Gaia Community: Kindred Spirits' Blog

The Carbon Pawprint

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 20:43:47 -0000

As Mom and I continue to bring Pay It Forward Pets into being, we are staying consciously aware of just what size of pawprint we will be making as a company on the planet. Today we pondered how much of an impact we were making by driving and shipping our products to our clients. Since Mom has to drive a big pick up to accomodate the transportation of our horsey friends and their food, she is really concerned about what that driving is causing. Add to that, all the carbon emissions from shipping, traveling, etc. and you have one big environmental bone to pick.

Here are some of the cool options that we found today to help us off-set and reduce our overall carbon emissions.

The Conservation Fund's "Go Zero" Program They are helping us to calculate our carbon emissions and then plant trees to balance the use. Being a dog, I am all about more trees.

Terrapass

Be Green's eMission Solutions.

There are more options than you can shake a stick at. Who knew that one little company could make such a big impact? And we haven't even begun talking about recycled/renewable packaging, sustainability of product materials, what kind of light bulbs we use?....whew! This old dog is certainly learning new green tricks!

Anyone know of any others they care to recommend? Which reminds me, if anyone knows where I can find recycled tennis balls please let me know. Woof!

The Making of Pay It Forward Pets

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 17:31:36 -0000

Hi everyone. Reily here checking in. Apologies for not writing in so long.

It's been a very busy spring/summer. Mom's been busy researching and planning Pay It Forward Pets, LLC and I...... well I have been too busy out playing in my pool, chasing my tennis ball and sunbathing in our warm weather .....you know... working hard raising the vibration on the planet with my joy.

Mom and I were yapping over breakfast this morning and we decided that since we don't have a lot of extra time right now to find pupular topics to write about that we would instead share our current journey with you. Since all things around here tend to be animal related we thought the information might just resonate with a few readers.

The first big thing is that Mom has made the BIG decision to go back to school and fulfill her greatest dream of becoming a holistic veterinarian. Yahoo! She said she was too old but we animals around here have been begging her to do it for years. It will be so nice not to have to plan getting tummy aches and bruised hooves and goopy eyes just so she can practice and realize just how good she is at helping us critters. She's finally listened to us and now we can all relax and watch the comedy of her freaking out in preparation of vet school.

The second fun occation around here is that we are all creating a sustainable animal wellness company called Pay It Forward Pets. We will go into more detail about the organization in a little while, but suffice it to say for now, the company is being formed with the express purrpose of making the world a better place for all animals. At Ol' McShelly's Farm we go to great lengths to use only sustainably minded products and services. We carnivores in the house have even boycotted meat that has suffered in factory farms. We are now yappy to share all the earth and animal friendly products that we eat and use with the world.

So that's what we are up to in the world. For the next several months Mom will be sharing her vet school journey at her personal blog and we will all be sharing our adventure of creating Pay It Forward Pets here at ours. It has been quite some ride thus far. Who knew starting a company could be such monkey business? For all of you who have ever dreamed of mainfesting your soul's purpose or are bringing conscious, sustainable small business to the masses, we think you'll find our adventure a hoot.

Reach Out To Holistic Horsemanship

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 01:05:24 -0000

One of our dearest friends and favorite holistic horsewomen is now offering certification courses in her holistic horsemanship philosophy and technique. We are proud to pass this information along knowing that all who partake will walk away inspired and fulfilled. Garnering the wisdom and experience that Anna brings to the table is well worth the tuition, not to mention all you will learn about the equine language and relationship. Your horse will thank you, but even better yet, you will thank you.

Whether you're a horseperson or not, this course will be life changing. Do give it a look-see.

** Interviews between one of our super cool fellow Zaadsters and Anna can be found at:
Anna Twinney's Unique Approach To Reaching Out

Pet Food Recall

Sun, 18 Mar 2007 05:39:13 -0000

       Thank goodness Mom makes our food for us! We'll never have to worry about this:

Some of you may have heard already, there has been a Nation-wide recall announced for some canned and pouch cat and dog foods. Please take a good look at any foods you currently have to make sure it is not included in the recall. (link below) There are many of the majors on the list (Iams, Science Diet, Nutro) so it never hurts to just check.

www.menufoods.com/recall

The contaminated foods have caused dogs and cats to become sick, "showing signs of kidney failure." Symptoms include drinking a lot, vomiting, loss of appetite, and lethargy.

