Friday, October 31, 2008

Home-made Bird Balls

Give your feathered friends a treat that the kids can help you make!

1 pound of lard

1 jar of peanut butter

5 cups corn meal

6 cups oats

2 cups sunflower seeds

2 cups raisins


Mix everything together (this will be nice and messy, so get the kids to help!). Roll into about 5 or 6 small balls. Roll balls in sunflower seeds and raisins. Place the balls in a bird feeder and watch your feathered friends enjoy their snack. You can also put some netting round the balls to make it easier to hang.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Home-made Dog Treats

Your dog will love these!

2 cups oats

2 cups wheat bran1 cup cooked liver

1/2 cup vegetable oil

4 eggs


Mix everything together and stir well. Get one spoonful at a time and slide onto a greased cookie sheet with a dull knife like you're making cookies. Drop them about 1 inch apart. Shape with your hand or press down with the spoon. Bake in a 350F degree oven for 10-15 minutes until the treats are browned.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Pet of the Week

Trudy – Downers Grove, IL

Hi, my name is Trudy! I'm a beautiful 3 year old, female, DSH, muted calico/tabby mix. My fur is very soft, and I'm very quiet and shy. My photograph doesn't do me justice because I was really scared when the picture was taken. I came to WSHS when I was young and pregnant. My kittens have all been adopted, but I am still here because I am learning to trust. Things have improved greatly for me in the past few months. I got moved from my cage to one of the shelter's office where I reside with Peggy Sue. The cage was tough for me because there were a lot of loud noises all around and I couldn't see where they were coming from. Now that I am in an office, I have begun to play with toys and I really enjoy talking to the birds outside my window every morning. I like being with Peggy Sue because she gives me courage. Stop in and ask to see me, I'm in the front office.

If you’d like to see me please contact the West Suburban Humane Society, 1901 W. Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL, phone number 630-960-9600.
http://www.wshs-dg.org/wshs/


Goldie – Tampa, FL

Hi, I'm Goldie! I am a 7 year old, female, Pekingese mix. I'm a very special doggy because I am blind, but that certainly doesn't slow me down! I love to play and investigate new things. My favorite thing to do is lie on your lap and cuddle with you. Please don't give up on me just because my eyesight! If you're looking for a loving, sweet dog who will always be your best friend I'm your girl.

For more information please contact the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, 3607 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa FL, 33607, (813) 876-7138.
http://www.humanesocietytampa.org/

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Somali cats

If you are looking for an interactive, intelligent cat, a Somali might be for you. Somali cats are known for being playful and affectionate. They love following their owners around and love to sit in your lap. Somali cats are good with kids and good in a multi-pet home. They are friendly and adapt well to their owners homes.

Somali’s have beautiful long hair, but without the fuss of constant brushing or shedding, though Somali’s do love to be brushed and see brushing as a sign of affection.

A female Somali weighs on the average of 6-10 pounds, while the males are about 10-12 pounds. The Somali coat is said to look like a cat in fox clothing. Kittens tend to be darker and less warm colored. As the Somali matures, about 18 months, his coat will develop into its full color.

Somali cats are not recommended for the elderly as they can be constantly underfoot following you from room to room.

Monday, October 27, 2008

How to put your pet on a diet

If you have more than one pet it can be a challenge putting your pets on a diet. Just like people, some pets can over-eat and stay thin, while others develop a weight problem. To effectively put your pet on a diet may take some creative feeding routines. Try putting your pets in separate rooms during feeding times and allow them a ration of food (check with your vet for the proper amount) and set a time limit, such as 30 minutes,to eat. This solves the problem of sharing food bowls and you can tailor the feeding for the specific pet.

Extra play time with your pet will also help him loose some of the extra weight!

Friday, October 24, 2008

Why do cats get watery eyes?

Watery or weepy eyes are fairly common in cats, especially kittens. If only one eye is watery it can be a sign of a foreign object irritating your cat’s eye. However, it can also be a sign of an upper respiratory infection, or more commonly known as a viral infection, especially if both eyes are watery. It is also possible that your cat had an upper respiratory infection as a kitten and it left her tear ducts clogged or scarred shut.

You should contact your vet when you notice the watery or weeping eyes as viral infections can cause corneal ulcers or more serious diseases if left untreated. If it is a foreign object you run the risk of damage or disease to the eye. Your vet can treat viral infections, remove foreign objects or flush out clogged tear ducts. In some cases watery eyes can be a symptom of more serious problems.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Pet of the Week

Zoey and Blondie – Boca Raton, FL

Pembroke Welsh Corgis. 3 year-old spayed sisters, 20 lbs. each, housebroken.
We're ready to add some love to your home! We're sweet sisters who need to be adopted together, which is a good thing because you could never choose between us. We're quite the cuties, though a bit vertically challenged! We're very well housebroken and good with other dogs and older children and probably cats. Loving and well-mannered, we can move right in and brighten your day!

