Animals Unfolded

There are plenty of animals in our community that have jobs: service dogs, certified therapy dogs, those that specialize in search and rescue (including horses) — and those that work in law enforcement and military. Each have gone through extensive training, and although they use all of their senses to do their jobs, one in particular is essential — their sight. Even if smell is the predominant sense that is used, as in bomb or drug sniffing, these animals couldn't manage without good vision. An annual event will help the handlers and families of these animals stay on top of things where their animal's ocular health is concerned. Board certified Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists and their staff have for the past several years, generously donated their time and services to provide free screening ocular exams to qualified service animals who are currently active. Rue, a black Labrador trained as a Diabetic Alert Dog (DAD), is a testament ...

With spring officially here, there's plenty to look forward to. There's the weather, longer days, more outdoor activities – and with windows flung open wide (or is that just my house?), there are more sweet sounds of wild birds greeting the day. The latter is a joy, no doubt, but we humans aren't the only ones who find our feathered friends interesting. Our cats do, too, which is fine if they are kept indoors. Outdoors, they often stalk wild birds and yes, capture them and worse. In fact, in many articles that I've written about cats , there have been comments aplenty from folks in the Ann Arbor area asserting their displeasure at the numbers of outdoor cats roaming their neighborhoods and killing vast numbers of wild birds. Their feelings about outdoor cats are understandable, and the banter between commenters can get quite heated. The problem of outdoor cats offing vast numbers of wild birds is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, a reflection o...

There's a population of cats whose immune systems are so profoundly affected by a virus that it puts them at risk of developing other diseases like blood cancers, anemia and fatal infections — usually upper respiratory — and because of that, it greatly shortens their lifespan. Feline Leukemia , a retrovirus, abbreviated as FeLV (and referred to as "fee loo") is highly contagious among felines, though it's important to note that it's not transmissible to other animals nor humans. FeLV is also preventable. Why it is then that the virus continues to infect cats? That's actually a complex question to answer, but really, it boils down to human responsibility. Cats can be vaccinated for FeLV (dependent on individual risk and exposure), but for many reasons, that doesn't happen, whether it's because cat owners are lax about having their pet's vaccinations completed or kept up to date — if they're are done at all. Failure to sterilize pet cat...

Kathy Lundberg is a long-time horse owner and when I visited her facility located in Ann Arbor, Scio Church Stables on a cold morning a few weeks ago, I got a crash-course in equine care and day-to-day life. Kathy is a real down-to-earth kind of individual , along with her daughter Annette, I really got a feel for what owning a horse and caring for them is all about: It's not for the faint of heart, to say the least. There's a lot of work involved, but the benefits are exponential, no question about it. I also had a chance to meet Dee, SCS's Barn Manager. In talking with her, it was clear that not only does she have an innate sense of what the animals there need, but in order for a boarding stable and farm to be all that it should be, it takes commitment, a good relationship between owners, staff, horse owners and, yes, the animals themselves. Especially in the latter, no two are alike. Dee mused about her work at SCS and I was thrilled to be able to see the...

This 'ol fella was in area of Jackson Rd. by the Q-16 Cinemas around the 14th of May. Is he yours? He's now at the HSHV . He looks a lot like my Gretchen. I'm sure that he misses his people.

This week brought a lot of changes... the weather was awesome, a client notified me that they are indeed prepping for a new puppy & I'm happy to share the super news that I am now a contributor to AnnArbor.co m's pet section. I have tons of fresh, useful information that I know you'll enjoy, so I hope that you will check it out regularly, along with all of the other wonderful information and insights with my fellow contributors. If you've any topic that you would like me to touch on, questions to answer or stuff I ought to know about please get in touch. My intention has always been to keep my blog purposeful and helpful to YOU.

I received got an e-mail from a prospective client a couple of years ago, who was referred to me by a very good client of mine whose dog I have cared for, for nearly 2 years. He was wondering if I would be interested in caring for an African Clawed Frog… he realized that this may be an unusual request, but this little frog was very special to him as he got it when he was 8 years of age (yes, the frog at the time was 21) and would appreciate considering the task. I was thrilled! I had not had the pleasure of sitting for a frog in a long time, (I used to have one myself years ago and loved it) and was looking forward to the prospect of meeting them, and got in touch immediately. Froggy turned out to be a swell little guy and is a treat to care for. I get inquiries occasionally with regard to ‘exotic pets’… pet rats, mice, snakes, a pot bellied pig or two, birds (even parrots, cockatoos, mustache parakeets, etc.) and more. Most of my clients are canines or felines, but I include most spec...

Word came this morning from an existing client that the new arrival to the family is now home & getting acquainted with household. At 6 weeks, she joins 3 kids & 2 cats. After losing their beloved 15 year old Blue Heeler last year, the family decided that they were ready for puppy. Shiloh Shepards are a fairly new breed and are gaining quite a following. I get to meet her this week, & am thrilled for the family.   I cannot stress enough the importance of establishing a caring, qualified caregiver for pets while the animal is young, if the situation avails itself to it. Considering bringing a new pet into your family? Contact me for a free personalized 'meet & greet' to get the ball rolling, & to see if we are indeed a fit.