That's no fun at all! This is THE VERY reason Mom stopped feeding us mass produced products and switched to a natural diet. Boy are we ever glad she did.... the fresh stuff tastes so much better and we all feel so great! The research she has been doing for several years has been pointing in this direction. It was only a matter of time before it happened. It is unfortunate to say but most veterinarians recieve large profits for promoting some of these products. Many were not given the nutritional educational in school and are at the mercy of pet food companies who are generally in the business to make profits.

If change is to be made it is going to have to come from animal guardians educating themselves and demanding a higher standard of fare for us beloved companions. Think of it this way, you wouldn't feed your human baby the same highly processed, chemically tainted kibbled or canned food everyday for the rest of their life. So why would you do that to us animal family members? We need a diet based on a variation of whole organic foods just like humans do for optimal wellness.

Do let Mom know if she can answer any of your questions or make suggestions for alternate products. We will be blogging about this information as more is learned and sharing some of our favorite recipes and such.

To better educate yourself, we offer a few book recommendations that have very valuable infomation about animal wellness, vaccination side-effects, natural diet, etc.

The Nature of Animal Healing
Author: Martin Goldstein D.V.M.

Food Pets Die For
Author: Ann N. Martin

Dr. Pitcairn's New Complete Guide to Natural Health fo...
Author: Richard H. Pitcairn, Susan Hubble

This could actually turn out to be something very positive. It is bringing attention to a subject where change is LONG overdue. Lets intend that all animals stay well through the recall and that more people become proactive about standards being raised to benefit us animal companions.

Peace and biscuits,
Reily

4 The Love of Animals

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 20:40:54 -0000

Wow.... has it been that long? Mom has been hogging the computer spending all her time creating Pay It Forward Pets (we'll be telling you more about that very soon!) and hasn't let me blog one time in months!

Today I rebelled and threatened to withhold cookies (yes, it works in reverse too) if she didn't let me share something I have found recently. Obviously she agreed. Girl Scout cookies are powerful bargaining tools! :)

So with great excitement I share with you our winner of today's Animal Ambassador Extraordinaire Award..... Miss Aimee(Roo) and her website in support of us animals appropriately called Aimees Animals. Four paws up for Amiee and all she is doing to spread the message of compassion and kindness toward Kindred Spirits. We are grateful that she was kind enough to pass on our dear friend Jaime's story to all her readers. We love you Aimee!

Aimees Animals

Carve Out a New Tradition This Thanksgiving

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 05:29:53 -0000

This year we all got to befriend a special little turkey that shared our home for awhile. He quickly became my buddy so I am honored to share this message of compassion with you all today. Thanks to the wonderful people at HSUS for this years humane message:

A vegetarian dinner is a humane choice for this year's Thanksgiving feast.
This Thanksgiving, your family and friends can share a holiday celebration that gives loved ones—and turkeys—a reason to be thankful. Choosing heart-healthy and animal-friendly holiday fare not only protects your health, but also avoids supporting the abuses commonplace on turkey factory farms.

Whether you enjoy prepared turkey alternatives or homemade recipes, vegetarian options can be the centerpiece of a memorable holiday meal, and can help create a more humane world. But even if you're not yet ready to replace all your meat products this holiday, you can still help farm animals by adopting one of the other Three Rs: You can reduce your consumption of animal products or refine your consumption by choosing products from animals raised in the least inhumane conditions possible.

Take Action
» You can help turkeys this Thanksgiving by signing our Petition for Poultry.

"This Thanksgiving, we can enjoy foods that are healthy for our families, giving ourselves and turkeys reason to celebrate," says Michael Greger, M.D., HSUS director of public health and animal agriculture. "Simply by choosing from the wealth of delicious, easy-to-prepare vegetarian meal options, we can leave saturated animal fat, cholesterol and animal suffering out of our holiday festivities."

