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CARING FOR KATNISS

November 13, 2020 | 9 Comments

A HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER

Not unlike her namesake, Katniss Everdeen, the main character in The Hunger Games, this pretty little feline and her sister were not born into a life of luxury. For the sake of this post, we’ll refer to Katniss’ sister as Primrose. Unlike the Everdeen girls, however, our feline sisters did not get along. Primrose became violent with Katniss each time our heroine approached the food, thinking she would eat all of what little food they had between them. Let The Hunger Games begin!

Holiday Portrait Fundraiser

The girls were surrendered to Finley Cat Rescue (link unavailable at this time). Primrose was adopted into a loving home and is doing very well. Let’s not feel bad for Katniss, though. During her time alone, Katniss has blossomed into a happy, loving, playful, and more confident cat (yay). I guess we all benefit from some alone time.   

Everything seemed to be going as well as any rescue can hope, and then, Katniss’s carer discovered a lump near one of the cat’s nipples. Because of Katniss’s newfound confidence, comfortably displaying her belly, her carer could easily monitor the mass. The lump disappeared only to return two months after her spay surgery.   

Initially, the vet suspected mammary cancer due to the location of the lump

Upon removing some fluid from the mass, the vet and rescue volunteer were shocked to find it contained milk. Even though Katniss hadn’t been pregnant and is spayed, her hormones caused her to lactate.

Photo provided by Finley Cat Rescue

Due to the unique situation, the vet reached out to a specialist vet at the OVC Health Sciences Centre. The specialist confirmed hormones were triggered before the spay and lactation occurred at the end of a pseudopregnancy.

To say the rescue was relieved Katniss did not have cancer is an understatement:

I had prepared myself for the worst-case scenario. If necessary, Katniss would stay with me in palliative care for as long as she wanted

Katniss was self nursing, encouraging her body to produce more milk, as though nursing kittens. It became a vicious cycle. The rescue organization reached out to other groups to find kittens in need of a nursing mother. There weren’t any.

Katniss was fitted with an e-collar to prevent her from nursing, but because the milk did not dry up, and she continued to lactate, the vet prescribed medication for her.

https://herandherdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/MOV_20201111_1413294.mp4

 

Katniss has learned to ‘sit’ for treats (see video).

The vet(s) and rescue organization expect that Katniss will make a full recovery and be ready for adoption in approximately one month. We will keep you posted on her journey.

I am not pretty. I am not beautiful. I am as radiant as the sun

― Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games

In the meantime, to assist with medical costs, I am creating holiday-themed e-cards. These are digital files that I will make as close to your likeness(es) as possible. Of course, upon receipt, you can print a hard-copy of your portrait if you choose to.

I am donating 50% of proceeds from each portrait to Katniss’s medical expenses. Additional profits to cover cost of program and other digital requirements.

Prices start at $20 Cdn for (up to) two people and (up to) two pets.

Please email me for details and to request an application form at sadiemae.co@gmail.com

Family Portrait

 

Thank you for your support,

 

 

 

Categories: ADOPTABLES, RESCUE GROUPS & SHELTERS Tagged: Adopt, Cats, For a Cause, Rescue

AT HOME GROOMING TIPS

May 15, 2020 | 8 Comments

IN SUPPORT OF GEORGINA FERAL CAT COMMITTEE

Great news! It looks like groomers in Ontario have been allowed to open shop as early as next week!

Not so great news, our groomer has a waitlist of 300+ customers.

It looks like I’ll have to do at least one more (x 3) at home makeovers.  

How does this support rescue? Independent Scentsy consultant, Jennifer Carter rescued her cats, Trix, and Toby from Georgina Feral Cat Committee (GFCC). It is kitten season, and sadly, as is the case with most rescues, COVID-19 has prevented many fundraising opportunities. Jennifer is offering to donate 20% of the commission from party sales to GFCC. In addition, hostess gifts will be donated as auction items for future fundraising events.

Jennifer provided me with samples from Scentsy’s new Pet Line. Products include Pet Shampoo, Detangling Spray, and Deodorizing Spray and are available in the following gentle fragrances: 

  • Oatmeal & Aloe
  • Honey & Chamomile
  • Orange Zest & Nectar
  • Tea Tree & Peppermint

Check them out, and link to the party (click here)

Products ship within Canada and U.S.A.

