Senior Dogs Dumped At Shelters To Die Alone Are Rescued, Thanks To A Kind-Hearted Woman...

A note from SJ Francis: I love animals. All animals. Domestic. Wildlife. Big and small. I especially love senior animals. In my life, I've been fortunate to adopt a few senior dogs and cats. Last year, I adopted 16 year old black and white cat named Oreo. She's great. She's loving. She's patient and she's smart and mellow. She's the most tolerant with a young stray dog we adopted.

Senior animals are the best. No toilet training to deal with. No crazy playtime in the middle of the night. Want to adopt a mellow pet? Someone who will sit with you as you binge on TV shows? Someone to enjoy  a walk? Why not adopt a senior pet? Adopt. Don't shop. Always make adoption your first option and don't pass by on an animal because it is a senior. Thank you Kin Skarritt for what you do. Thank you....

Senior Dogs Dumped At Shelters To Die Alone Are Rescued, Thanks To A Kind-Hearted Woman

BY ANDREA POWELL

Senior dogs are mostly overlooked at shelters. Older dogs deserve to live their final days surrounded by people who love them. Senior dogs still have a lot of love to give and are a perfect fit for a relaxed lifestyle. They do not deserve to be abandoned and to die alone.

Kim Skarritt decided that something needed to be done to help the old and sick dogs. She was tired of hearing the stories about people surrendering their senior dogs, or just abandoning them on the street to fend for themselves. She founded Silver Muzzle Cottage, a Michigan rescue organization, that rescues seniors, and terminally ill dogs from shelters and lets them live their final days in glory. It is a hospice for senior dogs.

The dogs that are constantly looked over and passed by are the ones that the rescue adopts. They believe that no dog should have to spend their final days afraid and in a cold kennel. They were once a family pet, and now they are left alone when they need their family the most.

Over 70 dogs have been rescued by the organization. All dogs that come to the cottage have a safe and loving home for the remainder of their lives. The volunteers make sure that all the dogs get to live life to the fullest. Depending on the dog, some will go for daily hikes, a swim in the lake, or a nap in a comfy bed. Whatever the dog’s heart desires is what the volunteers do. There is no shortage of love and kisses for the dogs.  They're on a mission to provide senior, disabled and hospice dogs the chance to live out their remaining lives with love and dignity. 

For more information about Silver Muzzle Cottage click here: http://silvermuzzlecottage.com/

A video was comprised about the amazing work the rescue is doing for senior dogs. Watch the touching video below. https://rumble.com/v3njnn-old-and-sick-dogs-find-love-at-this-dog-hospice.html

Andrea Powell is an animal enthusiast who lives in West Michigan. Her horse and 3 dogs are her children. She loves to write and share her knowledge of equine and canine nutrition. In her spare time she likes to volunteer with animal rescues, camp with her husband and dogs, and trail ride with her horse.

FYI: To find an animal in need of a home; to find an animal shelter near you, check out  https://www.petfinder.com

0r   www.savearescue.org

Remember, all types, ages, breeds, even purebreds are waiting to be adopted. 

Thanks for visiting my blog for the animals. It's always great to connect with another animal lover. If you and I don't speak up for them, who will? 



Coins That Count: 

Is your coin jar overflowing? Turn that loose change into cash that helps animals by donating to The HSUS at participating Coinstar machines nationwide. Where to go» Find a Kiosk near you...

https://www.coinstar.com/kioskfinder?element=Charity&parmName=HumaneSocietyofUS

     
                                             
Until next time….hug your animals. Tell them you love them. If you don’t have a pet, adopt one. Make adoption your first option when seeking a pet. Adopt. Don’t shop. Can’t adopt. Please consider fostering one. The animal will have the taste of home and the shelter will cover the expenses. Can’t foster? Make a donation or volunteer at your local shelter. Please, don’t hunt. Unless you’re starving down in a ditch somewhere, there is no logical reason to do so. Whatever you do, however you do it, please be a voice for the animals large and small. All it takes is one to make a difference, good or bad.
                                     
