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Archives
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.
Earlier this week, four of the most adorable kittens, approximately six weeks
old, were abandoned at the Gracie Veterinary Clinic. Two are males and two are
females. One of the males, Shadow was just adopted. The other male is a brown
and tan tiger which I named Thomas. One female is grey with a touch of black.
She has the roundest eyes which are blue grey, I named her Rori. The second
female is a brown and tan tiger who Dr. Kofi named Samantha. As you can see we
took turns naming them. They all miss their mom but Samantha, who is the runt of
the litter, is pretty heart broken at being separated from her and doesn’t
mind letting you know her feelings on her unpleasant plight. However, when you
pet her she immediately stops crying and begins purring. They are all loveable
and need homes with people who are willing to commit to them and give them a
life time of love. They will give you unconditional love in return. If you
are interested in adopting a kitten, please call the Gracie Veterinary Clinic at
718-965-3411. If you would like to see pictures of these little darlings you
will be able to find them on www.muffins.org and also Petfinder.com Dr. Kofi
will de-worm them free of charge.
Thank you".
CAT PROOF THE GARDEN: Tips from Master gardener Marianne Binetti -EXCERPT
FROM HGTV
Rosemary and sage, are pungent herbs, and keep cats out of a garden. An
annual plant named coleus canina, developed with a pungent smell that drives
away cats. Plant it under birdfeeders or wherever you want to discourage
cats from going. Spread a layer of coffee grounds in beds to keep out
the cats.
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
2nd 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 13th, at
11
AM
thru
4
PM
,
REGINA
PACIS
Youth
Center
,
1258
– 65th St
(Between 12th &
13th
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.
WORLD’S BEST LITTER was introduced to MUFFIN’S kitties, by IRENE SIDOR.
It is Biodegradable, superior clumping, easy scooping, ideal for multiple-cat
households, has maximum odor control, and low tracking, plus it is 99%
dust-free! It is made from whole corn kernel. The highly absorbent proteins and
fibers found naturally in corn, actually bind cat urine and odor molecules in
the litter. PEGGYSUE, CALAY, SQUEAKY ‘n daMOUSE give four paws up to WORLD’S
BEST LITTER! Thanks to IRENE there is no litter box smell in my apartment!
PYOMETRA UPDATE: Nine year old SUNFLOWER’S life was saved! She is eating,
playing and enjoying her life. DR. ALEXANDRU of the ANIMAL CLINIC of Bay Ridge
and his dedicated staff performed emergency surgery and removed a four-five
pound horrifically infected uterus. Dr. Alexandru generously reduced the $1200
fee to $700. MANY THANKS to: ELYSE KARNES and SHIRLEY GROSSMAN, who donated $25.
DANNY from SAVE OUR STRAYS contributed $100. IRENE gave $20. Five hundred and
fifty-five dollars was subsidized by MUFFIN’S. Heartfelt gratitude for
everyone who rallied to save SUNFLOWER’S life! THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS!
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 65th Street, between 12th
& 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!
SPAY/NEUTER NOW! MUFFIN'S low cost certificate program has 34 participating
vets in Brooklyn. To purchase a certificate call HAPPY PETS at 718-238-2246 or
PAWS & CLAWS 718-836-8345.
DO YOU KNOW HOW TO POISON-PROOF YOUR HOME? National Poison Prevention Week March
16 to March 22. Keep prescription and over-the-counter drugs such as
painkillers, cold and flu preparations and antidepressants behind tightly closed
cabinet doors.
Make sure chocolate, coffee and other potentially dangerous foods are kept out
of pets' reach.
When using products to eliminate fleas, ticks and other pests, follow
directions exactly. Be sure the item you’re using has been formulated
specifically for your pet, and check with your veterinarian before using it.
-excerpt from aspca.org
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.
SPAY/NEUTER NOW! MUFFIN'S low cost certificate program has 34 participating
vets in Brooklyn. Call HAPPY PETS, 718-238-2246 or PAWS & CLAWS
718-836-8345.
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!
DON’T DELAY-SPAY NEUTER TODAY! PAWS & CLAWS 57 Bay Ridge Avenue,
718-836-8345 sells MUFFIN'S low cost certificates. Mention the HOME REPORTER.
FUN FACT: Cats can reproduce as young as 5 months of age.
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
HAPPY
MEW YEAR to our fantabulous pets! The
New Year offers us a fresh start to develop our good habits, and to focus on
the four-legged members of the family. What
can you do to make the year happier and healthier for your furry
pals? What about a resolution to
brush your dog every week or a commitment to sign up for an agility class?
How about a promise to extend your daily walk?
For your purring feline, maybe you vow to spend extra time brushing her
silky fur. How about an upgraded
diet? Or a promise to give your cat some exercise daily?
