What's New @ Animal Designs August 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
You can now listen to the Caring for Creatures talk radio show
directly from our web site. You will need to download real player
audio which you can do from the displayed link at:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm
Caring For Creatures is a non-profit charitable foundation dedicated
to caring for abandoned, abused, neglected and otherwise homeless
dogs and cats. To learn more about them, visit their web site at
www.caringforcreatures.com

2) PET JOURNALS
"It can't be done." Well, that's all you have to say to my friend
Heidi, and she will find a way to do it -- especially when it
concerns animals. Four kittens had been living in the patio area,
next to the cafeteria, of our hospital. The mother cat was long gone.
The kittens were sustained by handouts from various staff members,
but they remained cautious and untouchable. The hospital
administration wanted them removed, so they contacted the local
Animal Control office who set up traps. Animal Control said they
would check the kittens out for disease, "fix" them and then put them
up for adoption. When three of the four kittens had been captured,
Heidi went to Animal Control to see how they were doing. She was told
that they had been "put down" because feral kittens of that age, 4-5
months, were not adoptable since they could not be domesticated. She
left the office in a rage, determined not to let the same fate take
the life of the last little orange kitty. Informing all those
concerned about the welfare of the kitten, she went on a crusade to
capture this cat herself. She found some people who agreed to adopt
him. She was contacted by one "night nurse" who said she had gained
the trust of this cat and was able to actually hold it on her lap and
hand feed it. After numerous night missions, Heidi did catch the cat.
She took him to her vet, who promptly proclaimed him healthy. As for
a home, the people who had previously expressed a desire for him,
backed out. Heidi already had two cats and one dog. Her parent's home
was the "holding" area temporarily -- they had declared they were
finished being pet owners. Or so they thought! Corky, the name her
folks had given him, had won them over. Although still a little shy
around strangers, Corky has become a wonderful "house cat" and sleeps
in bed with Heidi's folks every night. And what was said "couldn't be
done" was done with love and patience.
www.petwarmers.com

3) FEATURED ITEM
For all your outdoor activities our unique billfold is just what you
need. Perfect for your money and credit cards when you want
something small but practical. Made of SOFTSIDED cotton in your
favorite animal print. Features two (2) card pockets, (one for
coins), compartment for paper money, nylon lining, velcro closure
and it's washable. Measures 3" X 5" in size when folded. Want a
different animal print, be sure and contact us with your request. To
see our selection: http://www.animaldesigns.com/cgi-
sz/webcwrap/szw/st_main.html

4)ASK THE VET
Dear Dr. Shawn:"Currently we are using Frontline to treat our dogs
(labs) for ticks & fleas. I recently became pregnant and I am now
reluctant to use it due to the potential toxic effects to myself, my
baby, and my pets. Also, my dog develops sores on her face & body
when treated. The dogs run in a field on the weekends, so tick
treatment is a concern. Is there something I can use that is less
toxic and safer for them?"
A:"The Frontline is causing a reaction in your dogs so I would stop
using it. Because natural therapies work
well and cause fewer reactions, I would recommend you try these. Some
of the therapies that I have found
helpful include natural pyrethrum powders and citrus oil shampoos,
dips, and collars helpful. Finally, inspect your dogs before
bringing them back in the house. Carefully remove and dispose any
ticks you find. Simply use tweezers and grasp the tick near the dog's
skin, gently but firmly pulling them away from the body. Place the
tick in a jar of alcohol to kill it, and then dispose of the dead
ticks (flushing them down the toilet.) Give your dogs a good bath and
dip with the citrus oil product before bringing them back inside.

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 Judi G....winner of our versatile mini-bag for
July. August's drawing is a bandana featuring our logo. After
entering your name, vote for your choice of this month's fabric and
answer the fun question. Thanks to Dorothy R... for submitting the
photo of her adorable dogs, Gunnar Joe and Elliott. 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
Our thanks to Janet K. for this tasty recipe for carrot crispies
horse treats. We're sure your equine friends will go for these
goodies. The ingredients are:
2 carrots, shredded;
1 apple chopped into pieces;
1/3 cup molasses; 1/2 to 3/4 cup bran;
salty crackers
Combine carrots, apple, molasses and bran. Mix thoroughly. Scoop a
small ball on crackers. Store leftovers in refrigerator.


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