tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103774412011-07-28T11:39:47.798-07:00This blog is for people who wish to share stories about their pets, pet health, animal rescues, wild animal issues, etc. If you know of legislation being debated that will help animals--wild or domestic--please share the details with us.StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.comBlogger691100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-45750095593109145542009-09-08T13:59:00.000-07:002009-09-08T14:11:37.432-07:00

I haven't added anything to this blog in a very long time, but thought I'd try to pick it up again.Many of my posts have included Mickey, our white Keeshond. I must now post that we lost Mickey to cancer on June 8, 2009. He would have been ten in August.We put him on chemotherapy (for those of you who have never had to experience cancer in your pet, chemo doesn't have the same affect on pets as

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-77610096220851419942007-01-25T08:18:00.000-08:002007-01-25T08:19:38.807-08:00

ZuZu, our kitten, is so loving, but she's terribly destructive. The other day she jumped up on the counter (against the law in our house), grabbed my husband's lottery ticket, and ran upstairs with it. My husband found it much later chewed to bits. We could be millionaires and never know it.

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1146600472002495792006-05-02T13:00:00.000-07:002006-05-02T13:15:31.440-07:00

I have posted in an earlier blog the danger of chocolate to our pets, but I have just learned of a mulch used in gardening that can make your pet sick: cocoa mulch. It contains Theobromine, a chemical also found in chocolate.The Web site Snopes.com, which determines if rumors are founded, says this is true. Here's an excerpt from a 2003 post:"Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1143494292115036492006-03-27T13:13:00.000-08:002006-03-27T13:30:30.026-08:00

The annual Canadian seal hunt is on, where hundreds of thousands of baby seals are clubbed and skinned (at times, alive) for their fur. A drive is on to stop this horrific event. Please visit the International Fund for Animal Welfare's site (IFAW) to learn about this. They are at http://www.stopthesealhunt.com.The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) also has a site with information: http:/

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1140562133926896702006-02-21T14:45:00.000-08:002006-02-21T17:25:00.090-08:00

An ad agency, Door Number 3, did some pro bono work for the Austin Humane Society, a no-kill non-profit shelter. Check out their great ads and continue on to the donation form if your heart is moved.Funds raised will help get the ads on billboards and more. You can help save lives.

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1140481841938664162006-02-20T16:28:00.000-08:002006-02-20T16:30:41.950-08:00

Mickey still hasn't had a seizure. It's been over 7 months, the longest he's gone without one. We are really thankful.He has been very clumsy, however, and once in a while he limps but not always on the same leg. It has us a little worried. The first time it happened we took him to the vet for x-rays but they saw nothing. It seems to clear itself up after a day or two. We are wondering if he's

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1138911974382445502006-02-02T12:23:00.000-08:002006-02-02T12:26:14.400-08:00

ZuZu is perfectly healthy now. She and Boo have been playing a great deal. Boo is pretty ticked off at me, however, and doesn't want to be held. I think I made a little progress last night as she crept under the covers with me for a short time. She hasn't done that since we got ZuZu. I'm sure she'll come around.

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1137859513790834902006-01-21T07:57:00.000-08:002006-01-22T15:30:54.206-08:00

We got a new kitten last Saturday and named her ZuZu (from It's a Wonderful Life). She has to be the sweetest, most affectionate kitten we've ever had. She loves to be held and purrs all the time. She comes running up to us when she sees us.We adopted her from a shelter and her eye was running so I took her to the vet the day after we got her. She has an upper respiratory infection and

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1136321981605064622006-01-03T12:53:00.000-08:002006-01-03T13:02:02.806-08:00

There is a great site, www.photostamp.com, that allows you to put one of your own photos on a real stamp. You can order as few as 20 (one sheet) stamps. The cost for a sheet of 37-cent stamps works out to about $1.00 per stamp.You simply upload the photo you want to their site, choose a border color and tell them how many (and what denomination) you want. You don't have to get a first-class

