Precious Pets Vol 2, Issue 2 by PreciousPets

Precious Pets The ultimate monthly paper for pets and their owners LIKE US ON

VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 2 • SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca #33ccff logo (web color)

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The heartbreak

hound

5 ncert Cats Meow Co

Litter box woe

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Averil with her beloved Goldens

Credit Bram D. Eisenthal

Slithering down the 401… So off we went on September 13th, to Toronto, Ontario, to cover the nation’s biggest reptile event and one of the largest pet events period: the Canadian Reptile and Exotic Pet Breeders Expo, held in Mississauga, at the vast International Centre, right next to Pearson Airport. Yup, Precious Pets was there and we had an amazing time, thanks to the kind invitation from organizer Grant Crossman, a fairly new buddy of our paper. Highlights for us included mingling with dozens of exhibitors and, of course, Tina’s handling of her first ever snake, a 12-foot python. You can share that moment with us live, if you visit our Precious Pets Media Group Inc. page on Facebook, where several videos from the event will be found. We encourage you to visit our page regularly – “Like” us, even (it won’t cost a cent) – because this video component will become a regular part of the proceedings. So that was a recent highlight. A lowlight, unfortunately, was our cancellation of our first anniversary party, due to apparent disinterest. Sorry to say I was quite disappointed due to vastly low projected attendance, which was hardly reason enough to throw a bash…. Though we do thank the people who did want to attend, as well as the suppliers who

intended to donate their goods and services to our cause. Since Gerdy’s Rescues was going to benefit from our event by receiving donations, we have decided to organize another event in the near

Barking Bram with Bram D. Elsenthal featuring snacks and literature from advertisers, as well as a show and door prizes. Stay tuned to these pages, as well as to our Facebook page, for more information. Maybe this time more than 25 people will choose to attend. We hope so. We’d love to meet our supporters! As for upcoming thrills, October is our most fun time of years, as we bring you our Halloween issue, aptly named – tongue firmly planted in cheek, of course - Pernicious Pests. A full report on the reptile expo will also be featured in our October issue, along with lots of fun pics. So, look for your copy at your favourite location near you! We’ll be out before the end of October 2014… we promise!

future, likely at Dollar Cinema if they still want to host us. It will not be a party, but it will be an event,

We are far from lucky with Loto-Quebec running things I do not often go off topic like this, but occasionally I reserve my right to tackle non-pet issues in this space. In this case, I am furious with Loto-Quebec for losing approximately $120 million dollars of taxpayers’ money as they made a horrid investment at casinos in France and, pffffft, there went funds that could have been used for other things, important things like animal welfare or, say, hospitals.... In my opinion, Loto-Quebec is acting in irresponsible fashion with OUR money and has been for decades. Just walk into an SAQ outlet to buy a bottle of wine and see what , if anything decent, you can get for, say, under

$10 today. Meanwhile, over the Ontario border at an LCBO outlet, they not only offer a much wider choice of quality wines, but they sell them much less expensively, too. When I was publishing The Local Herald, columnist Sol Boxenbaum wrote an outraged piece following Loto-Quebec’s decision to open a casino in Mont-Tremblant, a casino I have visited many times, by the way. Sol predicted that this casino would not last a decade, I believe. Guess what? It will be shut down sometime in 2015, I learned recently. Sorry, Sol, you were off by a few years. And I believe the Montreal casino is so horribly managed that it may be a casualty of LQ misadventure in the not-too-distant future, as well. In a Local Herald feature I wrote for the June 2013 issue, I rated the casinos within a few hours’ drive from Montreal. The Awkasasne Mohawk Casino in Massena, New York, came in first and the Montreal casino came in dead last. In my mind, it was not even a close race. Loto-Quebec should sell this badly-operated dive (where you pay over $2 for coffee and hot chocolate carried on those little carts... the ONLY casino to charge for that) to the Mohawks and then perhaps we Montrealers can enjoy a world-class venue for a change. Mind you, Loto-Quebec’s Casino de Hull is admittedly far superior. I guess the management here is simply atrocious. And now… on with the pet show….

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ADVERTISING AND CLASSIFIEDS: ........................................................438 E-MAIL: ......info@preciouspetscanada.com EDITORIAL:................. 514 The ultimate monthly paper for pets and their owners Precious Pets is a publication of Precious Pets Media Group Inc. Volume 2, Issue 2, September 2014. Copyright 2014. Precious Pets does not accept responsibility for errors, misprints or inaccuracies published within. The opinions and statements of our columnists are not presumed to be the opinions and statements of Precious Pets Group Inc.

VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

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MAILING ADDRESS: ..............................................P.O. Box 66521, Cavendish Mall, Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 3J6 PUBLISHER AND EDITOR:.....................................................................................................Bram D. Eisenthal SALES MANAGER:........................................................................................................................ Tina Di Salvia CREATIVE DESIGN:...............................................................................................................James McCafferty ONTARIO DIRECTOR & DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA:...........................................................Janet Boiangiu PROOFREADER:............................................................................................................... Elysya Scerbo-Pasta

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

Angel of mercy Robinson views pets as blessings, not playthings STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRAM D. EISENTHAL - EXCLUSIVE TO PRECIOUS PETS

When we started this paper, our sales manager Tina stumbled upon a particular woman and called me to tell me all about her. “Bram, you are not going to believe this amazing woman I just met and this amazing business of her’s,” she told me.

I soon met Averil Robinson and every word Tina had uttered was true. She was just that amazing. This animal’s angel of mercy, who hails from the UK originally,

owns and operates Pet Friends in Vaudreuil, Quebec, a one-of-a kind pet funeral home, a safe haven that helps you ease the terminal suffering if your pet needs to move on, from very large dogs down to field mice. And she has handled many pets that cross that sad spectrum. “Childhood was in England and my aunt and grandmother were dog breeders,” Averil told me. “My aunt also had a boarding kennel and was well known for her work in rescue. Her house was full of orphan pets including a pheasant who became her personal body guard, roosting on the foot of her bed. “From early childhood I learned by example,” she added. “When visiting, children sat on the floor and the dogs occupied the chairs, so from a very early age I learned that our pets were to us like any human family member. Respect for animals is not only obeying the law that protects them, but being taught as a child to honour and care for them. Averil actually came to Canada as a young child, but she realized quickly that there was a lot

of work to be done in her eventual field of endeavour. “It was winter, I could not bury in the hard ground, so my deceased cat Hawkeye ended up at the local vet. No one told me what really happened to his body, so when I did find out I was appalled and filled with guilt. This was a member of my family who had given me his total love and loyalty at all times in his life. I vowed to change things if I needed this service again and realized there were others who needed this care for their pet, so Pet Friends was born in1998. “It was a difficult road. There were few professionals in veterinary practice that saw the need for a private cremation or burial in a pet cemetery. They needed to be educated... a family

that loses a pet family member needs the same closure they get following human loss.” Yet Pet Friends is just one of the businesses that take up Averil’s time. From her home in Alexandria, Ontario, she rescues and attempts to find good homes for Golden Retrivers, but with a major caveat attached: “I will not take a Golden that is less than eight years of age,” she told me at her home, where I was hosted by Averil and husband Harry Halls, as well as Retreivers Misha, 10, and Bella, 11, both older dogs Averil had previously saved from extremely cruel fates. She had five dogs living with her not so long ago, but three have since

BLESSINGS CONTINUES PAGE 12

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

Owls: More than mere `hoot machines` Seeing an owl can be quite a hoot! If you have already seen one in its natural habitat, you were quite

privileged!! Their plumage blends so well with their surroundings that it makes it almost impossible for predators and curious humans to spot them. Most owls are nocturnal birds. They will sleep during the day in a tree cavity or in a quiet roost and will hunt mainly at night. The majority of them have a very poor sense of smell but they have amazing hearing. Some owls can hunt in total darkness, using just their hearing to guide them to a potential meal. Incredibly, they can hear prey even if it is covered under the snow or a layer of leaves. Their skeleton is strong and fairly light. It makes up about 7 - 9 percent of their body weight. Did you know that most of their bones are hollow, which helps reduce their weight? If only I could have hollow bones like the owls: I would be so much happier when I stand on my scale! Another hoot to toot about is that their wing structure and plumage makes their flights almost silent, even when they are cruising at top speed. That stealthy flight will help them hear their prey better. Owls have exceptional night vision but they have difficulties

Birds of a Feather with Chantal Gargano seeing things that are close to their eyes. The little tactile bristles around their beak compensates for that. Also, their bills are curved downwards (a bit like a hook) in order to keep their visual field clear. Another interesting feature about their sight is that they can view objects in 3D and they have three eyelids protecting and cleaning their eyes. Also note that owls are unable to move their eyes in the sockets and cannot freakily turn their heads 360 degrees as a lot of people might think. But their long, flexible necks will enable them to turn their heads as much as 270 degrees in both directions.I truly wish I could do that! Can you imagine how I could impress - or perhaps freak out- my family with this amazing ability (ED. NOTE: You`d

be a bit like Regan in The Exorcist, Chantal… if so, please audition for our Halloween issue)! Another fascinating feature about owls - and careful now, readers, because what follows might be a bit gross, albeit natural - they can only digest the soft tissues of their prey. The rest will be expelled by their beaks as pellets a few hours after their meal. Those pellets are made of indigestible material, such as bones, fur and feathers. As disgusting as it might sound to us humans, it is part of an owl`s way of life and it also provides valuable information to scientists about what the owls have been eating. I hope that you learned some fun and informative facts about these amazing birds and that you have a hoot watching for them in your area!

