So I first started this blog because it was required for the class that I was taking in high school, called WISE. It was a really cool class, where basically all I had to do was choose a topic that I was really interested in and do research and any type of volunteering or internship that related to it. So I chose animals, because what I want to do in life is work with animals, specifically by becoming a veterinarian.
Well, now WISE is over, as well as high school, and I have started college. I have just started studying animal science at the university of Massachusetts, and I am going into the pre-vet path. So even though my WISE class is over, and I am no longer required to write and publish blog posts for a grade, I thought I would still do it. It was nice being able to write down my thoughts about some of the experiences I have had, as well as my opinions on certain topics.
So some of my posts will probably be a little random, and I probably won't be able to post as often as I would like to because I ended up having all hard classes this semester, but if anyone is reading this blog, I hope you enjoy!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Pitbulls
Pitbulls are one of the most famous dog breeds in the united states. Unfortunately, they have a bad reputation. Many people think that pitbulls are viscous dogs, and possibly the meanest dog breed out there. There are also many myths concerning pitbulls, such as they have a jaw that locks shut and won't let anything go after they have bitten something, they will turn on their owner, and their brain will swell up and cause them to go insane when they get angry, which is one myth that was even once associated with Dobermans. Another myth is that they are mean dogs and that they are only good for fighting. But none of these myths are true.
Although, pitbulls have been breed to be fighting dogs in the past, that does not mean that it is their true nature or that that is all they are good for. With proper training, any dog can be a good and obedient dog. There is also no evidence that says a pitbull's jaw can lock shut, it is exactly the same as any other dog's jaw. There is also no way for a dog's brain to swell up and cause it to go insane. There is no possible way for that to happen to any dog!
Many people also get confused and think that there is only one pitbull breed, but in reality there are several breeds that people call "pitbulls." Some of these breeds are the American Pitbull Terrior, the American Staffordshire Terrior, and the Staffordshire bull terrior. Each of which, has their own seperate characteristics that make them unique. I think people need to be more informed about the so called "dangerous dog breeds," and learn that with proper training, any dog has the ability to be a good dog.
Although, pitbulls have been breed to be fighting dogs in the past, that does not mean that it is their true nature or that that is all they are good for. With proper training, any dog can be a good and obedient dog. There is also no evidence that says a pitbull's jaw can lock shut, it is exactly the same as any other dog's jaw. There is also no way for a dog's brain to swell up and cause it to go insane. There is no possible way for that to happen to any dog!
Many people also get confused and think that there is only one pitbull breed, but in reality there are several breeds that people call "pitbulls." Some of these breeds are the American Pitbull Terrior, the American Staffordshire Terrior, and the Staffordshire bull terrior. Each of which, has their own seperate characteristics that make them unique. I think people need to be more informed about the so called "dangerous dog breeds," and learn that with proper training, any dog has the ability to be a good dog.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
New Place To Volunteer
This week I found a new place to volunteer. It's at the Weston animal Hospital. I had never even noticed that it was there. Of course, I never really go to that area so it would make sense that I've never seen it before, but still, I've never heard about it. I was so exited when I found it. It looked really nice inside and it seemed to be a really clean place.
Once I went in, I asked them if they took volunteers or if they offered any internships. They said yes and gave me an application to fill out. Since I am still not seventeen yet, I cannot do an internship, so I applied to volunteer. After I finished filling out the application, the manager interviewed me for a few minutes. When we were done, she said that I could go volunteer. I was so surprised because at other places where I have applied to volunteer, after I filled out an application, all they would say was that they would call me back. I still haven't even heard back from some of the places that I applied for, so I was super excited to hear that I could just call in and go volunteer.
I'm still not sure when I'll go volunteer yet, but I think I'm going to call some time this week and see if I can volunteer this weekend. The manager said that the best time to volunteer would be in the morning and when the kennel manager is there. So Hopefully she will be there during the weekend.
Once I went in, I asked them if they took volunteers or if they offered any internships. They said yes and gave me an application to fill out. Since I am still not seventeen yet, I cannot do an internship, so I applied to volunteer. After I finished filling out the application, the manager interviewed me for a few minutes. When we were done, she said that I could go volunteer. I was so surprised because at other places where I have applied to volunteer, after I filled out an application, all they would say was that they would call me back. I still haven't even heard back from some of the places that I applied for, so I was super excited to hear that I could just call in and go volunteer.
I'm still not sure when I'll go volunteer yet, but I think I'm going to call some time this week and see if I can volunteer this weekend. The manager said that the best time to volunteer would be in the morning and when the kennel manager is there. So Hopefully she will be there during the weekend.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Fostering
On Saturday at the Humane Society of Greater Miami there is going to be a fostering class. I have been wanting to foster a dog for a long time and now that my sister has moved out and will be taking her dog with her, I thought this would be the perfect time to try and convince my parents to let me foster a dog. I already have one dog and since he is an older dog, and older dogs usually tend to be calmer, I feel like he I can trust him being around new dogs. I know that he is also going to get lonely without my sister's dog being around.