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1134409017488081112005-12-12T09:31:00.000-08:002005-12-12T09:36:57.513-08:00

My husband and I watched March of the Penguins last night. I've always liked penguins and now I know why. This is a wonderful documentary, and I think even people who don't like documentaries would like this. What a tough life those little birds lead!There is a great Animal Planet photo and article about the baby panda, Tai Shan, recently born at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1134004967022952102005-12-07T17:17:00.000-08:002005-12-07T17:22:47.040-08:00

I am on the action alert list for the Humane Society of the United States. They just announced two great victories in the fight for animals:Victory for America's Horses. Our campaign to end horse slaughter in America secured a major legislative victory in the U.S. Congress -- one that will protect nearly 90,000 American horses from being slaughtered and their meat sent to Europe and Asia for

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1132152870567451232005-11-16T06:49:00.000-08:002005-11-20T13:59:07.136-08:00

We lost our beautiful Shadow on November 8. He was only 13 and, according to his last vet exam this past summer, in excellent health.He had a seizure of some type and within minutes was gone. My wonderful husband even tried CPR on him but we couldn't bring him back. We talked to a vet who lives next door and he said it was probably a blood clot in his heart or brain. Not uncommon for older cats,

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1130880817798089522005-11-01T13:25:00.000-08:002005-11-01T17:18:25.073-08:00

You knew they squeaked, but now researchers have discovered mice sing.Researcher Timothy Holy of the Washington University of the School of Medicine said the sounds emitted by the mice "met two key criteria for song--distinct syllables and recurring themes, 'like the melodic hook in a catchy tune.' "Male mice sing during courtship and now join a very short list of creatures that sing in the

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1130198942062696182005-10-24T17:01:00.000-07:002005-10-24T17:14:22.626-07:00

My husband and I are going to Mississippi for Christmas and decided to drive from Washington state so we can take our dog (plus my husband has a deathly fear of flying, but that's another story).We discovered the Motel 6 chain welcomes people traveling with their pets. They offer an online directory with phone numbers, directions, amenities, etc. for each motel, which you can use without an

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1129566754011441562005-10-17T09:23:00.000-07:002005-10-17T09:32:34.020-07:00

Our dog Mickey and our kitty Boo, whom I have mentioned in this blog several times, are best friends. But we discovered that Mickey's generosity goes beyond what we would expect where Boo is concerned.At times we give Mickey a chew bone as a treat. He takes it from us, goes over to a favorite spot on the rug, and starts chewing away. Boo gets curious and follows him to investigate. Yesterday not

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1128040846055016982005-09-29T17:33:00.000-07:002005-11-01T17:00:33.350-08:00

A bill in Congress, called PETS (Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act) would ensure that states include steps for pets to be evacuated along with their families during a disaster. States that do not include such a provision would be ineligible for FEMA funding.Hurricane Katrina showed how many people had to choose between being rescued or staying with their pets. Many elected to stay.

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1127916019079489852005-09-28T06:56:00.000-07:002005-09-28T17:55:13.356-07:00

Thousands of animals were separated from their owners during Katrina. Animal rescue teams are still in the New Orleans area trying to find pets who have miraculously survived, and trying to move those already rescued out of the area, as well as match up lost pets with their owners.If you know of anyone who has lost a pet during the storms or who wishes to foster one, please visit the Animal

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1127416670181991132005-09-22T12:13:00.000-07:002005-09-22T12:32:21.843-07:00

Pasado's Safe Haven, one of the animal rescue operations from Hurricane Katrina, is still in New Orleans trying to get as many animals out of the area as possible before Hurricane Rita hits. They are now looking frantically for a place in Houston to stage the rescue that will be needed there as well.If you have, or know someone who has the following and would be willing to let Pasado's team use

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1127166974693328522005-09-19T14:52:00.000-07:002005-09-19T14:56:14.700-07:00

