Blog - Page 9 of 10 - 1 FUR 1 Foundation

Whether a pet is sick, injured, or just in need of a check-up, we all feel better once they have seen their veterinarian. We work hard to find the perfect vet, one who understands our needs and makes our pet feel comfortable. For World Veterinary Day and everyday, we should take a few minutes to appreciate the work of our vets, who keep the furry (or scaly!) members of our families happy and healthy.

I was fortunate enough to talk with Dr. Krista Magnifico DVM and Dr. Janet Tobiassen Crosby about their work experiences. Krista writes a blog, “Diary of a Real-Life Veterinarian,”about her thoughts and experiences as a small animal vet. Dr. Tobiassen has been writing veterinary articles for the last 16 years. Both are hard working, talented vets. Talking to them shed light on what it truly means to be a veterinarian.

The day I spoke to Dr. Magnifico, she had just finished a 10-hour work day, all of which was spent on her feet. She had spent that Monday performing surgeries on various injured animals, then checking in on her post-op patients. She loves her job, she says, because “it’s like figuring out a puzzle. There’s a mystery behind what’s going on with someone who can’t tell you what’s wrong.”

Veterinary medicine has helped humans and animals alike. Veterinarian science reveals that about 61% of all the disease-causing agents in the humans come from animals. By identifying the sources of animal-borne diseases, vets have helped to contain these ailments. Vets have identified West Nile Virus in the United States and helped to conquer malaria and yellow fever. Dr. Tobiassen Crosby spoke about the importance of vets in teaching owners how to look for signs of injury. The best part of the job, to her, is “helping people observe their pets better – in health and illness.

For certain subtle cases of illness, pet owners are often the first to know something isn’t quite right. Frequently, they intuitively know what to watch for, what questions to ask, and how to be the best health advocate for their pet. Early intervention is best for pet health and for owners’ pocketbooks, so this intuitive knowledge is very important.

Vets are not simply doctors studying animals to find injuries and diseases. Our vets become an extension of our family. They are there with us, bonding with our pets from beginning to end. Dr. Magnifico explained how vets are an integral part of a family’s healthcare plan. Our vets are just as important as our pediatricians, physical therapists, pulmonologists, or optometrists. They’re there to make sure we have our companions for as long as possible. They see them at their best, as fluffy little monsters curious about life and their new home. They also see them at their worst, in pain, sickness, or injury. “Every single one of my pets has produced a strong, unique bond. I have been a part of so many client-pet bonds, but a few stand out in my mind. Several Guide Dog clients showed not only the bond of love, but the bond of doing anything they have to in order to protect each other. A young man with little financial resources who put everything into his middle-aged dog with Lyme disease (thankfully, recovered),” remembered Dr. Tobiassen Crosby.

Hearing these stories of pet owners who’d do anything for their companions reminds us that we should always think hard about the responsibility of having a pet. Both vets reminded me that it is a lifelong commitment. Dr. Tobiassen Crosby said to “research the average life span, typical health problems, and what to expect at each life stage (early, middle, senior care) to ensure that the pet is the best fit for the family. Shelters and rescue groups have so many wonderful, beautiful animals looking for a forever home! Many shelters now offer “matching” programs and are able to work with potential adopters to find the pet that is the best fit. If unsure, fostering is a great way to help out a pet and, at the same time, get an idea of what pet works best each lifestyle.”

The vet is able to take our pets out of harm’s way, giving them medicine or surgeries that improve their happiness and well-being. It is only fitting that World Veterinary Day exists; our pets simply wouldn’t be the same without their amazing veterinarians. Getting involved with animal-assisted therapy or animal assisted activity is something any animal lover can do.

Whether a pet is sick, injured, or just in need of a check-up, we all feel better once they have seen their veterinarian. We work hard to find the perfect vet, one who understands our needs and makes our pet feel comfortable. Today is World Veterinary Day, so we should take a few minutes to appreciate the work of our vets, who keep the furry (or scaly!) members of our families happy and healthy.

The vet is able to take our pets out of harm’s way, giving them medicine or surgeries that improve their happiness and well-being. Our pets wouldn’t be the same without their amazing veterinarians. Getting involved with animal-assisted therapy or animal assisted activity is something any animal lover can do.1 FUR 1 Foundation encourages you to get involved with us, volunteering in anyway you can to help animals heal people.

