Diabetic dogs and cats living longer and healthier lives

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We are hearing from more and more of our customers who are caregivers to a dog or cat with diabetes.

Animals that have a chronic health condition often have more compromised immune systems, so caregivers have to be even more alert for symtoms of secondary conditions developing.

With diabetes, infections are a common conditions that can develop: urinary tract infections, skin infections, and respiratory infections. If caught early, these conditions are very treatable.

Diabetic dogs and cats require close monitoring, and I look forward to the day when we can eliminate this disease, but it is heartwarming to hear how well many of these animals are doing.

With a cousin who passed away last year from complications of diabetes, I am very aware of how serious this disease can be.

Pet friendly travel. Lily takes to the highway.

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My sister and Lily stayed with me last week on their cross country trek to San Diego. They will be staying there for the winter.

It was so much fun to have them here. Lily was originally adopted from Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter here in Fairfield in 1999. Her best friend at the shelter was another sweet, little dog named Shanti. Shanti lives with her people here in town. We brought the 2 dogs together for a reunion one morning. It was hard to tell if they remembered each other or not. They are both pretty shy and Lily especially bonds more with people than with dogs.

But the local paper came and took some pictures and an article appeared on the front page of the paper the following day highlighting the reunion between the 2 old friends.

Today Lily is taking in the Grand Canyon and will be arriving in San Diego on Saturday for her warm winter retreat. I am looking forward to hearing about the dynamic duo’s continuing adventures!!

Mortgage crisis and economy affects pet households

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The news about dog and cats and other pets being surrendered in these tough economic times keeps getting worse.

Many dogs and cats are being surrendered to shelters that are already full and crowded. I can’t imagine what it would take to have to give up an animal. And I can’t imagine what it would be like for an animal to suddenly find itself abandoned in a shelter.

I have been at my shelter when an owner has brought in an animal and I will never forget how frightened and confused they are.

That is one reason why I work so hard on spay/neuter programs as I know it is the best solution that we have to help animals find forever homes. Big fix campaigns are going to be in need of donations more than ever in the coming months and, hopefully, people will respond to the need.