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A Spooky for Readers

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Gentle when stroked – Fierce when Provoked BY JULIANA PAVELKA-JOHNSTON PRECIOUS PETS EXCLUSIVE

The Irish Wolfhound is known as the heart break hound, because they will break your heart. Their average life span is 8 years. Though it does lift my spirits to see the 10 to 12 year old hounds in Veteran Group, taking place at the Quebec Regional Specialty Show, held yearly in St. Jean sur Richelieu. When out walking with my hounds, we hear lots of questions: He’s so big, how much does he eat? Does he need a lot of exercise? Are they good with children, cats, hamsters, rabbits???????? A few years back at the Latin festival my boy was even mistaken for a Lama – yah, go figure. I guess the individual had too much sun that day, or he recalled this fellow from one of our parades. There is a clear difference between a Lama and an Irish wolfhound. They are large hounds with an elegant gate, majestic stance, warm eyes, button nose and they do think they are lap dogs. Mine is 170 lbs., and he will sit in my lap and watch the TV with me and my husband. He does eat about 3 lbs of raw meat, he likes his frozen smelts, tuna, salmon, yogurt, and loves strawberries. “Hooligan”, once stole the B-B-Q chicken off the counter, and shared it with his brother Kuri. Yes, this is annoying, as I had to make alternate dinner plans that evening. To make things worse, Hoolie went upstairs to the guest bed room, and wiped his beard on

the blanket. I only went outside for a second to plant one of my chrysanthemums, and well, they have no problem reaching your counter tops. In fact, Hoolie counter surfs regularly, and forget the top of the refrigerator because he can reach that too.

It took me 6-months to train Kuri not to eat the family cat. In the interim, I had bruised ribs, skimmed knee, and my manicurist made a fortune on me, at that time. Wolfhounds are sight hounds, and if it moves, they will chase. Like any

dog they are curious, and the cat has to confront the dog, before they are on common ground together. My eureka moment came when “cat-man” pushed aside the baby-gate, and chased 135lbs, standing 6’5 on hind legs, most surprised “Kuri”, down the stairs to hide behind me for protection. From that point forward, they were the best of friends, and they even shared the pillow together. Hooligan had no issue with catman what so ever. Hoolie was sound asleep on the pillow one evening until cat-man sneaked up on him, let out his cat-roar. I have never seen 170lbs of dog in the air, on all fours so fast. The relationship was established. The cat rules! Aotearoa Whero Kuri, my boy (Maori for: Land of the Long White Cloud’s Red Dog), was my beloved first hound. Hooligan, (Windseeker Wayward Son) is Papa’s boy. The best way to describe them as Kuri is the Rock Star, and Hooligan as Le Fonctionnaire. We were out at Pointe-du- Moulin walking one day, and this is the description a passer-by had blessed them with. Kuri was slender with that beautiful hound figure, graceful and a bit on the shy side, while Hooligan is very outgoing, and sometimes quite comical. Hooligan loves to show, and is a regular in the St. Patrick’s Parades. Sometimes there is the possibility that there might be rivalry between

males, but both our boys got along fine with each other, the cat, and they just loved to be with us. Both hounds are CKC champs. I lost my Kuri last year the end of October. He suddenly turned ill, and he died in my arms in the K-911 Ambulance. Our technician tried hard to resuscitate him that day, and I will always be grateful to my ambulance technician who was with me. The autopsy proved inconclusive. To this day we all miss Kuri very much, but mostly cat-man, as he still checks the vestibule, where Kuri used to sleep, and guard the front door. In the morning my animals would bow and greet each other, and us with a wagging tail and the wolfie lean. The dogs lean into you as though they own you. My husband purports that they do own you! They are pack animals and you are a part of the pack. The pet guardian, the pack leader, or whatever term you would label yourself, these magnificent beasts have a heart of gold, gentle demeanor, but don’t piss them off, as they were the brave souls that chased the wolves from Ireland! For more information on Irish Wolfhounds you may consult The Irish Wolfhound Club of Canada: www.iwcc.ca. A non-profit organization that was created to protect and advance the Irish Wolfhound in Canada.

