Vet Wisdom® Café

Wordless Wednesday - Levi and Chamois

One of the staff at World by the Tail shared this photo. The puppy is Chamois who is now quite elderly. The other dog is Levi, who has since passed away. Aren't they adorable?!

Are Guidelines for Pet Parents a Good Idea?

Every once in a while, I'm surprised by someone I think I know fairly well. And, what usually surprises me is their attitude about pets, or animals, in general.

My surprise comes when the person reveals a belief that animals are merely on the planet for our use or enjoyment and are certainly "disposable" or "replaceable," if need be.

I encountered such a person a couple of weeks ago, just after I read a blog by Dr. Nancy Kay (author of Speaking for Spot).  Dr. Kay's blog was about the new AVMA Guidelines for Responsible Pet Ownership. While I was reading the blog, I found my inner cynic awakening.

"Gee, aren't we past the time when people who live with pets need to be reminded how to treat them?" I asked myself.

Then, I heard my acquaintance tell another friend that she had packed her dogs off to the pound because she no longer had the energy to deal with them. They had become, in her words, "liabilities, rather than assets."

Well, apparently we do need some Guidelines!

I know these Guidelines are enforceable, but, if everyone considering the adoption of a pet or currently living with a pet would abide by them, we'd have fewer animals in shelters, veterinarians who could afford to stay in business, and pet parents who would survive their pets guilt and regret free.

Guidelines include:

• Committing to the relationship for the entire life of the pet(s).
• Establishing and maintaining a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.
• Recognizing declines in the pet(s) quality of life and making decisions in consultation with a veterinarian regarding appropriate end-of-life care (e.g. palliative care, hospice, euthanasia).

Check out the entire list of Guidelines on the AVMA website.

And, then let us know what you think about them. Based on your experiences, what would you add? 

--Laurel

We Are the Lucky Ones

Last week, I was able to share a photo with you from a pet parent who had received a ClayPaws® print when their cat, Lucky, was euthanized. He shared Lucky's story with me as well. 

Lucky had shown up at their camp one weekend. She seemed to have been dropped off on the roadside and wandered through the woods. She was very skinny and had was losing the control of her back legs. He and his wife took her in and immediately took her to the vet hospital in their area. She was about 2 months old at that point. They called her Lucky because she found her family at the camp and found a forever home with them. 

I got to thinking after hearing Lucky's story. I think that we, as pet parents, are the lucky ones. Having a Lucky come into their lives wasn't something this family was looking for, but they had 9+ years with her and she brought them much pleasure and laughter over the years. So, yes, Lucky was lucky, but so were her pet parents! (And I know they agree.) 

I have had many kitties in my life. Several of them I helped out of bad situations (Bear, Zen, Melvin, and even our current boys, Ben and Henry, and our little Miss Girl.) So, are they lucky to have me? Yep. But, I feel more lucky to have had them!)

Melvin wasn't really my cat, but the short time he was in my life was great! (I might have one photo of him, but I can't find it to share with you.) He was a fighter, a big orange Tom-cat who decided that I was good people. He came to my house and he ate with my Bear cat. (He didn't fight with Bear, amazingly.) He wouldn't let anyone touch him to begin with, but I was patient with him. I had mono during the time that Melvin was coming around. I was stuck at home for over 2 months. I would sit outside on my little front stoop and talk to Melvin. He eventually let me pet him. 

I don't know what happened to Melvin. He just stopped coming around one day. I hold out hope that he found a new home, but... who knows? I missed seeing the crazy cat. I called him Melvin after Jack Nicholson's character in the movie As Good As It Gets. He didn't like people to touch him either. 

So, was Melvin lucky to have found me? Yes, certainly, but I was more lucky to have the time with him. It was a short period of time - maybe a year. He was a scrapper - often had torn up ears and battle scars. But he always had a little time to hang out with me. I felt needed when Melvin came around. I was lucky to have that orange cat in my life. 

Time with pets is fleeting. I know that nine years with Lucky certainly wasn't long enough for her family. My one year or so with Melvin wasn't enough, but I count myself lucky to have had the time. Even though losing a pet, however that happens, to old age, euthanasia, or disappearance is one of the hardest things I've faced, I'll do it all over again, and again, and again. 

What pet have you been lucky to know? 

--Tammy

Too Much Time on the Computer Blues

I’ve waited as long as I possibly can to address this growing problem. I don’t want to be rude or insensitive, but I feel compelled to say this, “Step away from the computer. Your cat needs attention!”