Tragic Abuse

After enduring lives of frustration and suffering, tens of millions of turkeys are slaughtered for Thanksgiving meals. Most are bred to grow at an unnaturally rapid rate, preventing many of the birds from even walking normally. They also suffer from chronic health problems, including heart disease and skeletal disorders. Producers amputate parts of turkeys' beaks, toes and snoods, virtually never using painkillers in the process. After an often painful slaughter, they arrive on our tables.

Turkeys and other birds raised for food are left without protection from even the most terrible cruelties. The federal Animal Welfare Act does not cover animals used for food, and the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act is interpreted to exclude birds killed for human consumption. And most states' anti-cruelty statutes exempt standard agricultural practices, no matter how abusive.

Start a Humane Tradition

Instead of starting your Thanksgiving celebration by purchasing a turkey raised on a factory farm, carve out a new tradition. There are many mouth-watering vegetarian options available for your holiday feast. Check out one of the delicious options available at supermarkets, such as Tofurky or UnTurkey, in order to satisfy your loved ones' craving for a filling meal. Surrounded by side dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, yams, cranberry sauce and vegetables, your holiday meal will be complete—and compassionate.

So, this Thanksgiving, gobble up an animal-friendly feast, and give turkeys reason for thanks!

Pets Are Not "Cargo"

Wed, 18 Oct 2006 02:36:34 -0000

Mom says there is a super cool company concept that she thought we should share with you all. Most of you are aware how dangerous it is for animals to travel in the belly of a plane......were not "cargo" for gosh sakes!

There is a potential company called Companion Air that is creating a special airline specifically for animals and their families. The animals will fly first class with their person(s) in the cabin of the plane. How pawsatively cool is that? They are currently seeking capital and are working out the details of the business.

The rates seem a little high compared to regular air travel but when you weigh how much our safety and health matters, it is a minor fee. Think too what setting this precedent will do for the other airlines! It won't be long before every major carrier designates certain flights or even certain back rows of all planes so that animals can travel with their people on every flight! The more people that request and use this service, the lower the prices will go.

Send them a note and let them know you commend them for being on the cutting-edge for compassionate travel and for making the statement that they find us valuable enough to fly first class! We're all sending pawsitive intentions to help them get this "off the ground".

Tell Pepsi..."NO Greyhounds"

Fri, 29 Sep 2006 03:05:44 -0000

Mom just recieved an email about an advertising campaign/competition that is being run in Australia that allows Pepsi drinkers to sign up and win part "ownership" in a racing Greyhound. The campaign proposes that one can buy specially marked bottles to either win $5 thousands dollars per day or "The Dog".

As dogs and dog lovers, we simply can't stand for any organization promoting an industry that is connected to excessive surplus breeding practices, often cruel methods by which unwanted dogs are destroyed, daily unfit living conditions, and the killing and maiming of bait animals, such as rabbits, during training exercises, that exists solely for the entertainment and profit of people-often at the expense of the animals' welfare.

We can all come together to tell Pepsi we don't approve. Vote with your dollar and tell Pespi you will not support them with your purchase as long as they choose to support an industry that exploits racing dogs.

To see which Pepsi brands to boycot click here.

You can contact them at: http://www.pepsi.com/help/help.php
or write or call them directly at:

PepsiCo, Inc.
700 Anderson Hill Road
Purchase, NY 10577
(914) 253-2000

To learn more about the Greyhound racing industry and how you can help, see: HSUS Greyhound Racing Facts

Zaadz zAnimals on Flickr

Tue, 26 Sep 2006 19:43:04 -0000

Hi all.

As I look around I notice so many Zaadsters that share the love of animals here at Zaadz. Thus, I have created a Zaadz zAnimals Flickr photo pool so that we can see them all at a glance. Do stop by and share your beloveds(here or departed) photos often. Even include a story about them if you feel called. There can never be enough animal cuteness spread about the world.

Love and biscuits,
Shelly and Reily

Help Spread Zaadz Love To Our zAnimal Friends

Tue, 26 Sep 2006 17:27:46 -0000

Our dear friend and fellow zAnimal Ambassador, SixthSense, is heading up a really great cause for animals. Mom and I are intending to be there if all works out and we can get to LA that weekend. Do check out his event and come play if you can. It will be on tail-wagging good time!

HELP ZAADZ SPREAD LOVE TO OUR ANIMAL FRIENDZ - ANOTHA SEXY REVOLUTION EVENT

WHO LET THE DOGZ OUT?! Whoever did it, this is your chance to walk em!

