SENIORS ADOPTING SENIORS. Humane Happenings

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1 Humane Happenings H u m a n e S o c i e t y o f C i t r u s C o u n t y F L O R I D A I N C. Volume 2, Issue 7 SENIORS ADOPTING It s an all too common scenario all across America. Divorce ends marriages, children move, family and friends pass away and, as we age, loneliness and depression become all too familiar. But many seniors have found a way to combat isolation by adopting a pet through their local shelter. Having a pet in an elderly person s life can offer them a sense of well-being, encouragement and even a reason to live. Being responsible for another life often gives new meaning to the lives of those who are living alone or far from loved ones. Caring for and providing a loving home to a companion animal also helps elderly people to remain active and stay healthy. SENIORS Although animals make great companions for any age, pets can have important benefits for seniors. In addition to easing loneliness, studies suggest contact with animals can lower blood pressure. Research also indicates a link between pet ownership and an increased survival rate for cardiac patients. Other potential health benefits include decreased stress, reduced bone loss, lowered cholesterol levels and improved blood circulation. It s important to consider the kind of pet to adopt. Animal care professionals often advise seniors to consider adopting an adult dog or cat. An older animal may be a better fit for their lifestyle than a puppy or kitten. Unlike a puppy or kitten, adult animals are more likely to be calm, already housetrained and less susceptible to unpredictable behavior. The first place to which seniors should turn is their local shelter. Adopting from a shelter has it s advantages. Not only do they have a great selection of adult animals for adoption, they also have purebred animals. Adopting from a shelter is not only a great way to help out a homeless animal, it s also cost effective. Adoption fees, which are extremely low compared with the cost of purchasing an animal from a pet store or breeder, typically include vaccinations, as well as spay or neuter procedures. Excerpted from HSUS Our Mission: THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF CITRUS COUNTY FL INC IS A 501(C)3 CORPORATION DEDICATED TO THE PROTECTION OF ALL ANIMALS. IT IS OUR GOAL TO RESCUE AND FIND FOREVER HOMES FOR AS MANY ABANDONED, ABUSED PETS AS POSSIBLE AND TO TRY TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC TO THE IMPORTANCE OF SPAY/NEUTER TO ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM OF THE OVER- POPULATION OF UNWANTED, ABUSED, ABANDONED PETS. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: YOU KNOW YOU RE A DOG PERSON WHEN. DIAMOND RIDGE VISITS AGAIN TROPICAL STORM FAY 2 HAPPY TAILS 3 I AM AN ANIMAL RES- CUER THANKS TO YOU 4 PET TIP OF THE MONTH 5 LOOKING FOR FOREVER HOMES UPCOMING EVENTS 6 August

2 YOU KNOW YOU RE A DOG PERSON WHEN: Humane Happenings DIAMOND RIDGE COMES TO PLAY YOU DON T THINK TWICE ABOUT TRADING LICKS OF ICE CREAM WITH YOUR DOG YOU HATE TO GO TO THE STORE FOR PEOPLE FOOD BUT WHEN THE DOG TREATS ARE GONE, OFF YOU GO WITHOUT HESITATION YOU HAVE A BAD DAY AND YOU DECIDE YOUR DOG IS THE BEST PERSON TO TALK IT OVER WITH YOU HAVE A PLASTIC KIDDIE WADING POOL IN THE BACK YARD BUT NO KIDS YOU KEEP THE HEARTWORM MEDICATION IN THE REFRIGERATOR IN THE Residents of Diamond Ridge Health & Rehab had such a good time when they visited in June, they decided to make a return trip to play with the babies. Pictured left to right are: David, Florence, Mary, Ken holding Sage, Vivian, Donna and Maria. Back row are Staff Missy, Marty and Amanda. DELI DRAWER YOU KEEP EATING AFTER FINDING A DOG HAIR IN YOUR PASTA YOU KEEP LICENSE TAGS FROM DOGS WHO HAVE PASSED AWAY YOU SEND OUT SPECIAL MADE HOLIDAY CARDS WITH PICTURES OF YOUR DOG(S) YOU TAKE A SICK DAY FROM WORK TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR DOG YOUR WELCOME SIGN HAS A DOG ON IT Page 2 Tropical Storm Fay has reminded all of us that there are more things in Florida than hurricanes to be prepared for. Many areas of Florida were flooded by the storm, requiring homes to be evacuated. If conditions are not safe for you, they are not safe for your pet. Remember to be prepared with your pet s evacuation kit. This includes ample supplies of pet TROPICAL STORM FAY food, kitty litter and box, water, and any required medications. Make sure you have a carrier or cage for each pet, properly marked with your name and contact information. Remember secure collars and leashes. Make sure vaccinations are up-to-date and that you have a copy with you. It is also a good idea to have a picture of your pet with you for identification purposes. Now is the time to get ready, before it becomes necessary.

