Paws and Prayers Rescue Blog

There is no way to tell the story of Russell from beginning to end as a short story. His story is far too long; and far from over. So I will do my best to keep it as short as possible. I'll divide it into chapters so it doesn't have to be read all at once. The 7 chapters of Russell's Story will be posted semi-monthly.

This is the final chapter.

By the week of Thanksgiving I had gotten the results of Russell’s blood work. His thyroid levels were much better. His weight was down to 47lbs. and it was easy to see that he was well on the way to feeling better. He could keep up and sometimes even pass Mandy and Buddy when we went on walks. He loved to run whenever he could and watching him hop down the steps, his backside bouncing in the air at each step, was both inspiring and comical at the same time. My only concern was that his skin was flaking badly. His skin and fur were dry and flaky in September when he came back to us, but had improved. Now it seemed that it was worse than in September. The vet told me that was due to his body’s metabolism changing. He would, over the next six months or more, loose his skin and replace it with healthier skin cells that would improve his overall skin condition and coat. In the meantime, with advise from Tara (another foster for Paws and Prayers), I would give Russell a soaking oatmeal bath. He loved it! Soon his skin and fur would be much improved.

After doing the normal amount of checking through Marty’s adoption application, I realized that she would provide a wonderful forever home for Russell. Knowing how concerned I was about Russell’s future, she even sent me a photo of her house and fenced in backyard so I could see that Russell would have plenty of room to run freely when going outside. Her vet would contact my vet to discuss Russell’s health issues and plan his continued recovery. It all seemed like my long journey with Russell was coming to and end. We planned on doing the adoption soon after Thanksgiving. That would change.

During the week after Thanksgiving, I got a phone call from Marty. Her mother, retired and living in

Russell at the Holidays 2012

Tennessee, decided that see would like to come to Pennsylvania for the Christmas Holidays. Marty would have to drive to Tennessee to get her mother. She would stay down there a couple days before returning with her mother to Pennsylvania. After the Christmas and New Year’s Holidays, she would drive her mother home. After a short visit, Marty would return home to Pennsylvania. If Marty were to adopt Russell now, she would have to put him in a kennel when she was traveling. There was simply not enough room in her car to transport her mother, her mother’s dog, her own dog and all the luggage. She didn’t think it would be good for Russell to be put in a kennel shortly after being adopted. I agreed. She asked me if I would keep him until she returned to Pennsylvania in the middle of January. She would pay any expenses that I incurred taking care of him for the extended period. I wasn’t worried about that. I was more worried about it being all the more difficult to part with Russell.

People often ask me how I give up a dog for adoption after getting attached to the dog and the dog getting attached to us. It is never easy, and Russell was going to be the most difficult of all my fosters. My answer to people is that I know that there are so many other dogs that need help. Our family could not handle more than three dogs at a time. If I kept Russell, it would mean giving up fostering. I couldn’t do that. I made two trips to the Summit County Animal Control shelter prior to Russell’s adoption for the sole purpose of just looking at the dogs. The sights, sounds, smells, and especially the eyes of all the dogs confined there kept me grounded in the belief that I needed to keep fostering.

Up until Russell’s official adoption, he continued his steady improvement. His weight would eventually be down to 42lbs., for a total weight loss of 18lbs. Although he was considered adopted, I took him to adoption events so he could interact with other dogs and I could show him off like a proud father. He enjoyed playing with other dogs and seemed to especially like the large females! And for the first time since I knew him, after petting him at one of the events, a little girl said: “He’s so soft!” It was quite a breakthrough. He enjoyed the Holidays with my family and we bought him a new bed to sleep in and take to his new home.

Russell lounging in his bed

Russell’s adoption would finally come about on January 25th. I met Marty at the Petsmart in Poland, Ohio to complete the adoption. My Dad accompanied me on the trip. I was glad to have someone to talk to, especially on the way back home. We got there early and I was able to spend some additional time walking and sitting with Russell. I couldn’t help thinking what must be going on in his mind. In my mind I hoped that he would do well in his new home. I hoped I was making the right decision. I hoped he didn’t think I was giving up on him and abandoning him. Every time I looked down at him he would sit and look into my eyes. I knew he probably just wanted a treat, but I couldn’t help but think he might know I was saying goodbye.

Shortly after 2:00pm, I put Russell into Marty’s car for the ride to his new home and the start of yet another new journey. I gave him a hug, a kiss on the head, and whispered something private into his ear; something that I tell all my foster dogs when they leave me. I gave Marty a hug and thanked her for adopting Russell. She thanked me for keeping him for so long for her.

