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Featured Article
This first issue is dedicated to the wonderful lady who named our rescue Pet Pals. Dolores McCoy loved animals and was a dedicated vegetarian.
When I first met Dolores, while living in Michigan, it was at a Search and Rescue demon-stration. We became friends immediately. I thought we were going to meet at the local Humane Society the next day, but I soon learned I was playing taxi when
I phoned her to check on the time to meet. Dolores didn't drive mainly out of fear of hitting a bird or pet!
At the Humane Society I met Martha, the secretary. The three of us decided dogs also needed a safe place along with the already rescued cats so the duty of caring for dogs was given to Dolores and myself. Day after day, holiday after holiday we went to the Humane Society office to care for the pets.
When Dolores's son purchased a computer for her, she was scared she was going to purchase a car or something huge so she was petrified to use it. With my help, she slowly learned to send e-mails. Dolores always signed off Your Pet Pal. Years later when deciding for a name for our nonprofit Rescue, Dolores was the mental support and confidant who urged me on. As always, she signed off Your Pet Pal and Pet Pals was born.
Sadly, Dolores passed away July 10th. It is still hard to believe my first Pet Pal is gone. While I am mourning the loss of my dear friend, pets are rejoicing to meet her and walk over rainbow bridge. Bless you dear friend.
Your Pet Pal |
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Dear Pet Pals,
WELCOME to our very first electronic newsletter! My deepest apologies if you do not wish to receive it or are receiving it twice. You may unsubscribe at the bottom. Somehow your e-mail address ended up in my address book. Some of you have become dear friends, adoptors, donors, transporters, or fellow rescuers. Others of you I don't have a clue!
I've been working on setting up an electronic newsletter for.... Well, a couple years! With all the special needs pets and regular pets (100+) and the work involved in caring for them, never ending paperwork, web pages, laundry, cleaning, veterinary visits, telephone calls, e-mails and people dropping in (a 4-H club was just here yesterday. Last week people from Arkansas, Washington DC, California and New Mexico were here at the same time!), this newsletter is quite an accomplishment!
In an area where it is legal and encouraged to shoot cats because they are listed as a predator by the Game & Fish Department and it is not illegal to shoot a dog, I was told a nonprofit animal organization was impossible. Our state license was granted in 2000 and our Federal license granted in 2001. Your devoted support has made me want to work harder saving lives. We have now saved over 1,000 lives and, more importantly, we have helped spay or neuter over 2,500 pets! My only regret is that I have not been able to keep up with all the e-mails. There are currently 951 stacked up. <sigh>
I would like to thank our board member, Dani, for helping me with the tremendous task of this newsletter. Please bear with us as we figure out all the ins and outs of learning this program. Over 1,000 addresses have now been typed in!
We hope you find our newsletters informative and enjoyable. If you have any suggestions on topics you would like to read or other comments, please let us know.
Linda York, President
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Rosie's Hip Hip Hooray
Party Update!
A Big THANK YOU to all those who answered Rosie's Hip Hip Hooray party invitation and signed up to be Rosie's friends
(click on Rosie's picture or click here to go to her webpage). Rosie's first hip surgery was a success. She is still limping a bit, but her incontinence which was probably due to the hip pain seems to be easing. Her second hip surgery will be scheduled as soon as her pain level decreases. We are praying for funds for her second surgery.
 Rosie's new best friend is beautiful Beth who would love to have a home of her own. There are many dogs at Pet Pals who would happily take Beth's place as Rosie's best friend so if you would like a beautiful dog as your best friend don't hesitate to consider adopting beautiful Beth. Click on Beth's picture to go to our large dog web page to read about Beth and our other large dogs available for adoption.
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Buckle Up for Safety
 Control of dogs in my truck is really an issue since I have adopted seven barking fur kids and am also a full-time RVer. I used to drive with my dogs loose in the truck. Oh, it was a cacophony of doggie choruses every time a motorcycle or semi truck whizzed by. I was once stopped by a cop and my cocker spaniel, Casey (pictured), would not shut up and was barking furiously at him while he gave me a "fix it" ticket. Luckily, the cop was really nice and I was the one upset at my lack of control. And then there were dogs sitting on my lap while I was driving whether I really liked it or not. It's kind of tough to discipline a pup while you are maneuvering in traffic with a 33 foot fifth wheel trailer on behind. Luckily, we never had a dog fight break out but wow can you imagine driving on I-25 through Denver with dogs fighting? What a nerve wracking, distracting mess that would have been. Control went out the window and safety went with it.
