Archives                                                      

                                                                    Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                            by Jude Lassow
                                                                            December 26, 2008
                                                                    e-mail judespets@aol.com

GREEN CLEANING: HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS CAN BE TOXIC:  Now is the time to really start thinking "green" about how you clean your house, especially the floors. Many household cleaners are made of chemicals that can make a cat really sick.  When she walks on the floor and licks her paw pads later.  No matter what cleaning products you use on your floors, it's essential to go over the floor again afterwards with clean water and get up every trace of the product.  Please wait until the floor is completely dry before allowing the cat to walk on it.  Cleansing agents do not belong on your cat.  When she licks herself, the cleaner it will be ingested.  This advice is particularly true for kittens, whose systems are more delicate and vulnerable to any of these potential toxins. –excerpt from the CatBible

WATER/FOOD BOWLS: Stainless steel is an excellent choice (ceramic versions are fragile, and some felines have allergic reactions to the plastic ones).  Make sure the bowl is wide enough so that the cat's whiskers do not flatten against the sides of its face (they find this unpleasant).  Position the bowls in a quiet area.  If you also own a dog, make sure the canine cannot access them. –excerpt from TheCatster

HORSE ABUSE IS ON THE RISE.  Horses across the country are suffering neglect, starvation and torture. Sometimes horse abuse is apparent -- sometimes it’s not. You can help teach people how to spot the signs of abuse and neglect and create greener pastures for these poor animals.  Is his skin pulling tight against his ribs? Is his body emaciated or injured? Is he wandering on his own farm, or has he been abandoned there? Experts indicate that horse neglect and abuse is on the rise nationwide. Too many horses are being starved, or just plain deserted in other people’s fields, as their owners struggle with meeting the rising cost of hay and care in this tough economy.  Other horses are being tortured, beaten or kept in unsafe, unhealthy environments -- even tethered to trees with no way to escape deadly cold or heat.  Please contact the AMERICAN HUMANE Society and find out how you can help save a horse’s life. –excerpt from americanhumane.org

ADOPTION: HELP PLEASE - Sunny, rescued from a basement boiler room, is a nine week old male, orange tabby kitten.  He is very affectionate and playful. 718-496-9934  

                                                                      Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                            by Jude Lassow
                                                                            December 19, 2008
                                                                    e-mail judespets@aol.com

                                                                      Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                            by Jude Lassow
                                                                            December 12, 2008
                                                                    e-mail judespets@aol.com

                                                                     Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                            by Jude Lassow
                                                                            December 5, 2008
                                                                    e-mail judespets@aol.com

                                                                  Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                            by Jude Lassow
                                                                            November 28, 2008
                                                                    e-mail judespets@aol.com

ASPCA COLD WEATHER TIPS FOR PETS: Keep kitties indoors! Outdoors, felines can freeze or become lost or injured. Infectious diseases from other stray animals are harmful to roaming cats. ANTIFREEZE, while essential to a car's cooling system, is very dangerous to your pets. Thoroughly clean, any spills from your vehicle. Consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Thoroughly wipe off your dog’s feet, legs, and tummy when he comes in out of the elements. He can ingest salt, antifreeze, or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws and his pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice. Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm pillow or blanket is purrfect. -excerpt from ASPCA

PURRFECT REASON TO ADOPT OLDER CAT: A young adult cat is purrfect for a home with smaller children, a working single or couple; the cat can be unattended during the day. Little kids are rough with kittens. Kittens become bored and mischievous when left home alone day after day. They can harm themselves in even the most kitten-safe home. It is cost effective. Usually, kit/cats are altered, have shots and blood tested.

MUFFIN’S BOOK CHOICE: CESAR MILLAN’S ‘Be The Pack Leader’; Use Cesar’s Way to Transform Your Dog and Your Life, is a fascinating, informative book Cesar co-authored with MELISSA JO PELTIER. This book explains the challenges of dog psychology verses human behavior.
It is a MUST READ for anyone who wants a well balanced dog to live in a balanced home with calm submissive and assertive energy. Cesar knows energy, human issues, and dog pack mentality. As CESAR embraces his God given gift with dogs, he shares his hands-on techniques and common sense knowledge. Watch Cesar on National Geographic’s THE DOG WHISPERER. Check your local cable television for the channel.

ADOPTION: visit muffins.org

                                                                   Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                            by Jude Lassow
                                                                            November 21, 2008
                                                                    e-mail judespets@aol.com

                                                                    Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                            by Jude Lassow
                                                                            November 14, 2008
                                                                    e-mail judespets@aol.com

                                                                    Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                            by Jude Lassow
                                                                            November 7, 2008
                                                                    e-mail judespets@aol.com

                                                                  Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                            by Jude Lassow
                                                                            October 31, 2008
                                                                    e-mail judespets@aol.com

UPDATE: EMERGENCY CAT ADOPTION EVENT AT HAPPY PETS:  The October 16, 2008 issue of the HOME REPORTER covered the story about the ACC, K9 KASTLE, and In Our Hands Rescue saving dozens of cats from euthanasia.  The adoption event was held at HAPPY PETS.  Through the outpouring of love, three adult cats and seven loving kittens were adopted into forever homes!  Jason is fostering seven adult cats.  Please go and visit 9818-4^th Avenue and allow your heart to be captivated by a new feline friend.  You’ll be glad you did!  Philip an eight year old, declawed, sweet, quiet, owner surrendered, handsome Orange tabby.  Polydactyl (six toes) Kato, an 8 year old Siamese mix with huge blue eyes, a sweetie, but he is better as an only cat. Quiet Bead, a three year old, black and white Tuxedo, with the pinkest nose and a black bead on her nose.  Nancy an 8 year old Calico, a reserved quiet, distinguished only cat.  Patches a small, three year old Calico, a real lady, who is quiet and affectionate.  Four year old Tigger, is a fluffy Orange & white, PRETTY BOY, who loves attention and is okay with cats.  Sad Jerry a 2 year old, white with Gray patches, DSH.  This handsome green eyed kitty sits all alone in a cage, waiting for you.   Please call 718-238-2246

IN REMEMBRANCE OF:  “In loving memory of our little snowball ‘Sassy’.  Three short years together, when you were suddenly taken from us.  But a heart full of memories and joys which will last a lifetime”.  Love and miss you, Kathy, Steve, CoCo, Brighteyes, Max and Rosie

                                                           Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                            by Jude Lassow
                                                                            October 24, 2008
                                                                    e-mail judespets@aol.com

                                                                   Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                            by Jude Lassow
                                                                            October 17, 2008
                                                                    e-mail judespets@aol.com

WE GET LETTERS: I wanted to make all of you aware that kittens (yes, I said kittens) are now going into heat at 4 1/2 to 5 months old. Emma, my rescued kitten is living proof!  She is two weeks shy of 5 months old and she is most certainly in heat. She's crying, her mammary glands are swollen and she is constantly licking herself (you know where).  What's funny is Loki, my 5 year old male Persian realized this and tried to mount her (don't worry, he's neutered) and he didn't know what to do! It was hilarious!  He grabbed her and then just sat on her. She tried to guide him, but he still didn't know what to do and I swear to you that she realized this and threw him off. I was hysterical laughing.  But now to be serious, please be aware that nowadays female kittens are going into heat way too early and could have their first litter by 5 months old. That's preposterous! Emma was outdoors, being abused by trouble-making kids, when I saved her. Easily, this little kitten could have been sexually assaulted by multiple tom cats. 
Please notice the signs of a first heat and have your kitten (yes I said kitten) spayed. You can call Muffins Pet Connection to buy a low cost spay/neuter certificate at 718-833-7988. Janice Foti  Furry Friends Pet Care

PETA ALERT: Countless animals are suffering in outdated and unnecessary animal tests. This year alone, more than 100 million individual animals in North America will be killed in these cruel tests. Dogs are poisoned by toxic pesticides. Mice are put in water chambers and forced to swim until they drown from exhaustion. Rabbits have chemicals poured into their eyes. Pigs are shot and burned by the U.S. Army for medical trainings. Monkeys have metal screws drilled into their skulls.  

These experiments are not only cruel but also unreliable, dangerous, and bad science. We know that non-animal tests are less expensive and that they are better at protecting human health. The U.S. governments own scientific advisory board, the National Academy of Sciences, has concluded that many animal tests are useless and should largely be replaced by superior non-animal test methods. But even with that recommendation, animal testing continues, and animals whose minds and bodies are being shattered in laboratories desperately need our help. –excerpt from peta.org

                                                                    Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                            by Jude Lassow
                                                                            October 10, 2008
                                                                    e-mail judespets@aol.com

WE GET LETTERS:  Dear Jude- I would like to introduce you to Camp Bow Wow, our new doggie daycare and boarding facility in Long Island City, Queens.  We opened our doors on July 18th, 2008 and are part of a franchise that started in Boulder, Colorado.  We are the first camp to open in NYC but more are on the way.  We have an 8,000 sq ft facility with open play areas and large comfy cabins for our campers to stay in.  We separate dogs for size and temperament and we have webcams so you can watch our dogs playing together. Please check out our website at campbowwow.com/longislandcity.  In an attempt to find forever homes for our furry friends, we invite you to our Gra nd Opening/Adoption Drive event on October 11th from 2-7pm.  Please contact Elisabeth Anson
General Manager 718-392-9663. 

ASPCA ALERT:  Home Improvement: Keep Your Pet Safe from Toxic Glues

                                                                       Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                            by Jude Lassow
                                                                            October 4, 2008
                                                                    e-mail judespets@aol.com

HUMANE SOCIETY UPDATES: New York Legislative Session Adjourns with Victories for Animals...ALTERNATIVES TO ANIMAL TESTING: New York became the third state -- joining New Jersey and California -- to require alternatives to animal testing for products safety if a federally approved alternative exists. Every year, millions of animals are used to test cosmetics and household products, often being subjected to painful, out-of-date methods when alternatives are available. Governor Paterson signed A. 7402 into law on 
July 8.

                                                                      Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                            by Jude Lassow
                                                                            September 26, 2008
                                                                    e-mail judespets@aol.com

                                                                  Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                            by Jude Lassow
                                                                            September 19, 2008
                                                                    e-mail judespets@aol.com

PET FOOD ALERT: MARS PETCARE US Voluntary Limited Food Recall. Everson, PA Plant Dry Pet Food Product due to Potential Salmonella Contamination, serotype Schwarzengrund. This recall only affects the United States. Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and cats. Healthy people potentially infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. On rare occasions, 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 be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and can potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. –excerpt from petcare.mars.com

WE GET LETTERS: Cats and kittens need homes by the end of September. We leave for Guatemala for six months. Gia female, Tia female and Theo male, sweet, playful, litter box trained, eight week old kittens. Three older females spayed, FELV negative, vetted. Princess, two year old feral female, Bandit, two year old Maine Coon black and white, sweet. Charlene, one year old tuxedo female, affectionate. Thank you. Jenny" 718-965-9057 mention THE HOME REPORTER

ASPCA NEWS ALERT: Small Animal Poison Prevention: Keep Lil’ Critters Safe- Rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs and domesticated rodents are popular companions. In the past five years, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has treated nearly 3,000 cases of small pet poisonings. "We see a lot of ibuprofen toxicities, especially in ferrets," says ASPCA Senior Veterinary Toxicologist Dr. Eric Dunayer. "Domesticated rodents often escape from their cages—frequently ingest rat and mouse poisons." Keep critters safe: Store all prescription and over-the-counter medications in secured bathroom cabinets. Avoid giving small pets chocolate, onion, avocado or any food that’s high in fat or salt. Rabbits and mice are particularly sensitive to avocado, which can lead to respiratory distress, heart problems and even death. –excerpt from aspca.org

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                                                                   Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                            by Jude Lassow
                                                                            September 12, 2008
                                                                    e-mail judespets@aol.com

CHRISTIAN THE LION...LIVES ON. Poignant ‘hugging’ lion video inspires movie: Negotiations under way for film rights after their reunion becomes YouTube hit! Millions have seen the YouTube video of "Christian the Lion" reuniting in Africa with the two men who bought him from a high-end London department store in 1969. Sony Pictures aims to bring the story of Christian and John Rendall and Anthony "Ace" Bourke, to the big screen. The studio is in the process of securing the life-story rights of Rendall and Bourke and their 1972 book, "A Lion Called Christian." One of the most-viewed YouTube videos of the reunion features Whitney Houston belting out "I Will Always Love You" in the background to footage from a 1971 documentary about the two men visiting Christian a year after they sent him to Africa to be reintroduced into the wild. John and Ace are unsure whether Christian will recognize them, and the lion approaches them slowly at first. Christian then rushes toward them and affectionately "hugs" them — provoking tears from nearly everyone who views the video. -excerpt from msnbc Christian used to ride around with John and Ace in the Bentley. He was a celebrity in England. Go to muffins.org and watch Christian hugging John and Ace. Have a tissue handy.

CARE2.COM ALERT:
Surprising Poisons in Our Pets...The Environmental Working Group recently undertook a study to investigate the extent of exposures pets face to contaminants in our homes and outdoor environments. The results are absolutely staggering. The study showed that the blood and urine samples of dogs and cats were contaminated with 48 of 70 industrial chemicals tested, including 43 chemicals at levels higher than those typically found in people. The study included plastics and food packaging chemicals, heavy metals, fire retardants, and stain-proofing chemicals. Dogs were found to be contaminated with 35 chemicals altogether, including 11 carcinogens, 31 chemicals toxic to the reproductive system, and 24 neurotoxins. The carcinogens are seriously worrisome. Cats in the study showed elevated levels of 46 chemicals altogether, including 9 carcinogens, 40 chemicals toxic to the reproductive system, 34 neurotoxins, and 15 chemicals toxic to the endocrine system. To protect your pet, Check out Eddie's healthy pet tips at petsfortheenvironment.org

                                                                   Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                            by Jude Lassow
                                                                            September 5, 2008
                                                                    e-mail judespets@aol.com

DANGEROUS DOG TOY UPDATE ALERT! Please look through all of your dog toys and make sure that your dogs do NOT have access to a toy called the Pimple Ball with Bell (Item #20227-001, UPC Code 0 4566320227 9) manufactured by Four Paws Inc. This toy has been responsible for seriously injuring at least two dogs, one dog had to have its tongue amputated. Chai's ordeal began after his tongue became stuck inside the ball, and the subsequent amputation of his tongue damage caused by this ball.
The design of the ball creates a vacuum while the dog is chewing on the
ball and the tongue becomes stuck inside the ball causing constriction and swelling. Chai is not the only dog that has been injured while playing with this ball. The manufactuer is voluntarily recalling the toy to retool it so that it is safe. For more information about the PIMPLE BALL with Bell, contact Haley Birk or Mr. Simon directly from their Web site:
fourpaws.com or call (631) 434-1100. -excerpt from Gimpsydogs.com

                                                                     Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                            by Jude Lassow
                                                                            August 29, 2008
                                                                    e-mail judespets@aol.com

ASPCA NEWS ALERT...LOBBY FOR ANIMALS NYC; Ban Wild & Exotic Animal Shows! —Animals in Entertainment Sponsor: Councilmember Rosie Mendez, NYC Intro. 389 would prohibit the display of wild and exotic animal performers for public entertainment in New York City. Based on the intentional cruelty commonly inflicted on these animals to get them to perform on demand, the unnatural conditions in which these animals live and the lack of any meaningful educational or conservation value to these events, the ASPCA supports this proposed ban. These kinds of traveling shows do not provide educational value to the public, nor do they serve the true interests of conservation. Training wild or exotic animals to perform on command routinely is done through abusive practices and intimidation. This includes the use of physical force—in the case of elephants, typically with a bullhook or ankus, a sharp metal device that pierces the skin.

                                                                    Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                            by Jude Lassow
                                                                            August 22, 2008
                                                                    e-mail judespets@aol.com

ASPCA NEWS ALERT: Pet Health Alert: Sago Palm Poisonings on the Rise
Though palm trees evoke daydreams of the sandy seashore, the Sago palm plant is no day at the beach. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has seen Sago palm poisonings increase by more than 200 percent since 2003—and over half of the cases have proven fatal. A native of Southern Japan, Sago palm has been a common addition to outdoor landscaping in sunny climes, but in recent years, has also emerged as a trendy houseplant in northern states. Though attractive with its dark green leaves and hairy trunk, the plant is highly toxic to cats and dogs. Common signs of Sago palm poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, depression, seizures and liver failure. -excerpt from ASPCA.ORG

                                                                    Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                            by Jude Lassow
                                                                            August 15, 2008
                                                                    e-mail judespets@aol.com

Upcoming Events: Workshop: "Trap-Neuter-Return: How to Manage a Feral Cat Colony" Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:00–4:00 p.m.

Come learn how to care for the feral and stray cats in your community and make use of the many resources now available to assist you. All steps in setting up a managed colony will be covered, including establishing good community relations, feeding, building and placing shelters, arranging vet care, finding recovery space, safely handling feral cats, and trapping (with an emphasis on conducting a mass-trapping of an entire feral colony at once). All workshop attendees will become TNR certified, and NYC residents will gain access to free spay/neuter and trap rental. Join the 1,500+ caretakers trained to date! Advance registration is required, but there is no charge to attend. Sponsors: Neighborhood Cats, NYC Feral Cat Initiative Course Fee: There is no fee to attend this class, but advance registration is required. -excerpt from NYC

Eartips: The E-Newsletter of the NYC Feral Cat Initiative More Info and Registration: Advance registration is required. Contact Neighborhood Cats at (212) 662-5761 or headcat@neighborhoodcats.org, or visit the Neighborhood Cats web site.Upcoming Events

WE GET LETTERS: "I wanted to let everyone know about the Peggy Sue dolls that Muffin’s offers. After seeing on television all the lead that is used in cat and dog toys, the only toys that my cats play with are the Peggy Sue dolls. They are handmade in the USA, of quality and safe materials. The cats love them. They sleep on them and roll around with them. Another plus is that a good portion of the sale of these pet toys goes to Muffins. They do very important work for the animals. They make great gifts. Thank you and God Bless"! Elyse Karnes

ADOPTION: STINKY, is a 12 year old, neutered male, 16 pound cat. He is very sweet and gentle. His mommy has asthma and is moving. Call: 718-251-4965 or718-207-7705 Mention Muffin’s at the HOME REPOTER.

                                                                   Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                            by Jude Lassow
                                                                            August 8, 2008
                                                                    e-mail judespets@aol.com

UPDATE ABOUT CHRISTIAN THE LION’S RESCUERS: UPDATE ABOUT CHRISTIAN THE LION’S RESCUERS: I have been praying about how to locate and interview these two Australian guys. Their ‘personal, in-depth’ story will make good copy for my column. My ‘Star’ guided me to search the web. After re-watching the tearful meeting of Christian standing on his hind legs, hugging John and Ace, I just knew I had to find these guys. A video I was viewing, showed a lion grab and kill a man! I was horrified. At the end of this video it stated 1956-1974 JOHN RENDALL. Oh my God, that’s who I am looking for. This just can’t be. My entire weekend was shot. I was so down. But after days of reading articles about CHRISTIAN the Lion, and getting eye strain, I found the story. BOY, one of George Adamson’s wild lions, did kill an experienced lion handler.  In my August 1, column, I wrote about my search to find John and Ace. God heard my prayers. JULY, 31, on the TODAY show, Meredith Vieira, interviewed JOHN and ACE in Sydney Australia! John is a Trustee at the Mkomazi Project, a Rhino Sanctuary for the extinct Black Rhino…there are only 29 alive in the world! I have fund raising ideas for JOHN. Now, does anyone have Meredith’s email address or contact information? The quest continues! Please call Jude 718-833-7988 Thank you and God Bless!

