My Fire Hydrant

My friend, Romeo the Cat, did a survey: Please describe your cat’s behavior when going to the vet. Here are the results:

• Somehow knows what’s up and runs to hide before we even leave  – 43%
• Won’t get into the cat carrier – 60.2%
• Won’t come out of the cat carrier once at the V-E-T – 44.3%
• Yowls and complains the whole way to the V-E-T – 67%
• No problem, my cat loves the V-E-T – 10.2%

 This week marks National Take Your Cat to the Vet Week–an event created in 2009 by Feline Pine cat litter. They started the event because, in a survey they conducted last year, fewer than 50% of cat owners took their cats to the vet unless they were sick. Many of these people said they didn’t realize they needed to.

It’s recommended that all cats have annual check ups. For senior cats (10 years and older) the American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends bi-annual visits because many diseases begin in middle age and problems in older cats tend to accelerate more quickly. 

Why?

• Cats have a reputation for being “low maintenance,” which is not entirely accurate. They still need regular vet care to keep them healthy and catch problems early before they become more difficult to treat.
• Cats age faster than humans. Much can happen to a cat’s health in between vet visits.
• It’s recommended that most cats (especially those 10 years and older) visit the vet every six months because many diseases begin in middle age and problems in older cats tend to accelerate quickly. 
• Despite the many products on the market to help keep your cat’s teeth clean, nothing compares to a thorough dental cleaning by your vet. Regular dental care can prevent serious problems – and expense – later on and dramatically improve your cat’s well being.
• Regular vet visits are a cost-effective way for owners to take care of their cats as many problems, when caught early, require less extensive – and less expensive – treatment than if the problem progresses and more aggressive treatment is needed.

How long has it been since your cat had a vet visit?

I woke up before my alarm clock this morning to find Tyler snuggled up against my side. What is it about the smell of  a warm cuddly dog that makes me feel so good? If you have a dog, you know the smell I’m talking about–it’s kinda like warm old popcorn or warm comfy sox that you’ve worn for a little too long. OK, that doesn’t sound very appealing, but for as long as I can remember, the smell of a warm dog cuddled next to me has made me feel good. And every dog that’s ever been available to me for a warm cuddle has produced this aroma. Maybe I associate the smell with the unconditional love that’s implied in the cuddle. Maybe there are pheromones in the dog’s smell that make me feel happy and loved. Or else it’s my emotional association: warm sox smell=cuddly canine love. I don’t know. What I do know is that it’s a smell that makes me feel good. What a great way to start the day!

Maybe I’m a total nut case, but do you recognize the smell I’m talking about? How do you describe it?

Friday August 13 marks 10 weeks that Tyler has been in my life. He was a little charmer when I first met him, but he’s really developed into a sweet boy who’s getting to be so cute it makes your teeth ache just looking at him!

OK, I admit it! He’s got me wrapped around his little paw, and I need to do some serious thinking about puppy classes. We both need massive lessons in “sit” “stay” and “drop it!”

Here are some photos I took with my cell phone–my usual camera has not been cooperating lately.

A very common Tyler pose: the playbow.

One of Tyler's toys ended up in his mouth and around his head. I laughed so much it was hard to get the photo!

Tuckered out from a Bichon Blitz, Tyler flops down on the rug.

Look at that face! Have you EVER seen such a sweet face??!

Tyler's hair has grown out some more. He's really starting to look like a Bichon!

His fur is so soft!

The greatest gift that Tyler has brought is the way he has bonded with my mom.

Feel the love!

[I noticed today that this post was sitting in draft--I thought I had published it on Friday night.]

P&G Expands Voluntary Limited Recall of Specialized Dry Pet Foods

Due to Possible Health Risk

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CINCINNATI, July 30, 2010 – The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) (NYSE:PG) is voluntarily expanding its recall to include veterinary and some specialized dry pet food as a precautionary measure because it has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella.  No salmonella-related illnesses have been reported. 

  The following dry pet food products are included:

The affected products are sold in veterinary clinics and specialty pet retailers throughout the United States and Canada.  No canned food, biscuits/treats or supplements are affected by this announcement.  A full listing of UPC codes can be found at www.iams.com. 

These products are made in a single, specialized facility.  In cooperation with FDA, P&G determined that some products made at this facility have the potential for salmonella contamination.  As a precautionary measure, P&G is recalling all products made at this facility.

Consumers who have purchased the specific dry pet foods listed should discard them.  People handling dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product.  Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

 Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain.  If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting.  Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

For further information or a product replacement or refund call P&G toll-free at 877-340-8823  (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST).

Media Contact:  Jason Taylor  513-622-3205

Fluffy Tyler!

Today marks six weeks that Tyler has been in his new home. It also marks his first visit to Aunt Tracy, our groomer par excellence. Not that she could do much more than even up the bad haircut he got when the dogtor treated him for parvo. But she did the best she could with what she had to work with, and I must say that Tyler is looking very handsome and fluffy today!

I haven’t been in a hurry to change my profile photo from Bailey to Tyler, but maybe it’s time. I think Bailey would be pleased with the way Tyler is running me ragged with his demands, and it seems right to start including him in my online life.

So today we took some photos:

Tyler & Bev--our new profile photo!

I have updated my “About Me” page and you’ll now see the new profile photo of me and the new little man in my life.

This is really such a small thing, and yet it feels like I’m making such an enormous change in my life. I’ll never forget Bailey. But this silly little change of profile photo is a new indication that my sweet girl is gone and will not be back. Another step in that whole “stages of grief” thing, I guess.

Maybe I’ll go cuddle Tyler for a while.