The reason why I waited until my sister's dog left, was because she is only about five years old and she is the type of dog breed that can become very hyper. Many of the dogs that need fostering are ones that are very stressed out from being in the shelter around so many dogs that are always barking, and need a break. So I feel like my sister's dog might be too much for the dogs to handle being around. I'm so excited to go and learn about what it is to be an animal foster, hopefully I'll be able to foster a dog or puppy soon.
The reason why I waited until my sister's dog left, was because she is only about five years old and she is the type of dog breed that can become very hyper. Many of the dogs that need fostering are ones that are very stressed out from being in the shelter around so many dogs that are always barking, and need a break. So I feel like my sister's dog might be too much for the dogs to handle being around. I'm so excited to go and learn about what it is to be an animal foster, hopefully I'll be able to foster a dog or puppy soon.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Interview
This week was very exciting! I got to interview a holistic veterinarian. It was pretty hard to find one, especially because there aren't that many around south Florida. I had to search online to find some holistic veterinarians, and many of them were located further up north. After I found a few, I had to make some phone calls to see if they would even let me interview them. I had a little trouble with that because, there were a few that would not answer when I called. I wasn't sure if it was because I was calling after office hours, and since didn't have their website, I couldn't even check for their office hours. But finally, i found one place that answered when I called. When she answered, I asked the woman if I would be able to interview the holistic veterinarian at the clinic. Then, the next day I got a call back from the clinic and the they said that I could schedule a day to go in and interview the veterinarian. So I had scheduled to go interview the vet for Tuesday the following week.
Unfortunately, as Tuesday approached, I had to reschedule. My father's best friend's mother had passed away that Tuesday morning and my dad had to help his best friend with funerals arrangements. Because my dad was gone, and everyone else in my family is gone during the day, I had no way of getting to the interview. So then, I had to call and reschedule the interview for the next Tuesday. Finally, when Tuesday had arrived, I was able to go to the interview. I was sooo excited to ask Dr. Keller my questions.
Dr. Keller provided me with some very useful information and advice. Some of the things she told me were, that I should get as much experience as I can with all types of animals, not only small animals. She had said that not having enough experience was the only reason that she had not gotten into medical school the first time she applied, because she had never been told that knowing about all types of animals was so important. She also said that getting a minor in psychology was a good thing to do, because it is important to know how to deal with the animal's owners. Some of the modalities that she used were Chinese herbs, acupuncture, and chiropractics.
Dr. Keller was very sweet and seemed to really love her job, and care for the animals. I would definitely recommend her to anyone who is looking for a holistic veterinarian.
Unfortunately, as Tuesday approached, I had to reschedule. My father's best friend's mother had passed away that Tuesday morning and my dad had to help his best friend with funerals arrangements. Because my dad was gone, and everyone else in my family is gone during the day, I had no way of getting to the interview. So then, I had to call and reschedule the interview for the next Tuesday. Finally, when Tuesday had arrived, I was able to go to the interview. I was sooo excited to ask Dr. Keller my questions.
Dr. Keller provided me with some very useful information and advice. Some of the things she told me were, that I should get as much experience as I can with all types of animals, not only small animals. She had said that not having enough experience was the only reason that she had not gotten into medical school the first time she applied, because she had never been told that knowing about all types of animals was so important. She also said that getting a minor in psychology was a good thing to do, because it is important to know how to deal with the animal's owners. Some of the modalities that she used were Chinese herbs, acupuncture, and chiropractics.
Dr. Keller was very sweet and seemed to really love her job, and care for the animals. I would definitely recommend her to anyone who is looking for a holistic veterinarian.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Cat Declawing and Dog Debarking
The other day I was watching a movie, and in it there was a dog that had been debarked. Although the movie did not portray it as a good thing to do to dogs, they didn't show that it was actually a bad thing to do to animals.
Many dogs every year are debarked because their owners think they bark too much, or are too loud. De barking is when, by a surgical procedure, a small amount of tissue in a dog's vocal chords is removed. Since a dog's vocal chords are not being removed is still has the ability to bark, just at a lower volume. What a lot of people don't know is that debarking a dog is not a good thing too do. In some cases, scar tissue can build up and cause problems with the dog's breathing. There is also a reason why a dog barks. It's to let us know how they are feeling, whether to tell us if they are happy, frustrated, or scared, they don't bark continuous for no reason. Debarking a dog is just a quick solution that ignores the reason for why a dog is barking so much, in the first place.