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

Cats Meow Concert 2014:

CSL puts on third annual fundraiser to benefit cats STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRAM D. EISENTHAL PRECIOUS PETS EXCLUSIVE

It is no secret by now that I am extremely proud and impressed to live in a community that is the envy of others across Canada... and that pride extends to the City of Cote Saint-Luc’s concern for the welfare of animals. The councillor for my district (No. 2), Michael J. Cohen, saw to that when he led the way and helped create a Cats Committee, which undertakes the task of trapping, neutering or spaying and releasing or adopting out ferile cats on our turf. Mike’s committee, headed by the hardworking Shelley Schecter of EduChat and her enviable team of volunteers, organizes an annual fundraiser that I have had the privilege of attending the past two years. This year’s third Cat’s Meow Concert (August 26, 2014) was no different and the bar may even have been raised a bit, as veteran world-class conductor Joseph Milo led his talented Musicians of the World symphony orchestra through a first-half melange of crowd-pleasing classical tunes, including:

Thus Spoke Zarathustra (Strauss), Overture – The Barber of Seville (Rossini); Hungarian Dance No. 1 (Brahms); Peer Gynt, Suite No. 1: Morning Mood, In the Hall of the Mountain King (Grieg); Quando M’en Vo, from La Boheme (Puccini, featuring Soprano Brigitte O’Halloran); Sabre Dance (Khachaturian); The Swan (Saint-Saens, Babich and Bellomia); The Jewel, from Faust (Gounod) and Espagna (Chabrier). I have mentioned Soprano O’Halloran and she is worth much more than merely a footnote. This stunning performer with a nightingale voice charmed us last year as well and, attired in a lovely evening gown, she was as radiant as ever, both vocally and visually. Alexandra Cohen, a Cats Committee founder, also performed two terrific vocals, including an exceptionally-inspired rendition of Defying Gravity, from the long-running hit Broadway musical Wicked. This song is about realizing your goals against all odds and that is exactly what Cote Saint-Luc is doing to benefit their cat community and pet

lovers, too. Representing the municipality, councillors Mike Cohen and Sam Goldbloom (“Dogs have owners, cats have staff,” he joked) tendered opening remarks, Mayor Anthony Housefather also brought greetings and Cohen also spoke glowingly about former CSL mayor Bernard Lang, an early supporter of the Cat Committee who passed away recently. Although recently-elected Member of Parliament David Birnbaum (Mount Royal) was unable to attend, it was announced that his riding was donating $500 to this cause. The second half of the show featured more entertainment from the Musicians of the World Symphony Orchestra, as well as a special presentation to Diane Leibling, “an angel,” according to Councilor Cohen. “We have a small group of volunteers and every now and then we get a new member. Diane joined the group a few years ago and quickly stepped into a leadership role, giving up her family garage— their cars suddenly located on the streets -and keeping it heated or cooled so she could foster homeless cats. She goes out and traps and seeks out adoptees. I do not know what we would do without her.” The 2014 Cats Meow Concert, another sold-out affair numbering over 300 attendees, raised some $2,800 to benefit the Cote Saint-Luc Cats Committee. Precious Pets looks forward to next year’s event with tremendous anticipation. NOTE: Loyal reader Gail Goldstein sent in a link for cat lovers everywhere: http://www.lifebuzz. com/cat-guide/ Thanks, Gail!

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

Editorial Board THE EDITORIAL BOARD OF PRECIOUS PETS IS COMPRISED OF INDIVIDUALS CONNECTED TO THE PET FIELD IN SOME MANNER, WHO ARE READY TO ADVISE THE PARTNERS AND/OR STAFF WHEN

ASKED FOR THEIR OPINIONS. THEY ARE:

MICHAEL J. COHEN, COUNCILOR, CITY OF COTE SAINT-LUC (QUEBEC) AND FOUNDER OF ITS CATS COMMITTEE AVERIL ROBINSON, OWNER PET FRIENDS (VAUDREUIL, QUEBEC)

GERDY GOURON, OWNER OF GERDY’S RESCUES AND ADOPTIONS (QUEBEC) DR. WOJCIECH WYBRANOWSKI – VETERINARIAN (MONTREAL’S WEST ISLAND) GABY DUFRESNE-ST. CYR – OWNER OF DOGUESHOP (MONTREAL) SUZANNE VILLENEUVE – PRESIDENT: SUZANNE VILLENEUVE ASSOCIATES INC. & SVBIZ INC.

