Ruckus Rules
In this issue...
Rescue Spotlight
The Natural Way
Ruckus Rulz!
Our Sponsors
lexi 2
Lexi Dog Boutique & Social Club
HEAL Logo
HEAL NW
Changeit
All Pawsabilities
Event Name
PO BOX 2962

Hillsboro, Oregon 97123
8:00AM-5:00PM
 
Ruckus'  Tips and Tid-Bits
Bulldog Tested, Labrador Approved!
May 2011
Ruck and Tuck
Flowers and Pollen and Bees Oh my! 
There are so many things to watch out for with our animals this time of year, and I say this with first hand knowledge and a sad heart.  We just lost our cat Chips and his death was most likely from poison somewhere outside.  With that said I thought it was a good time to remind everyone to just take a glance around to make sure that there aren't chemicals left out around our yard or even our neighbors' yards.  This will help to make sure it is safe out there for our pets and our skin-kids.  While you are out on the  'bad stuff' hunt, Libby our Labradok would like you to also look for Bee and Spider nests.  With her recient trip to the ER for a swollen head, she thought it might be a good idea!
Speaking of Vets, make sure you check out the article on dealing with the recession and still taking good care of your pet.
With swimming season coming up Ruckus would love for you to check out his new favorite collar.  He tells you all about it in his article.
And with all of these things come fleas and ticks, but there are many options to deal with thos and our friends at Woof Report have teamed with us this month to give you some natural options.
 
We would like to thank all of our readers and remind you that there are options with this newsletter that allow you to forward it to people you think would also enjoy it and that every picture or logo is a link that will take you to a website for more information about each section!
 
Now onto some amazing people, places and things!

 
Mickie

Rescue

Ruck and Tuck
This is a recuse that we here at Ruckus Rules hold close to our hearts.  So much so that it was the first years recipient of the Ruckus Run fund!  They do amazing things to raise money to support their animals so make sure you check out the upcoming fundraisers, it could actually make you $10,000 richer!
 
Indigo Rescue, www.indigorescue.org,  launches and maintains programs that assist county animal shelters. Through partnerships formed with shelters, Indigo Rescue intervenes by taking animals that have run out of time in the shelter environment, rehabilitating them in foster homes before placing them in adoptive homes. The organization continues to develop and launch convenient and practical spay/neuter programs designed to encourage people to have their pets altered. Indigo Rescue also develops new programs to discourage surrender of companion animals to shelters, and increase likelihood of permanent placement. Efforts include offering consultation, resources and support to individuals from the community who are making the effort to help abandoned animals find a permanent home. The group likes to refer to themselves as the "match.com" of people and pets.
Indigo Rescue recently added comedian and writer Elayne Boosler to their Board of Directors. Boosler, who has been a long time supporter of the organization, wanted to increase the level of her support by becoming more involved with OCU at Indigo Ranch (Oregon CanineUniversity), a subsidiary of Indigo Rescue.
www.indigoranch.org
 
 
Ruckus Run 2011

woof report The Natural Way
By: The Woof Report

Control Fleas and Ticks without Dangerous Chemicals
They may be tiny little buggers, but fleas and tick take a bite out of your dog's happy life. But keeping your dog critter-free is a bigger responsibility than most pet-people realize. Not only are there an overwhelming number of flea and tick products on the market, but also the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) warns that "these products may contain ingredients that could harm pets and children." In fact, the HSUS reports "at least 1,600 pet deaths related to spot on treatments with pyrethroids were reported to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over the last five years." That's why it's critical to consult your vet before starting your pet on any flea and tick control products and read the labels. The HSUS and EPA both provide detailed information on what to look for on the list of product ingredients.
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is also stepping up to help protect pets. They recognized the need for consumer information since "many Americans believe that commercially available pesticides, such as those found in pet products, are tightly regulated by the government. In fact, they are not." Fortunately for us, the NRDC created GreenPaws.org.
Go to GreenPaws.org to get the "Poison on Pets" report and check out the safety and potential health risks of brand name products you may already be using. You'll find which chemicals are not safe for pets or human, and whether the toxicity is linked to cancer, allergies, asthma or endocrine disorders. The site even offers a free pet wallet guide listing product chemicals to avoid, to use sparingly as well as those to use safely when needed. And to help us turn information into action, the NRDC offers a free Green Paws Action Kit. Loaded with fact sheets and window decals for your groomers, kennel, and pet service providers, it's the first step to keeping pets safe and getting dangerous pet products off the market. Request your Green Paws Action Kit to start barking for a safer world for our pets, our kids and our environment.
The Scoop:
GreenPaws.org, a green living initiative by the Natural Resources Defense Council. 
www.greenpaws.org
Precautions to be taken to reduce the risks to pets and humans during the flea season from the HSUS. www.hsus.org/fleasandticks

Information to know before purchasing and applying pesticide products to pets to control fleas and ticks from the EPA
www.epa.gov/fleasandticks

Spiffy dog logo RUCKUS RULZ! TM

Bulldog Tested, Labrador Approved!
 