I have also seen cats that were declawed while volunteering. Now I know that declawing cats is more common than debarking a dog, but it is also a practice that is not good to do. When a cat is declawed, a surgical procedure is done, where a cat's claws are removed, including the cells responsible for the nail's growth. A cat's claws are very useful and important. They use them to greet their owner, mark their territory, and express their emotions. After being declawed, some cats may choose to start biting. In some instances they may also become more aggressive, because they can no longer defend themselves as well. Cats may also have trouble climbing, jumping, and cleaning themselves. Personally, I think that people should just clip their cat's nails instead of when they get too sharp, instead of declawing.
Many dogs every year are debarked because their owners think they bark too much, or are too loud. De barking is when, by a surgical procedure, a small amount of tissue in a dog's vocal chords is removed. Since a dog's vocal chords are not being removed is still has the ability to bark, just at a lower volume. What a lot of people don't know is that debarking a dog is not a good thing too do. In some cases, scar tissue can build up and cause problems with the dog's breathing. There is also a reason why a dog barks. It's to let us know how they are feeling, whether to tell us if they are happy, frustrated, or scared, they don't bark continuous for no reason. Debarking a dog is just a quick solution that ignores the reason for why a dog is barking so much, in the first place.
I have also seen cats that were declawed while volunteering. Now I know that declawing cats is more common than debarking a dog, but it is also a practice that is not good to do. When a cat is declawed, a surgical procedure is done, where a cat's claws are removed, including the cells responsible for the nail's growth. A cat's claws are very useful and important. They use them to greet their owner, mark their territory, and express their emotions. After being declawed, some cats may choose to start biting. In some instances they may also become more aggressive, because they can no longer defend themselves as well. Cats may also have trouble climbing, jumping, and cleaning themselves. Personally, I think that people should just clip their cat's nails instead of when they get too sharp, instead of declawing.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Acupuncture for Animals
Usually when you think of acupuncture, you would think of it being done on people, not animals. But acupunture on animals is a lot more common than you would think. I never even thought about it until I was doing research on holistic veterinarians.
Acupuncture is used on animals to trigger a physiological response when treating any type of disease or problem. In acupuncture, small guage needles are stuck into the body at specific points on the body. Although is is uncertain where this practice originated, many people believe it has come from asia. It is also said that the father of veterinary acupuncture is Shun Yang from China.
Acupuncture is based on having a continuous circulation of energy throughout your body, called your Qi (pronounced chee). Any interruption will cause an imbalance, which is when acupuncture comes in to rebalance your Qi.
If you decide to have acupuncture done on your pet, with a properly trained clinician, your pet will not appear to have any discomfort. Depending on the reason for the acupuncture, your pet will have about eight sessions or more to make sure the procedure was effective. But improvements could be seen after the first session.
Acupuncture is used on animals to trigger a physiological response when treating any type of disease or problem. In acupuncture, small guage needles are stuck into the body at specific points on the body. Although is is uncertain where this practice originated, many people believe it has come from asia. It is also said that the father of veterinary acupuncture is Shun Yang from China.
Acupuncture is based on having a continuous circulation of energy throughout your body, called your Qi (pronounced chee). Any interruption will cause an imbalance, which is when acupuncture comes in to rebalance your Qi.
If you decide to have acupuncture done on your pet, with a properly trained clinician, your pet will not appear to have any discomfort. Depending on the reason for the acupuncture, your pet will have about eight sessions or more to make sure the procedure was effective. But improvements could be seen after the first session.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Miami Metro Zoo
So, during Spring Break I got to do something that was really exciting! My mentor, Mrs. Stoklosa, has a cousin who trains some of the wildlife at the Miami Metro Zoo, and she let me shadow her for part of the day. I was so excited to learn more about jobs working with wildlife.
When I got there, Jennifer, brought me to the section of the zoo where she is located. Since they are doing some construction in the zoo, she had to relocate to a trailer and temporary cages were built for the animals that she takes care of that are not on display, until the new building is finished. On the outside of the trailer, there was a sink and table, where they prepared the food for some of the animals. Inside the trailer, they had cages where they kept some of their parrots. The parrots were really pretty, and they were each trained for different talents, like flying or talking. I even went up to look at one, and it said hello to me. Then, behind the trailer, was where some of the cages for the animals that Jennifer took care of were located. There were many different and beautiful animals. Jennifer even let me enter some of the cages to pet some of the animals, and take some pictures. One of the animals was a fourteen year old, female cheetah. I wasn't allowed to go all the way in her cage, but I was able to pet her and take a picture of her from the door of the cage.
After that, I went with Jennifer and her coworker to the animal clinic at the zoo. On the walls were pictures, taken during different surgeries that had been performed by the veterinarians. We then went to where some of the reptiles were kept. In there, they kept a snake that had just had surgery on its eye. it was a really big snake, about 100lbs.