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

In memory of

Jaspurr

OH DEEP ANGUISH AND SORROW, YOU’VE SPARED ME NO EXQUISITELY SAD DETAIL. MY PAIN FOR YOUR PASSING SEEMS WITHOUT END, BUT YOUR LAST TEACHING OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, SWEET JASPURR, IS FULLY RECEIVED. I SHALL HONOR YOUR MEMORY… OUR SWEET BRAVE LITTLE SOLDIER, AS YOU’RE SUFFERING IS NOW FINALLY OVER.

JASPURR FLOYD - 2013-09-09

EDITORIAL

Demanding an end to gassing pounds BY

GERDY GOURON, GERDY’S RESCUES, QUEBEC

MAPAQ ( Ministère de l’agriculture, des pêcheries et de l’alimentation du Québec) had promised that the Province of Quebec would be rid of “gassing pounds” by 2014. Yet there are still pounds that gas dogs and cats. It is still going on. Why? In a day and age when we are supposed to have evolved beyond using such barbaric methods, it is still in use in municipalities which contract out animal control to these terrible places. People often think that a pound is a place of refuge for lost or stray cats and dogs, to be “rehomed” or in cases of severe sickness or injury, to be euthanized with kindness, compassion and concern for the well being of the animal. This is not necessarily so. Gassing as a means of euthanasia is ugly and barbaric. The animals to be gassed are without food for three

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

days previously, presumably to make them weaker so they don’t fight the gas. It often does not work that way. Dogs and cats can all be thrown in together, alive, to capacity. Then the gas is turned on. At the end, sometimes one or two are still alive, to be gassed again with the next batch. This inhumane way of disposing of unwanted domestic pets has to stop. The municipalities are paying so much per animal to the pound to euthanize them. That is how they make money. And the only concern of the municipality is that certain non-domestic pets are on the street, whether they be cats or dogs. There is no worry or care, apparently no questions asked as to the humanity of this way of disposal. In fact in a case a few years ago,

DEMAND CONTINUES PAGE 13

They Call Me Dr. W

Dr. Google (BY DR. WYBRANOWSKI, B.SC. DVM CCRT)

A nationwide survey conducted by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) of over 700 small animal practitioners showed that 98 percent of them believe that their clients are influenced by the information found on the Internet. Had it been conducted in Canada, I think the results would have been very similar. It is true that the Internet has given everyone access to a lot more information then we have ever had before, but unfortunately not all information is good information. As clients spend time searching the Internet and applying the home remedies they find in an effort to help their pet, they are unfortunately delaying the delivery of proper medical care for their pet. Dr Google can be helpful, but you cannot compare him to your veterinarian that has a university degree in veterinary medicine, years of experience and knows your pet. If medicine would be so straightforward that you could go up to a vending machine, plug in your Medicare card and your signs of disease and… out would pop some pills to cure your malady, I am very sure the RAMQ would like to install these in front of every doctor’s office. Think of how much money we would save as taxpayers! That day is not here and probably will never be found in the human healthcare field, but this is an even more unlikely scenario in the delivery of pet health care. Our pets don’t speak - they suffer in silence. Hundreds of thousands of years of evolution has taught them not to show signs of disease in order to escape predators or from being picked on by other pack members. Understanding what ails your pet requires medical skills. It starts from taking the proper history, asking the right questions, examining the patient, performing the right diagnostic tests and only then coming up with a diagnosis followed by a treatment plan. The BVA survey concluded that 81 percent of veterinarians felt that patients were being brought in too late. I strongly agree with this position and see that happening in my practice every day. People delay the delivery of veterinary medical care primarily because they don’t see the problem. Either the pet does not look sick, is not complaining or, besides that, functions relatively normally. Always ask yourself what you would do if you

had these symptoms, no matter what your pet is acting like. If you would normally seek a doctor’s advice, please call your vet: Delaying will only make things worse. So, go ahead and search the Internet, but please go to reputable sites such as: American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), American Association of Feline

Practitioners (AAFP), Animal Health Institute, and Pets Matter by AAHA, all good ones. Also, all veterinary school universities have owner-friendly information sites, but please leave Dr Google alone-- he flunked his vet school. For a more complete list of sites that offer credible client oriented pet health information go to our

website at www.animal911.ca ED. NOTE: As we are all guilty – most of us, anyhow - of self-diagnosing our own illnesses, this is sage advice for humans, too. If you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately.

