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"People who don't respond to anything else often respond to the animals. Animal Assisted Therapy visits uncover avenues of communication that didn't exist before...As a result, (patients) feel more relaxed in their environment and, ultimately, are more likely to be open to rehabilitation and therapy," says Vicki Olivas, coordinator of Activities, Therapy, and Volunteer Services, California Pacific Medical Center.

WHAT IS ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY?

Animal Assisted Therapy is a program that brings the healing presence of animals to people in health care facilities and nursing homes. Volunteers often bring shelter animals or their own pets on visits to hospital wards, nursing homes, psychiatric clinics, senior centers, and special schools.

Animals Provide Therapeutic Benefits

The loving, nonjudgmental presence of animals creates a cozy, homelike setting in the institutional environment. And where humans sometimes fail, animals are often successful in cutting through the barriers that isolate people with physical and emotional difficulties.

Medical studies and field reports show animals have a comforting, reassuring effect on people. The therapeutic benefits of animal assisted therapy include:

• Decreased anxiety and depression in patients.
• Increased self-esteem.
• Stronger desire to communicate.
• Lowered blood pressure.
• Increased motivation to get well.
• Decreased need for painkilling medication in some post-operative patients.
• Increased willingness to interact with other patients and/or hospital staff.

Most local animal assisted therapy programs visit the following (but not limited to) locations:

• Children in pediatric wards.
• AIDS patients.
• Adults in acute care and physical rehabilitation facilities.
• Children with behavioral and physical disabilities.
• Hospices.
• Mental health patients.
• Frail and well elders in retirement communities and convalescent homes.

Animals Provide Emotional Support

THE ANIMALS

Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, snakes, even turtles, make the rounds of participating AAT facilities. Each animal chosen for the program receives extensive medical and socialization testing before going out on visits.

About half of the animals used in programs are the pets of AAT volunteers. Dogs owned by volunteers are usually given a rigorous temperament test to make sure they get along well with people and respond favorably when placed in unfamiliar environments and situations. These animals also undergo comprehensive medical screening to ensure their good health.

If you are interested in participating in your local Animal Assisted Therapy Program, or if you have a pet that that meets their qualifications, please call your local animal shelter. Your local animal shelter most likely has the name and phone number of the person that heads the AAT program in your area.

Facts About Cat Fables

They're playful and loving, aloof and mysterious, frisky and mischievous. They're cats! And The Humane Society of the United States invites you to celebrate our feline friends in all their glory and to see these graceful creatures with new appreciation.

Cats have fascinated humans ever since the day, probably about four thousand years ago, the first domestic cat made himself at home on the hearth by the fire. From ancient times to our modern age, myths and superstitions have surrounded cats. The ancient Egyptians worshiped them as gods, but people in later centuries feared them as harbingers of witchcraft and evil.

In today's high-tech world, we may think we've outgrown such fables. Yet a surprising number of modern-day myths about cats persist. Did you know that the following are feline fables, not facts?

Feline Fables

1. CATS ARE "NO-MAINTENANCE" PETS. Because cats are litter-trained, some people think that simply giving their cat food and water is enough. Not so. Cats also need regular veterinary care and, just as important, lots of love and attention.
2. CATS ALWAYS LAND ON THEIR FEET. While cats can often land on their feet after a short fall, falling from heights is another story. Upper-level windows and porches, unless securely screened, should be off-limits to cats, particularly in high-rise buildings.
3. CATS CAN'T BE TRAINED. Cats will, of course, do things their way if left to their own devices. But most cats can be taught to obey simple rules like not scratching the couch, eating plants, or jumping up on the kitchen counter. Repeated, gentle, and consistent training gets good results.
4. CATS AREN'T HAPPY UNLESS THEY CAN GO OUTSIDE TO ROAM AND HUNT. Cats like to play, prowl, and pounce, and they can do all those activities indoors with you and a few toys - without being exposed to predators, disease, traps, poison, and traffic. Indoor cats are healthier, happier - and safer!







