SPRING 2020
ALL ABOUT PETS
What is the right type of pet for your family?
Welcoming a pet into one’s life can be a rewarding experience. Pets promote compassion and discipline in their owners, and their companionship can be incredibly rewarding. They also can be helpful tools for teaching children responsibility. Pets require
commitment, patience and financial investment. Potential pet owners also need to understand just what they’re getting into when they decide to bring a pet home. Certain animals require a greater level of attention than others, and some pets might not be the right fit for all involved. After all, a pet is not a temporary playmate, but a long-term family member who will require considerable love and attention. Prospective pet owners should consider various factors to help them find the pet that suits their families. Decide if you want a young pet or prefer an older animal, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages. While puppies and kittens can be attractive, they require extra time and care upon being welcomed into a home, and that can be rough if young children are in the home and not accustomed to pets and their unique behaviors. In such instances, an older established animal may be a better fit,
2 | DISCOVER EAST ALABAMA | SPRING 2020
especially if you can devote the time to retraining the animal to your preferences. If you already have pets, you’ll need to find one that’s compatible with your existing animals.
food, exercise, and socialization for this particular pet. If you cannot budget for a pet that has a lot of needs, look for one that has relatively inexpensive care requirements, like a fish.
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation says to carefully consider if you can provide the amount of attention your pet will need. Different species and breeds require various amounts of care. A ferret or hamster may be selfsufficient most of the day, while a boisterous puppy will not be. People who travel frequently or are out of the house most of the day will have to keep this in mind as well.
Remember that some animals can live many years, while others have a relatively short life span. Factor this into your decision as well. Once you make the commitment to the pet, it’s unfair to surrender an animal simply because you failed to recognize the time and energy required to take care of it.
Affordability is another factor to consider. Assess whether you have the money necessary to offer shelter, recreation, medical care,
For more assistance choosing a pet, speak with a trusted veterinarian or animal expert about the traits of certain animals and breeds up for consideration.
ALL ABOUT PETS
FEATURES
WELCOME
2. WHAT IS THE RIGHT TYPE OF PET FOR YOUR FAMILY?
Welcome to the Spring edition of Discover East Alabama!
4. HOW YOU CAN BENEFIT FROM HAVING A PET
The magazine is a quarterly publication produced by the staff of the Opelika-Auburn News.
5. GREAT REASONS TO ADOPT YOUR NEXT PET 5. WHEN ARE PETS CONSIDERED ADULTS? 6. AU STUDENT GROUP RESCUES DOGS FROM KILL SHELTERS 8. WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN ADOPTING A SHELTER DOG 9. TIPS FOR BETTER DOG TRAINING 10. ADOPTING FROM LEE COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY 11. A LITTLE MORE TLC:CARING FOR DISABLED, SENIOR PETS 12. RECOGNIZE AND RELIEVE SOURCES OF PETS’ STRESS 13. FRIENDS LEND HANDS TO ANIMAL CONTROL 14. AU VETERINARIAN OFFERS TIPS ON FELINE VIRUSES 15. TIPS TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE CAT-FRIENDLY
This issue is all about dogs and cats, those four-legged roommates that run our houses and, in some cases, our lives. We offer tips on how to rescue animals, help out at local pet shelters, training dogs to live better within your routine and what citizens can do to better help Animal Control do its job and spare animals euthanasia. Mike Eads Editor Published by the Opelika-Auburn News Spring 2020 - Cover Price $3
Publisher: Steve Smith Advertising Director: Robert Edmonds Layout Designer: Jessica Henderson Editor: Mike Eads
How you can benefit from having a pet
Pets have been kept for centuries. Statistics from various sources indicate North Americans own millions of dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, and reptiles. Pets’ affable nature and loving looks are enough for many people to welcome them into their homes, but the benefits of having a pet extends beyond their appearances and temperaments.
Pets can help prevent loneliness. Loneliness affects people of all ages, but it is particularly problematic among seniors. Older adults who may be isolated can benefit from having a pet around. According to a study published in Aging & Mental Health, older adults who owned pets were 36 percent less likely to say they were lonely
compared to those who didn’t have an animal companion.
Pets provide socialization opportunities.
Pets can save lives.
A pet can be the common denominator to strike up new friendships and connect with others. Whether walking around the neighborhood or being part of a pet obedience class or interest group, pets can help their owners expand their social circles.
Pets can be trained to perform various tasks around the house and in the community. Rescue animals assist in finding people after natural disasters. Medical alert pets can help people with debilitating illnesses and assist physically impaired people with everyday tasks.
Pets help lower allergy risks. Keeping pets around can reduce a child’s likelihood of developing allergies by as much as 33 percent, according to a study by pediatrician James E. Gern that was published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. People exposed early on to animals tend to develop stronger immune systems overall.