My Dad and I avoided talking about Russell on the 50 mile trip back home, but he knew I was thinking about him. It will be a long time before there is a day when I don’t think about Russell. He touched the hearts of my entire family and countless others around him. I hope to foster many dogs for many years to come, but there will never be another Russell.

By the way, Russell is doing great in his new home. He has become attached to Marty and enjoys his time with his big brother dog Simon. Marty and I will keep in touch and whenever possible she will meet me so I can see Russell again.

The last picture Beagle Bob snapped before sending him off to his new furever home!

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Content By:  Beagle Bob

"Beagle Bob" Dietrich is a foster parent for dogs along with his wife Vicki and son Robert.  Bob is a full time Fire Fighter/Paramedic, Vicki is a high school math teacher, and Robert is a full time college student.  They have two Beagles, Mandy and Buddy. 

Images: Provided by Beagle Bob

There is no way to tell the story of Russell from beginning to end as a short story. His story is far too long; and far from over. So I will do my best to keep it as short as possible. I'll divide it into chapters so it doesn't have to be read all at once. The 7 chapters of Russell's Story will be posted semi-monthly.

Russell November 2012

When I took Russell to my vet, I was nervous that he might have some serious health issues from being overweight. I had recently listed him on the Paws and Prayers web site as being an adoptable dog. I wrote briefly about his history and how he would need a lot of care to get healthy. I hadn’t gotten any inquires yet, but I felt I needed a better grasp of his overall health before even considering his being adopted. After giving Russell a thorough exam, my vet told me that Russell definitely had some health issues. He had: a heart murmur that was not serious or life threatening, some shifting of tendons in his front legs that may be from the excessive weight on the joints, and many signs of hypothyroidism. His being overweight, having dry skin and fur, and lack of energy (I noticed that the previous year) were signs of hypothyroidism.

The next day the vet called me and told me that Russell’s blood work showed that he definitely had hypothyroidism. He would put Russell on daily medication and check his blood again in one month. By that time Russell should be showing signs of improvement and more weight loss. He also put Russell on some aspirin daily because he felt Russell’s joints were probably hurting him.

By the middle of October I had gotten two applications for Russell by families wanting to adopt him. I was excited to see that he had gotten some interest, but was cautious about letting him leave without being healthier. After much debate, I decided to wait until after his blood work was re-checked in November before letting him be adopted. I contacted both families and was both surprised and pleased that they were very willing to not only wait until Russell’s blood work was done, but also to trust me to make the decision as to who would be the best family to adopt Russell. I also got a third application for Russell from a woman in Pennsylvania who had originally put an application in for another dog. That dog had been adopted by someone else, so she wanted to know about Russell. She was also willing to wait until I thought Russell was ready.

Russell November 2012

Over the next two weeks Russell made remarkable progress. We noticed immediately that he had more energy. A major breakthrough came on a cool, damp day. We had all three dogs outside in the back yard. Russell had been able to go up and down the steps for a couple weeks now. It wasn’t pretty, but it was impressive. He was, however, walking over into the neighbor’s yard and we didn’t want him going to the bathroom there, so we had him tethered on a 30ft leash to keep him in our yard. It was a leash that was over ten years old and had been used by almost all the foster dogs. Suddenly, all three dogs spotted some deer strolling through the woods behind our house. With a fury of loud barking and howling, all three ran toward the woods after the deer. To our surprise, Russell broke his leash and darted into the woods dragging about ten feet of broken leash with him. My wife ran out after them with no shoes on and white socks. Mandy and Buddy ran a little ways before listening to my wife yelling for them to stop, but Russell disappeared into the woods. While I scrambled to get some shoes on, my wife ran as far as she could into the woods before the rough terrain and soft, thick mud was too much.

When I finally caught up to Russell, he had managed to get at least 100 yards into the thick, overgrown, and very muddy wooded area. I was down on my hands and knees crawling because the area was so thick. The only things that seemed to have stopped him was the fact that the leash he was dragging had gotten caught on underbrush and he had sank into the mud up to his belly. I had to pull him out of the mud like pulling a cork out of a bottle. As I carried him back to the house, I couldn’t help but notice the happy look on his face. I felt his tail wagging against my body and his heart rapidly beating strongly through his chest. I took him right into the house and straight to the bath tub for a good cleaning. My wife and I couldn’t help but laugh at how happy Russell seemed to be after his little adventure.