Together, you and I can make a difference in an animal's life.  I’m one for the animals. Are you? Thanks for visiting. Stay safe. Be strong. Be happy. Smile. Show compassion. Be nice to one another. Pass it onward. If you like what you see here, please consider signing up to become a follower. Please feel free to share this post with others.

    Regards,

    S.J. Francis

    In Shattered Lies: "Good and bad, it's All About Family."  

Available now from Black Opal Books and for sale at on-line retailers and independent booksellers.

   “Some secrets should remain that way.” 

      My Black Opal Books Author Page:

            http://www.blackopalbooks.com/author-bios/bio-sj-francis

                 My web page: http://www.sjfranciswriter.com

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 Facebook fan page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/SJ-Francis/480058115420325
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And now for some legal stuff: Copyright 2018 by S.J. Francis. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, S. J. Francis and are meant to entertain, inform and enlighten, and intend to offend no one.

Make spare change make a difference for the wild. Join @CaringCent & purchases will be rounded & change 

donated: https://donate.caringcent.com/#/go/wildearthguardians

                                         

Remember: Animals don't have voices. We must be their voice. Always. Forever. Wherever. whenever. I'm one for the animals. Are you?  

Major Heads-Up: Please Don't Ignore This Odd Leg Behavior in Cats....

A note from SJ Francis: I've had many pets to date. I've never even heard of this problem. I've never had any cats, or dogs have this serious problem, though I knew a pet parent who did. She opted to take care of her cat rather than put him down because it was the only fair thing to do. There was a chance he could have recovered. Even in cancer, there is always a chance. Sadly, despite medical intervention and treatment, and loving care, he didn't make it. At least, he went knowing he was loved.
Don't give up too quickly with your pet when they become seriously ill. Measure his/her quality of life with what you want. I hope you read and share this valuable article with others. Thank you.....

Originally from Healthy Pets/Mercola:

Major Heads-Up: Please Don't Ignore This Odd Leg Behavior

• July 01, 2018 
Edition: English

Cockatiel and His Jazz Groove

Hosico Takes Play Very Seriously

Story at-a-glance

• Saddle thrombus is a very serious condition that occurs more often in cats than dogs and is also called feline aortic thromboembolism (FATE)
• The “saddle” is the point in the abdomen at which the aorta splits into two arteries to supply the back legs with blood flow; a saddle thrombus is a blood clot that most often lodges in the wedge at the top of the saddle
• Symptoms of FATE involve one or both rear legs, which turn cold and hard as the muscles and nerves swell; an affected pet may drag one or both hind legs and cry out in pain
• Saddle thrombus is a life-threatening medical emergency; pets who survive typically require a great deal of nursing care until they are mobile again, and unfortunately, recurrence is common
• A very encouraging alternative treatment for saddle thrombus is medicinal leeching

By Dr. Karen Shaw Becker

Saddle thrombus is a strange name for a very serious medical condition that occurs in cats, and much less often in dogs. The disorder is also called aortic thromboembolism, as well as feline aortic thromboembolism (FATE).

Saddle Thrombus Is Often a Complication of Heart Disease

The condition occurs in pets with heart disease and affects as many as 25 percent of cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is a common feline heart condition. FATE usually occurs without warning and can be the first and only sign of heart disease in some cats. In dogs, additional causes of saddle thrombus include hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease), protein-losing nephropathy (a kidney issue) and sepsis, which is a full-body infection.

An aortic thromboembolism is a blood clot that forms in the heart. A part of the clot dislodges and travels through the aorta. The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It originates in the heart and runs down the entire length of the back.

In the lower abdomen, the aorta splits into two arteries to supply the back legs. That split, where the aorta becomes the left and right iliac arteries, is called the saddle. Eventually, the dislodged blood clot gets stuck, often in the wedge at the top of the saddle, hence the name, saddle thrombus.

Symptoms of Saddle Thrombus

Signs of an aortic thromboembolism in kitties depends on which blood vessels are blocked and whether the blockage is partial or total. If the clot moves past the saddle and enters into just one iliac artery, only that hind leg will be involved. If it sits right at the split, both hind legs will be involved.