Dr. Wybranowski and Willow

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

Litter box woes What do you do if your cat starts peeing outside the litter box? Is it the litter or is it the box? Could there be stress in your home, or could your fur baby have a medical issue needing attention? We have to ask ourselves a few questions before we know the exact answer. The first question to ask is: Am I keeping my cat’s litter box clean enough? At a bare minimum, you should be scooping your box on a daily basis, as there is no need for your cat to trample in its own waste. If you have a multicat household, you may need to up the frequency depending on your cat-to-box ratio… which leads me to my next point. The second question to ask is: Do I have enough litter boxes and does my cat like them? Usually, any vet will tell you to have as many litter boxes as cats, plus one additional box. I have five cats and yes, I have six boxes. It might sound like a lot, but the truth is, it’s better to have more than not enough. A lot of cats either don’t like sharing boxes, or

just prefer a certain box for one purpose and another for the second. An extra box also helps in situations where one cat has had a messy accident. Now, knowing whether or not your cat actually likes their litter box is a bit of a trickier puzzle to solve, so put on your Sherlock Holmes cat hat and start observing. There are many different factors to account for during your litter box investigation: Box size, wall heights, lids or no lids, box placement and litter type included. It has always been my experience that bigger boxes are better. A bigger box decreases the chance that your cat accidentally pees out the front or back. It will also decrease the frequency of excessive digging in litter. Digging around is your cat’s way of either finding a spot to “go,” or trying to cover up where she “went.” More digging increases the chance of clumps of urine being broken up. No doubt you’ll end up missing these broken bits when you’re scooping and therefore you will leave odours

Chatty Catty with Samantha Havill

behind. If you have a kitten or an older cat, you may have to take into account their lack of mobility and adjust your litter box accordingly… an entrance to a box that is too high (wall height) can discourage your cat from using it if she is having trouble getting in and out of it. Lids can also be discouraging as some cats may feel trapped. If your cat does better “sans” lid, then – take it off! If you are cleaning your box on a daily basis there shouldn’t be much of an odour to filter or visual or a charming view that needs to be covered by a lid. Another way to avoid looking at the feces is to put the box in a well-lit but low-traffic area of the house. This is good for both you and the cat, ‘cause who likes to go to the washroom with everyone looking?? Not very relaxing , eh?! The last factor is the type of litter you are using. Without going into detail about litter (that’s

a whole other column) I will tell you that, yes, some cats are very easy and will use just about anything you will give them, but some won’t. If you notice your cat coming out, spreading her toes and dropping a whole bunch of litter out, that is one sign that that the litter isn’t working for her and that it’s time to give her options. Present her with two litter boxes with different litters and use your judgment. It is truly a trial and error situation to find what works best for both you and your cat, but stay away from strong perfumed litters….remember that their sense of smell is 14 times stronger than ours! Here’s your chance to get a leg up on the litter battle and win a brand new litter box, litter locker, refill and bag of my favorite litter. Go to www.westislandcats.com or visit West Island Cats on Facebook for full contest rules and regulations!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF OF PRECIOUS PETS, THE ULTIMATE PAPER FOR PETS AND THEIR OWNERS, WOULD LIKE TO WISH OUR JEWISH READERS A HAPPY NEW YEAR (L’SHANA TOVA) AND OUR CHRISTIAN READERS A HAPPY THANKSGIVING. MAY WE ALL FINALLY REALIZE AND CELEBRATE PEACE AND GOODWILL AROUND THE WORLD, WHATEVER OUR SPIRITUAL CONVICTIONS.

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

Tools of the trade Doggie Do with John Truss

One of the main issues I hear from dog owners is that their dog pulls on the leash. Walking your canine friend is supposed to be a relaxing and bonding time and constant pulling can quickly become frustrating even to the point where some dog owners only walk their dog late at night so they don’t run into any distractions. There are many reasons why a dog will pull, including overexcitement or social and spatial pressure being put on them from other animals. There have been many harnesses and collars invented over the years to help dog owners deal with puling and there seems to be a new one being marketed every day. All of these devices work on the principle that when the dog pulls they create a discomfort which causes the dog to find a more

comfortable position. They are not magic. Head halters have long been marketed as “gentle.” The reality is that they are only gentle for the human. They cause a twisting motion to the dog’s neck which is uncomfortable. No-pull harnesses close across the chest putting pressure on the dog’s shoulders and biceps. This causes a discomfort and the dog slows down to find a more comfortable position. Prong collars also work under the same principle. They put pressure on the dog’s neck and cause him to slow down. A canine chiropractor friend of mine tells (the human companions of) all of his patients with neck and spinal issues that prong collars place the least amount of stress on the dog’s neck because the pressure is spread over a wider area.

