I did not have alot of pets growing up.  My mom was NOT an animal person, they terrified her.  I baffled her, I snuck pets home all the time and kept them secretly until I got caught and had to get rid of them.  I got my gift with animals from my father’s side.  I am a third generation Italian, and the gift came down through the generations, male, female.  My grandmother had an affinity for cats, my father was dogs, I am fortunate to have the gift for dogs, cats and horses.  My son has the gift, but not as strongly.  Cousins, too, but less.  I’m the last of the pure Italians, that may have something to do with it.

Back to the story, every year I tried to stay up till midnight on Christmas Eve but since I had no pets I could only dream.  As an adult I’ve had numerous animals and I held on to this dream.  It became a ritual to celebrate Christmas Eve with my animals.  When I had horses in my late twenties and early thirties I would go to the barn in the frigid New York winters to spend that special time with my favorite mare, Poco.  None of my animals ever spoke english, but I’d say they always talk to me, I just had to listen.  One year I got to the barn and Poco was laying down in her stall.  I spoke softly to her, want into the stall and got down next to her, laying my head on her furry side.  She nuzzled my gently and we fell asleep together for a short time.  It was magical!

Most of my friends throughout my life scoffed when I told them.  They had never heard the story or just thought it was silly.  This year I decided to research the topic and found that almost every old culture in the world had some beliefs or legends about the animals and Christ’s birth, many loosely interpreting bible verses or stories  to support it.  In the old days, people believed that animals celebrated the arrival of Christ and that the cows in the cattle-sheds and the deer in the forests went down on their knees at midnight. Others believed that animals were able to speak like humans on Christmas Eve -but it was bad luck to try and listen in!   Source:  http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACustom/XmasSprtitions.html

During mediaeval times the superstition arose that cattle would kneel at the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve; in some parts of Europe they were also believed to gain the ability to speak on this night, although it was considered dangerous for any human to hear their speech as misfortune would befall anyone who overheard them.
Source: Vanessa’s Pagan Place Folklore Page

The period approaching midnight is also a magical time when animals can talk and complain if they have been mistreated throughout the year!   Source:  Christmas in Poland 

Legend of Nature at the Nativity

Christmas Legends

More Christmas Folklore

Whatever you decide, I will cling to my belief and celebrate Christmas Eve. with my pet family!

Antifreeze poisoning normally occurs when pet become exposed to antifreeze
leaking from a car’s cooling system or when antifreeze is changed.
Sometimes antifreeze is placed in home plumbing systems when heat will not
be maintained during winter months (such as a summer cottage). When this is
done it is extremely important to remember to flush the system well prior
to letting pets in the house. Pets have been exposed to antifreeze
poisoning maliciously in some instances, as well.
The most commonly used antifreeze compounds contain ethylene glycol, which is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested. The minimal lethal dosage for cats is
1.4ml/kg of body weight and for dogs 4.4 to 6.6 ml/kg of undiluted ethylene
glycol, according to Thrall, Grauer and Dial in Kirk’s Current Therapy XII.
This means that 1 teaspoonful of antifreeze (5ml) could kill a 7 pound cat.
Antifreeze is normally diluted for use in automobiles so more of the diluted
solution would have to be ingested to achieve toxic levels.

Ethylene glycol has similar effects to ethanol (the alcohols imbibed
recreationally by humans). However, it is broken down in the liver into
different compounds than ethanol and these metabolic products cause damage
to the kidneys and are more toxic to the central nervous system than the
ethylene glycol.

