Written by Michelle Kretzer
Update: Midnight has been adopted! Her gloomy past behind her, this free-spirited gal has now been renamed Indie. Her new family reports that she is relishing the safe, comfortable indoor life and that she acts like she has known her canine sister, River, who is also a PETA rescue, for years. Indie has discovered catnip, and she is so photogenic that her new family has started an all-Indie scrapbook. If you are interested in adopting a PETA rescue, e-mail us at Adopt@peta.org.
Originally posted September 20:
Midnight the cat had been trapped in a tree for 10 terrifying days. Her owners couldn't be bothered to lift a finger to help her. She had likely been frightened up the tree and didn't know how to get back down, which should have been apparent after the first few hours. A concerned construction worker reported the stranded, distressed cat to PETA.
Seeing as the people responsible for her seemed not to care one bit, one of our Community Animal Project fieldworkers climbed about 35 feet up the tree, secured Midnight in her arms, and made the slow, careful descent. After 10 days without food or water, Midnight was lucky to be alive and was shaken and severely dehydrated, but once on the ground, the grateful cat began to purr. Her owners never allowed Midnight inside and had no plans to do so now, even after her brush with death, but they agreed to allow the fieldworker to find her a new home where she would be safe indoors.
Now Midnight is settling in at PETA's Norfolk, Virginia, headquarters and is waiting patiently for the right adoptive family. She will be microchipped and spayed before adoption. If you are ready to make a lifetime commitment and give Midnight the safe, loving home that every cat deserves, please e-mail Adopt@peta.org.
Each month, PETA's mobile spay-and-neuter clinics alter many hundreds of animals, preventing hundreds of thousands of unwanted ones from being born. Every animal we help has a story. Here are a few of the many patients who made it a September to remember:
1.
Frieda's guardian is 80 years old, but his love for his dog keeps him young at heart. He was thrilled that we could spay Frieda and even give her a ride to and from our clinic.
2.
Blue isn't blue anymore. This beautiful pit bull, who lives indoors with her guardian, had sustained an eye injury. Blue's guardian had planned to breed her, but since she didn't have the money to treat Blue's injury, she agreed to let us spay the pup if we would treat her eye. Now Blue is pain-free and litter-free.
3.
RJ is a bouncy, happy pup. We transported this young 80-pound ball of energy to our clinic, and now we are happy that he is not contributing to the animal-homelessness crisis.
4.
Cotton wasn't a big fan of being driven to our clinic and getting her free spay surgery, so this feisty kitten was super-happy to get back into her guardian's waiting arms.
5.
Magic is feeling a lot more magical after PETA gave him a lift to our clinic, a flea bath and flea medicine, and a little "snip" surgery.
If we saw someone choking, shocking, or dragging a dog, we would intervene, right? But chances are, we have—and we didn't.
It can be intimidating to tell another dog guardian that he or she is being cruel, but people who rely on choke, prong, or shock collars to control their dogs need to know about the harm that they're inflicting. Dogs who are made to wear these collars experience a fear of pain that often results in psychological stress, anxiety, and displaced aggression. And the potential physical injuries are just as serious.
Choke and prong collars can cause dogs to suffer from spinal cord injuries, including intervertebral disc protrusion or paralysis as well as nerve damage, a crushed trachea or larynx, and bruising and damage to the esophagus and the skin and tissue in the neck.
Depending on the size of the dog, how hard the dog pulls, and how forcefully the person holding the leash yanks, prong collars can cause serious injuries.iStockphoto.com/cringuette
Shock collars can cause burns, cardiac fibrillation, and changes in heart and respiratory rates, as well as behavior problems.
"Gentle Leader" or "Halti" head halters aren't ideal, either, because they wrap around the dog's muzzle, which most dogs find uncomfortable—it reminds them of the feeling that they get when another dog bites down on their muzzle in a warning gesture. And when the dog tries to pull, the halter pulls the dog's head downward and to the side, which could potentially cause a neck injury if the dog is pulling hard or moving quickly. A better "no-pull" alternative is the Sense-ation harness, which has a ring located at the dog's chest, not the neck, for attaching the leash, allowing you to redirect your dog back toward you when he or she pulls or lunges without causing pain.
mamamusings|cc by 2.0
We each have a responsibility to explain as diplomatically as possible to dog owners that positive, reward-based training methods are kinder and more effective than painful choke or shock collars and that having dogs wear harnesses while out walking is much easier on their necks than using any kind of collar.
Dogs are safest and most comfortable wearing a nylon harness when outside.© PETA
We can use ourselves and our dogs as examples. I show people my dog's harness and I explain to them that I trained my dog by giving her praise and treats when she walked calmly on the leash and withheld them when she did the opposite, and she soon figured out that good behavior has its rewards. I also planted my feet and refused to move forward as long as she was pulling, and that sent a very clear message that she understood in record time. Now when I walk her, she does really well, and I'm so proud of her.