For some first-hand coverage on the animal rescue in New Orleans, visit the Web site for Pasado's Safe Haven. What they are doing is incredible.I tried to get down there to help for a week and kept hitting dead-ends. There is no place to stay, and now airfares are outrageous. It is also taking about 16 hours to get to either New Orleans or Baton Rouge by air. I tried to rent an RV or a mini-van (

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1125590770218942712005-09-01T09:00:00.000-07:002005-09-01T09:06:10.250-07:00

AnimalPlanet.com reports that thousands of animals have been killed by hurricane Katrina, and more are in need of rescue.Organizations in the middle of the relief effort and in need of donations are:Human Society of USUnited Animal NationsAmerican Humane AssociationAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsNot only domestic pets but zoo animals, cattle and wildlife are in danger.

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1124289447967856382005-08-17T07:27:00.000-07:002005-08-17T07:37:27.973-07:00

An article on AnimalPlanet.com tells of terrapins (small freshwater turtles) living in a pond in north London that have terrorized children by eating ducklings in front of the kids. These turtles were once palm-sized pets given to children during the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle craze. Once they were no longer small and cute, they were released into the pond by families.The turtles can grow to a

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1121372170412651202005-07-14T13:06:00.000-07:002005-07-14T13:31:43.630-07:00

An interesting article on Discoverychannel.com talks of an experiement that proves chickens are aware of the future (or have an awareness of 'later').It says chickens were taught to push a colored button to get a small amount of food within 2 or 3 seconds, but if they waited 22 seconds, they would get a huge amount of food. Ninety percent of the chickens waited once they realized how it worked.

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1120754818018856042005-07-07T09:39:00.000-07:002005-07-07T09:46:58.023-07:00

Virgin Atlantic airlines has devised a "frequent paws" scheme that allows pets who fly with you to rack up their own frequent flyer miles.As more pet owners travel, airlines have seen a way to cash in on the sentimental who can't leave the pet behind, or who don't have a caretaker for their pet. It's not cheap.The story is at Animal Planet.com and focuses on a high-flying rabbit named Yahoo.

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1120081020322337052005-06-29T14:31:00.000-07:002005-06-29T14:42:14.016-07:00

We had a great time at Tumbo and Cabbage Islands in Canada. The weather was perfect, we hiked, and I got sunburned (twice). We headed to Stuart Island in the San Juans for the end of the trip and had a floating dock all to ourselves. That has happened to us before. The entire harbor will be full; boats will take up all the mooring buoys and even anchor out, but we are the only ones at our little

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1119313994255430102005-06-20T17:28:00.000-07:002005-06-20T17:33:14.256-07:00

We are heading for the Gulf Islands in Canada tomorrow night on our boat--my husband, Mickey and myself. I have to put the kitties in a kennel which I hate to do. I feel horrible leaving them behind, as I walk away and their little faces look at me like I am abandoning them. I don't know how to make them understand I will be back.We will be gone almost a week and are hoping for great weather like

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1119313624205940312005-06-20T17:19:00.000-07:002005-06-20T17:27:04.213-07:00

Japan is doing what it was expected to do at the International Whaling Commission talks in South Korea and is claiming it has the same right to slaughter and eat whales as other people do cows. It is insisting countries such as Australia and New Zealand, countries close to Japan's whaling waters, are "imperialistic" in their anti-whaling stands.In the past Japan has culled many more whales than

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1118342145651868942005-06-09T11:16:00.000-07:002005-06-13T11:37:10.036-07:00

I know how I'm about to come across, so I want to give you warning ahead of time. This is going to be equal to a parent putting one of those "My child is an honor student at xxxx school" bumper stickers on their car.My husband and I are are always amazed at how smart Mickey is. He's a Keeshond and they are supposed to be one of the brighter breeds, but sometimes you get a dog of a smart breed

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1118154555220759262005-06-07T07:20:00.000-07:002005-06-07T07:29:15.226-07:00