Too Much Time

You see at our house, Jean spends a HUGE part of her day on the computer. She’s a writer and that’s where she writes. I understand that, really I do. But in my opinion, the time she spends clacking on the keyboard or reading things on the screen has increased to unacceptable levels.

Seriously, how much writing can one person do?

What About Me?

My main concern is that her computer time is interfering with my daily routine. Lately I’ve developed a taste for being held. I like to snuggle and give hugs by pressing my head into Jean’s neck as she holds me. My favorite position is when she is standing. I don’t know why I didn’t try it sooner, because this is really nice. I know she likes it too, so don’t think I’m being totally selfish.

I try sitting in her lap when she’s working at the computer. Frankly, it’s just not that comfortable. My head sometimes clunks against the edge of the desk. Or I feel trapped under the desk, which makes me feel claustrophobic and cranky. In other words, it doesn’t work for me.

Cat Versus Internet

When I sit on the desk beside the computer monitor, I’m tempted to bat at the papers scattered around, or do a bit of typing myself. Both of these seem to irritate her. I do get the chance to learn a thing or two when we’re surfing the Internet together. That’s where I found this great cartoon called The Oatmeal. You really must treat yourself by following this link and taking a look at his cartoon called, “Cat VS Internet.” This guy knows cats. Really well. And I got some ideas from reading the whole cartoon. Some really good ideas. You’ll have to read it to see what I mean.

Oh the Irony of it All

In case you’re wondering, the irony of me finding this wonderful cartoonist on the computer, while I’m complaining to you about Jean spending too much time there, has NOT escaped me. Cats are masters of irony.

More hugging and less computing! There are animals and people out there who need you. Just say you’ll think about it.

Please.

Consider it my public service announcement for the day.

--Mija

The Dreaded Cone of Shame

So one day recently, Oscar took over the blog with his "grousings". Little did he know, but more trouble was headed his way!

For several months, Oscar has been obsessively grooming his belly. He has gone so crazy with grooming,that his belly is almost completely bald. --> 

Before we moved - I took him to the vet in California. She thought the possibility existed that the cats had fleas (icky... I've never dealt with fleas!) So, we treated them all hoping that it would help Oscar. She also gave him a shot of prednisone in case he had an allergy. The hope was that these two things would stop his attack on his belly. 

Then we moved! So, neither thing stopped Oscar's grooming habits. So, when we got to Oregon, I took him to our vet here. (It was nice to already know a vet back in Oregon!) She didn't think that fleas were playing a role (pshew!) but said we should go ahead and continue with flea treatments for all of the cats since we're in an area where fleas are common. (So, we have done that!) 

She decided to do some bloodwork on Oscar to make sure there wasn't something bigger wrong. His results all came back very normal, with no apparent issues. (Good news for my old boy!) Our vet here thinks that it is very likely just behavioral for Oscar. Her next idea was to try using an e-collar to break him of the habit of licking his belly. Yikes. I gave it about a week, but since he didn't stop, I broke down and visited the vet again to get the dreaded "cone of shame" for Oscar. 

He has been wearing it for almost a week now. I was SHOCKED how well he settled down after I put it on him. I really thought it would be much more of a struggle. He ran around like crazy for about 20 minutes after, but then seemed to just resign himself to wearing it.

He's had a hard time getting around without running into things. (And I have to admit, we humans laugh at him way more than we probably should!) He scoots their food bowls around a lot to get bites. And he dips the collar into the water frequently - drenching his front. He has also gotten cat litter stuck all over it a few times - necessitating a good washing. 

The funniest thing so far is when he tries to lick. He sits "buddha" style and tries to lick his belly, but since he can't, he winds up just licking the inside of the collar. It's very pathetic! 

I don't know if this is going to stop him, but hopefully it will! I'm not sure how long he'll need to wear it - the vet thought maybe even as long as a month. Time enough to let the hair grow back on his belly (it's still pretty bald!) and break the obsession cycle! I'll keep you posted! 

Have any of you faced obsessions like this with your pets? How have you helped them? If the e-collar doesn't work for Oscar, we may be looking at trying something like kitty prozac to help him out. 

--Tammy

Wordless Wednesday - Ben Loves Shoes

This is Ben. He's a really sweet boy, and he LOVES shoes. He often cuddles up with a pair our shoes. Here he is hugging a pair of my husband's shoes. Many times, he will bury his head IN the shoes, too. 

