Pop Art Pet Unleashed

Archive for the ‘News & Tips’ Category

We’ve been covering lots of feline features this month, but today we found a canine making headlines… for saving a life!

Meet Belle, the heroic Beagle who is credited with dialing 911 when her person collapsed from a diabetic seizure.

Kevin Weaver, Belle’s guardian, said “there is no doubt in my mind that I’d be dead if I didn’t have Belle.” Belle is a specially trained companion animal who uses her keen sense of smell to detect abnormalities in a person’s blood-sugar levels. She periodically licks Weaver’s nose to take her own “reading” and if his level seems off to her she paws and whines signaling him to test himself with his meter. Kevin says she has never been wrong. She is also trained to summon help in emergency situations, but she is now the first canine recipient to win the VITA Wireless Samaritan Award, which is given when someone uses a cell phone to save a life, help in an emergency, or prevent a crime.

Belle was presented her award on Monday in Washington, DC, she appeared underwhelmed.

The judge in the case of Lewis the Attack Cat, a.k.a. “Terrorist of Sunset Circle,” that we told you about earlier this week, reached his decision on Tuesday.

To the delight of animal lovers who traveled to the Bridgeport, Conn. Superior Court from as far away as Utah and Florida, Judge Patrick Carroll III declined to order Lewis, the serial-scratching cat, euthanized.

Instead, he placed owner Ruth Cisero in a program that will erase a reckless endangerment charge if she completes two years probation and 50 hours of community service.

Under the terms of that probation, Lewis must abide by a previous restraining order that prevents him from leaving Cisero’s home. If he does, the charge against Cisero will be reinstated. She could face up to six months in prison, and Lewis could again face death.

Congratulations, Lewis! Now you’ll just need to make the adjustment to house cat, and your mother will need to make the adjustment to responsible cat guardian, for your sake, and the neighbors’, and the Avon lady’s!

In our continuing cat coverage in support of “Adopt A Shelter Cat Month,” in addition to the Feline Reality TV Stars we told you about currently in residence in the “Meow Mix House“, we have found cats making more serious headlines.

Jack the cat chases bear up tree

According to neighbors, Jack, a fifteen pound orange and white cat, is constantly on guard and frequently chases small animals off his property.

They were all surprised however at his recent conquest.
Jack treed a bear! Bears are not at all uncommon in northern New Jersey, but to see one frightened by a cat is quite uncommon; and this bear was clearly frightened according to neighbors. After fifteen minutes or so, the bear got brave enough to climb down to attempt an escape but Jack just chased him up another tree!
Jack’s mom, Donna Dickey, concerned for his safety finally managed to call him away and the bear headed back to the woods in a hurry. Dickey’s comment on the events, “He doesn’t want anybody in his yard.”

Attack Cat on Trial

A ferocious, five year old, feline named Lewis, has terrorized a Fairfield, Connecticut neighborhood to the point that residents had to have a restraining order issued against the so-called “Terrorist of Sunset Circle.” (Who knew you could get a restraining order against a cat?!)
Lewis, a black-and-white long haired cat, with six toes on each foot, attacked at least a half-dozen people on the cul-de-sac and even took on the local Avon lady, neighbors say. Animal control officers who have been called to the scene of the crimes have said they don’t think Lewis can cause serious injury but he does go after legs, and bites, and scratches and has caused more than one person to seek medical attention.
One judge ordered the cat be given prozac, but according to his owner, Ruth Cisero, Lewis refused to take them. Lewis was also sentenced to “house arrest,” and when Cisero failed to uphold the terms she herself was arrested for failing to comply with the restraining order and for reckless endangerment. The courts offered Cisero probation, but only if she consented to have Lewis put to sleep but she refused and hired a lawyer. So the saga of Lewis the attack cat continues…

While the community campaigns to get Lewis evicted (or worse), Lewis is getting a lot of support from animal loving supporters who have sold more than 500 “Save Lewis” T-shirts to raise money for his legal defense.

According to the calendar it’s not quite summer yet, but here in Denver we have already had temperatures in the mid 90’s which means it’s a long hot season ahead. As unpleasant as it can be for us to endure the heat, imagine how our four-legged friends with their built in fur coats feel!?  Pets can suffer from the same heat-related problems as people and they can happen even faster, so here are some tips to help you help your pet avoid such problems as overheating, dehydration, and even sunburn.