When Jennifer was done, we went back to the trailer and she let me interview her. I learned a lot from the interview, especially about the types of courses I should consider taking in college if I want to have a career that involves animals. She also gave me some good advice on what to expect when having a career that involves working with animals.
Since I only shadowed Jennifer for a part of the day, when I was done, my family and I decided to enjoy the rest of the zoo, since most of us had never been there before. Since I just have a regular digital camera, my sister was able to get a lot of really good pictures of the animals with her camera. I can't wait to upload some of the pictures onto my computer, they came out really good!Sunday, March 20, 2011
Orientation update
So last weekend I went to an orientation for the Humane Society of Greater Miami. The shelter is about thirty minutes away in North Miami Beach, and the orientation lasted about ninety minutes. They gave everyone a packet that contained all the rules for the volunteers, it also contained all the jobs that a volunteer can choose from and the duties that are done for that job, along with the requirements for it. All the jobs seemed really interesting, but the ones I was most interested in were dog bathing and animal socializing. I think it would be interesting to learn the proper techniques for bathing dogs and cats, and the animal socializing seems really interesting because I know a lot of the cats and dogs get stressed out and scared of people and other animals after being kept in cages for so long.
Now all I have to do is fill out the volunteer application and go to the training class. I am thinking of going to the training class that is scheduled on Thursday next week, and then staying there so I can volunteer right away. After the class I will have to buy a volunteer shirt that I will wear every time I go to volunteer, and I will have to buy a lead. A lead is a type of leash that also turns into a collar, it makes it easier when having to take a dog out of its cage fast, since they don't wear collars. I'm really excited to start volunteering at a new place. It looked like a really nice place when I went to the orientation.
Now all I have to do is fill out the volunteer application and go to the training class. I am thinking of going to the training class that is scheduled on Thursday next week, and then staying there so I can volunteer right away. After the class I will have to buy a volunteer shirt that I will wear every time I go to volunteer, and I will have to buy a lead. A lead is a type of leash that also turns into a collar, it makes it easier when having to take a dog out of its cage fast, since they don't wear collars. I'm really excited to start volunteering at a new place. It looked like a really nice place when I went to the orientation.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Wise Update
So this week has been pretty good. I was able to find two new places to volunteer that take care of cats and dogs. I went to one of the orientations for those volunteer places, and I will be going to the other one soon.
I was also able to get in contact with, my mentor, Mrs. Stoklosa's cousin, who works with the big cats at the Miami Metro Zoo. She is going to allow me to shadow her for a day and interview her. I'm so excited, and can't wait! We've decided that we are going to meet in about two weeks. I'll probably be writing more about that soon.
I also went to the team meeting this week, where Coach Love told us about our third quarter exam project. We are going to make a film preview of what our project is. I'm pretty excited for it, I think it's going to be really interesting and fun to make. But I do have to get some more pictures of me working with animals, so I can include them in the film preview. So I'll probably do that next time I go volunteer.
Well, that's all I really have time to write for now, because I have a test that I really need to study for. So...i guess I'll write up another post soon.
I was also able to get in contact with, my mentor, Mrs. Stoklosa's cousin, who works with the big cats at the Miami Metro Zoo. She is going to allow me to shadow her for a day and interview her. I'm so excited, and can't wait! We've decided that we are going to meet in about two weeks. I'll probably be writing more about that soon.
I also went to the team meeting this week, where Coach Love told us about our third quarter exam project. We are going to make a film preview of what our project is. I'm pretty excited for it, I think it's going to be really interesting and fun to make. But I do have to get some more pictures of me working with animals, so I can include them in the film preview. So I'll probably do that next time I go volunteer.
Well, that's all I really have time to write for now, because I have a test that I really need to study for. So...i guess I'll write up another post soon.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Orientation
I'm very excited for this weekend! Earlier this week I was able to find another place to volunteer, It's at the Humane Society of Greater Miami, but I first have to attend a mandatory orientation for it, to learn about all the rules, different volunteer duties to choose from, and to get the volunteer application. I'm really happy I found this place, because they not only have cats, but they have dogs too, and I haven't really been able to volunteer with dogs, because the place where I usually volunteer at only has cats, and I really want to get more experience working with dogs.
I also can't wait for another orientation that is coming up soon. It's another place I found this week, that looks like it will be a good and fun experience. There is only one problem that I am having, which is figuring out what day to go to the orientation. They have an orientation in about two weeks, but I already have something planned for the whole day, and if I miss that orientation, which is on the weekend, I would have to wait another two weeks...so I've been trying to schedule going to the orientation on a Thursday, but I have to make sure it will be a good day for my mom to go, because that place requires all volunteers under the age of 18 to volunteer with a parent or legal guardian. And of course, my 18th birthday isn't until the end of May. =(
Oh well, hopefully my mom will be able to make some free time and go to the orientation with me.