                                                                   Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                            by Jude Lassow
                                                                            August 1, 2008
                                                                    e-mail judespets@aol.com

I NEED YOUR HELP LOCATING TWO RESCUERS: Have you seen the YOU TUBE video of CHRISTIAN THE LION? I would love to get in touch with John Rendall and Ace Bourke and interview them. They saved a lion cub’s life, 36 years ago, and made history today! The heartwarming tear jerking video, is about two hip Australian lads, who moved to Chelsea, England. In 1969 a friend told them that Harrods sold exotic animals. John and Ace went there and spotted a 35-pound lion cub in a small cage. The cub had been born in a zoo and sold to the department store, which wasn't considered that unusual back then. Bourke and Rendall felt sorry for the cub and bought it for 250 guineas. ($600.00) Inspired by the Bible and a sense of irony, Rendall and Bourke named the lion "Christian," a name that became even more appropriate when the Vicar of the St. John's Church, which called itself the "Church at the World's End," gave the young men permission to exercise Christian in the churchyard. Rendall and Bourke romped with Christian playing soccer. The guys lived in a flat under the furniture store where they worked and drove Christian about town in the back of a Bentley. Mick Jagger lived on the same street, and Christian became a local celebrity, even accompanying Rendall and Bourke into restaurants. But after a year, the 35-pound cub had grown to 185 pounds. They knew they couldn't keep Christian, but didn't know what to do with him. George Adamson, who rehabilitated ELSA the lion, and made the movie BORN FREE, agreed to take CHRISTIAN. It took 4 months for the KENYA government to accept CHRISTIAN. John and Ace brought Christian to George. A year later, they return for their last good byes to their friend that they raised, nurtured and loved. Christian was now a wild lion, who had his own Pride, a wife and cubs. George told the guys that even if they saw Christian, he would not remember them. -excerpt from a Blog for people. 
Watch the video and see what happens! If you have any suggestions on how I can contact John and Ace, please call me @ 718-833-7988 or judespets@aol.com

                                                              Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                       by Jude Lassow
                                                                         July 25, 2008
                                                             e-mail judespets@aol.com

ASPCA ALERT: USA: Speak Out Against Plan to Kill Thousands of Wild Horses The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is the agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior that administers America's public lands, including the animals who call this land home. As part of its wild horse management program, the BLM has spent the past several years rounding up wild horses and keeping them in private, long-term holding facilities—which is expensive. Now, the agency wants to euthanize thousands of healthy horses, claiming it is too costly to feed and care for them.

The ASPCA encourages the BLM to explore other solutions, including but not limited to reopening additional land for the horses and increasing certain contraception programs that have already proven safe and effective. Please email letter to your US Senators and Represenatives at aspca.org/site/R?i=3OU5CYtGvzcuhAamt507Mw..

WE GET EMAIL LETTERS: HELP PLEASE.."I don't know what to do about this. There is a mother cat and her three kittens who recently have come in to my back yard. Early Monday morning on 7/14/08, they were apparently near my driveway gate on 87th Street, Ridge Blvd. and Colonial Road. At 12:15 a.m. a young man and a girl must have seen them. By 1:00 a.m. lured one of the kittens close enough to catch it. They left holding something. The mother cat is nursing them and has been looking for the missing kitten. Perhaps you can comment in your column and ask that they return it. I'm concerned they may have not had the best of intentions based on the time it happened. Thank you. TParenteTParente1@aol.com

UPCOMING EVENTS: IN OUR HANDS RESCUE: ADOPTION EVENTS SATURDAY’s ALL NEXT MONTH at Loving Pet Foods, 145 Smith Street (at Bergen St., Cobble Hill) Brooklyn, NY 11201 12 pm - 6 pm
Don't forget that your actions save lives. Help us serve the community by trapping, neutering and returning feral cats, rescuing cats and kittens on death row. mamaluvcats@aol.com

Protect Your Cat From Common Hazards: STRING, THREAD AND YARN. If a cat swallows yarn, string or thread it can lead to a LIFE THREATENING condition in which the intestines bunch together. Surgery may be necessary, and some cats do not survive. The situation is even more serious if a needle is attached to thread that a cat swallows. –excerpt CATSTER NEWSLETTER

                                                              Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                       by Jude Lassow
                                                                         July 18, 2008
                                                             e-mail judespets@aol.com

WE GET LETTERS: Dear Jude, I really need your help! The following cats and kittens desperately need homes now! We are moving to Guatemala for a year to work in the jungle doing medical translation and filming. Our rescues MUST be adopted out by mid-August or else! Many of them are abandoned semi-feral and friendly house cats. Unfortunately, many cats were poisoned, run over, or just put out onto the street to fend for themselves. I have rescued thirty cats in the past year. Bandit, Frida, Princess, Charlene (the mom) and her three kittens, Alpha Male, Beta Male, and Delta Female all six weeks old need homes! Bandit is a lovely long haired girl, one year old, fully vetted, FIV negative, semi-feral, a great cat, and mouser. She loves to be sung to and petted when in the mood...Frida, one year old, a lovely character. She is fully vetted and negative for FIV. She is playful and affectionate but prefers to be the top cat! She has a "got milk" mustache. A great mouser!... Princess, a mom, fully vetted, spayed, FIV neg. semi-feral. Can be petted after a time when she trusts you. She is a sweet, shy street kitty...Charlene, one year old, Tuxedo, who is sweet, playful, and affectionate. She was dumped one week before she gave birth in my office! She is also FIV negative. Great Mouser... Jenny: 718-965-9057 Thank you! God Bless.

                                                               Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                       by Jude Lassow
                                                                         July 11, 2008
                                                             e-mail judespets@aol.com

WE GET LETTERS..IN OUR HANDS RESCUE GROUP is having dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens ADOPTION EVENT on July 13, 2008, starting 11AM.

                                                              Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                       by Jude Lassow
                                                                         July 4, 2008
                                                             e-mail judespets@aol.com

WE GET LETTERS: IN OUR HANDS RESCUE saves the lives of hundreds of sheltered and street animals each year. We rescue unwanted animals from the euthanasia lists at city shelters as well as backyards, alley ways, and owner dumps and give them a second chance at life through our adoption efforts. We take in all animals, the sick, the healthy, hard to place, difficult cases, abused, injured, the elderly, moms and babies. Before each rescued animal goes to its new furrrrever home, they are spayed/neutered, all shots, combo tested, de-wormed, front-lined (to prevent fleas), and micro-chipped. Sometimes we have to treat ear, eye and upper respiratory infections, grooming, behavioral issues, and any other medical issues that may occur. We also provide food, housing and transportation costs. This quality of care is not cheap. Only after all of this care can we then proceed to find homes for these animals through our in home adoptions, outside and inside events, computer advertising and fliers, and our spectacular reputation via word of mouth. To meet or adopt any of our sweet animals or, please contact: Jennifer L., 718.836.4023 or Jennifer O., 718.853.0238.

                                                              Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                       by Jude Lassow
                                                                         June 27, 2008
                                                             e-mail judespets@aol.com

WE GET LETTERS: Hey Jude, this is the six through ten PET OWNER commandments.

                                                       Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                by Jude Lassow
                                                                  June 20, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

                                                       Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                by Jude Lassow
                                                                  June 13, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

WE GET LETTERS: Jude, I thought your readers would like this. FIVE COMMANDMENTS FOR PET OWNERS ONLY (Cat and Dog minds talk to you!) submitted by IRENE SIDOR
1- My life is likely to last 10 to 27 years. Any separation from you will be very painful. 

                                                       Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                by Jude Lassow
                                                                  June 6, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

WE GET LETTERS: "A cat's arching back is part of a complex body language system, usually associated with feeling threatened. The arch is able to get so high because the cat's spine contains nearly 60 vertebrae which fit loosely together. Humans have only 34 vertebrae". -submitted by Janet Bernasconi

                                                      Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                by Jude Lassow
                                                                  May 30, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

                                                     Muffin's pet Connection
                                                                by Jude Lassow
                                                                  May 23, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

ASPCA ALERT: PUDGY POOCH PROBLEMS - Like human obesity, pet obesity has risen dramatically over the past 20 years—and as in humans, obesity in dogs can lead to serious health problems, including joint disorders, liver problems and diabetes. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that about 25 percent of American dogs are obese (weighing 20 percent or more over their ideal body weight). The most common culprit is too many treats. "Canine weight issues are not about willpower, like they are for people," says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. "We have 100-percent control over what goes in our dogs. In almost every case I’ve seen, canine obesity is caused by snacking and treats between meals, not too much dog food." The majority of cases of obesity are related to simple overfeeding coupled with lack of exercise. Regular exercise burns more calories, reduces appetite, changes body composition and will increase your pet’s resting metabolic rate. Important things you can do: 1- Remove the pet from the room when the family eats. 2- Feed your pet several small meals throughout the day. 3 - Feed all meals and treats in the pet's bowl only.
4- Reduce snacks or treats. -excerpt aspca.org

PEOPLE FOODS TO AVOID FEEDING YOUR PETS: CHOCOLATE, COFFEE, and CAFFEINE. These products all contain methylxanthines, which can cause vomiting, and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest. ALCOHOLIC beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death. GRAPES & RAISINS The toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown; these fruits can cause kidney failure. Pets that already have certain health problems, signs may be more dramatic. ONIONS, GARLIC, CHIVES These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage.

                                                      Muffin's pet Connection
                                                                by Jude Lassow
                                                                  May 16, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

PROMERIS SAFETY WARNING: FLEA & TICK product could be hazardous to your pet! This is a new product designed to be a more effective than other flea/tick treatments that was just released this year. It is available thru a vet. A pet owner claimed that after using ProMeris on her seven dogs, (six Huskies and Golden-Airdale) each had serious physical reactions to it. Within less than 2 hours of receiving the treatment, four of her dogs became disoriented, stumbling, dragging back leg, salivating and vomiting. The dog owner says that in addition, she also began having symptoms such as swollen lips, red eyes, and disorientation. All seven of her dogs, she says, were admitted to a veterinary hospital and she was taken to a hospital emergency room. It has a highly noxious odor that permeated the house and started to dissipate after three days.
SAFETY PRECAUTION FROM FORT DODGE, THE MAKER: Putting ProMeris between the shoulder blades prevents the dog from licking it. Putting it elsewhere, especially on the surface of the dog's hair, increases the risk of the dog ingesting it orally and possibly experiencing the symptoms described. DODGE comments that their flea and tick treatment "effectively stops and controls existing flea infestations for up to seven weeks in cats and six weeks in dogs." -excerpt from truthorfiction.com
MAY IS ANNUAL GUARDIAN MONTH...IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS,
(IDA) urges use of the term "guardian" rather than "owner" when we speak about animals. According to IDA President Dr. Elliot M. Katz, "It is time to see and treat the animals who share our lives as more than mere commodities, property and things." Actress Mary Tyler Moore says, "I like [the] term guardian as opposed to master or owner. It is an honor that is bestowed on some of us and we need to treat it that way." -excerpt from IDA@idausa.org
ADOPTION: Pretty, Brown-Nose-Tummy Spots, is a seven month old female kitty. She is curious and playful. Rescuer is looking for responsible home. Call Marion 1-917-941-6854 Mention the Home Reporter. There is an Adoption fee

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                                                       Muffin's pet Connection
                                                                by Jude Lassow
                                                                  May 9, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

ADOPT-A-SHELTER PET: DON’T buy a Pet, instead CHOOSE to SAVE A LIFE at a LOVE WANTED ADOPTION EVENT. Over 1,000 neighbors in our community have already done so! Saturday, May 17^th St. at the Philips Episcopal Church, 1072-80^th Street (11^th Ave) Brooklyn, NY from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. It’s a Rain or Shine Event! Proof of ID and Adoption FEE Required.  Animals Courtesy of North Shore Animal League and Animal Care and Control of NYC.

HEARTFELT THANK YOU...ELYSE KARNES a devoted animal lover and MUFFIN’S supporter, has generously donated her birthday monetary gifts to the PeggySue HELP-A-PET fund. Elyse’s kindness is greatly appreciated. Muffin’s thanks you! And the animals thank you too. May the waggin’ tails, head butts and motor purrs be with you always. God Bless!

CESAR MILLAN SAYS: Be the PACK LEADER! Boundaries, structure and limitations, then affection, are the guide lines for raising a well balanced, well behaved dog. Cesars methods are tried, proven and work. There are about forty canines living at his dog psychology center in CA. These Rotweilers, Shepards, Pit Bulls and various other mixed pooches, were out of control. Their previous pet guardians could not handle their dogs ‘issues’. Many were vicious, abused, frightened, rejects of the world, slated for the kill shelter! They all live in balanced harmony, enjoying their life as a pack dog! Their PACK LEADER is CESAR! Daddy, a rescued Pit Bull, works with Cesar, as he resonates balanced energy to the hyper-active, neurotic pooch, who desperately need to be a balanced dog. CESAR trains people and rehabilates dogs! To see Cesar in action, watch the DOG WHISPERER on the National Geographic television show. Please check your TV listings for time and day for this excellent REACH, TEACH AND EDUCATE dog show. CESAR is calm assertive and his dogs are calm submissive. Cesar thanks God, for giving him the opportunity to help His dogs live their full potential as balanced dogs. They live in the moment, the now! Dogs do not have the emotional baggage of feeling sorry for themselves, the way we do. They have no concept of the time, worry or the future. Dogs are grounded in the NOW! This is a good lesson for all of us to learn.

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                                                        Muffin's pet Connection
                                                                by Jude Lassow
                                                                  May 2, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

WE GET LETTERS: Dear Jude HELP PLEASE, KITTEN EMERGENCY! ..."Last year a cat we named Kofi’s cat was abandoned at the Gracie Veterinary Clinic. Luckily for her she was adopted and placed in a wonderful home. This was due to the article that Jude put in her column, and Dr. Kofi’s kindness. I’m hoping there will be four more happy endings this year.

                                                          Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                     by Jude Lassow
                                                                     April 25, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

BIG THANK YOU TO JANICE FOTI, from FURRY FRIENDS PET CARE.COM
When she heard about Irene Sidor’s 20 rescued cats, Janice wanted to help. Janice, a compassionate, generous pet lover, bought 12 cases of 13 oz. Friskies canned food and three large bags of Meow Mix dry food, from VINNY’S PET SHOP, and donated them to Irene. Janice’s kind heart is bigger than God’s oceans. Janice is a Guardian Angel to the kitties...Thank you and God Bless! May the purrs and head butts be with you always!

ABOUT A HOMELESS PET LOVER...JOHN lived in the basement of my apartment building. He was a gentle man, a quiet soul, who helped Eric the super, by trying to keep ahead of the dusty floors. Precious, a sweet, loveable Golden Mix pup, was rescued by Betty, the super’s wife.
Precious was an energetic, kid loving pooch, who razzle and dazzled everyone with her winning personality. John agreed to foster PRECIOUS, and soon bonded with this vivacious pup. Months passed as Precious and John connected to each other. Then the unthinkable happened; someone in the building complained to the landlord, about a barking dog in the basement. Shortly before Christmas, the super was given the grim news, JOHN and PRECIOUS had to vacate the basement. With tears in her eyes, Betty told me PRECIOUS needed a home now. Thanks to your donations, Muffin’s subsidized the $72 spay, $85 shots, $126 blood test, $12 antibiotics. A healthy Precious was adopted on February 16, 2008, by the Murdoch family in Westchester. JOHN was very sad about loosing his PRECIOUS. On April 15, 2008, at 7 am, excited neighbors were banging on Eric’s door. John had collapsed in front of our building. Eric ran downstairs and cradled John in his arms while waiting for an ambulance to arrive. Twenty minutes later, the Maimonides ambulance pulled up, and started CPR. But it was too late. John had quietly passed away in Eric’s arms. Cardiac Arrest had taken our quiet friend. John is walking with the Angels.

FUN FACT: The Blue Whale's whistle is the loudest noise made by an animal.

                                                              Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                     by Jude Lassow
                                                                  April 18, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

THE LASER PET POINTER TOY - DRAINS KITTY ENERGY! Calay, Squeaks & daMouse, love chasing the little red laser dot. Calay tries to bite it, while bouncing ‘n pouncing on this magical red dot. Squeaks and Mouse, jump over and try to out maneuver each other, with purrfect agile, acrobatic rhyme. They are purrfecting their athletic talents for the KITTY CAT LASER OLYMPICS. The laser-dances are performed at bedtime. This 10pm high energy routine, tires out our nocturnal felines. The gymnasts mew soundly throughout the night. The red laser dot is always pointed on the floor, never directly in the pet’s eyes. This $4.50 fun toy is offered at muffins.org You and your companion animals will have a blast with the Laser Pointer, which has 5 interchangeable pattern tips. Let the fun begin!

JUDE’S BOOK CHOICE: "LOVE WANTED", by our very own extraordinaire animal rescuer, MJ TOBIN, is a composition of pet tails a-waggin’ an a saggin’. In her heartwarming book, of pet trails and tribulations, MJ explores the emotional depths of family cats and dogs, when surrendered to kill and non shelters. The over whelming sadness and confusion in a house pets eyes, is witnessed by MJ and Pat, one of her dedicated volunteers. These unsuspecting ‘family members’ are in a cold cage, with other frightened dogs, yapping, pacing and waiting for their ‘mommy’ to come and get them. Home kitties are stressed and scared; howling and screaming is their only release. Their former ‘pet parents’ have abandoned them at the shelter! They do not look back and see the fear in their pet’s eyes, nor do they hear the pitiful crying and screaming. Pet owners need to take responsibility for their actions! There are alternatives to finding a home. Thanks to the hard work and ‘LOVE WANTED’ events, MJ and her outstanding volunteer team, have rescued and re-homed 1000 cats and dogs! This is a must read book!

SPAYING/NEUTERING: prevent male prostrate cancer, and female mammary tumors and pyometra. MUFFIN'S certificates; at HAPPY PETS, 718-238-2246 or PAWS & CLAWS, 718-836-8345.

                                                             Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                     by Jude Lassow
                                                                  April 11, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

ATTENTION ALL ANIMAL LOVERS...PLEASE HELP “ARK ANGELS”  &  FRIENDS, FIND LOVING HOMES FOR OUR CITY’S FORGOTTEN ANIMALS, AT OUR  2^nd ANNUAL “ORANGE YOU GONNA TAKE ME HOME” The ADOPTION EVENT is in honor of the ASPCA’s ORANGE DAY.  Dogs, cats, puppies and kittens from the Brooklyn and Staten Island ACC and local Rescue/Foster groups will be available for adoption.  On Sunday, April 13^th, at 11 AM thru 4 PM , REGINA PACIS Youth Center , 1258 – 65^th St (Between 12^th & 13^th Ave) is sponsoring this exciting event.  DON’T FORGET TO WEAR ORANGE !  Donations of blankets, towels, pet supplies and toys gladly accepted.  Proof of ID and Adoption Fee Required.  This is a Rain or Shine Event.  Volunteers are welcome.  For more Information, please contact, Ark Angels 718-680-2260 
 
JUDE’S BOOK CHOICE:  THE SECRET, by Rhonda Byrne, is about changing your thought ‘frequency’, embracing the positive, giving thanks throughout the day, being grateful and appreciative.  Prayers help too.  The inner calm reflects in your attitude towards everything in life, including your pets.  Make and post a visual board, with pictures of what you need, think about it, and release this energy to the UNIVERSE.  Norm and I practice this all the time now.  We fostered six month old Squeaks, with the intention of finding her a home!  She found the best home, with us.  Her purrfect energy, brought calm and balance to PeggySue, Calay & daMouse.  Mouse had no one to run, jump and drain his male energy.  Squeaks ‘n Mouse is the hugs ‘n kisses kitty team, brought to us by the UNIVERSE.  This is how THE SECRET works. Never, ever let a negative thought enter your thought frequency.  Live in the now, and be thankful for what you have.  Squeaks is our daily reminder, of how God works.  She was meant to be rescued by our super Betty, Destiny, and Alben.  This little street urchin was fostered first by Sanzi and Hector, then by Muffin’s.  Squeaks, radiates calm submissive, balanced energy.  Plus she is people friendly.  Thank you God!

