The Awesome Arabian Horse.................................by Debra Holder

I read an interesting article about Arabian horses a couple of weeks ago. The Arabian Horse Show in Scottsdale, Arizona, was being held and how I wanted to go!! Thankfully, I was able to watch some of it on public television. So finding this article in an unrelated magazine at the same time really was perfect timing.

I do not know much about horses, so the short article jumped out at me as something I would be interested in. And I learned a lot! I can't provide a link to it as it is not an online magazine, but I will share some of the the highlights.

The history of this wonderful breed of horse was very interesting, but the best part was the description of how Arabians love to interact with people. It was said that it is believed that Arabians have a “sixth sense” and value human company and love being touched and hugged in an embrace. These types of human expressions toward the horse build the horse’s trust in its rider to the point that it actually becomes completely devoted to that person. This does not happen overnight, though. One breeder said it can take years to completely earn the trust of an Arabian. But it surely sounds like it would be worth all the effort to do so when that kind of relationship can result from a loving owner’s behavior toward his horse!

I felt so happy when I read that these horses are known to neigh with glee in response to a smile, an embrace, or a special treat such as a piece of sugar or a carrot. Isn’t that delightful?

There is no doubt that people have been thrilled by the beauty, speed, agility, strength, and intelligence of horses, especially the Arabian breed, for thousands of years. And many have had the honor of forging a unique bond with them which is a real privilege.

Obviously, as long as people do not exploit that bond in a negative way for the horse or all other pets, there will be a good outcome. But when animals like this are abused and treated badly, their hard-earned trust and craving for human companionship are betrayed and destroyed. That is a horrible tragedy.

However, that tragedy can be prevented if each person resolves to treat all of the animals in his or her life with respect and a caring attitude. Let us never lose sight of that goal as we all continue in whatever way we can to help the animals we meet along the journey of our lives.

(Written by Debra Holder of Sleepy Cat Designs on ArtFire where you will find handmade cat safety collars and other cute and useful things for cats and their people.)

Dogs and Haiku………………………………Pam Todd

Dogs have been the heroes or heroines in books, movies, television shows, and in real life. They have entertained us, made us cry, laugh, and feel loved. Some of those dearest to my heart are My Friend, Flicka, Black Beauty, Lassie, Where the Red Fern Grows, 101 Dalmatians, Old Yeller, Lady and the Tramp. There are many more whose names I don’t recall just now, but in thinking about those forms of entertainment and literature, it would be interesting to think of dogs in terms of Haiku poetry. This Japanese art form is written with five syllables in the first line, seven syllables in the second, and five in the third. Here are a few examples, and then you may enjoy writing some yourself.

Puppies

Tiny, warm, licking

Squealing, Running, Rolling, Soft

Eating, Snoozing, Warm

Loyal Friends

Watching, following

Nuzzling, Staying at your side

Waiting, Seeing You, Content

Dogs

Playful, happy pets

Barking, Chasing, just for fun

Family members

Tags: dogs, movies, books, television, haiku, animal lovers, puppies, pets

This post written by Pam Todd, who loves animals, and features some items for dogs and cats in her Artfire Studio: www.bagsandmorebypam.artfire.com

Two Kittens Lost.....................by BJ

First I would like to say that this is kind of a follow-up on my last column "People who Dump Animals".

This is something that is all too familiar to me and touches my heart each time.

I'm still a bit emotional about the last two kittens I rescued and recently took to a shelter. Hoping they adjusted OK and are well.

Lets start with a very rainy day in late August of 2010. I am disabled and live in an single floor apartment complex. Unfortunately, I live on the very end of my building, at the corner of our parking lot, where I can hear & see almost everything.

As I was pulling into our parking lot that afternoon, I heard the sounds of crying and then noticed it was coming from 2 small kittens standing by a car, just whaling in the pouring rain.

At first, I wasn't sure what was going on, but there are a lot of drop offs in our neighborhood and I cannot understand anyone putting or leaving two kittens out in the rain like that. After I took my groceries in, I went out to try to coax them to me, so I could get them in, but they kept hiding under the cars. You could tell they were scared to death and didn't know what was going on. I had to leave them there and just hope they were OK and maybe, someone else would get them in. Well, no such luck. A couple of days later they were back, crying, in the parking lot.

I think they were approximately 10 to 11 weeks old when they were left there. I did see them again a few times and was wondering where they were staying or eating. It worried me sick to say the least. I worried that they may not survive because of raccoons and skunks that come in our area scavaging the dumpsters for food. I heard they were staying under another building.

I was already putting out food on my patio for another older cat that had been out there for some time. The kittens started coming over to eat with her. So this became a regular thing for a couple of months and no one claimed them. Every time you tried to get near them they ran, but every night, like clock work, they were there to eat. I swear they could hear my door open from where ever they were, because they were right there instantly, always at dusk.

I never stopped trying to get them to trust me enough to get close to them and I had all of the time and patience they needed, but when cold weather started coming on and it got quite cold in October. I really started to worry about them. They were a few months old by then.