We will be helping out the dogs in Seal Beach Animal Care Center (SBACC.ORG) - it is a NO KILL animal shelter! I have volunteered at the shelter and it is an awesome loving place!

I have also been to the last year's WAG'N'WALK with several friends and it was AWESOME! I did not have a dog (my baby Flash passed away about 3 years ago), so I walked a dog from the shelter. All the dogs from the shelter took part in the walk AND IT WAS AMAZING. You can bring YOUR DOG if you'd like instead. You can also join us and walk without a dog (if you are a cat person;)

Whatever you choose to do, just come out and have fun with us, while helping this awesome animal care center.

I have created a ZAADZ LOVEZ ANIMALS TEAM page, where you can sign up for the event and/or show your love and support and donate a few bucks for our efforts to represent compassion and love.

Check it out: ZAADZ LOVEZ ANIMALS TEAM PAGE

Hope to see you there!

MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE WAG N WALK HERE
ADDRESS WHERE THE EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE

MUCH SEXY REVOLUTIONARY LOVE,

SIXTHSENSE

Xylitol- Potentially Toxic To Dogs

Sun, 27 Aug 2006 18:41:51 -0000

Many of my doggy friends have a tendency to eat their humans gum just for fun when it is left out. Mom just recieved this from the ASPCA that finds it can be even more of a problem than just sticky stuff all over the house. She also pays close attention to what we animals have sensitivities to since we are really good at deciphering hazardous chemicals in the environment. We animals are much more in tune to these types of things. If its not good for me then its not good for her she believes. I am glad she listens to me 'cause I'd like her to stay around for a long time. We animals would like you to also so we are sharing this with you today.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has issued a warning to pet owners that xylitol, a sweetener found in many sugar-free products, can cause serious problems for companion canines.

"Last year, we managed more than 170 cases involving xylitol," says the APCC's Dana Farbman, CVT. "This is a significant increase from 2004, when we managed about 70." And in the first half of 2006, toxicologists have already handled 114 cases. "It's difficult to say why there's such an increase," says Farbman. "Xylitol products are relatively new to the United States marketplace, so one possibility may be an increase in availability."

Dogs ingesting significant amounts of items sweetened with xylitol could develop a fairly sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures. Signs can develop quite rapidly, sometimes less than half an hour after ingestion.

It was previously thought that only large concentrations of xylitol resulted in problems-but new data is beginning to disprove this. "We seem to be learning new information with each case we manage," says APCC veterinary toxicologist Dr. Eric Dunayer. "We also have begun to see problems developing from ingestions of products with lesser amounts of this sweetener."

APCC experts urge pet owners to keep candy, gum and other foods containing xylitol out of their animals' reach. If you suspect that your pet has ingested products sweetened with xylitol-or any other potentially dangerous substance-call your veterinarian or the APCC's emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone assistance. For more pet poison prevention tips, please visit APCC online.

The Horse- Articles Now Available For Free

Fri, 25 Aug 2006 16:51:02 -0000

A great allopathic, veterinary-based resource is now available to all horse caregivers. Mom uses it often to back up her philosophy about a holistic horsecare approach. It can be used as a great tool in many ways.

Free Horse Health Resource at Your Fingertips

by: Kimberly S. Brown, Editor

August 2006 Article # 7488

The award-winning web site www.TheHorse.com has just made all articles on the site available free to registered users. After completing the registration process, you can read any of the nearly 7,500 articles on the site. You also can sign up for a free weekly electronic horse health newsletter.

As a not-for-profit company, we realize that the archive of veterinary-approved information contained in the nearly 7,500 articles on TheHorse.com is a useful resource to ALL horse owners, and we value the opportunity to share that information for the benefit of horses worldwide. Even if you are a magazine subscriber or have registered with TheHorse.com before, you must log into the site to make sure you are fully registered in our new database, then you may read EVERYTHING on TheHorse.com web site for FREE!

Following are some of the benefits you can have through TheHorse.com.

News

TheHorse.com contains news relating to horse health, care, management, and welfare that is constantly updated. When you need to know what's important to you and your horses, visit TheHorse.com news section.

