Tiger Saves Self

"I don't know if you saw this story ...Apparently in Tesso Nilo National Park, Indonesia a camera trap set up by WWF researchers photographed a male Sumatran tiger that appears to have escaped from a snare. He is missing the lower half of his right front leg. The WWF staff suspect this tiger is the same individual reported caught in a snare in November 2006, which they believe chewed his paw off, to escape." My friend Jo - the same one from the bonobo blog below, sent me this - animals are amazing! I am not sure if I should be in awe or horrified......

Oscar the Cat

I love this article about Oscar - the feline with feelings for dying hospice patients. It is comforting to know that our furry friends can help us in more ways than we sometimes wish to understand. Read more about Oscar and his abilities at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12249387

Helping Animals

Aspen Daily NewsPrinted From: http://www.aspendailynews.com/article_20865

Nonprofit Helps Valley Residents of the Four-legged Variety

Damien Williamson - Aspen Daily News Staff Writer

Wed 07/25/2007 07:01AM The Roaring Fork Valley's 200-plus nonprofits are no longer just for at-risk youth, film aficionados, the musically inclined, literary enthusiasts or, for that matter, humans at all. Organizations like the recently established Simba Fund have set out to help the unfortunate four-legged, furry residents of the valley who have succumb to life-threatening illnesses or accidents. Unofficially founded in the fall of 2005 after Julee Roth donated money after the death of her cat Simba, the fund eventually received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in February 2007. Since then, it has successfully given eight animals a second chance at life. "Our mission is to defray the cost of life-saving procedures for stray animals, and for those animals whose owners have extenuating circumstances or limited resources," says Simba Fund spokesperson and volunteer Christine Helling. "Usually the animals are referred from their veterinarian after some sort of trauma. We see a lot of dogs who have been hit by cars, and all of a sudden people say 'How am I going to pay for this?" After prospective fund recipients fill out an application, the nonprofit requests a pay stub and the previous year's tax return in order to determine financial eligibility. Then the group's seven-member board determines if and how much money will be doled out. The process usually takes from 24-48 hours. Helling says that ideally the pet owner will come up with whatever portion of the expenses that they can. But in the case of strays or animals abandoned once the owner realizes the high-cost of the medical procedures, the fund attempts to cover the entire cost of surgeries and rehabilitation. As an added benefit, doctors that perform services and procedures on animals through the Simba Fund are asked to discount their services at a rate of 33 percent. Founding Director Dr. Melissa McPherron's facility hosts most of the orthopedic cases at Mountain Veterinary Surgical Associates in Basalt, but the nonprofit has also worked with Redhill Animal Health Center and Alpine Animal Hospital both in Carbondale, as well as Gentle Friends in Glenwood Springs. Like most valley nonprofits, funding is The Simba Fund's greatest dilemma. But since it is currently an entirely volunteer-run organization, all of the funds raised go directly towards helping animals in need. "The four animals we helped in June were all shelter animals, so they've depleted our funds," Helling says. "But the community has been a big help as we also rely on grants, like the one we received from the Thrift Shop, as well as private donations, our board members and fundraisers. We've also been the beneficiary of events like the K9 uphill and 'Bone Days in Dogdale.'" Helling says she chooses to volunteer not because she works at Mountain Veterinary Surgical Associates with Dr. McPherron, but because she truly sees the tangible benefits of the organization. "We're really making a difference," she says. "Being able to get animals the care they need, nurse them back to health, rehabilitate them, and often help them find a new family feels pretty good." damien@aspendailynews.com
© 2007 Aspen Daily NewsAll Rights Reserved

Dogs, SnugglePuppies & Fireworks

Alison says to keep dogs in the house during 4th of July fireworks - and use a SnugglePuppie to calm them. I couldn't agree more. Parades too can be a problem, so if you need to leave Fido or Fifi home, leave them with a friend that is warm and comforting - a SnugglePuppie! I admit I have stolen this article from About.com and because I could not have said this better myself - well written Krista Mifflin!

DOGS AND FIREWORKS

Keep Your Dog Safe

Every year, the fireworks used during some of our noisier celebrations send dogs all over the continent scurrying for cover. The noise of the fireworks, and the bustle of Independence Day, Guy Fawkes Day, and Canada Day celebrations wreak havoc on dogs and dog owners alike. Some owners are simply unaware of the effect these festivities have on their pets, and bring them to the party with them. So here I am, with a formal plea, on behalf of your dog: Please leave your dog at home! The day following these celebrations can be a nightmare at animal shelters, due to the influx of lost pets who have fled in panic from the fireworks. Even from as far as miles away from the display, an animal can feel and hear the loud noises that a fireworks display puts out. The safest and kindest thing by far, is to leave your dog safely stashed inside the house with a television or radio playing to drown out the noise. Crating your pet during this night is even better.

What To Do

Here are some helpful hints to help your dog get through the day (and night) with as little stress as possible:

1. Keep him in his crate for the evening. Leave him at home, preferably in his crate, with a SnugglePuppie (okay I added that!) or any other favorite toy.

2. Bach's Rescue Remedy. To help him keep calm before the noise starts.

3. Television or radio for "normal" background noise.

if you go out, do NOT make a big production of leaving. This will tell him that something is up and you are worried (and therefore he should be too).Previously content dogs have been known to dig under fences, break through glass windows, doors, etc, to bolt free. Be sure your dog is secure! With vigilance, plenty of distraction and a caring owner, your dog will make it through this harrowing day, and return to his previously stable condition.

I hope this helps! Happy 4th of July!! Julee