Stars and Stripes Celebrate Birthdays on July 4th

David Rothage loves cats. When he found two young feral females in Towson, M.D., he brought them inside, tamed them, named them after the American flag in honor of their Independence Day birthdays and was inspired to use their story to help felines nationwide.

Rothage self published A New Beginning for Stars and Stripes in 2010. After nearly two years in the making, the book is now for sale and proceeds are directed to nonprofit animal welfare groups nationwide.

In honor of the cats' fifth birthdays this July 4th, Rothage has announced a "Five Stars Birthday Celebration" and asks that people honor the sisters by "liking" them on Facebook at starsandstripescats.

For photos, more information and excerpts from the book, visit http://www.starsandstripescats.com/

Happy birthday, girls!

Pointers to Keep Fido Safe this July 4th

TPPC.tv

A warm Independence Day evening is a fun time to bring your pooch to the backyard barbecue or off to a fireworks show. Unfortunately, there are potential dangers that pet owners should watch for.

According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center:

• Never leave alcoholic beverages in reach of animals. If ingested, pets can be seriously poisoned.

• Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingestion can cause stomach irritation and inhaling oils can cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.

• Never use fireworks around animals. The outlook could include burns and trauma. Unused fireworks are potentially dangerous as many contain potassium, nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.

• While it's tempting to bring pets to the extraordinary light displays on Independence day, please leave your companion friends in a quiet escape-proof area at home if you're going to a fireworks celebration. The crowds and noise are stressful and frightening to animals.

Furthermore, the Humane Society of the U.S. points out that animal shelters nationwide report an influx of July fourth dogs who run away during fireworks displays. Please be sure to check your pets' ID collars and make certain that your address and phone is correct and visible.

Also if your pet is stressed out by thunderstorms, fireworks can be just as anxiety producing—or worse. Consult your vet before July Fourth for ways to alleviate their anxiety. There are also natural products available online to help this holiday be stress free and enjoyable for everyone.

Why Does My Feline Fuss to Drink From the Faucet?

Lisa Crosby

Even though you keep water down for your cat, does he or she turn into a commando when you turn a sink on? Water in a small bowl gets warm and stale quickly. Water trickling from the tap is oxygenated and cold. It tastes different and better than water sitting in a bowl. 

If you want to encourage your cat to drink from a bowl, make sure the container is ceramic, glass or stainless steel—and rinse and refill it at least twice daily. Don't use plastic bowls for water or food. Plastic is a magnet for odors and bacteria—a big turnoff to a cantankerous kitty (and not healthy either).

Something else to consider: Drinking fountains for pets will likely keep your cat off of the counter. These fountains simply plug in and you can adjust the flow of constantly running water. The water is recycled through a replaceable charcoal filter to make it even more inviting. After years of use, when my fountain eventually broke, I caught my cat licking the faucet, trying to get a drink. 

Check your local pet store and you should be able to reclaim your faucet...and encourage your cat to drink adequate amounts of water.

Hunters or House Dogs? The lowdown on the Nose-To-The-Ground Hound

Lisa Crosby

With 32 types of dogs classified in the "hound" category, according to the American Kennel Club, these dogs range from the diminutive miniature dachshund to the colossal coonhound, blood hound and Irish wolf hound. Of course, there are all sizes in between.

When adopters ask me to recommend a canine that would be great with cats, dogs and children, I recommend a hound.

Animal shelters face an abundance of hounds in the South. When a hunting dog doesn't track rabbits it is often left behind in the woods to fend for itself. These dogs—especially beagles it seems—end up at county shelters.

If you need a happy-go-lucky canine pal, may I recommend a hound?

Alternative to Euthanasia of Feral Cats is Approved in Wake County

albcat.com

On June 4, Wake County, NC, approved a measure that offers an alternative to the county's previous policy of mandatory euthanasia of feral cats. The new ordinance allows individuals and animal welfare groups to trap, sterilize and vaccinate wild cats and then return them to their original habitat.

This "Trap-Neuter-Return" method (or "TNR) is considered by animal advocates to be more effective in controlling cat populations than euthanasia. There has been much scientific evidence supporting this theory. Removing cats from an area is pointless. Scientific research, years of failed attempts and evidence from animal control personnel prove that catch and kill does not permanently clear an area of cats.

According to Alley Cat Allys, each time cats are removed and killed, the population will rebound through a natural phenomenon known as the "vacuum effect," drawing the community into a costly, endless cycle of trapping and killing. Any cats remaining after a catch and kill effort will produce more kittens and at a higher survival rate, quickly filling the habitat to capacity.

Municipalities engaged in any type of catch and kill efforts are fighting an endless, losing battle against nature that is a gross waste of taxpayer dollars. TNR management of the cats in Wake County will be financed and carried out by local nonprofit groups and is expected to save the county money through a reduction in trapping and euthanizing the animals.

Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/06/05/2112459/wake-board-approves-feral-cat.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/06/05/2112459/wake-board-approves-feral-cat.html#storylink=cpy

Downtown Greenway is Doggone Fun for Dog Walkers

Lisa Crosby

Stretching from Lee Street to Spring Garden Street in Greensboro, the Downtown Greenway's first quarter mile is open. Eventually planned to span 4 miles and loop around downtown, the Greenway will connect with other trails offering miles of exercise. My dogs thoroughly enjoy the wide paved corridor and vibrant scents of verdant grasses, brilliant flowers and decorative shrubbery. What a pleasant change from our regular walks.

If you live downtown or near Greensboro College or UNCG-Greensboro, this is a chance for a sunny jaunt with your pooches right around the corner from home. For updates, visit http://www.downtowngreenway.org/