                                                                       Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                                  by Jude Lassow
                                                                                    April 4, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

SQUEAKY ‘n daMOUSE: In the December 27th issue of the Home Reporter, Destiny and Alben Mustafalic wrote about a six month old, female kitten that they rescued from the freezing streets of Shore Road. Our neighbors, Sanzi and Hector fostered this classic brown tabby, but could not keep her, as she did not get along with Scooby, their seven year old rescued Shih Tzu. After five weeks of ear mite and eye infection treatments, Muffin’s adopted ‘SQUEAKY’. Our ‘MOUSE’ now has a mew girlfriend. SQUEAKY has the purrfect calm energy for our three-legged female kitties, PEGGYSUE and CALAY. As SQUEAKY ‘n daMOUSE zoom around and play like crazy with each other, CALAY sighs with relief. She just could not keep up with MOUSE’S male energy. DaMOUSE has his own ‘HUGH HEFFY HARUM’ of female fun.

                                                           Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                     by Jude Lassow
                                                                  March 28, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

SUPPORT FEDERAL BILL: KEEP SICK ANIMALS OUT OF FOOD SUPPLY
Earlier this month, California-based Westland/Hallmark Meat Co.’s alleged mistreatment and subsequent slaughter of "downers" (cattle who become too ill or injured to walk unassisted) resulted in the recall of 143 million pounds of frozen beef by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Compromised immune systems, injuries and the filth of slaughterhouse floors make downers susceptible to illnesses including infections from bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella. Americans might be surprised to learn that it is legal to process these animals into the food supply as long as they’ve been inspected and approved by a veterinarian. Westland was caught skipping this step, but it is almost certainly not the only slaughterhouse that routinely does so. The U.S. Congress for a second time, would ban downed animals from entering our food supply and require their immediate euthanasia by humane methods. Both the House and Senate versions of the act were referred to committees in early 2007 and have not been heard from since. "Congress needs to make food safety a priority since the industry is unwilling or unable to police itself. Even if USDA and vet inspections were carried out as they should be, processing downer cows for food is chancy and irresponsible", says Cori Menkin, Senior Director, ASPCA Government Affairs & Public Policy. YOU CAN HELP, by encouraging members of Congress to pass S. 394/H.R. 661- excerpt ASPCA.org

GUINEA PIGS: commonly called CAVY’S, are neither pigs nor do they come from Guinea. Guinea pigs originated from South America. I had three little ‘piglets’, Sammie and Suzie, adorable long haired black and white Peruvian Guinea Pigs. Michael, was a cute brown, smooth haired Cavy. CAVY’S special squeaking, grunting and body language, talks volumes. S & S cooed when they were calm. Michael squeaked when it was chow time! Guinea Pigs are popular pets. They are docile, responsiveness to handling and feeding, and easy to care for. Make sure you are not allergic to CAVY’s. Adopt from the ASPCA.

                                                           Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                     by Jude Lassow
                                                                  March 21, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

POPCORN INGREDIENT TIED TO LUNG DISEASE IN MICE
Tests on mice show that diacetyl, a component of artificial butter flavoring, can cause a condition known as lymphocytic bronchiolitis, said the team at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, part of the National Institutes of Health. The hard-to-treat condition causes vague symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath, and steadily worsens, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The condition can lead to obliterative bronchiolitis, or "popcorn lung" a rare and debilitating disease seen in workers at microwave popcorn packaging plants and at least one consumer. 
At least two microwave popcorn makers, ConAgra Foods Inc and Weaver Popcorn Co Inc, have said recently they would stop using diacetyl.  Laboratory mice made to inhale diacetyl vapors for three months developed lymphocytic bronchiolitis, the NIEHS team said. –excerpt from AOLnews

DOLPHIN RESCUES TWO BEACHED WHALES 
A dolphin has been hailed as a hero after it came to the aid of two whales that were beached with seemingly no hope of rescue.  The pair of pygmy sperm whales were stuck on the shore of New Zealand's North Island. Although a group of (human) conservationists
 had tried to free them for an hour, they were about to give up.  But then, according to reports, a bottlenose dolphin known as Moko "appeared, communicated with the whales and led them to safety."-excerpt from HAPPY HOUR HERO

DECORATING EASTER EGGS- MAKE SURE THEY ARE CERTIFIED HUMANE RAISED. Check for labels stating, farms provide animals in their care with ample shelter, sunlight, fresh air and space to engage in their natural behaviors. Animals are treated with kindness! –excerpt from aspca.org

Have a safe and happy Spring. God Bless!

                                                            Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                     by Jude Lassow
                                                                  March 14, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

WE GET LETTERS: Two exciting pet events: LOVE WANTED ADOPTION: on March 29th at Salem Lutheran Church, 450 - 67th treet between 4&5 Avenue 11:30am - 4:00pm - rain or shine, proof of ID and adoption fee is required. Also offering to the communty on-site micro-chipping $25 and rabies-booster shots at discounted rates. Animals coutsty of NSAL & ACC. of NYC.
SAVE A LIFE WEEKEND EVENT on Saturday March 30th,
at REGINA PACIS YOUTH CENTER on 65^th Street, between 12^th & 13th Avenue. A PET FIRST AID CPR 4 hour Course is offered by the AMERICAN RED CROSS, Between 10AM-2PM. The $70 FEE INCLUDES: 100 page book and certificate. DEADLINE: MARCH 17th to register with Ark Angels @ 718-680-2260 Come and meet authors Bruce Goldstein of PUPPY CHOW IS BETTER THAN PROZAC, and Tom Amico, of THE DAY THE DOG DRESSED LIKE DAD, as they speak about their books on how dogs saved their lives. Autographed books available at a special discount price the day of the event only!

                                                          Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                     by Jude Lassow
                                                                  March 7, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

DEAR READERS: SPAYING AND NEUTERING…You have read about the health and behavior benefits of spaying and neutering cats and dogs in my column. Irene, a 43 year old deaf rescuer, was feeding and caring for fifty cats in her Aunts backyard. When her aunt sold the house, Irene rescued twenty-one of the cats, and took them with her. They are feral or semi-feral felines. Irene had spayed and neutered most of the cats. But recently she took a significant cut in pay, and could not afford to fix the rest of the kitty clan. So far, Muffin’s ‘HELP-A-PET-FUND’ has paid with MAMAS feral cat coupons, the spaying of Irene’s four females and neutering one male cat. Irene’s nine year old Sunflower, a feral, had blood work an X-ray, exam etc, for $200, which was paid by Muffin’s. Pyometra, an infected uterus, was discovered. This twenty minute $58 spay surgery now cost $1200. The doctors from the Animal Clinic of Bay Ridge, were in surgery for two hours, and removed a four or five pound, pus filled infected uterus from Sunflower.
A young female cat’s uterus is usually the size of a pencil. Sunflower was hospitalized for five days, receiving I V fluids and antibiotics. Dr. Alexandru generously helped Muffin’s, by reducing the fee to $700. Dr. Alexandru and his dedicated staff were compassionate, and caring to Sunflower and Irene. We are very thankful and grateful that the vets and the staff at the Animal Clinic of Bay Ridge were kind and supportive. Irene has four more young female cats and one nine year old female cat that are not spayed. We need your help! Muffin’s fund raising events have been indefinitely cancelled due to Hany’s illness. Your tax exempt donations are needed so we can continue to spay Irene’s cats. We are praying for your assistance. Please call Jude at 718-833-7988. Thank you and God Bless! An informative upcoming column, HOW TO PREVENT PYOMETRA will be co-authored by Dr. Alexandru.

                                                          Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                     by Jude Lassow
                                                                  FEBRUARY 29, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

ASPCA TAKE ACTION: NYC: It's Time to Get the Horses Out of Harm's Way Recent events, including the increasing number of accidents and deaths of horses, underscore that the time has come to get these animals off our streets. On September 14, 2007, a horse frightened by a noise bolted across Central Park South, collided with a tree and broke her leg. She died shortly thereafter. Many horses are subject to working in poor conditions, and the laws that are supposed to be protecting these animals are not always enforced. Councilmember Tony Avella has introduced Intro. 658, legislation to ban carriage horses in New York City. The ASPCA urges you to contact your councilmember to support Councilmember Avella's legislation to ban carriage horses in New York City. -excerpt from ASPCA.org

BE AWARE: PetEdge Issues Toothpaste Recall The recalled toothpaste may be contaminated with a chemical normally found in antifreeze. Due to possible diethylene glycol contamination, PetEdge has issued a voluntary recall of one of its toothpaste products for pets. Diethylene glycol is a chemical found in antifreeze and other solvents. If ingested, it can cause headaches, renal failure or death. The affected product is the 1.4 oz. Top Performance ProDental Toothpaste with Toothbrush kit in both the beef and mint flavors. Product details: Item number: TP128 Beef Flavor UPC Code: 721343128151 and Mint Flavor UPC Code: 721343128564 Consumers are urged to discard the product immediately. To receive a credit, customers will have to complete and return a PetEdge Product Destruction Log. For details and more information, call PetEdge at 888-211-8706.  -excerpt from Brooklyn Animal Foster Network

WE GET LETTERS: Dear Jude, "Mango is a wonderful Orange kitty cat! He has a personality to die for. He was at a recent adoption event, and for whatever reason, wasn't adopted. In order to save him, he is now being fostered locally. Mango is between 2 and 3 yrs. old. He is neutered, combo tested negative and a true sweetheart. If you are looking for "the golden retriever of cats", then search no more..... Come meet Mango... you won't regret it"! Contact Mary Jo at 718-986-1362.

                                                              Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                     by Jude Lassow
                                                                  FEBRUARY 22, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

FYI: PURRLEEESE NO FLEAS! Cat Flea Collars... Many cats are allergic to the pesticides in flea collars and break out in a rash or lose the hair around their neck near the collar. Flea collars generally don't kill fleas anywhere but around the neck. Most flea collars are not break-away collars. If your cat gets caught underneath furniture or on something in your home, it may choke if it can't break free of the collar. An effective flea solution is a topical treatment or shampoo recommended by your veterinarian. Ask about Frontline. It's important to treat your home as well, otherwise any fleas hiding in your couch or your carpet will just hop right back onto your cat. -excerpt VPI Pet Health Zone

NON TOXIC PLANTS: Some plants such as the: American rubber, Blue daisy, Cat ear, Cucumber, Cushon aloe, Prayer plant, Easter daisy, Feather fern, Spider plant, Venus fly trap, have not been reported as having systemic effects on animals or as having intense effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Any plant material ingested by an animal (as when dogs and cats ingest yard grass) may produce signs of vomiting, depression, or diarrhea. These signs are generally mild and self-limiting and often do not require any treatment. -excerpt ASPCA Check aspca.org to get the rest of list.

IN LOVING MEMORY: THE RAINBOW BRIDGE connects Heaven and Earth. God's creatures leave their paw prints firmly planted in our hearts. Our special little 'Angels' have completed their mission and returned home. Their legacy of joy and love are with us always. The circle of life continues. Until we meet again.
TEAKO Our little loveable, one and a half year old, the big brother of the Kangaroo Clan and daMouse, passed away much too soon. He was the joy of our lives, and a very special little guy. He will be missed and never forgotten. Rest in peace, little TEAKO. Love from Mike, Helene and friends. And a special thanks to Teresa for her help with the Kangaroo Clan. MM
Loving MIA, fifteen year old, rescued Sheltie, has a forever place in Laura and John’s hearts...Five year old Simba, beloved kitty of IRENE SIDOR, is walking with the Angels. God Bless!

                                                          Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                     by Jude Lassow
                                                                  FEBRUARY 15, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

HOW TO MOVE WITH YOUR PET: THINK IN ADVANCE -
Make sure you arrange every aspect of your trip, including looking for hotels that are animal-friendly or talking to the airlines if you're flying to your new destination. GET A PET CARRIER -If you want to keep your pet safely confined during the moving period, make sure you gradually introduce this temporary home to your animal and make sure it gets used to it. SECURITY - make sure you get a ID tag with your new address and full contact details. AIRFARE - Airline must check your animal in all cases for medical and other reasons. A certificate of health from your vet is required. Some countries require a quarantine period for specified or all animals at the owner's expense, make sure you ask your travel agent about this. CAR TRAVEL - How does your pet behave during long car journeys? Make sure your car is well ventilated and never leave your pet in the car in a parked vehicle during a warm period, as the temperature rise could kill them. Never put an animal in the trunk of a car, the open bed of a pickup truck, or the storage area of a moving van. VETERINARIAN - Check with your veterinarian before you move. Get a copy of all of your pets medical records. The vet might may be able to refer you to a new vet in your new area. TAKE THE CAT OR DOG FOR A LONG WALK before you start your journey.-excerpt ArcaMax publishing

FOR A DOG’S HEALTH AND LONGEVITY: NO ONIONS, NO CHOCOLATES. Some foods which are edible for humans, and even other species of animals, can pose hazards for dogs because of their different metabolism. Some may cause only mild digestive upsets, whereas, others can cause severe illness, and even death. These are just some of the foods that can be hazardous to your dog. Alcoholic beverages can cause intoxication, coma, and death. Baby food can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs. It can also result in nutritional deficiencies, if fed in large amounts. Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system. Cat food is generally too high in protein and fats. Chocolate, coffee, tea, and other caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous systems. Citrus oil extracts can cause vomiting. Grapes and raisins Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys. -excerpt from Housepet.com

                                                              Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    FEBRUARY 8, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

LOVE WANTED VALENTINE ADOPTION EVENT: On Sunday, February 17, at 11:30am - 4pm, puppies, kittens, cats and dogs, courtesy of North Shore Animal League and the The Animal Care and Control of NYC, will be at REGINA PACIS Youth Center, 1285 - 65th Street. Adopt a shelter pet for the unconditional love you deserve! Adoption fee and proof of ID are required. This is a RAIN or SHINE event. Registration for Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR course available. Joanna Appass, Muffin’s Outreach Sponsor, will be there, with The Diva, PashaBelle, and her sidekick, King Tsar, rescued kitties who love dressing up in pashabelle.com fashions.

A DOG OWNERS WORST NIGHTMARE: Imagine coming home from work, greeting your beloved pooch, opening up the back door, and letting Fido go in the yard, to do his business. Three minutes later you call him to come back in, but he is gone. Frantcially you search the yard, calling his name, using the ‘secret’ whistle that always brings him running to you. Then you your horror, you notice the gate has been opened and Fido has disappeared! The target: smaller purebreds like Yorkies, Shih Tzus, Malteses, Chihuahuas and Daschunds. These dogs are so small that they can fit into a knapsack or a jacket pocket. Designer pooches are valued from $200 – $1,800 on the street. The thief holds out hoping the reward increases, while the owner is frantically posting flyers, calling shelters, vets and groomers and basically losing sleep. The bottom line is that you cannot take your eyes off your companion animal for one minute.
Ways to help keep our furry ones safe: As a pet owner you need to utilize the same protocol and safety guidelines you would as if it were your child, i.e. don’t leave him in the car while you shop, don’t tie his leash outside a store while you’re inside dining. If you let your pet out to take care of business, go with him, keep your eyes on him at all times. If you can, have someone accompany you when taking your dog out for a daily walk. Be sure to keep a collar on him with tags that have your contact information. If your dog is micro chipped, be sure the chip is registered to your name, and that the company has your current information. Take clear, close up head photos of of your pets. If your dog is stolen, file a police report at your local precinct, and also call 311 to file a lost/stolen dog report. -excerpt from Craigslist.

                                                             Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    FEBRUARY 1, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

THE ASPCA’S GUIDE TO A PET-FRIENDLY VALENTINE’S DAY: Please use caution with roses and other flowers containing thorns, which could prove harmful to pets if played with, bitten, stepped on or swallowed. ASPCA’ s, Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine for the Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, said "It’s all too easy for pets to step on thorny stems that fall to the ground as a flower arrangement is being created. Be sure to keep your pets clear of your workspace, since they can develop serious infections from thorn punctures. Also, many varieties of lilies are highly toxic to cats, so if these are your Valentine’s flower of choice, make sure your cats can’t get near them." Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both methylxanthines that can cause stimulation of the central nervous system, an increase in heart rate and tremors. Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivity, increased thirst, urination and heart rate—can be seen with the ingestion of as little as two ounces of baking chocolate by a 10-pound dog. -excerpt from the ASPCA
Kitties go bonkers with the 5" PeggySue catnip cuddle doll. The Valentine doll includes a heart surprise! Each dolly is handmade by janetscreativepillows.com, with 100% stretchy grey cotton fabric, and contains organic catnip. 35% of the proceeds benefit The PeggySue HELP-A-PET fund. Happy Pets at 9818-4th Avenue sells PEGGYSUE dolls. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

MUFFIN’S TIP FOR MEDICATING KITTIES: SQUEAKS, our 6 month old rescued kitten, is still being treated for ears and eyes inflammation. She is such a trooper. Norm wraps her in a towel, and holds her close to his chest, gently talking to her. I give SQUEAKS some turkey and while she is purring, the ear flush is applied. Then it is more turkey for Squeaks. Again she purrs. Quickly, I dig out the debris with Q tips. Squeaks gets more turkey. Yummy. She is not afraid of our hands, as we probe and clean her eyes and ears. When I shake the turkey bag, she comes running and purring! For us, this method of giving her turkey, while medicating her, calms SQUEAKS down and she trusts us!

                                                             Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    JANUARY 25, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

ASPCA NEWS ALERT: PET PARENTS: HOT TIPS FOR COLD WEATHER Winter is here the ASPCA wants to remind you that your four-legged companions may also be feeling the chill. Here are some tips to keep them safe and sound until springtime: Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes crawl under the hoods of cars for warmth—but a car’s fan belt can kill or injure an animal when the motor starts. If there are outdoor or feral cats in your neighborhood, please bang on the hood of the car and wait a few seconds before turning on the engine. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death. -excerp from the ASPCA

Valentine's Day Events: Meet Pashabelle - The Feline Fashion Diva
and her sidekick King Tsar; dressed in pashbelle.com original fashions.
‘Straight off the cat walk’ Sunday Noon-4pm February 3- POSH PET 94th Street & 4th AVE and FEBRUARY 10 - HAPPY PETS 9818-4th AVE.  Please come and have your photo taken with the DIVA and King Tsar. HAVE FUN Paws4Laws T shirts and 2008 desk calendar photos available. PeggySue catnip cuddle dolls and a Valentine surprise can be purchased at the store. VOLUNTEERS needed to assist JO at the events. Please call 718-833-7988. We need you and the pets need you. Thank you and God Bless!

DON'T DELAY: SPAY/NEUTER TODAY.  Call Jason at HAPPY PETS, 718-238-2246 for a Muffin's low
cost certificate. 

PRAYER REQUEST: Fifteen year old Digit, a stunning black kitty, was enjoying his four level pistacho ‘cat tree’, that is owner Maria Mawhirt won, from the PEGGYSUE ‘Help-A-Pet raffle. Digit became ill, and needs prayers of healing and comfort.

                                                             Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    JANUARY 18, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

                                                           Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    JANUARY 11, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

ASPCA NEWS ALERT: ARE YOUR FEATHERED FRIENDS SAFE?
Birds are highly sensitive to inhalant fumes. Avoid exposing your pet 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 lethal to birds, even in small amounts. Never allow your bird access to areas in which cleaning agents are being used or stored. If your pet ingests 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. -excerpt from ASPCA news

IN LOVING MEMORY OF SUNHUI MICHALSKI: A GENTLE SOUL. Sunny loved animals. She would feed stray cats, taking money from her meger monthly checks, making sure starving kitties had food in their tummys. She was married to Chester for 43 years, and they doted on Suzy, their five pound rescued Chihuahua. Shortly after fourteen year old Suzy passed away, Chester became gravely ill, and follwed his beloved Suzy. Sunny, who was from Korea, was alone. She had never been alone before. Her world was turned upside down. We, her friends at 310-94th Street, became her new family. Eric and Betty Mustafalic, the supers of our building, connected with Sunny. For four years, Sunny baby sat their children Destiny and Alben. She now had a purpose in life. One day, Sun was very excited about two cats that she was feeding in the basement of our apartment building. In her broken english, she mentioned to Norm from Muffins, about the cats. Norm and Sun would feed the three-legged semi-feral cat, and the black and white friendly feline. Weeks later, Eric explained that the basement was getting fumigated and the cats had to go! Muffin’s adopted PEGGYSUE the three-legged cat, and Kitty411 was adopted by a family. Sunny saved PEGGYSUE’s life. Everyday she came to visit PeggySue, feeding her treats from her hands. Sunny gentle spirit resonated and will be missed. God Bless!