Whenever we pulled into a campground the same thing would happen, Casey and Jake, black lab mix, would bark their heads off as the campground host came over to direct me to my new campsite. Anytime I wanted to exit the truck dogs bounced and crowded by the door. It was a real headache and very embarrassing, but I thought this is the way it is supposed to be. I'm supposed to enjoy my dogs and if we get in a wreck...well, hopefully that would never happen. But if it did, what would happen to my dogs if they were thrown out or the door popped open and they zoomed out loose in traffic, scared, maybe running away? It wasn't until I met Linda York at Pet Pals that the idea of restricting my dogs by seat belting them in or crating them while underway was really introduced to me. What a great idea, Linda! But at first I resisted confining dogs in my vehicle. I even resisted after spending six to seven hours frantically searching for Casey all night when he had jumped out of my truck window several years prior. Why is it so hard to change? I thought I was taking away my dog's enjoyment of jumping around and I thought of all the time it would take to buckle them up. But after getting tired of dogs barking, trying to escape and the thoughts of an accident, I came around.
Cumbersome though it seemed at first, it didn't take me long before I was able to figure out a fast way of putting all my fur kids in the truck. I put my smaller dogs in crates and load them first. Next my large dogs are harnessed in padded travel harnesses, then I take them to my truck where they are attached to the seat belts. My dogs are now calm and quiet for the most part. I love the comparative silence when we arrive at a campground. It's no problem leaving the windows down on a hot day as I go and check in. My yapping cocker spaniel is totally silent as he rides securely in his own crate. It only takes about five minutes to crate or strap everybody in. Then I can take my time as I hitch up the trailer and get ready to pull out! Peace reigns in the cab now as we travel hundreds of miles together. It is actually pleasant to have my dogs under control in the cab.
However, more importantly is the safety for all of us. There was an article about a policeman who stopped a motorist and when their Schnauzer jumped out of the car it was promptly executed in front of the children. I could see my cocker spaniel jumping out and getting executed if he were not crated. Then there was the story about the cute little Boston Terrier that was in an accident and ran from the scene. He has yet to be found. Linda told me about one of her rescued dogs that was the only dog to survive a wreck because it was seat belted in. How many hundreds of pets are killed, lost or injured in car accidents each year simply because they were unrestrained inside the car? How many owners are killed or injured because of a distraction from their unrestrained pet or a pet becomes a lethal missile in an auto accident? Lots of them. It is the law for children to be seat belted in a vehicle so why would you think your four legged family member deserves any less? For your pet's safety and for your own safety secure your pet in your vehicle. You will be happier and so will your pet. Thanks Linda York for making our lives sooooooo much better! - Dani Ellis
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Safe Human Food
You know you're not supposed to feed your dog chocolate, onions, grapes/raisins, macadamia nuts and avocados. And you monitor for sensitivity to common food allergens such as meat, corn, wheat and soy.
But you're only human, and sometimes it's hard to resist your dog's sweet stare as he begs you with his eyes to share some of your delicious homo sapien cuisine. When you want to give him a treat from your table, do you know which "human" foods are safe to feed your pup?
To find the answer, we called upon Liz Palika, author of "The Ultimate Pet Food Guide," and animal nutritionist, Susan Lauten, PhD, of Pet Nutrition Consulting, to explain which fresh, frozen and canned foods people typically eat that are safe for dogs to consume too.
1. Melons: Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are all healthy options for your pooch. "My dogs will take me down over cantaloupe," says Lauten. "I am required to share the whole thing with them." Consult animal poison control before feeding your dogs any of the more exotic melons.
2. Sunflower seeds (shelled): Skip the salt if possible, or serve in moderation, recommends Lauten. "Remember, treats should not comprise more than 10 percent of your dog's daily calorie intake. If your dog gets 500 calories a day, 50 calories could come from treats."
3. Peanut butter: Peanuts don't appear to cause allergies in dogs like they do in people, says Lauten. "I have some highly food-sensitive dogs for whom peanut butter is a large part of their diet."
4. Berries (fresh and frozen): Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, huckleberries or raspberries -- all are good for your furry friend for the same reason they're good for humans: free-radical-fighting antioxidants. "A lot of dogs like them frozen," says Lauten.
5. Cooked chicken: Ran out of your dog's regular food? Whether boiled, baked, served rotisserie-style or grilled, this food is a healthy substitute. "Dogs will eat a freshly cooked chicken any way they can get it," says Lauten.
Healthy dogs can handle cooking oils and seasonings. Just be sure to avoid adding onion or too much garlic. If you're concerned, non-salt seasonings can be used, but that matters more for the human eater than the dog, explains Lauten. Scrambled eggs, hamburger, rice, pasta and/or oatmeal can serve as meal replacements in a pinch, adds Lauten.