When blood circulation is blocked at the saddle, the rear legs grow cold and hard as the muscles and nerves swell due to lack of oxygen and nutrients. The animal may drag one or both legs, cry out or even scream in pain, and may pant or have open-mouthed breathing as well.

The nails and pads of the back feet may appear bluish in color due to lack of oxygen, and the cat may show signs of shock. Sudden paralysis is also a common symptom with this condition.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Saddle Thrombus

The onset of saddle thrombus symptoms is usually very rapid and is a serious medical emergency. If you suspect your pet is showing signs of the condition, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Your veterinarian can often detect a heart murmur or abnormal heart sounds, and certain signs of heart failure may already be present. In FATE patients, the rectal temperature is usually low. The lower the temperature, the more serious the condition.

Diagnostic tests typically performed include a complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia, infection and blood clotting factors; a biochemistry profile to check organ function; and chest X-rays to assess the size of the heart and the state of the lungs. An echocardiogram will evaluate heart function and the degree of heart disease present, and a Doppler test is the method used to confirm a lack of blood flow to the rear limbs.

Treatment Options

A pet with saddle thrombus is usually in shock and may already be in heart failure, so the situation is life-threatening even with immediate veterinary care. Even when heart failure or shock are not present or can be controlled, the pet still has heart disease and a blood clot in the left side of the heart that could dislodge another embolism at any time.

Sadly, about a quarter of cat owners ultimately decide to euthanize their pet due to the extreme pain the animal is in, the potential for recurrence of the condition and the need for long-term management of heart disease even in cases in which the pet survives the initial crisis.

For owners who choose to treat the condition, the goal of blood clot management is to address the pain, provide supportive care in the form of fluid therapy and treat circulatory shock. The pet must be on cage rest and a great deal of nursing care will be required to keep the paralyzed patient clean and comfortable. I recommend clot patients be put on proteolytic enzymes immediately and remain on them for the rest of their lives.

An alternative and very encouraging treatment for FATE is medicinal leeching. Israeli veterinarian Dr. Sagiv Ben-Yakir has achieved about a 90 percent success rate in returning cats with FATE to a normal life using leech therapy. These images show a cat receiving leech therapy for saddle thrombus:

In addition to clot management, the underlying heart disease must be addressed. I recommend that all cats who have survived an episode of saddle thrombus be placed on lifelong ubiquinol supplementation (ubiquinol is the reduced form of CoQ10). Prevention of the formation of additional clots is also important. I recommend a supplement called nattokinase for this purpose, which can be used synergistically with proteolytic enzymes.

Most cats who survive a FATE episode regain normal limb function within a few months. However, they typically require a great deal of nursing care until they’re once again mobile. Recurrences of aortic thromboembolism are common, typically within a year or two of the first episode. Partnering with an integrative veterinarian using holistic preventive strategies is a really good idea.

FYI: To find an animal in need of a home; to find an animal shelter near you, check out  https://www.petfinder.com

0r   www.savearescue.org

Remember, all types, ages, breeds, even purebreds are waiting to be adopted. 

Thanks for visiting my blog for the animals. It's always great to connect with another animal lover. If you and I don't speak up for them, who will? 



Coins That Count: 

Is your coin jar overflowing? Turn that loose change into cash that helps animals by donating to The HSUS at participating Coinstar machines nationwide. Where to go» Find a Kiosk near you...

https://www.coinstar.com/kioskfinder?element=Charity&parmName=HumaneSocietyofUS

     
                                             
Until next time….hug your animals. Tell them you love them. If you don’t have a pet, adopt one. Make adoption your first option when seeking a pet. Adopt. Don’t shop. Can’t adopt. Please consider fostering one. The animal will have the taste of home and the shelter will cover the expenses. Can’t foster? Make a donation or volunteer at your local shelter. Please, don’t hunt. Unless you’re starving down in a ditch somewhere, there is no logical reason to do so. Whatever you do, however you do it, please be a voice for the animals large and small. All it takes is one to make a difference, good or bad.
                                     
Together, you and I can make a difference in an animal's life.  I’m one for the animals. Are you? Thanks for visiting. Stay safe. Be strong. Be happy. Smile. Show compassion. Be nice to one another. Pass it onward. If you like what you see here, please consider signing up to become a follower. Please feel free to share this post with others.