Note: there is a non-toxic alternative available, Propylene Glycol

After exposure to the ethylene glycol clinical signs will develop in as
short a time as 30 minutes to approximately as long as 12 hours, depending
on the dose ingested. Depression, signs of intoxication similar to alcohol
ingestion, vomiting, depression, coma and death may occur among the initial
signs of poisoning. These signs normally last less than 12 hours in dogs
causing some owners to think the danger has passed. Cats are less likely to
recover from the initial signs. After the central nervous system effects
are over, the kidneys are damaged by the antifreeze. In cats this may seem
like a continuous thing because the kidney effects often show up just as
the CNS signs would have diminished. In dogs the kidney problems usually
show up one to three days after ingestion of the antifreeze. Formation of
urine drops off until urine is not produced at all. This severe renal
failure causes vomiting, sores in the mouth, a noticeable increase in oral
odor, severe depression and then eventually coma and death.

The really bad thing about antifreeze poisoning is that treatment must be
initiated very promptly for the pet to survive. Dogs do best if treated
within five hours of ingestion of the antifreeze. Cats need to be treated
even sooner. The chances of survival diminish rapidly 8 hours post
ingestion in the dog and 4 hours post ingestion in cats. For this reason,
it is extremely important to consider the possibility of antifreeze
poisoning almost any time there are unexplained central nervous system
disorders that occur acutely in dogs and cats.

There are tests specifically for ethylene glycol. An “in-house” test kit is
available to veterinarians and local hospitals are often willing to test
for this toxin on an emergency basis when exposure is suspected.
Examination of the urine reveals crystals that are highly suspicious of
ethylene glycol exposure about six hours after the toxin is ingested but
waiting for these to show up places the pet at risk. Looking for crystals
when the timing of exposure is unknown can give good prognostic
information, though.

Treatment for this condition is best done with 4-methylpyrazole (4-MP, or
fomepizole (Antizol-Vet(TM)), which was recently approved for use in dogs.
This medication competes for the liver enzymes that break down ethylene
glycol and slow its metabolism down, keeping the serum levels of the toxic
metabolites down and allowing them to be excreted safely when used early
enough. If 4-MP is not available treatment consists of using ethanol,
usually intravenously. Ethanol also competes for the same enzymes and
inhibits breakdown of the ethylene glycol. The problem is that ethanol
itself causes severe central nervous system depression at the dosages
necessary and this can have an additive effect with the ethylene glycol. It
is still much better to treat when exposure is know to have occurred or is
documented by lab work, though.

Antifreeze poisoning causes a terrible death.
ASPCA Antifreeze Poisoning Prevention Tips

* Always clean up antifreeze spills immediately.

* Check your car regularly for leaks.

* Always store antifreeze containers in clearly marked containers and in areas that are inaccessible to your pets.

* Never allow your pets to have access to the area when you are draining antifreeze from your car.

* Propylene glycol containing products are a less toxic form of antifreeze and could be used instead of conventional ethylene glycol antifreeze.
——————————————————————————–

If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-4-ANI-HELP (217-337-5030 outside of US and Canada) immediately!

The Bichon Frise is a cheerful, merry little cottonball of a dog.  It has a textured outer coat and a silky undercoat.  The Bichon Frise appeared in the 13th century as a descendent from the Water Spaniel. Traded by Spanish sailors and transported from continent to continent, the breed eventually became a favorite of those in the 16th century French royal courts.  Although the breed’s colorful past includes use as a circus dog, today the Bichon is enjoyed primarily as a companion animal.

They are very playful and intelligent although they can be difficult to housebreak.  Positive reinforcement, patience and consistancy are the keys.  Their hair grows continually and does not shed.  The coat is very high maintenence so extensive grooming is a must to prevent mats.  Keeping them clipped short may be the only answer unless you are willing to invest the time and money.  Bichons  tend to be a good breed for allergy sufferers.

Is the Bichon the right breed for you?

When you walk into the grooming shop, your pet starts whining and trembling.  Maybe they’ve been there 20 times, yet they act like they will be beaten.

Have they been?
NO!
One of the most common reasons is anticipation.

They know what they have to do, maybe they don’t want to,  maybe they’re just excited.  Sometimes customers they don’t know are there this time, maybe they’re barking furiously, and who knows what they’re saying?

