Tooth Or Consequences
Why Shelter Seniors?
Keeping Our Pets At A Healthy Weight
Should Pets Be Gifts?
Cancer In Dogs And Cats
Finding a lump or a bump on your pet can be scary. I know it is for me. As an owner of many older dogs, I’ve definitely seen my share of lumps and bumps! Many of them turn out to be malignant and harmless, but some are not. So how do you know the difference? For me that is an easy answer – I ask the Vet! I trust them to tell me what I need to worry about and what I don’t. Sweet little Heaven has several lumps, but thankfully they are cysts that form in oil glands, sebaceous cysts, and are completely harmless. On the other hand, Nevaeh has the beginning of a mass in her mammary chain. This one is concerning because of the location. It’s not necessarily cancer, but we will definitely be keeping an eye on it and so is the Vet. We rely on them to tell us what to do for diagnosis and when the best time to do it. That is the best advice I can give you if you feel anything talk to your Vet.
Senior Companionship 4 Seniors
Laber of Love Pet Rescue is a fospice care organization. Our mission is to place experienced pets in loving homes for the remainder of their lives. We also realize that the companionship goes both ways offering unconditional love thus posing the question “Who rescued who?”. Attached is an article that refers to the benefits of senior adults and pet ownership. As pet lovers, none of us can argue any of the points of the benefits of pet ownership, *Healthy behavior habits. *Improves activity. *A sense of purpose. *Increases interaction. *Relieves stress. *Companionship. The alternative to the above list is the considerations that a senior must face in order to continue to be a pet owner during this season of life. *Experienced pet owner. *Choosing the right pet. *Financial stability. In addition, the article adds that getting an older pet would be a good choice. Laber of Love Pet Rescue could be a valuable asset when it comes to deciding whether or not a pet is an option during a senior’s years. Going back to the list of concerns it suggests that being an experienced pet owner is helpful. While some experience is very useful, Laber of Love has an amazing support system put in place to assist with the basic needs of a pet owner from having a trainer available to reach out to when a questionable behavior might arise. And finding the right pet is just as important to Laber of Love as it should be an honest concern for the new owner. Laber of Love volunteers will be looking for just the right fit in order to make a successful match. Finally, the financial burden that a senior might feel when wanting to take the best care of their new companion. This is where the Laber of Love family of supporters has stepped up in order for our mission to be complete. Laber of Love Pet Rescue is committed to providing the comfort care our fospice pets deserve for the remainder of their lives. We are even there if Vet visits are a problem to manage. Laber of Love Pet Rescue is so grateful for all the love and support that is sent our way for fospice rescue! We want to continue to pay it forward by sharing the love in the best way possible, saving lives. If you are interested in knowing about ways to help or how our fospice program works check out the fospice section of our website @ https://www.laberoflovepetrescue.com/#fospice
Additional info can be found @ https://www.homeinstead.com/location/347/news-and-media/benefits-of-companion-animals-for-elderly/
Research Before Getting A Dog
This may be a long post so please stay with me here. I want to talk to you today about adding a new dog to your family. When it’s time to add a new family member, and getting a dog is adding a new family member, you are committing to keeping that dog for its entire life. Please, first think about that. We’ll talk about breed and size in a minute, but age is a consideration too when getting a new dog. If you are adopting a puppy, that could be 15-18 years depending on the breed. Are you ready for that commitment? If not, is an older dog right for you? Puppies require quite a bit more time and training as they need their owner to teach them almost everything. Older dogs generally still require some training and patience as they enter a new home, but it’s usually quite a bit less than a puppy.
Second, think about where and how you live. The breed, size, and temperament of the dog you adopt should be compatible with your living situation and your personality. Apartments are great for some dog breeds that don’t need a ton of exercise, but some dog breeds need a home with a large fenced-in yard to get in some playtime. Do some research to find the right breed/mix for your situation. There are lots of websites out there that can tell you all about the breeds and what each needs and the adoption counselors whom you are going to adopt your dog from are great resources to help as well. Not only can they tell you about breeds, but they can tell you about each specific dog too. Listen to them.
Third, don’t forget your family. Make sure you pick a dog that is good for your family situation now and for the future. Do you have kids now or plan to? Do you have other dogs or cats or plan on adding more? Do you have farm animals? Do you want a dog that will travel with you? Plan for now and for the next 10 years.
And finally, make sure you have a plan and finances for all the things that your new dog will need. Some breeds are prone to health concerns that will require additional Vet care, but all dogs will need a minimum of annual check-ups and vaccines. Food, supplements, toys, and training should not be forgotten either. Grooming is also very important to consider. Be sure to know what grooming needs your new dog will have. Will you need to brush/bathe the dog at home frequently? With the dog need to see a professional groomer regularly?
Please take some time to think about all of this before bringing a new dog into your family, and have a discussion about it with the entire family. This is an important decision that should be given thought and consideration. Too many homeless dogs are in Shelters because their families didn’t take the time and understand what they were bringing home. Shelters and Rescues are overwhelmed. Take time to be a part of the solution, not the problem. Pick a dog that fits your home and lifestyle, not just because it is “cute” or you feel sorry for it.
For more information, please take a look at the following: https://www.happyhounduniversity.com/single-post/essential-factors-to-consider-when-adopting-a-dog
Nicole Laber, Fospice Mom and Board Treasurer
Why Canine Influenza Vaccine
As of recent more and more dog boarders are starting to request that dogs have their canine influenza vaccine, but exactly why? Well, canine influenza, or CI, is a highly contagious viral infection, which is mainly seen in dogs. CI is transmitted through droplets from coughing, barking, and sneezing. CI can also be spread indirectly through shared feeding or drinking bowls, collars, or leashes. Because of CI’s fast and invisible transmission between dogs, this infection is easily contracted and shared between pets, making the vaccine highly suggested by vets and other pet health professionals. But what does the Canine Influenza vaccine do? Similar to human vaccines, the CI vaccine is not going to stop your dog from ever contracting CI, but make the symptoms and severity of the illness less harmful and long-lasting. This allows you if in serious condition, to check in with a vet to ensure your pet’s health and that they aren’t in clinical condition. And this doesn’t just stop with dogs. CI can spread to cats too, causing respiratory complications, fever, and eating inconsistencies. Because of this, CI vaccines for both your canine and feline friends are often recommended or required for most boarding shelters. As always, be sure to check with your Vet for specific recommendations for your pets. For more information, visit the AVMA website: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/canine-influenza
Clara Brown, Junior Board Member
Why Foster/Fospice Care
