getting a catio...it's a patio for your cat that is screened in so the feline can get some fresh air while not being able to take off after the first robin it lays eyes on. That little bit of freedom makes a big difference when you're just a tiny kitten in a tiny house.

     Make sure your pets are getting enough exercise. Staying inside a tiny home all day isn't good for animals, or humans for that matter. Walk the dogs often, play fetch with them, teach them new tricks out in the yard & let them run to their heart's content.

     ...If you & the cat are willing to be the types who use leaches, then that should take care of all the energy a cat can muster up in one day. If not, then try to find a cat tree that will fit inside so they can jump around indoors on something specifically built to withstand claws, instead of your new couch.

     ...Remember your pets are likely not trained to pick up their own toys, so keep them in one spot & put them back each night. Also, vacuum. A lot. There is nowhere for all that hair to go when you're in a tiny house."
                                                

Chris Arnold
The Gazette, Montreal
Nov. 2/2019
 
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Weekly Chuckle