A Tweet for "Tweetie"

One of our library patrons, who visits often, shares tales about his parakeet Tweetie. Now, this is no ordinary bird. He acts more like a dog---one who can fly of course, but very devoted to his owner, whom he seems to regard as a true friend. The cage is always open, and T enjoys perfect freedom, though never in the outside world. I asked about the danger of his escaping, and Bob says that Tweetie loves to look at the others on the other side of the window, but is wise enough to know that he has a Very Good Thing right where he is. He loves to shoulder-sit and just be nearby when Big Bird (as he probably calls B.) is reading or cooking. If left alone for too many hours, however, T cops an attitude,gets uppity, and will not come when called. Hmmm, sounds very human to me. This parakeet is no "canary in a coal mine", rather he lives more like a Bird in a Gilded Cage!

Believe it or Not--Cat waits on library steps.....

As readers of this blog know, we welcome many dogs, and their owners, during any given week, and share treats and affection. Dogs now pull owners in to get all that special attention. Our new "Puppy Patron" cards are ready to go, and each pet gets one. They look remarkably like the SAILS ID's. However, we have NOT issued Pussy Cat Cards because few come in, though an occasional carrier appears, or I have a batch of kittens looking for homes. This situation took a 90 degree turn the other day with the appearance of "Buddy", a brown-striped cat, sitting in our open door-way, waiting for his mom and two human siblings to take out their books. We were told that B accompanies them all over town---with no leash...... Will wonders never cease? This is truly One for the Books!

Canine Allergies---Real or Not?

Who'd a thunk it? Apparently, dogs are now hypoallergenic just like we humans. I remember a friend's saying that her German Shepherd would gnaw at his foot in September every year, and had to have cortisone cream applied. Kind of odd.....but unique to Charley. Then.....along came Sammi, my library dog, who started going into frenzies of itching. At first I had her groomed. Being clean and short-haired did nothing to address the problem. Then, I scrupulously appled flea treatments-no dice. She would shake her head so hard, I thought she'd get a concussion. We checked for earmites-none found. Reading articles on-line turned up the disturbing fact that dogs, like humans, can be allergic to their total environment-dust, pollen, etc. To put Sammi in a bubble or not?.....Universally, vets urge us all to restrict their diets. Now she is on a "cat" diet. Believe it or not, dogs love tuna-at least Sammi does. Add to any fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines-fresh or canned), rice-brown or white. It makes a tasty casserole, apparently. She literally wolfs it down. Also, there is an Iams product in dry kibble made of only fish and rice available at the vet's. Good luck with this diet. So far, it's working!

HOT DOGS (AND CATS)

Whew! The "dog" days of summer are here! What can we do to ensure the health and comfort of our pets? Those who dwell in air conditioned comfort don't have to worry about dehydration and panting. This goes for trips in our cars, too. Once it's turned off, if we park our vehicles for ANY length of time, even in the shade, we must all be aware that the internal temperature rises extremely rapidly. I've found that even with the windows open, Sammi is hunkered down on the floor where it's coolest, in spite of some air coming in on top. Having rescued cats for years, I wasn't aware just how fast panting started. I can tell immediately if she's uncomfortable. As many of you know, Sammi spends weekdays in the library. On weekends however, we're at home with breezes from the river to cool us. The humidity is oppressive, however, and I've noticed that she does not like to go to bed in her room (yup, she has one to herself) until much later than usual. So, we stay downstairs in comparative comfort until it's dark when she will go to sleep peacefully. Her appetite is quite small, too, as many of you have noticed with your pets. Much as we all attempt to do, it's best for them to eat smaller amounts more often, and have water available wherever they like to play and sleep-mine are all over the house.... Just remember, if you're feeling miserable---they probably are too!

Frigid weather vs. Fluffy, etc.

During my early morning walk with Sammi today, I had to wrap my heavy wool scarf around my face just to breathe and endure the cold. Right now, in Southeastern Massachusetts it is bitter cold, as it is in many areas of the country. We should all be especially aware of our pets' needs, as we ourselves put on extra layers. Of course they all have fur or hair, but this outer "coat" may not be enough to protect them from the ultra chill presently settled in around here. Some of us have (overly) pampered our pets with sweaters or fleece coats which do add an extra layer in their mid section-not their heads or rear ends, however. Dogs need to go out several times a day, and probably will not want to do so. Whether or not with their human companions, it's best to make it quick. Small dogs, like Sammi, can be aided with puppy pads inside, and using them for a day or two will not break their good housebroken habits, as I have witnessed.
If you are one of those kindly souls helping stray cats, housing is a must, whether in shed, barn, or garage. Extra food helps deal with the cold, which is requiring them to use extra calories to keep warm. (The same goes for house animals who do go outside as needed.) Also, it is very important to check water bowls, which will quickly freeze over. Some folks have little heaters which keep this from happening, if there's an outlet nearby.
Finally, be aware of pets in your neighborhood. A friendly call might alert a neighbor to a pet's distress. If they're away for the day at work, you could give a cat or dog some shelter in the garage if it starts to snow, for example. If you see a stray cat, call your local Animal Control Officer. Should the cat be owned, but has wandered, the shelter will surrender it immediately once a call is made. The awful alternative would be freezing to death, and we don't even want to contemplate that. So------snuggle with your animals and think about scarves for the squirrels!

Happy Birthday Sammi!

Sammi Sez: Thank you so much for my wonderful "paw"ty yesterday! I know all the kids and moms loved the cakes with their beautiful icing, made specially for me by my friend Jill Houck,(who always gives me a cookie when I visit her, I might add.)...I was glad to see other four-footed friends, Bella and Money Penny, and I even gave them some of my special doggy cake . The grownups sat around eating and talking, which was fun for them, too. Rosemary Grey, our children's librarian and Corinna Raznikov took beautiful pictures (even of my mom's wild pink tights-matching the cakes). We hope some of the photos will be in the Wanderer for everyone to share. So.....to all my many library friends-------a big Shih Tzu kiss-come and see me any time!!! S.

Come celebrate Sammi's first birthday!

The library is celebrating Sammi's first birthday on Thursday, December 9 from 3-4 p.m. S will have her very own "doggie" cake, and everyone else will enjoy yummy "people" delights. All ages are welcome to join the festivities and sign a card for our favorite pooch. We know many of you would like to give Sammi presents, but at this time we know she would prefer to remember all those pets who are not so fortunate to have so many people nearby who love them. So......if you'd like, bring dog or cat food, and we'll distribute all of it to local shelters. We will be giving out book marks ahead of time to help everyone remember the date, so stop by the library and get yours. Sammi and I look forward to seeing you all then!