Russell November 2012

With Halloween about a week away, Russell was making great strides. He weight had dropped to 48lbs and his energy level was increasing daily. He was now ready to go on a full evening walk with Mandy and Buddy. It was no secret that he liked walks, but I was surprised that after just a few walks he got his own leash and brought it to me as I got Mandy and Buddy on their leashes. Russell was also beginning to show that he liked being at our home. Whenever I got home, he would run up to greet me. He would bark and cry until I petted him and even rolled over to have his belly rubbed (something he wasn’t physically able to do for a long time)! He followed me almost all the time when I was in the house and constantly sat down near me waiting for his head to be petted and neck rubbed. Most of the time he wouldn’t even lay down until he was convinced that I was going to stay put myself for a while. Russell had completely worked his way into our hearts.

As the time to re-check Russell’s blood work grew nearer, I knew that I must consider who would be the best of the three applicants to adopt him. I decided that Marty, a retired teacher who lives in Pennsylvania, was the best candidate. She was home a lot of the time, had a fenced in yard, a dog of her own, and most importantly; a true understanding of Russell’s history and my attachment to him and my desire to find him the right forever home. After several phone calls and e-mails, we arranged to meet.

It was the day after the November elections when we met at a Petsmart in Poland, Ohio. I was outside the store walking Russell when Marty pulled up in her car. As we introduced ourselves, Russell lifted his leg and had a nice long pee on the wheel of her car. As I watched, embarrassed by the scene, all I could say was: “You know there was a time when he couldn’t even lift his leg!” Marty was very nice about the situation and even laughed. Russell and Marty’s dog, Simon, a 12 year old male Lab-Collie mix, gave each other a “smell over” and seemed to be okay as we walked them together for a short time. Russell was cordial to Marty, as was his nature not to be over affectionate to new people. He took treats gently from her hands and sat patiently as she petted him. After about an hour of visiting and talking, Marty decided that she would like to, if I thought it was okay, adopt Russell. I wanted to wait until after the November 16th blood work was completed and I had a better idea of how Russell was progressing to complete the adoption. Marty agreed that would be best.

As I left the Petsmart, I was feeling a lot of emotions. I was excited that it looked so good that Russell was going to get adopted, nervous that I was making the best decision, but mostly sad that my time with Russell was nearing an end.

Russell had only lost a few pounds in the first couple weeks he was with us. I decided it was time to get a better physical check up and blood work done. I made an appointment with my vet. A thorough health evaluation would reveal many things.

Russell November 2012

To be continued . . .

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Content By:  Beagle Bob

"Beagle Bob" Dietrich is a foster parent for dogs along with his wife Vicki and son Robert.  Bob is a full time Fire Fighter/Paramedic, Vicki is a high school math teacher, and Robert is a full time college student.  They have two Beagles, Mandy and Buddy. 

Images: Provided by Alliey Bender Photography

There is no way to tell the story of Russell from beginning to end as a short story. His story is far too long; and far from over. So I will do my best to keep it as short as possible. I'll divide it into chapters so it doesn't have to be read all at once. The 7 chapters of Russell's Story will be posted semi-monthly.


In the early afternoon of September 26th I brought Russell back to our house for the third time as a foster dog. I introduced him, yet again, to my Beagles, Mandy and Buddy for the third time also. They gave each other a courtesy sniff and walked away from each other. It seemed that Mandy didn’t care to fight with Russell any more. Maybe she felt sorry for him. The introductions that day took place in our front yard. Since Russell was completely unable to run, I let him loose in the front yard with my two dogs. As my two ran around sniffing and doing their business, all Russell could do was pant and watch. After several minutes, he waddled over to a bush and attempted to lift his leg to pee where Buddy had a few minutes earlier. He couldn’t do it on the mildly slopping ground. Despite his obvious discomfort, Russell’s tail slowly wagged as he tried to follow me down our 50ft. long driveway so I could get the mail. He made it about half way and stopped. I walked back up the driveway to our walk that led to the front porch. Russell followed along. When I stepped the one step to the porch, I saw Russell staring at it like it was a mountain. He crawled up slowly and had to take a break before crawling up over the front door threshold and into the house. I’m the kind of person who tries to find humor in just about anything. The only humorous thing that came to mind at this point was: “At least he can’t run away!”