6. Cheese: This is a safe snack for dogs, but just like humans, they can experience lactose intolerance, so monitor your dog's reaction. "Many families use a dollop of cottage cheese with every meal," says Lauten. To avoid overfeeding, consider giving your dog low- or reduced-fat dairy products.
7. Bananas: "My dogs love bananas and I share mine with them regularly," says Lauten. "All fruits have phytonutrients and required nutrients. They are good for all of us. If the foods are healthy for me, they are more apt to be healthy for the dog," says Palika.
8. Apple slices: Lauten recommends serving your pup seedless, organic apple slices, because apple seeds naturally contain cyanide. Citrus fruits such as oranges are good too, but leave off the rinds; they contain many oils and could be too strong for a dog's digestive system.
9. Baby carrots: Fresh, crunchy vegetables are good for your dog's teeth, says Lauten. Plus, it's a bit easier not to overfeed with veggies. "If you're giving your dog vegetables, you can give a lot more in volume," because these are low-calorie foods.
10. Green beans: Because this veggie fills dogs up, weight-management programs often include green beans, usually canned with no salt added, says Lauten. "An entire can of green beans contains 70 calories. What a bargain, and filling too!"
Of course every dog is different and you and your vet know best if he or she has any food sensitivities, weight issues or other health concerns that should guide your dog's diet. It is always a good idea to check with your pet's doctor if you are planning on changing what your dog eats. Also keep in mind that it is best to introduce new foods to your dog slowly. You don't want your pooch to get gas, bloating, soft stools or other digestive problems.
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Frostbite and Chattanooga
Find a Home!
"Frostbite is my name! I am a blue eyed, white, male kitty with part of my ear missing from frost bite. My new best friend is Chattanooga also a blue-eyed, white, male kitty. As you probably know from your high school biology class, all blue-eyed, white male kitties are deaf, a definite liability when you find yourself stuck in a kill facility like we did.
Chattanooga's eyes were starting to water from a terrible upper respiratory infection. You don't know how worried we were as people passed us over for adoption again and again even though both of us love people and wanted nothing more than to sit purring in someone's lap or wash their face for them.
We were so lucky that one of Pet Pals, Inc.'s directors, Raquel, was concerned for Chattanooga's safety, realizing that a deaf kitty would most likely be euthanized. Raquel called Linda York, President of Pet Pals, Inc., about her concerns. She was also worried about another brown kitty, but luckily it was adopted.
Linda could see Chattanooga was already sick with an upper respiratory infection and because I was deaf and missing part of my right ear, neither of us stood a chance of being adopted. I didn't know Chattanooga as he was in a separate cage, but Linda could see he was really in trouble since he was as deaf as I am and also very sick.
I was really scared when the technician came in and took me out of my cage. I thought maybe that was the end for me. But he put me in a pet carrier. Then he put Chattanooga in a carrier and took us to the front desk to be checked out to Pet Pals just in the nick of time for both of us! We both purred all the way from Cheyenne to Pet Pals, Inc.'s shelter where Linda isolated us in separate cages to get over our colds. We were given shots of antibiotic which hurt....Ouch!
I am very playful so I managed to open the door separating us. That is how I met Chattanooga and we became instant best friends! After ten days in isolation, we were both adopted together to our new forever home where we are loved by six other cats, seven dogs, and our new guardian.
Thank you to everyone who donates to Pet Pals. Because of YOU our lives were spared at the last minute and we are already in a happy new home where we are loved! Click on our picture above to go to Pet Pals, Inc.'s kitties' web page to see many other loving kitties that would love to be adopted.
Purrs,
Frostbite "
The following deaf kitty was shoved into a local horrible gas chamber. He will forever bring tears to my eyes. He wanted out. If only, I knew his fate and would have bailed him. If only, I knew he hadn't been adopted. For so many, it would have only taken a phone call to Pet Pals so they could have lived.
Are your donations buying gas or sending their pets to be expermented on? KNOW where your donations are going, get involved, research. Many humane organization CEOs get hundreds of thousands of dollars!
Click the above picture to visit
our homeless kitties.
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Vaccinations
and other great books
 from
by Dr. Nancy Kay
· Other than for rabies (state mandated), vaccination protocols are anything but standardized. There are no set rules veterinarians must follow when determining which vaccines to give and how often they are administered. Unfortunately, some vets continue to vaccinate for distemper and parvovirus annually even though we know that these adult vaccines provide protection for a minimum of three years. Some vets give multiple inoculations at once, others administer just one at a time.
