My 5K Run

Hi, this is Clover, the world's most well behaved Beagle. Woof!
I wanted to tell you about my exciting adventure.

My dad, my sister and I recently participated in our neighborhood Kentlands/Lakekand 5K run. Since my dad and I walk five miles a few times a week, 5K was...What do you say, a piece of cake? Yeah, that. I loved feeling the breeze between my long, floppy ears. I also loved how people admired my speed and athleticism. It was almost as if I was born to be a runner. Don't I look great with the big red numbers across my chest?

I wanted to run as fast as I could and finish in the top ten, but my dad and my sister wanted me to run at their pace. I tried to help them run a little faster by pulling on my leash. My dad did not appreciate that at all. I guess they were getting tired towards the end. I wonder if they were jealous of my energy and four-legged-ness. I will have to ask my sister.

It was a historical day for me. As far as I know, I am the first canine to have participated in my neighborhood 5K run. I can't wait until next year to do this again. Maybe my mom will join us then.

A special needs cat seeks a home!

Chase, a sweet-natured, 8-month old gray cat, was recently diagnosed with feline leukemia in his bone marrow. Although he tested negative for feline leukemia with the blood test, and thus is probably not shedding the virus, he could at some future stage infect other cats. As a result, Chase needs a home where he is an only cat or lives with other feline leukemia positive cats. Right now, Chase is eating like a horse, plays, is exceptionally loving, and his gums are a healthy pink! Currently, Chase must be confined since he cannot be with my other foster cats.

Chase is a beautiful, sweet boy who clearly wants to live! I cannot euthanize him while he is still playing, eating, and full of pep!

I will pay for his food and medication (2 pills once a day) for the duration of his life; Chase deserves to have a nice life for whatever time Chase has. If Chase’s anemia returns, there is little that can be done for him. If, on the other hand, he continues to get stronger and becomes less anemic, he may have a chance to enjoy a few years.

Right now he is a delight! He plays, he is sweet-natured, and loves to be around other cats and people.

I would greatly appreciate any help, advice, or suggestions. Email me at Mary@awlfc.org .

Soft Paws

Hi my name is Mikey. I am a very handsome dog with blue finger nails. No, my mom did not paint them! They are a soft plastic covering called Soft Paws. They help keep me from scratching my mom's hardwood floors. They work really well!

A sticky situation

Of all of the features of your pet hedgehog, probably none stands out more than than the quills. When you really stop to think about it, they really are quite remarkable. They are the main means of defense that a hedgehog has against predators, but they serve some other rather useful purposes as well.

Although scientifically described as being modified hairs, each of the roughly 7000 quills on a hedgehog's back is far more complex than any hair possibly could be. Rather than being solid inside, each is filled throughout with complex network of air chambers. Not only does this make them very lightweight and strong, but it also helps to prevent buckling and breakage.
At the base, the quill narrows to a thin stem where it enters the skin and is firmly anchored in the muscle tissue by a small, ball-shaped follicle. At the opposite end, the quill narrows to a needle-like point and is bent slightly back to provide maximum defense should a predator be interested in having hedgehog for lunch! When attacked, it is the contraction of the two large muscles that run down either side of the hedgehogs body that cause the quills to be raised in defense. When those two muscles are contracted, (much like pulling the draw strings on a purse) they pull against the ball-like base of the quill, drawing it into an upright position. Since the muscles pull different quills in different directions, they tend to crisscross one another, forming a near impenetrable barrier.

They are, however, not only there for defensive purposes. Hedgehogs are noted for being skilled climbers but, like cats, are not very good at getting themselves back down again! When they do come across a drop that they cannot climb down, they will simply roll into a ball and drop, allowing the spines to cushion the fall. To prevent the quills from being damaged or lost, the thin stem just above the skin flexes upon impact. Although we do not recommend you try this at home, wild hedgehogs have been seen dropping from heights of up to 20 feet with no apparent signs of injury! hedgehogcentral.com

Health Benefits of Pet Ownership

In our hearts we know that pets enrich our lives, and in recent years scientific studies have begun to pin-point the ways that companion animals improve our minds and our bodies. Beyond walks and "fetch," beyond lazy days in the sun and eager faces at the end of the day, pets provide documented health benefits.

A 1993 report in the Harvard Health Letter explains that companion animals have more consistent behavior compared to our human companions and that they offer unconditional affection.

The effect: lower blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety level for pet owners. We repay them with love and attention. In fact, more than 60 percent of pets receive "as much attention as children," according to the 1994 American Animal Hospital Association pet owner survey.

Can I give my cat a bath?

Should cats be given baths? If so, how often? And are there special shampoos?

Cats are generally pretty clean and do not need regular bathing unless they become dirty or have a skin condition. General bathing can be as needed. For a basic cleaning we recommend Hylyt shampoo and creme rinse since it does not strip the essential oils from the pet's fur. Avoid using human shampoos and other human products as they are much too harsh. If your pet has a skin condition, talk to your veterinarian since a special shampoo may be needed for treatment.

Cold Nose, Warm Heart?

A cold, wet nose is one sign of good health in dogs and cats. However, even a healthy pet can have a warm, dry nose on occasion. On the other hand, really sick pets can also have cold, wet noses.

What does all this mean?

Simply that any one indicator of health is not 100 percent accurate all the time. Sick pets with cold noses should be seen by your veterinarian. And by the same token, pets with warm, dry noses that are showing other symptoms such as lethargy or not eating should also be seen by a doctor.