Every dog is different and what works for one may not work for the other. There is no magic to these devices. They are all aversive tools used to get the dog to stop pulling. Some may look more menacing and some may be marketed better than the others, but they all work on the same principle and all have dangers associated with them. If a head halter is being constantly pulled on, the dog can develop

neck problems. If a no-pull harness is constantly being pulled on it can cause spinal issues over time. The bottom line is that these are only tools and need to be used effectively, along with training and conditioning programs intended to desensitize the dog to various stimuli. If you are unsure how to use them properly you should consult a professional trainer.

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PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

BLESSINGS

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gone on to loftier rewards. Now, these two fine, affectionate and very furry ladies share Averil and Harry’s four-acre abode on a lake and are pampered like mad while they are still here with us on this astral plane of existence. I spent an incredible few hours getting to know the two dogs, the Hallses and basking in what is certainly the finest example of natural Canadian splendour I have ever experienced. “When involved in the animal world, one cannot help meeting extraordinary people who are involved in rescue,” said Averil. “I met Gerdy Gouron from Gerdys Rescues, from whom I learned the fate of so many old abandoned dogs, who have so little chance of finding a forever home. I opened the door at my country home to old Golden Retrievers, plus a few other breeds with special needs. We have fostered up to seven dogs at a time. Sadly, when they come to me their lives are not going to be long here because they are already 8-years and up. “I have consolation that they will be loved here, will have the best vet care and they will leave this Earth with our vet at their home, surrounded by their loving forever family. Their ashes will be scattered on the land they so adored, where they frolicked and found peace and security in their old age.” Averil ends with a savvy sug-

gestion. “Travel to England even today and see that dogs are allowed in restaurants and, when travelling on a bus, do not be surprised to see a dog occupying a seat next to his or her guardian.” Now that’s progress. Time to demand of your elected officials, pet lovers, that our various levels of government show the same level of respect, for once. Pet funeral home Pet Friends is there to offer a secure private cremation or burial and to help families through this difficult time of loss. You can contact them by e-mail at petfriends.noscopains@gmail.com or by phone at 514-947-0168. Their website is at www.petfriends.ca. ED. NOTE: When Tina had to have her beloved family dog Rocco put down two months ago, she contacted Averil, who made all the necessary arrangements and provided the family with tremendous support and caring. Tina talks about the experience to this day, although the pain of her tragic loss is indelible. Please remember that Precious Pets operates a monthly grief group should you or a friend require a special level of support and that this group-subsidized by Little Bear of Westmount- is endorsed by Averil herself.

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PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

Beautiful-but-toxic Dogs and cats have a way of ingesting a variety of odd, indigestible substances and many can make them very ill. Less obvious than the plastics and fabrics, and just about anything else that lies on the ground, household plants (whether in the garden, the home or in the wild) are all potential poisons. Seven of the most common offenders are: 1. Aloe Vera, a wonderful remedy for burns but a prescription for vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, anorexia and changes in urine color if gobbled by your pet. 2. Amaryllis, the stunning potted bulb popular during the holidays that can result in hyper salivation, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. 3. Begonias, the popular garden plant whose tubers are the most toxic part and can incite oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips. 4. Lilies which may be fragrant and delicate but are highly toxic - not to dogs, but to cats -even in small doses. Downing a lily may result in kidney failure. 5. Poinsettia, the one plant

we’ve all been warned about which is actually less toxic than described. Symptoms of this poisoning include irritation to the mouth and stomach which may cause mild vomiting. 6. Tulip/Narcissus, with toxins most concentrated in the bulb, may invite the Spring but in dogs and cats will induce intense gastrointestinal irritation, loss of appetite, drooling, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities. 7. Tomato plant, which may please a human with its heady, intoxicating fragrance but can provide substantial discomfort to your pet by causing confusion, behavioural changes, dilated pupils and a slow heart rate. Other symptoms of poisoning by plants can include: anxiety, restlessness, coldness of body parts, constriction of air passages, wheezing, and retching. If your four-legged friend has found its way to any of the above, call animal poison control for advice (if you have one in your city) and immediately head to the vet. On the way, take advantage of homeopathy by giving a dose of

DEMAND

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we did a big demonstration along with other groups and individuals, in front of a gassing pound, following a gassing pound complaint made to us. A TV station was called in to investigate. The station flew a helicopter over the site and saw carcasses scattered in the back field, later ordered to be removed. Subsequently the CSST was called in after the gassing apparatus was found to be leaking! The CSST recommended that it had to be fixed as it was bad for the health of employees operating the system used to kill the animals. Apparently any thought about the torture of the animals in an inefficient gas chamber that would prolong the length of time required

to die, was not expressed. It was all about the health of the employees only. Is it acceptable to municipalities, which are comprised of people paying taxes, to operate these places? How many residents of a community know that this sort of thing is still going on? Does their opinion count? People are employed to do this. What kind of person would be able to do this, time and time again, for a salary? Certainly not a person of compassion. Yet in 2014 this method of killing unwanted domestic pets goes on here in Quebec, in spite of the promise of MAPAQ to have stopped this