I read a report on Discovery Channel News that says dolphins use sponges as tools when probing the sea floor for fish. The dolphin puts a sponge over its snout to protect itself while probing. They believe the technique is taught from mother to child.Scientists label this a "material culture" and it has only been seen in chimpanzee and orangutan cultures before. This is the first they've seen it

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1118088948867569252005-06-06T13:10:00.000-07:002005-06-06T13:15:48.870-07:00

We went to James Island with our boat for the weekend and got a spot on the dock. Shortly after we docked another large boat pulled in across us. The people had a little black Schipperke that was perfectly content on the bow of the boat. She saw Mickey and got very excited but didn't bark.Mickey, used to being the center of our attention, particularly when we are on the boat, became very jealous

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1117665518307019542005-06-01T15:31:00.000-07:002005-06-01T15:50:23.293-07:00

I read a story on Animal Planet where construction crews stopped blasting and working on roads in Canada because two bald eagles are nesting near the work site. The work is being done on the road between Vancouver, BC and the Whistler ski resort for the Olympic games in 2010.The eagles are endangered in Canada and protected by law. The crews need to determine if a little bald eagle is on the

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1116979393074075572005-05-24T17:03:00.000-07:002005-05-25T07:22:02.813-07:00

Mickey and me on Cyprus Island

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1116979346458283392005-05-24T17:02:00.000-07:002005-05-24T17:02:26.463-07:00

Mickey with his life vest on

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1116979301522587992005-05-24T17:01:00.000-07:002005-05-25T07:20:54.380-07:00

My husband, Brad, and Mickey on Cyprus Island

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1116462047304446742005-05-18T17:09:00.000-07:002005-05-25T13:38:32.976-07:00

A woman in Spanaway, Washington (a Donna Clark) has been arrested for three counts of felony animal cruelty because she placed a bowl of chicken soaked in antifreeze on her porch to kill her neighbor's three cats whom she said were trespassing on her property.The man's cats acted strangely at his house and then started screaming in pain. He rushed them to his vets where they all died within two

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1116425092440916192005-05-18T06:51:00.000-07:002005-05-25T13:38:54.440-07:00

Japan has been trying to increase the number of whales it can kill annually. Whale meat is part of the Japanese diet and the country reluctantly slowed their commercial whaling in 1986 to be in line with the International Whaling Commission's (IWC) moratorium. They currently kill 440 minke whales each year, plus humpback and fin whales (which are on the endangered list). They found a loophole in

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1115679521708168722005-05-09T15:57:00.000-07:002005-05-10T14:12:31.126-07:00

I found this reference on another blog but didn't make note of the blog site (bad! bad!). It's a game that lets you figure out what kind of dog you are. Once you get to the site click on the word "Game" on the left (for some reason it won't let me take you there directly).It's fun; give it a try.

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1115649194243755422005-05-09T07:26:00.000-07:002005-05-09T07:33:14.250-07:00

My husband and I have a boat and we cruise in the San Juan Islands nearly every weekend in summer. Mickey goes with us and the two kitties stay home.Mickey loves to eat everything; it doesn't seem to matter what it is. On our hikes we are constantly trying to keep him from eating whatever plant or shell he happens to find. Last weekend he ate some yellow flowers that look like a common weed. He

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1115069765434385202005-05-02T14:32:00.000-07:002005-05-02T14:36:05.436-07:00

The World Wildlife Fund has a new site where you can "adopt" a panda or gorilla. They show you photos of the animals and tell you how much it costs to support them.Visit their site and help fight the threats to these animals' environment so they can begin to thrive (both species are on the critcally endangered list).

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1114806499008465282005-04-29T13:26:00.000-07:002005-04-29T13:28:19.006-07:00

A visitor to the site has just had a cat diagnosed with diabetes. Does anyone have experience with a natural treatment (non-drug) for that, or control through diet? Any comments would be very welcome.Thanks for your help.

