Help Shelter Dogs and Cats

Pet Photos with Santa

 

Learn First Aid for Fluffy & Fido

DERBY - People and Animals Working in Spirit (PAWS), Griffin Hospital’s pet therapy program, and Connecticut Emergency Animal Response Service (EARS) will host a Pet First Aid Class on Sat., Jan. 27 at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby.

 

The EARS Team will be at the hospital from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. From 11 a.m.-noon, the team will talk about responding to medical emergencies and technical rescues involving animals in the community. The Pet First Aid class will be from noon- 1 p.m., featuring a multimedia presentation and hands-on learning, followed by a Q&A session with the EARS team.

 

Registration is required, but this program is open to all ages. Though the class is about pets, participants are asked to leave their pets at home so they can focus on the hands-on work and demonstrations.

 

The suggested donation is $10 a person for the class. All contributions will help EARS continue its pet response mission. To RSVP email info@earsct.org or call (203) 941-EARS.

 

EARS is a team of volunteer first responders trained for rapid-response to "all-hazard" animal emergencies within Connecticut. The organization focuses on disaster response, emergency transport, technical rescue and training pet owners how to respond to an emergency.

 

For more information about EARS, visit earsct.org.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Griffin Hospital to Host Meet-and-Greet with Pet Emergency Medical Service

DERBY - People and Animals Working in Spirit (P.A.W.S.), Griffin Hospital’s Pet Therapy Program, will host a meet-and-greet with the Connecticut Emergency Animal Response Service (EARS) on Sat., June 17 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the hospital parking lot at 130 Division St., Derby.

 

EARS is a team of volunteer first responders trained for rapid-response to "all-hazard" animal emergencies within Connecticut. The organization focuses on disaster response, emergency transport, technical rescue and training pet owners how to respond to an emergency.

 

The meet-and-greet will feature the EARS Rescue 2 Animal Ambulance, and information on pet safety and the organization’s training programs.

 

For more information about EARS, visit earsct.org.

 

The event is open to the public. For more information, call PAWS Coordinator Ruth Tuccio at 203-732-1298.
 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

 

Pet safety tips offered by Fidelco in Bloomfield

BLOOMFIELD – Winter weather isn’t just hazardous to people, it’s dangerous for our pets, too! As Connecticut braces for a winter wallop, Dr. RuthAnn Solomon DVM, Director of Animal Medicine at the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation wants residents to remember these key points to keep pets warm and safe. 

By planning ahead of the storm, pets and people will be properly prepared!

During the storm

Keep your pets inside! All pets need shelter and insulation from the cold. Cats and dogs may wear fur coats but they aren’t equipped to be out in freezing temperatures for long periods of time. 
Domesticated animals are not adapted to the cold like wolves or bobcats. Bottom line - if it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet.

If you absolutely must keep an animal outside, be certain it has an insulated shelter, access to plenty of fresh (not frozen) water and increase their food to two times normal serving, e.g., if they get one cup of kibble per meal, give them two cups for that meal.
A pet’s energy requirements increase to maintain body temperature (shivering for example) and those living in a very cold climate have a greater caloric need just to stay warm than the average dog that lives indoors.  

If you need to go outside during the storm, limit exposure and make sure your dog is on a leash and wearing an ID tag. During heavy snowfall, they can lose their scent and become lost. More dogs get lost during winter than any other time of year.

Keep candles, heat lamps and space heaters away from pets, children and flammable materials. These are all burn and fire hazards.
Inspect any pet heating blankets or pads for frays or exposed wires, and never leave a pet unattended with such a device.

For those that use Duraflame logs, those logs are actually sawdust pulled together with wax. Those two ingredients make for an attractive snack for dogs! Duraflame log ingestion will usually just cause mild gastric upset; however the problem arises when the dog eats a big piece which could cause an intestinal obstruction.  So please leave these logs of convenience well out of reach of your pets.

After the storm

Protect those paws! Ice and snow can easily collect between paw pads. Check your dog’s feet periodically, especially if they are limping or walking awkwardly.

Keep dogs off the ice and away from frozen bodies of water. Thin ice poses a grave danger for pets and humans alike, and even a walk on an icy sidewalk puts your pet at risk of injuries like torn ligaments and footpads.