Do your cats have any odd habits like Ben does? 

--Tammy

Keepsakes for Parents - Pet and Human?

I'm curious.

I know many of you who read this blog have received a ClayPaws® print from your pet when your pet died. And, I know how much this print means to you.

But, if you had to face the loss of a child, or any human family member, would you also be comforted by a clay handprint if the hospital made one for you? This is a question we are pondering at World by the Tail because some doctors and nurses who received ClayPaws® prints of their pets are asking us if we can provide them for people, too.

We think it could be a wonderful way to help grieving families. Do you?

I'm interested in hearing your opinions about his practice. What might be the pros and cons of receiving a handprint of your loved one? If you're a medical or mental health professional, would you take the time and be willing to become emotionally involved enough with patients to take this extra step in providing care?

Please lend me your insights. I trust your opinions!

Leave a comment and let's see where this idea might go!

--Laurel

Oscar Worthy Animal Performances?

I read an article the other day about animal performances in movies that might be worthy of an award. Apparently a website called the Dog Daily News (I had some trouble accessing their site, so click with care) created their own awards for dogs called the Golden Collar Award, and Director Martin Scorcese got wind of them. 

His movie,  Hugo, is nominated for ELEVEN Oscars in the upcoming awards. (We saw Hugo last weekend. Unfortunately, it was only playing in 2D, but it was still a wonderful film - very magical!)

But his dog actor, a black doberman called Blackie, was not nominated! Scorcese wrote an op-ed piece in the LA Times about Blackie and his astonishment that she was not nominated. 

Scorcese wrote, "I'm proud of Blackie, who laid it on the line and dared to risk the sympathy of her audience. Let's just say that on the set, she had a fitting nickname: Citizen Canine. The bath scene alone is a masterpiece of underplaying, with Blackie's wonderfully aquiline face accentuated by the 3-D.... I protest the omission of Blackie the Doberman from the first Golden Collar nominations." Scorcese goes on to request that LA Times readers send write-in nominations to the Dog Daily News for Blackie. 

Well, Scorcese has been successful, and Blackie has been added to the list of nominees. Blackie will go up against Uggie who was in both The Artist and Water for Elephants, Cosmo who was in the movie Beginners, Denver who was in the movie 50/50, and Hummer who was in the movie Young Adult. Winners will be announced on February 13. 

Who do you think will win? Have you seen any of the dogs who were nominated? Or do you think they forgot a dog who should have been considered, like Blackie? I've seen Hugo and Water for Elephants. Of the two performances, I think that Blackie was more memorable, so I'd have to go with her as my choice! 

--Tammy

Fleeced

One afternoon, weeks ago when the weather started turning cold, I went looking for Mija. I hadn’t seen or heard from her in hours and I was getting concerned.

I checked all the usual hangouts-on the bed, under the bed, and any puddle of sun that had splashed onto the floor.

No Mija.

Where was she?

That’s when I happened to notice a peculiar, cat-shaped lump in a sheepskin throw that we keep folded at the foot of our bed.

I ran my hand across the lump and it made a noise. It wasn’t exactly a meow. It was more like a swear word.

So that’s where she hides on these cold days.

Nearly every day since, I notice that Mija has wriggled into the folds of the fleece.

It’s her late morning to mid-afternoon routine.

She’s always been a burrowing girl. She loves to snuggle under the covers in bed with us. She’s been known to crawl into a pile of laundry fresh from the dryer. (She’s smart enough to know to avoid the dirty laundry!) In the photo above she’s snuggled into a clean pair of jeans.

Me too!

I’ve also fallen in love with fleece, though you’ll be relieved to know I’m not burrowing into a blanket.

I have three fleece pullover tops that have become my winter uniform. Honestly, it’s a rare day that I’m not wearing one of them at least for some part of the day. The tops are cozy, have no bulk, and they keep me warm without ever being too hot.

So there you have it-Mija and I are spending our winter cocooned in fleece. How are you keeping warm?

--Jean

 

ClayPaws Prints in the News!

I picked up our local Coloradoan newspaper the other day and flipped over to the Life section.

Yes, I admit it. I'm not a news junkie. While I care deeply about contributing to society and my community in a positive way, I don't like reading about murders and cranky polititians. I prefer lighter fare. So, I usually postpone the hard news and turn first to the feature stories.