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1114699907564782282005-04-28T07:48:00.000-07:002005-04-28T07:51:47.566-07:00

May 1-7 is Be Kind to Animals week. This is a great time to adopt a pet! Check out your local shelter to find that one pet eagerly waiting to go home with you.Many humane societies offer free or low-cost spay clinics during the week as well. To find one near you, type "humane society" and your nearest city into Google or any Web search engine.

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1114646939420027922005-04-27T16:53:00.000-07:002005-04-27T17:54:43.230-07:00

Pennsylvania is ahead of many states in helping animals in disaster situations. Several PA counties have formed volunteer teams that will help wildlife and be sure pet and livestock owners know what to do for their animals in a state-wide emergency.PA counties also are identifying resources that can help move animals to protected areas. Shelters for humans often don't accept pets, so volunteers

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1114524145336538012005-04-26T07:01:00.000-07:002005-04-28T07:15:27.903-07:00

Our dog has begun eating dandelions on his walks with my husband, so much so that my husband has complained it has really added to the time it takes to get through their regular route.We checked with our vet to be sure dandelions aren't toxic and she said no, they aren't, and can actually be beneficial. I did some research and found that dandelions can help with an assortment of ailments such as

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1114477048690652072005-04-25T17:54:00.000-07:002005-04-25T17:58:42.503-07:00

The HSUS has a great site where you can look up bills being debated in your state. It's a great way to see what is going on where you live, which bills the HSUS supports or opposes, and perhaps offers you a way to get involved in helping animals (writing or e-mailing your legislators DOES work).Check it out!

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1114445251182001602005-04-25T09:02:00.000-07:002005-04-25T09:07:59.793-07:00

I have read in many places that pets are victims of domestic violence as much as other family members. Often an abuser will use a pet to control other family members, threatening to harm or kill the pet if the family doesn't do as the abuser dictates. It has also been proven that a large percentage of abusers have harmed or killed pets in their past. In other words, children who learn abuse from

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1114020876845340682005-04-20T11:14:00.000-07:002005-04-20T11:21:34.020-07:00

Being a consumer in a world that uses animals for fashion, food and cosmetics is a tough spot to be in. I am a vegetarian and don't buy leather, but I know there's so much more I can do. I found a page called the Caring Consumer that offers a lot of suggestions.Don't feel overwhelmed by this. It's easy to look at a site like this one and feel guilty at every turn. Making lifestyle changes is a

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1114017142742509122005-04-20T10:09:00.000-07:002005-04-20T10:12:22.743-07:00

We took Mickey to the vet to get his blood levels checked to be sure he is within the correct ranges for the Potassium Bromide and PhenoBarbital. We can reduce the Potassium a little but we have to increase the Pheno. He has epilepsy and these meds have helped greatly in controlling the seizures (he hasn't had one since Thanksgiving week last year).I don't like having him on the Pheno because it

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1113840168070670192005-04-18T08:57:00.000-07:002005-04-18T09:04:16.546-07:00

I received word from Pasado's Safe Haven that the animal anti-cruelty bill we've been pushing for so hard in Washington state has passed the Senate. It passed the House earlier, went through a rollercoaster of addendums, tag-ons, etc. that bills go through which can kill them, got straightened back out and now passed. It did have one addendum to it from another bill that would have died on its

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1113512079626573822005-04-14T13:47:00.000-07:002005-04-14T13:54:39.626-07:00

I just read the most appalling story on Information Week. "Virtual hunting" has become the latest thing. Hunters sit at a computer and point and click to control real guns mounted on platforms aimed at live animals in hunting areas. Cameras are also mounted on the platforms. A hunt done this way just took place in Texas.Thank God Representative Tom Davis (R-Va) is trying to put a stop to this

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1113438433439945522005-04-13T17:09:00.000-07:002005-04-13T17:27:13.440-07:00

