Huge Payout For Pet Owners

Finally Compensation Is On The Way.

But It Won't Bring Back The Lost Pets.

One of the biggest scandals in the pet industry has finally been settled. A whopping $24 million dollars has been allocated to pet owners across the United States and Canada pending a judges approval. The final hearing is set for May 30th 2008.

The money is to compensate for expenses directly incurred by the owners of pets that suffered illness or death linked to toxic pet food. The biggest ever pet food recall in 2007 was sparked by contaminated wheat gluten imported from China finding its way into the processing plants of no less than five pet food manufacturing companies.

In total more than 5,000 products from more than 150 different brands were affected by the recall. Millions of chickens, 56,000 swine and an undetermined number of fish may have eaten tainted feed.

Michigan State University conducted a survey of veterinarians which recorded 236 cats and 112 dogs that died or were treated for symptoms linked to the toxic food. Dogs and cats experienced vomiting and suffered kidney failure. The total number of affected pet owners could have numbered in the thousands.

In this age of mass production the only way you can be sure of what you are feeding your loved family pet is serve them natural foods prepared by yourself. There are many great resources available today to assist you to provide for your pet in this manner.

Source [http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2008/05/pet-food-compan.html]

Pet Dumping Epidemic

A sad indictment on our society is that when things get a bit tight financially our first reaction is to dump our pets. The RSPCA said the number of animals dumped by their owners in 2007 was 23 per cent higher than the year before (a total of 7,346). Already, 2008 has seen 2,621 animals picked up in the first four months.

Soaring fuel, food, energy and tax bills have left pet owners in a position where they can't afford to feed their pets. The rates of dumping dramatically increase in holiday seasons when pet owners can not afford the cost of insuring an animal, paying for vet bills and placing a pet in kennels while travelling.

Almost half of all animals dumped are cats. Living in the country we often find stray cats, chickens, rabbits, and other animals that have all been dumped. It is a sad and cruel fate that most of these animals face, as they are usually ill equipped for survival in this environment. Many fall prey to predators, traffic, and irate farmers who find them poaching "easy meals."

Taking your pet for a drive into the country and dumping them may seem like an easy option, and you may justify it by pretending to "release them into paradise." But the reality is, that you are condemning them to a life on the run. Hunger, disease, and early death is the more likely fate a dumped animal will face.

What is the solution this problem?

How can desperate families who are forced to return to full time work, or are travelling further to get a better paid job, or just cutting back to be able to feed their kids, deal with their pets?

Not all of these families are heartless monsters. Sometimes it simply a choice between the children and the pets. It may be a distressing and highly emotional decision that they have been forced to make.

The first thing to realise is that it is NEVER the right thing to do to dump your pet anywhere!

Perhaps these people should be publicly shamed. I am sure the majority of pet dumpers would not expect to get caught, and would like even less it to be known they abandoned their animals.

The next place to start is with education. Many people do not realise the cost nor the time involved in pet ownership. Pets do not just disappear when vacation season rolls around and you want to go away.

Pets, just like humans, have medical conditions that require treatment. One of the most common elements in animals received by the RSPCA is long-term medical conditions such as cancerous growths. The cost of treating such conditions can easily stretch in to the hundreds of dollars and is often out of the budget for many families.

With the traditional pet dumping season being the months leading up to Christmas, we can expect almost epidemic levels of abandoned pets this year. Take a proactive stand and start trying to combat it today. Many RSPCA facilities are already running at or near capacity.

We can't allow this shameful crime to continue!

Source.

RSPA Dog Candidate For Guinness Record

This interesting article was published in the Telegraph.co.uk.

A couple are trying to prove that their pet Labrador cross is the oldest dog in the world.

Bella the Labrador, they claim, is at least 29 years old, which would be about 200 years old in "dog years."

Unfortunately for owner David Richardson, although he got the mixed breed dog from an animal home about 26 years ago, the RSPCA said it does not have any records for Bella and the Guinness World Records said without the appropriate paperwork it could not be proved.