I had called every place imaginable, but I live in a small resort town on the lake and other than the Humane Society here, there are no close shelters. Anyone I contacted was full. I have two big male cats and one 9 month old calico, which I took in just before the other kittens came along. She had been abandoned here too and was only about 3 weeks older than the brother and sister kittens were.

I didn't know how I could possibly take 2 more in and feed them and take care of all of that litter and their medical needs.

Someone told me that they belonged to a person in another building, which I found out later, wasn't true or if it was, they were the ones who put them out. A lot of times people in apartments think they want a kitten or puppy as a pet for their kids. Then when things start going wrong or the kids manhandle them to near death, they just put them out and that's the end of their problem and the beginning for someone like me. As in the last story, a lot of people don't know or think about what they're getting into regarding pets and usually as long as they're cute and cuddley they are OK, but once they start maturing or scratching or marking territory (cause they never bother to get them fixed), they're not cute anymore & out they go.

This, I have to say is my biggest pet peeve (no pun intended). I have been one of those people who's heart breaks at seeing baby animals dumped with no clue what they have to do to stay alive. That was all taken from them and they were left to just wing it. Such cruelty. Imagine the trauma they go through, just like we do. Would someone take a 6 month old child, because of the pooping and peeing and hunger and crying and set it in the middle of a parking lot or roadside and say, "They can make it, it's in their nature"?

I and many other people go through a lot of anxiety, worry and heartache with these animals, because we can't save them all. You people who dump animals have no idea how many others you affect by doing so.

Doesn't it bother you? Those who abandon them. Why don't "YOU" take the time to get them to the Humane Society or a shelter?

Well, eventually, I started getting closer and closer to the male kitten, as they came around. The little girl was just too timid and frightened. I felt so sorry for her because she really depended on her brother a lot.

During November, I managed to be able to pet the male and eventually pick him up. He turned out to be quite a lover boy and started to hop and run to see me and wanted his attention as well as food. He was always so happy to see me.

Then it got really really cold and we had snow. I tried to fix them a makeshift boxed in bed outside and even hooked up a heating pad to warm the bottom blankets.

They used it a couple of nights, but the north wind cut straight across the patio. When it picked up, it got even colder. I found myself having to make a tough decision then. I couldn't get near enough to the female to even catch her to bring her in & she was as fast as lightning... So, I had to decide whether or not to leave them both out there and keep feeding them or bring the male in at least and save him from the cold, because he let me pet him & pick him up. The decision was made to save one, if I couldn't save both. It was so hard to do.

Two or three nights before Thanksgiving, I picked the little male up and brought him in. I tried desperately to get the little female to come in too, but she wouldn't, even with him there. I couldn't be out in the cold all night or hold my door open, so I had to come in and leave her. It broke my heart. I wondered how she would survive without him. I worried myself sick over her. She did come back almost every night to eat, though, and we'd go through the same thing, but she kept getting closer to the door. You could tell she missed her brother and wanted him with her.
The male kitten was loving it inside. He looked at me with so much love and spent the next few nights by my side and sleeping with me. No, the other cats were not happy, especially Rylee, my older white cat. I started calling the male kitten FuzzButt, because he was as fuzzy and lovable as a teddybear. He really got to my heart, I have to admit.

Well, Fuzzy had been in for a month and I was still working on his sister and fortunately on the night before Christmas Eve, she got close enough to where I could grab her and nudge her quickly inside. WHEW! At least she was warm and safe now and inside with him. That was my Christmas present. My cat Loki, a male tuxedo kitty, took on the role of friend and protector and she loved him dearly.

For a couple of months I watched in amazement as the precious babies turned into nearly mature cats. I learned so much from them and felt so much love & gratefulness that I could help these two little ones know love and trust.

I finally found a shelter to take them the second week of February and it was so hard to say goodbye, especially to my little loverboy. I hope the angels are still with them, as I write this. This story was very hard to tell because it was so recent, but if it helps prevent one animal from being dumped, then it was worth it.

The pictures are of the two kittens. The female is mostly white with spots.

The male has the stripes and blue eyes. They were approximately 8 months old when they left.

Story submitted by BJ of EXPESSIONSbyBJ on ARTFIRE
BJ sells handmade jewelry and jewelry supplies from her studio Expressions.

She is a member of our Crafting For Animals Guild and a Blog columnist.
Check out other animal rescue and pet stories from BJ's column on our blog.

Feral Cats - feed them and get a lien on your house?

According to the Dictionary.com Feral Means:

–adjective

1.  existing in a natural state, as animals or plants; not domesticated or cultivated; wild.

2.  having reverted to the wild state, as from domestication: a pack of feral dogs roaming the woods.

3.  of or characteristic of wild animals; ferocious; brutal.

 

When I ran into an article that stated that Connecticut lawmakers were considering fining people for feeding feral cats $90 / day, and could put a lien on someone's house for repeated offenses, I was quite shocked.  I have never been to Connecticut and so I don't know if they have an extreme overpopulation, but I have lived in large cities and know that sometimes animals get loose, get scared, roam, and sometimes they pack together - which is not a good things for dogs in particular due to their pack instincts, but cats?  Cats are usually pretty independent, at least the cats that I have known, so I don't think packing is a problem.  

