What's New @ Animal Designs July 2002
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1. What's New
2. Pet Journals
3. Featured Item
4. Ask the Vet
5. Drawing and Fun Stuff
6. Comments, Questions, Suggestions

1) WHAT'S NEW
We are adding a new column to the newsletter called Comments,
Questions and Suggestions. We started this month with a question and
answer about color coordinating a bathroom with your favorite animal
prints (see below). Here is your chance to get your questions
answered. so send them to us. Also, we have two new horses that have
joined "Our Family", Ray and Coby, so be sure and check out their
photos at http://www.animaldesigns.com/cgi-
sz/webcwrap/szw/Our_Family.html

2) PET JOURNALS
MORE THAN A PET "A man needs someone to believe in him. A horse has
this need too. Whether he is bred to race or show or pull a plow, he
needs someone who believes in his power to run, jump or pull. One day
he pushes against the wind and opens his nostrils to suck it in.
Suddenly he wants to run and he does and he wins. No longer a diamond
in the rough, he has taken on the sparkle of a true champion." I
found this inscription on the back of a plate painted by artist Fred
Stone. It describes my horse perfectly. My husband heard about an
Arabian horse that had been starved and abused. Knowing that I loved
Arabians, he went about acquiring the horse, Surroban, for me. At the
time, I couldn't believe that the poor, ugly, grey bag of bones my
husband brought home was even a horse let alone a purebred Arabian. I
was sickened that any human would allow an animal to get into such
horrible condition. It didn't take long, however, for me to see that
beneath the dirt and scars there was an animal with a lot of spirit.
Surroban was so afraid of humans that it took several weeks for me to
get my hands on him. I decided that the quickest way to his heart
would be through his stomach, so when I put his food out I would sit
several yards away while he ate. Each day the pan and I got a little
closer and finally I was able to hold the pan in my lap and ever so
lightly touch his face. As months went by and I quietly worked with
my Arabian, he showed me that he was willing to trust me and wanted
to please. I did find that there were some ghosts to deal with, but
he and I learned to work around them. After 2 years of patience
Surroban entered his first horse show. He wasn't perfect and I don't
think we even got a ribbon, but he went in and did what was asked of
him. Afterward, many people asked where I had acquired the pretty
Arabian. I began to look at him as more that just a pet. Surroban
continued to grow physically, as well as emotionally, and he stood
almost 16 hands and his tail dragged on the ground. Each time
Surroban showed he got better -- never perfect but always the crowd
favorite. He was big and white and flew around the ring. It was
obvious that Surroban loved to show. Surroban's show career peaked
when he was crowned the American Royal Native Costume Champion. The
whole day was like a dream! When we entered the ring the crowd
gasped. Although we were competing against 15 other beautiful horses
in costumes, it seemed as if there weren't any other horses in the
ring. The crowd cheered and clapped excitedly every time we went by.
The class came to an end and all the entries lined up for the
individual judging. When the judge came to us it was obvious that
Surroban had the vote of the crowd. It was time to announce the
winners. I was nervous but Surroban was his strong, steady self.
First place was called -- it was Surroban! As we made our way to the
winners circle for the picture and presentation, I felt such pride
for an animal that had allowed himself to trust again. Needless to
say I cried and laughed all at the same time. My Surroban had become
more than just my pet -- he was my companion and partner. He had
finally proven to everyone else what I always knew -- he was a
CHAMPION!
www.petwarmers.com

3) FEATURED ITEM
Give your bathroom a new look with our custom made cotton fabric
shower curtain , standard size (72" X 72") with sturdy metal
grommets. Easy care and washable. If you want a different pattern or
need a different size, please email us with your request. To view
the fabric samples, visit http://www.animaldesigns.com/cgi-
sz/webcwrap/szw/st_main.html

ASK THE VET
Here is an update on prostate tumors in dogs. Fortunately, these
tumor are quite rare. Prostatic disease in general is rare in dogs
since most are neutered a puppies. However, while neutering is
helpful for reducing prostatic enlargement and infections, it does
not prevent tumors of this gland. Common clinical signs include
straining to have a bowel movement, constipation, and sometimes blood
in the feces or urine. The average age of dogs with prostatic tumors
is 10 years. There are several treatment options. Surgery can be
attempted but is difficult because of the anatomy of the canine
prostate gland. Radiation therapy can temporarily relieve signs but
is usually not curative due to the high rate of spread to the
regional lymph nodes and vertebrae. While chemotherapy has not been
shown to reduce tumor size recent studies suggests that mitoxantrone
combined with piroxicam has
helped in a limited number of dogs. One protocol suggested by Dr.
Kevin Hahn at Gulf Coast Veterinary
Specialists in Houston utilizes a combination of radiation (once
every 2 weeks for 3 times) with
mitoxantrone (once every 2 weeks for 5 times) combined with daily
piroxicam. My protocol also utilizes a
special diet for cancer patients (high in protein and omega-3 fish
oil, low in carbs,) and various immune-boosting
supplements including herbs such as astragalus, antioxidants, and
arabinogalactans. I also stop vaccinating any pet with cancer, as
this can cause pets to come out of remission and really is not needed
in pets with cancer. By combining a sensible diet and supplement
regimen, I believe pets with cancer tend to feel better, have fewer
side effects, and often live longer. As always treating cancer is a
team effort. Work with your referring doctor, cancer specialist, and
holistic veterinarian to develop the right protocol for your pet."

Dr. Shawn Messonnier is the author of the Natural Vet series from
Prima,
including The Arthritis Solution for Dogs, The Allergy Solution for
Dogs,
and the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats.
You can contact him at naturalvet@....

5) DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Faye H....winner of the visor for June. July's
drawing is our versatile mini-bag with our logo. After entering your
name , vote for your choice of this month's fabric and answer the fun
question. Thanks to Patricia B. for submitting the photo of her
adorable cats. We would like to honor your Pet next month, so send
us a copy of their photos either by email or snail mail.
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm

6) COMMENTS,QUESTIONS,SUGGESTIONS
"Can you provide accessories for my bathroom to match the shower
curtain which I ordered, such as, toothbrush holder, soap dish and
cup?." Yes, our artist can paint an animal image from the fabric on
the accessories to give your bathroom that custom look. We also use
the fabric to accent your bath and hand towels, and a matching toilet
cover set will give it the finishing touch. We are here to assist
you, so either call or email us with your ideas.


As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions and
we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends. http://www.recommend-it.com/l.z.e?s=620320

All the best,
Jeanie