E-Newsletter

Get the latest news and articles sent directly to your e-mail inbox by signing up for TheHorse.com free weekly Horse Health E-Newsletter. Nearly 40,000 horse owners depend on this service each week.

Article Archives

With nearly 7,500 articles located in our searchable database, horse owners can research and read about any topic with confidence that the information is accurate and from the industry's top sources.

PDF Download Library

Article series and special reports on herpesviruses, parasites, vaccinations, identification forms, and more are available for you to download FREE to your own computer for future reference. TheHorse.com will offer additional downloads in the near future.

AAEP Ask the Vet

One of our most popular features is readers' questions answered by industry experts that we share with all horse owners.

Calendar of Events

Events in the world of horse health, care, management, and welfare events are listed on our FREE Calendar of Events.

Classified Ads

A great place to be seen by thousands of visitors every day.

The Horse Source Online

Search this all-breed, all-discipline directory of goods, services, and organizations available through TheHorse.com.

Welcome to TheHorse.com.

Kimberly S. Brown, Editor

The Horse: Your Guide To Equine Health Care

KEEP TWEETY SAFE WITH BIRD POISON PREVENTION TIPS

Fri, 04 Aug 2006 16:05:17 -0000

(from ASPCA)
According to statistics compiled by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), more than 525 instances of pet birds being exposed to potentially dangerous common household items were reported last year. As the majority of companion avians have limited activity outside their cages, poisonings are not common. But birds with free household access are at potential risk of exposure to toxicants. Our experts at the APCC offer the following poison prevention tips to keep your companion avian in the "sing" of things:

* Birds are highly sensitive to inhalant fumes, so please avoid exposing yours to fumes from self-cleaning ovens and overheated cookware, automobile exhaust, tobacco smoke, glues and paints, insecticidal fumigants, perfume and hair spray.

* Keep all prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of beak's reach, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold medicines, anticancer drugs, vitamins and diet pills are all examples of human medications that can be lethal to birds, even in small amounts.

* Never allow your bird access to areas in which cleaning agents are being used or stored. Should your pet ingest them, he could suffer from a range of symptoms, depending on the substance, from mild stomach upset to severe burns of the tongue, mouth and crop.

* Foods and beverages that could be dangerous to birds include:
- avocados
- chocolate in any form
- coffee & tea
- moldy or spoiled foods
- onions & garlic
- tomato leaves and stems
- yeast dough

If you suspect your bird has gotten into a potentially poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the APCC's emergency hotline-(888) 426-4435-for round-the-clock telephone assistance. For additional bird safety tips, please visit ASPCA online.

Be Prepared To Help An Animal In Crisis

Tue, 01 Aug 2006 19:05:05 -0000

As an animal lover, are you prepared to help bring an animal who is lost or injured to safety?

You can make sure you are prepared to be a "lifeline" for injured and stranded animals by assembling a Good Samaritan kit and keeping it in your car. Your kit should include:

Leash and collar
Strong-smelling food or treats
Small carrier or cardboard box
Collapsible water bowl
Bottle of water
Animal first-aid kit
Addresses and phone numbers for local animal shelters and emergency veterinary clinics

Through its LifeLine grant program, UAN helps Good Samaritans meet the high cost of emergency veterinary care for animals they rescue from life-threatening situations.

So if you do find an injured animal who needs lifesaving veterinary care, LifeLine may be able to help you meet the high cost of caring.

(From: United Animal Nations)

Mom also likes to carry small bag of dog and cat food and a couple of cans of cat food with some disposable bowls behind her truck seat just for those occasional strays that are obviously hungry and thirsty and won't let her near. She leaves the food/water under a bush or someplace safe nearby for the animal to eat until which time she can alert a rescue agency to assist.

Recycle and Save Pets Lives

Sun, 30 Jul 2006 20:49:30 -0000

Recycle your used inkjet cartridges and cell phones and save a homeless pet's life

You can help save homeless pets by turning in your used inkjet cartridges (no Epsons) and digital cell phones. PetSmart Charities will receive a $2.00 donation from every cartridge and phone recycled through this program. Plus, you will help save the environment too! To receive a postage paid envelope for mailing your used inkjet cartridge or cell phone, simply click on the link below or visit your nearest PetSmart store to pick one up. To find a PetSmart store near you, click here.

