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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
WE
GET LETTERS: “I’m Nik Kitty – THE super model. I
am a gorgeous twelve year old, long haired, Black and White Tuxedo beauty. I’m
independent and fearless. Sadly I won't have a home in the New
Year much longer. I lived with a single man for nine
years. He worked in shifts. I was home alone for twelve hours
a day. I didn't mind as he gave me attention when he got home - a can of Fancy
Feast and refilled my dry food bowl with Iams. He'd have dinner and
we'd watch TV. He married a dog person with a Labrador. This
dog was fine. I showed him who was boss. He pretty much
left me alone. Then the wife got pregnant. All of sudden
I’m locked in a room 24/7 with the dog. The baby is born and
a yappy puppy is added to my already crowded room. I sat anxiously
for a year and a half.
The wife realized there were too many beings in the house. ‘I’ was
the easiest to let go. A friend, a cat person, moved to New
York for a few months. She took me with her, hoping to find me
a new home. My foster mom is moving to Canada in January. My
time is running out. Won’t you be my gift this holiday season? Please,
make my New Year bright as the ball dropping in Times Square – ADOPT ME.
Call Heather Day 857-284-9621 Mention the Home Reporter. See
my=2 0photo at http://muffins.org/Cats1.htm God
Bless”!
ARE
POINSETTIAS POISONOUS? In the last 12 months, the Animal Poison Control Center managed
84 cases involving ingestion's of Poinsettias. The most common result
was an upset stomach. According to Dana Farbman, CVT, ASPCA Senior
Manager of Professional Communications, “Ingestion of Poinsettias typically
only produces mild to moderate gastrointestinal irritation in pets, which may
include drooling, vomiting and diarrhea.” Because of the plant’s low toxic
potential, veterinary treatment isn’t usually necessary, Farbman reports. Sometimes
it may help to give your pet a few sips of water or milk to diminish stomach
upset. To prevent digestive problems, pet parents should KEEP
POINSETTIAS OUT OF REACH.
BE AWARE: Lilies, on the other hand, are also common holiday flowers, but many
of those varieties—including tiger, Asian, Japanese show, stargazer and the Casablanca—can
cause kidney failure in cats, even in tiny amounts. –excerpt
from aspca.org
Muffin's
Pet Connection
by Jude Lassow
December 12, 2008
e-mail judespets@aol.com
LIGHT
UP OUTSIDE: SECOND-HAND SMOKE IS DEADLY Second-hand cigar and cigarette smoke
is dangerous for your cat. It isn't only that he breathes those
toxic fumes (along with you), but the fallout of airborne tar and nicotine
lands on his coat, which he is always licking. In a second-hand
smoke environment, a cat is also ingesting carcinogens directly into his
system. Just opening a window isn't enough. Smokers
should indulge outside the presence of felines. -Excerpt from The
Cat Bible
HELP
SEND LUCKY TO A SANCTUARY! SAN
ANTONIO ZOO ELEPHANT IS HELD IN CRUEL ISOLATION
Lucky
desperately needs your help. She’s a 48-year-old female Asian
elephant who has been living alone at the San Antonio Zoo in Texas since
the death of her companion, Alport, almost one year ago. Female elephants are
intensely social, making her solitary confinement especially cruel. In
addition to Lucky’s inhumane isolation, she likely suffers from foot
problems, as evidenced by the zoo’s frequent foot treatments, and has a
large abscess on her back leg. Foot problems are no surprise, as
the San Antonio Zoo elephant display is extremely small and
outdated, giving Lucky only about one-half acre of barren space.
Foot
problems and arthritis, caused by inadequate zoo conditions, are the number one
reason for euthanizing elephants in captivity. Another elephant at the San
Antonio Zoo, Ginny, was euthanized in 2004 after suffering for years from
painful, infected feet and arthritis. –Excerpt from ida.org Please
contact: Mayor Phil Hardberger Phone: 210-207-7060; Fax:
210-207-4168 Email: phardberger@sanantonio.gov
UPDATE: THE DIVA, 9 YEAR OLD KITTY, WHO LIKED HER MILK STIRRED – NOT SHAKEN, was
adopted by a young family of 4 in living in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
ADOPTION: RESCUED KITTY-BROWN NOSE TUMMY SPOTS, Female, one
year. She is curious and playful. Looking for responsible homes
for all my cats listed. 1-917-941-6854 adoption fee Please visit http://muffins.org/Cats1.htm
to see her beautiful picture
ONE UNSPAYED FEMALE DOG and her offspring, can reproduce 67,000 unwanted dogs in
six years. SPAY/NEUTER today. Please visit muffins.org
for information.
FUN FACT: Migrating geese fly in a V-formation to save energy. A
goose's wings churn the air and leave an air current behind. In the flying
wedge, each bird is in position to get a lift from the current left by the bird
ahead. It is easier going for all, except the leader. During a migration, geese
are apt to take turns in the lead position.
Muffin's
Pet Connection
by Jude Lassow
December 5, 2008
e-mail judespets@aol.com
EAU
DE OUCH: AIRBORNE SPRAYS AND SCENTS CAN BE HARMFUL TO A CAT
Room
sprays that remove odors or put a scent in the air can be painful to a cats
sensitive nose. This is the case not only when airborne, but when the material
in the spray settles on surfaces in the room and adheres to the cat, which
then ingests the substance when grooming. Plug-in room fresheners emit an oil
or vaporized scent, which can be irritating or even unhealthy for a cat, since
cats breathe a great deal more of this at ground level than humans do at five
or six feet up. Scented candles, which some people burn continuously, also
emit fumes, which can irritate a cats nasal passages. Try to keep the air
fresh and free of any of these fragrant air pollutants.
-excerpt from dogster.com
WE GET LETTERS: “Lindo is a rescued, very sweet one year old cat with
Leukemia. He was already neutered. He has been vaccinated for
rabies, FVRCP, and de-wormed. He’s extremely friendly and he’s
looking for a lot of affection in a home by himself or with another friend
with Leukemia. Unfortunately it is impossible for us to keep him
because we already have a cat and she’s healthy. They are
separated. Lindo lives in a big cage. He’d rather have
a loving family”.
Please call Paola 917 256 9920 or 917 294 0025 or 347 350 0879.
KITTY CLIMBING SHELVES FOR NOCTURNAL FUN: Cats are night time
critters! When the lights go out, our feline friends enjoy hunting,
playing, and climbing. SQUEAKY and MOUSE, our energized
kitties, go bonkers on the exercise/climbing shelves. The top shelf
is 16X9 and the bottom shelf is 23x9. Two big brackets=2 0are
secured on the bottom of the shelves. Then anchor them zigzag 16” apart on
top of each other to the wall. Let the nighttime fun begin!
HEALTH
& WELLNESS IS IT TRUE THAT DOGS CAN GET SUNBURNS IN THE WINTER?