I am a fan of this line and will add more to my Scentsy wish list.

Scentsy S’paw Package

Regular grooming is essential to pet health. Regardless of breed, nail trimming prevents discomfort and reduced traction. Too long nails may cause a slip and fall. Additionally, if nails curl back into the paw, the pads may be cut, or the nail could grow into the pad, and the paw could become infected. Split or torn nails can be very painful and, depending on severity, may need to be treated. Long term effects include splayed feet (to compensate), and injured tendons.

I admit I was terrified to clip my dogs’ nails and hope the following tips help you feel confidant.

TIPS FOR NAIL TRIMMING

Not all tools are created equally

  • unless you have a large dog, scissor-type clippers are recommended as they are less likely to put pressure on the nail and pinch the toe
  • ensure clippers are sharp; worn or dull clippers may also cause pressure and may split or pull the nail. NEVER use equipment that has become rusty as may cause infection as well as being extremely uncomfortable
  • hold paw firmly and project nail by using additional pressure with your thumb
  • clip a tiny bit at a time. If you make this a regular habit, a tiny bit is likely all you will need to do, at regular intervals

IF YOU CUT THE QUICK (nail bed)

use styptic powder to stop the bleeding. If you don’t have this on hand, tightly pack a small container with corn starch; this is equally effective

If you are only clipping a small amount of nail, these accidents are less likely to occur.

THE RIGHT BRUSH

This will depend on your dogs’ coat.

Bristle brushes are great for short-haired, smooth-coated dogs that frequently shed.

The FURminator® is also used for de-shedding. This toothed metal comb has a release button for collected fur, which collects quickly with our cat, Goose. It works on flat, short, combination, heavy and double coats; it can help reduce shedding up to 90%. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR NON-SHEDDING DOGS (like mine).

Slicker brushes works with all coat types. The rows of thin wire pins easily remove loose fur and help detangle the mats.

The Undercoat Rake is designed to get deep into double and heavy coats. Look for one with pins that roughly match your dog’s hair length. If pins are too short, they will miss the inner layer of undercoat; rakes that are too long might irritate the skin. 

There are many different types of tools; research what grooming products will work best for your companions.

TRIMMING HAIR

  • use non-pointed, round-ended scissors
  • hold your dog’s muzzle, comfortably yet firmly while trimming
  • clip away from eyes
  • never trim too close to sensitive areas

RUB-A-DUB-DUB

TIPS FOR THE TUB (or shower)

First of all, your dog’s breed will determine how often you choose to bathe your dog. For example, short-haired breeds require bathing less frequently as they can easily maintain their hygiene.  

Dogs with water-repellent coats need to preserve their natural oils. This is also the case with dogs that have skin sensitivities and allergies. In some cases, the oil reduces itching. My guy, Henry, is a sensitive boy.

Double-coated or thick-coated dogs may also need fewer baths. Instead, plenty of brushing will help remove loose hair and stimulate and distribute natural oils that keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.

If your dog has come into contact with an unnatural grease or oil, apply shampoo directly to this area and massage into the hair, prior to wetting the dog. This is also the case with skunks – albeit a special shampoo will be recommended.

  • Make bathtime fun. My dogs know there is a treat waiting for them.
  • Reassure your pet during the process. Henry and I sing in the shower together (no, there will not be an audio clip)
  • Make sure the water is a comfortable temperature – Lukewarm
  • Use shampoo formulated for your pet as their PH is different from ours
  • Rinse, rinse, and then rinse. This is a very important point as shampoo left in their coat may irritate their skin. It feels gross, and your dog won’t be too happy having to go back for a rinse later
  • Towel-drying is good fun. After which, my dogs tear through the house, all squeaky clean. Henry and Rosie love having their locks blow-dried. I use the lowest heat and only for a brief floof. Otherwise, they air-dry as it is better for their skin

There are many different shampoos on the market. Again, do your research. I choose only the most natural products.

Please Pin

Saving a few trips to the groomer each year could be part of ‘the new norm’ and save you money.

Those eyes!

Please feel free to share your tips with a comment below.