Happy National Kids and Pets Day! From the owls of Harry Potter to the rascally Golden Retriever in Marley and Me, pets create lasting memories in the hearts of the children they touch. Here are three such stories from the 1FUR1 supporters:

“When I was seven, my mom took me to the shelter and let me choose a dog. While she was talking with volunteers, I climbed into the cage of the dog I liked. And that is the story of how I got my first dog.”-Nick

“I had a cat named Nellie, my mother a yellow canary. She’d let her bird out of the cage during the day, flying free, and Nellie and the bird would get tired and snuggle and then go to sleep. This went on for several years.” –Inge

“I used to have an Akita/Chow mix named Kia. She had a doghouse, and I taught her to ‘Snoopy,’ in which she would jump onto the house and lay on her back on top of the house. She couldn’t hold the pose for very long and would roll off the side of the house, but she was very happy to do that trick.”—Riakeem

1FUR1 Foundation helps connect people with animals who will touch their hearts. 1FUR1 rescues animal assisted programs at risk of extinction such as Treehouse Society’s Animal Therapy Program that rehabilitates cats, socializes them with residents at long-term care facilities and finally adopts these purring healers in loving forever homes.

April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month, so 1 FUR 1 Foundation would like to take this opportunity to remind pet owners about the importance of knowing pet first aid. An emergency situation with a pet is very frightening, but knowing what to do when something bad happens can ease both your and your pet’s anxiety. Pet owners should learn pet first aid in order to ensure their pet’s safety. Pet first aid is not, however, the only thing to do when an emergency occurs. Pets should also be taken to the vet to be checked out in order to make sure everything is okay.

First aid should be administered for a pet who has suffered from seizures, poisoning, electrical shock, heatstroke, and choking, among other emergencies. Companies such as the American Red Cross, Pet Tech, and some local animal hospitals offer pet first aid courses to better educate pet owners. Taking these courses will make owners more effective in an emergency, which will protect their pet from greater suffering or injury. For those of us who are more technologically savvy, pet first aid apps are from Jive Media and American Red Cross for both Android and iPhone.
Some accidents are easily preventable. According to Thom Somes, “preventable accidents are the leading cause of death and disability among pre-senior dogs and cats”. Pet owners should do things such as put up gates leading to pools, attend pet first aid courses, and keep pets on leashes, to keep their pets out of harm’s way. Keep nails trimmed on all pets, especially birds, in order to avoid snagging them on items in their environment. Use antibiotic ointment on small wounds or abrasions. For injured reptiles, place them in a diluted Betadine bath for at least five minutes with constant supervision. For injured fish, test for ammonia, nitrates, pH, and phosphates. Pet Smart offers free water testing and most pet stores or aquatic stores offer home test kits. De-chlorinators, aquarium salts, and vitamins should be used in tanks to keep all inhabitants healthy and happy.

Other situations cannot be prevented, but should be handled safely and calmly. Owners should figure out a disaster plan that all members of the family should know in case of house fires or natural disasters. This will make sure that everyone knows what they are doing and will keep everyone is safe. It is always important to comfort your pet and watch for any signs of distress. Always take your pet to a vet after any accident or natural disaster where they may have been harmed.

In order to help pet parents and cause supporters, 1 FUR 1 Foundation provides unbiased information that helps animals and people in need. In addition to offering financial and operational grants to at-risk animal-assisted programs throughout the U.S.A. Please consider helping 1 FUR 1’s mission by donating today. Our animals thank you for your contribution!

Many people want to make a difference by volunteering with their pet in an animal assisted therapy setting, but not every animal is right for it. There are a few common traits that you should make sure your pet has before training them to be a therapy animal.

1. The dog should be calm in new environments.

A lot of animal assisted therapy includes spending time with new people while being pet or held. It is important for the animal to be comfortable in this situation, as it will help the patient to be at ease and will make the experience better for the pet, also.

2. Your dog should also be at least one year old.

For many places, there is an age requirement, and for good reason. Kittens and puppies are often overly energetic and sometimes unpredictable, which is pretty fun for a new owner who enjoys spending time with their wiggly ball of fluff, but not ideal in a hospital or hospice setting.

3. The dog should also be somewhat trained.

They need to be reliable and controllable, so that they do not scare or harm the patient they are working with. They should also not show aggression towards the patients. Petting an animal who is hissing or biting you is not a very therapeutic experience. It is important for the pet to be calm and social, as it makes the therapy better for them, their owner, and the patient.

Animals and humans have worked together in therapeutic relationships for more than 12,000 years. Scientists proved this when they found a 12,000-year-old human skeleton in Israel, holding close the skeletal remains of a puppy.