4 | DISCOVER EAST ALABAMA | SPRING 2020
Pets can help combat stress. Talking to or stroking a pet can make stress easier to handle. A study from researchers at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that, when conducting a stressful task, people experienced less stress when their pets were with them. Various other studies and data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found having a pet around
can lower blood pressure, ease anxiety and may even help to lessen aches and pains. Pets provide unconditional love, which can be beneficial to someone facing depression or post traumatic stress disorder.
Pets help teach responsibility. Taking care of a pet can help children and adults become more responsible. According to the American Pet Product Association’s 2011-2012 National Pet Owners Survey, 58 percent of pet owners say their pets help teach their kids to be responsible through routine care, exercise and feeding of the animal. Pets are more than mere companions. In fact, pets can offer numerous health and well-being benefits to people of all ages.
Great reasons to adopt your next pet There is no end to the companionship, love and joy a pet can bring to one’s life. That is perhaps one reason why the number of pets surrendered to shelters each year so greatly upsets animal lovers. But the same places that house animals that were lost or abandoned can be the very locations where families find new pets to love. The ASPCA estimates that 6.5 million companion animals enter animal shelters in the United
States each year.
Well-behaved animals
Animal shelters, rescue groups, pounds, and humane societies are great places to begin searching for new companion animals. The organization DoSomething.org states that, each year, approximately 2.7 million dogs and cats are euthanized because shelters are too full and there aren’t enough adoptive homes. Homeless animals outnumber homeless people five to one. While private breeders and reputable pet stores may have purebred animals that make great pets, to relieve the problems of relinquished or homeless pets residing in crowded shelters, prospective pet parents are urged to first consider adopting shelter pets. The following are reasons why adopting shelter dogs or cats is such a great idea.
The Humane Society of America says most shelter pets end up in facilities not because of behavioral issues or something they did wrong, but due to circumstances affecting their owners, such as moving or divorce. That means there are thousands of housebroken, behavior-trained pets just waiting for a new family.
Lower costs When a person adopts a pet, microchipping, first immunization costs, neutering/ spaying, and some vet costs may be covered by the adoption fee. Plus, that adoption fee can be hundreds of dollars less than purchasing a pet from elsewhere.
Longer life expectancy The Canine Journal says “mutts,” or animals whose genetic makeup are a
combination of at least two breeds, tend to have fewer health problems and live longer than their purebreed counterparts. But shelters also house many purebreeds for those who prefer to go that route.
Room for others For every adopted cat or dog, room is freed up to take in more pets that need assistance.
Hurt puppy mills Puppy mills produce pets in factory-style facilities that seldom take the welfare of animals into consideration. Adoption hurts puppy mills’ bottom lines and helps fight against their inhumane breeding techniques. Animal shelters can be the first and last stop for animal lovers looking to welcome companion animals into their lives.
When are pets considered adults? Kittens and puppies grow up fast. One minute they’re small, fluffy balls of fur, and the next minute they’re taking up your entire sofa.
few months, but many pet owners are left scratching their heads wondering when their pets are going to “grow up” and be less of a full-time job.
adulthood often means the pet simply won’t grow any more. Many behavioral issues associated with young animals may continue into adulthood.
Young animals are full of seemingly boundless energy. Young pets may sprint from room to room as they explore the world around them, sniffing, scratching and chewing along the way. All of this can be adorable for the first
The pet resource Rover.com says that puppies are generally considered adults by the time they reach their first birthday. This may vary depending on the breed. The home life guide TheNest.com says that kittens take about a year to reach adulthood.
A pet’s journey to emotional maturity can take quite a while, but it will come. Hormonal surges will even out, and the animal will begin to settle down. Only when that point is reached will pet owners get an idea of what their animals will be like over the long haul.
Just because a cat or dog is considered an adult does not mean he or she will behave more maturely. In fact,
It can take a cat up to four years to reach emotional maturity. Dogs’ journeys to maturity will vary depending on the breed and the size of the animal. The pet food company Pedigree says a large dog breed will mature into an adult between 15 months and two years, while smaller breeds may only act like puppies for nine months.
Since emotional maturity varies from pet to pet, these signs may indicate it has happened or is just about there: · Settles down more readily and has fewer episodes of “the zoomies.” · Listens better. · Responds to social cues from other animals. · Older animals treat the animal like an adult. · Responds appropriately to training. · Doesn’t get into the same level of puppy or kitty trouble around the house. Even as cats and dogs mature physically and emotionally, they may still have some bouts of youngster behavior. But in general, after a year or two pets start to show their true colors and behave more maturely.
