Tag: cat

Legislative Corner – Service and Emotional Support Animals

There is significant controversy and misunderstanding about the laws governing service and emotional support animals. This article will attempt to clear up some of the confusion and offer credible links to internet sites where readers can research the topic more deeply.

Essentially, the Federal Government says even in places where animals are prohibited, a person with a disability may not be excluded from any place people without disabilities are allowed, even if the disabled person is accompanied by a service animal. Further, the law says a service animal is NOT A PET. It’s an animal with a job to do. Here’s the link to the American Disabilities Act, the federal law governing access by people with disabilities and their service animals:

https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm

There are also State and Local laws pertaining to service animals. Here’s the link to the New York City Bar Association’s internet site pertaining to use of service animals in NY State:

http://documents.nycbar.org/files/guide-to-the-use-of-service-animals-in-new-york-state.html

The following link explains in some detail the difference between a psychiatric service animal and an emotional support animal.  You should note, the laws pertaining to service animals don’t automatically apply to emotional support animals. The link will explain the difference between the two:

http://servicedogcentral.org/content/node/76

To reiterate, an emotional support animal is not automatically covered by the ADA or the Human Rights Act of NY State, the way a psychiatric service animal would be. So if an emotional support animal issue erupts, the people involved may end up going to court to decide how the animal will be treated. In such a case, the court will refer to the individual case’s details in the light of prior cases (precedent) in the state legal archives. CLICK HERE for a link offering a number of cases where emotional support animal disagreements had to be settled by a New York court.

Bottom line is, if you are disabled and require a service animal, that animal will be trained to do a specific task to help you get through life. You and your service animal will have certain rights that other pet owners will not. If you have an emotional support animal, you will need to research in advance the policies of the places where you intend to go with that animal in order to be sure emotional support animals are allowed there.

If you love your pet and you do not truly have a disability, please be considerate and don’t just purchase a service pet harness or vest to gain your pet’s access to places where only service animals are allowed. Each time this is done, it risks public safety and it steps on the rights of people who truly need a trained animal’s help to get through life.

 

 

September 19, 2017 By Melinda Plasse In Newsletter 3 Comments Off on Legislative Corner – Service and Emotional Support Animals

Can I Come, Too? Pet Friendly Community Activities

Click on the smiling Pooch for the Capital Region Pet Friendly Guide.

 

September 19, 2017 By Melinda Plasse In Newsletter 3, Newsletter 5 Comments Off on Can I Come, Too? Pet Friendly Community Activities

Message from the President: TASP’s Position on the 2017 Gulf Hurricanes

TASP has received many enquiries about our plans for responding to the Gulf hurricanes this season.   At this time, several of our key people are massaging our schedules to comply with requests received from ASPCA and RedRover. As an all-volunteer organization, we have to be sure that when we, as individuals, are planning travel across the country to support animals victimized by a natural disaster, the needs of our own families, jobs and animals are provided for. So will TASP people be traveling to the gulf to help? Based on our individual situations, several of us are planning to respond with the national groups who have been invited in by the local jurisdictions, and with whom we already have relationships.

In the meantime, for those of you who want to help the animals and people currently under duress in the gulf, please consider making a financial donation to any one of the NARSC (National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition) organizations who are responding. If you aren’t sure who’s really a part of this qualified  coalition, CLICK HERE for a link to the list of the current NARSC membership: . And remember that the well being of pets depends on the well being of their owners.  Don’t underestimate how important pets are to the people who were evacuated from their homes in Texas, Louisiana, Florida and surrounding areas. These people need to get back on their feet asap and get their families back to something like normal. Organizations like The Salvation Army are the vital link to that. Your donation, made specifically for Harvey or Irma (or Jose? Maria?) Response, will go a long way toward bringing people and pets home.

Just a reminder to all of you who have been worrying about this: The south is used to bad storms and flooding and they have learned a lot from past experiences. Don’t forget that there are many qualified rescues and national animal welfare organizations who have an abundance of trained, qualified staff and volunteers located within driving distance of the disaster. Animal disaster response is handled much differently now (thank God), compared to the way things were handled after Hurricane Katrina. If you watched any news footage of the human rescues for Harvey and Irma, there were many images of animals and their people all leaving the home together. Thanks to lessons learned, many human shelters now allow pets in the same or a nearby separate shelter, so pet owners and pets can remain connected until they can all go back home. This works very well and has been used for years very successfully. Ever since George W. Bush’s PETS Act went into effect, local SARTs/CARTs (State/County Animal Response Teams) in the gulf have been drilling regularly in preparation for something like a Harvey or an Irma. They have had trailers filled with supplies and volunteers with go-bags already packed, ready for deployment when the call comes. Starting this August, the call came and came again; and all that preparation was put to work for the good of the pets in the gulf.