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Just
as skiers can get terrible skin burns from the winter sun, so can dogs
be hurt by sunlight reflecting off the snow. Light-colored dogs can
show telltale signs of solar dermatitis with reddened
skin, which means you need to keep him or her out of the sun and/or
use children’s high protection factor sun block on the vulnerable
areas. Check
with your veterinarian first. -excerpt
from the dogster.com
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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
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 21, 2008
e-mail judespets@aol.com
WE
GET LETTERS
Leaving
work at Brooklyn College on Wednesday, I noticed a commotion of cops, security
guards, and students surrounding a frantic, crying Pit-mix puppy that had been
tied to the front gate. He was friendly, kissing everyone and
wagging his tail. All were trying to locate the abandoning
owner. I began making calls to try to find a home or foster care for
this panicked pup. I called Jude
at Muffin’s Pet Connection. She
went into action, giving me numbers of no-kill shelters for the officers.
She also started getting information to list the pup for adoption. Then
a student came along and said that she would take the pup, as she just
could not bear to leave him there. She called her mom who arrived a
short time later. All three left
together. Thank God for a new beginning for this pup.
Thank You. Cat
******************************************
‘Hi,
my name is Friendly Felix a Black and White tuxedo cat, with a gorgeous face.
I am neutered, have shots and micro chipped.
Times have been tough for me. I
have spent 1 1/2 years of my life outside in the treachery of foul hot, cold,
and wet weather, struggling to find food and shelter. I
was found by my foster Mom. I
love company, sitting on laps, am warm and chatty, non-aggressive, and I love
people. I may run under the couch
when I am not sure about something new, but when you reach out to me, I will
turn on my motor to tell you how much I really want your company. Time
and patience needed.
Won’t you please help me find a loving home; we will be best friends
forever’. Call (917) 957-6877 or debbiegetz@earthlink.net
Donation *********************************************************
Hello
Jude:
Judy
(a friend/volunteer at BARC) contacted you regarding a mom and her five week old
kittens. I discovered them in an
abandoned apartment. Now they are out in the open, hiding under an
abandoned car in a housing project in Fort
Greene. The environment is unfriendly, no one feeds them, people are
afraid of them. The mom is a peachy
Torti doll. I pick her up and kiss her. The kittens are scared and
hide. They have had no contact with humans, but are handsome and well
kept. I fear for their lives because of
the anti-cat neighborhood. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
You
Lesly
718
-389- 9213 ***********
Muffin's
Pet Connection
by Jude Lassow
November 14, 2008
e-mail judespets@aol.com
DEAR JUDE: WE GET LETTERS...
"Hi my name is 'DIVA'- THE DIVA.. I am a stunning, mature nine year
old female, black & white tuxedo kitty...Dahlinks I’m purrfect -
I like my milk stirred not shaken. The BOND girls are not as glamorous as
me!..I do not have manicured nails as I am de-clawed; no furniture scratching
from this babe. I am fixed and have my shots too. My human mommy is dreadfully
allergic to me - I am so sad as I cannot live with her anymore.. I make my
mommy very sick! What's a sweet, loving, unruffled feline supposed to do? I
am always dressed up in my girly tuxedo ready to rock 'n roll and have fun.
I need a home and a best friend now. Wanna meet me? Please phone
Richard; he takes my calls... 347-679-1410
I cannot talk on the phone yet.
Check out my photo on muffins.org/Cats1.htm Thank mews, and God
Bless"!
PEOPLE STILL GETTING ILL FROM BAD PET FOOD:
Eight people have become newly ill from dry pet food contaminated with
salmonella during a 2006 outbreak, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention reported on Thursday. That brings the total to at least 79
people sickened, including many young children, and the food could still be
dangerous, the CDC said. Even though the affected brands have been recalled and
the factory in Pennsylvania closed, pet owners could still have the cat and dog
kibble in their homes. People who handle the pet food, can get bloody diarrhea.
No pets have been reported sickened. The brands, made by Mars Petcare U.S.,
include Special Kitty, Pedigree and Member's Mark, among others. The full list
of brands affected was available on petcare.mars.com -excerpt from
aol wire services; Health News
HAPPY PETS HOSTING SEAN CASEY’S ANIMAL RESCUE EVENT: HEAR YE! HEAR YE! COME
ONE, COME ALL..On Saturday November 15, 2008 at 9818-4th Ave, from
12pm thru 5pm, there will be a selection of adorable cats, kittens, large and
small dogs and other critters up for adoption. Mention MUFFIN'S from the
Home Reporter.
FUN FACT: Felines are the sleepiest of all mammals, dozing about 16 hours
of each day. At that rate, a seven-year-old cat has only been awake for two
years of its life!
SAVE-A-LIFE: Adopt a senior pet. Visit muffins.org
Muffin's
Pet Connection
by Jude Lassow
November 7, 2008
e-mail judespets@aol.com
REMEMBERING SCARLETT; THE HEROINE FELINE MOM...In 1996 a Calico cat named
Scarlett made world-wide headlines. Firemen stood-by and watched as she
bravely ran five times into a burning garage in Brooklyn, saving the lives of
her four week old babies. Four of her babies were saved, but Scarlett’s eyes
and ears were severely burned. She barley survived several surgeries at North
Shore Animal League in Port Washington, LI. For twelve years Scarlet lived
contentedly with Karen Weller of Brooklyn. Sadly, she passed away from Kidney
failure. Scarlett now walks and purrs with the Angels. May her bravery and
love always be remembered! Rest In Peace...
ALERT: Mars Petcare US today announced a voluntary recall of a limited number
of bags of SPECIAL KITTY Gourmet Blend dry cat food sold at Wal-Mart locations
in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New
Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia,
Vermont, and West Virginia. The pet food is being voluntarily recalled
following a positive test result indicating a potential contamination with
Salmonella. - from
the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
PROTECT RACOON DOGS - Stop Deceptive Labeling of "Faux" Fur!
Target: U.S. Congress Sponsored by: Care2.com Unfortunately
there is a new twist to the inhumanity that raccoon dogs are facing. Some 1,500
dogs that were bred for their fur have died after eating feed tainted with
melamine, the same chemical that contaminated dairy products and sickened tens
of thousands of babies in China. A startling investigation shows
that 80 percent of jackets mislabeled as faux fur contain raccoon dog fur U.S.
law prohibits the import and sale of dog and cat fur products – but the law
does not protect raccoon dogs, nor does it require labeling products with fur
valued under $150. Wild raccoon dogs are members of the canine family native to
dense woodlands and forests of Asia, but they are domesticated in China
primarily for their fur. Undercover video footage shows gruesome methods used,
such as skinning them alive. Estimates of how many raccoon dogs are
killed each year range from 1.5 million to 4 million. Spread the word
Please tell 5 friends about this important issue.
FUN FACT: Felines are the sleepiest of all mammals, dozing about 16
hours of each day. At that rate, a seven-year-old cat has only been awake for
two years of its life!
SAVE-A-LIFE: Adopt a senior pet. Visit muffins.org
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
9818-4th 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
TINY TOTS DOG TREAT VOLUNTARY PRODUCT WITHDRAWL:
Due to instances of
mold growth in a single batch of Tiny Tots, the entire production run has been
withdrawn from the market. Customers are being reassured that there have been no
reported serious health effects on dogs that have consumed Tiny Tots from this
batch. If you have a bag of Tiny
Tots with a Best Before date of April 2009, please return it to your retail
store for a full refund. No other batches of Tiny Tots or any of our other jerky
treats are affected.
Solid Gold is committed to producing the healthiest food, treats, and
supplements for your pet. As always, if you have any questions or concerns
please contact us at 800-364-4863 or online at dane@solidgoldhealth.com.
solidgoldhealth.com/news
Muffin's
Pet Connection
by Jude Lassow
October 24, 2008
e-mail judespets@aol.com
WE GET MAIL: "I thought Muffins readers might benefit by this piece of
information. My finicky cat Boo is seven years old and has never eaten any
canned cat food. I know that it is important for a boy cat to get canned food
because of the amount of water in the food; they never drink as much as they
should. I have tried all the premium and commercial brands in all flavors and
have tried many times over during the years. I just bought Friskies Select, a
new food for Pookey, my other cat. This is a premium cat food. It costs more
than regular Friskies but my cat Boo is eating it and loving it. This is
amazing! I buy the chicken flavor because it has no wheat gluten, and I know
there are people who are wary of wheat gluten. If wheat gluten does not concern
you the Friskies Select has about five other flavors. I just wanted to share
this info with anyone that might have a really finicky cat like Boo. Thanks for
helping me get the word out for finicky kitties". Elyse Karnes
HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS: Halloween can be a frightening time for family pets.
Each Halloween, veterinarians nationwide see pet injuries that could have been
avoided. Protect your pets: Walk your dog before trick-or-treaters start their
visits. Keep a firm grip on the leash; many dogs are frightened by people in
costumes. Find a secure place in your home to keep your dogs or cats, especially
if you're giving out candy to trick-or-treaters. Many cats and dogs get loose
when the door opens, and the presence of little (and big) costumed people often
scares animals, increasing the chance that your pet will run away or get hit by
cars. Make sure your pet is wearing an up-to-date I.D. tag. Have a fun Halloween
and remember no treats for your pets. –excerpt pawhome
ADOPTIONS: MARMALADE is a gentle, shy Calico, five year old kitty. She was
rescued from an abusive home. Marmalade needs quiet adult home with no pets. She
will be spayed, and tested for Aids/Leukemia. Please call Shiloh 315.264.9703
DON’T DELAY-SPAY OR NEUTER TODAY. Call Happy Pets @ 718-238-2238 for Muffin’s
low cost certificate. Ask about the MAMA feral cat TNR coupons. Spay one cat;
prevent the birth of 100 unwanted homeless kittens. Thank you.
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
GET
THE WORD OUT: Announcement
October 16th - National Feral Cat Day: FeralPower!
SPONSORED BY Alley Cat Allies, cats leading advocate;
End
the killing of outdoor cats and lead the movement for their humane care.
NY New York Cat food drive, awareness10/16/08 8:00 AM contact John
Barrett john_barrett@earthlink.net
917-232-6973 -excerpt from alleycatallies@alleycat.org
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
As
do-it-yourself home improvement projects become more popular, pet parents may
unwittingly expose their furry friends to dangerous tools and tricks of the
trade. Polyurethane glue, a water
resistant adhesive that’s a favorite of woodworkers, is toxic to dogs and
cats. According to the ASPCA Animal
Poison Control Center (APCC), pet poisonings from wood glues—and other
adhesives containing the substance diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI)—are
pervasive. In the last twelve months, the APCC has treated nearly 100 cases of
pets who have ingested expanding glues. Of those incidents, 98% involved dogs
and 78% were evaluated at high or medium risk for developing severe,
life-threatening clinical effects.
Polyurethane
glue—also known by brand names like Gorilla Glue and Elmer’s Pro-Bond—is
prized for its ability to bond tightly to wood. If eaten, however, the glue
expands in the stomach’s warm, moist20environment and forms a softball-sized
lump. A dog that eats even a small amount of MDI-based adhesive can experience
severe gastrointestinal problems resulting in blockages. This disturbing
scenario most often requires emergency surgery to remove the mass.
–excerpt from aspca.org
FUN FACT: A
crocodile cannot stick its tongue out.
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.
ANIMAL FIGHTING: The New York legislature also passed legislation, S. 6466,
to strengthen the animal fighting law. Prior to this legislation passing, it was
only illegal to be a spectator at an animal fight if the spectator gambled on
the outcome or paid admission. S. 6466 allows all knowing spectators of
animal fights to be charged, helping law enforcement to crack down on animal
fighting.
INDEFENSE OF ANIMALS: WORLD FARM ANIMALS DAY, observed on (or around) October
2nd, is a time dedicated to exposing, mourning, and memorializing the needless
suffering and slaughter of the more than 55 billion cows, pigs, turkeys,
chickens, and other sentient land animals in the world's factory farms and
slaughterhouses. It is a time for all to speak out against the atrocities and
brutalization of animals raised for meat, eggs, and dairy. The annual occasion
is observed with activities in all 50 U.S. states and two dozen other countries.
The date marks the birthday of ethical vegetarian Mahatma Gandhi. -EXCERPT from
wfad.org
WE GET LETTERS: ‘My rescued cat Mr. Blue
rolls around with Peggy Sue all the time, he loves it’!- Adam Grossman
ATTENTION: CAT TRAPPERS - FERAL CATS... Check ears of cats. Left ear tipping
signifies that the cat is spayed or neutered and has rabies shot.
A SPECIAL ADOPTION: SINBAD, a six year old, beautiful, friendly, lion is
desperately undersized; his teeth are broken and worn. Sinbad was rescued by
Born Free from a cramped, rusty cage, with a concrete floor, and a log, in a
Romanian zoo in July 2007. He is half the size of a normal lion. Thanks to
bornfree.org.uk Sinbad now lives in a large natural enclosure at their big cat
sanctuary in South Africa. Jude and Carol adopted him. Please visit muffins.org
and see his photo. Other BIG CATS need YOU too!
Muffin's
Pet Connection
by Jude Lassow
September 26, 2008
e-mail judespets@aol.com
FOUR
GUARDIAN ANGELS SAVE 3YR OLD COCK-A-POO
CRIME
SCENE INVESTIGATION: INFORMATION RELEASED:
Pam, Guardian Angel number one, saw a dog tied outside a police station. She
inquired about this cute canine, and was told that a two year old child, and
Fritzy, the family dog, were locked in an apartment for
two-three days with the child’s thirty-seven year old deceased mother.
The mother’s spirit was in the apartment, protecting her child and Fritzy.
