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Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Successful Adoption Event

On Sunday, we dropped by the Animal Compassion Network adopt event. It began on Saturday, so we had a feeling that fewer groups would be there. They still had a good group in attendance, though.


We were greatly pleased to see “Adoption Pending” signs on nearly all the cages of dogs under the Animal Compassion tent. We spotted a few signs at other rescue group’s tents too.

We are very fortunate to live in a community that really supports animal rescue. We have lots of organizations who are committed to saving animals. Just as important, we have individuals who look first to the rescue groups when thinking about adding a pet to their family. Drive through Asheville, and you will see lots of bumper stickers like “I Love My Rescue,” “Who Saved Who?” and “Rescue is My Favorite Breed.”

Congratulations to Animal Compassion Network for what looked to be a successful event. And congratulations to all the folks who found a new friend too!

Rescue Mommy and Daddy

Friday, May 25, 2012

New Direction

When we started this website nearly two years ago, we wanted to provide information about pet care and stories about our beloved pets. We found that a lot of pet parents out there love to talk about the furry members of their families. They want to share things that have worked for them – and things that were less successful.

As we approach the two-year anniversary of this site, we plan to make some changes. We want to offer more stories about products and training techniques. We would like to share more information about events in the community and interesting articles we have found.

If you have any suggestions, we would love to hear them. Please let us know what you would like to see on this site by adding a comment. Thanks!

Rescue Mommy and Daddy

Maddy's New Diet

Finally, I have found food for Maddy that helps her to lose weight! I have been searching for YEARS. Every “diet” food we tried did not work. She even gained weight on that pricey food you buy at the vet’s office. Can you believe it?

The miracle food is Blue Buffalo Weight Control. She likes it but is not in love with it. This is the key. If she was in love with her food, she would inhale it and continue to balloon as she has all these years.

I also switched Kiki to Blue Buffalo’s Healthy Aging food. Ironically, Kiki had been losing weight lately. She had been eating the same weight control food I formerly gave Maddy. Kiki likes the Healthy Aging formula and has regained some of the weight she lost.

In addition to the dry food, I give both cats 1/8 can each of Newman’s Own organic cat food each evening. They consider it a treat. It introduces more water into the diet, which is always a good thing.

I am not sure how much weight Maddy has lost, but it is noticeable. I plan to take her to the vet next month for a follow-up visit. You may recall she had some issues a couple of months ago that prompted a visit. Her glucose levels were way too high. Hopefully, her new diet has lowered her glucose levels to a normal level. I will keep you posted. Fingers crossed, she is on the way to a healthier lifestyle.

Rescue Mommy

Monday, May 21, 2012

Tummy Troubles

I met a very sweet terrier at Three Dog Bakery last week. As often happens among us pet owners, his parents and I had been to chat about the joys of terriers. His mom mentioned that he tended to have tummy troubles and asked if my terrier had problems too. I referred her to my website, so I hope she is reading!

I adopted Gracie nearly three years ago. She had minor skin and digestive issues. (I have since read this is common with terriers.) The vet said her health was fine. He mentioned diet and/or environmental allergies might be to blame. A trip to the vet is always the first thing you should do if your pet is experiencing problems. Sometimes, a medical condition might be to blame.

After receiving her clean bill of health, I experimented with various remedies. I tried giving her Benadryl for her irritated skin. I tried various foods, including that pricey prescription diet food. I saw only minor improvements with her skin and tummy upset.

During this time, I of course searched on the Internet for answers. In my research, I found that grain and fillers in food can cause both digestive and skin issues in our pets. Some pet parents have found that a grain-free diet works wonders for their furry friends. Others swear that certain meats are best.

In Gracie’s case, she does very well with Castor & Pollux’s Organix organic dry and canned food. I admit the canned food sometimes gives her issues because some batches have been a bit greasy lately. Overall, though, her health is much improved on this diet. Her skin looks great. Her tummy is less upset.

I am not a big fan of those prescription foods you can only buy at the vet’s office. There are literally hundreds of great foods out there now. Visit your local pet supply store, and you will see! Buy a small bag, and gradually transition from the old food to the new food. That step is very important to prevent digestive upset.

Be patient. It could take some time to find the right food. It is worth the effort, though. Your pet will thank you!

Rescue Mommy

Friday, May 18, 2012

Website Changes Coming

We have some ideas for changing the Rescue Pets Rule website. We would love your input. Please post a comment if you have suggestions of your own.

Stay tuned!

Rescue Mommy and Daddy

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic

Animal Compassion Network is offering low-cost vaccine clinics over the next few months. This is a great way to keep your pet healthy when money is tight. Here are the services and cost:

• Rabies vaccine ( must have prior certificate to get 3-year vaccine; otherwise, you will get the 1-year vaccine): $10

• DHLPP or DHPP: $15

• Bordetella (kennel cough): $15

• FVRCP: $15

• FeLV (recommended if cat is indoor/outdoor): $15

• Microchip (with free registration): $15

Vaccines will be administered by Dr. Margaret Moncure, DVM, of the Appalachian Animal Hospital. The clinics will be held at Animal Compassion’s store, Pet Harmony. The store is located at 803 Fairview Road in Asheville.

The clinics will be offered from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on 5/19/12, 7/14/12, and 9/8/12. They may offer another date in November, possibly 11/12.

Animal Compassion also offers low and no cost spay/neuter vouchers. In addition, you can pick up a single application of Advantix/Advantage for $15 for dogs and $5 for cats.

For more information, contact the Network through the store at 828-274-3647.

Rescue Mommy

Monday, May 14, 2012

Dispoz-A-Scoop

Tired of the “warm handshake” you experience when cleaning up after your dog? A few years ago, I found a great product called Dispoz-A-Scoop. It is fantastic!

The scooper bag is attached to a cardboard and metal piece. You simply shovel the waste into the bag. You can push the cardboard into the ground to close the bag, but it can sometimes be tricky to close it. I usually carry the bag by the cardboard piece to the nearest trash can.

The scoopers are 99 percent biodegradable. It is true. I found some Dispoz-A-Scoops buried in a cabinet. I am not sure how long they had been there. The decomposition process had begun. The plastic bag part was in tatters.

The product can be a little hard to find. The local PetSmart used to carry them. I bought a huge box from the mail order company, Drs. Foster and Smith. You can buy a box of 48 units for $24.99 or 96 for $39.99. Here is a link to their website: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/.

I know the product is a bit more expensive than a grocery bag or biodegradable plastic bags. For me, it is worth the extra expense because I HATE the warm handshake. It is gross! If you feel the same way, give Dispoz-A-Scoop a try.

Rescue Mommy