“Woof, woof, help, woof, they skin dogs in here, woof.”   LOL.  Usually once the owners leave and they get started, they are fine.  Some of our clients don’t calm down until after their bath.  They seem to know they’re almost done then.

And then you have the ones who have a ball all day until their owner comes.  The shaking and crying starts, even after they take the pet in their arms.

Usually that is from excitement and dominating the situation.  Also, when they cry, they are picked up and held.  That’s the reward they are looking for.  We have tried experiments, owner takes dog, says “hello”, then sets them down and pays the bill.     Owner pays no attention to whining, and lo and behold, it stops!  (Maybe it takes a bit, depends how long this trick has been working)

Another procedure I follow religiously, dog screams and jumps when owner comes, he don’t get out of his cage immediately.  I will not look at them, speak to them , or get them out until they are quiet.  Most of my regulars know the rules, and they will wait patiently.

First, I googled animal shelters and rescues in Myrtle Beach, SC.   That gave me a starting point.  I also learned  that Humane Societies are privately funded and able to do fund raising and functions.   They need people to answer phones, letters, contact business and private sources.  No kill shelters will be thrilled to hear from you.  Breed rescues, too.  SC shelters and breed rescues.   This site is done by an internet friend of mine.  She has listings for all states.  Following links may find the perfect cause to volunteer for!

I personally have a soft spot for feral cats.  They didn’t ask for this life and it’s a tough one.  I am working with Sav-R-Cats to trap a tough case in my mobile home park.   I am also looking into helping out at the Waccamaw Animal Rescue Mission.  It is a no kill, rehabilitation center and I think my experience might be useful there.

Facebook has turned out to be a wealth of resources for someone who wants to help.  Shelters, rescues and other organizations have pages, *like* them and you will receive updates.  There are petitions to sign, chip-ins to fund abused and abandoned pets, and even transports.  There is one right now from South Carolina to Maine.  There are still gaps to be filled.

Anyone can help!

This is one of the best commercials I’ve ever seen in the campaign to help shelter dogs!  Check out this site. 

In my own experience animals wind up at the shelter for a variety of reasons.

1. Owners neglecting to spay or neuter -  4-8 puppies twice a year, within the year each female will start adding to the numbers.  Do the math, it’s terrifying.
2. Bad choices choosing pet – high energy or high maintenence breed left home alone most days.  Bordom and lack of excercise will lead to behavior problems like jumping, nipping, barking or destruction of home.
3. Lack of knowledge to train pet, correcting or stopping bad habits before they start.
4. Circumstances changing for owner – transfers at work, divorce or losing job.  In this economy people are losing their homes and have no choice but to place pet at shelter and hope for the best.

It’s hard not to blame shelter workers for all the pets being euthanized, but it’s not their fault.  They are people who love animals and live with heartbreak every day.  Shelters are poorly funded to handle the numbers, any pet with any slight behavior problem is euthanized to give the other pets the best chance to be adopted.  Don’t watch this clip unless you want to see the real story.

I’ve learned not to jump at the first dog who tugs at my heartstrings.  Look at all of them, ask a shelter worker about them, ask to take them out and walk or play.  Animals in cages are very anxious and you won’t get a true look at them.  A very fearful or timid dog may not be the best choice for you.  Take your time, this is a major decision for you and the pet you choose!

People need to get more involved to help  shelter dogs.  There are functions to help adoptions, a donation of dog food or cleaning supplies can make a difference or even a few dollars.  Volunteering at a function is great if you have no money to donate.  The more people who help out the more pets will find their forever home!

Most of you probably saw the e-mail floating around a while back- a person moved up north and took her cat to get a *line* cut (whatever that might actually be). Because of her accent the groomer understood it as *Lion Cut* and shaved the cat bare in places other than the lion ruff and tail.

That case may be a joke or a real story, but seriously, it could happen!