When the police arrived, the toddler was taken to a hospital. The deceased
woman's step mother was notified and came for the youngster.
The dog was removed by police, and was scheduled for the ASPCA.
Pam asked if she could take the pooch and find her a new home. Pam
called her friend Donna, Guardian Angel two, and described the story, then put
an officer on the phone. Donna reassured the officer that Fritzy would be
re-homed and properly cared for. The
policewoman brought Fritzy to Donna. Donna
immediately called Guardia n Angel Ruth, who had adopted her dog from Ellen.
After hearing this heart wrenching story, Ellen found the right home for
Fritzy. The family of four-year
old Jon Paul fell in love with Fritzy. Plus
she received a complimentary bath, style, and shave, from Reme a groomer.
Fritzy sparkled with her spanking new hair cut. Jon Paul was so excited
when he saw his new dog. She
jumped up on him and put her paws on his shoulders, and kissed him.
Ellen called Muffin’s about purchasing a spaying certificate for
Fritzy and explained about this unbelievable dog caper. Muffin’s listened
about the CSI, the sudden death of a young mom and the heroics of Fritzy,
who managed to keep her child companion safe and out of harms way, until they
were rescued. Thanks to your generous contributions, Muffin’s donated
the spaying certificate. Thank God, for His Guardian Angels!
SPECIAL ATTENTION: Pet owners - please leave contact information, phone
numbers, email addresses and veterinarian number on the fridge about what to
do with your pet(s) in case of emergency. This is very important. It
could save your pet companion from going to a kill shelter or being let out in
the street. The life you save could be your pets!
ADOPTION: Healthy loving, cats, kittens and dogs are listed at muffins.org
Most are spayed or neutered with shots. Many felines are tested negative for
Aids/Leukemia.
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
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
IAMS CITED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY...WASHINGTON, DC AUGUST 28, 2008...The U.S.
Department of Agriculture has released an official complaint stating that the
contract laboratory investigated by PETA in 2002 and 2003, which was employed by
pet-food manufacturer IAMS, "has shown a lack of good faith." The
government complaint alleges that the following violations, among others, were
documented by government inspectors at the contract laboratory from 2002 to
2005:
1-Failure to provide pain relief to sheep used in experiments that caused pain
or distress.
2-Failure to ensure that personnel were trained to perform experiments on
animals.
3- Failure to provide veterinary care and to observe animals daily.
4-Failure to properly ventilate housing facilities for dogs and cats.
5-Failure to house cats with a sufficient number of litter boxes and resting
surfaces.
6-Failure to keep animal-housing facilities clean and in good repair, resulting
in injuries.
7-Failure to maintain comfortable temperatures in animal-housing facilities
8-Failure to provide animals with sufficient space. During PETA’s
investigations, they discovered that IAMS metabolic studies, debarked many dogs,
by surgically removing their voices. These testing dogs are sad, depressed and
alone in cages. -excerpt from RUSHPRNEWS
FUN FACT: The flea can jump 350 times its body length, that is like
a human jumping the length of a football field.
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.
Aside from the abuse many of these animals endure from training, their lives
on the road are far from humane. It is not unusual for performing animals to
travel in fetid railroad cars for up to 50 weeks out of the year. They are
confined in small cages or by short chains for 20 or more hours a day when not
performing, and they live in environments that bear no semblance to their
natural habitats.
Show your support for INTRO 389 by writing to NYC Council who have not signed on
in support of this bill. -excerpt from ASPCA.ORG
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
DON’T DELAY..SPAY/NEUTER TODAY! MAMA FERAL CAT SPAY/NEUTER COUPONS can be
purchased from Jason at HAPPY PETS
718-238-2246. Please visit muffins.org and check out the participating MAMA vet
list. The MAMA program is for feral cats in traps only. Humane cat traps can be
rented from Jason. Spaying one cat prevents the birth of 100 unwanted, homeless
kittens. Spaying is the right thing to do!
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
ABANDONED KITTENS UP FOR ADOPTION: Two male orange tabbies and their black
and white spotted eight week old sister, were left in a box outside the ANIMAL
CLINIC OF BAY RIDGE RIDGE. These sweeties have been dewormed, and are being
treated for upper respiratory infection. Please call Megan or Bridget at
718-833-0700. Mention the HOME REPORTER.
PURRFECT WAYS TO HELP YOUR KITTY...1. Boost a cat's mood with a back rub.
"Massage can work wonders for cats, says Laura Pasten,D.V.M. The technique
they love best: "Slowly rub in a circular motion, from the base of the neck
to the tail." Special acupressure points along the spine boost endorphins,
which make the cat happier and more bonded to you.
2. Make a cat happy with what she hears. Austrian animal psychologists
have found that cars have favorite music! They seem to love make choirs and
oboes because they prefer deep, rather than high -pitched, tones. In fact, this
music makes them happier and less aggressive than other types of music-ore even
silence. Find music for cats at petsandmusic. com
3. STOP hairballs-with her paws! Zap hairballs before they even
start by spreading a little bit of petroleum jelly on her paws, advises Tamara
Hebbler, D.V.M. " When she licks them the jelly lubricates her digestive
tract, which prevents hairballs from forming."
Always check with your vet before trying anything new with your
pet. –submitted by Janet Bernasconi
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.
Bronx Library Center, 310 East Kingsbridge Road, Bronx
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!
ASPCA - LOBBY FOR ANIMALS: Federal: Protect Public Health! Help Limit the Use
of Antibiotics in Food Animals. The Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical
Treatment Act (PAMTA), H.R. 962/S. 549, would phase out, within two years of
enactment, the common practice of feeding mass quantities of antibiotics
important in human medicine to food animals.
Livestock and poultry producers misuse these life-saving drugs. They feed
them to animals not to treat disease, but to accelerate growth and prevent
diseases caused directly by the overcrowded and unsanitary conditions in the
factory farming industry. The agriculture industry uses antibiotics to
compensate for inadequate care of the animals. An estimated 70 percent of
antibiotics and related drugs produced in this country are used in animal
agriculture for non-therapeutic purposes. It is important to note that the PAMTA
will not affect the use of antibiotics to treat sick animals. Passage of the
PAMTA is critical if we want to keep antibiotics working for human health. The
overuse of these drugs in both human medicine and animal agriculture contributes
to the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections in humans. These illnesses are
especially costly and difficult to treat. Write to your senators and
representative and urge them to support and cosponsor this important
legislation. –excerpt from aspca.org
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.
ASPCA NEWS ALERTS: Fresh off the record-breaking puppy mill raid in
Tennessee: the ASPCA‘s Senior Director of Veterinary Forensics, Dr. Melinda
Merck, was in Georgia, with the Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation Unit, in
order to examine and care for the dogs as well as gather and immediately process
forensic evidence. The raid of Shake Down Kennels is Georgia’s first dog
fighting bust since the May passage of legislation that strengthened the state’s
dog fighting law, making it a felony to own, possess, train, transport or sell a
dog for the purpose of fighting. Under the new law, Johnson, 28, could be fined
$5,000 and face one to five years in prison on each of the eight felony counts
against him. –excerpt from ASPCA.ORG
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.
