RNER Alert
there’s great stuff on the market to help us out, including safe oral or injectable allergy medications that block our itch receptors on a molecular or cellular level.
When a 10-year-old basset hound fled from her neglectful home, she didn’t just rescue herself from abuse and poor conditions; she ended up saving more than 30 other animals from unimaginable suffering. Hero, as she’s since been named, was in bad shape when animal rescuers first discovered her. Emaciated and dirty, her overgrown nails had twisted, making it painful for her to walk. She had a painful bladder infection and heartworms. Despite the pain she was in, she made a daring escape, and her ID tag led animal control to a house of horrors. Officers found 36 other dogs, a chicken, and a cat at the location, suffering from various ailments and signs of abuse. Some animals lived in small, dirty cages; others had injuries and signs of malnutrition. All of them were dirty and had a medical issue of some kind. It was clear they needed help. The Humane Society of Concord took in 15 of the dogs, including Hero, and other local rescues housed the rest. When the sad story of these neglected dogs reached the community, people heard the call and donated funds to help cover their medical and care costs. If it had not been for Hero’s life-saving feat, there’s no telling what would have become of her furry friends. The shelter that named her Hero even gave her a last name, Salvare, which means to save and protect. They described her as “a friendly girl with the softness of a sweet old lady” who deserved a quiet home as she recovered. Hero has since found her forever home and was adopted the next day after the shelter searched for a new owner. Thanks to the kind and persevering hound, many other dogs from the home have also been adopted. Jailbreak for Justice HOW A SENIOR HOUND’S ESCAPE CHANGED DOZENS OF LIVES
How’s that for high-tech?
There are also soothing shampoos that our humans can give us to make us feel better, and special diets can sometimes help us as well. Of course, keeping the house as clean and free of dust as possible is a huge way to keep us from having a bad reaction. And don’t forget to put us on a good flea preventative!
Until next time, may your fall be fun and your sneezes and scratches be slight!
–Sam
Hairball Control Cat Treats Inspired by Vitacost.com
• 1 1/4 cup brown rice flour • 1/3 cup canned pumpkin • 1 brown egg • 3 tbsp ground flax INGREDIENTS
• 3 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp water • 1 tbsp catnip (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F and set aside a sheet of parchment paper. 2. Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a medium bowl. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it cool for 5 minutes in the fridge. 3. Unwrap and knead. On parchment paper, roll dough out to 1/4- inch thickness. 4. Use a pizza cutter to cut narrow strips of dough vertically, then repeat in the opposite direction, creating a patchwork grid. 5. Transfer parchment paper and dough to a cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes. 6. Remove from oven and break up the treat grid. Spread pieces evenly and return to oven for another 10–15 minutes or until golden brown. 7. Let cool and give your feline friend a treat they deserve.
“Despite Hero’s sad backstory, she’s proof that dogs are resilient creatures that only show love that is unconditional,” the shelter wrote.
Hero may have started as a victim, but she ended a chapter of abuse as a rescuer. Her quiet bravery saved her and transformed the lives of dozens of others, proving that even in the darkest places, hope can come on four legs and floppy ears.
PetersenPetHospital.com
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