Salt, antifreeze (ethylene glycol) and chemical de-icers on roads and sidewalks are dangerous for your pet. Dogs that lick their paws or fur and ingest these substances can become ill. Wipe your pup’s paws, legs and stomach with a warm, wet washcloth after walks and outdoor playtime. 

Speaking of antifreeze, there are two commercial products available in the U.S. that have a “safer” chemical (propylene glycol) in them: Sierra and LowTox. 
However, just because they are safer does not mean that they are non-toxic! For example, it would only take ONE teaspoon of ethylene glycol antifreeze (more dangerous form) to be deadly to a seven-pound cat. It would take several ounces of the safer form to be a problem.

Remember

Take extra care with puppies and older dogs, especially those with arthritis. Wet, cold weather can worsen arthritis symptoms. Do not leave young, old or sick dogs outside unattended at any time.

Certain medical conditions like diabetes can affect your pet’s ability to regulate body temperature. Check with your veterinarian.

Further, winter does not necessarily mean the end of bug season. Likewise, winter does not mean you should stop giving heartworm, flea, and tick preventatives to your cherished companions. 

As the old saying goes: It is better to be safe than sorry and continuous use of these preventatives is the simplest act you can make to keep your pet safe.

 

Lastly, have the following numbers programmed into your charged cell phone:

-Your veterinarian

-Local animal emergency clinic

-Poison Control (1-800-222-1222)

-ASPCA Poison Control (1-888-426-4435)

For information, visit www.fidelco.org or “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/fidelcoguidedog

This is a press release from the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Bloomfield. Fidelco is an internationally accredited organization and an admired expert throughout the world for its highly valued German Shepherd Guide Dogs.

Seymour library to help pets

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Public Library, 46 Church St., has announced its Food for Fines initiative.

From Nov. 13-27 patrons can help out our furry friends by bringing overdue items and a pet food donation to the library to cancel current fines. 

All food and treats will be donated to the Seymour Animal Shelter.  

Pet food donations may also be made even if you don't have any fines.

This information is taken from the library's website.  

What a great idea!

Seymour church to hold blessing of pets

SEYMOUR - Great Hill United Methodist Church, 225 Great Hill Road, invites all to join us at 10:45 a.m. Oct. 13 as we celebrate our pets.

Bring your beloved pet for a blessing, which will take place in the grove at 10:45 a.m.

"Chickaboom" the chicken might even make a special appearance.

Also on that Sunday the church will be celebrating “Bring a Friend Day” at the 10 a.m. worship service.

This is a press release from Great Hill United Methodist Church.

Kennel club to host 'dog day' in Ansonia

For more information contact Sarah Murphy, Sarah@TextileArtistry.org or Sue Carter, werecat@snet.net.

Connecticut veterinarian talks about keeping pets safe in heat wave

Info shared on signs of canine heat stroke 
BLOOMFIELD - As Connecticut residents brace for a week of dangerously high temperatures and humidity, a veterinarian at the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation has some important safety reminders for dog owners. 
Dr. Mary Craig, DVM, a Fidelco board member and founder of Gentle Goodbye Veterinary Hospice, shares the “dos and don’ts” of canine heat stroke.

Know the signs and risks of heat stroke:
Symptoms include panting, increased heart rate, lethargy, drooling, fever, vomiting and seizures. Heat stroke can cause permanent organ damage and death. 
Dogs at elevated risk include breeds with shorter noses such as Pugs and Bulldogs; dogs that are overweight or dealing with heart or lung disease; and puppies and senior dogs.

What to DO:

If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke, move him or her to shaded and cool environment, and direct a fan on your dog. Begin to cool the body by placing cool, wet towels over the back of the neck, in the armpits, and in the groin region. You may also wet the ear flaps and paws with cool water. Directing a fan on these wetted areas will help to speed evaporative cooling. Transport to the closest veterinary facility immediately.

What NOT to do:
DO NOT use cold water or ice for cooling.
DO NOT attempt to force water into your pet’s mouth, but you may have fresh cool water ready to offer should your pet be alert and show an interest in drinking.
DO NOT leave your pet unattended for any length of time.

DO NOT EVER leave any animal in a hot car for any reason or any length of time under any circumstances.

Dr. Mary Craig, veterinarian

About Dr. Mary Craig, DVM

Dr. Craig has served on the Board of Directors for the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation since 2010. She is a graduate of three University of Minnesota colleges. 
She earned an MBA in Marketing & Strategy from the Carlson School of Management; a DVM degree from the College of Veterinary Medicine and a BS degree in Animal Science from the College of Agriculture. Dr. Craig worked in private practice in Nebraska, Minnesota and Wisconsin. She is the Founder and President of Gentle Goodbye Veterinary Hospice & At-Home Euthanasia in Stamford, Connecticut.

About Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation

Fidelco is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization based in Bloomfield, that breeds, trains and places its own, unique “breed within a breed” of German Shepherd Guide Dogs with men and women who are blind. Each Fidelco Guide Dog costs $45,000 and takes two years to produce. They are given to clients at no cost. Fidelco provides 24/7 client support for the entire working life of its guide dogs – typically 10+ years. Fidelco relies solely on the generosity and financial support of individuals, foundations, corporations and civic organizations to help Share the Vision®.

Fidelco has placed over 1,300 German Shepherd Guide Dogs throughout North America – in 41 states and five Canadian provinces. Fidelco pioneered “In-Community Placement” in the United States — a process that allows guide dog users to be trained in the communities where they live and work.
Fidelco has also placed hundreds of its German Shepherd Dogs with law enforcement agencies; first responders; search and rescue; and missing child recovery organizations to help protect our fellow citizens and keep them safe.  

For more information, visit www.fidelco.org or “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/fidelcoguidedog.

This post is from a press release from Heidi Voight,  Director of Communications, Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation.

Pet safety topic of talk at Derby Neck Library

DERBY - Pet Safety will be the topic of a program offered by the Valley Parish Nurses and Griffin Hospital at Derby Neck Library at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 6.

This is one in a series of topics on health and safety presented to children and their parents. Caring for your pet safely will be discussed.
This a free program; a different topic will be offered the first Wednesday of each month. 

The library also has the following events scheduled for February:

Bedtime music
Bedtime Music and Movement for young children will be offered at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 6. 
Join Miss Kathi for songs and dance the night away.  Pajamas are appropriate wear for children who attend, and they are encouraged to bring a favorite stuffed animal. 

Medicare Madness
Medicare Madness, a free presentation focusing on the changes to the Medicare system coming with the national Affordable Care Act will  be held at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 7.
The presenter is Jeannette Lewis from Bankers Life and Casualty and Colonial Penn.  Come hear how any modifications may affect you as we approach 2014,  and bring your questions.  

Teen Movie Night
The library will host Teen Movie Night from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 12 with a feature film to be announced—watch for details in the library. 
Free refreshments served; bring your friends for some fun. 

Women's Forum

On Feb. 18 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. the library offers the Women’s Forum—a new club dedicated to topics by, for, and about women.
This month we discuss love poetry that explores relationships.  The moderator will bring in the materials, but attendees are encouraged to select their own contributions as well.
Bring a light lunch if you wish; coffee and tea are served for free.

Blues performance

At 6:30 p.m. Feb. 19 join us for an evening Blues Music Performance.
Our musical duo consists of Mark Naftalin on piano and Mike Michaels on harmonic, guitar, and vocals.
These two talented musicians have performed with such greats as Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Duane Allman, Bill Wyman, and others.
Come bring your friends for good quality, live music. This is a free program for an adult audience.

Writers' Round
At 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21 Writers’ Round meets. This is a workshop for writers of all genres—fiction, poetry, prose, drama, film scripts, etc. Come share your original works and hear what other writers are doing.

Current Events Club

The Current Events Club meets at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26. This group meets to discuss the news—including the arts, medicine, finance, politics and the like. An interesting evening always ensues.

Health Matters

Health Matters, a series of free talks by area experts on health topics, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 27. This series is presented by the Valley Parish Nurses and Griffin Hospital.
This month’s topic will be breast wellness. Bring a friend and bring your questions for an informative evening.

For information on any of the above events call 203-734-1492. The library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.