SPRING 2020 | DISCOVER EAST ALABAMA | 5
AU student group rescues dogs from kill shelters
Courtesy of Pups on the Plains
By Sara Palczewski sarap@oanow.com
Auburn University student Shelby Stephens found herself doing something college kids are not supposed to do in the fall of 2017: look for dogs to adopt. Stephens frequently combed through pages of dogs listed that were available nearby to adopt, but one day something struck a chord with her. “I was looking around and I noticed Columbus (Georgia) Animal Control and I was noticing they were having to euthanize dogs and that had never even crossed my mind before,” she said. “I just kept feeling like I couldn’t help, like, I couldn’t do anything.”
That helpless feeling went away as soon as she saw Max. “He had one floppy ear and one up ear because he had some nerve damage to one of his ears, so it was always just like flat,” Stephens recalled about her canine muse. “They were going to have to euthanize him because he didn’t have any interest and I thought like that was crazy… he’s so cute, he’s so normal.” Stephens called up her friend Kaitlyn immediately, and they drove down to the shelter to save Max. She ended up finding out there were seven dogs at the shelter in the same precarious spot as Max.They what every animal lover would do: they rescued all the dogs on death row. “It was just us two. We didn’t know what was happening,” Stephens said.
Darrow | Courtesy of Pups on the Plains
6 | DISCOVER EAST ALABAMA | SPRING 2020
The pair quickly thought up a plan and emailed the Auburn University
veterinary school and posted in Facebook groups for people to foster the dogs. Stephens didn’t know at the time that her efforts would snowball into something much bigger.
POP Pups on the Plains Rescue Team (POP) was founded in September 2017 by Stephens and other Auburn University students who helped take in the first batch of rescued dogs. The non-profit student-run animal rescue organization goes into high kill shelters, rescues animals and helps them find their new forever family. “We pull dogs directly off of death row and we put them in foster homes and we completely vet them and then we find them their forever homes,” said POP President Riley Hovis. The organization solely operates off of donations, and it has rescued about 200 animals since the organization began. “We don’t have any original animals,” Hovis added.
Making a difference One dog’s story continues to have a special place in the
members’ hearts: Camo. Camo was rescued by Animal SOS, an animal protection organization, in Columbus. He was kept on a chain for his entire life. “He was skin and bones,” Stephens said. “He was pretty much kept in like a giant trash yard and his owner, unfortunately, just did not see that this was an issue.” Camo was about 35 pounds when POP rescued him. He is now pushing 95 pounds, Hovis said. It took months for law enforcement to help step in and remove Camo from the home. Animal SOS was able to nurse the dog back to almost full health, finding an adopter for the pit bull was another story. That’s where POP stepped in. Camo became Stephens’ foster dog and one of her favorites. “He was just like this big, chunky, pit bull, just like massive and he had such a big personality,” she said. “Like he would howl and sing and he was just so goofy.” It took POP awhile to find someone to adopt
they’re just completely shut down and isolated and terrified to being in a foster home learning how to adjust to a house bonding with their fosters. “I mean, that transformation is so worth it to me that I don’t think I could ever stop.”
How to help There are a lot of ways to help POP. Sky, Q, Sevyn, and Bourbon | Courtesy of Pups on the Plains
Camo because of the stigma surrounding pit bulls, but Stephens says it was worth the wait to get him his perfect match. “His mom is perfect,” she said. “She lives in New York – she was an Auburn student. It’s just amazing because to see him go from living in actual trash to [where] his mom spoils him.” POP also rescued a litter of four-week-old puppies that went on to become viral sensations. “I thought it would be a good idea to name them after the bars,” Hovis said. “So their names were Sky, Bourbon, Q and 7.” The photos of the puppies posted on POP’s social media accounts went viral. They were even shared by the popular blog Barstool Sports.
“Now they’re living amazing lives,” Hovis said.
Worth the work Since POP is a student-run organization, members have to find the perfect balance between helping animals and school. “I’m not going to say it’s easy, but it’s really just finding parts of your day that you can sit down and do paperwork or talk to other rescues,” Hovis said. “It’s really a lot of constant communication.” POP Events Director Isabella Ferraro agrees that communication has been key in making sure the organization is running smoothly. “Like walking in between classes you wouldn’t think of, ‘Oh, I have 10 minutes in between class’, but me and Riley will communicate and we’ll have three events booked within like 10 minutes or different things like that for communicating and just talking to each other on fitting everything in, in a very small amount of time,” she said. Stephens says the constant work is well worth it.
Shelby & Camo | Courtesy of Pups on the Plains
“When a dog gets surrendered to a shelter, they know,” she said. “To watch them go from that environment where
“We have events and we do need people to come hold dogs, talk to people, those sorts of things so even if you can’t foster or you can’t afford to donate you can still come and help us out,” said Hovis. POP also stages benefit nights and partners with other rescue groups for events, Ferraro added.
Milkshake | Courtesy of Pups on the Plains
However, the number one way to help POP takes less than 10 seconds to do.
page and sharing a post,” Hovis said. “That post can travel around the world and find the dog’s adopter just because you hit the share button.”
