2/28/13
2/27/13
I caught Boo, y'all.
Jimmy the Animal Control officer brought a live trap today. And we put it out beside the office where I had been feeding Boo. Notice those teal wheels. Pretty fancy, isn't it?
Well, Boo must be a fan of teal and turquoise. Because look who was in it about 20 minutes later.
Now, here's the problem. What to do with her? She can't keep on living outside, wild, and soon be having puppies all over the place.
Do I send her to the pound? Do I keep her and try to tame her up, spay her, and try to find her a home? I already have 3 foster dogs, and then there is Lena who I rescued in January. I haven't showed you Lena, have I? Well, she was another sad case who is doing much better now. The foster dogs are putting me in the poor house according to my Mother. (She is not a pet fan, even with 2 sons who are veterinarians) .
So after discussing it with the animal control officer, he could take her, but she would not have anyone to spend time with her to tame her up, as he is out on a call all the time. Which means she'd never get adopted.
If she was the least bit aggressive, he would have to put her to sleep, because of the liability issue if someone gets bit. Thankfully, she is more scared than anything- having the catch pole on her neck did freak her out a bit.
So, she is now inside the building in the cat room. Staying here to see if I can tame her up. I can sort of pet her on the back, but she is very scared so I am giving her some space. If you remember Jimmy, it took him almost 2 months to be able to walk outside on a leash. I'm thinking Boo will tame up a little faster. She has her adult teeth in, so I'm guessing she is between 6 months and a year old.
I sat my iPad in front of her cage this afternoon, and livestreamed her for about an hour. Mostly just her sitting there. You can watch the recorded video by clicking here.
If anyone happens to find any spare change in the couch cushions, and would like to donate it to the BOO fund, she would appreciate it greatly. And if anyone wants to consider adopting her, let me know as well.
Now, here's the problem. What to do with her? She can't keep on living outside, wild, and soon be having puppies all over the place.
Do I send her to the pound? Do I keep her and try to tame her up, spay her, and try to find her a home? I already have 3 foster dogs, and then there is Lena who I rescued in January. I haven't showed you Lena, have I? Well, she was another sad case who is doing much better now. The foster dogs are putting me in the poor house according to my Mother. (She is not a pet fan, even with 2 sons who are veterinarians) .
So after discussing it with the animal control officer, he could take her, but she would not have anyone to spend time with her to tame her up, as he is out on a call all the time. Which means she'd never get adopted.
If she was the least bit aggressive, he would have to put her to sleep, because of the liability issue if someone gets bit. Thankfully, she is more scared than anything- having the catch pole on her neck did freak her out a bit.
So, she is now inside the building in the cat room. Staying here to see if I can tame her up. I can sort of pet her on the back, but she is very scared so I am giving her some space. If you remember Jimmy, it took him almost 2 months to be able to walk outside on a leash. I'm thinking Boo will tame up a little faster. She has her adult teeth in, so I'm guessing she is between 6 months and a year old.
I sat my iPad in front of her cage this afternoon, and livestreamed her for about an hour. Mostly just her sitting there. You can watch the recorded video by clicking here.
If anyone happens to find any spare change in the couch cushions, and would like to donate it to the BOO fund, she would appreciate it greatly. And if anyone wants to consider adopting her, let me know as well.
2/20/13
Meet Boo Radley, y'all.
Two or three weeks ago, Taylor mentioned that a brown dog was lying on a junk sofa that someone dragged out to the road in front of the mini storage warehouses next door. I didn't see the dog later so figured he belonged to someone in the neighborhood.
A day or so later, I spotted him up at a old mobile home trailer two lots up the road. Last week, I saw him a few more times and realized that he probably isn't anyone's dog, and is living in the woods around this trailer.
He's very skiddish and takes off if you get closer than 30-50 yards from him. So spooked by everything that I nicknamed him Boo Radley. So at the end of last week, I started feeding him hoping that I might be able to catch him before he gets ran over, or in a fight, or has puppies, etc.
At first we could not tell if he was a he or a she, but we think now that it is a SHE. So it is Miss Boo Radley now. The photos below were shot with a telephoto lens, so that gives you an idea how far I was away, clear across my parking lot.