    Regards,

    S.J. Francis

    In Shattered Lies: "Good and bad, it's All About Family."  

Available now from Black Opal Books and for sale at on-line retailers and independent booksellers.

   “Some secrets should remain that way.” 

      My Black Opal Books Author Page:

            http://www.blackopalbooks.com/author-bios/bio-sj-francis

                 My web page: http://www.sjfranciswriter.com

                                     Twitter: https://twitter.com/sjfrancis419

 Facebook fan page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/SJ-Francis/480058115420325
                  My writing Blog: http://sjfranciswriter.blogspot.com

                                                     

          A Book Review 4 U: http://abookreview4u.blogspot.com

                  A Consumer's View: http://aconsumersview.blogspot.com

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/sjfrancis419/  

                 Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/u/0/104831238907682620486/about

Good Reads:       https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/33550975-s-j

And now for some legal stuff: Copyright 2018 by S.J. Francis. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, S. J. Francis and are meant to entertain, inform and enlighten, and intend to offend no one.

Make spare change make a difference for the wild. Join @CaringCent & purchases will be rounded & change 

donated: https://donate.caringcent.com/#/go/wildearthguardians

                                         

Remember: Animals don't have voices. We must be their voice. Always. Forever. Wherever. whenever. I'm one for the animals. Are you?  

The 10 Commandments of Dog Ownership — AKA, What Your Pet is Really Thinking...

A note from SJ Francis: When you adopt an animal, whether it be a dog, cat, rabbit or other, it is a lifelong responsibility. They trust and rely on you for love, food, water and care. They have feelings. They love, they get scared and they need you. Always remember that. Every day I tell my furbabies, all six of them that I love them. I promise to take care of them, to never abandon them or harm them and I mean it. I hope you do too. Adopt. Don't shop. Always make adoption your first option. I always do. Thank you for visiting....

Originally from the Animal Rescue Site....

The 10 Commandments of Dog Ownership — AKA, What Your Pet is Really Thinking

BY J. SWANSON

Most people know of the 10 commandments, and even if they aren’t strictly religious, attempt to abide by this timeless ethical code. In a similar vein, the “10 Commandments of Dog Ownership” is an equally classic adage for pet owners. Scripted in 1993 by UK-based dog trainer Stan Rawlinson, aka “The Original Dog Listener,” this endearing checklist details ten simple truisms from the family dog’s perspective.

Photo: Flickr/University of Liverpool Faculty of Health & Life Sciences

While Rawlinson’s “commandments” were technically written at the behest of your canine family, they’re equally applicable to all of your household pets. Above all, Rawlinson’s list is a gentle reminder of how our furry family members will interpret our actions and, as such, remains essential reading for new and veteran pet owners alike.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF DOG OWNERSHIP

By Stan Rawlinson

1. MY LIFE IS LIKELY TO LAST 10-15 YEARS; ANY SEPARATION FROM YOU WILL BE PAINFUL FOR ME.

Photo: Flickr/Miyo Sekimoto

Remember that before you buy me.

2. GIVE ME TIME TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU WANT FROM ME; DON’T BE IMPATIENT, SHORT-TEMPERED, OR IRRITABLE.

Photo: Flickr/Wiggle Butts Photography

3. PLACE YOUR TRUST IN ME AND I WILL ALWAYS TRUST YOU BACK. RESPECT IS EARNED AND NOT GIVEN AS AN INALIENABLE RIGHT.

Photo: Flickr/Aidrias

4. DON’T BE ANGRY WITH ME FOR LONG AND DON’T LOCK ME UP AS PUNISHMENT; I AM NOT CAPABLE OF UNDERSTANDING WHY.

Photo: Flickr/Grant.C

I only know I have been rejected. You have your work, entertainment, and friends, but I only have you.

5. TALK TO ME SOMETIMES.

Photo: Flickr/Courtney Collison

Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice and your tone. You only have to look at my tail.