                                                              Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    JANUARY 4, 2008
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

UPDATE- BELLA NOELLA, the rescued 6 month old female, classic brown tabby kitty. In the January 21, 2007 issue of the HOME REPORTER, seven year old Destiny and eight year old Alben Mustafalic, wrote in ‘WE GET LETTERS’, about how they rescued a kitten on 88th Street and Shore Road. Since then, BELLA NOELLA has been spayed, blood tested negative for AIDS and LEUKEMIA, had her shots, and dewormed. She is being treated for conjunctivitis in both eyes and ear mites. Muffin’s subsidized all the medical fees and is fostering five and a half pound BELLA NOELLA. PeggySue, Calay and daMOUSE, our three kitties, are very curious about this new invader in their cage! BELLA NOELLA is very sweet. She plays with her PEGGYSUE doll, balls and a soft egg-shape toy that CAT DeCAPUA, gave to daMOUSE. JOANNA APPASS, suggested that before we medicate BELLA NOELLA, to play with her, and then gently wrap her in a towel, holding her close to our body. I offered her some sliced turkey, which she gobbled up, and was eagely licking my fingers, wanting more turkey. She was calmer and more receptive, as the eye drops were applied inside her eyes. I gave her a little more turkey, and she was purring, as the ear drop medication trickled on the ear mites. As I cleaned out her ears with a Q tip, BELLA’S only concern was, ‘where’s the turkey?’ PEGGYSUE, our three-legged rescued kitty was sitting about six inches from BELLA NOELLA, chomping on turkey. CALAY, our other three-legged kitty, sat on top of the cage, polking her paws at BELLA, who was standing up poking right back! BELLA growled at daMOUSE and he took off and hid in the bedroom. Girls rule, boys hide. Talk about girl power. Stayed tuned for the continuing kitty cat saga; will BELLA NOELLA be accepted by our three kitties? And the purrrs go on.

ADOPTION: MIKA is female, 1year, 30 pounds, TERRIER/WHIPPET mix. She has her shots, and is spayed. She is easily stimulated and needs a quiet, settled home with no children. She is fearful, loves dogs and running. 718-230-9112 

                                                             Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    DECEMBER 28, 2007
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

WE GET LETTERS: "Hello everyone! My name is Destiny Mustafalic, and I am seven years old. While me, my mother and brother Alben were out on Shore Road posting flyers, a kitten crossed in front of us meowing. She got up on her back two paws, as if she was saying, ‘pick me up and take me home’. So my mom did. My mom put the kitten inside her jacket to keep her warm and zipped it up. The kitten was warm and fell asleep inside my moms jacket." "Hi my name is Alben Mustafalic, and I am eight years old. When me and my sister got home with my mom, my mom knocked on Jude’s door, my neighbor, and asked her what should we do with the kitten because we couldn't keep it. Jude said lets ask Alexandra and Hektor, our next door neighbors, if they would keep it for a few days until we find a home for her. So we knocked on my others neighbors door and asked her and her husband if they can keep the kitten for a few days until we find a home for it. Thank God for nice people. They said yes they would keep it until we find her a home. We were all happy for the kitten, because now she is in a warm place and has food to eat. Thanks to my nice neighbors. It was a happy ending after all". Bella Noella is a, gentle, three - four month old, brown tabby swril kitty who needs a home and a friend now. Call Jude at 718-833-7988.

                                                                Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    DECEMBER 21, 2007
                                                        e-mail judespets@aol.com

FIGHT ANIMAL CRUELTY: DOUBLE TROUBLE FOR ANIMAL ABUSERS:
Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit. ASPCA’S Dr. Melinda Merck, is the nation’s premier forensic veterinarian and animal CSI, at the wheel. The van will be available to travel to assist national and local law enforcement in their efforts to build cases against and prosecute animal cruelty offenders. The Ford E-450 (full-size van) customized by La Boit Inc. is 26 feet long, climate-controlled, full electronics suite with generator, allowing Dr. Merck to examine, care for animals found at suspected crime scenes, and includes a surgical suite. This will help get bad guys behind bars quickly! -excerpt from aspca.org

TOYKO: GENETICALLY ALTERED MICE HAVE NO FEAR. Cat and mouse may never be the same. Japanese scientists say they have used genetic engineering creating mice that show no fear of cats, a development that may shed new light on mammal behavior, and the nature of fear itself. Scientists at Tokyo University say they successfully switched off a mouse's instinct to cower at the smell or presence of cats; showing that fear is genetically hard-wired and not learned. Ko Kobayakawa, published in the science magazine Nature last month, said this should help researchers shed further light on how the brain processes information about the outside world. Excerpt from yahoo news

WE GET LETTERS: "Please post this for my LOST CAT: CALICO, one and a half years old. BAMBI is my heart and ears. I am hearing impaired. BAMBI is my therapy companion. She understands me. She was born in my apartment and slept with me every night. Her siblings miss her. Last seen 1939 E. 37^TH Street, (Avenue S & Filmore Avenue) Please call 718-531-3935. We pray for BAMBI to find her way back home. Thank you, Irene".

ADOPTION: MIKA is female, 1year, 30 pounds, TERRIER/WHIPPET mix. She has her shots, and is spayed. She is easily stimulated and needs a quiet, settled home with no children. She is fearful, loves dogs and running. 718-230-9112 

                                                               Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    DECEMBER 14, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

PURRRING FELNES REDUCE STRESS: In Japan, Tokyo's Cafe Cat Calico, has a whole team of friendly kitties in residence just waiting to be petted and cuddled by worn out workers on their way home. For 800 yen (around $7) an hour, customers can spend quality time with their favorite feline. Weekends are busiest with up to 150 pet-friendly punters streaming in per day to have a cuddle with a cat. -excerpt from AOL

JFK UPDATE: New Protest Rally Tuesday, December 18 from 12:30pm to 1:30 pm, at the headquarters of Port Authority of NY and NJ. In Defense of Animals and Neighborhood Cats have called for another demonstration. Following the rally at 225 Park Avenue South, a number of representatives of prominent local and national animal welfare groups, including the ASPCA, Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, and Humane Society of NY, plan to address the Port Authority's Board of Commissioners. "We are concerned about the lack of progress in putting a permanent end to the killing of hundreds of feral cats at JFK Airport and instead implementing a Trap-Neuter-Return project," said Valerie Sicignano, East Coast Coordinator for In Defense of Animals. Following intense public pressure and media coverage, the eradication campaign halted this past November 15. Animal activists are concerned the Port Authority may simply be trying to "wait it out" until things quiet down, then re-start the effort to trap the cats and dump them on local animal control shelters. WHAT YOU CAN DO: Go to the Rally! Keep up or resume emails and phone calls to Port Authority officials. Go to neighborhoodcats.org or call 212-662-5761 for contact information. Get a phone number with a live human. Be a positive voice for these feral felines. Let the Port Authority know we are not going away!

SPAY/NEUTER is the pet overpopulation solution: 718-833-7988
Spay one cat, and prevent the birth of 100 unwanted, homeless kittens. It is more economical, morally and spiritually right to alter a pet, rather than euthanize.

ADOPTIONS: Go to muffins.org and see photos of loving pets needing forever homes. Mention the HOME REPORTER.

FUN FACT: "Shortfin Mako" is the fastest shark, and can swim as fast as sixty miles per hour.

                                                             Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    DECEMBER 7, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

LOVE WANTED ADOPTION EVENT: DATE: Sunday December 9, 2007 11:30am - 4pm PLACE: REGINA PACIS YOUTH CENTER; 1258 - 65th Street, Brooklyn (65th Street and 12th Avenue) Rain or Shine! Spread joy this holiday season. Save the life of a shelter pet! Puppies, kittens, dogs and cats are looking for loving forever homes. The animals are from the Animal Care & Control shelter and North Shore Animal League. Have your picture taken with SANTA PAWS. Come and meet THE DIVA, Pashabelle and Tsar her Catfu side kick, dressed in their gorgeous feline handmade holiday outfits, straight off the cat walk.

THE WINNERS ARE for the PEGGYSUE ‘Help-A-Pet’ raffle: Maria Mawhirt, Phyllis Jordan, Connie Fontana, Rhoda Karp, Marie, and Jo. Muffin’s thanks the raffle sponsors; CG Kelly, NYCPets.com, Laura Bolle`, Janet Bernasconi, and Joanna Appass for their generous support and belief in our programs. Thank you and God Bless! We are preparing for our next PEGGYSUE ‘Help-A-Pet’ raffle. Please email judespets@aol.com if you have any suggestions or ideas.

FERAL CAT SOULTION: HAPPY PETS, 9818-4th Avenue, sell MAMA, the TNR feral cat spaying and neutering coupons, for FERAL CATS IN A TRAP. It covers examination, surgery, anesthesia, dissolvable stitches if needed, left ear tipping and rabies shot. Traps and cages rental are also available from JASON at Happy Pets. Please call 718-238-2246. Altering a cat is the solution for the enormous cat overpopulation! Feeding without fixing the cats first, is the problem. In seven years, one unspayed female cat and her babies can reproduce 420,000 cats! Sadly, four and five month old female kittens are getting pregnant. This is scary. Muffin’s bottle fed a male kitty, and placed SweetPea in a great home. When he was three months old, SWEETPEA was in heat, and doing things to a doll. The following he was neutered day. The hormones are kicking early for humans and animals. What is wrong with this picture?

                                                                Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    NOVEMBER 30, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

ASPCA COLD WEATHER TIPS FOR PETS: Keep kitties indoors! Outdoors, felines can freeze or become lost or injured. Infectious diseases from other stray animals are harmful to roaming cats. ANTIFREEZE, while essential to a car's cooling system, is very dangerous to your pets. Thoroughly clean, any spills from your vehicle. Consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Thoroughly wipe off your dog’s feet, legs, and tummy when he comes in out of the elements. He can ingest salt, antifreeze, or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws and his pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice. Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm pillow or blanket is purrfect. -excerpt from ASPCA

PURRFECT REASON TO ADOPT OLDER CAT: A young adult cat is purrfect for a home with smaller children, a working single or couple; the cat can be unattended during the day. Little kids are rough with kittens. Kittens become bored and mischievous when left home alone day after day. They can harm themselves in even the most kitten-safe home. It is cost effective. Usually, kit/cats are altered, have shots and blood tested.

MUFFIN’S BOOK CHOICE: CESAR MILLAN’S ‘Be The Pack Leader’; Use Cesar’s Way to Transform Your Dog and Your Life, is a fascinating, informative book Cesar co-authored with MELISSA JO PELTIER. This book explains the challenges of dog psychology verses human behavior.
It is a MUST READ for anyone who wants a well balanced dog to live in a balanced home with calm submissive and assertive energy. Cesar knows energy, human issues, and dog pack mentality. As CESAR embraces his God given gift with dogs, he shares his hands-on techniques and common sense knowledge. Watch Cesar on National Geographic’s THE DOG WHISPERER. Check your local cable television for the channel.

ADOPTION: visit muffins.org

FUN FACT: Rats multiply so quickly that in 18 months, two rats could have over a million descendants.

                                                              Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    NOVEMBER 23, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

UPDATE: SAVING JFK CATS - Bryan Kortis, Esq., of Neighborhood Cats, Valerie Sicignano of Neighborhood Cats, NYC Feral Cat Initiative and In Defense of Animals, and Dr. Laura Gay Senk, DVM, managed to secure a 3 minute presentation each, to address the Port Authorities Extermination policy and Feeding Ban on Feral Cats residing at JFK. It was a public meeting, which allows for public input. Valerie Sicignano asking the Port Authority for 3 objectives:
1. immediate cessation of lethal trapping. 2. Remove the feeding ban on JFK employees. 3. Start a 1-year pilot program for TNR at JFK, showing the Port Authority of its successful results. Eradications and feeding bans have never succeeded. Bryan Kortis, Esq. informed the Port Authority of their deception to the public 1. "Safety, security, and health issues at JFK" are their reasons for eradication; 2. The fate of the cats removed, "taken to animal control for evaluation for adoption" 3. Education on the subject will lead to a successful and favorable resolution for all. -excerpt from neighborhoodcats.org which also shows photos of protestors.

SINCERE APOLOGIES: Temporary Cancellation of the PEGGYSUE ‘Help-A-Pet’ events is due to health issues. Joanna, Muffin’s Outreach Sponsor, is expending her energies with her husband, as he is loosing his sight due to diabetes. Our prayers and healing energies sent to the Appass family. Joanna says, ‘our next event will be spectacular’.

                                                               Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    NOVEMBER 16, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

STEM CELL THERAPY FOR PETS: Help for Hounds- While many promising stem cell therapies are still awaiting approval for use in humans, vets are already using the technology to treat arthritis and tendon ailments in dogs and horses. Poway, Calif.-based Vet-Stem, which touts itself as a world leader in veterinary regenerative medicine, has been using its licensed stem cell therapy in horses for three years. It is now extending commercial service to include dogs, treated with their own stem cells to repair tendons and ligaments. Robert Harman, the privately held company's CEO and founder, is a veterinarian and former biotech executive. Veterinarians have used his company's procedure to treat more than 2,500 horses, including a number of world-class racehorses, and more than 200 dogs with arthritis, tendon and ligament injuries. Dr. Prockop says, the body heals itself, but sometimes it cannot do enough. Stem cells boost the body's healing capability. In time, it could treat almost any disease. "These cells repair tissue; they have auto-immune and even anti-inflammatory properties," says Prockop, who is not affiliated with Vet-Stem. -excerpt from newsweekhealth.com

FERAL CATS AT JFK UPDATE: www.NeighborhoodCats.org held a demonstration at Port Authority Headquarters on November 15 to call for an immediate halt to the extermination effort. Neighborhood Cats raises awareness of Trap-Neuter-Return as the most effective method of combating feral cat overpopulation nationwide. (212) 662-5761 The ASPCA believes TNR is the most humane and effective way of controlling feral cat colonies, by eliminating the objectionable spraying, vocalizing and fighting behaviors of the colony.

NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS: PeggySue’s ‘Help-A-Pet’ event, starring PASHABELLE, THE DIVA, and TSAR, her groovy sidekick, strutting their fashion outfits ‘straight off the catwalk’. Have your picture taken with the stylish felines on Sunday NOVEMBER 18, at POSH PET 9520-4th Avenue, from 1pm - 3pm. Ask Joanna about Muffin’s Raffle tickets, PEGGYSUE catnip cuddle dolls, and the desk photo calendars. This year there will be two more fun-filled Pashabelle and Tsar Events. The dates and locations mentioned in Jude’s column.

ADOPTIONS: Go to www.muffins.org

                                                             Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    NOVEMBER 9, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS: PeggySue’s ‘Help-A-Pet’ event, starring PASHABELLE, THE DIVA, and TSAR, her hunky sidekick, strutting their fashion outfits ‘straight off the catwalk’. Have your picture taken with the stylish felines on Sunday NOVEMBER 11, at NYCPET.COM 385-7th Avenue, from 1pm - 3pm. Ask Joanna about Muffin’s Raffle tickets, PEGGYSUE catnip cuddle dolls, and the desk photo calendars. This year there will be two more fun-filled Pashabelle and Tsar Events. The dates and locations mentioned in Jude’s column. Have you hugged your pet today?

                                                               Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    NOVEMBER 2, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

PEGGYSUE’S ‘HELP-A-PET’ AUTUMN EVENT: hosted by NYCPETS.COM, at 241 Bedford Avenue, November 4, 2007 from 1pm thru 3pm. Starring Feline’s fashion Diva, PASHABELLE and KING TSAR, her groovy bud, wearing their exclusive PashaBelle Diva line of clothing. Ask Jo about the ‘HELP-A-PET’ Raffle Tickets, PeggySue catnip cuddle doll, and photo desk calendar. Ailurophilia is the "love of cats".

ADOPT: BABY, a 4-year-old, spayed female long hair Siamese kitty with shots. Baby is docile, friendly and fetches. Go to muffins.org. Fill out adoption form.

                                                               Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    OCTOBER 26, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA EVENT, hosted by HAPPY PETS, at 9818-4^th Avenue, October 28, 2007 from 1pm thru 3pm. Starring Feline’s fashion Diva, PASHABELLE and KING TSAR, her sidekick, wearing their exclusive Cowgirl and Cowboy outfits. Meet Joanna, Muffin’s Outreach Sponsor, and fashion designer extraordinaire from pashabelle.com. Joanna rescued PashaBelle and Tsar from a backyard. Ask Jo about the ‘HELP-A-PET’ Raffle Tickets, PeggySue catnip cuddle doll, and photo desk calendar. Keep your pets safe. Halloween was originally a Celtic holiday celebrated on October 31. Jack-o-lanterns trace back to an old Irish tale about a man named Stingy Jack.

                                                            Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    OCTOBER 19, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

DOGGY EVENT: Bay Ridge’s top dog Samantha will be celebrating her 2nd Birthday with a Doggy Costume Paw-ty for her and all her friends at the HÔM store’s famous Tea Garden, located at 8806 3rd Avenue, Sunday, October 21st. Wearing their cutest, funniest, scariest and most creative costumes ever, these dawgs will be having a howlin’ good time! Please RSVP by calling 718-238-4466. The birthday girl is registered at Posh Pets of Bay Ridge located at 9520 - 4th Avenue, 718-238-3131. Donations will be collected to help support Bay Ridge’s very own, Muffin’s Pet Connection, a non-profit animal service organization, muffins.org

Help PETA’S ‘STOP ANIMAL TESTING’ campaign. It is hard to comprehend the violence inflicted upon animals trapped in product testing laboratories. They have harmful substances forced down their throats; chemicals sprayed into their eyes and rubbed onto their shaved, raw skin—without given anything to numb the pain. There are better tests that are more accurate. Major companies like Revlon, Mary Kay, Estée Lauder, Bath and Body Works, and others have already signed PETA’s pledge against animal testing. Every time you buy a bottle of shampoo, a soft drink, a tube of lipstick, or any other product, you send a strong message to the corporations that make these items. Make sure that message is "No Animal Testing". -excerpt from peta.org

                                                              Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    OCTOBER 12, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

KOFI'S CAT UPDATE: On September 7, 2007, CAROL KELLY wrote about KOFI’S CAT, for my column in the HOME REPORTER. This three and a half year old, pretty brown tabby, was adopted from a shelter in California, moved to Brooklyn, New York, and was later dumped at GRACIE’S Vet Clinic at Clinton Street. DIANA read about KOFI’S Cats sad ‘tail’, cut out the column and gave it to her brother MICHAEL CERRATO. His two fourteen year feline friends had passed away. His heart and home were empty, but Michael was adamant, ‘I do not want anymore cats!’ After reading about KOFI’S CAT, he emailed me, called CAROL and went to visit, then adopt KOFI’S CAT. "It has been 1 week since I brought CLOE home. (Her new name). She likes people and I think she is happy with a big house to run around in. She loves to be petted and brushed, never takes her claws out, and never comes up on the furniture unless invited. She likes to sit right in my lap after dinner and take a snooze while I watch T.V. I really do not know how anyone could have abandoned her". Thank you, Michael Cerrato.

ADOPTION EVENT: October 14 from NOON until 5PM; SEAN CASEY’S Animal Rescue, is hosted by HAPPY PETS, 9818 - 4th Avenue. See cats, dogs, puppies, and kitties. Weather permitting; there will be reptiles and small animals.