Come early for best selection: at LOVING PET FOODS, 145 Smith Street, corner
Bergen. (F or G train to Bergen). All rescued, vaccinated, tested, fixed.
Thank You Jennifer L.
FEATURED CAT: IN OUR HANDS RESCUE..
MONEY is a sweet one year young cat was rescued from the city shelter when
her time was up. Seeing past a fearful creature Money, was given the chance to
become the wonderful purr box she is today! When first rescued she hid in the
closet for two weeks. Now she is a very social love bug.
Money gets along great with other kitties dogs and children. She would prefer
a quiet home where she can truly be given the chance to shine. She has all her
shots combo tested neg. dewormed, spayed micro chipped and Frontline. To meet
her and all her furry friends in Bay Ridge call 718-836-4023
FROM NEIGHBORHOOD CATS: The NY State Legislature's session has ended and the
anti-TNR funding bill (A. 11492) never reached the floor for a vote and is now
officially dead. Hooray! For anyone who questions whether your voice matters,
this victory proves it does. Your phone calls and emails made the difference,
along with the lobbying of Stacy Wolf, Esq., Senior Director, Legislative
Services and Anti-Cruelty Training, and Debora Bresch, Esq., Legislative
Services, both of the ASPCA. Our deepest thanks, to Ms. Wolf, Ms. Bresch and the
ASPCA for their efforts.
Assembly members have now been introduced to TNR and to the enormous public
support for this humane, effective approach to feral cat management. Efforts
will be made to clarify existing law so that all communities, like Elmira (the
subject of A.11492) will feel comfortable moving ahead with municipally
supported TNR programs.
Thanks so much for being a great network of caring, involved activists. To
borrow a now popular slogan, "Yes we can!" Bryan Kortis, Executive
Director Neighborhood Cats
212-662-5761
MUFFIN'S low cost spay/neuter certificate program has 34 participating vets
offices in Brooklyn. Shots, antibiotics, pain meds, etc are not included with
certificate. Check the vet list at muffins.org
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.
K9KASTLE is a 501c3 not for profit rescue group that is an ACC New Hope
Partner and part of the Mayor's Alliance. Our specialty is special needs cats
and kittens (and small, senior or special needs dogs). As you know, kitten
season is in full swing. I am looking for someone (perhaps a teen who will be on
vacation, or someone who has a spare hour to lend a hand) to come to my house
where I am fostering many cats rescued from ACC. I reside in Bay Ridge. Both
K9KASTLE and IN OUR HANDS RESCUE can use help with advertising online, word of
mouth, fliers and doing some additional local adoption events. As we pull cats
weekly from Animal Care and Control and without adopting some out, we can't take
more in. Any help at all would be appreciated. Taking on the day-to-day care of
the animals, takes up a lot of time and we really need help with everything
else. I would be more than happy to answer any questions that you have. Thanks
for caring! Tara Ciabattari 917-748-2504 www.K9Kastle.petfinder.org
MUFFIN'S low cost spay/neuter certificate program has 34 participating vets
offices in Brooklyn. Shots, antibiotics, pain meds, etc are not included with
certificate. Check the vet list at muffins.org
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.
6- Take me in when it’s cold and wet. I am a domestic animal and am no
longer accustome4d to the bitter elements. I ask for a little more than your
gentle hands petting me. Keep me bowl filled with water. Feed me good food
so that I may stay well, to romp, play and do your bidding. By your side, I
stand ready, willing and able to share my life with you, for that is what I live
for. I will never forget how well you have treated me.
7- Don’t hit me. Remember I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in
your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
8- Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if
something might be bothering me. Perhaps I am not getting the right food, I have
been out in the sun too long or my heart may be getting weak.
9- Take care of me when I get old. For you will grow old, too.
10- When I am old, or when I longer enjoy good health, please do not make
heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having fun. Just see to it that my
trusting life is taken away gently. And be with me on that difficult journey
when it’s time to say good bye. Never say "I just can’t bear to
watch". Everything is easier for me when you are there. I will leave this
earth knowing with my last breath that my fate was always safest in your hands.
I love you! -excerpt from mortage.com submitted by Irene Sidor
UPDATE ON ANTI-TNR FUNDING BILL A.11492... (the bill that would effectively
BAN municipal funding of TNR programs) Stacy Wolf, Esq., Senior Legislative
Director for the ASPCA, is in Albany fighting hard to defeat this potentially
disastrous bill. Your phone calls and emails to your Assembly members are
helping! Call your state assembly member and Speaker Silver and tell them NOT to
pass A.11492. TNR is a method for reducing and managing feral and stray cat
populations through sterilization and vaccination for rabies. It is endorsed by
ASPCA, The Humane Society of the US and other leading animal welfare
organizations. For more information contact Executive Director Brian Kortis at
neighborhoodcats.org or call 212-212-662-5761
MUFFIN'S low cost spay/neuter certificate program has 34 participating vets
offices in Brooklyn. Shots, antibiotics, pain meds, etc are not included with
certificate. Check the vet list at muffins.org
FUN FACT: An Elephant is pregnant for 22 months!
Muffin's
Pet Connection
by Jude Lassow
June 20, 2008
e-mail judespets@aol.com
ADOPT-A-SHELTER PET! ... Please join ARK ANGELS "ANIMAL GUARDIANS"
and Friends for the "DOG DAYS OF SUMMER" ADOPTION EVENT at: REGINA
PACIS YOUTH CENTER, 1258 – 65TH Street, Sunday June 29TH, 11am
– 4 pm. Help us find loving homes for homeless dogs and cats. For more
information or to volunteer please call: Ark Angels at 718-680-2260 - Rain or
Shine Event. Photo-Proof of ID and Adoption FEE Required. Animals Courtesy
of Animal Care and Control of NYC & Local Rescues NOTE: Youth Center
is air conditioned and wheel chair accessible. Donations of toys, towels,
blankets, WEE-WEE pads ETC., are appreciated.
PET POISON ALERT: COCOA BEAN MULCH CAN BE TOXIC
TO DOGS The sweet-smelling, but potentially harmful cocoa bean mulch is made of
cocoa bean shells. It is considered desirable for its eventual degradation into
organic fertilizer; this gardener’s choice can be toxic to canines if eaten in
large quantities. Ingestion of large amounts of cocoa bean mulch, which contains
residual amounts of theobromine—a methylxanthine found in chocolate and known
to be toxic to dogs—may cause a variety of clinical signs. These typically
start with vomiting, diarrhea and elevated heart rate, and if large amounts are
consumed, they may progress to hyperactivity, muscle tremors and possibly other
more serious neurological signs. Treatment includes administering medical-grade
activated charcoal, bringing tremors under control, cardiac monitoring and
preventing further exposure. Pet parents should consider a nontoxic alternative,
such as shredded pine, cedar or hemlock bark. These will keep your pooch and
your garden healthy. –excerpt from ASPCA.ORG
THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC for June
When pigs carry sticks, the clouds will play tricks.
