Summer 2003
Issue Number 7
PO Box 293 (570) 724-7919
Wellsboro, PA 16901 (570) 724-4077

 

All of the windows are cracked open. I have parked so only some indirect sunlight enters the car. I have set my watch so I will be in the grocery store less than 30 minutes. All I ask is that you remain in your seat. Don't touch the controls and please do not irritate or scare passersby. Don't lick the windows or drool on the dashboard. Above all...do not sit in the driver's seat. Do you understand?

How often have we overheard pet owners, concerned for the welfare of both pet and vehicle, issue such directives then contentedly stroll away? And likewise, how often have we seen those same cherubic pets immediately lick every window, test every control, chase butterflies fluttering by from window to window, scare the feathers off every human passing within twenty yards from the car, and then, exhausted, settle contentedly in the prohibited driver's throne?

And do those same contented people really expect to find their seat open, the wipers off, spotless windows and the radio not set to beyond blaring? We know they don't, because as the bumper sticker says, "Real Pet Owners Know Real Pets Own Their Owners."

Sharing the joys of sunshine, sudden downpours, mud puddles, lounge chairs, picnics, car rides, tennis balls and bugs is a contagious passage of summer for pet owners. Watching their antics can be an even greater source of entertainment.

Be warned that you will need a calculator to record the great numbers of pets you will find. .. and your sides will probably twitch and ache from the humor you find.

One more perspective. If you decide to record your findings in a book or syndicated cartoon series...remember you got the chance idea from Second Glance- Summer 2003!

 

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It's not too early for a great holiday idea! Have your pet's portrait drawn with pastels by a great local artist! Contact: Wanda Short 15 First Street Galeton, PA 16922 814-435-1345 All proceeds directly benefit Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries

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Lost pets, hurt pets, pets or someone's pets in need, found pets, homeless animals, pets of a neighbor....

the list of pets in immediate need of a chance is often disturbing. The COINS FOR CRITTERS Program combines the loose change from our pockets to create a COMPASSION FUND to assist these

"emergencies" when the calls come to Second Chance. We use 100% of the accumulated funds to offer the strongest assistance possible, be it a visit to the veterinarian, or...

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:

Step 1: Tape the label onto a can of your choice.

Step 2: Find a convenient spot in your home for the can.

Step 3: Drop loose change in the can.

Step 4: Deposit the change via one of the following:

Visit us at local events (see list below) Contact us at 570-724-7919 for assistance

If you need a label, contact us!

these festivals. We also need and appreciate your crafts, biscuits and contributions. Proceeds from the festivals directly support the programs that benefit pets in need.

Do you have either an inkjet or laser printer at home or work? If so, please do not throw away those empty ink cartridges! We are involved in a program where those empty cartridges and toners are worth CASH to our organization! There is absolutely no cost to us (not even postage) and we are very excited about this new venture! Cash for Critters is an organization that refills used cartridges for resale. All we need to do is provide them with the cartridges and they pay us! For more information, visit www.cashforcritters.com. (Epson cartridges do not qualify). SO ... if you have any empty cartridges and are throwing them away, please contact us via phone or Email and we will take care of it for you!

Donations fund GRANDPAWS

Our program provides 
food, medical needs, spay/neutering and other assistance for the companion animals of senior citizens.

Your could write an entire book on causes of and remedies for separation anxiety in pets. It might even require two books just for dogs alone, but let's try to 'scratch' the surface at least with this column. As already alluded to, there seem to be many more psychological and emotional causes of separation anxiety in dogs than cats. Separation anxiety can take many forms and vary greatly in severity. Some signs include: pre-departure anxiety, pacing, whining, barking while you are away, house soiling, destructive behavior at your exit points, personal objects and household furnishings, etc. Another good indicator of separation anxiety is the "return of God" treatment you get upon your return after being away, be it 10 minutes or 10 hours.