Stay safe,

 

 

 

Categories: ADOPTABLES, RESCUE GROUPS & SHELTERS Tagged: Fundraising, Grooming, Pet Health, Scentsy, Support Rescues

DIY SNUFFLE MATS FOR DOGS

April 17, 2020 | 7 Comments

IN 6.5 EASY STEPS

It’s hard to believe it’s the middle of April, and we’re still getting snow in Ontario! I guess we’ve had plenty of strange things going on lately. Not just in Ontario. My pack lives in the country, so we are already self-isolated. For those of you unable to easily walk your companion in built-up areas, or experiencing unpleasant weather, a snuffle mat will provide mental stimulation for your companion.

Brain Game

THE BENEFIT OF ALLOWING DOGS TO SNIFF

Sniffing is a natural practice for dogs. It’s an easy, mentally stimulating exercise that will help tire your companions, so they settle nicely. Of course, mental training is better when paired with physical movement. Some form of activity (mental or physical) is better than none.

HOW TO CREATE YOUR MAT:

heavy-weight mat

CHOOSE YOUR MAT

I purchased a heavyweight, non-sliding, anti-fatigue draining mat from TSC. This mat will stand up to pawing and pulling. Another option is a sink draining mat.

CUT TO SIZE

I am making these mats to sell in support of rescue efforts and have cut my mat into a variety of sizes. If the mat you selected is too large for your dog(s), you can always cut some away, or divide in half and donate to a rescue organization as an auction item, or gift to a pet-parent friend.

I made sizes small to extra-large and chose an extra-large mat for my ‘multi-dog’ crew.
I do not recommend these mats for multi-dog households where food-aggression is an issue.

CHOOSE YOUR FLEECE

The better the quality, the more durable and long-lasting your mat will be. Keep in mind; we’re making these mats for talented sniffer hounds that will put them through vigorous testing.

You can opt to use a single colour or pattern, or several bright and bold colours. I chose to mix coordinating fabrics for this collection of mats.

Variety of fleece fabric

BE SURE TO PRE WASH YOUR FLEECE BEFORE CUTTING AND TYING 

(this is the .5 step but extremely important)

Fleece is covered in tiny particles of fibres. These could be dangerous if inhaled or ingested. Prewashing the fleece removes these loose particles.

CUT YOUR FLEECE

Using scissors, or a rotary cutter and self-healing mat, cut the fleece approximately 6 inches x 1.5 inches (These don’t have to be exact; a little variety will give your mat more character and create different heights in which to hide the treasure treats)

TIE THE PIECES ON YOUR MAT

Have fun with this step. Create a pattern or tie pieces randomly. One tie (single knot) is enough to hold pieces firmly in place. You can flip the mat over to check for any gaps where you might have missed a tie.

Two-way tie vs. Three-way tie

Three-way tied mats require more fabric (more costly) and are more time-consuming. Simply add a tie on the angle (see second image below). The result is a fuller mat with less open gaps through the rug to the floor and more hiding places to hold treats.

It takes me approximately 3.5 hours to make an extra-large, three-way tied mat.  

Approximately four shows on Netflix

LOAD WITH TREATS AND ENJOY

I use small, non-crumbly training treats for my guys. If you feed your dog kibble, you could also use the mat as an alternative to their bowl. Switch things up a bit and make them work for it (I say work, but for dogs, it’s not a bad thing).

NB: Pet-parents should closely monitor playtime.

Sharing is caring. If you enjoyed this post, please pin.

See you soon,

 

 

 

 

Categories: TRICKS, TREATS & TRAINING Tagged: DIY, Exercise, Games, Treats

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We’re Sadie & Co. (her and her dogs plus the cat). Would you like to share your rescue story or tell us about an amazing service or product? We’d love to hear from you! Thank you for visiting, we hope you’ll stop by often. Better yet, subscribe and don’t miss out on the latest and greatest tips, tricks and treats!

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Another way to print and display your digital port Another way to print and display your digital portrait: 8x12 standout with white edges. Digital portraits created to raise funds for rescue efforts. #animalart #animalrescue #animalwelfare
One way to print and display your digital portrait One way to print and display your digital portrait. Matter print displayed in wood block. 
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