A groomer is taught the 3 standard poodle clips accepted by the A.K.C for show purposes, a puppy cut for dogs under 1 year old, the Continental clip, and the English Saddle (most common way poodles are shown). Any other name is a fashionable look that became known in time, even the Dutch or Town & Country. Groomers know what they are because they have become popular over the years, and many people like them.

*Terrier cut* is semi-meaningless to a groomer, there are 4 different types of terrier clips, each breed having different variables, shaved ears, longer eybrows, fluffy tail, shaved tail.

Each area of the country has different names for different looks, it is important that the groomer knows exactly what look you want!  Even if the person recognizes the name, it is up to you to make sure they understand what YOU mean by it!

I’ve had people bring a shaggy little dog in for a *Puppy-Cut*. After questioning, I found a few that thought that meant a short, smooth shave. Others wanted a longer, layered, scissored look.  Not one ever intended their little dog to have a real puppy cut which is feet shaved clean, poodle face and poodle tail with a ball at the end.

When you and the groomer understand each other you will get exactly what you want, even if you have to bring a picture for them to copy!

The human must be supreme as the boss and pack leader.  They must make all decisions and correct improper behavior.  The dog owns NOTHING.  The human gives food, water, treats and affection to the dog.  Nothing in life is free.  If your dog trusts and more importantly respects you, they will accept your decisions as law.

Cesars Way teaches one must be calm an assertive.  If you move foreward in an assertive manner you assume the dog will follow, you don’t worry they may not.  If they do not follow you give a brief correction and continue moving. 

Many people react by saying “no, no NO”, in a louder voice, maybe becoming a scream when the dog pays no attention.  The frustration conveys  indecision and excitement to the dog.  It will then lose all focus on what the human wants. 

The whole key here is to stop, take a deep breath and start over!  Get a grip on yourself!  You must not be anxious, impatient or fearful.  Calmly ask your dog to sit and wait until he is also calm.  Be patient, he may argue a bit, it is up to you to show him you mean what you say.  You may have to start over many times, but with consistancy you will win!

Originally, breeds were developed to be useful. Huskies, shepherds, collies, sheepdogs, and such needed dense coats to protect them from the weather while they
were doing their jobs. These days, most are pampered house dogs. Do you need to wear your winter coat at all times in your house?  I rest my case.

Cockers, other spaniels, setters and the like were bred to have long hair on their legs to protect them from brush and thorns while hunting. Over the years the long furnishings were taken to the extreme to be pretty.
Poodles and other toy dogs were bred to have hair, not fur. Their coats are meant to be washed and styled frequently. Ask yourself this-will my head freeze if I get my hair cut before spring? If you answer yes, there’s hats. There’s sweaters for the dog too. They could probably use one even if you let the hair grow to 1 foot.  When I wore my hair almost down to my waist my head was no warmer!

An overgrown coat collects dirt and odors.

An overgrown coat mats, itches, and breaks off. Skin becomes irritated and maybe mat sores develope. Ouch!

An overgrown matted coat picks up snow and ice, when it melts the dog gets soaked and stays wet. A wet dog is a colder dog.

A wet matted coat mats tighter. By time you get the dog groomed in the spring, there’s no hope for anything but a shave. Imagine your own hair uncombed for 4-6 months and then trying to save it. Ouch, OUCH!!

If you try to bathe an overgrown matted dog during the winter the odds are that you’ll existentially leave soap behind, causing itching and irritation. Also you won’t get the smell out, trust me.

Matted coats trap tears, saliva, food, urine and feces. I don’t know about you, but my stomach turns at the thought of hugging a filthy, smelly dog, even if he is my best friend.

You really don’t save much money skipping a few grooming sessions; it will cost you much more in the spring for the amount of work needed.

What about short haired dogs like beagles, pointers, Dobermans, Rottweiler’s, and labs??

Keeping a short haired dog bathed and brushed helps to keep their skin and hair healthier. Taking them to the grooming shop insures that their nails are clipped comfortable and their ears are cleaned.