 

I read further into the article and saw that perhaps there is a concern about the spread of disease, and that is understandable, especially rabies.  Another problem, it seems, is that by leaving food people could be attracting rats to their houses rather than cats.  While rat does rhyme with cat, it doesn't mean that they have too much in common.  Rats definitely carry diseases, and are considered pests for good reason.  So, it makes sense that the public at large might have a problem with others attracting rodent pests into their back yard.  Point taken.  Finally, when many feral cats get together who aren't spayed or neutered, then overpopulation becomes an issue.  While there are some low-cost spay/neuter clinics available in the area, they can't help every feral cat in the area.  

 

But still.  $90/day and a lien on one's house for repeated offenses?  Isn't that going a little too far with legislation?  Should people be told who they can and can't help out, take care of, or feed?  The cats are hungry too, and if they aren't fed cat food they will surely congregate and feed elsewhere, like at the local dumpsters, or get into people's trash cans.  All of which defeats the purpose of banning feeding them due to the worries of disease epidemics and overpopulation.  Cats are quite smart and will find food.  Further, I can't imagine that rats would stay away if there wasn't a bowl of cat food waiting for them because there are still trash bags to get into and dumpsters to dig through in any neighborhood that I've ever seen.

 

Instead of fining the people for having the heart to feed an animal in need, why not use that lawmaking power to find a solution to the problem.  Besides, who would benefit from the fines and liens on people's houses?  I didn't read anywhere that the funds would be used to help the feral cats, and that's troublesome.  

 

So what do you think?  Should people be allowed a choice on whether they can feed feral cats or other animals, or should the lawmakers create legislation banning it?  And what about the fine of $90/day - do you agree that it should be put towards the welfare of feral cats and/or other feral animals?  Finally, what about that lien on one's house, is that extreme or what?

 

Written by Tsilos of

TS Beading and More

PEOPLE WHO DUMP ANIMALS..............by BJ

I borrowed this story (Dumping Domestic Rabbits) from Jan Geren: of Pet Place.com

Yesterday was beautiful here in Shasta Lake. It was a white winter wonderland. As I drove and relished this beauty, I was smitten by the sight of a small domestic rabbit who, during the night met his fate by an oncoming car. The little rabbit looked like our pet house bunny who is so dear to us. He was covered with the white frost that graced the beautiful pines all around. My first thought was another fatality and commodity of easter, discarded and tossed out like the shells of an egg after we crack it. He was no longer a cuddly easter bunny, now he made the mistake of growing up and kicking because he no longer wanted to be cuddled by the children or the family that brought him home to amuse themselves and their children.

This is becoming an all too common occurrence in our throw away society and it is wrong. Domestic rabbits are not wild rabbits and cannot live in freezing temperatures as their descendants, yet so many believe that they can.

Imagine being loved for many days and suddenly cast off by the very people who seemed to love you. I imagine he was so cold and perhaps even missed the aggressive and obnoxious pampering that he received while in the humans care. Perhaps a dog or a cat or a fox or a bobcat chased him into his final moment.

Please do not buy easter bunnies for your children at Easter, remember, it is a commitment. To teach our children otherwise is wrong. If you don't want your rabbit (or cat or dog or bird) please do not drop he/she into the wild. They are not wild animals. I can't imagine the thoughts that go through their minds when there is no one there to feed them or pet them anymore.

We need to change the way we do things, we, as humans must evolve. We are the caretakers, not the life takers. Let's strive for more compassion and understanding for our companion animals. If they are not wanted, please contact the county Humane Society or the House Rabbit Society in your area (http://www.rabbit.org/).
______________________________________________________

All too often, animals are abandoned or dropped off places, and people thinking they can take care of themselves or others will. People like this are very close to the bottom of my humanity list, because I am one of those who cares. I am one of the people who loves animals & have pets of my own. I worry myself sick over these poor abandoned animals that I cannot always help, because I am not a shelter and I cannot afford to take them all in and save them.

Animals in the wild, learn to cope in the wild. Animals that are sheltered have not learned this. If you are one of the people who thinks you can drop all of your problems off on a country road, parking lot or other, you are more likely sentencing these poor unknowing creatures to death. And did you know "IT'S AGAINST THE LAW?".

I wish more people would think things out for the long term before taking these babies to a certain, eventual, death sentence.

In my next column, I will be writing about the two precious abandoned kittens that I took in this past winter & just found a place for last month.
It's been an emotional ride for me and them. Just when you finally get them to relax some & not be so scared & trusting you a little, they're uprooted and traumatized again. It's heartbreaking for the people involved, as well as the animals and they fear they're being abandoned all over again.

PLEASE DO NOT ABANDON YOUR PETS.
PLEASE SPAY OR NEUTER.

This story was submitted by BJ of EXPRESSIONSbyBJ on Artfire.
BJ is a member of the Crafting for Animals Guild and a columnist for the CFA blog. She supports her local humane society and animal care facitity and is involved in helping abused & abandonded cats.
Expressions sells handmade jewelry, jewelry supplies, craft items and a few animal related items.