NATIONAL FERAL CAT DAY: ALLEY CAT ALLIES launched National Feral Cat Day on October 16, 2001; providing caregivers, advocates, and the public with accurate, information about stray and feral cat’s populations in the United States. Advocating non-lethal management methods; including Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), as the only proven, ethical way to improve the lives of outdoor cats. –excerpt NationalFeralCatDay.org Call 718-833-7988 for MAMA’s low-cost spaying or neutering TNR coupon.

ADOPTION: ANNA’s female kitten is a friendly, loveable 5 week old. She uses the litter box. 516-429-7526 Mention the HOME REPORTER

FUN FACT: A baby octopus is about the size of a flea when it is born.

                                                              Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    OCTOBER 5, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR KITTY: Halloween is a fun-filled holiday for children and adults. However, for a house cat, it can be a stressful, frightening, and even dangerous holiday. Make sure your cat is wearing proper identification. If, for any reason, a pet does escape or become lost, you increase the chances that your pet is returned, if he is wearing a collar with an ID tag and your phone number. Decorations and Jack-O'-Lanterns are tempting for curious pets. It is easy for them to get hurt if left unsupervised, whether it is in a tangle of crepe paper or a singed coat from an open flame. Inquisitive kittens are at risk of being burned. Keep Halloween favors out of your pet's reach. Even the most social cats should be kept in a separate room during trick-or-treat visiting hours. Consider setting up a pet barrier in your entranceway to keep your cat from darting out between your legs when you open the door. For a calming remedy, check with your vet, if your kitty is a nervous Nellie. The parade of costumed kids and endlessly chiming doorbells can be unsettling to your cat. -excerpt Doctors Foster & Smith

In Loving Memory of Monty Foti (1990-2007) To my dear Monty: "Monty's a good boy. Monty's a beautiful boy, and Daddy loves you. Who was once owned by a Rockette, you will always be a celebrity in my book; Who was named for Admiral Lord MountBatten, I salute you my buddy; And who always greeted me at every meeting with unconditional love and a "Garrow!" - Thanks for being the best friend a guy could ever have. See you soon MontyBoo, and I will always love you "Garrow and Forever!"

EMERGENCY ADOPTION: Found six Black Lab mix puppies in the middle of a road. They desperately need homes now. They have 5 days: than euthanized. Call Anne 404-219-4064.

FUN FACT: A tiny amount of liquor placed on a scorpion, will cause it to instantly go mad and sting itself to death.

                                                              Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    SEPTEMBER 28, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

WE GET LETTERS:  “My name is Sally.  I am a lovable, one-year-old
Russian Blue look-a-like cat. My owner left me outside without food,
water, or shelter.  I was hungry and thirsty, but I had no place to go.  
In a garbage can, I found tuna fish in a can. I was skin and bones.  
Every day a woman would feed me.  This woman was allergic to cats.  The
days were hot, and male cats stalked me.  One of the cats had his way
with me and he really hurt me.  No one was around to protect me.  Now I
am Sad Sally; I am pregnant. At 1pm, the woman who fed me called the
Animal clinic of Bay Ridge and spoke to Bonnie, who referred her to
Muffin’s.  With only three days left before giving birth, I needed a
home so my babies would be safe.  At 2pm, a few hours before
Rosh Hashanah, Jude called Martha, my Guardian Angel, in New Jersey.  By 3pm,
Martha was at our doorstep, to take me to the vet, at the Animal Clinic
of Bay Ridge. Martha gave me my own room.  In less than two hours, Jude
put me in touch with my new owner.  For other Sad Sally’s out there,
please help those animals less fortunate than me.  You can help us by
opening your hearts and home by adopting or fostering us.  Donations
help keep us healthy and safe”.  Thank you, from Sally and Sandy, the
rescuer.   
IN LOVING MEMORY:  Thank you, to all who helped in our time of crisis,
and for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers for my beloved MAGGIE.
She is smiling down to all of us from heaven. Although her life was
short, she was a sweet, happy little dog who made our lives complete. We
miss MAGGIE tremendously. Love Bonnie and Christina - from the Animal
Clinic of Bay Ridge.  
 
EVENT:  PROSPECT  PARK ZOO - GET SET FOR PETS SUNDAY September 30, 2007
at Noon-4pm.  450 Flatbush Avenue. Muffin’s spaying and
neutering certificates will be available.
 
FUN FACT: Lions run at top speed 50 mph, for short distances.

                                                             Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    SEPTEMBER 21, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

ATTENTION: JERKY TREATS MAY BE DANGEROUS- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has recently been made aware of several complaints from pet owners and veterinarians that multiple brands of jerky treats manufactured in China have been making pets sick. Symptoms of illness have included vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. For more information about the 12 products that should be removed from store shelves visit: nationalpetfoundation.com/foods/jerkytreats.html

                                                             Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    SEPTEMBER 14, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

ALERT: MICROCHIP IMPLANTS LINKED TO CANCER IN ANIMAL - A series of veterinary and toxicology studies, dating to the mid-1990s, stated that chip implants had "induced" malignant tumors in some lab mice and rats. "The transponders were the cause of the tumors," said Keith Johnson, a retired toxicologist pathologist, explaining in a phone interview the findings of a 1996 study he led at the Dow Chemical Co. in Midland, Mich. -excerpt from ABCNews. A 2006 study in France detected tumors in 4.1 percent of 1,260 micro chipped mice. A 1998 study in Ridgefield, Conn., of 177 mice reported cancer incidence to be slightly higher than 10 percent - a result the researchers described as "surprising". In 1997, a study in Germany found cancers in 1 percent of 4,279-chipped mice. The tumors "are clearly due to the implanted microchips," the authors wrote. -excerpt from VERIZON CENTRAL NEWS
THE UPSIDE OF MICROCHIPPING A PET: Micro chipping involves the insertion of a small computer chip, the size of a grain of rice, under a pet’s skin that contains details that can be read by a scanner. Micro chipping identifies lost or injured animals. Dog tags get lost or pets are not wearing a collar. Over 8,000 lost dogs reunite with their families.

ATTENTION: Would you like an event mentioned in my column; have suggestions, or need pet advice, please email judespets@aol.com two weeks in advance. Thank you

ADOPTION: MOYTA, is 10 year old Calico kitty, who is spayed with shots. She is friendly, outgoing, playful good with kids, and other cats. Owner cannot keep due to allergies and moving. 646-691-0117.
POPPY, is a 9 year old, male, 10 pound MINI PIN, who is neutered with shots. POPPY is friendly, affectionate, and okay with older kids and pets. He is housebroken and paper-trained. His owner surrendered him to the shelter. Please call Wilma’s ORPHANS at 516-485-5875. Mention MUFFIN’S in the HOME REPORTER.

                                                                Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    SEPTEMBER 7, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

 DEAR JUDE- EMERGENCY: HELP ME, PLEASE. "My name is KofisCat. I am a three and a half year old female tiger, originally a California Dreaming girl. My first owner left me at a shelter there. I was sitting in my cage trying to understand what I had done to deserve such treatment. My adoption brought me to New York. I thought my problems were over and I would have a forever home. I was happy for a while but unfortunately, that did not last. I was a caring, loving, and loyal kitty but my new owner decided to turn me in for a co-op, which was not pet friendly, get the picture? Dumping me at Gracie’s Veterinary Clinic, 561 Clinton Street, Brooklyn, NY, was mean spirited. Dr. Kofi was kind enough to give me a place to stay while; we look for the right someone to give me a permanent home. I have been an only child so to speak. I will give you one-to-one lovin’ purrs. You can find out more about adopting me by visiting Gracie’s Clinic. Please call Dr. Kofi or Carol, the secretary at 718-965-3411. I pray I do not wind up at the ACC kill shelter in Brooklyn. Muffin’s will subsidize my shots, spay, and blood test".

MUFFIN’S announces the FIRST PEGGYSUE ‘HELP-A-PET’ tax deductible FUND RAFFLE: There will be an exciting Potpourri of prizes including: A three-page web site, with small banner, created by Web Designer, C.G Kelly, $350.00 value. Cat Tree Scratching Post, $160.00 value; Custom Pet Portrait, drawn by renowned Artist Laura Bolle, $100 value; a gift certificate for an original hand made Janet’s Creative Pillows, $25 value. A gift coupon for a PASHA BELLE.COM original pet outfit designed by Joanna Appass, $20 value, and PAWS 4 LAWS T shirts, $10.00 per shirt value. For more information and to purchase a RAFFLE TICKET, Please call Jude at 718-833-7988 or email judespets@aol.com Thank you and God Bless!

IN LOVING MEMORY: Daisy the Poodle, Beloved dog of DIANE WILLOUGHBY, walks with the Angels. Peace, Cathy and Derek DeCapua.

                                                              Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    AUGUST 31, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

ASPCA NEWS ALERT: Michael Vick, from the NFL Falcons, and three other codefendants have reversed their pleas. They admit to charges of conspiring to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities, sponsoring a dog in an animal fighting venture. The ASPCA applauds the quick and thorough federal investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s office and the USDA. It sends a clear message to those engaged in animal cruelty that these acts are barbaric and unacceptable in a humane community," says ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. -excerpt from ASPCA e-newsletter

TROY, A POLICE DOG, led to Michael Vick's downfall. During a patrol outside a Hampton nightclub in April, Troy alerted his handler that he smelled drugs in the trunk of a car. Police found marijuana in the car, which turned out to belong to Vick's cousin, Davon Boddie. After arresting Boddie, police got a search warrant for the home address he listed. Vick owned that property. When police searched the property, they discovered 66 live dogs and evidence of dog fighting. Further searches yielded 17 dead dogs and evidence that Vick's claim of "I'm never there" was false. It was Troy, who put a stop to a dog-fighting ring, no doubt saving the lives of many of his fellow dogs in the process. -Excerpt from AOL FANHOUSE

                                                               Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    AUGUST 24, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

TERESA ROMANO, cat trapper extraordinaire and rescuer says good-bye to BROOKLYN... ‘GUARDIAN ANGEL’ to the kitties, Teresa saved the last two litters of kittens, from the deluge of the NOREAST in March. Mother cats and their babies took refuge in a parking lot. A six-story condominium is now under construction; but workers, noise, and energy is very high. The remaining adult cats are frightened. Teresa, determined to finish this TNR rescue challenge, crawled inside the parking lot gate, left food for the moms, and grabbed all of the kittens. One of the feral moms is a vicious mean-spirited cat, who would strike and attack in a blink of an eye. DA MOUSE, and his brother TAZ, was the remaining six-kitten rescue that Teresa bravely saved. TERESA and Mike’s journey is complete. They rescued, vetted, and adopted twelve kittens into great homes. The adult feral cats are TNR. Due to Teresa and Mike’s commitment of spaying and neutering these parking lot cats, hundreds of homeless kittens will not born. MUFFIN's subsidized some the spaying and neutering. On August 28, 2007, Teresa moves to FLORIDA, with her kitties Benson and TZ. Thank you for saving CALAY and DA MOUSE. I will miss ‘T’! God Bless, Be well! Let us hear from you once you have a computer!

IN LOVING MEMORY: Gizmo, a 16 years old Pomeranian passed away on August 4th due to a heart attack. He was loved and cared for by Catherine in Brooklyn, NY. Catherine rescued Gizmo 11 years ago from an abusive household where he was beaten and starved. He was a real character and extremely loving. We will miss him dearly. Love SuniQ

ADOPTION: : BLIZZARD, is a pretty, sweet, female, spayed, Torti, with beautiful yellow eyes. The owner is moving. She needs a home and a friend! Call Debbie 917-846-9205 Mention the HOME REPORTER

                                                              Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    AUGUST 17, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

ASPCA OUTDOOR SAFETY TIPS: POISONOUS SURPRISES CAN COME IN SMALL PACKAGES, . . .THAT BITE! Pet parents venturing into the wilds this summer for camping trips, picnics and hikes, please take caution—deep woods can be full of snakes, spiders, scorpions and other venomous species. Keep your pet on a leash when going on walks or hiking.
Do not let your pet investigate rock piles, debris, and holes in the ground, trees, or fallen logs. Avoid evening walks in places where poisonous animals make their homes—many species are more active at night. Watch for some common symptoms that indicate that a poisonous animal may have bitten your pet; - swelling, puncture or bite wounds, general weakness, difficulty breathing, seizures or tremors, abnormal heart rate or arrhythmia, moderate to severe pain. If your pet shows any of these signs, CONTACT YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY. -excerpt from ASPCA

PETS911 NEWS: NATIONAL DOG DAY - AUGUST 26, 2007. Founder, author and animal behaviorist Colleen Paige, celebrates the second annual event in Malibu, CA. The goal in 2006 was to be the platform for the adoption of 10,000 dogs nationwide on August 26. America adopted over 12,000 dogs on National Dog Day 2006. The goal for 2007 is to save 15,000 dogs on August 26!

ADOPTION: RESCUED CATS- 718-633-5551 The cats, are fixed, have shots, and tested negative. They are friendly, playful, gentle, and are fine with other cats. CUTE, is a female, black and white Tuxedo, 3 years.
JOJO, a male, is a 2-year-old energetic, white tabby. COBY, a Male lap cat is 4 year old, brown tabby. Mention Jude’s column in the HOME REPORTER.
RESCUED KITTENS: Cathy’s kitty 917-816-5329, or JUDY’S kittens: 917-744-7884

                                                              Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                    AUGUST 10, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com
                        
WE GET LETTERS: UPDATE about MR. LUCKY the cat I saved from the subway. Herb Faust 81 years old fostered and then adopted MR. LUCKY. However, HERB is having problems in his life. The cat was causing him a bit of nervousness. He was going to keep MR. LUCKY. However, HERB’s health and financial issues were too stressful.  My mother suddenly lost her five year old cat, LUCKY last Saturday. His weak heart gave in. She was absolutely in the worst shape. When HERB heard this, he immediately called me and said my mother should take his kitten. This way the kitten would get a great home. HERB can visit the kitten, as he is a family friend. After much consideration, and understanding HERB’s dilemma, my mother said she would take the cat. She is falling in love with MR. LUCKY and giving him the best of everything. MR. LUCKY sleeps with mom and I see him each night. He is living in the lap of luxury; I guess this was his mission after all. God works in mysterious ways; He blessed my mom and MR. LUCKY with a NEW BEGINNING. – ELYSE KARNES

ASPCA NEWS: MICHAEL VICK CASE UPDATE: CO-DEFENDANT AGREES TO HELP PROSECUTORS MAKE THEIR CASE. One of the men indicted along with MICHAEL VICK on federal dog fighting charges has plead guilty. The 34-year-old co-defendant, TONY TAYLOR, has agreed to help prosecutors in their case against the Atlanta Falcons quarterback, reported in the NEW YORK TIMES. –excerpt from ASPCA e-newsletter.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF 17 years old, SAMANTHA ‘MANTHA’, the beloved cat of the GEORGES FAMILY. She is walking with Angels. Love Cat DeCAPUA

ADOPTION: A rescued ten-week-old kitten found in my front yard, is very social and comfortable with people. She will be vetted, and spayed. She eats solid food and uses a litter box. I am extremely allergic but could not leave this sweet kitten out on her own to battle cars, dogs, and kids. Contact CATHY CATWILO@AOL.COM5329 Mention Jude’s column in the HOME REPORTER.

                                                              Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                         AUGUST 3, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

MEWS ANNOUNCEMENT: Alexandra Halidisz; Sunny, our Creative Coordinator is MUFFIN'S newest family member. SUNNY designed PAWS 4 LAWS MYSPACE at http://www.myspace.com/judespets
PAWS 4 LAWS is an adventurous SPY TEAM: The DIVA005. Their mission: STOP EVIL DOERS FROM DESTROYING THE ANIMAL MOVEMENT, PROTECT THE INNOCENT, SEARCH & RESCUE AND TO REACH, TEACH & EDUCATE about SPAY/NEUTER AND ADOPTIONS! This is who they are and what they do; under the watchful eye of SCOOBYQ!
DIVA-PASHABELLE-DIVA, likes her milk stirred, not shaken! She is a CATFU black belt, which match her Fashion Outfits.
TSAR, the youngest SPY, has a RAZOR sharp tongue, trained to demolish evil-animal doers. His CATFU moves are quick and precise.
THE PEGGYSUE traded her Detective Badge, to become a HEARING commando for the DIVA005. She lost her front paw in during a covert sting operation.
CASHIN CALAY, the photographer, busy snapping pictures, when a berserk raccoon bit off her back paw during an ANIMAL LABORATORY raid.
DA MOUSE speaks five fluent languages, including ARCTIC WHALE and is strong like bull! He excels in fancy CATFU positions.

ASPCA NEWS ALERT: THE ASPCA has been working to put an end to dog fighting since the society founded in 1866. THE ASPCA is assisting in the federal investigation of 27-year-old Atlanta Falcons quarterback MICHAEL VICK and three other individuals indicted by a federal grand jury in a Virginia dog fighting investigation. -excerpt ASPCA e-newsletter

IN LOVING MEMORY: LUCKY, 5 years old, beloved cat companion of HILDA KARNES. LUCKY’s loving heart was weak and he was called back home. We miss our LUCKY BOY and will always love him. He is our cherished gift. Love HILDA & ELYSE KARNES

KITTEN ADOPTIONS: CLYDE, EARL AND PETIE, male, 6 weeks, with shots and tested. are looking for a nice family to live with. We love people. DARA 718-570-9050 Mention Jude’s column in the HOME REPORTER

                                                           Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                         July 27, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

LOST PETS AND MICRO CHIPS: ADVICE FROM A RESCUE ORGANIZATION- Registering the pet's microchip before it gets lost, by calling the chip company to let them know the pet is lost should be one of the first steps you take in trying to find your pet.  Micro chipping their pets can reunite them, but many don't understand that if they had their pet chipped at a clinic, they must take the next step and actually register the pet.  Most shelters and rescue organizations could track down the owner using their own records when the chip company contacted them to let them know a pet with one of their chips had been found, but it would still slow down the process. -an excerpt from 911.com

LOST DOG:  There is $1000 REWARD offered, for GRACIE’s safe return. NO QUESTIONS ASKED. She is an ITALIAN GRAY HOUND 16-20 pounds.  Noise and people frighten GRACIE.  She is very gentle.  The family is heartbroken and devastated.  LENNOX and FLATBUSH, in Brooklyn was where GRACIE, was seen last.
Please contact:  Theresa (908) 433-6401 or 732-317-2149 OR weekdays 973-428-9898 X 269   Mention JUDE’S column in the HOME REPORTER

IN LOVING MEMORY: SPIKE, Beloved cat of Teresa Romano. Family and friends loved SPIKE for 15 years. Never can one ask for a more compassionate, loving, playful, caring, brave companion in their life. SPIKE is forever in our hearts. Mama T, Andrew, Linda, Benson and Taz.
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN; TOMMY, 15 years. We miss TOMMY and love him so much. He was a GENTLE GIANT, who got along with all the cats, birds, and loved people. LOVE YOU TOMMY...Joan Locicero

ADOPTION: BEAUTY, Black, Female, spayed, shots, 2 years. She is very loving with kids. A family member has serious repertory condition. Beauty is living in the basement of the apt. building. PLEASE HELP
Catherine 718-627-8552
SPAY ONE FEMALE CAT; PREVENT THE BIRTH OF 100 UNWANTED HOMELESS KITTENS.  To get a low cost spay or neuter certificate visit www.muffins.org

FUN FACT: CATS CANNOT TASTE SWEETS

                                                              Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                         July 20, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

SUMMER ALERT FOR DOGS WHO SWIM: Freshwater ponds, lakes and streams could be deadly to your water dog if they contain toxins borne by blue-green algae. If the water where your dog swims looks cloudy, with a green or blue-green cast, you should suspect a dangerous overgrowth of blue-green algae, and prevent your dog from ingesting the water. Whole Dog Journal confirmed a recent report, currently in wide circulation in dog-related e-mail lists, from a Michigan dog owner whose nine-month-old Border Collie, Vita, died shortly after swimming in a pond near Fenton, Missouri. The dog threw up after drinking some of the water, and shortly afterward, lost consciousness. The owner quickly took his unconscious dog to an emergency veterinary clinic, and she was placed on a ventilator, but did not survive. The emergency vet told the dog's owner that he had recently seen other dogs die of blue-green algae toxicity - a condition that can kill pets, livestock, and people who drink the contaminated water. The algae produce a powerful toxin - one of the most powerful natural poisons known.
TIP: NEVER leave alcoholic drinks where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases. -excerpt from brooklynanimalfoster network.org

WE GET LETTERS: Hi Jude, Thanks so much for Muffin's Pet Connection. Your column is very informative and a great addition to the local paper.  Please let me know how to obtain discount coupons to have both a male and female pet altered and spayed. Thanks again. Elizabeth Betz
DEAR ELIZABETH: Please visit muffins.org and check out MUFFIN’S low cost SPAY and NEUTER certificate program. 
Mention the HOME REPORTER, and get a reduced fee. Thank you kindly for your letter. - Jude

                                                              Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                         July 13, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

MICKEY DA MOUSE HAS A NEW BEHIND THE SCREEN BUD...MUFFIN’S six pound, sixteen week old, DA MOUSE, plays the coy kitty ‘stare you-down’ game, with SCOOBY, a rescued six year old Shih Zhu. We have a screen door at the entrance of our apartment, and DA MOUSE sits by the screen waiting for SCOOBY, our next-door neighbor. "SCOOBY just wants to play with DA MOUSE", says his owner SUNNY. "He brings the toys that janetscreativepillows.com sent him to show DA MOUSE".
Let the fun begin!

