THE SCRATCHING POST
Issue #39, by Barbara Stanley, home2cats@aol.com
Home 2 Cats, P. O. Box 752671, Memphis, TN 38175-2671
~ Spring 2009 ~
Mews You Can Use
The Top Ten Pet Poisons of 2008
I was very surprised at the 10 Pet Poisons of 2008. Some of this group of 10 were expected, but others were a definite surprise.
No. 1 Human Medication
Believe it or not, this has been the number one poison for several years. Pets gobble up medicines that are dropped on the floor or snatch them from nightstands and counters. Our household has a few furry residents that are too smart for their own good and opening lower cabinets seems to be a great way for them to pass the time. Be sure to store all medicines in hard-to-reach cabinets.
No. 2 Insecticides
One of the most common poisoning mishaps in the category was the misuse of flea and tick products—such as applying topical treatments to the wrong species. A product that may be great for Fido can be toxic to Fluffy. The amount of product applied can also be toxic. Remember, what you apply to a 100 lb. dog is not what you would apply to a 10 lb. cat. Always talk to your veterinarian before beginning any flea and tick program. When treating your home for all those unwelcome pests, be sure to remember your own pets’ safety.
No. 3 People Food
Yikes! How many of us are guilty of feeding our pets bits of people food. What may be divine to us may cause serious harm to them. Chocolate was the worst offender in this category. Other foods were grapes, raisins, avocado and certain citrus fruit.
No. 4 Rodenticides
Rat and mouse poisons were the culprits in this category. Inactive ingredients used in baits to attract rodents also attract our furry friends.
No. 5 Veterinary Medications
Dispense medications to your pets only as prescribed by your veterinarian. Well-meaning pet owners’ misapplying or improperly dispensing medication to their pets made this a category.
No. 6 Plants
Many indoor and outdoor plants such as azaleas and rhododendrons are a danger to your pets. Lilies are especially toxic to cats.
No. 7 Chemical Hazards
This is a category that is on the rise. Antifreeze, paint thinner and pool/spa chemicals are major hazards.
No. 8 Household Cleaners
Common household cleaners such as beaches, detergents and disinfectants when inhaled by our pets can cause serious gastrointestinal distress and irritation to their respiratory tract.
No. 9 Heavy Metals
Turn down the radio! No, not really, just checking to see if you were really paying attention. Actually, your pet may like listening to ‘heavy metal’ but it’s the lead, zinc and mercury (sounds like the names of the lead singers) that may be lurking in older homes that can be poisonous.
No. 10 Fertilizer
Green is not a great color on every living thing! What may make your lawn look healthy and green is not healthy for your pets.
As one can see from the above list there are many dangers lurking in our homes, garage and yard. We are the protectors for our pets. It is our job to keep them safe. Take time to inspect your household and ensure the safety of your beloved pet.
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Kittens
Looking For a Few Good Homes
Home 2 Cats has 6 adorable, active and loving kittens in need of homes. They have been wormed, tested and vaccinated. Home 2 Cats will also cover their spaying/neutering as age permits. If you have room in your life for unconditional love please give us a call.
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Cat Tails
Larry Otis and Mischief
Larry and I met Larry Otis and Mischief back in 2001 when our paths crossed twice unexpectedly one day. Both he and Mischief were homeless. Mr. Otis was very independent and never asked us for anything. In fact on our first encounter we had to talk him into accepting some canned food for Mischief.
Even though Mr. Otis was homeless, he had taken good care of Mischief. In return she was a loyal companion and guarded their camp. The only thing Mischief was lacking was her yearly shots and heartworm check. Even though Mischief was not a stray, Home2Cats felt she deserved our assistance and Mischief received her shots, heartworm check and medication that year.
The effects of the Vietnam War and homelessness had taken their toll on Mr. Otis and those effects were very apparent when talking to him. Mr. Otis wrote poetry, which he kept stored and cataloged in his head. When he recited his poetry he became a different person, one with purpose. As he recited his poems, one after another without faltering, you could hear the passion in his voice. It was obvious these were not just words to him. All his poems were touching and all had a message.
Through the years we lost track of the pair, as they did not stay put in one location long. We would occasionally see Mr. Otis and Mischief walking the streets or the highway. It was always heart warming to see that the two at least still had each other, if nothing else.
Larry (Home2Cats) was recently helping another homeless man, ‘Skinny,’ with the yearly vaccinations for his dog, Ruby Lee. Skinny informed Larry that he believed Mr. Otis passed away about 8 months ago. We have not been able to confirm this nor obtain any information about Mischief. We pray that he and Mischief are still together.
We originally published his and Mischief’s story along with his poem, Today, in The Scratching Post Fall 2001 issue. We would like to once again share his poem with you and we thank you, Mr. Otis, for the lessons you taught us.
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Today Is there
anybody happier because you passed this way? Today is almost over - these hours are so few- Is one single heart rejoicing over what you did or said? Did you waste the day or use it - was it well or badly spent? When you lay at night near slumber, ---Larry Otis |
Animal and People Recognition
While losing a companion is one of life's greatest sorrows, never having one is to miss out on years of loving companionship.
In Memory Of Animals
Hobo
Beloved cat of Gwen Johnson.
--Kay JoestSchubert
The loved companion of Laura Vandenburgh.
He was a dog of unknown heritage and a true character.
He was her constant companion.
--Bill & Rita VandenburghBuddy
Beloved companion of Laurin Gregory.
--Kimbrough & Susan GregoryMr. Pumpkin
Beloved cat of Michael Johnson.
--Steve MeyerGracie
Beloved cat of Suzanne & AlexSandra.
--Steve Meyer
In Memory Of People
Ted Cartledge
Beloved Husband.
--Ruth Blann CartledgeJoe Walkner
Beloved Brother who has been gone a year.
--Ruth Blann CartledgeNona Miller
She was not just my Mother, she was my best friend.
--Mary Bowen
In Honor Of People
Larry and Barbara Stanley
Because you are special to us and to all the cats
(and occasional dog) you care for.
Happy Valentine's Day!
--Ruth Blann Cartledge
--Phoebe Catus and Holle NoelLaurin Gregory
Laurin saved Buddy's life and gave him many happy years.
--Kimbrough & Susan GregorySarah Jortner
Happy Birthday!
--Jackie FosheeDr. Isis Johnson
She is a great benefit to the APA spay/neuter clinic and the animals.
--Ruth Blann Cartledge
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Our mission
is: To provide food, medical care, love and sanctuary for injured, disabled or abused animals. To educate the public in what constitutes responsible cat care and ownership. To engage in other activities related to animal rescue and public education about cat care and responsibilities. |
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