“The number one way to help us is just going on our Facebook
Visit www.pupsontheplains. com/ to learn more.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) JOIN OUR COMMUNITY is an Auburn University Outreach for Osher Lifelong Learning Institute program (OLLI) is an Auburn University adults 50 years andOutreach older. for adults 50 years and older. OLLI program is member led and member driven. OLLI is member-led and member-driven.
OLLI Membership Benefits Include: OLLI academic courses OLLI Membership Benefits Brown Bag Lunch & Lecture • OLLI academic courses Series Special workshops • Brown Bag Lunch & Lecture Series Events • SpecialSocial workshops Travel opportunities • Social Events course audit •Auburn TravelUniversity opportunities Auburn University Community ID • Auburn University course audit • Auburn University Community ID
For details, visit the OLLI website at www.auburn.edu/oureach/olliatauburn For details, or call (334) 844-3146. visit the OLLI website at
www.auburn.edu/oureach/olliatauburn or call (334) 844-3146.
Auburn University is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer.
SPRING 2020 | DISCOVER EAST ALABAMA | 7
What to expect when adopting a shelter dog Millions of dogs reside in shelters or in foster homes just waiting for someone to make them permanent members of their family. The ASPCA says there are nearly four million dogs in shelters across America. Bringing home a puppy or an older dog can be an exciting, selfless endeavor. Shelter dogs have the capacity to be loving, devoted pets. Unfortunately, many such dogs have been dealt difficult hands, ending up in shelters through no fault of their own. Prospective pup parents should be aware that there can be a transitional period as dogs acclimate to their new homes. Understanding what to expect the first few weeks and months can be helpful.
Creatures of habit Dogs are creatures of habit and feel most comfortable when they know what to expect. Moving from a shelter into a home can be a big change. Shelter dogs will need time
to understand the workings of a household. By remaining consistent and patient, dog owners can help their pooches acclimate to their new surroundings. Feed the dog at the same time and place each day. Take the dog for a walk the same time each day with the same route. Knowing what to expect can be calming for the dog.
Housetraining regression New puppies likely do not fully know the rules of housetraining, but even older dogs who may have been housetrained can regress in a new environment. Pet parents may have to go back to basics and reinforce housetraining lessons.
Shyness and anxiety It’s impossible to know what dogs went through before landing in a shelter. Shelter workers may have conducted certain tests, such as food aggression or resource guarding, but that only paints part of the
8 | DISCOVER EAST ALABAMA | SPRING 2020
picture. It will take time for the dog to trust and understand, and dogs may be timid and experience anxiety for a brief period. Some may even act out by exhibiting damaging behavior.
Safe space The experts at Hill’s Pets advise employing a crate that can serve as a den for the dog. It not only is an area that can keep the dog out of trouble as he or she learns the rules of the house, but it also can serve as a safe haven that is familiar and comforting.
Training classes Enroll in training classes so that the pup begins to learn commands. Obedience training also helps keep the animal safe.
Vet care Make an appointment to have the shelter dog
checked over by a vet as soon as possible. This helps everyone get on a vaccination schedule and can pinpoint illnesses or behavior problems. Many shelter dogs have common communicable illnesses like kennel cough or worms that require prompt treatment. Shelter dogs can become warm and loving pets with the right care and a little patience.
issues, such as separation anxiety or aggression towards humans or other animals. “While training can be effective at any age, the longer a habit has been in place, the harder it is to make a change,” Clutton said. “If a dog has spent many years of his life feeling fearful of strangers, it may take many years of careful work to change their mind.”
“We put every child through school even if that child has older siblings who have already gone to school for a reason,” she said. “Every dog deserves a chance to learn how to be their best at their own pace and with their own education.”
Clutton adds that the sooner an owner seeks help for their dog’s behavior issue, “the easier it will be to make a positive change.” Since dogs communicate through body language primarily, she said that they have to bridge that gap in communication during training on their own. To help the process along, owners should reevaluate how they’re communicating commands to their dog. If the owner isn’t able to find a solution themselves, it would be helpful to see a qualified trainer.
Tips for better dog training
By Jasmyne Ray jray@oanow.com
Whether you’re trying to get a handle on your puppy’s hyperactivity, or just want a bit of a refresher course for an older dog, obedience training is an integral part of every dog’s development. “Dogs, just like human children, do not come preprogrammed. It is entirely our responsibility to teach them everything we want them to know.”
Most Prestigious Golf Course in the Area
Voted Best Golf Course by Opelika-Auburn News Readers’ Choice
Clutton, dogs can be trained at any age much like humans who go back to school. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re bringing home a new puppy or adopting an older dog from the shelter,” Clutton explained. “Knowing how best to communicate with that specific dog and reach any goals you may have for their behavior is important.”