ASPCA NEWS ALERT: SUMMER SAFETY TIPS FOR PET OWNERS - Exercise dogs in early morning or evening—NEVER when it is hot or humid. Do not to let your dog stand on hot asphalt, as his sensitive paw pads can burn. - Provide shade and cool, clean water for animals kept outdoors. During the hottest part of the day, bring your cat or dog inside a cool part of the house. 2- NEVER LEAVE A PET ALONE IN A CAR. OVERHEATING CAN BE FATAL. Even with open doors, a parked automobile can become a heated furnace. Parking in the shade offers little protection, as the sun shifts during the day. 3-The elderly, or overweight pets, and those that have heart or lung disease, need extra special summer care. Pugs, Bulldogs, Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus, also need extra attention on hot days. If your pet shows signs of heat stroke or exhaustion, take him to your veterinarian immediately.
-excerpt from ASPCA e-newsletter

PET NEWS: THE BROOKLYN ANIMAL FOSTER NETWORK.ORG;
BAFN introduces the public to NYCACC animals every Saturday in front of JOHN JAY HIGH SCHOOL at 4th Street and 7th Avenue in Park Slope. Volunteers gladly accepted. Contact LAURIE 718 789-6865

                                                           Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                         July 06, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

WE GET LETTERS: DEAR JUDE.. HELP PLEASE ‘DESPERATELY NEED NEW HOME for a gorgeous 100% SIAMESE kitty. Her family gave up this beautiful little girl SESAME, at 15 years of age, due to their baby’s allergies. Unfortunately, she does not like other cats and is miserable around my cats, constantly hissing. I have no way to keep her separated. She is six pounds and front DECLAWED. SESAME loves people; she is playful and athletic, she is endlessly affectionate to everyone. She dislikes other cats. Her recent blood panel shows her to be very healthy. She loves the close company of people and needs to be the ONLY CAT in the house. SESAME needs a home and a friend now! Thank you very much’. Please call 718-445-4597 or 212-698-7152 or
e-mail Rhoda0216@yahoo.com

MORE LETTERS:  
HEY JUDE: Have you done a story about cerebellar hypoplasia in kitties; special needs kitties, eg: 3 legged or cats with neuological issues? ‘All cats are special, but those with "special" needs are even more special. The special needs run the gamut, for example, visual or hearing impairment, health problems (diabetes, etc), limb amputations, and neurological problems, such as cerebellar hypoplasia, a condition passed by the mother in utero to the kittens. CH is characterized by a wobbly gait, but the cats are otherwise healthy. The severity ranges from being non-ambulatory to those who walk like they had a "few too many drinks", to an almost imperceptible wobble. "CH" kitties make wonderful pets as do all special needs cats, so next time you are looking for a pet companion, consider a "special" feline friend.’ TARA CIBITARRI maddiek9@aol.com

ADOPT: TRIXIE, Female, WIRE HAIRED JACK RUSSELL, 2 years, 
9 pounds, spayed with Shots. She is playful, affectionate, and energized.
She is better in a home with no other dogs. TRIXIE is a puppy-mill rescue. 917-304-3251 adoption fee

FUN FACT: Some authorities estimate that some dogs sense of olfaction (smelling) is as high as 1 million times greater than ours!

                                                              Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                         June 29, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

SUMMER IS HERE... ASPCA ALERTS: Unscreened windows pose a real danger to cats, who fall out of them so often that the veterinary profession has a name for the problem; HIGH-RISE SYNDROME. Falls can result in shattered jaws, punctured lungs, broken limbs and pelvises—and even death. To keep your cat safe this summer, the ASPCA recommends that you take the following precautions: Protect your pets, by installing snug and sturdy screens in all your windows. If you have adjustable screens, please make sure that they are tightly wedged into window frames. NOTE: cats can slip through childproof window guards—these do not provide adequate protection!
WE GET LETTERS: DEAR JUDE ‘My cousin is a breast cancer survivor. Throughout her life, she has had emotional problems; has been in therapy for years and hospitalized a few times. She told me how she could not have gotten through any of those things without her cat, BELLE! She absolutely clung to that cat for dear life, who truly kept her going. She is a seven-year-old Maine Coone, adopted from North Shore. Maybe other people have had a pet save their lives and you could mention them in your column’. Thank you, ELYSE KARNES

FUN FACT: Shamgret Danzas, was the tallest dog on record. He was 42 inches tall (at the shoulder) and weighed 238 lbs. 

                                                              Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                         June 22, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

ASPCA PET FOOD RECALL UPDATE: Last weeks reports: a laboratory in TX found levels of acetaminophen, which is extremely toxic to cats and dogs, in some brands of cat and dog food not on the MENU food list. On Tuesday, June 12, the FDA ruled out acetaminophen as a pet food contaminant. "The FDA found no trace of the medication in five samples of one type of cat and two dog foods it tested in the past week," FDA spokesperson Mike Herndon told the media. The ASPCA continues to urge pet parents to stay alert to breaking news by visiting the ASPCA Pet Food Recall Center, aspca.org

FUN FACT: The chameleon, a small lizard 6 or 7 inches, has a long tongue and catches insects 10 inches away.

                                                           Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                         June 15, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

ALERT-ALERT: TYLENOL TOXICITY VIA PET FOODS! SUPER COOL PETS a pet e-newsletter, says that ACETOMINOPHEN has shown up in pet foods. A Miami vet discovered this. THIS DRUG IS NOT SAFE FOR PETS. Cats are especially susceptible to the dangers of Tylenol. Cats lack the enzymes required to break it down. It has a way of binding to their hemoglobin (the protein that we all rely on to carry oxygen around our body), thereby limiting it’s ability to do its job properly. Cats die—quickly. -Excerpt from supercoolpets.com
ASPCA ALERTS: PET FOOD RECALL UPDATE: ACETAMINOPHEN FOUND IN BRANDS OF CAT AND DOG FOOD NOT ON MENU FOODS LIST "At this point, we have very little information as to the actual level of concentration of this reported contamination," says DR. STEVEN HANSEN. He is a board-certified toxicologist and Senior Vice President with the ASPCA, who manages the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. "Our data shows that if an average-sized cat ingests as little as one extra-strength acetaminophen pain-reliever caplet and is not treated in time, he can suffer fatal consequences." -excerpt from ASPCA.ORG

BIG THANK YOUs AND PURRS: MICKEY MOUSE and CALAY love the 15x15 POP UP CANVAS PLAY CUBE for cats, that ELYSE KARNES brought over for them. They play hide ‘n seek, catch-me-if-you can, and when he is pooped out from running in and out of the cube, MICKEY snoozes in it... CAT DECAPUA and her mom JOAN LOCICERO, visited MICKEY and gave him a battery operated butterfly toy. At first, he ran from it, but after CALAY checked it out, and gave two paws up, they play, and swat at the moving butterflies...DIANNE FERGUSON, donated several cases of ORGANIC CANNED CAT FOOD to MUFFIN’S. MUFFIN’S shared the food with cat rescuer TERESA ROMANO, who saved CALAY, MICKEY MOUSE, TAZ, and many other kitten lives. JEFF SUNDEN, who has six rescued cats plus numerous feral cats in his yard, also received some of the organic food.

ADOPTION: CLOVER, a rescued female, spayed, cat, shots, tested neg.  She has a sweet personality. (914)443-9209 haroldluvsmaude@aol.com

                                                              Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                      by Jude Lassow
                                                                         June 8, 2007
                                                     e-mail judespets@aol.com

WE GET LETTERS: Dear JUDE, On 5/18/07, I found your site in a GOOGLE after I rescued a cat (you posted SUBWAY's story in THE HOME REPORTER dated 5/25/07).  I have five rabbits of my own and I did not think I could keep a cat with my rabbits.  I phoned MUFFINS.ORG and left a frantic voicemail about the cat I rescued from the third rail train tracks that I was keeping in my hallway, which needed a home.  A couple of hour’s later NORM phoned me and we talked about how MUFFINS.ORG would help me find a good home for SUBWAY.  You (JUDE) and I spoke the next day, and the day after that. I told you how much I loved SUBWAY but could not keep him.  You suggested something as simple as putting up a door in my apartment to keep the pets apart, just in case. Incidentally, several people told me that from their experience, cats and rabbits do get along well.  Well JUDE, my door is up and I picked up SUBWAY from the vet tonight!  MUFFINS.ORG subsidized the vaccinations, examination, and neutering fess, which helped SUBWAY and me to stay together.  Thanks to JUDE and NORM for founding MUFFINS.ORG. I especially want to thank my son MICHAEL who spotted SUBWAY on the train tracks, and BIG thanks to Dr. SINHA for participating in the discount program. Love, RANDI
ASPCA: SAVE DOGS TRAPPED IN HOT CARS... A.1990/S.1282—Prohibits Confinement of Companion Animals in Vehicles in Extreme Temperatures Sponsor (s): Assembly Member Paul Tonko and Senator Serph Maltese SUPPORT ACTION NEEDED: Send letters to your state senator, your state assembly member, Assembly Speaker Silver and Senate Majority Leader Bruno, asking them to support A.1990/S.1282.
QUESTIONS ABOUT HOMEMADE PET FOOD...ASPCA toxicologists and veterinarians urge pet parents to fully research homemade diets before pulling out the chef’s hat. Caretakers need to visit aspca.org and check out the Pet Food Recall Resource Center for latest updates on the crisis.
ADOPTIONS: Visit muffins.org and see furry friends who need a home!

                                                                      
                                                             Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                     by Jude Lassow
                                                                       June 1, 2007
                                                      e-mail judespets@aol.com

NINE WEEKS OLD MICKEY MOUSE AND TAZ GET CLEAN BILL O’ HEALTH! ...
DR. SINHA, tested these rambunctious kittens, and declared them healthy! TERESA ROMANO saved six kitties from drowning in the NOREAST, that left 8" of rain. MUFFIN’s adopted four-week-old MICKEY MOUSE, a brown and white male tabby with light orange ears. The runt of the litter, and his kitten energy brought balance into our home. CALAY our one year old, three-legged calico kitty, play chase the tail; with two and one-half pound MICKEY. PEGGYSUE watches from a distance the fun that CALAY and MICKEY are having. MICKEY tries to include cautious PEGGYSUE in ‘lets-tap-the-tail and run game’. PEGGYSUE tries to pop MICKEY with her little front paw. In order to pop him with her longer paw, she has to lie down. PEGGYSUE is still learning to trust and play. TERESA adopted TAZ, MICKEY’s big brother. He is a glistening solid black, two-pound fun kitten. Two-year-old BENSON a black striped tabby tuxedo, and fifteen-year-old SPIKE, the solid black matriarch, play, clean, and chase after TAZZY, the TAZMANIAN DEVIL! All of the NOREAST kittens have homes!

ASPCA NEWS: RAISE YOUR AWARENESS DURING NATIONAL DOG BITE PREVENTION WEEK—MAY 20-26 According to a survey conducted by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dogs bite an estimated 4.7 million people annually, with 800,000 individual, half of them children, requiring medical treatment. Children should not approach, touch, or play with any dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies. Children should not pet unfamiliar dogs without asking permission from the dog’s guardian first. If the guardian says it is okay, the child should first let the dog sniff his closed hand. Visit aspca.org and download Dog Bite Prevention activity worksheet.

                                                                            Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                                   by Jude Lassow
                                                                                     May 25, 2007
                                                                      e-mail judespets@aol.com

SUBWAYCAT RESCUED FROM 3RD RAIL ON TRAIN TRACKS...Dear Jude; "My son and I were awaiting the Q train at Kings Highway, 5/18/07 12:30 p.m. My son yelled: CAT ON TRACKS! I looked and saw a young, beautiful, brown swirl tabby cat WALKING on the THIRD rail. We were petrified that the cat would be electrocuted or hit by an oncoming train, which was less than 1/2 a station away. I yelled: ‘COME HERE’! The cat ran towards me but jumped on some sort of ledge below the platform. I glanced and estimated I had about 45 seconds before the train arrived. I grabbed the cat. We brought "SUBWAY" home in car service. SUBWAY never bit or scratched. This cat is very affectionate and just wants to be pet and held. SUBWAY and I are grateful that I was there to save him/her. Please find SUBWAY a good home". Contact mopmopmoppy@aol.com or call RACHEL 347-582-0561. Mention Jude’s column in the HOME REPORTER.
ASPCA’S SAFE TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR PETS: AIR TRAVEL: 1- Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with destination info and an ID tag.
2- Purchase a USDA-approved shipping crate large enough for your pet to stand sit and turn around in comfortably. Write "LIVE ANIMAL" in LARGE BOLD letters on the top and sides of the crate. 3- Book direct flights whenever possible. 4- Freeze a small bowl of water for your pet the night before you leave. It will not spill during loading and will melt by the time she is thirsty. DRIVING TRAVEL:
1- Make sure your pet’s collar has an ID tag with your home address, and a temporary travel tag with your cell, destination phone number and other relevant contact information. 2- NEVER leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked car can quickly become a furnace.
3- Bring plastic jugs filled with bottled or tap water from home. Drinking water he is not used to could upset your pet’s stomach. 4- Bring your pet’s rabies vaccination record.
FUN FACT: At birth, a panda is smaller than a mouse and weighs about four ounces.

                                                                        Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                                   by Jude Lassow
                                                                                     May 18, 2007
                                                                      e-mail judespets@aol.com

FOOD IMPORTS THREATEN HUMANS AS WELL AS PETS: Since there are too few Food and Drug Administration inspectors, billions of dollars worth of foreign ingredients get a free pass, with virtually no inspection whatsoever. According to an ASSOCIATED PRESS analysis of federal trade and food data, a rising tide of imports are coming from countries with spotty records. Everything from salad dressing to ice cream enters this country without a look from overwhelmed inspectors. In fact, FDA inspectors at ports and border checkpoints often find shipments that are filthy or contaminated, but they rarely bother to inspect because ingredients are NOT a priority. For example, oils, spices, flours and gums, have not killed humans, so for now they generally get by. GUM ARABIC, extracted from acacia trees, helps to give light whipped cream its texture. It could be the smallest contaminated ingredient that triggers a disaster, like the horrific pet food tragedy! -excerpt from Inside Bayarea.com Hopefully there will not be a HUMAN FOOD RECALL, due to illness or death of a person. How do we protect ourselves from ingesting un-inspected people foods?
PET FOOD RECALL: CROSS-CONTAMINATION MAY HAVE AFFECTED PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS...MENU FOODS has expanded its list of recalled foods due to evidence of cross-contamination that may have affected protein supplements. The ASPCA recommends that pets eat products containing only U.S. sourced protein supplements until the crisis is resolved. "Given the fact that there is new evidence of cross-contamination in ingredients that may have been considered safe prior to this news, we need to be aware of where the ingredients in our pet’s food are coming from," says the ASPCA’s Dr. Steven Hansen, a board-certified veterinary toxicologist. "We recommend pet parents investigate, via their pet food manufacturers' websites or by calling them directly, where the ingredients, specifically protein supplements, are sourced from." -excerpt from ASPCA e-newsletter.

                                                                            Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                                    by Jude Lassow
                                                                                      May 11, 2007
                                                                               judespets@aol.com  

THE PASHA BELLE/PEGGYSUE 2008 CAT PHOTO DESK CALENDAR IS HERE...This beautiful 8" X 4" glossy photo AWARENESS FUND RAISING calendar, shows ten rescued cats embracing, kissing, and cuddling their PEGGYSUE catnip cuddle doll. THE FASHION DIVA, PASHA BELLE, a rescued kitty, poses in a gorgeous, handmade wedding gown and veil. The beautiful brides dress, three PEGGYSUE brides maids outfits, and a Yellow Polka dot bikini, were exclusively designed by JOANNA APPASS, from pashabelle.com Straight from the catwalk, PASHA BELLE and PEGGYSUE rock in their Yellow Polka Dot Bikini. 100% of the tax-deductible proceeds from this unique calendar benefit the PEGGYSUE ‘HELP-A-PET’ fund. For more information e-mail judespets@aol.com or visit www.muffins.org Thank You.
CHRISTMAS IN MAY? HO HO HO...Two kitty elves, JOAN LOCICERO and CAT DECAPUA came by MUFFIN’S with a big bag of goodies, many fun toys for MICKEY MOUSE our six week old, rescued kitten, and beautiful gifts for me! Their generosity and kindness overwhelmed me. As MICKEY kissed, flirted, and teased his new friends, I admired the gorgeous, green on green, wave design, knitted blanket JOAN made for me. It matches purrfectly with the plants and colors in my bedroom. CALAY, who immediately, stretched out on it, looked Regal and Beguiling. The pretty butterfly clips, beautiful scarf and colorful butterfly labels are special, as the BUTTERFLY is my POWER ANIMAL. Thank you kindly, CAT and JOAN. God Bless!
PRESIDENT BUSH signed the ANIMAL FIGHTING PROHIBITION ENFORCEMENT ACT into law. This is the culmination of an almost six-year campaign by The Humane Society of the United States and our allies to enact meaningful federal penalties for animal fighting. -an excerpt from humanesociety@hsus.org
ASPCA PETFOOD RECALL CENTER UPDATE: Please check the latest list of contaminated pet foods at aspca.org/recall Sources indicate that nearly 40,000 animals ingested contaminated food. -excerpt from IDA ADOPTIONS: BOSON, Female, Shepherd mix, 55 pound, spayed and has shots. She is friendly and affectionate. The petowner cannot keep BOSON, as they moved and the landlord is afraid of dogs. BOSON needs a home and a friend. 917-584-4892 victoria_carrera@verizon.net
Please mention Jude’s column in the HOME REPORTER Newspaper

                                                                           Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                                    by Jude Lassow
                                                                                      May 4, 2007
                                                                               judespets@aol.com  

UPDATE ABOUT MR. LUCKY and HERB... This curious feline was testing out his nine lives, as he pranced around the train platform heading towards the tracks. ELYSE KARNES changed the course of MR. LUCKY’s nomadic life. As she scooped up this abandoned cat, she sensed a new beginning for him. HERB FAUST, was ONLY going to foster this seven month old, black Tuxedo purr machine. But, MR. LUCKY’s kittenish charm purred his way straight to HERB’s heart. MR. LUCKY is on a healing mission, filling HERB’s heart with love, a purrfect match made in HEAVEN...
4 WAYS TO USE BAKING SODA TO CARE FOR YOUR PETS: 1. Use baking soda as a dry wash for your dogs. Sprinkle on, rub in, and brush out. This is an easy way to control odor between bathing. 2. To maintain healthy teeth, dip a damp, soft toothbrush in baking soda and brush gently. To help with bad breath try using the following solution mixed in a spray bottle. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of water. Spray your pet’s mouth regularly. 3. Eliminate odors from a kitty litter box: sprinkle in 1/2 cup of baking soda with the litter. 4. Clean the litter box by removing the old litter and pour in 1/2 inch of vinegar. Let this stand for 10 - 15 minutes. Then pour out and dry. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of baking soda on the bottom before adding fresh kitty litter. -an excerpt from d.i.y naturally
IN LOVING MEMORY: WHITE CAT, 19 years old, a friend to ANDREW ROMANO. WHITE CAT was THE Kabasi loving cat in the world!
SASHI, 18 year old rescued cat of SHARI HARRIS, had AIDS. SASHI had a full and loving life, and will be missed.
ADOPTION: MAX, Male, LHASA APSO, 7 years old, neutered. MAX has a sweet, loving temperament, but is better with kids over 10. He is not food aggressive. MAX is very social, and loves company. The owner is having a baby. Please go to muffins.org and fill out the ADOPTION FORM.
FUN FACT: The rabbit or hare was the symbol of fertility, new life and of the moon in ancient Egypt.