“I’m convinced she is the oldest dog in the world” said Mr Richardson, from Chesterfield.

For his claim to be substantiated Gareth Deaves, records manager from Guinness World Records, said “unless we can a doggy birth certificate or some really clear evidence from the RSPCA then we won’t be able to prove Bella’s age and we can’t list her as the oldest dog.”

The most recent record for the oldest dog was held by Butch, a 28-year-old from America who died in 2003, according to Mr Deaves.

With the prize for the oldest ever recorded dog going to Bluey, a sheepdog from Australia, who lived to 29 a startling 200 in canine years.

Do you have a doggie tale of great longevity?

Let Me Know Your Views

Given that Dogs are living to 200 canine years old, I am wondering if that makes a mockery of our assessment of dog years. Do you think we should adjust the numbers so that dogs only live to 100 "dog" years?

Are the dogs mention really the oldest dogs in the world, or just the oldest ones that people have registered with Guinness Book of Records?

If Dogs living this long becomes a trend is this going to put undue pressure on our dog health care systems? Will we see doggie retirement homes becoming neccessary as dogs out live their owners?

Rainbow Bridge

Pet Loss Poem

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; her eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.'

Author Unknown

A POEM FOR THE GRIEVING

A POEM FOR THE GRIEVING...

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die...

-Anonymous

The cardinal rule for talking to children about the death of a pet is ...

Kim Marie Labak
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine


"A pet can be a child's best friend," says Cheryl Weber, a client counselor specialist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana. The death of a pet can be a sad and confusing time for children as well as a difficult time for parents. Often parents are dealing with their own grief and aren't sure how to talk to their children about the death of the pet, whether it's a hamster, turtle, cat, dog, or horse.

Weber says, "The cardinal rule for talking to children about the death of a pet is: be honest." She says it's important to let children say goodbye and to express their grief.

When a pet dies, some parents have the impulse to lie to protect their children from grief. They may tell the child that the pet was given away, lost, or went to a farm to live happily ever after. "Adults may lie because they want to protect their child from sadness and hurt," explains Weber, a licensed social worker. "It breaks your heart to see a child sob, but it's normal and healthy for children to grieve. When they love a pet and it dies, they need to know it's okay to cry."

Weber suggests sticking to the basic, simple truth, using language the child can understand. If you can foresee a death or euthanasia, you can prepare by talking to the children beforehand, explaining, "Fluffy is very sick and can't get better." "When she dies, her heart will stop and she cannot walk or play or eat or purr any more."

Avoid the euphemism "put to sleep" because it can cause a child to be afraid of going to sleep at night. It's better to say "Because Fluffy can't get better, we're going to help her die."

Statements like these will probably lead to a barrage of challenging questions such as "Why?" and "Where is she going?" Weber suggests that adults try to answer these questions and help children learn that death is a natural part of life. Many pets have short life spans. They get ill, body parts wear out, they get into accidents, and sometimes they can't be saved. Plus, parents have the opportunity to discuss their spiritual beliefs with their children.


Other suggestions from Weber include:

ﾷ Let children say goodbye to the pet before euthanasia or burial. A teenager away at college may want to know what's going on.

ﾷ Let older children or teens be present for the euthanasia, if they want to be, and if they are carefully prepared for what will happen.

ﾷ Some clinics make the family a "clay paw" keepsake (see www.claypaws.com). A horse owner may want to keep a clipping of hair from the mane or tail.

ﾷ Let children express their feelings. Encourage a child to draw a picture or write a story about the pet. Making a scrapbook or memory book may help an older child.

ﾷ Let children help in planning a memorial, whether you have ashes, a burial, or a simple eulogy in the living room.

ﾷ Read books together, such as The Tenth Good Thing About Barney, where a mother encourages her son to think of 10 good things about his cat after the cat dies.

ﾷ Parents can learn more about pet loss from resources such as Children and Pet Loss: A Guide for Helping, by Marty Tousley.