The history of the human-canine bond starts even earlier than that, however humans and wolves, the ancestor of our domestic dogs, hunted the same prey in the days before the Ice Age. The two groups were weaker than the animals they hunted, but they hunted in packs, making their hunting expeditions safer and more effective. The packs of these two groups have many similarities. Both creatures are social and loyal, forming groups based on family and looking out for one another’s young. Because they had so much in common, it made sense for humans and wolves to work together toward a common goal: hunting. The hunting bond between dogs and humans began between 19,000 and 30,000 years ago. Dogs are beneficial to hunters because some possess a highly sensitive sense of smell, which helps the hunter to find their prey. Other breeds possess impressive endurance, which is helpful for long hunting expeditions.

The human-canine bond doesn’t end with hunting, however. Today, we’ve adapted the relationship to fit our modern lives. Now, dogs also serve in animal assisted activities and therapies by working with people who have psychological and physical diseases. They also can provide companionship to the elderly and improve children’s reading and communication skills by simply listening.

1 FUR 1 Foundation’s mission is to continue strengthening the bond between humans and animals. Do you want to be an ambassador for the human/animal bond? It’s easy and free. We suggest that that you use Goodsearch for your search-engine needs. It functions like any other search engine, but raises a penny for 1 FUR 1 each time you search.

Happy Pet Sitter’s Week! It is the last day of pet sitter’s week, so I thought I would share some of the things I learned from the animals I’ve worked with. I have been a pet sitter for more than five years, working with a myriad of animals. Each experience has been different than the last and each animal taught me something new. I’ve learned a lot from many sources, but lessons from pets are a some of the most important things I know.

1. Never judge someone based on how they look

I once watched a tortoise, expecting him to be a somewhat dull companion. Boy, was I wrong. He was one of the liveliest animals I’ve ever watched, who absolutely loved human attention. When I would sit down in his backyard, he would run as fast as an 80 pound tortoise could to come cuddle with me. Looking at him, I would have thought he was stoic and unfeeling, but he was sweet and very loving.

2. Live in the moment

Animals have a different way of going about their lives than people. They are not inhibited by time and are unafraid of wasting time, of just spending time doing things that make them happy. Bailey, a dog I frequently watch, absolutely loves chasing bugs. Since the bugs are able to fly, they have an unfair advantage, but she doesn’t care. She has yet to catch any flies, but always puts all of her focus on the task at hand.

3. Age is just a number

In the last year, I have begun watching a 10 year old lab. He is not as lean or fast as he used to be, but that does not stop him. Whenever leaving for a walk, he takes on a puppy-like attitude, running and jumping and wagging his tail. Looking at him, his playful behavior makes him look years younger.

4. We all need reassurance every once in a while

Years ago, I watched a sweet cat who had taken up residence in her garage, as she was afraid of the new puppy who lived in her house. Her owner told me that she never left the garage but that he wished she would come in the house every once in a while. Determined to get her to come back inside, I would spend hours in the garage every day, slowly coaxing her toward the kitchen. She was afraid, but trusted me and knew that I would never put her in any danger. She realized that the dog was not a threat, and now happily lives inside with the three other cats in her family.

5. Do what makes you happy

I have tried jobs working with a few different groups. I have been a caretaker, a tutor, a coach, a manager, but I have never found a job I loved as much as pet sitting. The animals I work with bring so much joy into my life. I would not trade those experiences for anything. It can be hard work, sometimes frustrating and repetitive, but working with animals is my true passion.

If you follow 1FUR1 on Facebook, you’ve probably already heard us talk about how March is our birthday month (and if you haven’t liked 1FUR1 yet, what are you waiting for? We have plenty of posts we would love for you to see!)

To celebrate our birthday, we wanted to take you on a journey through our first year. 1FUR1 was, for years, just a dream of animal-lover Michelle Djonova. She wanted to create an organization that was unlike any other. Not only would 1FUR1 fund organizations, it would stick with them forever, forming a longtime partnership with these other organizations. With hard work, determination, and a band of passionate volunteers, Michelle was able to make 1FUR1 a reality.

In the last year, she has seen her dream come to life. The first few months were spent on the legal and tax related sides of a non-profit. After those months, 1FUR1 really took off, gaining followers and volunteers. Now, 1FUR1 has hundreds of likes on Facebook, which is a huge achievement for a grass roots organization.

1 Fur 1 works hard to find organizations to work with. There are many great organizations out there, who we commend for their service, but we try to help where it is most needed. The organizations we partner with are on the verge of disappearing. Without financial support, amazing organizations like Treehouse House Humane Society would not be able to help as many people and homeless cats as they do.

1FUR1’s work is far from over, and we could really use your help. There are many ways to help, including educating those around you about animal-assisted therapy and animal-assisted activity, looking for more organizations that could use our help, and donating toward our cause. We are looking for more volunteers and for you to spread the word about our organization’s mission. We would be nothing without all of our readers and are eternally grateful that you chose to read our articles and educate yourself about the amazing things that animals can do.