All the major states and cities in the gulf (and around the country, for that matter) have advance contracts called, “Memoranda of Understanding” already established with all sorts of non-governmental organizations for situations like hurricanes and other disasters. When the local jurisdictions feel they can’t manage the animal situation on their own, they contact the animal welfare organizations they’re already contracted with and invite them to enter the disaster zone to help the locals rescue and/or care for the displaced animals. The same “Incident Command” protocol used by fire, rescue and military is used now by all the bona fide Animal Disaster Response organizations in the NARSC coalition. This way, there is mutual accountability, communication and tracking that will sustain the mission and ensure the best possible outcome for pets and people.

Many months from now, when the gulf’s inhabitants are back on their feet and the emergency pet shelters and boarding facilities begin to deactivate, there may be a need for animals who were not reclaimed to be sent to foster care or to pre-qualified municipal shelters and rescues. Some may even be sent as far north as our back yard. But until that emergency sheltering/boarding period is over, the NARSC animal welfare organizations will not likely be sending owned hurricane animals anywhere. One of the primary purposes of emergency animal sheltering is to hold the animals until they are reclaimed by their owners. We are obligated to allow the owners to have their pets back once they are able to take them. You would expect the same courtesy if you were in their shoes, right? Animals who were already in the shelter prior to the hurricane’s arrival ARE being moved out to other shelters outside the disaster zone, and one local shelter, Mohawk Humane Society, actually just received 23 animals from a Texas shelter and is taking another 30 from Florida shelters. But if someone asks you to finance their trip to the gulf today to bring back animals and they’re not affiliated with one of the authorized member organizations, you might want to ask a lot more questions before opening your wallet.

Thank you all for caring and praying about this situation. Having worked plenty of disasters in the past, I can tell you there are few sights that compare with the look on a displaced person’s face when they are with their beloved pet, no matter what else they may have lost. As the hurricane season continues to evolve, we will be bringing you our own personal accounts of what we find when we deploy to wherever we’re needed. Until then, take comfort in knowing it’s a blessing for something like a Harvey or an Irma to happen in 2017 instead of 2007; animal disaster response has come a long way since then.

 

 

 

September 19, 2017 By Melinda Plasse In Newsletter 3 Comments Off on Message from the President: TASP’s Position on the 2017 Gulf Hurricanes

In Their Own Words – Feedback from the Field

Being all-volunteer, TASP is mostly made up of people who have full time jobs or school.  Even our volunteers who are retired have grandchildren to tend to. Usually, we all are so busy, we make time to get TASP projects completed, and time for our family and our own animals; but that rarely leaves time to tell anyone about what TASP is doing in the community. And to make things even more stealthy, a great deal of the people we serve don’t have access to a computer; so they aren’t able to write glowing reviews about TASP on the internet. But every once in awhile, we get a letter, a text message or an email that makes us stop and smile or cry (happy tears), and reminds us about why we’re doing what we’re doing for animals and their owners. Now that we have our e-newsletter up and running, we’re happy to have the opportunity to share some of these with you.

A text message from Wayne and his dog, “Steve:”

“….Just wanted to say again thank you for your help I don’t know what I would do without all you and the vets help and he is getting around 90 percent better has more energy just like he did before and I know he got great care and now he can sleep on couch again and rip up paper plates and towels all over house but hes back and I thank you with all my heart Im keeping your number god bless….Wayne and Steve”

devil-steve_edited-1

 

An email from Rose, daughter, Kimba, and their cat, “Lincoln:”

“…… I can’t begin to tell you how much difference this will make in our lives. Lincoln will get his much-needed surgery plus the dental.  We……..were afraid that we were not going to be able to save up in enough time to that care of his problem. We found Lincoln along with his sister Holly 8 years ago, at the age of 8 months, struggling to survive under a porch on pieces of bread, cereal and milk someone was giving them because they had nothing more. I took them in, had them vetted and tried to find homes for them. No one wanted black teen cats that were not so friendly at the time. We decided we would keep them in spite of not having much means to care for them when things like this occur. We are forever grateful …… Again, thank you!”

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December 4, 2016 By Melinda Plasse In Newsletter 2 Comments Off on In Their Own Words – Feedback from the Field

With a Little Help From His Friends……..