I also can't wait for another orientation that is coming up soon. It's another place I found this week, that looks like it will be a good and fun experience. There is only one problem that I am having, which is figuring out what day to go to the orientation. They have an orientation in about two weeks, but I already have something planned for the whole day, and if I miss that orientation, which is on the weekend, I would have to wait another two weeks...so I've been trying to schedule going to the orientation on a Thursday, but I have to make sure it will be a good day for my mom to go, because that place requires all volunteers under the age of 18 to volunteer with a parent or legal guardian. And of course, my 18th birthday isn't until the end of May. =(
Oh well, hopefully my mom will be able to make some free time and go to the orientation with me.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Hypothyroidism For Dogs
To treat this disease, the dog will be placed on a daily dose of a synthetic thyroid hormone called thyroxine, which will be taken for the rest of the dogs life. Periodic blood samples will be drawn to check the dosage and be corrected if necessary. After the treatment is started, symptoms should go away.
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| My dogs, Mia on the left and Oso on the right. |
So today, I'm doing my post on hypothyroidism in dogs. About a year ago,my family noticed that my older dog, Oso, had become very quiet, less active, and had gained a lot of weight. He just seemed really depressed. At first, because my dog is on the older side, my family thought he was like that from old age. But then, one day when we took him to the veterinarian for his yearly check-up. After telling the vet about all his symptoms, she ran some test on him. When we got the results back, we found out that he had a problem with his thyroid gland, which, just like in humans, regulates metabolic rate.
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland becomes under active and not enough hormones are produced. It can be caused by an auto-immune response, that is when the body will not recognized its own cells and will created antibodies to destroy the cells. This disease can be easily diagnosed with a blood test that checks the thyroid hormone levels in a dog.
Hypothyroidism developes in mostly medium to large dog breeds, ages four to ten years old. Some of the symptoms are lethargy, hair loss, weight gain, dry skin, bacterial skin infections, ear infections, skin discoloration, and depression.To treat this disease, the dog will be placed on a daily dose of a synthetic thyroid hormone called thyroxine, which will be taken for the rest of the dogs life. Periodic blood samples will be drawn to check the dosage and be corrected if necessary. After the treatment is started, symptoms should go away.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
ASPCA
One of the most well known, and probably the most famous animal organizations in the U.S. is the ASPCA, or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This is a non-profit organization, that is dedicated to preventing cruelty towards animals and informing the public of the inportance of spaying/neutering, and properly caring for all animals.
This organization was started on April 10, 1866, by Henry Bergh. On his way to America, was the first time Bergh took action against the cruelty towards animals. In London, he took notes on Earl of Harrowby, president of England's Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Because of him, about nine days later an anti-cruelty law was passed, and the ASPCA was granted the right to enforce the law.
Although the ASPCA originally focused mainly on horses and livestock, it has spread to focusing on all other animlas as well. Since it was first started, the ASPCA has been very successful in educating the public on the proper ways of caring for all animals, as well as traing all types of animals. They have also been successful in preventing cruelty to animals, by informing people about the horrors of dog fighting, puppy mills, dog racing, animal neglect, and more. It is definitely safe to say that the ASPCA will be here for a long time, defending all animals.
For more information about the ASPCA, visit their site: http://www.aspca.org/
This organization was started on April 10, 1866, by Henry Bergh. On his way to America, was the first time Bergh took action against the cruelty towards animals. In London, he took notes on Earl of Harrowby, president of England's Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Because of him, about nine days later an anti-cruelty law was passed, and the ASPCA was granted the right to enforce the law.
Although the ASPCA originally focused mainly on horses and livestock, it has spread to focusing on all other animlas as well. Since it was first started, the ASPCA has been very successful in educating the public on the proper ways of caring for all animals, as well as traing all types of animals. They have also been successful in preventing cruelty to animals, by informing people about the horrors of dog fighting, puppy mills, dog racing, animal neglect, and more. It is definitely safe to say that the ASPCA will be here for a long time, defending all animals.
For more information about the ASPCA, visit their site: http://www.aspca.org/
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Hollydogs
About two weeks ago, I decided to volunteer on Saturday, when I usually volunteer on Sundays. Well, as I arrived, I found out that on Saturdays another organization is there. They are called HollyDogs. They are an organization that specializes in adoptions for greyhounds. Although they have a variety of ages, many of their dogs are retired racing dogs.
Hollydogs is a non-profit organization relying soley on volunteers and donations. They are dedicated to saving greyhounds that would otherwise be euthanized because they are no longer fit for racing and educating the public on caring for greyhounds, as well as the importance of spayinng and neutering animals, to prevent over population. They have a greyhound sanctuary, located in Bonita springs, FL, and their main adoption center is located in Hollywood, FL.