Many of you are probably aware of the Save Toby Web site that is demanding $50,000 from visitors to the site. The money is to save Toby, an adorable rabbit, from being eaten by its owner. The owner is the one maintaining the site.As it does any animal lover, the site infuriates me. I have not made a donation because I don't believe in extortion--monetary or emotional. I even debated whether to

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1113237529294332792005-04-11T10:38:00.000-07:002005-04-13T17:30:53.550-07:00

I have been feeling bad because I usually talk about Mickey, our dog, on this blog, and we also have two kitties: Shadow (pictured here in his favorite position) and Boo (pictured below).Shadow is a Persian and will be 13 this summer; Boo will be two. We rescued Boo from a life on the streets as her mom was a feral cat (or near-feral; she was actually too friendly to be considered feral). We

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1113237504619743052005-04-11T09:38:00.000-07:002005-04-11T09:52:02.440-07:00

Boo and our dog, Mickey, are best friends.Boo

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1112911864034127372005-04-07T15:11:00.000-07:002005-04-07T17:45:19.520-07:00

I work at a college near a greenbelt. Yesterday a friend I work with called me and said to come outside with her. She had her camera.We saw five deer near our parking lot. Actually, they were near the greenhouses on campus eating the little plants in the pots put there by the horticulture students. I'm sure the students and instructor won't be happy when they see what happened, but the deer were

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1112714117110402032005-04-05T08:06:00.000-07:002005-04-06T07:10:10.883-07:00

I listened to a brief story about pet cloning last night on NPR radio. Two kittens have already been cloned in the US and dogs are next.Cloning will not bring back a pet that has been lost. Personality, the trait most often sought by a heart-broken pet owner, is a unique thing and cannot be duplicated, even by cloning. So many, many animals are in shelters waiting for a good home, so many are

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1112647561638327732005-04-04T13:43:00.000-07:002005-04-04T13:47:50.206-07:00

I read an article on the PETA site about how Pope John Paul II loved animals and encouraged care for them:Pope John Paul II taught love for animals more than any other pope in recent memory.In 1990, His Holiness proclaimed that “the animals possess a soul and men must love and feel solidarity with our smaller brethren.” He went on to say that all animals are “fruit of the creative action of the

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1112217919792651242005-03-30T13:21:00.000-08:002005-03-30T13:30:04.710-08:00

I read on an Animal Planet article that cows can solve problems, and when they do, they often jump for joy. More and more, scientists are discovering that all animals have feelings comparable to humans, as well as reactions and learning abilities (I never understood why they wouldn't think this right from the start).To test emotional reactions in cows, "...Donald Broom, a professor of animal

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1111601389859709032005-03-23T10:09:00.000-08:002005-04-05T07:51:40.146-07:00

I checked on the intranet a few places to be sure the "grapes and raisins are bad for dogs" statement was true. It is very true. One of the sites (snopes.com) known for dissecting intranet myths did research. Even a few raisins or grapes can be deadly to your dog, depending on his weight. Renal failure (failure of the kidneys) can result. Visit http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/raisins.asp

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1111539452542554302005-03-22T16:32:00.000-08:002005-03-23T09:51:28.406-08:00

I just read on another blog that it is dangerous to give your dog grapes or raisins. I never knew that. This was posted on the Warm Puppies, Fuzzy Kitties blog (see links to the right). Great information to know.