One-to-one playtime with your favorite bud is just what the kitty
loves. Always remember, at the
top of all lists should be: Never go to bed without saying "I love
you."- Excerpt from ASPCA NEWS
A GROWING EPIDEMIC: Each year
thousands of dogs and cats needlessly suffer and many die from accidental
ingestion of household poisons including popular houseplants, medicines,
common foods and pesticides. Household
hazards lay in wait...do you know where to look for them?
Toxic-Free Tips A few simple measures can prevent accidental poisoning:
Pets are curious! Use covered trash bins inside the house to prevent
access to disposed medications. The
strong odor of paint may entice your pet in for a closer smell, the
mouth-watering scent of cinnamon potpourri may be hard to resist snacking on,
and shiny objects like coins, nails and even vitamins can attract a pet’s
attention. In addition to
batteries, children’s play dough, fabric softener sheets and mothballs, are
potentially dangerous to your pet. Beware
of these household hazards: Nicotine: Found in cigarettes, cigars, tobacco,
nicotine gum and patches. A 10-pound dog can eat two cigarettes and show signs
of toxicity, such as vomiting, drooling, excitement, tremors, low heart rate
or seizures. Large amounts can be life threatening, causing paralysis of the
breathing muscles and death due to the inability to breathe, sometimes within
a few hours. Potpourri: Ingesting
or licking can cause chemical burns to the tongue, throat and esophagus. -
Excerpt from VPI PET HEALTH ZONE
SPAY ONE CAT: prevent the birth of 100 unwanted, cats.
Purchase MUFFIN’S low cost neuter certificate, Call Jason at HAPPY
PETS 718-238-2246.
FUN
FACT: Every single hamster in the United States today comes from a single
litter captured in Syria
in 1930.
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!
FUN FACT: Dogs can be trained to detect epileptic seizures.
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
SPAY/NEUTER - Call HAPPY PETS for MUFFIN’S LOW COST certificate.
718-238-2246 or PAWS & CLAWS: 718-836-8345
FUN FACT: A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.
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.
A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE: BAMBI’S RETURN - "There was a bright star that
guided me where BAMBI was in that area. The next day, my neighbor called me
after she saw here in the front of her house looking for food. The star was
right!. I left work early, because I felt very strong energy closer to BAMBI in
my neighborhood. I walked through every back yard and found her sitting on a
barbeque grill. I was so thrilled, and I called BAMBI. She was looking at me. I
showed her favorite toy and food. As she approached me, I grabbed her and put
her in her favorite blanket in my arms. I wrapped her and held her hard against
my chest, walking to my house. I had no carrier because she hates it, as it
reminds her of going to the vet. She is finally home, and purring. I gave her
lots of food, and she ate it all up. Bambi was so tired, as she was outside for
23 days, in very cold weather. She is a fighter! Thanks to everyone who prayed
for Bambi’s return".
FUN FACT: St Francis of Assisi, patron Saint for animals, introduced Christmas
Carols to formal church services.
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. 37TH
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
SPAY/NEUTER -Call HAPPY PETS for MUFFIN’S LOW COST certificate.
718-238-2246 or PAWS & CLAWS: 718-836-8345
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?
FUN FACT: The average life of a feral cat is 18 months. The average life of a
domestic cat (house pet) is 18 years.
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’.
ASPCA PET HEALTH ALERT: NO SWEETS FOR THANKSGIVING:
If a pet ingests cookies, candy, or baked goods containing chocolate, it
contains theobromine and caffeine. Both methylxanthines 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
ten-pound dog. Sugar-free sweets, gum, or candies made with xylitol can make
your pets ill.
ADOPTIONS: AUDRE, is a friendly, rescued, 3 year old female Calico, who is
spayed, tested, with shots. Fee (914) 443 9209 Mention the Home Reporter
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?
LOVE WANTED ADOPTION: Meet MaryJo Tobin, author and Lynette from Ark Angels,
on Saturday, November 17th at the Salem Church; 450-67th Street, between 4th and 5th Avenue from 11am - 4pm. Cats, dogs, pups
and kittens from North Shore Animal League and the ACC on hand. Raffle tickets
and refreshments available. Call Lynette 718-680-2260.
ASPCA NEWS ALERT: Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007 HR 137/S
261Signed into Law: 5-03-2007, by President George W. Bush Federal law prohibits
sponsoring or exhibiting an animal in an animal-fighting venture if any of the
animals in the venture have been moved across state lines. The Animal Fighting
Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007 raises this crime from a misdemeanor to a
felony offense. It is our hope that through increased penalization, more people
deterred from engaging in the brutal "sport" of animal fighting.