If the birds be silent, expect thunder.
When spiders' webs in air do fly, the spell will soon be very dry.
When sheep collect and huddle, tomorrow will become a puddle.
When the glowworm lights her lamp, the air is always very damp. Bats flying late
in the evening indicate fair weather. Submitted by Janet Bernasconi
MUFFIN'S low cost spay/neuter certificate program has 34 participating vets
offices in Brooklyn. Shots, antibiotics, pain meds, etc are not included with
certificate. Check the vet list at muffins.org
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.
2- Give me time to understand what you want from me. Do not break my
spirit with your temper; I will always forgive you. Your patience will
teach me more effectively.
3- Please have me spayed or neutered.
4- Treat me kindly my beloved friend, for no heart in the entire world is
more grateful for your kindness than mine. Don’t be angry with me for
long, and don’t lock me up as punishment. After all, you have your job,
your friends, and your entertainment. I have only you!
5- Speak to me often. Even if I don’t understand your words, I
understand your voice when you are speaking to me. Your voice is the
sweetest sound I ever hear, as you must know by my enthusiasm whenever I hear
your footsteps. -excerpt from Mortage.com
ASPCA PET HEALTH ALERT: FLEA SEASON IS FAST APPROACHING.. DO NOT USE DOGS FLEA
DROPS ON CATS..."The misuse of flea and tick products can be extremely
harmful and even deadly to our companion animals," says the ASPCA’s Dr.
Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President, Animal Health Services. Signs commonly
seen with permethrin toxicity in cats include tremors, muscle fasciculation, or
twitching, and seizures. These symptoms can develop within mere hours, or may be
delayed up to two days. Most cats have a good chance of recovering with prompt
and aggressive veterinary treatment, which may include medication, IV fluids,
bathing and other supportive care. Always check with your veterinarian first
before applying any flea or tick treatment. -excerpt from aspca.org
SPAYING AND NEUTERING can prevent- CANCER in cats and dogs, PYOMETRA - infected
uterus in females, pet overpopulation, territorial markings, aggression,
unwanted behavioral issues, decrease the urge to run outside, looking to mate
and reduce fighting between males. Call HAPPY PETS 718-238-2246 or PAWS &
CLAWS 718-836-8345 for MUFFIN'S low cost spay/neuter certificate.
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
CAT ALERT: JFK FERAL CATS FACE DEATH! The cat and mouse game between
Kennedy Airport felines and the Port Authority ended - the cats lost! This
past Memorial Day, the Port Authority alerted animal advocates that the plan
to catch and kill the cats at JFK airport would commence again, effective
immediately. Following long negotiations with animal advocates (including
the Humane Society) the Port Authority decided to stop the JFK cat neutering
program. Focus is on rounding up cats with the intention of getting them off
JFK grounds and into animal shelters. Many cats arrive at JFK after they are
inadvertently lost at the airport. In time, colonies of feral cats have
taken over the grounds, as many New Yorkers dump kittens there. Please send
a letter to Chairman Coscia, at the Port Authority asking them to once again
stop their catch and kill methods of feral cat management. -excerpt from
FERAL POWER
NEWS ALERT: ASPCA AND RINGLING BROS. MEET IN COURT OCTOBER ‘08 This
groundbreaking lawsuit, brought against the circus by an ASPCA-led coalition
of animal welfare organizations and a former Ringling Bros. employee, Tom
Rider, is expected to be decided by bench trial (rather than a trial by
jury) The ASPCA has documents revealing that Ringling Bros. keeps elephants
virtually immobilized for the majority of their lives. The circus moves
across the country by train. The company’s own records show that elephants
are chained in boxcars for an average of more than 26 hours at a time—and
sometimes for as long as 60 to 100 hours straight. Lisa Weisberg, ASPCA
Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy says,
"The public should be outraged at the amount of time these animals are
shackled and confined, and Ringling Bros. should be ashamed at hiding this
cruelty from the public eye." -excerpt from aspca.org
Muffin's Pet Connection
by Jude Lassow
May 30, 2008
e-mail judespets@aol.com
FAMILY FUN DAY: ADOPT -A -SHELTER PET! Please join ARK ANGELS "ANIMAL
GUARDIANS" and Friends at the LUTHERAN SUPPORT CENTER, 6025- 6th
Avenue, on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at NOON - 4pm. Help us find loving homes for
homeless pets. For more information or to volunteer please call:
Ark Angels @ 718-680-2260
Rain or Shine Event Photo-Proof of ID and Adoption FEE Required.
Animals Courtesy of North Shore Animal League and Animal Care and Control of NYC
39 pets were re-homed at the last LOVE WANTED event!
ASPCA: FIGHT ANIMAL CRUELTY! If you’ve watched Animal Precinct on
Animal Planet, you’re familiar with the work of the ASPCA Humane Law
Enforcement (HLE) Division. The ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Division
investigates 400 to 500 cruelty complaints a month, which result in
approximately 100 arrests per year. The ASPCA’s HLE division has powers to
investigate cruelty in the state of New York only. The position of HLE Officer
at the ASPCA is prestigious and highly sought-after. The ASPCA Humane Law
Enforcement Division has occasional openings for qualified candidates. All ASPCA
HLE officers must reside in New York State and be eligible for certification as
a New York State Peace Officer. To learn more about this elite group of pet
coppers, contact naca@interserv.com -excerpt from aspca.org
GO GREEN FOR PETS: The green scene in
2008 has gone beyond gardens—it now includes litter boxes and doggie treats.
This Earth Day, you don’t need a green thumb to help the planet. If you have
an animal companion who eats, sleeps, plays and poops, you’ve got plenty of
opportunities to cut down on waste, raise your pet’s quality of life and color
your corner of the world green. Use earth-friendly pet shampoos and grooming
products whenever possible. Should your furry love leave a little dribble (or
more) on the carpeting or floor, use vinegar . This environment-friendly liquid
can act as an effective odor-remover and can kill mold and bacteria. Vinegar
must be diluted correctly with water.
Empty out your closets, basement and attic, but before throwing your dusty
treasures away, call your local shelters and ask if they need old towels,
bedding, leashes, litter boxes and pet toys. They may even be looking for unused
printers and computer monitors. -excerpt from aspca.org
FUN FACT: A cat’s brain is more similar to a human’s brain than dog’s
brain.
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
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 17th St. at the Philips Episcopal
Church, 1072-80th Street (11th 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.
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.
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.