Imagine my surprise when the first thing I saw on page B3 was a beautiful ClayPaws® print and the greying face of a sweet, old dog named Ruby.

The accompanying story was from The Nashville Tennessean newspaper.  It had been picked up by our local paper and given a Fort Collins polish. In the article, Ruby's parents, along with their veterinarian, were interviewed about the care they had received through their local pet hospice service.  It was a very positive article about the difference end-of-life care and compassion can make in our lives when we need a little extra TLC.

I'm encouraged to see how pet hospice programs are growing in our country. I think they're the wave of the future, in terms of how, where, and when we will say good-bye to our beloved companion animals. And I'm proud that ClayPaws® prints are a small part of this very helpful trend.

Have you had experience with a pet hospice?  Leave a comment and let all of us know how it went for you.

--Laurel

Wordless Wednesday - Lucky's Tribute

Last week, we received a wonderful email from William. He and his wife just had to make the decision to euthanize their cat, Lucky. They shared this wonderful photograph with us, and allowed us to share it with you. 

William said, "When we picked up Lucky's ashes we did not expect to also receive Lucky's paw print in clay as well.  What a wonderful surprise and concept.

I thought that I would share a photo of the free standing walnut plaque that now displays Lucky's paw print that I recently made.  The clay paw print is recessed into the surface.  Lucky's paw print now sits on a shelf among many other family photos." 

Thank you for sharing your Lucky with us. We're so sad for your loss. 

--Tammy

Grumpy Grousings

I'm Oscar. I've taken over the keyboard to bring you some of my musings. 

You all know that I'm aging, as Tammy has told you. Well, just so you know, it's not all bad - this getting older thing. Sure, it's harder to jump up on things than it used to be, and sometimes getting down is also a little bit more complicated. But, the good news is, since I can't get onto the kitchen counter now, I don't get in trouble for THAT anymore!

I recommend that you try taking life a little less seriously. Tammy really likes it when I play like a kitten. (I guess it's funny for an old boy like me to chase after toys!) She shared that video of me with you last week. I'm not sure why she thought she needed to capture that. I was just proud of catching the toy, and didn't want to drop it. There are two other cats here who like to horn in on play time, you know! 

And I've also learned that sleeping belly up is the way to go. Let it all hang out! There's no reason not to - don't feel self-conscious. (Tammy, for some reason, seems to think that because I'm belly up, I want my belly rubbed. It wasn't true when I was 2 years old, and it's still not true at almost 15. Some things never change!) 

Oh, and one other thing - cats really like it when their humans decide to be home all the time! It's great to have Tammy at home all day with us, even though she works a lot, she pays attention to us too, and it's great! Remember to spend some time with your pets too, even if you can't stay at home a lot. We like the love and attention! 

(Hey, I didn't sound too grumpy, did I?!) 

--Oscar (with Tammy's typing help)

Dancing Kitty

I've come across a plethora of cute videos lately! It's hard to choose which to share! But this one definitely needs a share with you. It entertained me, and made me wonder. What is up with this cute, crazy cat?! Have your cats (or dogs) ever done anything like this? 

 

--Tammy

Duck, Duck, Goose

Remember the children’s game called Duck, Duck, Goose? We’d stand in a circle and the person who was “it” would walk around the outside of the circle, touching each person and say the word “duck.” With girls the taps were always gentle, with boys, sometimes not so gentle.

We’d wait, holding our breath and listening for the one time when instead of saying “duck” the person who was it said, “goose.” If that happened, you had to run around the circle as fast as you could, trying to avoid being tagged. Once caught, you became “it.”

I swear Pepper knows this game.

At least her version of it. We had snow recently. When we went to feed, we found the little herd of oldsters hanging out in the shed. No surprises there.

I could easily get Bud and Pepper into an adjoining pasture, feed them and then return them to their friends and the shelter of the shed. After a couple times of doing that we realized we could drive right into the adjoining pasture, which made things much easier.

If you’ve climbed back and forth through a wire fence that’s been stretched tight, you know how totally clumsy you can look. I was grateful to give that little exercise up for the time being. With horses it seems like you’re always doing something with a fence.

Back to Duck, Duck, Goose

Pepper finished her grain and when I approached her to return her to her friends, she decided she wasn’t quite ready. She made a large circle in the fresh snow with me walking behind her. Every so often I’d get close enough to touch her. That’s when the game flashed into my mind. I felt exactly like that kid who had to keep walking around the circle, because I never could catch the person I’d tagged. (Don’t worry, this has not permanently damaged me. I’ve explored my Duck, Duck, Goose experiences many times in therapy!)