She looks rather young. I spoke to the dog catcher, and he is probably gonna have to set out a trap to try and catch her. I've been feeding her once or twice a day for the past few days, and she doesn't seem any more trusting than to start with.
To see the whole set of photos on Flickr- Click Here.
On Sunday morning, I set up my camcorder on a tripod outside, and she found the food about 30 minutes later. You can see how flighty she is.
If the dog catcher can catch her, I am not sure what her fate is going to be. I doubt he'll want to spend time trying to tame her up, but I know that she can't be living in the woods and having puppies all over the place. So I'll worry about that later, and just concentrate on feeding her and trying to catch her for the time being.
Anyone want a cute brown dog? medium-ish hair coat length? doesn't even bark, etc. . . . .
A day or so later, I spotted him up at a old mobile home trailer two lots up the road. Last week, I saw him a few more times and realized that he probably isn't anyone's dog, and is living in the woods around this trailer.
He's very skiddish and takes off if you get closer than 30-50 yards from him. So spooked by everything that I nicknamed him Boo Radley. So at the end of last week, I started feeding him hoping that I might be able to catch him before he gets ran over, or in a fight, or has puppies, etc.
At first we could not tell if he was a he or a she, but we think now that it is a SHE. So it is Miss Boo Radley now. The photos below were shot with a telephoto lens, so that gives you an idea how far I was away, clear across my parking lot.
She looks rather young. I spoke to the dog catcher, and he is probably gonna have to set out a trap to try and catch her. I've been feeding her once or twice a day for the past few days, and she doesn't seem any more trusting than to start with.
To see the whole set of photos on Flickr- Click Here.
On Sunday morning, I set up my camcorder on a tripod outside, and she found the food about 30 minutes later. You can see how flighty she is.
If the dog catcher can catch her, I am not sure what her fate is going to be. I doubt he'll want to spend time trying to tame her up, but I know that she can't be living in the woods and having puppies all over the place. So I'll worry about that later, and just concentrate on feeding her and trying to catch her for the time being.
Anyone want a cute brown dog? medium-ish hair coat length? doesn't even bark, etc. . . . .
2/5/13
The Story of Miss Coco-
Photographer Kaylee Greer of Dog Breath Photography, up in New England, posted a story about meeting an old dog in Petsmart, back on Halloween. I shared the story in the November issue of Shelter Pet Magazine. (edit- it looks like I shared here too back mid-November now that I glance back at old post)
The story went viral a few days after it was posted. If you missed it online, or in the magazine, you'll know why it went viral once you read it. It speaks to the pet lover's soul.
You'll need a tissue. Or two. Kaylee posted it on her blog today, with a tiny, but powerful, update at the bottom. It's a must read.
http://dogbreathblog.com/2013/02/05/what-its-like-to-meet-an-angel/
The story went viral a few days after it was posted. If you missed it online, or in the magazine, you'll know why it went viral once you read it. It speaks to the pet lover's soul.
You'll need a tissue. Or two. Kaylee posted it on her blog today, with a tiny, but powerful, update at the bottom. It's a must read.
http://dogbreathblog.com/2013/02/05/what-its-like-to-meet-an-angel/
2/2/13
"But, 800 Pet Meds is so much cheaper . . . "
That's what she said. And there was no convincing her otherwise.
Everyday we hear the same comment. Over and over.
So I double checked and the facts might surprise you. On some products, they are cheaper. A few are as cheap as what I can order them for wholesale. But it isn't always the case. And it certainly wasn't the case with the product that she wanted.
Veterinarians always have manufacturer coupons for free goods. The coupons vary, but right now, they are get 2-3 free doses of product.
Advantage Multi- by the time we order it, pay tax on it, mark it up- It is in the 118-120 dollar range for the 6 pack. Bayer coupon gives you 2 free doses- each with a $20 value. So that nets the $120 down to $80.
Look at what it costs for the 6 pack at 800 Pet Meds. $92.99. and you don't get the free doses. She just paid $13 more to order from 800 pet meds.
I do have clients that faithfully buy their pet medications here. And I appreciate their loyalty. As one put it, "I don't care if I can save a few bucks ordering medications online. I know that if I have a medical problem or emergency with my cat, you'll help. Peace of mind is worth more than a few dollars. "
It is so true. As 2013 begins, the economy isn't going so well. It might be better in other areas, but small veterinary hospitals are finding it more difficult to keep the door open with the pressure from the internet pharmacies, spay and neuter clinics, feed stores, and even mobile groomers.
