Left behind

Having a Web site relating to people and pets makes me want to scream at least once a day. It's not hard work - I love it. It's not the animals - I love them; I share my life with enough to make up a soccer team.

It's the people I don't like. Not all of them because I have met some awesome people who, like me, love pets and humanity and all that's still good in the world.

The people I don't like are those who don't love their animals, who don't treasure every moment they have together, who leave them behind - literally, behind. Alone, in an empty house or tied up in an overgrown back yard. Not a word to anyone, a neighbor, a friend, that there is an animal being left. No thought to the animal at all. They do this sort of thing...when moving to another city or state and the pet is suddenly an inconvenience...when fleeing a hurricane...and now, the latest, when the bank has foreclosed on their house and they're not sure where they'll be spending their next night. (Click on title link for the article which promoted this blog entry.)

Hey, before you paint me callous, I am not without understanding here. In one of the darkest hours of my life several years ago, after my divorce, I was faced with the possibility of not being able to afford to stay in my home. I considered putting the house up for sale. I thought about the moving process and where would I go. I worried the bank would foreclose before I could sell it.

I frequently envisioned myself, walking down Interstate 95, with nothing but my cat in his carrier under one arm, a small suitcase full of all my earthly belongings under another, maneuvering three leashes with panting dogs on the end of them. I might have to start sleeping under a bridge, I told myself, but at least I'd be with my animals.

Point is, my life was not in good shape. But never once did I decide to vacate my home and leave my animals behind to...grow hungry, be confused as to where I went, wonder where was food, where was water, where was mommy, growing weaker every day...until the unthinkable might happen.

If you ever face a foreclosure, or if you ever move and know pets won't be accepted in your new residence, or if you ever flee a hurricane, PLEASE let my words ring in your ear. Make arrangements for your pet(s) beforehand. If you can no longer care for a pet, please contact your local humane society or animal rescue. You'll be starting over, so please give them the chance to do the same, not to die a slow, painful death alone, in what was once their home with their beloved, UNdeserving humans.

Pets part of the family is no news to some of us

I just read the funniest thing. There are scientists out there, trying to decide if people feel close to their pets. I swear. Actual time and money are being spent to figure this out.

University of Florida psychology professor Frederic Desmond had this to say on the topic, "There is some research that says pets are seen as an extension of a person's family."

Isn't that precious?

I think I'd refer Professor Desmond to the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association, which provides all kinds of statistics about American people and pets. For example, according to the Association's 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey, people with pets is currently at its highest level with 71.1 million households in the U.S. having the companionship of at least one pet (63% of the 113.7 million total U.S. households). The increase is up from 69 million households in 2004.

And we're spending our money on our beloved pets too, Professor Desmond. Collectively, people with pets will plunk down about $41 billion a year on their non-human friends. For things like food that won't poison them, vet checks, health insurance, grooming, clothes, and more toys and accessories than you can shake a Frisbee at. I'd say that's more than a satisfactory amount of compelling research for you, sir.

So, yes, Professor Desmond, pet people do indeed think of their pets as extensions of their family. Actually, not just extensions; we think of them as actual members of our families. And we're better for it.

Stem cells are helping horses and dogs

While humans continue to debate stem cell research, some veterinarians are actually using it to help with conditions like arthritis in dogs and horses.

Vet-Stem, based in California, specializes in "veterinary regenerative medicine" and has used its licensed stem cell therapy in horses for three years. They're now offering that service to dogs which they can treat with their own stem cells to repair tendons and ligaments. Can you image?

The process is called "fat-derived stem cell treatment" and will be even more widely used commercially this fall, when vets across the nation will be able to
become credentialed users via online training at the company’s Web site
http://www.vet-stem.com.

Will your vet get credentialed?

Space Coast Feline Network Receives $10,000

Space Coast Feline Network (SCFN) will receive a $10,000 grant from Florida Animal Friends Spay/Neuter license plate sales. This grant will allow a significant increase in the number of cats sterilized by the SCFN by providing an increase in spay/neuter services to low income caregivers in particular, and to those who support large colonies of feral cats

Space Coast Feline Network is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to decreasing the feral cat population in Brevard County through low-cost spay/neuter services for feral cat caregivers. It also provides education to caregivers at quarterly caregiver workshops that are scheduled for 2007 at the Central Brevard Library in Cocoa. Further information can be found on the SCFN Web site at http://www.spacecoastfelinenetwork.com or by calling the Helpline at 321-631-SPAY (631-7729).

SCFN volunteers coordinate spay/neuter clinics at various locations throughout Brevard County , including SPCA of North Brevard and Animal Medical Clinic in Melbourne , and at The Piedmont Animal Clinic in Apopka , FL. This grant will allow more feral cats to be spayed and neutered over the next year.