3 Volume 2, Issue 7 TONKA & NEW MOM & DAD HORNET & NEW FAMILY BUSTER & NEW FAMILY TUESDAY & NEW FAMILY SPENCER & NEW FAMILY GEENA & NEW FAMILY SHYANNE & NEW DAD JOKER & NEW FAMILY HORNET & HIS NEW BOY NASH & NEW MOM CARLY & NEW MOM & DAD MILEY & NEW MOM & DAD MARIAH & NEW MOM NICHOLE Pag

4 I AM AN ANIMAL RESCUER My job is to assist God's creatures. I was born with the need to fulfill their needs. I take in new family members without plan, thought or selection. I have bought dog food with my last dime. I have patted a mangy head with a bare hand. I have hugged someone vicious and afraid. I have fallen in love a thousand times and I have cried into the fur of a lifeless body. I have animal friends and friends who have animal friends. I don't often use the word "pet". I notice those lost at the road side and my heart aches. I will hand raise a field mouse and make friends with a vulture. I know of no creature unworthy of my time. I want to live forever if there aren't animals in Heaven, but I believe there are. Why would God make something so perfect and leave it behind. We may be master of the animals, but the animals have mastered themselves, Something people still haven't learned. War and abuse makes me hurt for the world But a rescue that makes the news gives me hope for mankind. We are a quiet but determined army and making a difference every day. There is nothing more necessary than warming an orphan, Nothing more rewarding than saving a life. No higher recognition than watching them thrive. There is no greater joy than seeing a baby play who only days ago, was too weak to eat. I am an Animal Rescuer. My work is never done, My home is never quiet. My wallet is always empty. But my heart is always full. In the game of life, we have already won. Author Unknown THANKS TO OUR JULY SUPPORTERS Bob Watson Robert & Toni Smith Glenn & Martha Cutrone Clifford Spring Marvin & Evelyn Aaberg M.D. & Anita Dolbeck Irene Page Marge McWilliams Jean Montville Fred & Donna McEwen Rotary Club Ctrl Florida James & Cheryl O Hara Nancy J Wessel Charles King Genevieve Verdone Jack & Marilyn Berg PETCO Foundation Oust Air Freshener Marge McWilliams Linda Hughes Debbie Vergona Lynwood Todd Una & Alex Burgos Page 4

5 Volume 2, Issue 7 PET TIP OF THE MONTH PIMPLE BALL WITH BELL The above picture is a pimple ball with bell pet toy for dogs. It is manufactured by Four Paws, Inc., a pet supply store. There have been incidents of dogs getting their tongue stuck in the hole in the ball. The tongue swells and the dog can not pull his tongue out. While chewing on the toy, a vacuum is created and it effectively sucks the tongue into the hole in the ball. This likely occurs because there is not a second hole in the ball preventing the vacuum effect from happening. If your pet happens to own one of these balls, please consider throwing it away. The manufacturer feels there have not been enough incidents to take the ball off the market. WE RE ON THE WEB AT: citrus.com IMPORTANT: September 15, 2008 National Puppy Mill Awareness Day Looking For Their Forever Homes VALENTINO CHEROKEE CODY COTTON NAOMI PATCHES REINA JOE Page 5

6 The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil but because of those who look on and do nothing. H u m a n e S o c i e t y o f C i t r u s C o u n t y 751 S Smith Avenue Inverness FL Phone: bonniea15@yahoo.com If you would prefer we e -mail your newsletter, please let us know. NEXT GENERAL MEETING: DONATIONS: THOUGHT FOR TODAY PAWS-ITIVELY PETS ADOPTION CENTER September 6, :00 AM New Members, Volunteers and guests are always welcome to join us at our monthly meetings. We are always looking for new ideas to help rescue more of the many pets who find our door. Please join us! The Humane Society of Citrus County FL Inc. receives no funding from any State or Local agency. We do not receive funds from the Humane Society of the United States. That s why local donations are so important to the continued success of our Mission. Thanks for your support. Scratch a cat and you will have a permanent job - Unknown OUR LEGAL STATUS: Doc # issued December 12, 1978 on file in Tallahassee. Registered with Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Affairs. Copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the State. All dues and contributions are tax exempt to the full extent allowed by law. Our registration number issued by Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services is CH % of all contributions are retained by Humane Society of Citrus County, FL, Inc. No percentage is retained by any professional solicitor.