Hey all, Sir Ruckus here and they tell me that I am to collars what Imelda Marcos was to shoes.  I am not sure what this means, but I must tell you about these cool new collars my mom found me from a company in Steamboat Springs, Colorado! The Air Collar from Spiffy Dog is very interesting and makes a great addition to my closet.  It is made of a squishy, porous material just like your running shoes that we sometimes chew on because they smell so good! It is lightweight and breathable and oh so comfortable. We dogs can go and get super wet but it is designed to be quick-drying, so that means our skin won't chafe, get irritated or stinky after a dunk in the pool and roll in the mud. As if it wasn't good enough, it  comes in lots of colors and prints so you could and should buy more than one!
Click on their logo and it will take you to their website so you can check out ALL the things they have to offer and what store near you carries their stuff.  It is way more than just collars! BONUS!!
 
Don't forget that if you have a favorite person, place or thing that your pet can't live without you can email me at [email protected]  and maybe I can check it out.  Even as picky as a Bulldog is, you never know, it could be my favorite!
 
Smell you soon,
Love Ruckus 

 VET SPOTLIGHT
 
 

Weathering the Storm: Coping with the Recession & Pet Care Costs 

 
Layoffs from major employers, potential for job loss, income loss, benefits reduction, collapsing economy, on and on it goes. Day after day the news paints a grim picture of our economy. The recession has affected us all, including our pets.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association, emergency and acute care are on the rise as pet owners try to save money by postponing care for ill pets. Owners are waiting as long as three to four days before bringing in their ill pets resulting in higher costs to treat the pet.
In an attempt to control pet care spending owners are postponing wellness visits and preventive care, as well. In theory this sounds good, but in actuality early detection of disease is being missed as a result.
Both of these strategies intended to save money result in higher pet costs. So how do we control pet care costs? Dr. Wikander recommends the following strategy to maximize on veterinary care while minimizing costs:
1)   Continue providing all preventative care possible for your pets BUT spread out the expense by conducting the exams and injectable vaccines separate from the routine lab tests.
2)   Avoid delaying preventative care items more than three (3) months. This includes exams, vaccines and screening lab work. Needed dental treatments should not be delayed more than 6 months.
3)   If you have multiple pets, spread out all of their care to avoid being hit with a large expense all at once. Your veterinary team can help prioritize your pets' care.
4)   Inter-nasal Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines can be provided on a separate date without a doctor's examination if the pet has been seen within the last 12 months.
5)   Work with your veterinarian's staff to schedule your appointments when you have the least number of expenses.
6)   Obtain heartworm preventative for dogs within 4 weeks of their annual screening test.
7)   Discuss a combined lab screening test with your veterinarian. Combining blood screening with fecal screening and others is less costly then doing them each individually. In other words, get more bang for your buck!
8)   Work with your veterinarian and staff to time blood screening as pre-operative testing for any anticipated surgical procedures.
9)   Step up on your basic home care to keep your pet healthy. This includes feeding the best quality food possible, managing your pets' weight, regular grooming (brushing the coat, toe nail management and ear care), regular exercise,  and an aggressive dental care program.
10)               Seek medical advice as soon as your pet is ill. This may mean simply calling your veterinarian to determine the gravity of the situation. Let the medical professionals help you decide on the next step for your pet.
How can you be financially prepared for all of this? Here are three strategies that Dr. Wikander has found to work best for her clients:
1)   Be sure to include pet care costs in your budget. Include an emergency fund reserved for unexpected expenses.
2)   If you have difficulty setting aside money for up coming veterinary costs, see if your veterinarian has a pre-payment plan. This is a veterinary version of a layaway plan. Once the funds have been collected for an anticipated procedure, an appointment is scheduled and the services delivered.
3)   Apply for a Care Credit account 'just-in-case'. To learn more about this medical credit card go to www.carecredit.com.
4)   Obtain pet insurance to help defray the cost of your pet's health care. Dr. Wikander has seen many pet owners that enjoyed the benefits of Pet's Best Insurance (www.petsbest.com).
Despite the gloomy outlook, there really is a light at the end of the tunnel. It's just around the corner. We're all going to make it as long as we work together. Now that's a Stimulus Package!
 
Follow up Links

Have a question for our vet or a Rescue you think we should spotlight? Email us at [email protected]