Ed has always been the guy in his neighborhood that everyone brought animals to. Need a place to stash your pet while you’re in rehab? Give it to Ed. Can’t deal with that crazy puppy anymore? Give it to Ed. Moving to an apartment and can’t take a pet with you? Ed will take it.

Animals have been a part of Ed’s life for as long as he can remember; at age 84, that’s a lot of remembering. He and his wife lived a modest life on a little piece of land on a back road not far from here. They ran their own business out of their mobile home and lived a relatively simple but contented existence. They were genuinely kind people; they never turned away a visitor; two-legged or four-legged.

When the wife died of cancer, life became much harder and lonelier for Ed. Their animals, mostly dogs and cats, filled the empty space that remained. They became the primary companions for this elderly man who carried food and water to them each day, neglecting his own needs to make sure they had enough to eat. But as time marches on, our bodies become more frail and our stamina isn’t what it used to be. Our animals age, too. They need more care, more amenities, and more attention. Tasks that once took just a few minutes can take much longer when we’re older. And it seems like everything breaks down around us. Facing this alone can be absolutely overwhelming, and for a proud, independent man like Ed, it’s hard to admit defeat.

Debbie met Ed when she approached him about spaying his cats. Unable to run the business anymore and living on a small monthly social security check, Ed had eventually found it impossible to offer veterinary care to any of his own animals, let alone the stray cats who seemed to materialize out of nowhere and multiply out of control. Once he was sure Deb wasn’t there to judge or condemn him, the old man was happy to accept her help.

Deb and Leona methodically and religiously showed up at Ed’s place several times each month with traps, bait and blankets; trapping and transporting, bringing the spayed and vaccinated feral adults back for release while adopting out the kittens who were still friendly enough to find adoption. They brought food and houses and straw for bedding. And gradually, the population stabilized. Now, sleek, healthy cats lounge peacefully in the sun outside Ed’s mobile home. And the kittens are all growing up socialized with loving families of their own.

During this process, trust and friendship between Ed and these two TASP volunteers grew and a bond was created. Soon it would be time for Deb and Leona to introduce Ed to some more TASP volunteers so the living condition of his dogs could be improved. Over the months that these ladies had been doing the Trap Neuter Return (TNR) of the cats, other TASP volunteers, Win, Tim, Michelene, Mitch and a group of outstanding young men from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Acacia Fraternity, were building five large insulated dog houses at a property in Pittstown. Donated kennel panels were being stockpiled and prepared. These would be the new homes designed for the 5 dogs currently living chained to aging coops in the tall weeds at Ed’s place.

Flash forward to November 4. TASP volunteers pull into Ed’s driveway to deliver the kennel panels and to meet with Ed about where to place the new homes. It was decided that arranging the kennels across the long side of the mobile home would allow for the most space and the easiest access for the old man who would be tending to these equally old dogs. On the following day, Ed and his son worked shoulder to shoulder with 8 TASP volunteers to clear the site, distribute the new houses and erect the kennels. All the while, curious neighbors came to witness the event. One even cried for joy at the change that occurred that day for animals AND people.

While we were there, all of us saw for ourselves how much Ed truly loves these animals and how much they truly love and trust him. Aged and not accustomed to a lot of company, the dogs would not have stood much chance as shelter pets. “Unadoptable,” would be the term used to describe them. But with Ed, they were friends and equals; they got the best care Ed could afford to give them.

As they entered the kennels in pairs, with their side by side houses, the dogs reacted to the new living arrangements with 100% approval.  The old coon hounds climbed right up into the straw in their houses and started arranging their nests. The two Chow sisters frolicked together and rolled in the grass outside their houses, finally able to play like regular dogs instead of gazing at each other, chained, from across the yard. The big red Chow male who preferred to have his own kennel in the middle smiled gratefully outside his new house, glancing with approval at the Chow girls and the old hounds who were now his next-door neighbors.

All the time we were working at Ed’s he kept coming over and trying to give us things: a screwdriver he wanted us to have, a 2017 calendar sporting photos of puppies and kittens, an extra set of wrenches he said he couldn’t use. He wanted so badly to do something for us because he valued so deeply what we were doing for him. As we were leaving, he touched my arm and said, “I love you all, now and forever.”

We now have a NEW TASP Volunteer, Ed’s son! He was so impressed by what TASP does that he wants to be a part of this kind of animal welfare work. We visit Ed now and then to drop off donated food and to chat with the old man. When the time comes, Ed will return the kennels and houses to TASP so they can be rehabbed and reused for the next needy dogs. But for now, he and his dogs are welcome to these gifts. And life is good at Ed’s place these days.