-excerpt aspca.org
ADOPTIONS: ADOPTIONS: Jenny, a photographer, and her buds from ‘GHETTA-CAT
RESCUE’ have saved the lives of IZZY, CECE, his son, CEILING CAT, NOCHE, DIA
and JAKE. These kitties are playful, funny and need a friend and responsible
home. GCR is not a shelter. Please call Jenny 718-965-9057
SPAY/NEUTER TIP: By spaying and neutering just one male and one
female cat, more than 2,000 unwanted births will be prevented in just four years
– and more than 2 million in 8 years! Go to muffins.org for spay
and neuter information.
FUN FACT: the female lion does more than 90 percent of the hunting, while
the male is afraid to risk his life, or simply prefers to rest.
Muffin's Pet Connection
by Jude Lassow
NOVEMBER 2, 2007
e-mail judespets@aol.com
SAD SALLY UPDATE: In the September 28, 2007 issue of the HOME REPORTER, Sandy
wrote about a lovable, one-year-old Russian Blue look-a-like cat with beautiful
green eyes. Sally, abandoned without food, water, or shelter, was pregnant.
Muffin’s called Martha, from NJ, and asked if she would foster Sally. This
Guardian Angel was in Brooklyn within the hour, picked up Sally, and brought her
to the ANIMAL CLINIC of Bay Ridge for testing. The PeggySue ‘Help-A-Pet’
fund paid the fee. Sally is negative for Aids and Leukemia. Her three girls and
two boys are adorable, funny, and curious. They need responsible loving homes.
Please go to muffins.org to see their picture.
ALERT: PORT AUTHORITY REJECTS PUBLIC OUTCRY AND BEGINS EXTERMINATION OF JFK
CATS! In Defense of Animals (IDA) and Neighborhood Cats Protest Feral Cat
Extermination. (New York, NY) According to Port Authority officials, the most
pressing threat to aviation security at JFK Airport is no longer terrorism, but
feral cats! Contracts ordered to round up and exterminate scores of felines
residing on the 5000 acres of one of the nation's busiest airports. Even cats
sterilized, vaccinated for rabies, and cared for by volunteers according to the
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) method are under attack. These feral cats are the
descendants of lost or abandoned cats and, at JFK, originate from cats lost or
abandoned by travelers.
Please help - Phone, fax and email, Anthony Shorris, Executive Director Port
Authority of NY and NJ (212) 435-7271 ashorris@panynj.gov
or Shawn Larenti, Director Government and Community Relations Dept. Port
Authority of NY and NJ (212) 435-6903 slarenti@panynj.gov -excerpt from
neighborhoodcats.org
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 9818-4th
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.
WE GET LETTERS: NEW BOOK coming out October 31, 2007: "Most Of My
Patients Wear Fur" by Dr. Elizabette Cohen. ‘I have been the WCBS 880
news radio veterinarian since 2004. My "healthy and happy pet" reports
are heard several times a day every Saturday and Sunday on the radio in New
York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania and on the internet worldwide. I
have been practicing high quality veterinary medicine and surgery in New York
City and Long Island since 1988 and have many funny, true stories that I have
put in my new book, ‘Most Of My Patients Wear Fur: Tales Of Small Animals
And Their Big City Vet’. Sincerely, Dr. Elizabette Cohen; Host of Your
Healthy and Happy Pet 631-920-2785
PLEASE HELP FIND MY AFRICAN GREY PARROT WITH RED TAIL! LARGE CASH REWARD IF
FOUND! "George" flew away in Brighton Beach/Coney Island, near
Aquarium on August 18, 2007. GEORGE is banded. He responds to his name,
different whistles (especially wolf whistle) and says hello. If you have seen
the bird, found it or know anyone who might have it, please call me; Svetlana at
347-247-9157 or e-mail at ILoveit67@aol.com. I had this bird for many years and
I am desperate to get it back! Thank you!
ADOPTION: HANNAH Female tabby, 7 years, spayed, shots, tested. She is
very friendly, amusing, and outgoing. She loves to play. New husband is allergic
to cats! 917-273-7786 Mention the HOME REPORTER.
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
ASPCA NEWS ALERT: By phasing out the practice of feeding food animals mass
quantities of antibiotics, the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment
Act, H.R. 962/S. 549, would oblige farmers to take better care of the animals
they raise. -excerpt from aspca.org
ADOPTION: Please visit muffins.org and see pictures of cats and dogs that need a
forever home. These furry friends will add love, laughter, and joy to your
heart. Mention the HOME REPORTER.
DON’T DELAY: SPAY/NEUTER TODAY. Call for MAMA’s TNR coupon
718-833-7988
FUN FACT: Manatees possess vocal chords, which give them the ability to speak
like humans, but they do not do so because they have no ears with which to hear
the sound. - submitted by Janet Bernasconi
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 |