                                                                 Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                          by Jude Lassow
                                                                          April 27, 2007
                                                                    judespets@aol.com  

MICKEY MOUSE CAPTIVATES MUFFIN’s...A four week old, brown & white tabby kitty, has stolen our hearts. TERESA ROMANO rescued six kittens from two different litters, before the NorEast hit us with eight inches of rain. These little babies would have drowned! Their moms are feral.  TERESA rushed them to DR. SINHA, who dewormed and checked them for ear mites and fleas. The six little munchkins appear fine. Muffin’s needed a very young, gentle, laid back, litter trained, male kitten, who was eating on his own, as we have two handicapped cats. CALAY is missing and looking for her KUNGFU SCOOTS. He passed away March 23, 2007. PEGGYSUE and CALAY are both three-legged cats, and MUFFIN’s needed the ‘right’ kitten for our girls. MICKEY exudes an invisible force field of KITTEN POWER. He is in a cage in the livingroom and semi-feral, three year old PEGGYSUE, stays out of the livingroom! CALAY and MICKEY MOUSE meet on the bed and he prances around her, while she observes his kittenish antics. He ran up to pop her, but toppled on his little behind, as he is not fully coordinated. As MICKEY scampered away in the side ways crab-like position, NORM gently scooped him up and placed him by CALAY. As their eyes met, MICKEY winked at his new girlfriend. Will MICKEY MOUSE and CALAY become the mew SONNY and CHER of the kitty scene? Ahhhh, love is in the air!
ASPCA NEWS ALERT...QUESTIONS ABOUT HOMEMADE DIETS FOR PETS. ASPCA toxicologists and veterinarians urge pet parents to fully research homemade diets. "We still generally recommend high-quality commercial diets for pets," says the ASPCA’s Dr. Steven Hansen, a board-certified veterinary toxicologist. Such foods are highly research-based, and formulated with nutrients specific to your pet’s well-being. Note that some fruits and vegetables can be extremely harmful. Onions, garlic, chives, avocado, grapes, raisins, and macadamia nuts can all cause illness when eaten by pets. Check with your veterinarian and go to aspca.org for Pet Food Recall Resource Center- an excerpt from the ASPCA e-newsletter.
FUN FACT: The average cat has a "vocabulary" of more than 16 different sounds, including purring, howling, hissing and happy meowing.

                                                                       Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                                by Jude Lassow
                                                                                  April 20, 2007
                                                                           judespets@aol.com 

MR. LUCKY SAVED FROM TRAIN TRACKS! ELYSE KARNES was horrified as she saw a cute tuxedo kit/cat darting around the train platform, making his way towards the train tracks. Everyone stood motionless, watching as this frisky feline rubbed up against them. ELYSE scooped up this wandering vagabond, and called Muffin’s for help. Jude suggested HERB FAUST to foster care, as he recently lost LADY, his beloved kitty. MR. LUCKY is a super friendly, affectionate love bunny, who slept on the bed with HERB the first night. ELYSE found MR. LUCKY’S owners, who did care for and feed him, but were unconcerned about his roaming about the train tracks. MR. LUCKY was surrendered to ELYSE for adoption. DR. SILVERMAN, from the PROSPECT ANIMAL CLINIC, gave seven month old, MR. LUCKY a clean bill of health. Muffin’s subsidized the blood tests and neutering. MISTER LUCKY is on a healing mission, sending calming energies to HERB. Purrrfect.
CAT’S NO-NO LIST: Do not feed your cat the following: Alcoholic beverages, Chocolate, Coffee, Grapes & raisins, Moldy or spoiled food, Onions, Garlic and Chives, Poultry bones, Salt and salty foods, Tomato leaves, stems and unripe fruit, Yeast dough. These foods are harmful to our feline friends!
ASPCA PARTNERS UP TO FIGHT CANINE FLU: Canine influenza virus (CIV) is a life-threatening, highly contagious respiratory disease that has decimated entire populations of shelter dogs. The ASPCA is cosponsoring a study to find solutions for managing this virus, for which there is currently no vaccine. Morris Animal Foundation is the lead funding provider for this two-year project. "Canine influenza virus is a rapidly emerging threat to all dogs who spend time in multi-dog environments, and it’s led to the death of more than a thousand dogs in shelters around the country," said Dr. Patricia N. Olson, president/CEO of Morris Animal Foundation. -an excerpt from ASPCA e-newsletter.
ADOPTIONS: Midnight, Male, 6years, neutered shots, tested. Loving and affectionate. Takes to people. Owner is pregnant & allergic. (718) 510-5696  sennawte@hotmail.com
Taco and Bell, Male and Female, 3 year old, Chihuahua, 10lbs, shots. Lap pups, okay with kids and dogs. Rescued from K-Mart parking lot. Kissy-kissy. Can be separated. Dogdemon2@aol.com or 631-669-5658

                                                                         Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                                by Jude Lassow
                                                                                  April 13, 2007
                                                                           judespets@aol.com 

PET FOOD RECALL UPDATE: THE ASPCA has complied the most recent pet food list for dogs and cats. Check out www.aspca.org/recall
MELAMINE, was found in WHEAT GLUTEN. It is used to make durable plastic household products; cleaning products; hard, stain-resistant laminates; flame-retardant foam, soundproofing and fertilizer. HILL’S PET NUTRITION voluntarily recalled its PRESCRIPTION DIET M/D FELINE DRY CAT FOOD—its only product containing wheat gluten. "There are several dry cat and dog foods that do not include any wheat gluten in their formulas," says the ASPCA’s DR. STEVEN HANSEN, veterinary toxicologist, "and you can get that information from the label".
CALAY AND PEGGYSUE are waiting for the arrival of their new ‘beau’ friend. TERESA ROMANO, who saved three-legged CALAY’s life last May, told MUFFIN’s that she will be rescuing two litters of outdoor kitties. The moms are feral, and they will be spayed with the MAMA coupon. Teresa will socialize and sex the kitties. CALAY is missing SCOOTER, and we are hoping that a baby male kitten will spark the love-light in CALAY’S heart. PEGGYSUE still spooks easily, but we are cautiously optimistic, that the baby will ‘lend a helping paw’ and play with three-legged, semi-feral PEGGYSUE. CALAY will have to be the ‘head-honcho’ and teach the kitty whose the ‘boss’. CALAY has to learn SHE IS THE BOSS! This is going to be an interesting challenge for her, as she has never been THE NUMBER ONE cat. She eagerly and playfully, followed KungFu Scotters lead. Now the LEADERS throne has been passed to her...
PURRRS TO ELYSE KARNES for donating two cat carriers to MUFFIN’S. CALAY has claimed the zip up, mesh sided, gold with brown paw prints design, as HERS! She loves it! Her little ‘room’ is in front of the radiator and it’s cozy, comfy, snuggly warm. PEGGYSUE barley fits in, BUT she is getting used to stretching out in there.
ADOPTION EVENT: DATE: APRIL 29 PLACE: LUTHERAN FAMILY HEALTH CENTER 6025 Sixth Avenue TIME: 1:00 - 5:00pm. These pets need a new home and a friend! Call Linette 718-680-2260
RESCUED CAT NEEDS A HOME: GUBBIO312, Female, 3-4 years, shots, spayed, tested neg, dewormed. She is looking for a wonderful forever home. Small adoption fee. (914) 443-9209 haroldluvsmaude@aol.com

                                                                       Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                                by Jude Lassow
                                                                                  April 6, 2007
                                                                           judespets@aol.com   

HAPPY EASTER/SPRINGTIME .. ’TIS the season for new beginnings, hope, and growth! MUFFIN’S and JOANNA APPASS, President of PashaBelle.com are creating a one-of-a-kind, 2008 cat-rescue photo calendar, for fund raising. JOANNA was inspired to help MUFFIN’S, raise money for the PeggySue fund, when she learned about SHARDAE, a year old mother of eight kittens, who had a life-threatening condition, called INTUSSUSSCEPTION, ‘messed up guts’. JOANNA’S rescued yard kitty, PASHA BELLE, the runt of the litter, was orphaned, after her mom was struck by a hit and run driver. PASHA BELLE, THE FASHION DIVA, loves to dress up. She wears her pearl necklace and goes BONKERS with her PeggySue doll. A small preview of the calendar photos include: PASHA BELLE wearing her purrrfectly beautiful hand-made lace JUNE wedding gown. Joanna also designed AUGUST’s Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini, along with PeggySue dolls dressed up in matching outfits! Next to the DIVA, there are pictures of kitties cuddling, and chewing on their PeggySue 100% organic catnip doll. Would you like YOUR cat’s picture in the 2009 fund-raising photo calendar? HAPPY PETS and POSH PET in Bay Ridge, sell the PeggySue doll. Mention Muffin’s in Home Reporter. CALENDAR BONUS: Take a picture of your cat with the doll, and email in the JPG format to: judespets@aol.com or mail it to Muffin’s PC, 9728-3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11209. Include two sentences about your cat. Your kitty will appear in the 2009 photo calendar and on the PeggySue testimonial page at www.muffins.org Thank you and God Bless!
CAT AND DOG FOOD ALERT: WHEAT GLUTEN IS CONTAMINATED! READ ALL FOOD LABELS. Check the Ingredients on DRY, moist, pouch, and canned foods.
ASPCA’S ORANGE ADOPTION EVENT~ ARK ANGELS is sponsoring ‘ORANGE YA GONNA ADOPT SOMEONE’?
Tuesday: April 10th at the Lutheran Family Health Center, 6025 Sixth Avenue Brooklyn, NY from: 1:00pm - 6:00pm – Call Lin for more information. 718-680-2260 RAIN DATE: Saturday: APRIL 14th

MUFFIN’S ADOPTIONS: Visit www.muffins.org and see pets who need a home and a friend!
FUN FACT: How are ants like people? Ants stretch when they wake up. They also appear to yawn in a very human manner 
before taking up the tasks of the day

                                                     Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                             by Jude Lassow
                                                             March 30, 2007
                                                          judespets@aol.com

RAT POISON FOUND IN RECALLED PET FOOD
MENU FOODS, in Canada, is the manufacturer of the contaminated foods. WHEAT GLUTEN, which is widely used in the industry to thicken gravy, was purchased from CHINA. US authorities say a banned RAT POISON was found in the products. The poison was identified as aminopterin, which some nations use to kill rodents. In the U.S., it is used as a cancer drug. If your pet shows signs of: vomiting, (this is usually the first sign) refusal to eat, fatigue, abnormal increase in water consumption or abnormal increase in urination, call the veterinarian immediately. -excerpt from Google news
Complete recall food list www.menufoods.com/recall

This recent nationwide pet food recall DOES NOT include any MARS PETCARE, US Pet Food Products. PEDIGREE® food for dogs, CESAR® canine cuisine, THE GOODLIFE RECIPE™ food for cats and dogs, WHISKAS® and SHEBA® food for cats, are SAFE for pets to enjoy. Check with the food companies BEFORE feeding your pets any foods. If you have any questions about the Menu Foods recall, call 1-866-738-7375. -excerpt from PetSmart

IN LOVING MEMORY: KUNGFU SCOOTs, our beloved 17 year old, rescued Maine Coon mix, strutted over the Rainbow Bridge on March 23. Scoots was winding down. As he slept in the bottom drawer of Norm’s dresser, Calay checked on him, and he gently popped her on the head. She came back for more. This was their special game. Friday night, he was sleeping in the foyer, and sneezed three times. I sensed that Muffin, Popeye and Coco, were there with Scoots. Scooter NEVER sneezed in his life! We will miss him dearly.. Until we meet again, HELLO SCOOTER! Love forever and a day: Jude, Norm, Calay & PeggySue.

                                                      Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                             by Jude Lassow
                                                             March 23, 2007
                                                          judespets@aol.com
                                                    

ALERT: PET FOOD RECALL  MENU FOODS, a manufacturer of canned and pouched wet DOG and CAT FOOD, has issued a precautionary recall of food manufactured in two of its facilities between Dec. 3, 2006 and March 6, 2007. Menu Foods, a Canadian-based manufacturer is recalling ALL "cuts and gravy" style dog and cat food. Some pets affected have developed kidney failure and died. After eating, IF your pet shows signs of; increased water intake, increased urination, decreased appetite, vomiting or lethargy, contact your vet immediately. Pet owners with questions, should contact Menu Foods at 1-866-463-6738, or online at http://www.menufoods.com/recall. To get the entire list of infected foods, call 1-866-895-2708. Some of the ‘name brands’ are: EUKANUBA, IAMS, MIGHTY DOG, HILLS COUNTRY FAIR, CADILLAC, AUTHORITY, NUTRO, NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE, NURTO MAX, PET PRIDE, SPECIAL KITTY, SOPHISTICAT, WEGMAN’S. Some of the "NO-NAME" Supermarket Brands are; KEY FOOD, FOOD TOWN. Discontinue use of canned or pouched food if the product is on the Menu Food recall list.
ASPCA: POISON ALERTS: One EXTRA STRENGTH ACETAMINOPHEN "can be deadly to a cat". -excerpt from ASPCA

UPDATE ABOUT ELLIOT NESS: THE SOLE SURVIVOR GOLDFISH –"He started out as a "feeder" goldfish for Chester, my turtle. He was one of 25 fish, and valued at ten cents. He was destined to be dinner. He eluded the predator, growing into a big beautiful fish! I wanted to find him a home but could not part with him. He now lives in a big tank with three friends. Elliot’s lesson: If you believe, anything is possible!" – submitted by Cat DeCapua
WE GET LETTERS: "I want everyone to know about PILL POCKETS. It is a treat for cats and dogs, which is a safe, effective way to medicate your pet. It is made from all human-grade meats, completely conceals medicinal odors. It works miracles! I put the pill inside the PILL POCKETS, pinched it closed, and gave it to my finicky cat. He devoured it! It comes in different sizes and flavors. No pet owner should be without this in their home. Check out www.pillpockets.com " submitted by Elyse Karnes.

                                                       Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                             by Jude Lassow
                                                              March 16, 2007
                                                e-mail judespets@aol.com

PAWS ALERT:  DOGS AT RISK - SNAUSAGES ROVEROLIS is a treat, shaped like a pillow.  It can lodge in a dog’s throat/windpipe. I gave my dog Scooter a “ROVEROLIS”, which stuck in his throat. He was trying to cough it back up, but could not. I picked him up, held him upside down, and hoped gravity would help. I stuck my finger down his throat several times. I could feel the ROVEROLIS, but could not get close enough to get under it.  I rushed him to a hospital.  Scooters tongue was blue.  The doctor at the emergency hospital, immediately put my dog in ICU, and gave him antibiotics intravenously.  Another dog also ate this treat, but sadly died from lack of oxygen. Thank God, Scooter will be okay. – a concerned petowner.  Submitted by Laura Bolle, President FreedomPaws.
ANIMAL PLANT: Dog Food for Cats - Why is it a No-No? Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc. Cat's nutritional requirements are much different from those of a dog. For example, cats require higher levels of protein than dogs. Cats must have the amino acid called taurine in their diet; dogs can actually make their own taurine. A cat eating food deficient in taurine can develop severe heart disease and other health problems. Almost all cat foods now contain added taurine. Cats require a different form of Vitamin A than dogs do. Dogs can use beta-carotene as a source of Vitamin A; cats cannot. Cats can not manufacture the fatty acid called arachidonic acid and must have it supplemented in their diet; it is not essential for dogs to have this fatty acid in their food. 
FOR ADOPTION: ABBY, male, 5 years, neutered, shots, a handsome, friendly, independent, overweight Orange and White cat.  ABBY loves attention, but is shy. He has no experience with pets. Owners' baby has allergies.  Please go to http://www.muffins.org/adoptform.htm and fill out the adoption form.
JAXON is a well behaved, 6 year old, male, 50 pound, Lab/Shepard mix, neutered with shots.  He has great temperament. JAXON loves cats, dogs, and people, especially kids over seven. Contact cheeri14@yahoo.com mention The Home Reporter.
FUN FACT: Cats cannot taste sweets.

                                                    Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                             by Jude Lassow
                                                              March 9, 2007
                                                e-mail judespets@aol.com

MR. PUPPY NEEDS A HOME NOW!  Joyce came over with a declawed, neutered, loving cat, she just rescued from the freezing rainstorm.  MR. PUPPY, a fifteen pound, 6-8 year old, Brown Tabby, is a
gentle giant.  His cut whiskers are on the right side of his handsome face.  PUPPY calmly sat on my desk purring, while Scooter, Calay, and PeggySue checked out this hunky cat! MUFFIN’S subsidized his blood tests.  MR. PUPPY is healthy!  Check http://muffins.org/Cats1.htm to see his photo. 
Joyce: 718-238-2128. Mention The Home Reporter.
WE GET LETTERS:  ‘It has been a great pleasure, to be MUFFIN'S Outreach Coordinator.  However, due to my disability, Myasthenia Gravis (a neuromuscular disease), and other medical issues, I am limited in ‘reaching-out to the community’ as I do not have a computer.  I do not always have strength to get to the library, research animal issues and possible foster care programs.  If I had a computer at home, I could access pet resources.  MY WISH:  if someone has a working computer BUT is not using it, and would like to donate it to help the animals, I would be very grateful.  Thank you for your consideration.  TMR  
DEAR JUDE: ‘THANK YOU from my mom and myself, for the assistance that MUFFIN'S offered last month. I do not know what I would have done without your help concerning my cat Shardae who needed immediate surgery. Without your financial contribution, Shardae would have died, as I did not have the money for the surgery. I must also say THANK YOU to DANNY from SAVE OUR STRAYS for his contribution and willingness to help. I hope that the community knows and appreciates the work you are doing for animals. You are ready to reach out to people that need your help concerning their animals. As soon as I hung up the phone from pleading my case to you, in the next ten minutes, the Vet was ready to do the operation on Shardae that saved her life. May God continue to bless you in all that you are doing for all God's creatures.  Sincerely, P. McKenzie
FUN FACT: There are approximately 1300 species of scorpion but only 25 of them are deadly.

