Rich Cats

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/2011/12/12/italy-rich-cat-tommaso_n_1143022.html

What do you mean?? All cats aren't millionaires!?!?

To my furry friends on Thanksgiving

I know I am not a dog, but I still like to look out for my canine friends that might be trying to sneak some Thanksgiving turkey on Thursday...

We all know how hard it can be to resist those begging eyes and that furry face which can make you unable to deny anything your dogs wants on any given day. On Thanksgiving - with the fragrant smell of that really rich dinner swimming throughout the house - the temptation for your dog can be that much worse. But this year, do your dogs a favor and keep them away from the items listed below. "Fluffy" might be miffed for the evening, but her stomach will thank you the next day. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I will talk to you soon. -Dr. J

1. Turkey Skin - On its own, turkey skin can be fatty and hard to digest, but on Thanksgiving it's particularly bad (just think of the butter, oils and spices rubbed into it). If you must share the turkey with your dog, do peel the skin off and cut the meat up into bite-sized pieces. Also, consider choosing the white meat over the dark for your pooch - it's a little blander and easier to digest.

2. Cooked Bones - Whether your bird is duck, goose or turkey, do not give the bones to your dog. Any dog cartoon features Fido carrying a bone around in his mouth, but the reality is that a cooked bone is often brittle and sharp pieces can get lodged in your dog's intestine. Bird bones are hollow and break easily.

3. Gravy/Buttery Side Dishes - This one goes hand-in-hand with the turkey skin. Fatty foods and trimmings can cause Pancreatitis in dogs at worst and diarrhea or vomiting at "best." Try substituting gravy with a little turkey broth if you really want to give your pup a treat.

4. Aluminum Foil and Plastic Wrap - Dispose of these when you're done with them. There are two risks here: one, your pet will be licking the fatty substances off the wrappings, and two, swallowing these can cause an intestinal obstruction.

5. Chocolate - Not that we think that you would intentionally feed your dog chocolate (which we all know can be toxic to our canine friends), but since candy is often left out on tables for guests during the holidays, it made the list. Be sure to keep bowls filled with chocolate and other candies out of vision and out of reach of your dog.

6. The Garbage Gan - A frustrated pet who can't get a scrap out of his usually-generous parents may be tempted to dig around the trash bin and find a good number of the items listed above.

7. The Kitchen - Thanksgiving can be the busiest day of the year for the kitchen and you'll want to keep your pup out of there. With hot dishes being whisked from one counter to the next, there's a chance a dog that's under foot could be burned or cut if something were to shatter.

8. Holiday Plants - Sure it's Thanksgiving, but a good number of people have already decked the halls with holly by this time. Know that Poinsettias, holly berries, mistletoe and Cedar Christmas trees are toxic to dogs.

9. Decorations - Glass ornaments and candles are just begging for trouble. Like the chocolate, keep these out of reach of your dog.

10. Guests Who Mean Well - Educate your less pet-savvy visitors (and hey, maybe even send them this list). A child may accidentally feed a dog some chocolate and your great aunt might think she's being nice by sharing her turkey skin.

NPR

I realize many people just do not get how intuitive some of us cats/dogs can be.... Look at these links. The first one is a study that shows dogs do have an understanding of fairness and the second is a lady that plans to show that pet's grieve. ( And yes cats/dogs do listen to NPR and any other radio/tv shows their humans listen to )


http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97944783


http://www.npr.org/blogs/13.7/2011/10/20/141452847/do-animals-grieve


I understand that we need to demonstrate SCIENTIFICALLY these hypothesis but isn't it interesting that many pet owners/lovers have known this for years?

From Up Above

Wow. I am so lucky these guys understand cats! When Dr D came in this morning, she didn't complain at all that I was on the top shelf of the cages in my ward. She didn't see me at first....I love to look down on people without them knowing....but then I couldn't resist a little meow to get some Monday scratches. I guess that is why they also bought me a cat cloud. It blends into the wall so you really don't see it like those ugly towers with carpet that are so hard to clean and I can climb really high if I like. It's nice to be understood. :)

Copy Cat

People kept coming in and out of my office all day, and I felt like I could hardly get any work done. I don't know why these humans can't understand that I am very stressed and busy--I mean, come on! Its the holidays and I am rushing to get everything complete so I can spend time eating and sleeping and watching football. I made lots of copies and tried to get the employee handbook printed for the new year. I waited patiently while the handbooks printed:

Stressful Day in the Life of Bob

Today was extremely stressful (as you can see). We had several animals in the treatment area having various procedures and it was very hard for me to relax. I lead a very busy life and it is hard for me to find time to sleep. It is a very rough life I lead here at the Animal Hospital of Rowlett.

Plot Foiled...

I was upset recently when another attempt to sneak up into retail was foiled again. What's a few kernels to the clients? They usually like me and some even request some Bob time- heck they ought to mark the bags I sample UP and place an "approved by Bob" sticker on them. I am very discerning you know.