What's New @ Animal Designs June 2003
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1. What's New
2. Pet Journals
3. Featured Item
4. Animal Hoarding
5. Drawing and Fun Stuff
6. Comments-Questions-Suggestions

>>>>>> A HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO ALL <<<<<<<<

1) WHAT'S NEW
Come help us celebrate our fourth year on the internet!! Four years
sounds young but on the internet is considered to be an "old
timer". The time has gone by fast and we have enjoyed working with
our many valued customers. Reflecting back on our goals, customer
satisfaction continues to be our #1 priority. A special thanks to
you for being part of our anniversary and any purchase made during
the month of June will receive a free gift. "When You Want Truly
Unique" visit: http://www.animaldesigns.com

2) PET JOURNALS
For all those who have loved and lost a pet or two.
Some of the most poignant moments I spend as a veterinarian are
those spent with my clients, assisting the transition of my animal
patients from this world to the next.When living becomes a burden,
whether from pain or loss of normal functions, I can help a family
by ensuring their beloved pet has an easy passing. Making this final
decision is painful and I've often felt powerless to comfort the
grieving owners. That was before I met Shane.
I'd been called to examine a 10-year-old blue heeler named Belker,
who'd developed a serious health problem. His owners and their
little boy, Shane, were all very attached to him. They were hoping
for a miracle.
I examined Belker, finding he was dying of cancer. I told the family
there were no miracles left for him and offered to perform the
euthanasia for the old dog in their home.
As we made the arrangements, they told me they thought it'd be good
for the 4-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They thought he
could learn something form the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's
family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for
the last time. I wondered if he understood what was going on.
Within a few minutes Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any
difficulty or confusion, so we sat together for a while after
Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives
are shorter than human lives. Shane had been listening quietly and
piped up "I know why". Startled, we all turned to him, and what came
out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting
explanation.
He said "Everybody's born so they can learn how to live a good life,
like loving everybody and being nice. Right?" He continued, " Well,
animals already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as
long!"
We all have stories that we like to tell our friends about our
pets, so send us your favorite "tail", and we will select one each
month to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Give your kitchen a fresh look with these new kitchen towels with
matching hot pad. Features easy on/off velcro closure. This set is
ideal to hang on your stove, cabinets or that special gift for your
hard to buy for friends. Visit the many selections at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/cgi-sz/webcwrap/szw/st_main.html?
catid=11&sid=6Op7@...

4) ANIMAL HOARDING
The compulsive collecting of animals is an under-recognized mental
health problem. In 1999, House Rabbit Society chapters encountered
rabbit hoarders in Minneapolis (>400 rabbits), Sacramento (>200
rabbits) and San Diego (>50
rabbits). Dane County Humane Society encounters a hoarder about
every other year. Caring for these confiscated animals, which are
often in poor health, places a huge, unexpected drain on limited
rescuer resources. Hoarders are often people with good intentions
and love animals. They also
can't say "no" to yet another animal they think needs to be rescued.
Hoarders often have mistaken beliefs about the care and fate of
animals in
shelters; they see themselves as the only person who cares.
Afterward, the hoarder finds excuses not to adopt the animal out to
a good home, and so the animal stays. Eventually, there are too many
animals for the hoarder to care for. Animals fall ill and don't
receive medical treatment; waste is not
removed; and the animal's health is at risk, exactly the situation
the hoarder thought she was preventing!
A recent survey published by researchers at Tufts University found
that collectors frequently see the "rescued" animals as surrogate
children or
love substitutes. They form excessive emotional attachments to the
animals, and they have an abnormal need to control this emotional
aspect of their
lives. Even after the animals are confiscated, the hoarder often
resumes her collecting behavior. Unfortunately, animal hoarding is
not yet seen as a
mental health problem, and agencies seldom coordinate their
activities in resolving a case. In a review of recent cases, the
study found that
three-quarters of hoarders are female; three-quarters are single,
divorced or widowed; over half live alone; almost half are 60 or
older and 37% are
between 40 and 59 years. In 80% of cases, some animals were found
dead or in severe condition, and in three-quarters of cases, the
premises were
unsanitary and overcrowded.
Some warning signs of hoarder behavior:
* the inability to refuse a "needy" animal, despite having too many
at
home
* a refusal to stop rescuing despite a lack of financial and housing
resources
* the unwillingness to adopt the "rescued" animal to good homes, and
finding excuses to reject applicants
* the inability to care for the animals, physically and emotionally
* having mistaken beliefs about the hoarded animals' needs, and
about
shelter alternatives
* avoiding behaviors that will expose the hoarder, such as inviting
guests to the home
What distinguishes a rescuer from a hoarder? As rescuers, we know
that we have limits. We can't rescue every animal, but we will help
those we can. We know that an adoptive home is much better at
providing the love and care that a companion animal needs. Moreover,
placing a rabbit into a permanent home creates a space for rescuing
another abandoned bunny. Hoarding doesn't solve the problem; it only
creates a larger one for real rescuers at a later date.
{adapted from http://AmericanHumane.org and
http://AnimalRadioNetwork.com.)

5) DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Dennis J., the winner of the paw print cell phone
cover for May. June's drawing is a paw print billfold. After
entering your name, check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm
Thanks to Keith A. for submitting this month's photo and caption of
JR.
"JR is the love of my life--he is dedicated, loyal, loving, and
sensitive to me. He sticks with me like glue".
We would like to honor your Pet next month, so send us a copy of
their photo either by email or snail mail.

6) COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
We've had several readers wanting to know the results of the
question of the month.
May's question was "Where does your pet sleep?" Well it seems the
majority share the same sleeping space with their pets-in my bed
(119), followed by everywhere(73), own bed (44) and outside(16).
Thanks for your suggestion and future poll results will be included
in the drawing and fun stuff area of the newsletter.

All the Best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs
www.animaldesigns.com
1.866.468.1739