ARCHIVES
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 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
THINK INSIDE THE LITTERBOX Most "scoopable" litters are made of a
highly absorbent clay called sodium bentonite. Thomas Nelson began investigating
alternative clay formulations in the early 1980s. He observed that a certain
type of clay called bentonite clumped up in the presence of moisture, allowing
waste to be isolated and scooped out, leaving behind clean litter. Today,
roughly 60% of the cat litter sold in the U.S. is of the clumping variety, and
most of it is made from bentonite clay. Bentonite is largely composed of
montmorillonite, a clay mineral made up of stacks of SiO4 sandwiched between two
sheets of octahedrally coordinated aluminum, magnesium, or iron. JOURNAL OF THE
AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL For more litter information, check out pubs.acs.org/email/cen/html/091407090246.html
RAISINS AND GRAPES CAN BE TOXIC TO DOGS: Grapes and raisins have been linked to
renal (kidney) failure in canines. As there are still many unknowns with the
toxic potential of grapes and raisins, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
advises not giving grapes or raisins to pets in any amount. -an excerpt from
911.com
ADOPTION: JACK AND NOAH7, 3 year old, RUSSIAN BLUE look-a-alike male kitties.
The brothers are declawed, and have great personalities and dispositions. The
pet owner passed away. Call Desiree
718-813-1544 and mention THE HOME REPORTER.
GIZMO, a 3-year-old, 15 pound, neutered male Shih Tzu X with shots. He is sweet
and loving, but protective. He needs an adult home with no pets. Rescued from
CACC 516-485-5875
FUN FACT: Dogs are not colorblind. Dogs can see color but it is not as vivid
a color scheme as we see. It is much like our vision at twilight.
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.
FUN FACT: A camel's hump does not carry water for storage; they are actually
fat. The hump of a well-rested, well-fed camel can weigh up to eighty pounds.
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
ATTENTION: PAWS 4 LAWS, a new children’s program, is exclusive for MUFFIN’S
JUNIOR MESSENGERS. Today’s children our tomorrows pet adopters and animal
caretakers. We need to reach, teach, and educate youngin’s, that all animals
have feelings, hearts, families, and are moms, and dads. We can learn from God’s
creatures, as they are instinctively intune with nature. MUFFIN’S JUNIOR
MESSENGERS have an ID card that says:
WE TAKE
THE KITTY CAT OATH TO: RESPECT ANIMALS, DO NO HARM AND PURRTECT OUR FURRY
FRIENDS. TO PROMOTE SPAY/NEUTER & ADOPTION AWARENESS.
WE ARE PAWS 4 LAWS! THIS IS WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO! To receive a FREE MUFFIN’S
JUNIOR MESSENGER CARD, please call 718-833-7988 or
email judespets@aol.com
FUN FACT: Americans spend more annually on cat food than on baby food.
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
ALERT: In 6 years, one unspayed female dog and her offspring can reproduce
67, 000 unwanted, homeless dog. SPAY TODAY! muffins.org
FYI FACT: Dogs are ten times more likely get lost if they are not spayed or
neutered.
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
ALERT: In 7 years, one unspayed female cat and her offspring can reproduce
420,000 unwanted cats. muffins.org
FUN FACT: A cat's arching back is part of a complex body language system,
usually associated with feeling threatened. The arch is able to get high because
the cat's spine contains nearly 60 vertebrae, which fit loosely together. Humans
have 34 vertebrae.
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
LUKEY the Lap Cat. Rescued, Male, neutered, shots, 5yrs, tested negative. 6
lbs, LUKEY is super sweet, loving and deserves a great home! 718-455-5711
or email roclaire@earthlink.net
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
ADOPTION: ORANGE is a seventeen-pound, seven year old, Long Haired tabby,
neutered male tabby. His owner moved. 646-964-5795
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
WANTED-FOSTER HOMES: Kittens and nursing moms that are at ACC need YOUR HELP!
We are trying to save their lives! A Foster agreement is required. Contact TARA
CIBITARRI maddiek9@aol.com
ATTENTION: IN SEVEN YEARS, ONE UNSPAYED
FEMALE CAT AND HER OFFSPRING CAN REPRODUCE 420,00O UNWANTED KITTENS.
SPAY/NEUTER TODAY www.muffins.org
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
FOSTER CARE NEEDED FOR KITTIES: Mom’s and babies or kittens with special
needs come from the ACC. A Foster agreement required. K9Kastle 917-748-2504.
ADOPTION: ADORABLE SEMI-LONG HAIR Orange tabbies and Black tabby Tuxedo Kittens
were born April 19 and 24. 718-946-1456 MENTION THE HOME REPORTER
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
WE GET LETTERS: DEAR JUDE- ‘HELP, PLEASE! I am a NYC Police Officer that
works out of the 20th Precinct. On January 31, 2007, my coworkers rescued a
mixed pit bull from a cruel owner, who in a fit of rage, had thrown the baby pit
down a 7th floor garbage chute and left him there. His girlfriend called us and
it took us two hours to dig him out of all that garbage. Initially he was
supposed to go to the Center for Animal Care and Control, which is our
procedure. I could not see him spending what could be his last days in a
shelter, before dying. I took him in as a foster dad. It has become increasingly
hard to find him a good home and difficult on me because I am allergic to dogs.
He is a kind, loving dog who gets along well with other dogs and even cats. He
really loves my 2-year-old son. They play and roughhouse all day long and LUCKY
never even so much as nipped at my son. I am surviving on tons of asthma
medication and do not think I can stand it much longer since I do enjoy
breathing. LUCKY is a wonderful dog that only needs a loving home. Thank you’.
Andrew Dorsett Home-718-461-1417 Cell-917-696-2758
ADOPTION: ADORABLE KITTENS. BORN April 24. Solid Orange tabbies and Black tabby
Tuxedo’s. VZE22R48@VERIZON.NET MENTION THE HOME REPORTER
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
FUN FACT: The Goliath beetle is about the size of your fist and can
weigh as much as 3-4 ounces.
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!
FUN FACT: If a chicken has a white earlobe, its eggs will be white. If
it's
earlobe is red, the eggs will be brown-shelled.
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!
LOVE WANTEDADOPTION EVENT: Saturday, June 2 11:30 am – 4:30 pm SALEM
LUTHERAN CHURCH 50-67th Street (between 4th & 5th
Ave) Brooklyn, NY. There will be dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens, courtesy of
NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE and ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL of NYC. ALL hoping to find
a LOVING and WANTED home. Choose to save a life! Adopt a shelter pet! Adoption
Fee and Proof of ID required RAIN OR SHINE EVENT.
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.
ADOPTION: PEPE, 3 year old, Black and white Tuxedo Male cat, neutered with
shots. He is very loving, good with other cats, and especially kids. PEPE does
not know dogs. michael3567@yahoo.com
646-322-5410 mention Jude’s column in the HOME REPORTER.
FUN FACT: A racehorse averages a weight loss of between 15 to 25 pounds during a
race.
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
FUN FACT: A mother giraffe often gives birth while standing, so the
newborn's first experience outside the womb is a 1.8-meter (6-foot) drop.