1. Visit your vet at the beginning of the season, have a heartworm test and stock up on your preventative medication as well as the flea & tick control program your vet thinks is best for your pet.

2. Do not leave your pet alone in a vehicle because hyperthermia can be fatal. Even with the windows down your car can become unbelievably hot in a very short time.

3. Always carry a gallon of fresh, cool water when traveling with your pet.

4. The right time for playtime is morning or evening when it’s cooler, but never after a meal and never when it’s extremely humid.

5. Use street smarts - Do not let your dog or cat stand on hot asphalt! Sensitive paw pads can burn.

6. A day at the beach is no day at the beach for your dog unless you can guarantee a shady spot and provide plenty of fresh water. And after a dip in the ocean immediately rinse off your salty dog!

7. Do not leave your pets outside during mid-day heat, even if they have shade and shelter. Find a place inside where they can rest and be cool.

8. Be especially considerate to older and overweight animals, as well as those with heart or lung conditions, and even dogs with snub noses like Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih tzus, etc; they are all more susceptible to heat-related problems.

9. Avoid areas outdoors that may have been sprayed with insecticides or chemical fertilizers.

10. A sassy summer hairdo can help dogs with long hair beat the heat – but don’t shave it shorter than one inch to maintain protection from sunburn. Good grooming, keeps cats cool too; brush them often to help them keep that coat to a minimum.

Hope this helps you and your pets Be Cooool!

 

This Sunday, May 14th, is a very important day! Yes, it’s Mother’s Day which is of course very important without mothers, let’s face it, none of us would be here! However, we’re talking about the fact that May 14th is “Animal Disaster Preparedness Day.” It’s a cause that has been around for many years, but now in the aftermath of last year’s devastation to the animal population in the Gulf Coast, it is something that all animal lovers should get involved in and do their part. The good news is, there are so many ways you can help!

“No Pet Left Behind” is a movement to help promote the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS Act), which requires state and local authorities to consider the needs of individuals with pets and service animals in the event of a major disaster. Please visit this site and fill out the form and send it to your senator and/or congressperson.

Become a member of “EARS,” Emergency Animal Rescue Service. Visit the United Animal Nations’ website to learn how, and to get much more valuable information about how you can help on a local and national level.

Educate yourself about what’s going on in your community and your state to change legislation regarding pets and other animals during a disaster. Do you even know if your local shelter would allow you to bring your dog or cat with you in the event of an evacuation Or would you have to choose between their safety and yours? If so, what can you do to change it? Also, it is important to know what’s going on in Louisiana because they are still in the nation’s spotlight and nowhere else is it so painfully obvious that things have to change. The entire Gulf Coast region is serving as an example and catalyst for that change. Visit Eric’s Dog Blog for a great source of information from a non-political observer/activist/hero who has been there since shortly after Katrina, doing everything he can to rescue abandoned pets.

You can even Party With A Purpose and make it fun to bring awareness to this issue. The Humane Society is encouraging compassionate citizens to attend or even host a party on Sunday, June 11th to take action and get more people involved.

Don’t forget preparedness begins at home! You should have a disaster kit ready, not only for yourself, but for your pet. Below is a list of recommended supplies:

Dog & Cat Disaster Kit

Food – Have at least a (2) week supply at all times. Use the brand that your pet is used to eating. If they eat canned food, buy pop top cans of food small enough to be used at one feeding since you may not have a way to properly refrigerate a partially used can of food – do not feed food that has been left out. Store dry food in an airtight, water proof container. Rotate food at least once every (3) months. Include in your supplies a feeding dish, a spoon to scoop and mix the food, and a hand crank can opener in case you do not have pop top cans

Water – Have at least a (2) week supply at all times. Store water in plastic containers and keep in a cool, dark place. Rotate water at least once every (2) months.

Sanitation – Have a pooper scooper in your disaster supplies for picking up after your dog. For your cat have a small litter box and litter scoop in your supplies and enough litter to last at least (2) weeks. Have some plastic bags in your supplies for disposing of your pet’s waste.

