To the rescue: cats and dogs : Have you checked recently to be sure vaccinations are up-do-date?

To the rescue: cats and dogs

Carol Hawn-Miller and Cindy Liggett are local animal advocates who work to save the lives of homeless cats and dogs. In 2001 they founded Kitty and K-9 Connection, a non-profit rescue/foster/adoption program. In this blog, they will discuss the issues around the numerous homeless cats and dogs in Anchorage, and the process of placement, including animal and human behaviors that lead to success or failure. They are pictured here with Gladys on Carol's knee, Cherri in the middle, and Ambrosia the cat on Cindy's lap.

Contributors

Cindy Liggett

Because she's a "cat person," Cindy concentrates on cat rescues, fosters and adoptions. She faces daily attitudes towards cats as "throw-away pets" and deals with issues regarding "unwanted" cats due to over-population. She has advocated on their behalf for over 20 years and enjoys sharing her knowledge and insights so cats can enjoy their nine lives in the manner they truly deserveas an important member of the family.

Carol Hawn-Miller

Carol loves being the "dog mom" to all kinds and varieties -- small to large; mutts or purebreds. At home she deals with an ever transitional pack as she rescues, fosters and adopts dogs that would not otherwise have a "new leash on life." She has been doing pet rescue for more than 14 years. While loaded with a lap full of dogs, covered in dog hair or accepting K-9 kisses, Carol advocates for permanent, lifetime homes and responsible ownership so rescue will no longer be a necessity.

Multimedia

VIDEO

Spay & Neuter message

Kitty and K-9 Connection is a pet rescue and adoption program. This is their reminder to pet owners to take care of an important matter with their pet to lessen unwanted animals. Video by Brian G. Smith.

VIDEO

First Aid for pets

Robin Newby of the American Red Cross of Alaska teaches pet first aid. In this video of a recent class, she describes the focus and some of the techniques. Find schedules of ongoing classes at "The Red Cross"

Resources

ALASKA LOCAL

USEFUL WEBSITES

Have you checked recently to be sure vaccinations are up-do-date?

Posted by animalrescue

Posted: October 27, 2008 - 5:13 pm

Comments (0) |

We got a call from Animal Control...A handsome Toy Fox Terrier named Fidel needed rescue. Medically, all was well for about three days and then kennel cough hit the little guy like a ton of bricks. Not a surprise really...not to those of us involved with rescue on an ongoing basis...we see and deal with kennel cough a bit too often. This little guy has been on antibiotics for five days...he still breaks your heart. He was blowing snot bubbles for a few days...now his nose is nasty and crusty...and when you try to clean it, he fights and bites...yikes, you know he has got to hurt. One eye keeps matting shut. He is still eatting (canned food only) and slowly meanders around with absolutely no spunk. Boy does his pitiful looks tug at the heart strings.

Several people have reported their dogs have kennel cough...seems to be a tough strain of it. Many have been very, very sick and a few dogs have passed away. Kennel cough is extremely risky for senior dogs and puppies. Kennel Cough is always an ongoing risk...it never really goes away...but recently the out-break seems to have increased again. BE SURE TO VACCINATE your dogs for kennel cough...it is really important! Yes...It is time consuming to take your dog to get vaccinations. But if your dogs gets kennel cough, it is both time and financially costly. Oh so preventable...so please make sure your dogs are vaccinated yearly.

Also be aware that this is the season for parvo flare-ups too. This deadly disease is not one to mess with nor should you delay in making sure vaccinations are updated. Remember we lost one last December due to parvo (which he already had when rescued)...he died quickly. We did manage to save two more through the perils of parvo...but oh the suffering and stress on the dog it causes. And it is extremely expensive to treat. Vaccinate...save your dog's life!!

We will continue to help Fidel as he struggles to get over kennel cough...knowing he is not going to be the last rescue to bring it home. The whole foster pack has been vaccinated which provides a level of safety for each of the other dogs.

I'm off to wipe a nasty, pitiful little face and then give lots of lovin'...in hopes of being forgiven for touching that sore little nose again.

Check on those vaccinations. If they are outdated or almost expired, get them caught up!! You and your dog will be happier!!...Carol

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