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1111086790802274822005-03-17T11:09:00.000-08:002005-03-17T11:13:10.803-08:00

Mickey hurt his paw a while ago and the vet put him on an anti-inflammatory. It seemed to get better but one day after the meds were gone he started limping again. We had it x-rayed and they couldn't find anything. Several days later when my husband touched his paw, Mickey whined and squirmed, which is rare for him. So we took him to the surgeon for a consult.My husband just called from the vets

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1110850582910802292005-03-14T17:32:00.000-08:002005-03-14T17:38:24.256-08:00

The SB 5352 bill making it a class C felony to starve, dehydrate or suffocate an animal has passed the Washington state Senate with a great amount of help from Senator Luke Esser and Senator Adam Kline. The bill nows goes to the House where it has already had great success.An amendment proposed by a cattle rancher senator was also defeated. The amendment would have made it ok to starve or

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1109716526102995012005-03-01T14:33:00.000-08:002005-03-01T14:35:26.103-08:00

Mickey hasn't had a seizure for 14 weeks...but I'm worried about him still being on the PhenoBarbitol. I thought he wasn't supposed to be on it for more than 3 months but the vet hasn't said anything about it.He hurt his paw somehow several weeks ago. It was getting better and he didn't limp any more but we took him to the off-leash dog park in Marymoor and he ran alot. Then we went for a walk

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1109114978161572252005-02-22T15:22:00.000-08:002005-02-22T15:29:38.163-08:00

Yikes. Now PETA is using Dennis Rodman as a spokesperson. Didn't he abuse his wife or girlfriend a few years back? Bad choice.Good news in Washington state: both the House and Senate Judiciary committees passed an animal anti-cruelty bill which will now go through the Rules committee and then the full House and Senate to make it law.The bills (HB 1304 and SB 5352) make it a felony to starve,

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1107962786606818632005-02-09T07:26:00.000-08:002005-02-09T07:27:44.603-08:00

American Idol's Simon Cowell has joined PETA in a campaign against fur. I'm glad they use celebrities in their ads, but Simon Cowell?

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1107897855371969922005-02-08T13:22:00.000-08:002005-02-08T13:24:15.373-08:00

Mickey's interview went well. He was excited by all the new smells of the kennel but still behaved when we told him to sit or lie down. They checked his health and his disposition and they gave us a tour. He will interact quite often with other dogs which is why they wanted the interview. We'll see how it goes this weekend. He has gone nearly 12 weeks without a seizure on the PhenoBarbitol

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1107394152004983222005-02-02T17:28:00.000-08:002005-02-02T17:29:12.003-08:00

We are staying downtown Seattle the weekend before Valentine's Day, and are putting Mickey in a kennel nearby. They won't take him unless we bring him down the weekend before for an interview! I wonder what they'll ask him?

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1107221411531896622005-01-31T17:24:00.000-08:002005-01-31T17:30:11.530-08:00

Do you want a great gift idea for Valentine's Day? Adopt an animal at a shelter! Even if you can't care for one, make a donation in someone's name and tell them about it in a card. You could even get a photo of one of the shelter animals and wrap it as a gift, letting your valentine know they are helping support that animal. If you need adoption or donation ideas, visit Pasado's Safe Haven, a

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1107194433188656692005-01-31T09:54:00.000-08:002005-01-31T17:17:03.880-08:00

S.B. 5352 and H.B. 1304 are in the Washington state legislature right now. The bills would make animal cruelty in the first degree a class C felony (right now it's a misdemeanor). If you live outside of Washington state, you can e-mail and call the WA state legislators. When legislators know a law is gaining a national spotlight, it can help. If you're a resident of Washington state, you can

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1106616912295931622005-01-24T17:35:00.000-08:002005-01-31T17:14:53.773-08:00

Mickey at 4 months

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1106615397564875162005-01-24T17:09:00.000-08:002005-01-24T17:09:57.563-08:00

Mickey 

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377441.post-1106613123423535512005-01-24T16:28:00.000-08:002005-01-24T16:44:18.540-08:00

Our dog, a five-year old Keeshond, has epilepsy. He used to be on Potassium Bromide (KBr) but that didn't stop the seizures. The neurologist has added Phenol Barbitol (PhB), which damages the liver, to the Kbr. He hasn't had a seizure for 9 weeks, the longest he has gone without one. Does anyone else have a dog using these medications, and if so, what kind of luck did you have? How long has your

StarGazerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07854390513542317385noreply@blogger.com0