So says Cat Clutton, a certified professional dog trainer and owner of Rekalibrated K9, a professional dog training business. The Auburn University alum originally intended to pursue veterinary medicine, but working as a dog trainer in college changed her career trajectory.
Dogs can learn lots of commands, but Clutton believes that all dogs should understand what she calls “control words” (ex. “No,” “leave it”). She and other trainers have seen owners get frustrated with their pets when they’re trying to tell them not to do something, while the dog doesn’t understand what their owner is saying.
Training is always thought for puppies, but, according to
Clutton and her trainers also assist dogs with behavioral
Home of Tradition
3800 Bent Creek Rd • Opelika, AL 36804 • 18-Hole Golf Course • Driving Range & Practice Greens • Swimming Pool • Tennis Courts • Fishing Lake • Private Rooms overlooking the Golf Course and the Pool
HOME OF THE 2020 MEN’S STATE AMATEUR
• • • • • •
Formal & Casual Dining Fitness Center Ballroom Clubhouse Social Events Individual & Corporate Memberships
Mary Isbell Membership, Marketing & Banquets Director (334) 749-3441 or Mary@SaugahatcheeCountryClub.com
SPRING 2020 | DISCOVER EAST ALABAMA | 9
also shared that Otto “has been introduced to many different cats and has done well with all of them.” Truffles, a dog who has been with LCHS for over a year, is a sweet, gentle girl in her foster home. She gets along with most other dogs but will need a meetand-greet with any other dogs in the household before being adopted.
Photo Courtesy of Lee County Humane Society
Adopting from Lee County Humane Society By Kelly Daniel Volunteer Coordinator | Lee County Humane Society
At Lee County Humane Society, we advocate adopting pets because each adoption saves two lives: the life of the animal that is adopted and gets a bright, happy future with a forever family, and the life of a new homeless animal the shelter or rescue organization can help. Whether you adopt from us or another shelter or rescue, we hope that future pet owners will consider adoption as the first option for finding a new family pet. We work hard each and every day to care for our animals and find forever homes for our furry residents. Our work includes providing them with the care they need to be healthy and happy, taking notes about each animal to help them to find a compatible forever home, and providing preventative veterinary care.
Value of adopting a pet Adoption is often more affordable than obtaining a pet from other sources because we provide many preventative veterinary services to our shelter animals. We include these necessary veterinary services in the adoption fee, which is still at a lower cost than pet owners typically pay when they
visit a veterinarian. Many local veterinary offices also provide a free physical exam within 7 days of adoption, although this doesn’t include any additional medications.
fees also go toward helping additional animals in need. We rely on adoptions, donations and other forms of community support to continue helping lost and homeless animals.
As stated on our website, the adoption fee includes spay or neuter surgery (or deposit slip towards S/N), the insertion of a microchip with registration and an LCHS Get-Me-Home tag to help your animal get back home if they are ever lost, deworming, the bordetella vaccine, heartworm testing and prevention for dogs and FIV/ FELV testing in cats.
Lonely Hearts Club
The benefits of adopting a shelter pet go far beyond monetary value. We strive to find the best home for each animal by getting to know them as individuals. The cats in our communal cat rooms are known to be friendly with other felines. Our staff and volunteers spend time petting and playing with our kitties as well. We hold playgroups for our dogs, which gives them some much-needed playtime while increasing their socialization with other dogs and enabling us to learn more about them for adopters who already have dogs. When adopting a pet, the
10 | DISCOVER EAST ALABAMA | SPRING 2020
We encourage prospective adopters to consider members of our Lonely Hearts Club, who have been with us for longer than six months and have an adoption fee that is only $25 for dogs and $15 for cats. Otto, a feline member of the Lonely Hearts Club, has spent much of his time with LCHS at the Opelika PetSmart, which generously provides a cat room and kitty condos for us to house six of our adoptable cats. Otto enjoys hanging out with his feline friends at PetSmart and snuggling up with the volunteers who dedicate time each week to caring for our cats at PetSmart. Sarah Wilson volunteers with our PetSmart cats every week. “Otto is such a good boy and has been waiting far too long,” Wilson said. “He always greets me with a purr and begs to be petted for a bit before running to the playroom door to hang with his friends while their rooms get cleaned. Wilson
Cali Dell Bzoch, her current foster, wrote a bio of Truffles, which states, “I am a pup that will stick by you through everything; I will be your shadow. Wherever you go, I will go. I will sit by your side while you study, walk by your side after a long day. I will be your forever best friend, no matter what.” This loving, loyal girl would make a perfect companion.
