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Quarterly Newsletter Winter 2004 Issue #8
Yule Yoga...No Charge
Is your best friend experiencing holiday or season activated stresses? Are more frequent guests, motion-activated Santas, elves or snowmen, or chiming doorbells shorting out your pet's wiring? Do more frequent walks, games of fetch, or yule howls still not provide the chill to soothe the wild-eyed 'beast'?
One solution being tried by Bruce Van Horn, a CPA-turned-yoga instructor, is the latest doggie-de-stressor: yoga for dogs, also known as "doga". According to Van Horn, scientific research has proven that when we touch animals we benefit, so he tried the reverse and it worked. Placing his hands on the crown chakra (head) of his seven-year-old Dalmatian, Goodboy, he calmed. It seems that dogs not only sense our stresses but can sense our calm.
Note: Van Horn has a video and related books at www.yogaforbusiness.com.
Another book Doga: Yoga For Dogs by Jennifer Brilliant takes a lighter look and even offers step-by-step poses. Classes in Ruff Yoga are offered at www.crunch.com.
After biting on this fresh idea I decided to give it a try with my golden retriever who seems to pose perpetually in yoga stance at the center of my kitchen floor hoping, I think, that I will stumble upon the opportunity to join her at linoleum level. I also made similar attempts with my higher strung Chocolate Lab, half expecting her imparting some Confucious-style wisdom in the process. I sat on the floor beside them and placed my hand on their chakras. They just sat there as calm as a pine forest mid snowstorm. Ahhh, I meditated, arms outstretched and curled around my two canine friends, doga works.
Spoken too soon. The oven timer broke the silence. The lab sprung against the counter and knocked a platter of leftovers onto the floor. The retriever 'retrieved' them while the lab mouthed a quote about he who takes time for animals during the holidays will receive memories that last a lifetime! Doga does work!...but I need the book.
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Our Programs
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*A
fur coat is often not enough for pets to survive the bitter bites that
winter offers. These often simple procedures will help insure your pet's
safety when the outdoor thermometer tumbles from balmy to sub-zero
temperatures.
*Consider your pet's background. All Labs, Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards and others have thick coats that ward off much of the cold while other breeds have coats too thin to protect them. If you are not sure, check with your vet. * Even the most hardy breeds need 3-6 weeks to grow their winter coats. Start by allowing 15 minutes of outdoor activity a day. Gradually increase the time until the winter coat has grown and they seem adjusted to the colder conditions. * Comb your pet often. Matted hair stays wet and the area may become sensitive, raw or infected. *Dog sweaters are fine for many breeds. Do not leave sweaters on your pet once they are indoors or if the sweaters have become wet. *Pets can get frostbite and hypothermia. Do not place your pet near a heat source. The excess heat can cause even more damage. Instead use a warm blanket, or best still...give your pet a warm hug. * Trim the hair between their toes. This prevents the build-up of snowballs. * Pets often get dry skin in the winter. B Complex vitamins with fatty acids will help prevent this condition. ** If your pet is outside for any extended period, be sure that he/she has plenty of space to exercise. His/her shelter should be well padded against the cold (top, sides and bottom). He/she should be free to move in and out of the shelter. *A pet outdoors uses lots of energy to stay warm. His/her appetite will increase. *Pets will dehydrate in less than 20 hours. Fluid water should be available at all times. Change the water quite often during the day or provide a water warmer. If you use the last method be sure that it is properly installed and the electrical cord is not accessible.*Winter outings and exercise with your pet can be very entertaining. Chances are when you have had enough exposure to the elements...they have also. It's time for a warm blanket and the "Animal Planet!" |
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We mourn the loss of one of our area veterinarians, Dr. Murphy. He was a very kind individual who truly cared about the welfare of animals. He was our friend and supporter. Moreover, through his craft and hand and above all through his heart and love, he will be dearly missed by the countless animals for whom he truly cared. |
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We wish to thank Garrison's Men's Shop for sponsoring this newsletter. Visit them on the Web at: www.GarrisonsMensShop.com
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May the spirit of the animals be passed to you throughout 2004!
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President's Letter
Reflections and Visions
As that time of the year is here once again, many of us make an effort to catch our breath amidst the hustle bustle of holiday madness and year-end loose ends. During those rare moments of sanity, one reflects on the past year and ponders how the year 'stands out' as having been different from others. Year after year one experiences disappointment, joy, and perhaps even revelations and *new beginnings*. Each year gone by is a year of growth, change, and hopefully, inspiration. We at Second Chance have had our periods of disappointment, despair, and heartbreaks at some of the situations with which we have had to deal. However, we have also experienced major enlightenment, growth, satisfaction and fulfillment with the number of animals we have placed into loving homes as well as the number of senior citizens and others whom we have assisted with emergency care, food and vet bills.
Our work continues to make a difference for the animals in our area. Our networking with the local SPCA and Four Paws, as well as our mutual support with the veterinarians, is providing the very effective combination that get things done. We have worked in conjunction with these groups to find homes for animals, assist people with various animal care issues, and offer hope to those who are living on a shoestring and barely able to keep their beloved pet(s). It is at these times that we realize the impact we are making in the lives of animals and the people who love them in Tioga County.
The donation of land continues to be prominent on our *wish list* for the future. We have been blessed with several offers of land usage by folks who are true animal lovers, but for various reasons these offers did not prove to be feasible for our needs. Our vision, which is a vision to provide for a lifetime care sanctuary for animals that have no home, needs that special piece of land. In the meantime, we march on, confident in our goal, always making a difference.
With the winter quickly approaching, our public activities will be subsiding, but we will continue to be actively involved with our programs and adoptions. Please check our website occasionally for our latest accomplishments and spread the word to assist our mission. Once again, we value the faith you have placed in us by becoming a member and supporting our work. Best wishes for a warm, safe and healthy new year!
Sue Cook, President