I'll wait right here at Tri County Humane Society, 21287 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton. (561) 482-8110.
www.tricountyhumane.org.



Boxcar – Downers Grove, IL

Hi, my name is Boxcar. I’m a 4 year-old, male, DSH. I really feel it's not bragging to say that I am a huge favorite among the staff & volunteers at WSHS. I have been here since I was a young guy, barely a year old. Here at the shelter, I have shown that I am good with dogs and cats. I love being let out of my cage to run around the office when the shelter is closed. I was never properly socialized as a kitten, so I am a little rough with my play, but I am lots of fun and love to be around people. If you take a chance on me, I guarantee, you won't be sorry.

If you’d like to see me please contact the West Suburban Humane Society, 1901 W. Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL, phone number 630-960-9600.
http://www.wshs-dg.org/wshs/

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Cats and heartworms

Many people do not treat their cats for heartworms because they believe that indoor cats can not get heartworms.

All it takes for your indoor cat to get heartworms is one mosquito bite, which can easily happen to an indoor cat. Heartworm infection takes place when a mosquito carrying microscope – size heartworm larvae bites a cat. The larvae enter through the bite wound where they develop in the tissues. The immature worms then enter a blood vessel and are carried to the arteries in the lung where they cause an inflammatory reaction. Most worms die at this stage, causing even more inflammation. The worms that progress to the adult stage may live undetected for a couple of years. But, when the adult worms die, the inflammation can be severe enough to cause death. The respiratory signs associated with these reactions are called Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD).

How can you tell if your cat has HARD (Heartworm Associated Respiratory Diseases)? Below are the signs associated with HARD.

Anorexia
Blindness
Collapse
Convulsions
Coughing
Diarrhea
Difficulty breathing
Fainting
Lethargy
Rapid heart rate
Sudden death
Vomiting
Weight loss

Source: KnowHeartworms.org

Friday, October 17, 2008

Provide fresh water for your birds

No more dirty water for your feathered friends! This waterer releases the water slowly, keeping it fresh and debris-free in its 100-oz plastic dome. Four drinking pools double as baths. Can be mounted on a 4" x 4" post or chain-hung (post and chain not included). Unscrews from base for easy filling and cleaning. 12-1/2"D x 13"H.

Click here for more information on the bird waterer.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Thermotex pet beds

Could your pet use a Thermotex bed? The Thermotex pet bed is ideal for post surgery recovery, arthritis, bursitis, strains, muscles or joints that are causing pain. This is also the perfect bed for pets that need extra warmth.

Click here to find out more about Thermotex pet beds.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Pet of the Week

Jeffrey – Downers Grove, IL

Hi! My name is Jeffrey. I am a 3 year old, male, orange tabby DSH. It was kind of a long journey for me to get here. I am hoping it will be a short stay until my forever home comes to find me. I was outside for a while and when the weather turned cold, a kind family took me in. They couldn’t keep me themselves, but they did see that I got neutered, vaccinated against rabies and tested for feline diseases before they asked WSHS to take me. Now that I am here, I get plenty of affection. I am a happy, playful boy who isn’t shy about reaching out to passersby. I like all people, including children, but I consider myself to be a guy’s guy, you know what I mean? I have a feeling my forever family will be here soon, at least I hope so.

If you’d like to see me please contact the West Suburban Humane Society, 1901 W. Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL, phone number 630-960-9600.
http://www.wshs-dg.org/wshs/



Barbie – Tampa, FL

Hi! My name is Barbie and I am 4 years old. I'm a laid back gal that enjoys the little things in life -belly rubs and quiet affection. My daughter and I were brought to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay together. Since then, my daughter Angel has found a wonderful home. I would love to find one of my own! If you give me the chance I will cherish you forever.

For more information please contact the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, 3607 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa FL, 33607, (813) 876-7138.
http://www.humanesocietytampa.org/



ROCKY – Boca Raton, FL

Belgian Tervurens. 1 year-old male, 85 lbs.
HANDSOME, aren't I? Yes, I'm a bit full of myself, but also full of fun and energy! I'm lively, happy, playful, and ready to rock 'n roll! I'd love a yard and some playmates....I like other dogs and older kids. Cats....I may like to chase, so probably not. Let's be the best looking couple at the dog park! I'm a lot of dog with a lot of love to give, so meet me today.

I'll wait right here at Tri County Humane Society, 21287 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton. (561) 482-8110.
www.tricountyhumane.org.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Worried about pet odors in your home?

Millions of pet owners have a problem getting rid of odors related to their pet’s accidents. Urine Gone! Effectively removes new or old stains and odors from carpets, mattresses, and furniture. Urine Gone! works on just about any washable surface or fabric. The enzyme action in Urine Gone! gets to the source of the odor to eliminate the odor for good.