PetSmartcharities@cashforcritters.com

Orange County, CA Kitty In Need

Sat, 29 Jul 2006 18:01:15 -0000

Lucy is a beautiful gray and white longhair:

Lucy is approx. 4 years old, spayed. She has spent all her life as the office cat at a car dealership. She is used to people of all ages but especially likes men because all of the managers were men.

Lucy needs a new home because the last manager retired due to health reasons and the new managers DO NOT WANT a cat or any other animal for that matter.

Lucy needs a loving environment, indoors. She is not used to other animals cause she's never had another cat or dog around her. She needs to be brushed often because of her beautiful long fur.

She loves to play!

Thank you for finding a new, loving home for Lucy!

If you can help - Please contact Regina at reginah123@hotmail.com

Finnegan the Squirrel

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 17:25:33 -0000

This story was shared by our friend Herbie over in the Kindred Spirits pod. How cute is this? Thanks Herbie!

(Finnegan - 01)	For about as long as she can remember, Debby Cantlon says, friends and strangers have brought her animals in need. So it wasn't much of a surprise when someone asked her if she'd care for a newborn squirrel found at the base of a tree somewhere near Renton.
(Finnegan - 02)	Debby Cantlon, who plans to release Finnegan, the young squirrel, back into the wild, bottle-fed the infant squirrel after it was brought to her house. Cantlon, who has cancer, says rescuing injured animals is therapeutic for her.
(Finnegan - 03)	When Cantlon took in the tiny creature and began caring for him, she found herself with an unlikely nurse's aide: her pregnant Papillon, Mademoiselle Giselle. *[Ed. Note] While we are in favor of spaying and neutering companion animals to avoid the present overpopulation, this does not detract from the love expressed between these species.*
(Finnegan - 04)	Finnegan was resting in a nest in a cage just days before Giselle was due to deliver her puppies.
(Finnegan - 05)	Cantlon and her husband watched as the dog dragged the squirrel's cage - twice - to her own bedside before she gave birth.
(Finnegan - 06)	Cantlon was concerned, yet ultimately decided to allow the squirrel out - and the inter-species bonding began.
(Finnegan - 07)	Finnegan rides a puppy mosh pit of sorts, burrowing in for warmth after feeding, and eventually working his way beneath his new litter mates. Two days after giving birth, mama dog Giselle allowed Finnegan to nurse; family photos and a videotape show her encouraging him to suckle alongside her litter of five pups.
(Finnegan - 08)	Now, Finnegan mostly uses a bottle, but still snuggles with his "siblings" in a mosh pit of puppies, rolling atop their bodies and sinking in deeply for a nap.
(Finnegan - 09)	Finnegan and his new litter mates, five Papillion puppies, get along together as if they were meant to.
(Finnegan - 10)	Finnegan naps after feeding.
(Finnegan - 11)	Finnegan makes himself at home with his new litter mates, nuzzling nose-to-nose for a nap after feeding.

http://www.all-creatures.org/animal.html

Take Me To Your Leader

Sat, 15 Jul 2006 15:51:13 -0000

Strange Brew by John Deering
www.ucomics.com/strangebrew

Caring For Orphaned Kittens

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 20:52:39 -0000

Hi All! Reily here, turning this important topic over to my Mom. Peace and biscuits.

Thanks Reily buddy. It is an important topic indeed. Especially during kitten season.

Many people have asked me what to do if and when they find an orphaned kitten. While I always believe that collaboration with a trusted veterinarian and if possible, transferring the animal to someone who specializes in this type of care is the best that can be done for the animal's sake, there are times when it is necessary to take care into your own hands and provide help immediately until further assistance can be made.

Following are documents that I have found comprehensive and valuable. Some contradict each other but will at least give you resources to draw your own conclusions from. As a whole, they cover most of what you will encounter. The two things that I feel were missing and would add because I find VERY important key points are as follows:

1. Before removing a kitten(s) from it's location, make CERTAIN that the mother is not nearby. If the kitten seems in stable condition and is in no danger where it is placed, monitor it for some time (from afar) to see if the mother returns. A kittens best option is to always stay with its mother at least for a few weeks. It will have a much higher chance of survival. If you must remove the kitten due to severe temperature, immediate danger or failure of the mother to return, continue to monitor the area after the kitten is removed to see if the mother eventually comes back. It is possible that she could be trapped and reunited with the kittens until they are weaned at which time she can be spayed and returned or found a suitable home for.