In the late afternoon my wife Vicki returned home from work. She knew Russell would be there, of course, so it was not going to be a surprise. As she opened the door to come into the house, Mandy and Buddy did their normal barking and running to the door to greet her. Russell, who had been sleeping in a dog bed, struggled just to get up. When Vicki first saw Russell, her mouth dropped open. Nearly in tears, she couldn’t believe his condition. The Beagle that she had not really cared all that much for last year, was now just a pitiful sight that she couldn’t help but feel sorry for.

Shortly after Vicki got home, we fed the three dogs. Afterwards we led them to the sliding glass door that opened up to the back yard. This is where we normally let them out to go to the bathroom. There are ten steps that lead from the door down to the yard. Mandy and Buddy raced down the steps and into the yard. Russell put his front paws down one step and stopped. He couldn’t get down the steps. I went down the steps past him and tried to help him down. He methodically went down each step by dropping his two front paws down first. He would then have to shift his body weight to one side because his rear legs would start to spread apart. As he shifted sideways, his back end would slide around and drop down to the lower step. He would then have to twist his whole body to get his two front legs back in front of him so he could lower them to the next step. It was a grueling process for him to do and even more torturing for us to watch. Russell would be going out the front of the house for a while because there were only two steps down to get to the yard and each had a larger surface to land on.

That evening we prepared to take Mandy and Buddy for their evening walk. It was obvious that Russell was not going to go for the normal 1-2 mile walk we go with our dogs. Mandy and Buddy went nuts when we got their leashes ready for their walk. Much to our surprise, Russell was showing some excitement to go also. We knew he wasn’t going to be able to go very far (maybe to the end of the driveway), but we had to admire his enthusiasm. Vicki decided to take Mandy and Buddy and I would try to follow with Russell. I didn’t need a leash as we started on the walk. Vicki quickly disappeared as she walked off with Mandy and Buddy. Russell tried his best to follow, but after about 100ft. down the street, he stopped and laid down on the concrete. After a few minutes, I convinced him to get up and follow me back to the house.

Over the next couple weeks we tried to put Russell into a routine of eating healthy and moderate exercise. By the end of the two weeks, Russell still could not go down the back steps. We did, however, find out that he could go up the steps. We got into a routine that would allow him to get some exercise by letting him out the front door, force him to go around the house to the back yard and up the steps to get back into the house. We also continued to let him follow Vicki or I walking the dogs in the evening. He slowly was able to go farther and farther down the street. One night when I was walking Mandy and Buddy and Vicki was following behind with Russell, he suddenly decided that he wanted to come too. It didn’t take long for Mandy, Buddy, and I to get far ahead. After I was far enough away to be out of sight, Russell started barking. For the next 30 minutes or so I could hear him bark as I went through the neighborhood. We walk the dogs in a big loop through the neighborhood leaving the house from the south and returning from the north. When I was about 200ft. or so from returning to our house, Mandy and Buddy started barking at one of our neighbor’s dogs. I noticed that Vicki and Russell were not in front of our house, but I could hear Russell barking. When I got to our house, I noticed Vicki and Russell coming from the south. It seems that Russell had tried to follow us and had gotten almost a quarter of a mile before he heard Mandy and Buddy barking. He turned around and headed to the barking which brought him home. Vicki said Russell was very determined to follow me despite it being so physically difficult. It was a major sign of improvement for Russell in terms of his health and his personality. He was getting in better shape and was also beginning to bond with us.

Russell had only lost a few pounds in the first couple weeks he was with us. I decided it was time to get a better physical check up and blood work done. I made an appointment with my vet. A thorough health evaluation would reveal many things.

To be continued . . .


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Content By:  Beagle Bob

"Beagle Bob" Dietrich is a foster parent for dogs along with his wife Vicki and son Robert.  Bob is a full time Fire Fighter/Paramedic, Vicki is a high school math teacher, and Robert is a full time college student.  They have two Beagles, Mandy and Buddy. 

Images: Provided by Beagle Bob

There is no way to tell the story of Russell from beginning to end as a short story. His story is far too long; and far from over. So I will do my best to keep it as short as possible. I'll divide it into chapters so it doesn't have to be read all at once. The 7 chapters of Russell's Story will be posted semi-monthly.