5. CATS BECOME FAT AND LAZY AFTER THEY ARE SPAYED OR NEUTERED. Cats, just like people, generally become fat because they eat too much and don't get enough exercise. The fact is, cats who are spayed or neutered live longer lives and make better companions. And they don't contribute to the pet-overpopulation problem in this country, where millions of unwanted cats and dogs are destroyed every year. There's no need to wait until a female cat has had a litter to have her spayed; it can be done before her first heat cycle.
6. CATS CAN SEE IN THE DARK. Cats cannot see in total darkness any better than a person can. They can see better than other animals in semidarkness, however, because of their eyes' anatomy.
7. CATS DON'T NEED TO WEAR A COLLAR AND TAGS. An identification tag is a lost cat's ticket home. Every cat, even an indoor cat, should wear a collar with an ID tag to help him come home if he is lost. Many cat owners believe a collar can injure a cat. But a breakaway collar lets a cat escape if the collar becomes snagged.
8. CATS WHO DISAPPEAR FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS ARE JUST OUT HUNTING; THERE'S NO NEED TO WORRY. The prolonged disappearance of any pet is cause for alarm. Cats are no exception, and as domestic animals, they cannot cope with the dangers posed by the outdoors. For their own safety and well-being, cats should always be kept indoors, but if your cat does somehow become lost, he needs to be looked for immediately - before it's too late.







9. CATS WILL SUCK THE BREATH FROM SLEEPING INFANTS. Curious by nature, a cat may want to climb into the crib to see what new manner of squalling creature her family has brought home. But she won't suck the baby's breath. She may feel a little jealous, however, so introductions should be gradual. Lots of lavish attention will also help reassure her that she's still an important member of the family. Cats can suffer from sibling rivalry, too!
10. CATS ARE ALOOF, INDEPENDENT ANIMALS AND DON'T REALLY WANT A LOT OF ATTENTION FROM HUMANS. Cats are domestic animals because they live in the home. They crave human companionship and establish loving bonds with their human families. They may not always show it, but that's just the feline way. If you toss the cat outdoors, or spend little time with him, you'll never know the rewarding - and very special - relationship that comes from making a cat a true member of the family.

Dogs are not only our friends, but also our protectors. And in this case, they even keep our beds insect-free! Today, dogs are increasingly being used to help sniff out bed bug infestations around the nation. Companies like "Sniff K9" even offer bed bug certification programs – where dogs run the show. Sniff K9 works with people at their own homes, or those in the hospitality and retail business to ensure that rooms and products are bed-bug free. You can also buy these bed-bug sniffing companions.

The recent surge in these services is due to an increase in bed bug infestations experienced around the country. "Bed bugs are no longer common simply in cheap motels," stated the co-founder of Sniff K9, "but are now frequent at even 5-star facilities and luxury boutiques."

Dogs are used because of their incredibly keen sense of smell. What dog is best for the task, however, may be up for debate. Sniff K9 uses Labradors because they are characteristically fearless, especially when it comes to searching small spaces, relatively low maintenance, and are particularly good at detecting scents. Although seemingly odd or unconventional, the method appears to be a rather effective and quick way to keep these unwanted guests out of your bed.

No one appreciates a loudmouth, or someone who chews with their mouth wide open. These things are obvious rules of etiquette we all follow so that we are not rude to others.

Being a pet owner also comes with its own etiquette rules and while some may seem obvious, it is always helpful to remind ourselves what we should do to be considerate pet owners. After all, you want people to view you as a responsible pet owner and your furry friend as a well behaved companion.

So, without further ado, here they are:

City vs. Rural Living – The importance and rigidness of pet etiquette are in direct proportion to the population density of where you live. If you live in an urban area there not only will be more etiquette rules, but greater importance placed on them than if you live in a rural area.

Leashes – Many municipalities require all dogs that are walked in public or are taken to specific areas such as parks, beaches and other public places have a leash. People may enjoy seeing dogs at the park, but also may not appreciate them running wild. The ASPCA also recommends that leashes—particularly those in urban areas—be kept to six feet or less and be thick enough for walkers, people on rollerblades, bicyclers, and joggers to see.

Get a License – Being sure to purchase a license for your pet is not only a legal requirement in many communities, but could help identify a lost pet and pays for animal control efforts. A license also shows that you take being a pet owner seriously and participate in your community’s efforts to document pet ownership.

Scoop the Poop – Seems obvious, but there are those sidewalks and parks with a ridiculous number of landmines. Also, animal feces can have parasites and present other health issues, especially for young children.

Peeing – Gardeners often put a lot of effort into their flower beds, bushes and trees, so be respectful and try to avoid letting your dog pee on them.