2. ALWAYS refrigerate both liquid and POWDER versions of the kitten replacement formula after they have been opened. Most caregivers that I know have made the critical mistake early on in their learning of not refrigerating unconstituted powered formula because they mistake it for being similar to dried milk. This is not so. The oils in the replacer formula powder will go rancid in a short period if at room temperature which can kill a kitten very quickly. (I personally I have had the best results with KMR powder) and have hand raised many, many kittens on it.

3. Having a Comfort Pal Kitty (like the one shown above) can be a huge asset when working with orphaned kittens. It has a digital mothers heartbeat with timer or on/off capabilies. The babies will cuddle right up as if it is their mother and it gives them a bit of added comfort and warmth. If you do not have the heartbeat type bear a soft, fluffy stuffed animal is the next best thing.

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me and I will do my best to help or find someone who can.

In closing I will add too that raising an orphaned kitten can be very time-consuming and tedious and sometimes heart-breaking but the rewards are 10-fold when you get to see a healthy, happy growing kitten running around playing and later being joined with a loving, caring new home. My greatest advice is to follow your intuition closely. Remember too that you owe it to the kitten to believe that you can provide it with the best possible care. If you do not feel confident with the process, please find someone who is a veteran at it. If you are interested in becoming adept at it, ask that person to train you for future reference. Raising orphaned kittens as a foster is a specialty that many rescue organizations are in great need of. Call your local rescue and see how you might be able to get involved.

Helpful links:

Books:

The Guide To Handraising Kittens

Hand Raising The Orphaned Kitten

BottleKatz: A Complete Care Guide for Orphaned Kittens

Websites:

Neonatal Kitten Care by Alley Cat Allies

Hand Raising Orphaned Kittens Handbook (pdf) by Kathleen M Gallagher via Alley Cat Allies

Basic Kitten Care (pdf) by Tompkins County SPCA

Raising Healthy Kittens by Dr. Susan Little DVM

Kitten Care Handbook by KittenRescue.org (has recipes for emergency formula if KMR is not available)

Help For Orphaned Kittens by Dr. Jill Richardson DVM

Orphaned Kittens Nutrition by Kittens-lair.net

Handrearing Kittens

Kitten-rescue.com (Good "what to expect at each age bracket" info)

DVD/Video:

Feline Neonatal Care

I truly hope this information is helpful. This blog was created for informational purposes only but I have put together a orphaned kitten store for those who may not be able to find items in thier area. Please feel free to share any other valuable references that you might know of here or at the Kindred Spirits pod. Thank you.

Wishing you all the best with your little ones!

KEEP YOUR PETS HAPPY AND HEALTHY THIS FOURTH OF JULY

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 22:24:38 -0000

The Fourth of July is my least favorite holiday of the year. The fireworks hurt my ears terribly and I can't seem to relax from all the noise. My friend Gunner feels the same way about the loud noises. Thankfully my Mom brings me inside so that I'm not so scared and the noise is not as loud. Unfortunately, Gunner is too big for the house so he gets to have cotton in his ears to help block out the loud bangs. We all get Rescue Remedy to help us feel safe and calm and that seems to help alot! Here are some more ideas from the ASPCA to help your animals feel safe and comfortable on the holiday.

Yappy Fourth of July To All!
Reily and The Farm

For many people, nothing beats lounging in the backyard on the Fourth of July with good friends and family-including the four-legged members of the household. While it may seem like a great idea to reward Rover with scraps from the grill and bring him along to watch fireworks, in reality some festive foods and products can be potentially hazardous to your pets. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers the following tips:

* Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.

* Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets' reach. Certain types of matches, for example, contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing.

* Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pets severe indigestion and diarrhea. And keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes and raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals.

* Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, so please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities. Instead, keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home.

For more tips on how to keep your animal companions safe and sound this upcoming Independence Day, please visit ASPCA online.