I knew enough to stop this game pretty quickly. In the horse world, chasing a horse never gets you what you want. Horses are prey animals, hard wired to flee when they perceive danger. So I stopped, and sure enough, Pepper came to me. I slipped the lead rope around her neck and led her to the gate.

She was chuckling.

And so was I.

When we got back into the truck, I told my husband that we were playing Duck, Duck, Goose. He looked at me as if I was speaking Chinese. Then he shook his head. “Sometimes I wonder about you,” he muttered.

“Only sometimes?”

That was the sum total of my snappy comeback.

--Jean

Domestic Violence Shelters and Pets

Were you aware that many women who need the assistance of a battered women's shelter will not leave their abusers because their animals can't come with them to most shelters? I didn't either until I read this story last week.

This woman and her Great Dane had both been pushed from a second story window (after she was beaten with a hammer) by her boyfriend. She was trying to leave and go to a shelter, but they wouldn't allow her dog too. She refused to leave without him. The shelter chose to make an exception for her.

The executive director said that the shelter realized what a difference it makes in the lives of women to have their pets with them. "40 percent of women will not leave their pets, so they live in their cars or they stay." The shelter, Rose Brooks Center in Kansas City, MO now accepts pets. They are expanding to include 25 more beds, and seven kennels.

Were you aware of these statistics? I didn't know! It makes sense to me. If I were ever in this situation, it would be extremely difficult for me to consider leaving without the cats. I would worry for their safety if I left too! I'm pleased to hear that shelters are realizing this and are now starting to allow women to seek shelter along with their pets! (Full story and image.)

--Tammy

Wordless Wednesday - Black Fox

This gorgeous creature (a black fox) was spotted in Loveland, CO (a few miles from the World by the Tail offices). It is near the home of my close friend Rebecca's parents. From what I can tell looking around online, black foxes are pretty rare! Beautiful! Thanks for letting us share!

--Tammy

Kitten Agility

Have you ever seen a cat training on an agility course?! Well, I hadn't until I came across this wonderful video!! I think, if or when, Mike and I get a kitten, we should train it for agility courses! I wonder what my old boys would do with this?! How would your cats respond?

 

--Tammy

Oscar Playing

I've shared quite a bit here lately about my old man, Oscar, and his signs of aging. One day last week, he decided he wanted to PLAY. Usually he'll take a few swipes at a toy and be done with it. But this day, he played with me and their toy for about 30 minutes!

I pulled out my camera and was able to get a few videos of him playing. He likes to get the toy in his mouth and then not let go. He purrs and meows (through the toy - his mouth barely moves!) And then he leads me around. I'm not sure where he thinks he's going, or what he's really doing, but it makes me laugh!

It was so great to see him playing - I enjoyed the time immensely!I hope you enjoy this little video. (The whistle you hear is me. It's Oscar's special whistle. Often he "talks" back to me when I whistle at him!) 

 

--Tammy

The Council of Grandmothers

“Every morning I get up and I pray for all sentient beings…humans, animals, even birds. They all need happiness.”

-Grandmother Tsering Dolma Gyaltong, Tibetan

One afternoon a few months ago when I was feeding our two old sweeties, Baby’s people were walking her back from the barn.

She nickered as she approached. I think it was as much to say hello to me, as it was to greet her herd. Baby is one of my biggest fans because she LOVES the treats I hand out.

I tried to start a conversation. “Hi, I’m Jean.”

The twenty-something girl responded with a lukewarm response.

“She’s such a pretty little thing,” I said as I looked at Baby.

“I guess, but I hope her coat turns darker. Right now, I think she’s kind of ugly.”

I stroked Baby’s neck. “Well, I think she’s adorable just as she is.”

Silence.

The young woman led Baby into the pasture, and then secured the gate. “I don’t know why she hangs out with all these old horses,” she said.

I thought her tone was rather snippy.

“I think she feels safe in this herd,” I answered, not sure why I bothered to continue the discussion.

I felt protective of Baby, who didn’t need to hear that in someone’s eyes, she wasn’t good enough. No one needs to hear that – horse or human.

I felt protective of the band of oldsters who indeed took her in last February when she was new to the pasture. As a yearling, she was inexperienced and vulnerable.  The oldsters provided safety when she was being chased all over the pasture by the young, upstart horses. I wondered if Baby’s people knew any of this.