Sometimes, people shop online because it is more convenient. Push a button on your phone and the item shows up on your doorstep in a few days. Veterinary hospitals now have that covered. Thanks to the distributors, there are many items that we would not be wise to stock on a shelf- as it moves too slow, or we have to order so many at one time. Now, they( the distributor) will ship it to you, and the hospital gets the credit for the order.
The program that we use is called My Vet Direct.com from Butler- Schein. You can find the one for Granite Hills Animal Care here.
By the Way, Vectra Rebate coupons are out and are the best EVER- buy a 6 pack, and get 3 FREE Doses. You can order it through MyVetDirect and I'll email you the rebate code for the 3 free doses. Vectra is available for Cats, and for Dogs, but Vectra 3D is for dogs only (it's toxic to cats).
If you happen to use Advantage Multi for Cats, from the example above, you want to buy it here at the office to get the free doses. And if you aren't local, ask your vet about the rebate coupons.
So, the next time, you find yourself tempted by the hype of a tv commercial, do yourself, and your vet, a favor, by checking on the facts.
As Bartles and Jaymes used to say, in their wine cooler commercials, "Thanks for Your Support."
Everyday we hear the same comment. Over and over.
So I double checked and the facts might surprise you. On some products, they are cheaper. A few are as cheap as what I can order them for wholesale. But it isn't always the case. And it certainly wasn't the case with the product that she wanted.
Veterinarians always have manufacturer coupons for free goods. The coupons vary, but right now, they are get 2-3 free doses of product.
Advantage Multi- by the time we order it, pay tax on it, mark it up- It is in the 118-120 dollar range for the 6 pack. Bayer coupon gives you 2 free doses- each with a $20 value. So that nets the $120 down to $80.
Look at what it costs for the 6 pack at 800 Pet Meds. $92.99. and you don't get the free doses. She just paid $13 more to order from 800 pet meds.
 | ||
| Screen shot of 800 Pet Meds |
It is so true. As 2013 begins, the economy isn't going so well. It might be better in other areas, but small veterinary hospitals are finding it more difficult to keep the door open with the pressure from the internet pharmacies, spay and neuter clinics, feed stores, and even mobile groomers.
Sometimes, people shop online because it is more convenient. Push a button on your phone and the item shows up on your doorstep in a few days. Veterinary hospitals now have that covered. Thanks to the distributors, there are many items that we would not be wise to stock on a shelf- as it moves too slow, or we have to order so many at one time. Now, they( the distributor) will ship it to you, and the hospital gets the credit for the order.
The program that we use is called My Vet Direct.com from Butler- Schein. You can find the one for Granite Hills Animal Care here.
By the Way, Vectra Rebate coupons are out and are the best EVER- buy a 6 pack, and get 3 FREE Doses. You can order it through MyVetDirect and I'll email you the rebate code for the 3 free doses. Vectra is available for Cats, and for Dogs, but Vectra 3D is for dogs only (it's toxic to cats).
If you happen to use Advantage Multi for Cats, from the example above, you want to buy it here at the office to get the free doses. And if you aren't local, ask your vet about the rebate coupons.
So, the next time, you find yourself tempted by the hype of a tv commercial, do yourself, and your vet, a favor, by checking on the facts.
As Bartles and Jaymes used to say, in their wine cooler commercials, "Thanks for Your Support."
1/29/13
The Most Pleasant Smelling Patient Ever
ever accidently tumbled a cat in the dryer? what about the washing machine?
This is a must read . . . .
This is a must read . . . .
1/28/13
12/19/12
The December Issue of Shelter Pet Magazine
Hello everybody-
Busy with the holidays? Rushing here? Rushing there? More importantly, have you bought my present yet? If not, you have a few more days. . .
I am feeling the pressure myself, and am quickly whittling down my "Things I want to do list" to the "things I have to do" list. That Martha Stewart- she makes the holidays look so easy, doesn't she?