Commands – Being in control of your pet is more than simply having a leash. From an early age it is important to train your dog to obey what have become known as the Four Basic Commands: sit/stay, heal, leave it, and come.

Noise – If loud noises cause your dog to become scared, nervous and/or act out in some way, stay aware of the potential for a loud noise such as a car horn or siren to occur. Also try to avoid having your dog surprised by a sudden movement or commotion near him or her such as a bicyclist or jogger passing from behind.

Tying Your Dog Up – Leaving your dog tied to a tree or post while you get a drink or shop means others have to avoid your dog. This is worse if your dog has trouble when it can’t see you or becomes anxious when tied.

Bad Apples – Even though most pet owners are responsible and considerate, there are always a few bad apples out there that give all pet owners a bad name. If you see someone not picking up after their pet or allowing their dog to be a nuisance, find a way to politely remind them that manners and pet etiquette are important.

For more, visit: the ASPCA's website on urban dog etiquette.

Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) is a progressive disease that occurs in the joints of animals. It is not normal to the aging process; however, the condition affects about 15-20% of dogs over 8 years of age.

DJD results from injury to the articular cartilage, the smooth material covering the free surfaces of the bones in a joint. Normally this cartilage functions to reduce friction and helps absorb shock within the joint.

Hip Joint Showing Articular Cartilage

Trauma and aging are major contributors to cartilage destruction. Once the process begins, it cannot be reversed. The condition may occur in one or several joints. Treatment for the disease is primarily symptomatic.

DJD is often referred to as "osteoarthritis." This is not an accurate description, since osteoarthritis implies an inflammatory condition of the joint. DJD is not an inflammatory process.

Factors that lead to degenerative joint disease are listed below:

• Injury to the joint
  Example: fracture within the joint
• Instability of the joint
  Examples: hip dysplasia, ruptured anterior cruciate ligament of the knee
• Joint disease
  Example: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)
• Infection in the joint
  Example: penetrating wound

Symptoms

By the time the symptoms of DJD appear, considerable damage to the joint is already present. As the disease progresses, the symptoms intensify.

Anatomic Lesions Associated with Degenerative Joint Disease

The most common symptoms of degenerative joint disease are lameness, joint pain, and stiffness. Lameness and pain are generally more pronounced after a long period of exercise.

The affected joint is often stiff after a period of non-use, such as right after awakening from sleep. This stiffness tends to improve after a small amount of exercise. Often, a grinding sound is produced when the affected joint is manipulated.

Your veterinarian can diagnose DJD. X-rays are often required to confirm the diagnosis, as well as to show the progression of the disease. When radiographic lesions are present, the disease has already progressed significantly. Very early in the disease, no X-ray lesions are seen.

At the present time, there is no treatment to reverse the process of degenerative joint disease. Most treatment regimes are based on rest, weight reduction, moderate exercise and medication. Your veterinarian can recommend the treatment that is best suited for your pet.

The Special Needs of Newborn Puppies

When it comes to adequate nutrition, one of the most critical times in a puppy's life is immediately following birth. At this time, the bitch produces a special type of milk called colostrum, which contains antibodies that newborn puppies absorb through their intestine. These antibodies provide temporary immunity for the puppy, offering it protection from a variety of infectious diseases.

Since the puppy's intestine can only absorb these antibodies during the first 24 hours of life, it is vitally important that it receives adequate colostrum during this period. After this 24 hour period, the colostrum changes, and within three to four days, the mother is producing mature milk.

To determine if the newborn puppy is growing normally, consider weighing the animal daily during the first two weeks and then every three to four days until weaning. During the first three to four weeks of life, puppies should gain one to two grams per day for every pound they're expected to weigh as an adult. For example, if the anticipated adult weight is 25 pounds, the puppy should be gaining 25 to 50 grams daily.

Puppies should nurse a minimum of four to six times daily. In healthy puppies, the mother's milk is adequate for normal growth until about four weeks of age. After this time, milk alone cannot meet the nutrients needed for normal development, therefore supplemental feeding should begin.