Hollydogs' dedication for their dogs is shown in the adoption process. To make sure that their animals will be in a safe and loving home, all future adopters must fill out an application, agree to a home visit, and have their applications approved. As I was looking through the Hollydogs website, I could definately tell how dedicated they were to finding loving homes for their dogs and educating the public about the breed.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
4 Weeks Since WISE Started
So it has already been about four weeks since WISE started and I'm really happy that I've been able to volunteer so much. Unfortunately, I still haven't found a place to intern, but I haven't stopped looking. I'm going to collect some email addresses from different animal clinics and send them an email asking if they have any internships available, or if they would be willing to let me shadow an employee for a day.
I was able to find some different places to volunteer, but for most of them, I have to go to an orientation first. So, since the orientations for these places aren't going to be held until next month, I'll have to keep going to volunteer at the same place that I have been going for the past few weeks.
Volunteering has been really fun. Every time I go, I get to meet new people, so that's cool. I've also learned a lot more about caring for cats, and recognizing their behavior and what it means. I've been trying to go to the organization's main adoption center, where they also have dogs and an animal clinic, but it's about forty minutes away, and no one ever wants to drive me all the way there. But I can't wait until next month, when I can attend the orientations for other volunteer organizations!
I was able to find some different places to volunteer, but for most of them, I have to go to an orientation first. So, since the orientations for these places aren't going to be held until next month, I'll have to keep going to volunteer at the same place that I have been going for the past few weeks.
Volunteering has been really fun. Every time I go, I get to meet new people, so that's cool. I've also learned a lot more about caring for cats, and recognizing their behavior and what it means. I've been trying to go to the organization's main adoption center, where they also have dogs and an animal clinic, but it's about forty minutes away, and no one ever wants to drive me all the way there. But I can't wait until next month, when I can attend the orientations for other volunteer organizations!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Feline AIDS
This weekend I went to go volunteer again. While I was there a woman who had adopted a cat from the organization, began talking to Lee, the one in charge of the cat section of the organization. The woman came to let us know that the cat that she had recently adopted had died, due to a sudden illness. They talked about what had happened to the cat, and during their conversation, Lee mentioned how every cat they recieve is tested for different diseases. One of the diseases she mentioned was feline AIDS and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). I knew that many animals can get the same diseases and viruses as we do, but I never thought of animals getting AIDS. So this week I did a little research on Feline AIDS and FIV.
FIV is often reffered to as Feline AIDS because of the many similarities they have in common. FIV can be undetected for years, and can be triggered by any infection or illness. About 3% of healthy cats are affected by this, and rates rise to about 15% for unhealthy cats. The virus is usually spread through bite wounds, and may be spread to newborn kittens in birthing or when injesting infected milk. Cats that are kept in households will be less likely to be infected by the virus.
Some symptoms of FIV are loss of appetite, poor coat and skin, constant fever, inflamation of the gums or mouth, reoccurring infections and wieght loss.
It is very important to test your cat for FIV, as well as any other harmful diseases. It is also very important todo research and properly take care of your cat if it has been infected with this disease.
FIV is often reffered to as Feline AIDS because of the many similarities they have in common. FIV can be undetected for years, and can be triggered by any infection or illness. About 3% of healthy cats are affected by this, and rates rise to about 15% for unhealthy cats. The virus is usually spread through bite wounds, and may be spread to newborn kittens in birthing or when injesting infected milk. Cats that are kept in households will be less likely to be infected by the virus.
Some symptoms of FIV are loss of appetite, poor coat and skin, constant fever, inflamation of the gums or mouth, reoccurring infections and wieght loss.
It is very important to test your cat for FIV, as well as any other harmful diseases. It is also very important todo research and properly take care of your cat if it has been infected with this disease.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Dog Food
There are two types of dog food, kibble and wet dog food. Wet dog food is the more natural of the two, consisting of fresher ingredients which are then steralized and packaged. Dry dog food is made of a mixture of animal by products (scraps left over in slaughter houses) and fillers, such as corn and grains, then dried through a process, sort of like baking. It is then sprayed with essential nutrients and fats before being packaged and shipped off to be sold. Although the wet food would seem to be the healthier choice, price plays a factor on what type or brand of food would be healthier for a dog. In most cases the more expensive the dog food the better quality it will be...but in reality, nothing beats a homemade meal.
There are many animal by products put into dog food, that are deamed unsuitable for human consumption, and there are many dog food brands that contain high volumes of protein and sodium, along with fillers that are unable to be digested by dogs and have no real nutritional value, but just give your pet a feeling of being full.