ﾷ Don't rush into getting a new pet.




For more information on talking to children about pet loss, contact your local veterinarian or visit the Companion Animal Related Emotions (CARE) Helpline Web site at www.cvm.uiuc.edu/CARE/.

A Different Grief: Helping You and Your Children

A Different Grief: Helping You and Your Children



The lessons in this 24 lesson course are designed both to help you and your family understand and cope with the grief of losing a beloved family member–your pet. Lessons explain how children of different ages may react to the loss of a beloved family pet, and how they differ from adults in expressing grief. Find useful suggestions to help you talk with children about the sensitive topics of death and euthanasia. Each lesson is delivered to your email inbox on the start date and at the frequency of your choosing. Lessons contain suggested resources such as, online articles, web tools, discussion forum, books and meaningful ways to memorialize your faithful friend.
Learn more now!

Dealing with the loss of my pet by a 17 Year Old

Dealing with the loss of my pet by a 17 Year Old

Losing a pet is like losing a family member; it is very hard to deal with especially if they have been a part of your life for a long time. There are no real set ways to deal with this loss. Losing your pet it is heart wrenching, sad, depressing and deeply hurtful. It takes a long time to mourn. Everyone needs to find their own way to cope with these feelings.

As a child losing a pet is the hardest thing that they can go through other than losing a close family member or friend. Most have been growing up with their pet and have close bonds. They are true companions, and best friends. They have shared a lot of fun together and made great memories.

I am a 17-year-old boy and I recently lost my dog Tucker who was 20 years old. He had been around my whole life and the thought that he might someday die never really crossed my mind. We shared so many great times together, swimming in the pool, going for rides, playing with his toys and cuddling. He was also my sounding board, he listened but never judged me.

He had been sick for a few months because of the complications of old age. But still doing well enough. He was a fighter and wasn't ready to leave us. However, one day he became very sick and he couldn't eat. That went into two days; he looked so sad and sick. We had to put him down it was one of the hardest things I could bare. I stayed in the room with him and so did my brother and father. Our mother was very close to Tucker and she could not stand to be there. All our hearts were breaking.

The way I dealt with the pain was I took a long drive and reflected on the good times that I had with him. After the drive I came home and went up to my room and stared at the ceiling, I just wanted t to be alone and think. A lot of things changed after his passing, it just wasn't the same, and it never will be.

With the support of my friends and family they helped me to realize that he is in a better place and I will see him when it is my time. Just the other day I thought I saw him lying on my mother's bed and I went in to pat him. This is going to be a long hard journey, but each day it gets a little easier. And I will always have our memories.

My suggestion for people to help deal with the loss of their pet would be to listen to calming music and reflect on the good times that they had with their pet and think of special moments you shared together. Another way could be to get a new pet. Some people feel that they need to fill the void left and it gives them something else to start loving and take their mind off of their beloved pet. For me that was not an option. Another good way is to find a close friend or a relative that you have known for a while and just talk to them because they will be there to comfort you. And they can share in your stories and memories. Creating a memorial is another way to help remember your pet.

http://www.mypet-memorial.net

Articles Source - Free Articles
About the Author

N Dawkins is the author.

Is Pet Cremation the Right Option for You?

Because our pets are members of our families, pet loss is a tragic event. Many pet owners find themselves unprepared when their pet ages or becomes ill. If you are in one of these situations, or if you've recently suffered the sudden loss of your pet, you may be wondering if pet cremation is the right option for you. Allow me to answer several frequently asked questions regarding pet cremation so you can make a confident choice in the matter.

Why Should I Choose Pet Cremation?

When your pet is cremated, his/her remains are returned so that you may place them in a pet urn. This allows you the ability of keeping your pet close should you and your family relocate. It also offers the flexibility of burying some ashes or scattering some ashes in your yard or your pet's favorite place while keeping the rest in a pet urn.

Is Cremation Just for Small Pets?

No. Cremation is available for pets of every size, from birds to horses.