Cleaning Supplies – Include a small container of soap for washing out your pet’s food dish, and some paper towels for drying dishes and other cleanup. If you will be housing your pet in a crate, include with your disaster supplies a disinfectant that can be used to clean the crate

Collar, Tag, Leash, Harness – An extra, proper-fitting collar with identification tag should be kept with your disaster supplies. Also a good leash and a harness – even for cats – is a must! It could be a very stressful time for your pet, they may become frightened and try to run away. It is also a good idea to have a spare identification tag with your disaster supplies that you can write on, so that if you are going to be living somewhere temporarily you can put the phone number and address of that location on the tag.

Crate – Purchase a plastic airline crate or a wire collapsible crate to transport your pet should you have to evacuate and/or to keep them in following a disaster. Many public evacuation facilities will ONLY allow pets if they are crated. Be sure the crate is large enough for your dog or cat to lie down comfortably and allow room for a food and water dish.

First Aid Kit – A good first aid kit for pets should include:

• first aid book for pets
• conforming bandage (3″ x 5″)
• absorbent gauze pads (4″ x 4″)
• absorbent gauze roll (3″ x 1 yard)
• q-tips (1 small box)
• antiseptic wipes (1 package)
• emollient cream (1 container)
• tweezers and scissors
• instant cold pack
• latex disposable gloves (several pairs)
• proper fitting muzzle for dogs

Medications – If your pet is on long term medication, always have on hand at least a two week supply, since your vet may not be able to open right away to fill a prescription. Check with your veterinarian to see if he/she has a disaster plan – if not find a veterinarian in your area who does have a plan so that you can get medical care for your pets should they be injured during the disaster. Keep your pet’s medical records, including records of vaccinations with your disaster supplies.

Pictures – You should have in your supplies some current pictures of your pets to use in case they get lost during the disaster. And be sure to include yourself in some of the pictures in case you have to show proof of guardianship.

Hopefully you will never need it, but it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it! So for their benefit and your peace of mind, please Be Prepared!

Did you know that this is “Be Kind to Animals Week?” I totally forgot to mention it yesterday. Of course, around here it’s always be kind to the animal week, but Kylie wanted us to make sure that everybody knows that this week it’s required by law, to Be Kind to Animals!

The Denver Dumb Friends League is the largest animal welfare organization in the Rocky Mountain region, they welcome tens of thousands of animals to their shelters yearly, and never turn ANY away. (I know it’s not a great name, but it is referring to the fact that the animals can’t speak for themselves. Besides it was established in 1910 so what are ya gonna do?) Every year on the first Saturday in May, the Dumb Friends League host the famous “Furry Scurry!”  It’s a two-mile walk and fun run with your dog in Denver’s Washington Park, and there are usually about 5,000 people and 10,000 dogs! It’s furry, slobbering, barking, bedlam – it’s nuts!

This will be our 5th year to participate. We beg & bribe our friends to get up at the crack of dawn, and help us set up our booth and show off our portraits. It’s fun for us to actually get to talk to the people and pet the pups that we work with since it’s usually all strictly emails & pixels! While we’re there we also like to offer something special to our local customers and those helping support the animals in need, plus 20% of any sales that day will be donated directly to the Dumb Friends League. So, if your in the Denver metro area this Saturday, May 6th, be sure and join the fun and stop by to say hi!

Almost a year ago we were fortunate enough and flattered to have our artwork included in the premier issue of “WAG” magazine.

Since then we have been happy advertisers in this, hip, happening, relatively new magazine. The mission of “WAG”, according to Editor-in-Chief, Josh Magness, is..

“Not all pet, not just fashion, WAG magazine represents a new breed altogether. A self-styled “GQ for dogs,” WAG magazine devotes itself to the art of living with a dog and looking damn good doing it!”

“WAG” features funny informative articles, the latest fashion trends for the fur-bearing, and reviews of the coolest new products; all with a really urban, almost “metro-sexual,” flair. Simply put, it’s hot!  So we were delighted this morning when Josh called us personally to let us know that we had won a free ad upgrade! In their upcoming issue Pop Art Pet will be taking up an entire half page – now we just have to figure out how to make it look fabulous! In the meantime, we encourage you to visit their site, support their sponsors, pick up a copy, or better yet subscribe today!