Ready to see the video? Click here to view.

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December 4, 2016 By Melinda Plasse In Newsletter 2 Comments Off on With a Little Help From His Friends……..

Vet Sci 101 – Winter Safety for Pets

Vet Science 101 – Winter Safety for Pets

Now that winter is on its way, there are different dangers that our pets may be exposed to, such as frigid temperatures, ice melt and antifreeze.  In this edition of Vet Science 101, we will discuss these wintertime dangers, symptoms of exposure, and what to do if your pet encounters one of these situations.

Hypothermia

Extremely cold temperatures can cause serious problems for animals that are outside for even short periods of time. Most pets are not bred to withstand temperatures below freezing (32 degrees F). People mistakenly think that their pet is not affected by the cold because they have a fur coat, but nothing could be further from the truth.  Cats and dogs can suffer, and even die from hypothermia.

Hypothermia occurs when an animal’s internal temperature becomes too low for the body to function normally. It can affect all animals but those who are wet, small, elderly, young, or outside with no shelter are most affected.  Symptoms of hypothermia include:

 

  • Severe lethargy
  • Decreased appetite
  • Decreased responsiveness
  • Low body temperature (on average below 98 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • Discoloration of skin – especially red or blackened extremities
  • Pale or white gums

 

Hypothermia is a medical emergency and you should seek immediate veterinary attention if you find an animal with these symptoms.

 

However, if for some reason it is absolutely necessary for your pet to be outdoors for an extended period of time in cold weather, make sure your pet has access to the following at all times:

  • Shelter with draft-proof walls and good bedding such as straw or cedar
  • Fresh water that has not frozen
  • Ample quantities of fresh food (exposure to the cold increases the body’s need for fuel and calories)
  • Blankets and/or coats

 

Antifreeze and ice melt

 

Antifreeze is an extremely dangerous winter toxin.  Pets are attracted to the odor and taste of it. Ingestion of antifreeze can cause acute, fatal kidney failure. Be sure to clean up any antifreeze spills that may result when adding or changing the antifreeze in your car and make sure antifreeze is in sealed containers that are out of reach of children and pets. If your pet does ingest antifreeze, seek immediate veterinary attention.

 

While ice melt is not toxic in small amounts, these salt-based products can cause irritation to your pet’s mouth and skin. They can also cause serious stomach issues if large volumes are ingested. The possibility also exists for sodium toxicity and hyperkalemia if an animal eats large quantities. If possible, purchase ice melt that is pet-friendly to use at home. If your pet is exposed to ice melt during walks on streets and sidewalks, or even at home, wipe off your pet’s paws with a warm, damp cloth to prevent licking and ingestion.

 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this site is a guide only. It does not substitute for professional veterinary advice. Please contact your local veterinary clinic or emergency veterinary hospital for consultations for medical conditions. Please do not attempt diagnosis or treatment of conditions by yourself.

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December 4, 2016 By Melinda Plasse In Newsletter 2, Pet Safety and Resources Comments Off on Vet Sci 101 – Winter Safety for Pets

Tip of the Quarter – Doggie Howlzer says, “Holidays present dangers to pets.”

Every holiday season, your home is sure to be filled with fun and holiday cheer. It is a time for celebration with friends and family, and that often includes our four legged friends. It’s important to consider your pet’s safety when decorating and preparing holiday meals. Here is a list of cautions to keep in mind when living or visiting with cats and dogs.

Food

While it may be tempting to feed your pets trimmings and scraps (even I, the good doctor, have been known to beg for a turkey leg!), please resist for the sake of your pet’s health. There are two groups of food to avoid feeding your pet. One is toxic foods which require an immediate visit to the veterinarian.

The other group is high-fat foods which can lead to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and can affect both dogs and cats.