How Do I Locate A Pet Crematory?

Your veterinarian can usually recommend a crematory or you may find one in your local telephone directory.

What Does the Process of Pet Cremation Involve?

Cremation is performed using a special furnace called a cremation chamber. The process requires extreme heat (usually 1500 - 1600 degrees Fahrenheit) along with evaporation in the chamber to reduce the body to its basic elements, which are referred to as cremated remains or cremains. Also commonly called ashes, the cremains are in fact bone fragments, which are reduced further in size until they resemble a sand-like substance.

Are There Different Types of Cremation?

Yes, and because there are different types, you'll want to confirm your preference with your vet or crematory. You'll need to consider which one of the following methods best aligns with your wishes.

Private Cremation - A pet is placed in the chamber alone, with no other pets. Upon completion of the cremation, the pet's cremains are removed from the chamber, processed and returned to the owners for transferring to the pet urn of their choice.

Viewing Cremation - The owner, family and/or friends are permitted to be present in a viewing room during the cremation. This option is not available at all crematories so you'll want to confirm availability prior to making arrangements if this is your preferred method.

Individual Cremation - Pets share space in the cremation chamber with other pets. Each pet is separated from the others in the chamber so that their cremains can be returned to the proper owners.

Communal (Mass) Cremation - Multiple pets are cremated together. This option does not allow for separate cremains. The pets' ashes are not returned to the owner. It is common practice for these cremains to be disposed of commercially.

How Can I Be Sure I'll Get My Pet's Cremains?

Your veterinarian can supply the contact information for crematories he/she has a relationship with. Using a reputable crematory can assure you and your pet are both treated with respect.

How Do I Transfer the Ashes To A Permanent Pet Urn?

Your pet's cremains will usually arrive in a temporary urn sealed in a plastic bag. The ashes are bagged to prevent accidental loss should the pet urn be dropped or damaged. The bag also helps to prevent damage from moisture. It is preferable to transfer the entire plastic bag of cremains into the permanent pet urn.

If you find it uncomfortable to place the ashes into the permanent urn, family members, friends, or your veterinarian can likely provide the support you need by helping to complete the transfer for you. Most permanent pet urns are not complicated to open having a simple panel with just a few screws.

While pet loss is always a difficult experience, knowing your pet will remain close to you can be enormously reassuring. By understanding the various aspects of pet cremation, you will be prepared to make a choice that will bring you comfort and peace.

Articles Source - Free Articles
About the Author

Mark Greer is President of Angel Ashes, offering unique pet urns that provide a lasting tribute for your cherished friend. If you're considering pet cremation, visit us at http://www.angelashes.com. Our selection includes tasteful wood urns, our signature angel urns and others.

The loss of a dog

A Labrador Retriever can generally live for up to 13 years or a few years longer as long as good medical care exists. Most of us consider our pets as friends, as loyal companions who are always there to share our happiness and laughters or be with us in our darkest hour, listening and understanding us in their own little way. With the innocence and playfulness reflected in their eyes, some pets are considered as a child, a playmate or a sibling.

The death of a pet can affect us like or even more than the death of a relative or friend. Some may not share your grief of losing a dear friend and some may not even understand your grieving for losing just a pet. But you must realize that you do not need anyone's approval to mourn the loss of your pet, nor you do not have to explain yourself to anyone. You and your pet spent countless days and nights together in each other's company making your bond so strong. It is just normal to express grief when he's already gone.

The first thing that you should do is to talk about your feelings. Talk to people who will understand you. If your family or friends love pets, they will understand what you are going through. You can seek help from pet bereavement counseling services, pet-loss support hotlines, local or online bereavement groups, books, videos and magazine articles. Talk about your feelings! Don't try to avoid your grief by not thinking or trying not to think about your pet. Look at his photos, reminisce the good times, and talk to others about your loss. Express your feelings, write it in a journal or a poem or a blog.