The best choice of food for your dog is real human food, but in order to give your dog this type of diet, you should first make sure you have done research. There are many types of food that are healthy for dogs to eat, such as mangos, watermelon, oatmeal, and beef. But there are also many foods that are very unhealthy and possibly life-threatening for dogs such as grapes, chocolate, coffee, and bread. Now I know most people are going to continue to give their dogs store bought dog food, but it is important to look at the ingredients of your dog's food and know exactly what your dog is eating.
To learn more about switching your dog to an all human diet and what types of food are healthy or not for your dog, check out these sites:
http://www.thedogbowl.com/PPF/category_ID/54/dogbowl.asp
http://www.moderndogmagazine.com/articles/10-people-foods-dogs/1896
http://dogtime.com/giving-people-food-to-dogs.html
Monday, February 14, 2011
My Dog's Unusual Habit
Turns out, that many scientist believe that dogs will rub their bodies on anything with a strong scent, such as dead animals, manure, and garbage, as a way to cover up their scent. This instinct comes from their wolf origins, to be able to sneak up on their prey without being noticed. Another theory many scientist believe is that dogs will do this to show their pack that they have found something. After rubbing their bodies on something, dogs may run back to their pack where they can all together, return to the object. The third theory to dogs rubbing themselves on dead animals is that they are trying to leave their scent on the object or cover up the previous scent.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Ivory Poaching
An elephants tusks are very valuable to them. They are elongated incisors, embedded deep into an elephants head, which contains a pulp cavity made of tissue, blood, and nerves. Elephants use their tusks for a variety of tasks, such as for battling against other elephants, for pretection from predators, to aid in digging, stripping bark off trees, moving things out of the way, and more.
Since hunting elephants is illegal, poachers will secretly hunt these elephants and sell their tusks on the black market. Recently, tusks have even been found being sold on the internet, where thery are being shipped to all parts around the world.
To find out more information about ways elephants are being helped, or to find a way to help these elephants visit: wcs.org/savingelephants and fws.gov/international/afecf/afacf.htm.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Second Week of Volunteering
So this is going to be my second week of volunteering. I'm going to go to animal Aid Inc. again, because I know that they can always use some volunteers. I also want to visit their main adoption center and clinic. I know their main adoption center has dogs and cats, so I want to volunteer there. I also want to try and see if there are any internships or volunteer opportunities offered at their clinic. Hopefully I will be able to volunteer there, I think it would be a great opportunity. But I am also looking for other places to volunteer, such as wildlife sanctuaries, zoos, and other adoption centers. Hopefully I will find one soon, I really want to gain more experience with cats and dogs, as well as other types of animals.
By the way, if anyone is interested in a puppy Chihauhua (purebred), let me know!
By the way, if anyone is interested in a puppy Chihauhua (purebred), let me know!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Interview
So this week our homework for WISE was to interview a person who is involved in our WISE experience. I chose to interview, Tamera, the founder of Animal Aid Inc. Since I volunteer at the cat location, and Tamera is ironically allergic to cats, I had to send her my questions through email. I had talked to her mom, Lee, who is in charge of all the cats in Animal Aid Inc., and she told me that she would tell her daughter about my interview questions. So when I went home and sent the email, I figured she would answer me back by the end of the week. Unfortunately, I didn't really think of when my homework was due. For some reason I thought I had a week until the interview was due, when in reality, I only had about two days.
So there I was, Wednesday night, stressing over what I was going to do. I hadn't gotten a response to the email yet, so I was starting to panic. It was already almost 7:30, and most animal places would be closed. I was getting really frustrated, trying to think of who I was going to have to interview, when suddenly, for absolutely no reason at all, i looked at my phone... and what did I see? A tiny, little envelope at the top of the screen. So I then opened the email and saw that Tamera had responded to my email. I was so relieved to see that email! Now I could turn in my interview and not get an "F" for the assignment. Next time, I definitely need to make sure I know how much time I have before something is due.
So there I was, Wednesday night, stressing over what I was going to do. I hadn't gotten a response to the email yet, so I was starting to panic. It was already almost 7:30, and most animal places would be closed. I was getting really frustrated, trying to think of who I was going to have to interview, when suddenly, for absolutely no reason at all, i looked at my phone... and what did I see? A tiny, little envelope at the top of the screen. So I then opened the email and saw that Tamera had responded to my email. I was so relieved to see that email! Now I could turn in my interview and not get an "F" for the assignment. Next time, I definitely need to make sure I know how much time I have before something is due.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Animal Behavior College
So this week I've been working on finding some places to intern. Unfortunately, I haven't found a place yet, but I have certainly gotten closer. Some places gave me a number to call, while others said they were not offering any internships at the moment. But I did find out some information that could possibly help me learn about careers involving animals.