No dog deserves to be choked, shocked, and dragged. Let's make sure dogs are treated better than that.
A New York state man was shocked to see a tiny kitten drag himself into his yard by his two front paws. The lower half of the kitten's body was smashed and limp, so he had likely been struck by a car and the driver had failed to stop and check on him. There is no way to know how long the kitten had been suffering, dragging his broken body.
The man called local authorities, but they showed little interest in helping the injured animal. Frustrated, he called PETA for help. We contacted local animal-control officials, but because it was after hours, they told us they couldn't send an officer out until the next day. We persisted, stressing how badly injured the kitten was and how imperative it was that he get immediate help. Animal control relented, and within an hour of the man's worried call, the kitten was mercifully euthanized and freed from his agony.
Sometimes one hour is all it takes to save an animal from immense suffering. It may require persistence and patience, but you will prevail if you refuse to take "No" for an answer. And if all else fails, call PETA.
Our animal companions give us all the time, attention, and affection that we want, and in return, they deserve the best care that we can provide. Here are the top six ways to return the favor:
1. Suppertime
Just like people, animals need high-quality, nutritious food, which is the basis for good health. They also benefit from having moist food, which is more palatable and helps prevent urinary tract infections. If you are concerned about supporting factory farms when you buy pet food, check out PETA's factsheet on feeding dogs and cats vegetarian or vegan food. And, of course, we wouldn't want to drink out of a dirty glass, and our animals don't want to drink out of a dirty bowl, either. So give them fresh water daily in a clean container.
2. It's Potty Time
Have you ever walked into a public restroom stall only to turn around and walk right back out? Cats prefer a clean bathroom, too, so scoop at least twice a day. Similarly, a backyard filled with "land mines" is no fun for people or dogs, so be sure to scoop regularly. And dogs shouldn't be expected to "hold it" all day (not only is this painful, it's also harmful to their kidneys), so if someone can't go home at lunchtime to let the dog out, hire a dog walker or, if you have a yard with a secure privacy fence, install a doggie door.
3. Don't Keep the Doctor Away
An annual veterinary visit for a check-up is a must, but if your animal shows any signs of not feeling well, be sure to schedule an appointment right away. Fleas and ticks torment dogs and cats, so they must be controlled (try using natural, nontoxic products), and heartworms and intestinal worms can be easily prevented with once-monthly medications. Additionally, spaying and neutering not only eliminates the risk of reproductive organ cancer but also prevents females from suffering through heat cycles and reduces the risk that animals of both sexes will contract contagious diseases. And why not take an animal CPR class to make sure that you'll be ready in case of an animal health emergency?
4. Looking Good
Dogs need regular brushing to keep their coats clean and to prevent matting. Avoid giving them too many baths, though. Dogs need to retain the oil in their coat to keep it healthy, and if your dog has a chronic "doggie odor," that usually means that a change in diet is called for.
5. Tiny Chip = Safe Animal
Tags are a great way to I.D. your dog or cat, but they can fall off or be removed. However, a microchip is permanent, as evidenced by the recent story of a woman who was reunited—thanks to a microchip—with the dog who had been stolen from her seven years earlier.
Hannah and I have found our favorite activity: enjoying the sun and surf at the beach.
6. Play Ball!
While health care is important, what our animals appreciate most is quality time—playing fetch, taking a walk, chasing a piece of string, or having a cuddle session. You and your dog could even enroll in a fun, rewards-based agility class. Our animals depend on us for their exercise and enrichment. By trying out various activities and toys, even simple items like balled-up paper or an empty paper towel roll, we can discover what our animal companions really enjoy and have a lot of fun in the process.
Written by Alisa Mullins
One day 18 years ago, I was out walking my dogs along a bike trail when I saw a bicyclist stop and do something peculiar: He took out his water bottle, and instead of taking a swig, he opened up the top and dumped a pile of cat kibble onto the ground. He was immediately swarmed by cats, who, I later learned, were being fed scraps by a trio of elderly brothers who lived nearby in a dilapidated shack (which dated back to the days when the trail was a railroad track).
Over several weeks, I trapped the cats, who were initially terrified, having had very little human contact. But all of them were born lap cats and quickly decided that life in a warm, cozy house with three square meals a day beat hiding under piles of junk and scrounging for scraps of stale bread and days-old meat.
Outgoing Ziggy, whom I adopted along with three of his relatives, was the fastest to decide people weren't such a bad lot, and today, he acts as ambassador to all human and animal visitors. If he's awake, he's purring (and sometimes he even purrs in his sleep!). I've had many cat companions over the years, but only Ziggy has earned the title of Best Cat in the Universe for his unfailing graciousness, dignity, and sunny disposition. If he were a human, he would be Prince Charming.