Pet Healer with Barbara Etcovitch

one of the two following remedies at 5 to 10-minute intervals: Arsenicum Album 6C or 30C when the symptoms include: coldness of body parts, constriction of air passages, simultaneous vomiting and diarrhea and fear with cold perspiration. or Nux Vomica 6C or 30C when the symptoms include: hypersensitivity, digestive disturbances, convulsions, shallow, oppressed breathing, nausea and vomiting with retching, scanty diarrhea, and aggravation from movement and touch. Barbara Etcovitch is a Classical Homeopath, Interfaith Minister, freelance writer, and lecturer. She has a BA from Sir

barbaric form of euthanasia. If the government officials in this province attended only one of these mass euthanasias, they would be sick to their stomachs and might do something about it. In the meantime, unwanted or unclaimed pets continue to die in this manner, at the hands of people so out of touch with a gentler, kinder and more humane way, such as a

George Williams University, a MA in Literature from the University of Ottawa, and a diploma in Classical Homeopathy from the School of Homeopathy in Devon, England. She was ordained by the All Faiths Seminary International in New York City in 2004. She offers naming and funeral services for animals, grief counseling for guardians, and includes the treatment of animals in her homeopathic practices in Quebec and Ontario. Her services are available worldwide via Skype. ED. NOTE: A VERY important topic, Barbara, one that can save your pet’s life, readers. Thanks, Pet Healer!

veterinarian, albeit at a higher cost to the municipality. ED. NOTE: My late mother was a Holocaust survivor. Jews, the mentally handicapped and other “undesirables”were gassed by the murderous, despicable, subhuman Nazis. I will not make a comparison here, but it seems to me that the gassing of any living thing is heinous and beyond human acceptance.

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

Pet Memorial Author Unknown

I STOOD BY YOUR BED LAST NIGHT, I CAME TO HAVE A PEEP. I COULD SEE THAT YOU WERE CRYING, YOU FOUNDIT HARD TO SLEEP. I WHINED TO YOU SOFTLY AS YOU BRUSHED AWAY A TEAR, “IT’S ME, I HAVEN’T LEFT YOU, I’M WELL, I’M FINE, I’M HERE.” I WAS CLOSE TO YOU AT BREAKFAST, I WATCHED YOU POUR THE TEA, YOU WERE THINKING OF THE MANY TIMES, YOUR HANDS REACHED DOWN TO ME. I WAS WITH YOU AT THE SHOPS TODAY, YOUR ARMS WERE GETTING SORE.

YOU LOOKED SO VERY TIRED, AND SANK INTO A CHAIR. I TRIED SO HARD TO LET YOU KNOW, THAT I WAS STANDING THERE. IT’S POSSIBLE FOR ME, TO BE SO NEAR YOU EVERY DAY. TO SAY TO YOU WITH CERTAINTY, “I NEVER WENT AWAY.” YOU SAT THERE VERY QUIETLY, THEN SMILED, I THINK YOU KNEW... IN THE STILLNESS OF THAT EVENING, I WAS VERY CLOSE TO YOU.

THE DAY IS OVER... I SMILE AND WATCH YOU YAWNING AND SAY “GOOD-NIGHT, GOD BLESS, I’LL SEE YOU IN THE MORNING.” I LONGED TO TAKE YOUR PARCELS, I WISH I COULD DO MORE. AND WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT FOR YOU TO CROSS THE BRIEF DIVIDE, I WAS WITH YOU AT MY GRAVE TODAY, YOU TEND IT WITH SUCH CARE. I’LL RUSH ACROSS TO GREET YOU AND WE’LL STAND, SIDE BY SIDE. I WANT TO RE-ASSURE YOU, THAT I’M NOT LYING THERE. I HAVE SO MANY THINGS TO SHOW YOU, THERE IS SO MUCH FOR YOU I WALKED WITH YOU TOWARDS THE HOUSE, AS YOU FUMBLED FOR TO SEE. YOUR KEY. BE PATIENT, LIVE YOUR JOURNEY OUT...THEN COME HOME TO BE WITH ME. I GENTLY PUT MY PAW ON YOU, I SMILED AND SAID “IT’S ME.”

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PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca