Notre Dame Student Aids Feral Cat Population

(from Chicagotribune.com/South Bend Tribune):

A Notre Dame theology student has taken her concerns about the feral cat population and turned it into a program that traps and sterilizes felines to reduce their numbers. Since September, the Michiana Feral Cat Society has trapped and neutered 66 cats in the South Bend area. Devon Smith, who operates the program, says: "most of them are doing ok on their own, just like a raccoon, so we let them live where they are but spay and neuter them."

When Smith moved into her home on South Bend's east side approximately two years ago, she said she noticed the area had an unusually large population of wild cats. She began spaying and neutering those cats, but soon realized more needed to be done. "It just became abundantly clear to me that this area needed a trap-neuter-return program," she says.

As an alternative to euthanasia, trap-neuter-return has gained momentum in the past few decades, and is endorsed by both the ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States. The programs generally target established cat colonies; cats are trapped and brought to veterinarian clinics, where they are sterilized, vaccinated for rabies and treated for any injuries or illnesses. The cats are then returned to their colonies, although whenever possible, kittens and friendly adults are placed for adoption.

Smith's group does its trapping on Friday evenings, keeping the cats overnight and often in Smith's basement. On Saturday, it takes the animals to the Anderson Feline Population Reduction Center in Beverly Shores, where they are treated for just $35. This is of course a huge savings, as these services would normally cost $150 or more.

For more information locally, visit http://www.facespayneuter.org/

MAKEOVER OF THE MONTH

TIFFANY SACHS

Hi! My name is Tiffany and I'm a Shih Tzu (although I didn't look like one for awhile until I came back to Best Friends Carmel for my regular grooming appointment!) I've been coming to see my favorite groomer Olga Kudinova for many, many years now, and I wouldn't think of going anywhere else! Look at how pretty she made me:

WOW! I can see again! :-)

Pet of the Week

BOO WEBB

Yes, I AM the cutest puppy you've ever seen!! My name is Boo, and I am a 5-month old white Lab that loves to run, jump and play, play, play at Best Friends Carmel! Although I can hold my own with the boys, I am in fact, a girl :-) I absolutely love to give kisses and hugs to anyone who will let me, and since I'm so adorable, that's pretty much everyone! I've only been coming to Best Friends for a short time now, but I have so much fun here that I won't go anywhere else when my owners are away...my parents always get me cuddletimes AND playtimes so I get lots of attention from the staff; they know I'm a growing girl and need my exercise.

I love it here!!

Valentine's Day Playgroup Party!!!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and to show your pet how much you truly love them, include them in our Valentine's Day Playgroup Party!!!  Treat your pooch to an afternoon of fun and play with their best doggy friends.  We will also be hosting a "Cutest Canine Couple Contest" where each pet can model their Valentine's Day costumes for a special photo shoot.  Winners will have their pictures posted on our blog and each puppy parent will receive their own complimentary photo.  Our Cutest Couple winners will also receive a special dinner for two on this, the most romantic of occasions!

Call our office at (317) 848-7387 to book your reservations and schedule playgroup and other activities, or visit us on the web at http://www.bestfriendspetcare.com/

Superbowl Playgroup Party!!

As you can imagine, we are all excited for the upcoming Superbowl between the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints (and of course, the Colts will prevail!)...in honor of Superbowl weekend, dogs who stay at Best Friends Carmel for Superbowl Sunday can choose to participate in a special playgroup! Their Moms and Dads can dress them in their best Colts gear and they can romp and play with other doggie fans! For only $12 additional dollars, your pooch can enroll in a 45-minute playgroup that is sure to wear out even the most energetic of dogs. Even if playgroup isn't your style, there are many other activities to choose from...so bring your pooch to help us support the Colts no matter what! We hope to see you there!

GO COLTS!!!!!!!

Hypothermia and Frostbite in Dogs

With the continued chilly weather, we thought it appropriate to discuss some of the dangers of both hypothermia and frostbite in dogs.
Hypothermia is a term used to describe a body temperature that is below normal, and the most common cause is prolonged exposure to cold environmental temperatures. In addition to exposure, certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism may be a factor in the body's inability to maintain adequate temperature.

Normal body temperature in dogs is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Signs of hypothermia include but are not limited to:

• Depression
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Shivering
• Muscle stiffness
• Low heart and respiratory rates
• Stupor
• Difficulty breathing
• Fixed and dilated pupils
• Coma

Mild hypothermia can be treated with blankets and insulation, while more severe cases need to be treated aggressively with core warming techniques and IV fluids. If you are suspicious your dog may be suffering from hypothermia, use blankets and insulation to start the warming process and contact your veterination immediately.

Frostbite is injury to the tissues that occurs when an animal is exposed to freezing temperatures accompanied by high winds. Areas which are primarily affected are the feet, tail and tips of the ears and unfortunately, frostbite injury is often not apparent until several days later. Watch for:

• Skin discoloration on the ears, tail and toes
• Pain and swelling
• Blisters
• Sloughing of the skin
• Skin ulcers

Remove your dog from the freezing environment and slowly re-warm the tissues. Bandages may be applied....DO NOT PLACE THE ANIMAL IN HOT WATER. Do not rub the affected areas as this can cause damage to the tissues. After initial treatment, contact your veterinarian for follow up care.

(Source: Dr. Bari Spielman and Dr. Dawn Ruben, http://www.petplace.com/)

National Pet Dental Health Month!

February is National Pet Dental Health Month, sponsored by several veterinary groups in an effort to address the significance of proper oral health care in pets. Sponsors include the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Veterinary Dental Society . According to AVDS, "80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3, often indicated by bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face and mouth, and depression." AVMA President Dr. James Cook warns pet owners trying to save money during this economic depression not to skimp on regular veterinary care for their pets:

"Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets," says Dr. Cook. "Twice-a year check ups, including an oral health checkup, are important to ensure your pet is not in pain and is not suffering from serious oral health problems. Besides causing receding gums and tooth loss, bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting the heart, liver and kidneys, which can be potentially life threatening."

Besides taking your pet in for an annual dental examination, a home brushing program will keep your dog healthy and happy. While you can begin this process at any age, starting when your dog is a puppy can make the process easier in the long run. For more information visit http://www.avmatv.org/ or http://www.avma.org/. The website http://www.petdental.com/ also has resources for pet owners on how to provide proper dental care for their pets.