When I went to one of the animal clinics to ask about internships, I began talking to one of the people who worked there, and she told me about a college where she took a course on animal behavior, and they sent her a lot of informative books, which she got to keep. She said it was a good course to take and that it helped her a lot when working with animals.
She took the course online at animalbehaviorcollege.com. I looked at the website and found it very interesting. They had courses for becoming a dog trainer, on how to groom animals, and to be a veterinary assistant. This will definitely be something I will consider in the future. I think it could be a great opportunity to learning how to work with animals.
When I went to one of the animal clinics to ask about internships, I began talking to one of the people who worked there, and she told me about a college where she took a course on animal behavior, and they sent her a lot of informative books, which she got to keep. She said it was a good course to take and that it helped her a lot when working with animals.
She took the course online at animalbehaviorcollege.com. I looked at the website and found it very interesting. They had courses for becoming a dog trainer, on how to groom animals, and to be a veterinary assistant. This will definitely be something I will consider in the future. I think it could be a great opportunity to learning how to work with animals.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Animal Aid Inc.
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| This is Mercedes, she is a 3 month old Tabby. |
Yesterday was the first day I volunteered. It was very nice to go back and volunteer. I met a lot of new volunteers, that were really nice, and I met a lot of new cats, some that were very friendly and others that were a little scared.
I never realized how big the Animal Aid Inc. organization was, until the woman in charge of the cats, Lee, told me of all the places that they have animals to be adopted. I learned from Lee, that her daughter’s dream was to start Animal Aid Inc. Since the organization was first started, it has grown a lot. They now have a main adoption center located on
2266 N. Dixie Highway Boca Raton , FL 33431-8003 , and many other locations where they bring some of their animals to be adopted, such as stores like Petsmart and Petco. Along with the main center, they also have three thrift stores, where all the proceeds are used to help all the animals.
One of the things that I learned while talking to Lee that really made me really appreciate what the organization does is that, many times, they will rescue animals that have either been injured or have some sort of have a medical issue, instead of rescuing animals that are perfectly healthy, because they know the healthier animals will be given another chance by other rescue organizations.
Animal Aid Inc. is a great organization that relies solely on donations. They are dedicated to saving animals and teaching people about the importance of spaying and neutering animals. If anyone is interested in helping in any way, please visit their website: www.animal-aid.com or email them at: AnimalAidInc@aol.com.
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| This is Benz, he is a 3 month old Tabby. |
Sunday, January 30, 2011
First Day of Volunteering
Tomorrow is going to be the first day I volunteer. I'm volunteering at Animal Aid Inc. It is a no-kill organization that helps find permanent homes for cats and dogs that have been abandoned, harmed, or have owners that can no longer take care of them.
I have actually volunteered there many times before, but I haven't been there in a while, so I'm excited to go back. Every time I go there, there are new and exciting volunteers and animals. Volunteering at Animal Aid Inc. has been a great experience.
Since my sister is allergic to cats, and the rest of my family has allergies to them, I don't know that much about cats. So when I volunteer at Animal Aid Inc, I am at the cat adoption center, in Petsmart. Volunteering there has taught me a lot about the behavior of cats and how to care for them, as well as certain aspects of grooming cats, such as cutting their nails and cleaning their ears.
I have actually volunteered there many times before, but I haven't been there in a while, so I'm excited to go back. Every time I go there, there are new and exciting volunteers and animals. Volunteering at Animal Aid Inc. has been a great experience.
Since my sister is allergic to cats, and the rest of my family has allergies to them, I don't know that much about cats. So when I volunteer at Animal Aid Inc, I am at the cat adoption center, in Petsmart. Volunteering there has taught me a lot about the behavior of cats and how to care for them, as well as certain aspects of grooming cats, such as cutting their nails and cleaning their ears.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
The Beginning of Wise
This week was the official start of wise! I'm very excited that we are doing blogs this year, since I am already a little familiar with blogging because of my English teacher from last year. I know it's going to be really nice having my Wise experience documented in this blog...
So to start off my Wise experience, I have been looking online for different places to volunteer. My goal is to work with many different animals, and learn as much as I can about them. I also want to intern at some animal hospitals, so that I can learn more about a veterinarian's job. Another thing I plan on doing is writing an email and sending it to different animal clinics, to see if they have any internships available. I'm also thinking of going to some animal grooming places, to see if they have any internships available. I'm definitely looking forward to start volunteering, and I can't wait.
So to start off my Wise experience, I have been looking online for different places to volunteer. My goal is to work with many different animals, and learn as much as I can about them. I also want to intern at some animal hospitals, so that I can learn more about a veterinarian's job. Another thing I plan on doing is writing an email and sending it to different animal clinics, to see if they have any internships available. I'm also thinking of going to some animal grooming places, to see if they have any internships available. I'm definitely looking forward to start volunteering, and I can't wait.
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