The Animal Friends License Plate is available for purchase for $44.60 when renewing a vehicle license plate. A pro-rated amount is charged if a vehicle owner wishes to purchase this specialty plate within 3 months of the owner’s birthday. Funds from the sale of the license plate are used exclusively to fight cat and dog overpopulation by increasing the number of animals sterilized. For additional information go to: http://www.floridaanimalfriends.org.

SCFN is also pursuing the donation of a late model van to help with transportation to clinics. Reliable transportation has become a high priority with the receipt of this grant to spay and neuter more feral cats.

Brevard County pet people barkin' for beach space

The sign on any beach in Brevard County reads: NO DOGS ALLOWED ON THIS BEACH. Why, you ask? Hey, it's been that way for 37 years, darn it, so why not?

That's the attitude a lot of Brevard County folks have about the "No dogs on the our beaches" law, discussed in the news article our title has linked to above, and one that's about as archaic as bloomer bathing suits on women.

According to an article on VisitFlorida.com, there are a total of 1100 miles of coastline in Florida. Yet Brevard's 72 miles of beach is off limits to dogs for fear of their doo-doo and them being intimidating to small children and beach wildlife. Hey, I've been to Brevard County, it's a pretty place - mostly. People don't seem to be scared of much, a shuttle crash, perhaps, but that's about it.

But I find it hard to believe the fear of doo-doo factor is so strong on this coast. I've seen some of the dirty baby diapers found along the same 72 miles nearly every day! And why are dogs more intimidating to small children and wildlife in Brevard County than they are around the rest of the state where, for the most part, there is at least one small portion of beach in each area where dogs are allowed to frolic with their humans? That just doesn't make sense.

The 37-year ban on dogs should change and here's why.

Providing at least one beach open to dogs and their people is good for touri$m. Residents of Florida without dogs are not the only people who travel around the state. Actually, one of the more common tourists of Florida has become the affluent gay couple from across the pond, who bring one or two of their precious fur children along on their vacation. Then there's the out of state families who load up the kids, the ones without and with fur, and head to Florida to spend lots of $$ before the school year begins again.

And oh, yeah, there's also the northern folks, who faithfully travel with their beloved pets and come down in the winter to relax and who spend enough money while here to keep us residents from having to pay a $tate $ales tax.

If you going to ban something, ban humans without manners, who leave their food, cigarette butts, and other icky litter all over the place, including the beaches, and including those infamous soiled diapers, then cry fowl when they see a dog eliminate itself as his or her human runs pooper scooper patrol behind it.

Many municipalities around the state allow dogs on their beaches and in their parks. They even provide doo-doo bags and waste receptacles for their visitors. And where visitors feel welcome, that's where they'll stay and spend their hard earned ca$h. And for those people, we are most appreciative.

RX help for your pet

Residents of Alachua and Marion Counties (and by now, probably others,) can get a card for prescription discounts of as much as 50 percent under a new program through the National Association of Counties. There's no application and no "qualifying." The card is free to any county resident regardless of age or income.

For people with pets, the best part about this card is that some medications for their beloved companion animal may be covered it it's available at a regular pharmacy.

The card is accepted at most of the main pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens, Wise's Drug Store, Wal-Mart, Publix and Winn-Dixie and can also be used for some mail-order prescriptions. Even if someone has insurance through their employer, they can still get a prescription card. The card might cover a medication not covered by their current insurance. Reported savings have been around 14 percent on brand name medications and 34 percent on generics, plus there's a discount on certain diabetic supplies.

Check with your county to see if they've enrolled in this program and if they aren't, ask them to consider it. All Florida counties are eligible IF they are members of the Florida Association of Counties and participate in activities of the national association.

The most pet-friendly cities in Florida?

Dogfriendly.com has come out with their 2007 list of Top 10 dog-friendly vacation spots in North America. A Florida city didn't make the list until Orlando screeched in at number 8 - whew! I was beginning to worry our sunshine state wasn't going to get the recognition it deserves. And actually, I think a couple of other Florida cities should get similar recognition.

People from other states ask me a lot, "What are the top three pet-friendly cities in Florida?" My answer isn't based on a scientific poll. It's based on what people tell me, what I read, my experience during past visits and most of all, if they have in place a pet-friendly emergency shelter for hurricanes and other disasters, and how many dog parks, pet-friendly beaches and places to dine outdoors with pets the city offers.

Oh, let me add one more thing to that list - I pay attention to just how much of a big deal a city makes about designating stuff pet-friendly. For example, some cities started doggie dining without a much as a woof and a fee and a few others took three months, and at least that many public hearings, to decide to charge restaurants an outrageous $150 to apply for a permit to offer doggie dining. So yes, the city's attitude is important as well.

So...without further adieu, let me say in my opinion, the Top Three Pet-Friendly Cities in Florida are: 1) Orlando, 2) Miami and 3) Jacksonville. The Greater Tampa Bay area is getting there, sort of. And the Panhandle, well, let's just say there's room for improvement.

What do you think? Do you agree with my choices? Or do you disagree or think I left someone out? Let me know by leaving your reply below.