Melanie, victim of BB gun shot wounds

From August of 2011 to September of 2012 our family fostered fifteen dogs for Paws and Prayers. Most of them, ten to be exact, were Beagles or Beagle mixes. Each had its own level of affection that made it easy for us to get attached to them. From the extreme response of jumping in your lap and licking your face, to a simple nudging of your hand for a gentle pat on head, each had their own distinct personality. Each also had challenges that needed to be worked out. These included, but were not limited to: two “diva” Beagles that barked loudly at every dog they saw, a Beagle puppy that only pooped in his cage, a Beagle that had to spend hours a day hiding and retrieving toys all over the house, a German Shepherd mix that needed to sit in your lap every minute, a Redbone Coonhound that was scared of me and most likely had never been in a house, and a small Beagle with a dislocated hip and twelve BB’s from a gun scattered throughout her body (including one in the neck). Each dog was adopted to a loving home.

On Sunday, September 23, 2012, the Paws and Prayers voicemail system received a message from Russell’s owner. Most voicemail messages are sent out to a group e-mail system that transcribes them into print for easy retrieval. Every person in the group can see the transcribed messages. Most never apply to me and I delete them after just a glance. As I was glancing through a transcribed message, I saw Russell and S’s name. I stopped immediately and was shocked to read that Russell was in the care of the Humane Society of Greater Akron. S wanted to know if I could get him out. I called her and found that Russell had been staying with a friend of S’s. That friend, who lived alone, needed to be taken to the hospital and Russell was taken to the Humane Society for care. S wanted me to get involved because the Humane Society needed proof of her ownership of Russell and how she had adopted him. She had never gotten him a license for 2012. S also told me that she had been living with her daughter because of frequent hospital admissions and recovery periods that prevented her from taking care of Russell properly. Her daughter could not have pets at her house. I told S I would help her any way I could.

On Monday morning, September 24th, I called the Humane Society to inquire about Russell. I was put on the phone with a Humane Society Officer who related to me a story I was not prepared to hear. It seems the Humane Society Officer was involved in removing Russell from S’s neighbor’s home because of “deplorable conditions." The neighbor also had two other dogs, two cats, and a bird that also needed to be removed. The Officer stated that there was little chance any of the animals would go back there.

When I told the Officer that I had fostered Russell last year, his first question, much to my dismay, was: “How much did he weigh the last time you saw him?” I told him that Russell weighed about 33lbs, but should have weighed about 25-30lbs The officer told me he weighed about 60lbs now! I could not believe what I heard. They hadn't weighed him yet, but I could hear a woman in the background over the phone telling the officer that she could pick up dogs up to 50lbs and she could not lift Russell. The Officer said that Russell could hardly walk, had trouble breathing, and could barely get up after laying down. I wanted to rush right out there to get him, but I was at work, so I told the Officer I would pick Russell up the next day.

Russell, just over 60lbs, back at Beagle Bob's home

I called S and made arrangements to meet her with Russell on Tuesday at the Banfield Pet Hospital that Paws and Prayers takes their dogs and cats to. I also contacted Jen, the Paws and Prayers Executive Director, and asked her to come with me. I wanted someone to help me get to the bottom of what happened to Russell.

Early in the afternoon of September 25th, I arrived at the Humane Society to pick up Russell. I was both excited to see him and scared of what he might look like. I felt that his weight might have been somewhat exaggerated. It seemed impossible that a dog that small in stature could weigh 60lbs. When they brought Russell out to see me, my jaw dropped. He was huge! As I approached him and called out his name, his tail slowly wagged as he strained to lift his head up to look at me. The face, the ear, and especially the eyes were the same, but the rest was practically unrecognizable. I bent down and let him smell me as I gently stroked his head. He seemed to remember me. Most dogs that I have fostered usually don’t remember me after being adopted, especially if they were only with us a short time. Russell seemed to have at least a little memory of me. The scene must have been somewhat comical as I struggled to lift Russell into the back seat of my truck. He was very heavy and very awkward to lift.

Jen met me at Banfield about 15 minutes before S was set to arrive. She was as shocked as I was to see Russell’s condition. After I struggled to get Russell out of my truck, I started to walk him into the Banfield building. He could only walked about four or five steps and had to stop to catch his breath. He didn’t really walk. It was more of a waddle. The 30ft. walk from my truck to the door of the building took a solid five minutes. Along the way Russell lost control of his bowels twice. It was pitiful.

Stairs were quite the challenge for Russell

Once inside Banfield, we took Russell to the scale to get weighted. He could not go up the five inch high platform without help. He weighed 60.5lbs! Jen began to tell me that Russell would most likely have a host of health problems from this obesity. She wondered if S was going to be able to afford the type of medical care he would need. We both were very anxious to find out how this had happened. While we waited for S to arrive, I told her I wanted to take care of Russell myself or at least help S get him the care he needed.