If there are children in the home, be careful and be honest in telling them the real situation. Make sure that they can handle the information about death and the loss of the pet. Never say that the pet was "put to sleep" or "went away" because your child may wait for the pet's return. Make it clear to your child that the pet will not return but he is happy wherever he is now. Just like you, it is normal for the child to grieve over the lost pet.

A Labrador Retriever can truly provide years of companionship and love but his death doesn't mean the end of everything, that you will also live in grief and pain. Remember, your pet doesn't want to see you sad...

By: Richard Cussons

Richard Cussons writes information articles on different breed of dog such as Labrador Retriever. Check out Labrador dog training tips at labradorsavvy.com.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

How to talk a child through the death of a pet

Support for Families Grieving the Death of a Pet
	TV Interview with Marty Tousley

Bereavement Counselor Marty Tousley discusses how to talk with child about the death of pet.
View now.


(Length: under 2 minutes)




Marty Tousley, CNS-BC, FT, is the creator and instructor of these acclaimed grief-healing courses:


A Different Grief: Coping with Pet Loss


A Different Grief: Helping You and Your Children with Pet Loss


The First Year of Grief: Help for the Journey

Emotional Pet Memorials

Pet memorials serve more than to "mark the spot."
Don't fall prey to these common myths surrounding the loss of your pet.

Robin Jean Brown exposes 14 myths that are commonly associated with pet loss.

If you’re still holding onto any of the 14 myths of grief...’s comforting guide is absolutely for you.

• Myth#11: Children handle pet death rather easily. The experience will not be carried over into adult life.
• Myth#12: It is best to protect children from the upsetting truth of what has happened to their pet.
• Myth#13: Pets don’t mourn for other pets.

Not only are the 14 common myths exposed, Robin Jean Brown also answers the common questions raised surrounding the loss of a pet.

For instance How do you know when the time is right to put your pet to sleep. Get this right...and your furbaby will pass on humanely. Learn how to prepare, what happens during euthanasia, and how to cope emotionally (and how to help your pet cope). (Page 111)

Or maybe you think you are abnormal and want to know Why you feel so much hurt and pain. Why you can be assured that it’s not crazy or unusual for you to be feeling this way. (Page 54)

If you have a young family it is crucial to know What to do if a child’s pet dies. Make a mistake, and your child’s grief can become worse. Handle this correctly, and it will ease your child’s experience and help them cope and fully recover. (Page 102)

One of the keys to surviving pet loss is knowing How to get the help you need from other people. Have you noticed that most people are dismissive of you and don’t seem to understand the pain you’re going through? Does it seem like they’re often more polite than they are truly empathetic? You’ll learn the secrets to knowing what to ask for. (Page 85)

Does it seem like you’re all alone in the world? It doesn’t have to be that way. Robin explains how and why your friends and family really want to help you, and gives you an action plan to ask them, the right way, and make the people around you into your own support group (Page 82).

Make plans now! So you will know What happens when a pet dies? Robin explains all the options -- including cremation, pet cemetery burial, at-home burial, pet preservation, veterinary disposal...and even a collection of alternative memorials. (Page 127) That way you’ll have peace of mind that you know exactly what to do when faced with this unpleasant...yet necessary...task.

This book is loaded with all the information you and your family will need to know to survive the grief of pet loss, and will help you to ensure the mental well-being essential to recovery.

If you know a family mourning their beloved pet, sending them this book could be the kindest gift you give.

Help a child through the grief of pet loss.

A Different Grief: Helping You and Your Children



The lessons in this 24 lesson course are designed both to help you and your family understand and cope with the grief of losing a beloved family member–your pet. Lessons explain how children of different ages may react to the loss of a beloved family pet, and how they differ from adults in expressing grief. Find useful suggestions to help you talk with children about the sensitive topics of death and euthanasia. Each lesson is delivered to your email inbox on the start date and at the frequency of your choosing. Lessons contain suggested resources such as, online articles, web tools, discussion forum, books and meaningful ways to memorialize your faithful friend.
Learn more now!