I was under the gun to get the December issue of Shelter Pet Magazine into the App store before they go on holiday schedule. I had to correct a lot of the photos, like the one on the left, to make it look like the one on the right. Nobody can adopt what they can't see. . .:)
So I uploaded the file, and it hit a snafu. The photos came out wrong and none of the links worked.
It has taken until today to get it sorted out and it works now.
This issue is available for iPads and iPhones in the App store.
It is also available at MagCloud . com . At MagCloud, you can buy the digital version to read on your ipad with the MagCloud App, download the PDF to your computer or to sync with a tablet, or read it on your computer with their web viewer.
Busy with the holidays? Rushing here? Rushing there? More importantly, have you bought my present yet? If not, you have a few more days. . .
I am feeling the pressure myself, and am quickly whittling down my "Things I want to do list" to the "things I have to do" list. That Martha Stewart- she makes the holidays look so easy, doesn't she?
I was under the gun to get the December issue of Shelter Pet Magazine into the App store before they go on holiday schedule. I had to correct a lot of the photos, like the one on the left, to make it look like the one on the right. Nobody can adopt what they can't see. . .:)
So I uploaded the file, and it hit a snafu. The photos came out wrong and none of the links worked.
It has taken until today to get it sorted out and it works now.
This issue is available for iPads and iPhones in the App store.
It is also available at MagCloud . com . At MagCloud, you can buy the digital version to read on your ipad with the MagCloud App, download the PDF to your computer or to sync with a tablet, or read it on your computer with their web viewer.
11/26/12
Shelter Pet Magazine
The November Issue of Shelter Pet Magazine finally went live today in the App Store/ Newsstand for iPads and iPhones. The App is here at iTunes.
The issue is also available at MagCloud if one wants to purchase the PDF file instead. You can read that on your computer, or download the file to your tablet if you happen to have an Android tablet.
Picking out the ones to feature was fun, not just because of their photos, but their names- Fuzz Aldrin, Fava Bean, Pop Tart, and Luke Skywalker.
There is also a PDF download that is my gift to you if you happen to purchase the issue. It's for tolerating my poor grammar and bad sentence structures, lol. I'm no English Major, I'll admit it.
11/13/12
Some Days You Are Where You Are Meant to Be
Hello all. This isn't my story, but it is one that is too good to not share. Kaylee Greer is a pet photographer in the Boston area. She often photographs homeless pets at shelters to help find them a home. Her website is here.
This is her photo and her story. You'll need a tissue, but it is one of those stories that will make you cry, and smile at the same time.
The other day, the most wonderful thing happened.
It was Halloween, so I brought costumes up to the MSPCA and spent the day dressing up the adoptables and photographing them for their PetFinder profiles. On the way home from the shelter, I had to stop at PetSmart to get Joshua a bag of food. As I was walking in the door, I noticed a woman making her way towards the checkout with her arms full
and fumbling with the dog on the other end of the leash she was holding. On the other end of that leash was the world's sweetest looking, old and grey Pointer mix. My heart just about melted when I saw her.
Just as they were passing by me, that sweet old pup must have decided she couldn't hold it any longer and stopped short to have an accident. The woman who was holding the dog looked so frazzled and upset that I offered to help. I told her not to worry about the pee, that I noticed she had her arms full and that I would take care of the cleanup for her, as I knew right where the paper towels were kept. I smiled and said 'when you gotta go, you gotta go!'. The woman thanked me profusely and stayed with the puddle until I arrived with some paper towels. As I was cleaning up the pee, the woman began to apologize and explain 'She has been having trouble holding her bladder, and lately there has been blood in it.' I could hear the profound and solemn sadness in her voice when she said 'She is my best friend and she is 18 years old.'
At that moment, I looked up at the woman and saw the tears begin to form in her eyes. She continued, 'I live with my son, and today we decided together that it's finally time to let her go.' She went on 'I am picking her up from being groomed right now because we wanted her last week with us to be special and for her to feel comfortable.'