If you think your pet is having this type of problem a good thing to do first is visit your vet, who can help you rule out actual physical problems. If there are no physical problems, here are some simple fixes common for cats and dogs. First, remember never to punish your pet 'after the fact' for behavioral problems because they just don't get the connection between then and now. Exercise your pet just before leaving; include both physical and mental exercises as either type can help calm an anxious pet. If your stay is going to be short, consider caging your pet. A behavioral change you can make is not to make a fuss over your pet when coming or going. After several nonchalant comings and goings your pet may accept them as routine also. Another tactic is to try leaving for very short periods (minutes) at a time and then returning. Do this over and over and your pet may become less anxious. Leaving a radio or TV on may also help. Giving your pet a special treat that it never gets when you are home may have it looking forward to the treat and not notice your departure. For dogs, filling a hollow bone with some special treat like cream cheese or peanut butter can keep him occupied for hours, getting to the yummies inside.

To reduce the traumatic effects the appearance of suitcases have on your pet, leave them out of the closet periodically when you are not going away and hide a special treat in them. Letting your pet 'play' with the suitcases can reduce its bad feeling about them. When all else fails and you are at your wit's end, consider getting your pet a companion. Two cats are not that much harder to care for than one. A cat can also be a satisfactory companion for your anxious dog.

(This article is one of our recent Paw Prints articles, which appear monthly in our local newspaper. This one appeared in the August issue of the Wellsboro Gazette - Marketplace)

Or I'd Be A Cat

because:

We sleep and eat all day while you work___ and then run around all night and keep you up!

We have attitude.

We know how to savor our meals (unlike dogs who mow through their entire bowl of food in five seconds).

We don't fetch. If we happen to chase after something you throw, it becomes OURS!

Anonymous Internet source from the Internet

Now I lay me down to sleep The king-size bed is soft and deep I sleep right in the center groove My human cannot hardly move. I've trapped her legs, she's tucked in tight. And here is where I pass the night. No one disturbs me or dares intrude Till morning comes and I want food. I wake up slowly and begin To plant some kisses on my human's chin. For the morning is here and this is my way To let her know it's time to play. So thank you Lord for giving me This human person that I can see. The one who hugs me and holds me tight And sacrifices her bed for me at night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We wish to thank the following for their generous support and assistance: Karen Worden at Blue Ridge Cable Tioga Publishing Jackie Gunderson Oh, Sweet Memories Pizza Hut (Mansfield) Pappa V's Pizza Take Two Videos Lisa*s Flowers Ten West Espresso Northern Tier Beverage The Healing Arts Studio Hair Request Beauty Salon (Tioga) The Better Way Davis Furniture Tioga County Partnership for Community Health

 

 

 

Dear friends,

As the dog days of summer draw to a close and autumn approaches soon, we look back on the summer activities with pride and satisfaction. Through numerous calls, contacts, and networking we have been able to place a growing number of animals into loving homes as well as increase our network of available foster homes for the future. Our Grandpaws program which offers veterinary financial assistance to limited income senior citizens has proven to be an invaluable resource for people throughout the county. The Coins for Critters program has assisted in funding cases of urgent care. (Please keep that loose change coming into our collection points! Or ... give us a call and we can collect it for you.) We have also appeared at several craft fairs and festivals, always carrying with us our "Adorable Adoptables" poster with pictures of animals desperately seeking a home. (Please visit our website to view several of these). We ARE making a difference, and it truly warms the heart!

In reflection, we have grown to appreciate what our local ASPCA deals with every summer with the influx of 'kitten season'. We receive calls nearly daily from people who are burdened with caring for 'mommy cat & kittens' who are dropped off near their homes, anxiously seeking good homes for these unfortunate animals. It strengthens our conviction that there is such a dire need for a place where people can bring animals so that they have a chance---a Second Chance---at a lifetime care sanctuary.

As we continue our journey, our focus shifts to the urgency of acquiring a small piece of land where we can begin to provide for cats and kittens to start. If you know of any leads or ideas, please contact us via Email, phone or mail. During our two years of existence we have built a sense of community trust, support and encouragement. We feel we are ready to meet this challenge. Our "grassroots" effort is starting to grow! Thank you for your support and trust in our mission and energy. Without your faith in our work, it would truly be a much more difficult challenge.

Watch for our "second anniversary" news article in The Wellsboro Gazette sometime soon!

Sue Cook