How to adopt from LCHS Potential adopters may visit the shelter during our hours of operation, noon until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, or view our animals on our website. The website will also include animals in foster care, including younger puppies and kittens that are too young to receive immunizations. Potential adopters must fill out an application through our website or at the shelter. Applicants must be 19 years of age or older and must live in a home or apartment that allows pets. Applicants who rent their home or apartment must obtain the approval of their landlord before we approve the application. Adoptions most often take place at the shelter, but we also have regular adoption events at PetSmart and Petco in Opelika, PetSmart in Montgomery and other locations on the weekends. If you can’t adopt and would like to help animals find their forever homes, fostering is immensely helpful to us, as is donating and volunteering. Everyone can do something to help local companion animals find their forever homes.
A little more TLC
Caring for disabled, senior pets
By Jasmyne Ray jray@oanow.com
Animals get sick, hurt and age just like humans do. Since pets can’t verbalize their needs, paying attention to their body language is key, as well as trying to anticipate what they may need.
Caring for disabled pets Create a routine - When making a routine for a pet, eventually each step becomes ingrained in their behavior. For example, just seeing their human walk to the door in the
morning will let them know what they’re meant to be doing. Once the pet knows what to expect throughout the day, they won’t deviate from the structure. Get support - Much like being the primary caregiver for a loved one, being the primary caregiver for a pet can be stressful. It’s helpful to have someone who can either understand or empathize with the situation. Having a support system, be it a close friend or another pet owner caring for a
pet with a similar disability, can lessen any insecurities or feelings of loneliness.
Caring for senior pets Stay on top of their health As pets get older, it’s important to pay closer attention to all aspects of their health. Make sure they get food specifically made for older pets and that they’re well-groomed. Appointments with the vet shouldn’t be missed and all vaccinations should be up to
date. Owners should spend time with their senior pets and help them get exercise with some light playtime. Make your home accessible - Anything to make the home more accessible will help older pets. It could be as simple as having a small set of stairs near the bed so that they don’t have to strain themselves to jump up, or having their food and water bowl within close proximity of the area that they spend the most time in.
SPRING 2020 | DISCOVER EAST ALABAMA | 11
Recognize and relieve sources of pets’ stress
Stress can affect anyone, even household pets. Although life may seem footloose and fancy free for companion animals, they have their share of stressors as well. It may be hard to believe that dogs, cats, birds, and other animals can suffer from stress. But certain situations or scenarios may trigger a stressful response in pets, and pet owners should learn to recognize such stressors and do what they can to help pets avoid them. Research indicates that stress, especially constant sources of stress, can impact pet health and well-being. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology found that when dogs
are under stress, their bodies release an excessive amount of the fight or flight hormone norepinephrine. This can alter gut bacteria and interfere with gastrointestinal tract motility. Resulting diarrhea can compound stressful situations and exacerbate the situation. The pet advice site Pet-Happy says that, during stressful situations, pets’ blood pressure may climb, breathing may become more rapid, heart rate may increase, and the immune system can become less effective - instances that would also occur in humans. Various studies show that stress can be a contributing factor to disease. Animals experience stress for different reasons and
12 | DISCOVER EAST ALABAMA | SPRING 2020
exhibit stress in ways that set them apart from one another and their human companions. The following is a breakdown of what may contribute to stress in birds, cats and dogs.
Birds According to James Morrisey, a veterinarian at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, birds are very good at picking up stress in people, which may contribute to their own stress. It can be challenging to determine what is causing stress in birds. However, the appearance of stress bars on feathers, the sudden onset of aggression, fearful behavior, changes in appetite, and destructive behavior can indicate that stress is present.
Cats Cats can become stressed over situations their owners may not consider major. Loud music and noises, changes in food or litter brands, having new carpet or furniture installed, or a number of visitors in the home may be stressors, says Pam Johnson-
Bennet, author and cat behavior expert. Some of the easiest stress symptoms to spot include excessive self-grooming, urine spraying, aggression, extreme vocalization, and eliminating outside of the litter box.
Dogs The British Small Animal Veterinary Association’s “Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine” says that some of the most common dog stress triggers are novelty, housing changes, loud noises, changes in household members, and changes in schedule. Dogs may exhibit stress through appetite changes, isolation, digestive issues, lethargy, and increased sleeping. Once stress is identified apart from any other health issues, pet owners can take steps to reduce it. Providing a security spot to which the pet can retreat, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and gradual changes to routine, diet or other things a pet has relied on can help.
control, through the OpelikaAuburn lost and found page, as well as the staff at the holding facilities and really from there we kind of start, the wheels in our head start turning and we start thinking if this animal is not claimed, who could potentially foster it, what rescue could we try to pitch it to,” Jones said. Often animals are sent up north to shelters where there is a higher demand for pets, Yorke said, rather than the organization trying to promote local adoptions in Alabama.