Toxic Foods

  • Xylitol (a sugar substitute found in gum and candies) can cause death in even the smallest amounts
  • Raisins, grapes – can cause kidney failure and even death
  • Uncooked bread dough
  • Onions
  • Certain spices/oils – (sage)
  • Chocolate (dark chocolate is more toxic than milk chocolate)
  • Avocado (seed only)

High Fat Foods

  • Turkey (dark meat)
  • Buttery/Fried Dishes
  • Stuffing (if cooked with butter or whole milk)
  • Gravy
  • Casseroles (depending on the fat content)
  • Certain Desserts

Holiday Plants

Holiday plants may be mistaken for food by our pets. Side effects include gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea as well as more life-threatening conditions. Be especially cautious of the following if you choose to display these plant species  in your home:

  • Lilies (all varieties, including Easter Lily and Amaryllis): these can cause acute renal (kidney) failure in our feline friends. It is very important if your cat eats any type of Lily plant that you seek immediate veterinary care.
  • Mistletoe
  • Poinsettias
  • Holly
  • Pine tree needles and sap
  • Christmas Cactus

CLICK HERE to see The ASPCA’s  list of the Top 5 Holiday Toxins for Pets.

Decorations

Many pets find holiday decorations very appealing. However, this can lead to various types of injuries.

  • Ornaments: Pets may think these are toys and ingest (eat) them and/ or choke on them. Glass ornaments can cause cuts on paws and to the mouth and digestive tract, if swallowed. They can also get stuck in the GI tract and need surgical removal.
  • Tinsel/Ribbon/Garland/Wrapping Paper: Pets often find tinsel and ribbon quite intriguing. This is especially true for cats. If ingested, any of these items can get trapped in the intestines. This requires immediate veterinary attention and can be life threatening if not addressed.
  • Potpourri: The festive scent can entice pets to investigate. Make sure containers are covered or not accessible. If ingested, potpourri can cause GI upset (vomiting and diarrhea).
  • Christmas tree water: Many pets love to drink the water in the tree stand. Be cautious if you use chemicals in the water to preserve the life of your tree as these can be harmful to your pets.

Lights/Candles/Electrical Cords

The glow of lights and candles add a warm touch to dark, wintry nights. Our furry friends, however, may see things differently.

  • Candles or Fireplaces: Any type of flame candle or fire can cause a burn risk to our furry friends.
  • Wires/Electrical Cords: Pets may think lights or cords are toys. They may chew them and experience an electrical shock (which can be life-threatening), or create a fire risk.
  • Presents: Some holiday gifts may contain small parts, batteries, or buttons that can be hazardous if swallowed.

With careful planning and preparation, the holidays can be fun, festive, and safe for all…and to all a good night!

Doggie Howlser, M.Dog

 

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December 4, 2016 By Melinda Plasse In Newsletter 2 Comments Off on Tip of the Quarter – Doggie Howlzer says, “Holidays present dangers to pets.”

Local Low Cost Pet Services

Low-cost Clinics

In each newsletter we will list various shelters and organizations that provide low-cost veterinary services, such as vaccines, microchipping, and spay/neuter to individuals who may need financial assistance affording vet care for their companion animal(s).

Animal Protective Foundation (APF) – Located at 53 Maple Avenue in Scotia, the APF provides lower-cost spay/neuter clinics.  Appointments must be made in advance by calling 374-3944, ext. 121 or 125 (please leave a message) or email: afpclinic@animalprotective.org.  For more details go to: www.animalprotective.org

Battenkill Veterinary – Rabies Vaccination Clinics held Monday through Friday from 2-3PM on a walk-in basis. For more details: http://battenkillveterinary.com/

Mohawk Hudson Humane Society – Lower-fee spay and neuter for individuals with limited income. Appointments must be made in advance by calling the Menands shelter at 434-8128 or the Saratoga shelter at 886-9645. For more details go to: www.mohawkhumane.org/spayneuter.html

Capital Region PETCO Stores – Low cost vaccinations through VETCO, with convenient hours. Click here to check availability at Capital District stores.

Pet Supplies Plus – VIP PetCare Community Veterinary Clinic offering: low cost vaccines, heartworm testing and prevention, and other preventative veterinary services including canine Rabies vaccines and micro-chipping. No appointment necessary, first-come, first-served. For more information, visit www.VipPetCare.com or contact the store. Click here to check availability at Capital District stores.

Tractor Supply Company (TSC) – Offers monthly preventative vet care visits at many of their locations in the Capital District, Washington County, and Bennington County, Vermont.  The clinics are operated by VIP Petcare Mobile Clinics with a licensed vet on staff. No appointment is needed and there is only a charge for the vaccinations. Contact your local TSC for dates and times. Click here to reach the Tractor Supply website.

In Case You Don’t Live in NY’s Capital District, you can find low cost spay-neuter clinics at this cool ASPCA site: Click Here to check it out.

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December 4, 2016 By Melinda Plasse In Newsletter 2, Pet Safety and Resources Comments Off on Local Low Cost Pet Services