But what stayed with me all these months later are this young woman’s comments about the old horses. It was as if she really believes they have no value. Like it is something shameful that Baby lives among old horses. And is quite happy with them.

The International Council of Grandmothers

In one of my favorite magazines, Spirituality and Health, I recently read about thirteen grandmothers from indigenous tribes around the world who have come together to promote peace and healing in the world. Each grandmother is a healer in her own tradition. There are medicine women, shamans, and curanderos from Alaska, North, South and Central America, Africa, and Asia. They travel around the world offering blessings and gentle care of Mother Earth. They came together because of a shared vision and prophecy, seeded long ago. Their work is to heal the earth.

They’ve met with the Pope and the Dalai Lama. While their skin may be wrinkled and their bodies bent with age, make no mistake. These are women of great power. And they have something profound to tell us.

One way they get their voice into the world is through a film, For the Next 7 Generations. I hope you take the two minutes to view the trailer. I get teary each time I watch.

Is it possible that these thirteen grandmothers can bring peace and healing to this crazy world? It’s a thought that comforts me. I love knowing that they are quietly going about their work offering prayers, blessings and perhaps a spell or two just to make sure things stick.

As for Baby, she’s already learned the magic of being with the elders.

--Jean

 

Pets and Technology

I actually laughed out loud, all alone in the house, when I saw this video. The frog obviously approves of the graphics!

 

Have any of your pets reacted to your technology? My Oscar likes nature shows on TV - especially birds. And all of the cats react to other cat noises in videos! 

--Tammy

Wordless Wednesday - Hannah's Pets

My niece, Hannah, is quite the photographer. I asked her if I could share this lovely photo of her pets with you! The dog is Rosie, and the cat is Jack. Aren't they sweet?! 

--Tammy

Uggie at the Golden Globes

Have you heard about the new Hollywood sensation? He is Uggie the Dog, star of the film The Artist. (I haven't seen it yet, but it's on my list!) 

On Sunday night, Uggie was in attendance at the Golden Globes. His film won Best Picture - Musical or Comedy. Uggie accompanied the actors on stage to accept the award. He promptly stole the show! One of the actors was accepting the award, but Uggie interrupted by prancing on two legs and then "falling over dead". He was so cute that the audience definitely didn't focus on the speech! You can see the clip over at People.com. It's worth a watch! 

Uggie also starred in Water for Elephants (a film that I have seen, and loved!) He was rescued from the pound by animal trainer Omar Von Muller. There is a Facebook campaign called "Consider Uggie" to get him an Oscar nomination!

Have you seen Uggie's film yet? What is your favorite dog movie, or dog in a movie or TV show? I always loved Eddie in Fraiser myself!(Photo from ABC.net.au)

--Tammy

Animal Cruelty in Politics?

So, I'm guessing you're aware that the political season is upon us for the presidential race later this year. You can't miss it (though I don't watch TV so I don't have to see the endless ads there.) I don't often bring up politics because it is such a hot button issue. But... 

You may have heard this story making its way around the internet and news outlets. It seems that one Republican presidential candidate (possibly the likliest to get the actual Republican nomination, though that seems to change nightly these days) has a sordid story of animal cruelty in his past. 

Mitt Romney, so the story goes, placed his family dog in a cargo carrier, strapped it to the roof of their car, and headed out on a trip to Canada (in the 1980s). (I read the story at this link, but you can also find it at many news sources, pick your favorite.) And it gets worse. The dog apparently had a bout with diarrhea while they were traveling, and soiled his cage and the car. Romney apparently then stopped at a service station and "washed down Seamus [the dog] and the car, then hopped back onto the highway." 

Romney hasn't denied these claims, or even allowed that putting Seamus ON the car was cruel. He recently told Fox News' Chris Wallace that Seamus loved it up there. 

So, I know you're all animal lovers, so I can guess your take on this story. But, what I want to know is: does a story like this have an impact on how you would choose to vote? There are many big issues in a political choice, obviously, but are stories of animal cruelty in a candidate's past something that you would take into consideration before choosing them for elected office? 

For me, a story like this disgusts me, and I have to wonder about how a person who would do something like this to a family pet would choose to treat other humans. Especially a person who is seeking high political office - the highest in our land in fact. I certainly hope we don't hear more stories like this one as our march towards November continues. 