Photo Courtesy of Friends of Lee County Animal Control
Friends lend hands to animal control By Jasmyne Ray jray@oanow.com
A group of people who love animals got together and decided to take what they were passionate about and serve a need in the Lee County community. The non-profit Friends of Lee County Animal Control fill in the gaps that the animal control officers cannot cover. “We’re just a small group of volunteers, we all have other jobs that we do, families, all of that, but this is something that we kind of do on the side. It does take up a lot of our time, but we’re just a group of animal lovers,” said Hannah Jones, a primary rescue coordinator with Friends of Lee County Animal Control. Animal Control has two control officers, and the county has a lot of animals that need homes, control or aide. “There’s a big statewide problem in Alabama,” said Elizabeth Yorke, president of Friends of Lee County Animal Control. “Alabama is one of the states in the U.S., probably one of the top five states with euthanasias for dogs and cats. We realized the extent of the problem a couple years ago, I think it was known. But we formed this group to battle
the extent of the problem in Lee County.” Euthanasia as a whole in Lee County was 50 percent for dogs and cats before the formation of the group. Yorke said that the county takes in roughly 1,000 animals a year, so approximately 500 were being put down. Now, with the efforts of the Friends of Lee County Animal Control, euthanasia rates for dogs have dropped and there is an approximately 90 percent save rate, Yorke said. The volunteers give up time they could spend with their families and friends to take on this job and there is no government funding, Yorke said. “We’re all volunteers, nobody’s paid, we get no public funding,” Yorke said. “Basically it’s just people who came together as a community to do this to try to resolve, find rescue for the animals that would have otherwise, and previously were, euthanized.” The volunteers had been working on these efforts for a long while, but the organization officially took name and form in 2019, Yorke said. “One of the reasons we formed our group was to create a Facebook page, Friends of Lee
County Animal Control, where we post every one of the animals that comes in through Animal Control,” Jones said. This helps people who have lost a pet know where to find it, she said. One of the biggest need the organization faces is space for the animals. There is no physical shelter for the operation, so it relies on foster families. “Everything we do is made possible by community volunteers,” Yorke said. “People in the community, just animal lovers, who will offer their home for two weeks to foster an animal.”
“There’s not enough homes locally for us to adopt out all the animals,” she said. “So our main function is to take the animals from animal control, keep them for approximately two weeks, get all their health care done, get them spayed, neutered, vaccinated, dewormed and then we have partner rescues up north.” Yorke said that though their organization helps the problem, it doesn’t fix the problem. “What we do, despite how great it is, is a band-aid,” Yorke said. “So, we’re not fixing the overpopulation. Alabama is awful in its spay/neuter laws and its lack of spay/neuter laws, I should say.” “The amount of overpopulation there is, compared to the northern states where they actually need pets, is why we ship our animals up there.”
When an animal is in need or at risk of euthanasia, the group sends out a request for someone to take the dog or cat until a more permanent location can be found. The community also helps by providing monetary donations to the group. The Friends of Lee County Animal Control also receives help from other local shelters, clinics and pet boarders in the community like Woof Avenue, Lee County Humane Society and Animal Health Center. “We kind of see what’s coming in through animal
Photo Courtesy of Friends of Lee County Animal Control
SPRING 2020 | DISCOVER EAST ALABAMA | 13
AU veterinarian offers tips on feline viruses
By Preston Sparks Director of Communications | Auburn University
The American Association of Feline Practitioners recently updated its guidelines on Feline Leukemia virus and Feline Immunodeficiency virus, both serious infectious diseases in cats. Dr. Diane Delmain of Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine recently offered information on prevention, symptoms and vaccinations of these diseases.
What is Feline Leukemia virus and what are the symptoms? The name, Feline Leukemia virus, or FeLV, confuses many people. In humans, leukemia refers only to a type of cancer affecting the white blood cells. FeLV virus only affects cats, and very rarely causes actual leukemia, or cancer of the white blood cells. FeLV most commonly causes immune
suppression, anemia or other types of cancers and it often leads to death within three years of diagnosis. Symptoms are quite variable, depending on the stage of infection and strength of the cat’s immune system. Some infected cats will appear healthy, while others may have secondary respiratory infections, weakness, fever, labored breathing or neurological signs. Cats are most susceptible when they are young. FeLV is very contagious,
14 | DISCOVER EAST ALABAMA | SPRING 2020
but does not live long in the environment. This virus is spread from mothers to kittens or by close affectionate contact such as mutual grooming, sharing bowls and litter boxes—I tell my students that “Leukemia is for Lovers.” However, bite wounds are an important method of transmission as well.
What is Feline Immunodeficiency virus and what are the symptoms? Feline Immunodeficiency virus, or FIV, is spread primarily by fighting, so it is most commonly seen in outdoor cats and intact cats. FIV affects white blood cells primarily, leading to immunosuppression
and increased susceptibility to infection, dental disease and an increased risk of certain cancers. However, FIV may have an asymptomatic period of many years, before cats show signs of disease. This means that many infected cats lead normal lives, especially with good care.
