HE'S BAACK---FURTHER ADVENTURES OF ANDY

Well, it's time to update Raggedy Andy's story. I wrote about him earlier, telling the tale of this poor, lost, beautiful white Ragdoll kitten found on the streets of Dartmouth. Once he was seen in the library EVERYBODY wanted him. He had actually been adopted several weeks ago. We were waiting to have him neutered when he developed severe symptoms of an upper respiratory infection-snuffly nose, coughing. He had taken medicine twice before to "cure" him, but apparently nothing worked. A friend, Carol, who is my Cat" Wheels" person, ran him once again to the vet, who prescribed yet another antibiotic in the hopes of curing it once and for all. Unfortunately, right before his neutering appointment, the sneezing started again. His new "mom" has been so patient, waiting for three weeks, but was concerned that there might be some underlying serious problem, so awaited the vet's clearing him to be taken home. Finally, a change in diet was tried-dry food only, using CORE Wellness food , and he seems to be OK, finally. He's back at my house now, making friends again with his old pals. We thought he'd never be able to go to his Forever Home. Needless to say, I would have kept him, snuffles and all, but it looks like he'll join his new brother, Cosmo, on Friday! In 24 hours I've discovered he'll make friends with anybody and loves a bathtub-even with water in it---don't ask.......

ALL ARE WELCOME IN THE LIBRARY

There's a new sign on our lobby door which reads "We welcome four-footed visitors". So many of our patrons bring their pets in to visit that we've decided to honor them by posting their names on a sign. Of course all get treats, so that is a great lure. Some even come right behind the circulation desk because they know where the kibbles are kept! (You know who you are Merry and Honey.....)

We greet by name:

• Lily (has her own library card)
• Merry
• Honey
• Abigail
• Magnus
• Andy (Ragdoll cat)
• Molly (cat)
• Wanda (cat)
• Koby (cat)
• Mason (cat)
• Emma (cat)
• Nicholas
• Annabelle
• Rosie
• Tweety (in absentia-Parakeet)
• Suzie Q (Parakeet-in spirit) and......
  Oodles of kittens..........

HOARDING--A DISASTER FOR PETS

Hoarding occurs when someone keeps too many pets of any kind in close quarters-it could be a house, shed, barn or a combination of all three. (It may not necessarily be a puppy or kitten mill for profit, but denial about good care may be just as harmful.) Usually, there is no effort made to spay/neuter them, so they keep breeding. Since cats/dogs don't recognize family relationships, relatives will mate and the offspring soon begin showing signs of severe genetic damage, or do not live long. The first cat I fostered for Cause for Paws was the result of such a tragedy. Luckily, "Boston Blackie" only suffers from very short front legs. She looks a little like a Chihuahua. Of course this impairment doesn't bother her around the house, but she would never survive outside. Another adoptee of mine, Kodiak, was born with bent front legs and couldn't walk at all. The vet was able to splint them when he was very young and he learned to walk on these tiny sticks with pink covers-looked cute- but hated hobbling around when he should have been running until they straightened out.....What should you do if you become aware of such a situation in your area? The difficulty in confronting a neighbor is that there are legal issues of property rights to consider. However, if you suspect neglect of animals you can contact your local Animal Control Officer or shelter. They have officers trained to handle such situations. Most of us are primarily concerned with the health and happiness of those with no voice. Speak out if you feel you must.