© KencredibleBest Cat in the Universe
As Ziggy can attest, life for "outdoor cats" is no walk in the park. Over the years, Ziggy has had several bouts with diseases that could have led to a lingering, painful death if he had not received veterinary care. That's why it is vital always to trap stray and feral cats and either bring them indoors or take them to a reputable animal shelter. Even if homes can't be found for them, at least they are safe from the many dangers that they face outdoors, including attacks by dogs and wildlife; being poisoned, shot, or hit by cars; and contracting deadly contagious diseases.
Today, as Americans from sea to shining sea celebrate the Founding Fathers' determination to be free from British rule by setting off fireworks and hosting backyard barbecues, how many of us will notice that some Americans remain in bondage—sometimes just a few feet from the grill?
Alex E. Proimos|cc by 2.0
Millions of dogs live their entire lives—24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year—in chains. They get food when their owners remember to toss it out the back door. They get a drink whenever they manage to avoid tipping over their water bucket (if they even have one). James Madison was in the White House the last time that they got a walk. Entertainment options? Counting the flies circling their heads, gnawing on rocks or the chains that bind them, or watching their families flip burgers and twirl sparklers on the deck from a distant corner of the backyard.
Like us, dogs are social animals. They crave contact with humans and other dogs and can go insane if they are denied it. If you know of a "backyard dog," why not do what you can to make his or her life a little better? Here are just a few of the ways you can improve a chained dog's life:
Being stuck outdoors on a chain is like being a prisoner of war—only dogs are not our enemies, we are not at war with them, and they are never going to be set free. That is, unless those who think that chaining a dog is an act of betrayal on a par with that of Benedict Arnold do something about it.
Our servicemembers aren't the only ones who make sacrifices for our freedom. Their companion animals often endure frequent moves, months of not seeing one of their beloved guardians, and all the other hardships that come with life in the military. To celebrate Independence Day, PETA honored the loyal four-legged companions of servicemembers in Southeastern Virginia by offering to spay or neuter and vaccinate them for just $4 each.
Partnering with the Virginia Beach SPCA (VBSPCA), one of our mobile veterinary clinics performed the spay and neuter surgeries, and the VBSPCA administered the vaccinations. Here are just a few photos from this event, after which many military mutts and freedom felines can now declare their independence from unwanted litters and many health problems:
Written by Jeff Mackey
Is the normally docile Fido suddenly starting to act hostile when you handle him? A new study may explain why: Dogs may become more aggressive when they're in pain.
GIANTsqurl|cc by 2.0
The researchers looked at dogs who had abruptly attacked their guardians and discovered that, in each case, the aggressive behavior was caused by pain. Many of the dogs were suffering from the onset of hip dysplasia, an often-crippling disease common in many purebred dogs. (Thanks for nothing, breeders!)
A number of factors—including continuous chaining or crating—can cause dogs to become aggressive. But if Fido suddenly turns fierce when you touch him, an immediate trip to the veterinarian is in order—for your sake and his.
Today is "Take Your Dog to Work" Day. That's celebrated every day in PETA's offices, but many workplaces aren't yet welcoming canine companions. If your workplace is one of those, here are five great ways to make sure your dog stays happy and healthy year-round while you toil away at the office:
● "In" Is in Style: Keep your dogs inside while you're away. Dogs left unattended in their own yards, even for a few minutes, have been stolen, poisoned, and otherwise abused. They're also at risk for heatstroke in the summer and frostbite, hypothermia, and dehydration in the winter.
● Can the Crate: Locking dogs in a cage all day is simply cruel. It deprives dogs of basic necessities, such as the freedom to walk around and look out the window, the opportunity to relieve themselves, and the comfort of stretching out.
● Water, Water Everywhere: A thirsty dog is an unhappy—and, eventually, an unhealthy—one. Make sure you leave plenty of fresh water for your faithful tail-waggers.
● Companions Need Companions, Too: If your pup is all alone, consider adopting another dog from a shelter. That way, they can keep each other company and chase away boredom together.
● Getting Out: A full-time workday is much too long for dogs to put their bodily functions on hold—and they need their exercise, too. If you can't get home often enough to let your dog out, hire a professional dog walker or engage the services of a qualified doggie daycare center. Consider putting in a doggie door if your yard is securely privacy-fenced and locked.
Plus, of course, be sure to give your dogs plenty of love and attention when you get home. After all, they'll do the same for you!
Emma is focused on the day's next project: getting a treat!
Josie spends her days getting lots of attention in the office and lots of playtime in PETA's dog park
If you have a general question for PETA and would like a response, please e-mail Info@peta.org. If you need to report cruelty to an animal, please click here. If you are reporting an animal in imminent danger and know where to find the animal and if the abuse is taking place right now, please call your local police department. If the police are unresponsive, please call PETA immediately at 757-622-7382 and press 2.
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