Click here to visit Urine Gone!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Litter box problems

Over nine million cats suffer from litter box aversion, which is the leading cause of abused, abandoned and given away cats.

Cat attract is the only litter designed for cats that do not consistently use their letter box. The litter comes with a free solutions booklet giving you answers to solve your cats litter box aversion.

If your cat is having litter box problems, please consider giving cat attract a try!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Norma Jean – Downers Grove, IL

Hi! My name is Norma Jean, I am a 5 year-old Beagle. I am a friendly, laid back girl that is looking for her forever home. I like other dogs, but would prefer not to live with a cat. I know some basic obedience commands but could use a little work on my leash manners. Because I can be a bit vocal, I cannot live in an apartment. If I sound like a good dog for you and your family stop by and pay me a visit. You won't be disappointed!

If you’d like to see me please contact the West Suburban Humane Society, 1901 W. Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL, phone number 630-960-9600.
http://www.wshs-dg.org/wshs/


Paint - Tampa Bay, FL

Hi, my name is Paint. I am 1 year and 4 months old DSH. I was brought to the Humane Society in June with my newborn babies. You see, I was a stray, roaming the streets and when I gave birth, a nice stranger felt sorry for us and brought us here. One of the employees took us to her home and has taken very good care of my children and me ever since. My kids are all grown up now and no longer need me, so I am officially looking around for someone else that might need my love and attention from now until forever.

For more information please contact the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, 3607 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa FL, 33607, (813) 876-7138.
http://www.humanesocietytampa.org/


Star – Boca Raton, FL

HI, my name is Star. They told me if I SMILE for a picture, I'll find a home, so how's this? I'm a beauty of a girl just waiting for my happily-ever-after! I'm a 1.5 year-old spayed female who loves people and public displays of affection. I came to the shelter pregnant and extremely sick. My kittens were born here and could not be saved, but I was nursed back to health. I had a nasty eye infection that caused me to lose the eye, but I AM STILL SMILING! Life is good now, but I'm ready for the forever home I so deserve. Can I be YOURS?

I'll wait right here at Tri County Humane Society, 21287 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton. (561) 482-8110.
www.tricountyhumane.org.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Do you smell like a cat?

Most people think when a cat rubs against you it is a sign of affection or friendliness, and it is. But, cats also rub against you to “scent” you. Cats, just like dogs, mark their territory and want everything to be scented with their unique scent. As a cat rubs against you or a piece of furniture what they are doing is depositing sebum from glands on their heads to you or to the furniture. Now you or your furniture smells like your cat, which will make your cat very happy!

Friday, October 3, 2008

When to take your Hummingbird feeder down

Hummingbirds will not delay their migration if a feeder is present. Prior to migration the Hummingbirds need to feed up for the energy migration is going to take out of them. But, to answer the question of when to take your Hummingbird feeder down can be difficult to give one blanket answer, because it depends on where you live. Hummingbirds migrate from the North to the South. The farther North you are, the earlier you can take it down. However, the farther South you are, you will want to leave the feeder up to accommodate Hummingbirds on their migration path. The best rule of thumb is take the feeder down when all of the Hummingbirds have left and more are not coming your way. If you live in the South where the Hummingbirds migrate, lucky you, you will not need to take your feeder down at all.

We would love to have you post what state you live in and when the Hummingbirds leave your area.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Pet of the Week

Mini Cooper – Downers Grove, IL

Hi!!! My name is Mini Cooper. I am a 6 years old male DSH. Everyone always asks how I got my name. Well, I arrived at WSHS in a mini cooper, that’s how. A man brought me here who found me wandering the highway. It appeared that I hadn’t been outside long at all because I was very clean and plump. No one ever came to look for me, so now here I wait for my new life to begin. I am a very striking cat, almost all white except for some tabby markings and a tabby tail. I also have a unique spot on my left eye. You really just have to come see me to appreciate me in all my glory.

If you’d like to see me please contact the West Suburban Humane Society, 1901 W. Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL, phone number 630-960-9600.
http://www.wshs-dg.org/wshs/


Leo and Cleo – Boca Raton, FL

We are Schnauzer siblings. 4 month-old spayed and neutered male and female, 20 lbs. each Double your fun, or just pick one! We're Leo and Cleo, cute siblings in need of our own home(s). We're practically twins, but Leo is a tad bigger. We're training to become housebroken (a house would help!), and good with other dogs and with kids (cats, unknown). Friendly and happy, we love to play with each other or anyone who's around. Bust us outta here, and let's have some fun!

I'll wait right here at Tri County Humane Society, 21287 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton. (561) 482-8110.
www.tricountyhumane.org.