What's New @ Animal Designs September 2002
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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
Attention!! If you have horses or have friends who love horses, you
will want to see this month's new addition. "Horse Gifts" is our
new page which offers one stop shopping for those speciality items
featuring a varied selection of horse print fabrics. Check out the
many choices at www.animaldesigns.com/horsegifts.htm In the
upcoming months, look for our themed pages with "Cat Gifts" and "Dog
Gifts".

2) PET JOURNALS
It was late in the evening. I had just settled down in my rocking
chair and put my feet up on the footstool. The cup of hot tea was
nice and warm in my hands. In just a few minutes I would go upstairs
to bed like the rest of my family, but just for the moment I was
going to sit and savor the peace. The window was open near my rocking
chair. I could hear crickets chirping and little tree frogs singing
down by the creek. A whippoorwill called from down the hollow, and
another one answered. The air was still warm from the summer's day
heat. We sure could use some rain. In the distance I could hear dry
leaves crunching like an animal was rustling through them. Probably
that armadillo again, I thought. There was a burrow out behind one of
the barns, and I enjoyed watching her while she snuffled around in
the early mornings. Something was different about this noise,
however. It was getting closer to the house, and was beginning to
sound like something much bigger than a little armadillo browsing for
bugs to eat. Closer and closer it came. I began to wonder if the
rumors I had heard were true. Was there really a bear in the
neighborhood? I began to feel goosebumps as I sat frozen in suspense.
I now could hear footsteps, heavy and slow, moving right outside my
window. Crunch, crunch went the dead leaves. Then I saw something
glide by just above the window sill. It was curly, and looked like a
tail of some sort. Cue the shark attack music. Da-dum...da-dum...da-
dum, da-dum, da-dum! "Lemon, is that you?" I whispered. A startled
sort of "Grunt?" was the reply. My heart was still pounding, but I
felt an immense relief. It was only my daughter's blue ribbon
Yorkshire sow. I slipped on a pair of shoes and stepped out the front
door. "Lemon, what are you doing out of your pen?" I asked. Lemon,
who had been nosing through my flower bed, turned around with all the
ponderous grace of the QE2 doing an about-face. She grunted again in
pleasure. She was happy to see me, as always. The white sow walked
beside me through the dark like an obedient puppy. She was a very
affectionate animal for a pet that weighed close to six hundred
pounds. Her abdomen was swelled with all the piglets she carried. I
patted her rounded side as we walked. Lemon went back into her pen
with no trouble. I scratched her favorite spot behind one ear before
I left and walked back to the house. I had just settled down in my
chair again and taken a sip of tea, when I heard leaves crunching.
Oh, no, not again! Suddenly, two huge ears and a pink snout appeared
above window sill. I sighed, "Yes, Lemon, I'm coming." This time I
went upstairs and called for reinforcements. Obviously, Lemon was
restless tonight and needed to be put up safely. We couldn't take the
chance of anything happening to her or her babies. With a sleepy
husband in tow, I carefully picked a path through the darkness. This
time, however, Lemon led the way. She marched forward like a pig on a
mission, passing by her pen and leading us to the barn. She waited
patiently while we opened the door, then walked into an open stall.
This was the place she had delivered her last litter of pigs, and it
now stood clean and ready for Lemon's due date next week. The sow
took a long drink of water, then eased herself down and rolled over
onto her side. She was now the picture of contentment. My husband
studied the breeding records. "Well, she's not due for a few more
days, but if this is where she wants to be tonight, we'll let her
stay in here." Lemon's response was a huge sigh. The next morning, we
were greeted by the sight of eight, brand-new baby pigs snuggled next
to Lemon, each one a miniature replica of their now much slimmer
mother. "Oh, look at all the Lemon Drops!" my daughter exclaimed as
she leaned down to pat one little white pig. It blinked tiny blue
eyes as it nuzzled her fingers. Outside I heard a soft pattering of
rain begin, and a rumble of thunder. Our dry spell was over. The much
needed rain had arrived. Lemon Drops and raindrops, what a wonderful
way to start the day!
www.petwarmers.com

3) FEATURED ITEM
Set the trend with our designer tapestry tote bags in a variety of
beautiful prints. These featured totes are made of quality imported
tapestry fabric, are very durable and stylish. They are fully lined,
tapestry fabric on both sides with a velcro closure and two cloth
handles. Measures 16"x16" Great for carrying all your essentials
and will last a lifetime. Check out this featured item at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/cgi-sz/webcwrap/szw/st_main.html

4)ASK THE VET
Dear Dr. Shawn:"I need to spray the area under a large oak where I
put my plants in the summer. It is full of tiny mites of some sort.
Last year I used malathion with good results. This year we are
hosting a family of feral (formerly feral) cats that play in this
area during the day. They come inside at dusk. I have been told that
malathion is no longer poisonous after it dires. Is this true? Should
I spray after they come in and not let them out until the area is dry
the next morning? Would it be better if I set the sprinkler for an
hour before letting them out, in hopes that it will wash the residue
away? Can you suggest a safer insecticide?"
A:"Malathion is still a poisonous insecticide, and quite a potent one
at
that. Unless absolutely necessary, I would avoid this at all cost. In
general, insecticides are most toxic immediately after application.
The toxicity diminishes after drying. I would suggest something
safer. Here are some options that can help with plant mites. Spraying
them directly with insecticidal oil (available at nurseries) will
coat the mites and kill them. You can also apply natural diatomaceous
earth (DE) or citrus oil as well. Any of these choices would
not hurt the cats. "
Dr. Shawn Messonnier is the author of the award-winning The Natural
Health Bible for Dogs & Cats. Please address questions to him at Paws
& Claws Animal Hospital,
2145 W. Park Blvd., Plano, Tx, 75075, call him at 972-867-8800, or
email him at naturalvet@....


5) DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Jeni W...winner of our bandana for August.
September's drawing is an eyeglass case featuring our logo. After
entering your name, vote for your choice of this month's fabric and
answer the fun question. Thanks to Barb T.....for submitting the
photo of her beautiful horse Molly. 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
Satisfied Customer, a recent comment submitted by Elsie C. "I am
still using the beautiful Owl tote bag which you made for me two
years ago. I take it everywhere, it is great for carrying all my
stuff and I have received many compliments on the tote. Again, thank
you so much."

All the best,
Jeanie