It was at this point that I began to cry too. Right in the middle of PetSmart. With a stranger that I had only met 60 seconds before. We talked about the way that dog's touch our lives, and how some come into our world and when they leave - we're never ever the same. We talked about the purity of the love of a canine, their endless selflessness, their unwavering loyalty and joy. And that's when I had a thought. I said 'This is sort of a strange question - but do you have any beautiful photos of Coco? I mean really nice ones that you will remember her by?' Her eyes closed for a moment, and she said 'No, I suppose not.' And that's when I told her who I am - what I do. I said 'I am a professional pet photographer, and I just happen to have all of my camera gear loaded up in the back of my car right now because I'm on my way home from a shoot at the shelter. Do you and Coco have 10 minutes to spend with me outside?'
So we went outside together, and just within the confines of the modest little median in the PetSmart parking lot, we made some memories of Coco. When I showed her one of the images on the back of my camera's LCD, she lost herself to tears. And then, so did I. She hugged me with an intense gratitude that I have never felt before. I gave her my card and told her to expect an email with Coco's images very soon. I looked down at Coco with a meaningful gaze and ended our interaction with a kiss to her graying snout.
It's moments like those that make me grateful to have the privilege of doing what I do. If I am able to take the joy in one tiny moment, and freeze it in time so that somebody can keep it by their heart forever - then I consider myself the luckiest girl in the world. I think serendipity played a thoughtful hand in my meeting Coco and her Mom that day, and I am so grateful that I could give her a part of her sweet girl to hold on to forever.
This is her photo and her story. You'll need a tissue, but it is one of those stories that will make you cry, and smile at the same time.
Meet Miss Coco.
The other day, the most wonderful thing happened.
It was Halloween, so I brought costumes up to the MSPCA and spent the day dressing up the adoptables and photographing them for their PetFinder profiles. On the way home from the shelter, I had to stop at PetSmart to get Joshua a bag of food. As I was walking in the door, I noticed a woman making her way towards the checkout with her arms full
and fumbling with the dog on the other end of the leash she was holding. On the other end of that leash was the world's sweetest looking, old and grey Pointer mix. My heart just about melted when I saw her.
Just as they were passing by me, that sweet old pup must have decided she couldn't hold it any longer and stopped short to have an accident. The woman who was holding the dog looked so frazzled and upset that I offered to help. I told her not to worry about the pee, that I noticed she had her arms full and that I would take care of the cleanup for her, as I knew right where the paper towels were kept. I smiled and said 'when you gotta go, you gotta go!'. The woman thanked me profusely and stayed with the puddle until I arrived with some paper towels. As I was cleaning up the pee, the woman began to apologize and explain 'She has been having trouble holding her bladder, and lately there has been blood in it.' I could hear the profound and solemn sadness in her voice when she said 'She is my best friend and she is 18 years old.'
At that moment, I looked up at the woman and saw the tears begin to form in her eyes. She continued, 'I live with my son, and today we decided together that it's finally time to let her go.' She went on 'I am picking her up from being groomed right now because we wanted her last week with us to be special and for her to feel comfortable.'
It was at this point that I began to cry too. Right in the middle of PetSmart. With a stranger that I had only met 60 seconds before. We talked about the way that dog's touch our lives, and how some come into our world and when they leave - we're never ever the same. We talked about the purity of the love of a canine, their endless selflessness, their unwavering loyalty and joy. And that's when I had a thought. I said 'This is sort of a strange question - but do you have any beautiful photos of Coco? I mean really nice ones that you will remember her by?' Her eyes closed for a moment, and she said 'No, I suppose not.' And that's when I told her who I am - what I do. I said 'I am a professional pet photographer, and I just happen to have all of my camera gear loaded up in the back of my car right now because I'm on my way home from a shoot at the shelter. Do you and Coco have 10 minutes to spend with me outside?'
So we went outside together, and just within the confines of the modest little median in the PetSmart parking lot, we made some memories of Coco. When I showed her one of the images on the back of my camera's LCD, she lost herself to tears. And then, so did I. She hugged me with an intense gratitude that I have never felt before. I gave her my card and told her to expect an email with Coco's images very soon. I looked down at Coco with a meaningful gaze and ended our interaction with a kiss to her graying snout.
It's moments like those that make me grateful to have the privilege of doing what I do. If I am able to take the joy in one tiny moment, and freeze it in time so that somebody can keep it by their heart forever - then I consider myself the luckiest girl in the world. I think serendipity played a thoughtful hand in my meeting Coco and her Mom that day, and I am so grateful that I could give her a part of her sweet girl to hold on to forever.
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