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
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.
Former Brooklynite, PETS ALIVE founder, Sara Whalen, dies at 64 years. Sara’s
passion, her life's work, took its toll. She broke her back while moving a
rescued pony. Doctors using a rod to stabilize her back made a grim discovery
— a tumor. The cancer started in her lungs and had spread. She saved over
7,000 dogs. Sara helped Muffin’s when she took in HOPE, the seven year
lactacting Beagle mom, rescued from KATRINA.
Sara’s legacy lives on.
FUN FACTS: Penguins can jump as high as 6 feet in the air.
Muffin's
Pet Connection
by Jude Lassow
March 23, 2007
judespets@aol.com
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,
9818-4th
Avenue
or BETH at POSH PET,
9540-4TH 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 17th 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
FUN
FACT:
The
peacock is the national bird of India
.
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 10th 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”!
BARBARO
UPDATE: Kentucky Derby winner BARBARO
was euthanized Monday after complications
from his gruesome breakdown at last year's Preakness,
ending an eight-month ordeal. The laminitis
in the left rear hoof and a recent abscess in the right rear hoof, proved too
much for the gallant colt. He was a winner!
ASPCA NEWS ALERT: YOUR SUPPORT NEEDED
FOR PASSAGE OF NYC
PETS IN HOUSING LEGISLATION (INT. 13) Send
a letter to your City Council Member urging him or her to support and
co-sponsor Intro. 13. It will greatly help make housing in New
York City more "pet friendly" by allowing tenants who rent
their apartments and who have had a companion animal (s) to get another one
when that one has passed away. Currently, residents are unable to
“replace” a pet(s) that has died due to standard "no pet"
provisions in their lease without risking having to forfeit their pet or be in
violation of their lease.
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
EMERGENCY: FOSTER
CARE NEEDED. Two-year-old unspayed
female Tabby Kat, abandoned by petowner, is living in a yard.
Her feline hubby was killed by a hit and run driver.
Tabby Kat is devastated and crying for her mate.
She needs FOSTER CARE NOW. Help
please- She will be vetted. Call Pat
718-902-3537 Mention
Jude’s column in the Home Reporter.
ADOPTION: Felix, Male, 1 1/2year,
shots, neutered, tested neg. 11 lbs. Rescued.
He's athletic, loves to run and play with balls. Social with people. NO
DOGS. Better in a single cat home. (718) 523-3527 birchall@unfpa.org
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
9818-4th Ave.
and Posh Pets
9520-4th 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.
It’s the
true story of my encounters with the wild and beautiful feline family that
showed up one day in our backyard. Back then, I did not know anything about
the feral cat overpopulation crisis or Trap-Neuter-Return! I wrote the book to
educate others, but also entertain—you know how funny cats can be. The book
is available at www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, and bookstores. Jude,
if any of your readers get my book, I’d love to hear from them at
nina_malkin@yahoo.com. Thanks for all the great work you do helping
animals”. -Nina Malkin
ASPCA TRI-STATE NEWS ALERT: PET
POISON ALERT: LIQUID POTPOURRI PACKS A PAINFUL PUNCH Many liquid
potpourris contain essential oils and detergents that could prove hazardous to
your furry companions, based on an analysis of calls to the ASPCA’s Animal
Poison Control Center. According to the ASPCA’s Dr. Steven Hansen,
veterinary toxicologist and senior vice president, the essential oils found in
many of these products can cause irritation of the skin, gastrointestinal
tract, and mucous membranes.-excerpt from ASPCA e-newsletter.
If your pet was exposed to liquid potpourri, please call your
veterinarian or the APCC's emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for
round-the-clock telephone assistance.
ADOPTION: Macie1229, F, 14 months,
55lbs, Sharpe/Bloodhound X, spayed w/shots. Loves people.
She is friendly
with dogs and gentle, affectionate outgoing, housebroken. Owner
Relocating 646- 643-0142 or
jlmyes@optonline.net
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
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
…
For months, Joan Locicero, was trying to catch, Sailor Boy, a feral cat from
her backyard. Her efforts were in
vain, until a freezing day in December brought miraculous interventions.
Sailor Boy had fallen into a swimming pool, filled with water.
New York’s finest police officers, the ACC,
Muffin’s, Dr. Sinha, and Debbie Campbell helped.
by
Joan Locicero: “I was preparing food for my two-yard cats, and heard screaming.
I ran to the yard and saw one of my yard cats on the edge of my next-door
neighbor’s pool, screaming telling me his friend, Sailor Boy, fell into the
pool. I called 911 and ACC. The
cat got out of the pool. He ran to a corner of the yard, screaming and soaking
wet, on coldest day,
Friday December 8, 2006
.
Heroic police officers from the 68 Precinct, Augello, Munoz, and
Paneinto came. One officer jumped the high fence, grabbed the cat with a
towel, and gave him to me. I called Jude from Muffin’s, who called Dr.
Sinha. Jude helped me take control
of the situation. Debbie Campbell helped me to blow dry the cat. We brought
him to Dr. Sinha’s. His staff was great! ACC also came, checked the
cat, and were very helpful. Sailor Boy is neutered, immunized and back
home in the big brown barn in my yard with his friend.
God Bless all who helped me”.
THE TABBY IN THE MANGER:
Another wonderful legend about the origin of the
"M" tells about Mary and the tabby cat in the manger. It seems that
the baby Jesus was cold and fussing, and Mary asked the manger animals to move
in closer to warm him. The manger was simply too small to accomplish that, but
a little tabby cat came in and nestled next to the baby, and cosseted Him with
purring and warmth. Mary was so grateful;
she bestowed her own initial, "M" on the cat's forehead. –excerpt
from AboutCats.
EMERGENCY- Barbara faces eviction
February 28, 2007. Cats 5 months
to 3 years, fixed with shots. AVERY,
MILTON AND ALEXANDRA, need a home and a friend. Please call Barbara at
718-769-9438, and mention Jude’s column in the Home Reporter.
Muffin’s Pet Connection
by Jude Lassow
December 15, 2006
email judespets@aol.com
CROCODILE
HUNTER STEVE IRWIN’S WIFE TERRI TAKES USA
STAGE:
Terri
and daughter Bindi, 8, are set to appear in two special G'Day USA shows in
January 14 and 20 to promote Australian tourism. The Crocodile Hunter's widow
will be joined by the Australia Zoo Croc Men dancers, Australia Zoo director
Wes Mannion, zoo animals and The Wiggle's children's group.
The Bindi Irwin-Wiggles concerts will be held in two large American
concert halls, LA's Ahmanson Theatre and Manhattan's New York City Centre.
news.google.com/news?ie=utf8&oe=utf8&persist=1&hl=en&client=google&ncl=1111818223
–excerpt from Care2.com
ASPCA
TRI STATE NEWS ALERT: A POISON SAFE HOME- COLD
WEATHER H |