6. BE AWARE THAT HOWEVER YOU TREAT ME, I’LL NEVER FORGET IT, AND IF IT’S CRUEL, IT MAY AFFECT ME FOREVER.

Photo: Flickr/evan p. cordes

7. PLEASE DON’T HIT ME.

Photo: Flickr/Avel-Breizh

I can’t hit back, but I can bite and scratch, and I really don’t ever want to do that.

8. BEFORE YOU SCOLD ME FOR BEING UNCOOPERATIVE, OBSTINATE, OR LAZY, ASK YOURSELF IF SOMETHING MIGHT BE BOTHERING ME.

Photo: Flickr/Filip Mishevski

Perhaps I’m not getting the right foods or I’ve been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak. It may be I am just dog-tired.

9. TAKE CARE OF ME WHEN I GET OLD.

Photo: Flickr/christine

You too will grow old and may also need love, care, comfort, and attention.

10. GO WITH ME ON DIFFICULT JOURNEYS.

Flickr/ Cristian Iohan Ştefănescu

Never say, “I can’t bear to watch” or “Let it happen in my absence.” Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, regardless of what you do, I will always love you.

J. Swanson is a writer, traveler, and animal-enthusiast based in Seattle, an appropriately pet-crazed city where dog or cat ownership even outweighs the number of kids. When the weather permits, she likes to get outside and explore the rest of the Pacific Northwest, always with a coffee in hand.

 FYI: To find an animal in need of a home; to find an animal shelter near you, check out  https://www.petfinder.com

0r   www.savearescue.org

Remember, all types, ages, breeds, even purebreds are waiting to be adopted. 

Thanks for visiting my blog for the animals. It's always great to connect with another animal lover. If you and I don't speak up for them, who will? 



Coins That Count: 

Is your coin jar overflowing? Turn that loose change into cash that helps animals by donating to The HSUS at participating Coinstar machines nationwide. Where to go» Find a Kiosk near you...

https://www.coinstar.com/kioskfinder?element=Charity&parmName=HumaneSocietyofUS

     
                                             
Until next time….hug your animals. Tell them you love them. If you don’t have a pet, adopt one. Make adoption your first option when seeking a pet. Adopt. Don’t shop. Can’t adopt. Please consider fostering one. The animal will have the taste of home and the shelter will cover the expenses. Can’t foster? Make a donation or volunteer at your local shelter. Please, don’t hunt. Unless you’re starving down in a ditch somewhere, there is no logical reason to do so. Whatever you do, however you do it, please be a voice for the animals large and small. All it takes is one to make a difference, good or bad.
                                     
Together, you and I can make a difference in an animal's life.  I’m one for the animals. Are you? Thanks for visiting. Stay safe. Be strong. Be happy. Smile. Show compassion. Be nice to one another. Pass it onward. If you like what you see here, please consider signing up to become a follower. Please feel free to share this post with others.

    Regards,

    S.J. Francis

    In Shattered Lies: "Good and bad, it's All About Family."  

Available now from Black Opal Books and for sale at on-line retailers and independent booksellers.

   “Some secrets should remain that way.” 

      My Black Opal Books Author Page:

            http://www.blackopalbooks.com/author-bios/bio-sj-francis

                 My web page: http://www.sjfranciswriter.com

                                     Twitter: https://twitter.com/sjfrancis419

 Facebook fan page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/SJ-Francis/480058115420325
                  My writing Blog: http://sjfranciswriter.blogspot.com

                                                     

          A Book Review 4 U: http://abookreview4u.blogspot.com

                  A Consumer's View: http://aconsumersview.blogspot.com

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/sjfrancis419/  

                 Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/u/0/104831238907682620486/about

Good Reads:       https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/33550975-s-j

And now for some legal stuff: Copyright 2018 by S.J. Francis. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, S. J. Francis and are meant to entertain, inform and enlighten, and intend to offend no one.

Make spare change make a difference for the wild. Join @CaringCent & purchases will be rounded & change 

donated: https://donate.caringcent.com/#/go/wildearthguardians

                                         

Remember: Animals don't have voices. We must be their voice. Always. Forever. Wherever. whenever. I'm one for the animals. Are you?