--Tammy

Becoming Invisible in Old Age

In the Seattle airport I stood in line to get sandwiches behind a lovely older woman. She couldn’t have been even five feet tall, because she didn’t clear the counter. She was dressed up, like everyone used to be when they flew. She wore a plaid scarf and a Christmas pin attached to the lapel of her grey coat. Her white hair was perfectly coifed. And she clutched her pocketbook to her side, like it held the crown jewels.

She Just Wanted a Cookie

She had chosen a pre-packaged bagel sandwich and was interested in the cookies that were lined up in front of the cash register. They all looked the same. “Are there different kinds of cookies?” Her voice was soft, barely audible. The clerk ignored her. She cleared her throat and tried again. “What kinds of cookies are there?”

The clerk finally seemed to wake up. “They’re all different,” she said with a sigh, her voice devoid of any expression. And of course, she didn’t bother to name the various kinds.

The woman stood on tiptoe and peered at the packages of cookies, as if trying to decipher the miniscule writing. Finally, she chose one. As she went to pay for her lunch, she dropped her cane. Then, when she bent to retrieve the cane, she dropped her wallet.

“Oh for Pete’s sake,” someone muttered behind me. “Get a move on.”

I picked up the wallet and returned it to the now rattled woman.

“I’m holding you up,” she said to me.

I smiled. “I’m in no hurry. Take your time.”

She handed the clerk a twenty and then tucked the change into her wallet. She gathered her lunch, her cane and her dignity, and walked to a table.

“Stupid old lady,” the young man behind me said.

Maybe he thought he was going to miss his plane.

Or maybe he was just being rude.

I considered saying something to him, but decided not to. This is where I definitely could have used Mija’s “stink eye.”

Next Day in the Pasture

When I went out to feed my two old sweeties the next day, I found that the horses had been shut out of the two pastures they’d been in all fall. I didn’t realize it until I’d pulled up to the regular gate and called them. Bud heard me right away and tried to come, but of course he couldn’t because the gate was closed.

I had to drive around to the back gate, which was some distance away, and out of sight for the horses. I unloaded the feed pans and set out to retrieve Bud and Pepper. I didn’t mind the long walk, since I’d spent the previous day in the car, the ferry and finally an airplane. It felt good to move.

Everyone from the large herd was clustered in the shed and the surrounding paddock. It was as if they were confused and didn’t know where to go now that their familiar turf was blocked off. They hadn’t yet figured out that they had access to another large pasture.

Our little herd of oldsters was tucked into the back of the shed. When Bud saw me, he nickered and then tried to get through the knot of horses that blocked the exit. He started and then stopped.

He was afraid.

All the big, younger horses that he didn’t like were in his way. I could feel the anxiety coming off him. He and Pepper would take a few steps and then turn back. There was no way they were going to push through.

They’re old and vulnerable and they know it.

I realized I was going to have to help. I hadn’t brought a lead rope, because usually I don’t need one. I headed back to the car. Bud and Pepper returned to their friends in the corner of the shed. I was still glad to be walking, but I berated myself for not bringing the rope in the first place!

Note to self: Always bring a lead rope.

When I got back to the shed, I circled the rope above my head and the whirring sound worked to disperse the horses. Bud saw a hole and ran through.

Right to the gate that was closed.

I called him, but he was absolutely sure this was the way to his lunch.

All the while, Pepper watched.

I put the halter on Bud and began to lead him toward the new pasture.

That’s when Pepper got it.

“Oh that’s where we’re going,” she seemed to say.

She punched her way through the horses and headed down the lane.

Bud eventually quit resisting me and realized I was taking him the right way.

Once we’d cleared the lane, I let him run along with Pepper.

Crisis averted.

There was a time in Bud’s life when he wasn’t afraid of anything. He’s a big boy and was usually the alpha in the herd. Now he avoids conflict because I believe he knows he can’t win.

As Bud and Pepper tried to get to me, and their lunch, I was reminded of the woman in the airport who was simply trying to get her lunch.

It’s hard to grow old and lose your status in society – horse or human. It makes me sad that we so often treat our seniors with disrespect.

As if they don’t even exist.

As if they are invisible.

--Jean

 

Is There Anything Cuter?

Than a baby alpaca? I sure think they're cute babies! This adorable video is my favorite type - mixed species being cute together. This little alpaca and dog duo seem to have a "thing" for each other!

 

--Tammy