For a happy and healthy dpet, here you’ll find care, behavior, and training dog tips. Let the countdown begin…

10.) “Dog breath” is a ubiquitous problem for dog owners, but bad breath left unchecked can lead to serious problems for a dog’s teeth and overall health. To prevent gum disease and other dental problems, do not feed dogs treats that can splinter such as bones, hooves, and ice cubes. Instead, go for dental treats, rope toys, and rubber toys. (Note: in the summer months, 1 Fur 1 offers doggy gelato at select retailers, which is a vet-, owner-, and dog-approved treat!)

9.) Is your dog overexcited when you come home, threatening to knock you and your groceries down when you walk in? Dog trainers suggest to, while not looking at the dog, extend your palm at arm’s length and firmly tell her “no” as many times as it takes to get your message across. Do not say her name as you do this. Greet your dog when you have put your stuff down and can give her your full attention.

8.) Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can keep your pooch pent up! For walks in a winter wonderland, invest in dog booties or Musher’s Secret Paw Protection Wax to protect his paws, a harness rather than a leash so you have more control and can tell if he’s about to zoom off and lick some road salt, and, depending on how fluffy he is, a dog sweater or coat.

7.) For walks any time of year, a light-up or reflective leash will alert drivers and other pedestrians to where your dog is if you take her with you on your before-dawn jog.

6.) Read reviews of any dog product before purchasing it to ensure your dog’s health and safety. Even dog food has reviews online that you can read!

5.) Dogs find routine comforting, so be consistent with your walk and feeding schedule if you recently moved with your dog or if you just adopted a new dog. This will help her adjust to her new surroundings.

4.) When adjusting a collar, harness, or other wearable item for your dog, make sure you can slip two fingers underneath the object. Do not buy items with plastic buckles if you live in a cold climate, as the plastic can shatter, and do not buy leather items if you live in a warm climate, as humidity will make the leather rot.

3.) To ease a dog’s separation anxiety, do not make a big show of your departure or arrival, and try not to feel guilty or tense that you’re leaving your dog, as your dog will pick up on that emotional cue. Walking your dog before you leave can get rid of pent-up energy that would later make him anxious.

2.) Dogs often read and copy their owner’s emotional cues. If you get nervous in doctors’ offices, this may translate to your dog being nervous at the vet. Act like vet appointments, baths, and nail clipping are positive experiences and give your dog lots of positive reinforcements for successfully making it through an unpleasant experience.

1.) Got a leash puller? Stop walking when your dog pulls and don’t start again until she understands that her behavior is why the walk has stopped.

Rabbits, often bought as Easter presents for young children, are frequently abandoned after they grow out of that adorable “baby bunny” stage. Older rabbits are just as sweet and cuddly, though, and many are available for adoption.

Thinking about rescuing a rabbit? Many shelters are species-specific, such as the Rabbit Haven and Rescue Rabbits Rock, as many rabbits are in need of loving homes. The Rabbit Haven, an all-volunteer organization, rescues rabbits off the streets or from shelters. Based in Sunnyvale, California, they often hold adoption events, where plenty of their abandoned or special-needs rabbits have found forever homes.

There are many benefits to adopting a rabbit. They’re easy pets to care for, as they can be litter trained. All the food they eat can be grown in your own backyard — they love strawberries, dark leaf lettuce, alfalfa, and, of course, carrots. Have extra boxes, papers you planned on shredding, or toilet paper rolls you were planning to throw away? Your pet bunny would love to use them as a toy. Your dog would too, of course, but the cleanup after a rabbit chews something up is significantly less than if, say, a husky were to chew up that same thing. Rabbits’ teeth are constantly growing, so giving them something to chew on is a necessity. Giving them materials you were planning on throwing away decreases your waste and makes your adorable pet happy.

Rabbits are great pets for those who do not have the time or ability for daily walks. They are content to run around in a large fenced in area or around a living room. Most have quite the personality, and are a constant source of entertainment. As a former rabbit owner, I used to love watching my rabbits Sheri and Ozzie (named after the Osbournes) cuddle up with my 13-year-old golden retriever, Casey. The two dwarf rabbits were great companions for the sweet old dog, whose maternal instincts kicked in when she was around the bunnies.

Rabbits can live up to 12 years, which is much longer than other small furry creatures such as guinea pigs and hamsters. They are also great pets for vegans or vegetarians. As herbivores, they never require meat or animal products. Rabbits also make great pets because they are the third most abundant adoptable animal. Search any pet finding website and I’m sure you will quickly find a bunny who will steal your heart.