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[Zipper]

Funny bird video:
http://www.wimp.com/dancingbird/

[Zipper]

A good reason not to keep a "pet bear".

http://news.aol.com/article/pet-bear-kills-kelly-ann-walz-in-ross/703020
 
 

[Zipper]

Boy attacked by a deer.
 
Seems he accidently got between two males during the rut season.
 
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33291020/ns/us_news-weird_news/?GT1=43001
 

[TiFeMb]

His 9-year-old friend Wyatt Pugh beat the deer with a stick to make it go away.

   ...probably saved his buddy from further harm.
 
I would watch out for PETA if I were him though... 

[Zipper]

Food pantry available for your pets, if times get tough.

At the ANNA Shelter in Erie, they are offering a food pantry for pets.

http://www.theannashelter.com/page/page/5422105.htm

(Scroll down a little.)

[TiFeMb]

Zip, you do an awesome job for the animals in your area.

[bighair80s]

yes, but can she help those that wont help themselves.....

[Zipper]

 
Just a quick note to let you know we had to euthanize our Dalmatian, Joey, Thursday night.
 
He was in advanced staged renal failure, with other complications, and the doctor said it was time.   
 
Joey did not suffer through any immediate trauma, but he was having difficulty breathing, and was seriously dehydrated because of the condition, as well as having abnormally high blood counts, and other issues.
 
His blood also showed indications of cancer. He would have had to be on IV fluids and treatments every few days, and at Joey's age (15 people years or 93 - 105 dog years) this was not advisable. He would have never regained his health, and it only would have had meant a slower death.   
 
It's very difficult to make the choice to end a life, and prevent any suffering for a pet, but it was the right choice, and the right thing to do.   
 
He had other problems that creeped up on him with old age, like trouble walking and poor circulation. Mr. Zip had built him a wheelchair ramp several months ago so he could manage getting outside more easily.   
 
The doctor gave him an anesthetic to relax him and let him fall asleep before the final medication. We held him tight ~right to the very end, and kissed him goodnight. It was very peaceful.   
 
Joey was a great dog. We had him for nearly 14 years, and he was a much loved member of our family. He was by my side, always.   
 
He had a rough start in life. Someone chained him to a doghouse, and moved away and left him there to die a slow death of starvation and dehydration. He was fed (occasionally) by neighbors until he found his way into our hearts and home, and quickly became a great friend and companion to us all.   
 
Because of Joey I realized just how "human" dogs are, and how much they can love, and show concern for their families. Joey had "people eyes". He and I had an understanding that went beyond anything I knew before he came into our home.   
 
Joey is the "Spotty Dawg" at www.spottydawg.com, a website aimed at exposing the cruelty imposed upon chained dogs and other animals, and the treatment I received from Shiny, while trying to rescue a couple of emaciated German Shepherds.   
 
Because of Joey I am a better person.   
 
Joey's favorite snacks were hot dogs, and rawhide chews.  He didn't play with toys much, but loved to go for rides in the car.
 
He will be missed, but hopefully he and Jake are waiting for us in Heaven.
 
   
 
A special thanks to the great veterinarians at Cochranton Veterinary Hospital for the many years of wellness care and special visits Joey received there, and also to Greener Pastures in Saegertown, who handled his euthanasia with compassion and respect. Dr. Menno Jager was fantastic in explaining all of his test results, and allowing us to help Joey pass over peacefully with our love.       
 

[Zipper]

Zip, you do an awesome job for the animals in your area.

Thank you, but the truth is I am just a sissy. One must give credit to the real "hands on" people who are out there every day saving animals, (and people) rehabilitating them and giving them a 2nd chance at a new home and family. They are the true heros.

I can't do the hands on work like I should. It completely breaks my heart. So I just do what I can by trying to educate, or bringing about public awareness to the problems and trying to find solutions. I do try.

Once I had thought about trying for a receptionist job at a veterinarian's office, but it would kill me to have to see hurt animals come in, or like last night, watch people have to give up their beloved family member. I am much too tender-hearted to be hands-on all the time.

People in our area who "do" it right:

Hog Heaven Rescue Farm: www.hogheavenrescue.org
The ANNA Shelter: www.theannashelter.com
Dogs Deserve Better http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org

[CindyLouWho]

Zip, I am so sorry.  How hard and painful that must have been.  Hugs.

[bighair80s]

sorry zip, we had our cats for 20 years and i felt horrible when they developed illness and had to be put down. hope you feel better soon, 

[lifefeedsonlife]

Sorry for your loss Zip . . . I know that the loss of a pet can leave quite a void. My condolences.

[Zipper]

Thanks everyone.
I appreciate your kind words and consideration.

The "Dirty Dog" is still here with us, and doesn't seem to notice the loss yet. He looked out after Joey. We have a fenced area for them, but if Joey was outside too long (usually exploring under the deck or sniffing around in the grass), I would send the DD out to find him. He would go out, nudge Joey (Joey was also deaf) and the two would come back inside together.

It's been much quieter here today.

[Zipper]

Zipper we are sorry for your loss. After reading your post I got tears and still do . Joey is a great looking son and we send our love and prayers your way! We too are preparing for our son and daughter (our dogs) to be leaving us soon, which they are almost 15 human years...our female has been through three surgeries in the last four years (two for cancer and one for hip) and if the cancer comes back we can not put her through surgery again because of her age (she is doing well as of now). Our male is still very active but he is losing his site and has the shakes in his back legs. We have been through this before and will probably go through it again but let me tell you that it does not get any easier! Our hearts go out to you Zip for all that you do for all the animals and maybe some day we (when we retire) can get more involved then we are today. Thanks for sharing Joey with us. Again Zip our hearts go out to you and yours and we wish you a speedy and full recovery...

Caring for an aging pet has challenges, but they're "family".

Joey's back legs gave out on him frequently, but he was still able to hold his bowels okay. Sometimes he would walk and then down he would go, legs spread out. Usually this was only on the slippery kitchen floor, not the carpet, so Mr. Zip or I would pick him back up and get him to the carpet, and he'd do fine.

We were feeding him on an area rug as he lay down ~just to make it easier for him, but he would still follow me from room to room, just not very quickly anymore.

The dog-sized ramp really helped him get out and down to the yard. He was very careful to use the slats Mr. Zip nailed on the ramp to steady his feet so he wouldn't slip. I highly recommend building something similar if you have an aging pet and steps. It wasn't too fancy, but it sure was helpful for him.

[MoreLove]

Zipper,

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Joey.  I am sending my deepest sympathy to you & to Mr. Zip also.