                                                    Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                             by Jude Lassow
                                                              March 2, 2007
                                                e-mail judespets@aol.com

 ASPCA PET POISON AND NEWS ALERTS: FDA RECALLS CAT FOOD & PEANUT BUTTER.
Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued two recalls pertaining to products contaminated with the bacteria Salmonella—PETER PAN and GREAT VALUE PEANUT BUTTER carrying the code “2111” on the jar lid.  In addition, 3 1/2-ounce and one-pound packages of WILD KITTY RAW ALL NATURAL, FROZEN CAT FOOD, chicken with clam recipe. As of this writing, there have been no reports of illness pertaining to either product in pets.
HELP FIGHT CRUELTY! Increase Penalties for Animal Fighting!
Support HR 137/S 261! Animal fighting is a cruel blood sport that involves breeding and mistreating animals to increase their aggressiveness, then encouraging them to continue fighting even after they have suffered severe injuries. Dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states, and cockfighting is illegal in all states except Louisiana and New Mexico (although New Mexico ’s SB 10 might soon change this). It is a felony in many states to engage in animal fighting or train a dog for fighting. Send a letter to your senators and representative, urging them to support the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007.- excerpt from ASPCA e-newsletter.
SPAY/NEUTER UPDATE NEWS:  Since 1994 MUFFIN'S has sold approximately 50,000 SPAY/NEUTER certificates for cats and dogs!  MUFFIN'S AND THE MAYOR’S ALLIANCE are hoping that MAMA’s TNR FERAL CAT coupon can prevent thousands and thousands of cat births.  MUFFIN'S has learned a that four and five month old kittens gave birth, meaning that  ‘mom’ conceived when she was two or three months old! What is wrong with this picture?  In seven years, one unspayed female cat and her offspring can reproduce 420,000 cats!  In six years, one unspayed female dog and her offspring can reproduce 67,000 dogs! Could extra hormones in foods be causing Hormonal changes?  Something is out of balance. 
FOR ADOPTION:  ELLIOT NESS , the survivor Gold Fish.  He is smart, young, fast, fun, and hiding from Chester the turtle.  ELLIOT NESS needs a new home NOW!  Please contact Cat  CUSTOMROD1@aol.com 
Mention Jude’s column in the Home Reporter.

                                                        Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                by Jude Lassow
                                                              February 23, 2007
                                                            judespets@aol.com   

 WE GET LETTERS: ALERT YOUR READERS! ‘A pet owner came to a veterinary clinic where I work.  His dog had a wound on his neck, caused by a collar he was wearing.  The dog needed stitches.  The owner paid half of the bill saying he would be back the next day. Almost a month went by and the owner did not come for his 10-month-old Pit mix pup.  We called and sent a certified letter to the owner.  There was no response.  I ran into the owner a couple of days before his dog was going to the ACC.  He told me he did not have money to pay the bill.  I mentioned the doctor was taking HIS dog, to the ACC at the end of the week. The owner picked up his pup, and made payment arrangements.  That poor dog sat in a cage for almost a month.  He came very close to dying.  Please, I cannot stress this enough, DO NOT abandon your pet at a vet’s office.  By law, the pet must be surrendered to the ACC. It is possible that the pet might be put up for adoption and just as possible; it will die’.  
ANIMAL PLANET: LISTS MUFFIN'S LOW COST SPAY/NEUTER PROGRAM http://animalplanet.pets911.com/spayneuter.php

MAMA: MUFFIN'S AND the MAYOR’S ALLIANCE created MAMA: FERAL CATS ONLY SPAY/NEUTER COUPON PROGRAM, includes, Rabies shot and left ear tipping. (TNR) Same-day-surgery.  Our GOAL: STOP feral cat UNWANTED birth explosions NOW!  Please call 718-833-7988 for vet list and prices. 
SPAY DAY USA : February 27 is a day to shine a national spotlight on spay/neuter.  A simple, humane solution to the tragedy of pet overpopulation, is sponsored by Doris Day Animal League (DDAL) and The Humane Society of the United States .
ADOPTION: Tiger, Male, 3 years, neutered. A great cat, loves people, petting. He is comfortable with himself. He would be great for an older person. His owner passed away. 
(646) 285-8200 
Max, Male, 5 years, 55 lbs, Yellow Lab/mix, shots, neutered. He comes with the wireless fence system. Max is a loving dog. The owner relocating. 336-775-5149 dehart01@triad.rr.com
FUN FACT: The cheetah is the only cat in the world that cannot retract its claws.
HAVE ANY PET NEWS? Email judespets@aol.com

                                                         Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                by Jude Lassow
                                                              February 16, 2007
                                                            judespets@aol.com                                                            

 ASPCA NEWS ALERT: Illinois : HB 354 would create a “Wild About Animals” lottery game to generate funds for animal programs Bill Number: HB 354, Sponsor: Rep. Thomas Holbrook, ASPCA Position: Support Action: Tell your representative that you support this bill. This legislation would create an animal-themed instant lottery game with proceeds benefiting animal-related causes and humane education. The money generated by this game would be equally divided among three state agencies:  the Board of Education, the Department of Public Health (for its Pet Overpopulation Control Fund), and the Department of Natural Resources. Please send letter supporting this bill to your State Representative or Representative. –excerpt from the ASPCA e-newsletter
TOXIC SUBSTANCES TO DOGS:  Myth: A dog instinctually knows not to eat harmful things.
Untrue! A dog will eat anything! It is important that the hand that feeds the dog knows what can harm the dog. Coffee, tea, and chocolate are not the only tasty human things that can cause dog’s serious harm. Turkey skin, macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, chocolate, spinach, mushrooms, tomato vines, rhubarb leaves can all cause dogs serious harm. by Joe White –an excerpt from Pet Advice Center Newsletter
SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS FOR WEEKLY HOME EXAMS FOR PETS: Dogs and cats get many of the same eye diseases that we do, including cataracts, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, and dry eye. If caught in the early stages, many of these conditions can be prevented from progressing and your pet’s eyesight could even be saved. Cats and dogs can even develop tumors in the eyes, so look closely with a good light. Both pupils should be the same size and the eyes should be clear, bright, and shiny, not cloudy.  –excerpt by Doc Halligan from Housepet.com
IN LOVING MEMORY: ‘HONEY GIRL 12 years old, our sweet lil lady, bravely and courageously fought a chronic illness for many years.  We miss you, but our memories will comfort us’. 
Love, Mike, Helen, Smokey, and Teaco.
WILLIE, a feral kitty, touched Shari Harris' heart. Willie ran into the light before Shari could trap and rehabilitate this handsome kitty.  He is purring with the Angels!

                                                             Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                     by Jude Lassow
                                                                 February 9, 2007
                                                                 judespets@aol.com

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! ASPCA NEWS ALERT: THE ASPCA’S GUIDE TO A PET-FRIENDLY VALENTINE’S DAY
Did you know that the traditional tokens of affection—roses, chocolates, and other candies—can be harmful for the four-legged loves of your life? Roses and other blooms containing thorns, which could prove harmful to pets if played with, bitten, stepped on or swallowed. ASPCA’s Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine for the Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, explains, “It is easy for pets to step on thorny stems that fall to the ground, as they can develop serious infections from thorn punctures. Also, many varieties of lilies are highly toxic to cats”. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both methylxanthines that can cause stimulation of the central nervous system, an increase in heart rate and tremors. Clinical signs—vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivity, and increased thirst, urination and heart rate—can be seen with the ingestion of as little as two ounces of baking chocolate by a 10-pound dog.  –an excerpt from the ASPCA e-newsletter.
The PEGGYSUE 100% organic catnip/cuddle doll is a purrfect way to say ‘I LOVE YOU’ to your feline friend.  Kitties go BONKERS with this handmade one-of-a-kind five-inch doll.  Calay, and PeggySue our rescued three-legged kitties, have a ball with their dollies.  Seventeen-year old Scoots, our senior resident, comes out of retirement and plays with his PeggySue doll.  These fine stores sell the PEGGYSUE, fund-raising doll. Please visit JASON at HAPPY PETS, 9818-4^th Avenue or BETH at POSH PET, 9540-4^TH Avenue .  Go to www.muffins.org/peggysue.htm and see other fine stores who sell the PeggySue doll.  Mention that you read about their stores in Jude’s column in the Home Reporter.
ADOPTION EVENT:  Animals from the ACC and NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE:  SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17^th at the SALEM CHURCH - 450-67th Street , from 11AM – 4PM RAIN OR SHINE Event.  Adoption fee and proof of ID is required. Contact:  Lin 718-680-2260
CAT TRAPPER WITH CAR NEEDED:  A feral cat needs to be trapped, brought to Dr. Sinha’s for neutering, left ear tipping, Rabies shot, with the MAMA feral coupon, picked up and returned.  The Trapper’s fee is $50.00 for this service. Please call Jude 718-833-7988.   
ANIMAL PLANET:  LISTS MUFFIN'S LOW COST SPAY/NEUTER PROGRAM http://animalplanet.pets911.com/spayneuter.php

                                                            Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                     by Jude Lassow
                                                                 February 2, 2007
                                                                 judespets@aol.com

MUFFIN'S AND SAVE OUR STRAYS TEAM TOGETHER TO SAVE A MOTHER CAT’S LIFE…One and a half year old SHARDAE, a Calico cat, mother of eight kittens, had a life-threatening condition, called INTUSSUSSCEPTION, ‘messed up guts’.  The McKenzie family did not have the fee for the operation.  Danny from SOS and Jude and Norm from Muffin’s pulled fund raising resources together and came up with five hundred dollars, a portion of the payment, for immediate surgery.  Dr. Silverman from Prospect Park Animal Clinic, removed six inches of SHARDAE’s intestine. Muffin’s also subsidized the spay.  The PEGGYSUE fund helped with the medical fee.  Thank God for your donations and Danny’s willingness help.  Muffin’s appreciates you kindly.  SHARDAE is back home, eating and playing with her eight, six week old babies, who are up for adoption.  If you are interested in adopting a SHARDAE home-raised kitty, please call 718-833-7988.  Mention that you read about SHARDAE in Jude’s column in the Home Reporter. 
WHAT’S HAPPENING: MUFFIN’S APPLAUDS MaryJo Tobin - animal rescuer par excellence.  She wrote a book called LOVE WANTED. MaryJo’s first book signing is on February 10^th at THE BOOK MARK SHOPPE at 8415-3rd Avenue at 3:00 pm.    MaryJo commented, “I hope this book makes a difference in how people view their role in making a difference when it comes to the plight of the shelter pets”!

                                                             Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                     by Jude Lassow
                                                                 January 26, 2007
                                                                 judespets@aol.com

PURRFECT MEWS FOR TABBYKAT: Exhausted, Tabby Kat re-cooperated after her spay surgery with trapper Teresa Romano, who nurtured, and cared for this sad rescued cat.  A hit and run driver killed her mate and she was crying for him.  Tom, an attorney who previously adopted two of TabbyKat’s babies was touched by Tabbykat’s’ tail’, and adopted her.  Mom and babies are getting re-acquainted and soon TabbyKat’s broken heart will heal. 
MUFFIN’S PET CONNECTION CHOSEN…IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS, is an international animal protection organization with more than 85,000 members and supporters dedicated to ending the abuse and exploitation of animals by protecting their rights and welfare. Muffin's was one of the honorees, chosen for the COMPANION ANIMAL GUARDIAN AWARD.  To see the complete list of honorees go to http://ga0.org/indefenseofanimals/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=5432956  
Muffin’s is honored.
FYI…Muffin’s has learned that dumping a pet at a vet’s office is NOT safe!  By LAW, the vet must hold onto the pet for two weeks, giving the petowner a chance to retrieve their pet.  If the pet
is not re-claimed, the vet HAS to bring the dog/cat or other to the ACC.  The pet faces euthanasia.  To list a pet contact MUFFIN'S at www.muffins.org or 718-833-7988.  We are a pet listing service, not a shelter.  We do not take in animals.  Muffin’s has assisted in over 8500 adoptions.  Contacting MUFFIN'S or other pet organizations is the RIGHT THING TO DO.  DUMPING A PET AT A VET’S OFFICE IS THE WRONG THING TO DO!
ASPCA TRI-STATE NEWS ALERT: HOT TIPS FOR COLD WEATHER: Antifreeze or engine coolant spills are dangerous to pets. “These products contain chemicals that are harmful to animals,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, a veterinary toxicologist at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center . During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes crawl under the hoods of cars for warmth—but a car’s fan belt can kill or injure an animal when the motor starts. If there are outdoor or feral cats in your neighborhood, bang on the hood of the car and wait a few seconds before turning on the engine. –excerpt from ASPCA e-newsletter
ADOPTION:  Felix, Male, 1 ½ years, shots, neutered, tested neg. Rescued. Loves to run and play.  He is social with people, but NO DOGS. Better in a single cat home. (718) 523-3527 birchall@unfpa.org 

                                                             Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                     by Jude Lassow
                                                                 January 19, 2007
                                                                 judespets@aol.com

ASPCA TRI-STATE NEWS ALERT- IT’S OFFICIAL! ASPCA^® MISSION : ORANGE™ LAUNCHED a focused, collaborative campaign to create a country of humane communities, one community at a time.  Ed Sayres, ASPCA President & CEO, explains ‘The ASPCA will continue to implement the principles of ASPCA Mission: ORANGE in New York City where, with the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, we are working towards the day when no New York City dog or cat is killed merely because he or she does not have a home’.  –excerpt from ASPCA e-newsletter   Muffin’s And Mayor’s Alliance , have teamed up and created MAMA, the feral cat spay/neuter coupon program.  Our goal is for NYC to be a non-kill city! Call 718-833-7988 for more information about MAMA. 
MICROCHIP EYE IMPLANTS HELP BLIND CATS SEE: Veterinary ophthalmologists at the University of Missouri-Columbia, USA , have been helping blind cats see using a microchip implant. It is hoped that the technology may, in the future, be applied to humans. "About one in 3,500 people worldwide is affected with a hereditary disease, retinitis pigmentosa, that causes the death of retinal cells and, eventually, blindness," Narfstrom said. –excerpt from scientistlive.com

UPDATE ABOUT BARBARO:  BARBARO has suffered a significant setback in his recovery from laminitis, with damaged tissue removed from the Kentucky Derby winner's left hind hoof.  Barbaro was being treated aggressively for his discomfort and is in stable condition, according to a statement released Wednesday morning by the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center. "Barbaro's left hind foot, which had laminitis, remains a more formidable long-term challenge. The foot must grow much more for him to have a truly successful outcome." EXCERPT FROM AOL SPORTS  http://sports.aol.com/news/articles/_a/barbaro-suffers-significant-setback/20070110122609990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001

                                                              Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                     by Jude Lassow
                                                                 January 12, 2007
                                                                 judespets@aol.com

PEGGYSUE DOLLS MAKE CATS GO BONKERS FROM AUSTRALIA , TO ARIZONA TO TENNESSE!
Kitties toss, dribble n’ drool, sleep on, take apart and cuddle these hand made three-legged, 100 % Organic 5” catnip dolls.  Sara Thomas from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, said, “Spalding, my two year old male cat, was a maniac for 40 minutes.  I have never seen him or any cat play with a toy for 40 minutes!  He ran all over the apartment with PeggySue dangling from his mouth.  He threw it in the air, caught it, and ran like a maniac every time he caught it.”  Another happy cat; "When I gave Monty, my 15 year old, ailing cat the Peggy Sue doll, the life came back into him again. He was rubbing all over it, biting it, playfully meowing, and actually running after it. He was a new cat again! Thank you Peggy Sue!" –Janice, Dyker Heights, Brooklyn , www.furryfriendshome.com   Janet Bernasconi makes the PeggySue catnip cuddle doll for Muffin’s Adopt-A-Three legged cat Awareness Program.  PeggySue, our three-legged, semi-feral rescued cat, teaches us to ‘See my capabilities NOT my disabilities. God kissed my little paw’.  Happy Pets 9818-4^th Ave. and Posh Pets 9520-4^th Ave. sell the PeggySue dolls with a FREE Gift.  Mention that you read about them in Jude’s column in the Home Reporter.  To read other testimonials about the PeggySue doll, go to  www.muffins.org/peggysues_testimonials.htm
UPDATE: BARBARO the Kentucky Derby Winner is on the mend.  Dean Richardson, chief surgeon at the University of PA New Bolton Center, said that as long as Barbaro’s right hind leg continues to get stronger, he could live a comfortable happy life.  Healing energies and prayers seem to embrace this winner!
WE GET LETTERS:  ELYSE KARNES submitted this prayer in LOVING MEMORY of LADY, a 10 year-old dark gray tuxedo cat, who crossed over the Rainbow Bridge : 
Not flesh of my flesh, nor bone of my bone. But still miraculously my own, Never forget for a single minute, You didn't grow under my heart. But in it.  HERB FAUST, was very connected to his sweet little LADY. 
ADOPTION: Charlie & Henry, 1 year-old, outgoing Brothers. Neutered, shots, tested neg. They are need to be adopted together. Owner is being transferred out of state.  Kathleen 347-452-8825
FUN TIP: A group of tigers is called an ambush.

                                                            Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                     by Jude Lassow
                                                                 January 5, 2007
                                                                 judespets@aol.com

Nina Malkin called seeking help about trapping feral cats in her yard. She and her husband Jason came by to rent to trap and purchase a Muffin’s low cost neuter certificate for Sid Vicious.  This was Nina’s first TNR, trap neuter and return kitty challenge.  I explained that she was doing God’s work, by helping His creatures NOT to populate homeless kittens born to die! Spay or neuter one cat, prevent the birth of one hundred unwanted cats.  See the bigger picture, and the reality of pet overpopulation glares!  Nina’s TNR was successful! She wrote an informative yet heartwarming and funny book about her feral cat experiences and mentioned Muffin’s.  Nina followed her heart, which led her to Muffin’s and is now on a feral TNR teaching mission.  
WE GET LETTERS:  “Dear Jude, I hope you received the copy of my book,
AN UNLIKELY CAT LADY: FERAL ADVENTURES IN THE BACKYARD JUNGLE.

                                                            Muffin's Pet Connection
                                                                     by Jude Lassow
                                                                 December 29, 2006
                                                                 judespets@aol.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  
HOLIDAY TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PET SAFE: Glass tree ornaments can look like regular toys.  Keep them out of reach of dogs and cats. Do not let young animals explore new electric cords from holiday decorations.  Poinsettias and holly can cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting and diarrhea.  Ingestion of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats. Avoid Tinsel.  The strings can become impacted in a cat’s intestines Watch the extra food.  Just one high fat meal passed from the dinner table can lead to pancreatitis, a potentially fatal condition.  Poultry bones can cause a potentially fatal blockage.
NO CHOCOLATES FOR PETS!  -excerpt from NYC Veterinary Specialists
ASPCA TR-STATE NEWS ALERT:  ASPCA GIVES THUMBS UP TO NYC’S OFF-LEASH LAW The ASPCA applauds the New York City Board of Health’s decision earlier this month to allow dogs to run without leashes in certain parks between 9:00 P.M. and 9:00 A.M. This new legislation codifies the off-leash courtesy many Big Apple parks have had in effect for nearly two decades.  In light of this exciting development, the ASPCA encourages dog owners to show their gratitude by cleaning up after their pets, obtaining a dog license and spaying or neutering their pets.  Excerpt from ASPCA e-newsletter. Check with your local park to see if they have the new OFF LEASH policy. 
ARE TWO CATS BETTER THAN ONE?  YES, there are many benefits to having two cats, but they apply only when the two cats are well matched and have enough physical space to live together comfortably. For one, two cats provide each other with exercise, social interaction, and mental stimulation. Cats housed together have more opportunity to “just be cats” by socializing and playing with each other, and this means they are less likely to be destructive or engage in other problematic behaviors. –excerpt from ASPCA BEHAVIOR CENTER
ADOPTION:  Felix CAT, Male, 1  1/2yrs, shots, neutered, tested neg. 11 lbs. Rescued. He is athletic, loves to run and play. He is social with people. NO DOGS.  He is better in a single cat home. (718) 523-3527 birchall@unfpa.org 
Paulie, Female, Pit mix 14 months, 42lbs, spayed/shots. Micro-chip. Sweet. Respects cats.  She is ok with older kids. She likes to cuddle. 917-405-0593  harithspi@earthlink.net  AdoptionFee

                                                   Muffin’s Pet Connection 
                                                        by Jude Lassow
                                                    December 22, 2006
                                                  email judespets@aol.com