· Increasingly clear-cut documentation shows that vaccines have the potential to cause many side effects. While vaccine reactions/complications are still considered to be infrequent, they can be life threatening.
What you can do:
So, as your dog's savvy and courageous medical advocate, what can you do to be sure that he is neither under or overvaccinated? Here are some guidelines for making wise vaccine choices for your best buddy:
1. Educate yourself about available canine vaccinations and the diseases they are capable of preventing (in some cases treating the disease, should it arise, might be preferable to the risks and expense associated with vaccination). Learn about duration of vaccine protection and potential side effects. Talk with a trusted veterinarian and read the chapter called "The Vaccination Conundrum" in Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life. It provides detailed discussion about all aspects of canine vaccinations including the diseases they prevent, adverse vaccination reactions, and vaccine serology (blood testing that helps determine if your dog is truly in need of another vaccine). The American Animal Hospital Association's "Canine Vaccine Guidelines" is also an excellent source of information.
2. Figure out which diseases your dog has potential exposure to. A miniature poodle who rarely leaves his Manhattan penthouse likely has no exposure to Lyme disease (spread by ticks); however a Lab that goes camping and duck hunting may have significant exposure.
3. Alert your veterinarian to any symptoms or medical issues your dog is experiencing. It is almost always best to avoid vaccinating a sick dog - better to let his immune system concentrate on getting rid of a current illness rather than creating a vaccine "distraction." If your dog has a history of autoimmune (immune-mediated) disease, it may be advisable to alter his vaccine protocol or even forego ongoing vaccinations - be sure to discuss this with your vet.
4. Let your vet know if your dog has had vaccine side effects in the past. If the reaction was quite serious, she may recommend that you forego future vaccinations, necessitating an official letter to your local government agency excusing your pup from rabies· related requirements.
5. Consider vaccine serology for your dog. This involves testing a blood sample from your dog to determine if adequate vaccine protection still exists (remember, vaccine protection for the core diseases lasts a minimum of three years). While such testing isn't perfect, in general if the blood test indicates active and adequate protection, there is no need to vaccinate. Serology may make more sense than simply vaccinating at set intervals.
6. Ask your veterinarian about the potential side effects of proposed vaccinations, what you should be watching for, and whether or not there are any restrictions for your dog in the days immediately following vaccination.
Other great books recommended by Pet Pals are:
How To Afford Veterinary Care Without Mortgaging the Kids~ Common Sense and Money Saving Advice From an Old, Country vet ~by Dr. James L. Busby, D.V.M.
REDEMPTION~ The Myth of Pet Overpopulation and The No Kill Revolution in America ~by Nathan J. Winograd
Animal Lovers~ A look into the little-known world of animal rescue and the individuals who dedicate themselves to the cause ~by Romy A. Maimon
Nobody's Pets~ An insightful, heart-warming tale of hardship, responsibilities, and compassion from a pet's perspective ~by Debra J. White
Scream Like Banshee~ 29 Days of Tips & Tales to Keep Your Sanity As a Doggie Foster Parent ~by Tamira Ci Thayne, President of DogsDeserveBetter.org
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Thanks to YOU
More Lives are Saved!
Since starting this newsletter in the middle of July, we have rescued a number of pets.
~A severly starved, fly bitten Boxer who was out on a chain. She is now in a loving home.
~The two deaf kitties, Frostbite and Chattanooga were rescued and placed in a loving home.
~We saved a sweet girl named Smuckers who was going to be euthanized at a kill facility.You may read about Smuckers, a McNab, on our Large Dog Page *click here* or click her picture.
~A severely beaten, starved dog was rescued and is now in our foster home. Her playmate was hung. Her sickening story is pending.
~A VERY starved stray Labrador was thought to be a puppy but her teeth show she is an adult, is now safe. Her story is also pending.
~Other cruel treatment of animals in this area may be viewed at: ShameOnCheyenne.com Caution, some videos are very graphic. Not family entertainment as advertised!
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We hope you have enjoyed our first electronic newsletter. Please feel free to send us any suggestions, opinions or letters you would like to see in our next issue.
Do not hesitate to forward to your friends.
Thank you,
Your Pet Pals
Ps. As always...Keep ID tags on your fixed pets!  :-)
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Contact Information
phone: 307-532-3861
Pet Pals, Inc.
Spay/Neuter Drive
Hawk Springs, WY 82217 |
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Donate
 What God has given us, let no man take away!
It is so, they are all God's children.
Mother Teresa
Click the above biscuit to help us save a life, THANK YOU! |
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Pet Pals, Inc Newsletter 