Introducing Solid Food

We recommend these guidelines when introducing supplemental food:

• Start semi-solid food at three to four weeks of age.
• Feed a thick gruel of dry puppy diet mixed with warm water (do not use cow's milk, which may cause diarrhea)
• Place the gruel in a shallow dish (i.e., a pie pan)
• Feed a minimum of three times per day. At each feeding, clean the plate and replace unfinished food with new food.
• Dry puppy food (instead of gruel) can be introduced at six weeks of age

The Rapid Growth Period

Puppies grow most rapidly during the first six months of life. During this period, rapid organ growth occurs. Supplying a complete and balanced diet for growth during this phase is essential for normal development. Energy requirements during this period of development are greater than for any other stage in life (except for a female at the end of pregnancy and during lactation). The energy needs of a rapidly growing puppy are three times the needs of an adult dog.

Similarly, the protein requirement of growing puppies is greater than that of adult dogs. Because puppies have higher energy needs and eat more food than adult dogs, the total amount of protein they consume is naturally higher.

Pet foods for growing puppies should contain more protein than foods developed for adult dogs. More importantly, the protein contained in the food should be high quality. The recommended minimum percentage of energy supplied by protein in the diet for a growing puppy is 26 percent.

Food Quality and Energy Requirements

Growing puppies have large requirements for both energy and nutrients. The problem is that they have less digestive capacity (smaller stomachs and intestines), smaller mouths, and smaller and fewer teeth than adults. These differences limit the amount of food a puppy can eat and digest at one time.

The potentially negative effects of poor food quality are far reaching. If a diet contains poor quality protein or is low in energy density, a larger amount of food must be consumed. Moreover, the limits of the puppy's small stomach may be reached before adequate nutrients have been consumed, resulting in decreased growth and impaired muscular and skeletal development.

Also remember that growing puppies should not be overfed. Mild overfeeding early in life can lead to an accelerated growth rate. Primarily in large breeds of dogs, an accelerated growth rate can also result in development of several skeletal disorders, including osteodystrophy, osteochondrosis, and hip dysplasia.

In contrast, feeding growing puppies a moderately restricted level of a well-balanced diet does not affect final body size or development. Based on the latest research, feeding to achieve an average (rather than maximal) growth rate for the dog's particular breed is highly recommended. Strict portion-controlled feeding and frequent assessment of weight gain and body condition are important steps toward realizing this goal. Three small meals per day should be provided until the puppy is four months of age, after which two meals per day should be fed.

Practical Feeding Tips

After puppies are weaned, they should be fed a diet specifically formulated for growth. The food should be guaranteed Nutritionally Adequate for Growth or for All Life Stages, as demonstrated in the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) feeding trials.

For adequate nutrition for growing puppies, consider the following guidelines:

• Feed a highly digestible, nutrient-dense diet specifically formulated for growth
• Feed regular meals and use a portion-controlled regimen
• Try to feed the meals at the same time each day
• Feed three meals daily up to four months of age, and two meals daily afterward
• Feed to achieve average growth rate for the pet's breed, and to support a lean body condition
• Avoid overfeeding or feeding to promote maximal growth rate
• Provide regular daily exercise
• Do not add nutrient supplements to the puppy's balanced diet (adding dietary supplements to a balanced diet is unnecessary and may even be detrimental)

Adequate nutrition is an important component of a puppy's overall growth and development. The guidelines above can help you provide optimal nutrition to meet the diverse needs of growing puppies. If you have questions regarding the proper food for your puppy or adult dog, talk to a staff member at your local veterinary hospital. These professionals know what food is right for your pet.

We all claim that we have the smartest cat. And maybe you do. But is your cat a musical genius?

Ketzel, a cat from the Upper West Side of Manhattan, sure was. Ketzel died this summer at the age of nineteen, but has left in her paw steps a musical legacy. Ketzel was a composer – an award-winning composer, in fact, who won a prize at the Paris New Music Review’s One-Minute Competition for a piece she pawed onto her owner's piano one morning in 1996. Morris Cotel, one of Ketzel's owners, was the chairman of the composition department at the Peabody Conservatory, who claimed Ketzel as "one of his best students." Cotel was shocked the morning Ketzel composed her one-minute-wonder, which he claimed to have a "structural elegance … with a beginning, middle, and an end." Cotel took note of his cat’s masterpiece and submitted it to the competition. Although he explained the composer's identity in the entry form, the judges were not told that "Piece for Piano, Four Paws," truly was written by four paws.

Ketzel's piece premiered in 1998 in Peabody. It was later performed in Europe, over public radio, and at the Museum of the City of New York, where the composer herself was in attendance. After announcing Ketzel's piece, a meow was heard from the back of the hall acknowledging her new claim to fame.

Now that is one smart cat.