What are the specific updates to the previous guidelines? • The incidence of both diseases in the U.S. is around 3 percent and has not significantly changed since publication of the previous guidelines. • Salivary RNA testing is now available for FeLV, but is of limited use due to poor sensitivity. The point-of-care antigen (viral surface particle) test remains the most reliable for screening. • Cats infected with FeLV have more natural ability to eliminate
the virus than we previously thought. We do not know how much mere exposure to the FeLV virus contributes to problems later in life. • There are still no effective treatments for either disease.
How are Feline Leukemia and Immunodeficiency viruses detected? There are fast, accurate inclinic tests for both diseases. It is important to remember that any test is only one snapshot in time. Both diseases have incubation periods during which detection is difficult. Negative results should be repeated if the cat has a recent risk of exposure. Alternatively, false positive results may occur, especially in populations of cats at low risk of disease, such as single, indoor cats. Positive results should be confirmed, especially if the cat does not fit the clinical picture of the disease. The FIV test detects antibodies which are produced
by exposure to the virus. False positives can occur in cats vaccinated for FIV and in kittens from infected mothers. FIV-test-positive kittens should be retested at 6 months of age, as they should no longer have antibodies from their mothers at that age.
How can pet owners protect their cats against these viruses?
vaccinations, parasite prevention and good nutrition—helps to keep cats healthier and less susceptible to infection. Safe, effective vaccinations are available for FeLV. All kittens should receive vaccinations for FeLV because they are at the most vulnerable age for infection, and it is difficult to predict the future lifestyle of a cat. Vaccination of adult cats
Number one is to prevent exposure. Keep cats indoors and test any cat prior to introduction into the home. Neutering outdoor cats lessens fighting and roaming behaviors, and therefore lessens the risk of infection. Good preventative care—such as check-ups,
depends upon risk of exposure. Indoor cats without exposure to other cats may not need vaccination. At-risk adult cats may be vaccinated every one to three years depending on the level of exposure and brand of vaccination used. This vaccine does not interfere with test results. However, the vaccine for FIV is no longer available in the U.S. It caused false positive results on routine testing and did not provide many protective advantages.
Tips to make your home more cat-friendly Millions of people cannot imagine life at home without their cats. Cats make wonderful pets, bringing their own unique personality into a home and providing companionship to their owners. As great as cats are, millions still enter animal shelters every year. According to the ASPCA, roughly half of the 6.5 million companion animals that enter United States animal shelters each year are cats. And while figures are thankfully on the decline, hundreds of thousands of those cats end up being euthanized. Local animal shelters are home to many cats that would make great pets, and prospective cat owners are urged to visit such shelters to find cats that would make welcome additions to their homes. For those who find cats to take home, the following are a
handful of ways to make a home as cat-friendly as possible.
make sure these appliances and areas are inaccessible.
Take stock of appliances that pose as safety risks.
Watch how cats behave around cat flaps.
Certain appliances pose potentially significant threats to cats’ safety. For example, International Cat Care notes that open washing machines or tumble dryers, particularly those with warm clothes inside, may be too tempting for cats to ignore. Unsuspecting homeowners may close the doors to washers and dryers, trapping cats inside, or even turn the appliances on without recognizing the cats are inside. Always keep doors to such appliances closed, and check to make sure cats are not inside before using these appliances. Paper shredders and work stations with lots of wires also pose a safety risk to cats, so
Some cats respond positively to cat flaps, while others do not. Cat flaps also may invite other cats into a home, which can upset your cat and make it vulnerable to attack. While some cats may want the freedom a cat flap allows, others may be on edge around the cat flap. Let cats’ behavior dictate if you will keep the cat flap or not.
Watch how cats drink water. International Cat Care notes that the presence of water near food may deter some cats from drinking enough fluids. That’s because cats naturally hunt for food and water separately. Some cats may be fine if food and water are in the same bowl, but if you notice your cat is ignoring
its water bowl, try placing it elsewhere in the home to ensure your cat gets enough fluids.
Provide high but safe resting places. Cats want to rest and observe their surroundings from on high. Don’t deter cats from resting in such places, but make sure they’re positioned in such a way that cats can safely get down when they want to. Cats make wonderful pets, particularly when welcomed into catfriendly homes.
SPRING 2020 | DISCOVER EAST ALABAMA | 15
Joey L ong (334) 229-9120
New Homes
L ess than a mile from campus THE BARKLEY $352,967.34 | 1,805 SQ FT 3 BR | 2.5 BTH
THE NEWTON $417,385.02 | 2,385 SQ FT 4 BR | 3 BTH
THE JACKSON $392,395.34 | 2,207 SQ FT 3 BR | 2.5 BTH
T H E S U L L I VA N $422,937.07 | 2,619 SQ FT 3 BDR | 2.5 BTH