When S finally arrived Jen and I were shocked to hear that she had not seen Russell in over six months! Her frequent admissions to the hospital had prevented her from taking care of him and she had entrusted him with her a neighbor. A decision she seemed to regret. S told us that she was glad Russell was not at the Humane Society any longer. As she gently petted his head, Jen and I exchange glances. Both of us knew that Russell should not go back to her. I couldn’t come up with the words, so I was glad when Jen finally spoke up and asked her it she would allow Paws and Prayers to foster Russell again. Without ever looking away from his face, she sighed and agreed to release him back to us.

After S signed Russell over to us and left, Jen had a Vet take a quick look at Russell. His obesity had taken a toll on his body. He would need a full exam and blood work soon to determine how dangerous his health had become.

Because my current foster, Dotty, was being adopted that evening, Jen offered to take Russell to her house for the night and I would pick him up the next day. As I struggled to get Russell into the front seat of Jen’s car, I wondered how this had happened to this poor dog. I was very angry with myself for not following up enough with S to see how Russell was doing. I was, however, determined to do everything I could to get Russell healthy.

To be continued . . .


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Content By:  Beagle Bob

"Beagle Bob" Dietrich is a foster parent for dogs along with his wife Vicki and son Robert.  Bob is a full time Fire Fighter/Paramedic, Vicki is a high school math teacher, and Robert is a full time college student.  They have two Beagles, Mandy and Buddy. 

Images: Provided by Beagle Bob

Did you know, TODAY is National Hairball Awareness Day? That’s right…this special day dedicated to our furry feline friends is celebrated on the last Friday of April.

Now…some of you might be wondering why something so “yucky” gets its own day of recognition. The truth is, frequent hairballs are NOT a normal part of a healthy cat’s life. So, let’s get down to the root of this hairy problem…AND, how to fix it!

It’s no secret that cats shed their fur (one look at my house would confirm it!). What most people DON’T know is how hairballs are formed and what dangers they can cause.

What is a hairball?

A hairball is a collection of ingested hair (caused by the cat’s natural grooming process) which a cat may regurgitate along with mucus or bile. The ASPCA says, “During a cat’s daily grooming regimen, he may inadvertently swallow loose hair, which generally passes through the digestive system into the cat’s stool. Some hair can remain, however, and collect in the stomach or small intestine, causing the cat to hack, gag, or retch until he vomits the offending [material]. The hair that is vomited can appear matted or tubular in shape.” Hairballs are commonly thought of as a normal part of a cat’s life; however, most vets agree that if your cat hacks up more than 1-2 hairballs per year, it’s a problem.

Besides the “yuck” on my carpet, what are symptoms of hairballs?

Hairballs can also cause constipation and decreased appetite. They can also cause upset stomach or general gastrointestinal discomfort, which may in turn cause vomiting of the hairball or of mucus or food.

Why are hairballs dangerous?

The ASPCA stresses hairballs can be indicative of several things. First, it may indicate that your cat may need tweaks to her diet. By improving diet—and thus, coat and skin health—you can help reduce your cat’s ability to efficiently move groomed hair safely through her digestive tract.

Second, hairballs may block the esophagus or intestinal tract, causing surgery to correct. In rare cases, they may be symptomatic of serious disease such as inflammatory bowel disease or even cancer.

Lastly, it can indicate a behavioral issue, such as obsessive-compulsive type activity.

How can I prevent hairballs?

As we’ve already said above, a good diet can make a HUGE change in the amount of hair your cat has a potential to ingest. Look for a high-quality food; some brands have hairball control formulations that may be of benefit. Some pet stores also sell hairball lubricants or food additives which may help lubricate the digestive tract.

Some types of cats are more prone to hairballs, such as long-haired breeds. Brush your cat often—if long-haired, brush daily—to help decrease the amount of hair he may ingest during grooming.

If your cat shows tendencies to groom herself excessively, try distracting her with a new toy or by initiating playtime activities. This strategy has the added benefit of spending quality time with your favorite feline! 


Below are sources and resources containing helpful information and valuable tips for keeping your kitty healthy and hair-free! 

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/hairball.aspx 

http://www.furminator.com/Blog/National-Hairball-Awareness-Day.aspx


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Content By:  Jocelyn Alexander

Jocelyn Alexander is a rescue foster for dogs and cats, as well as a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS).  She has a 4-year-old black Labrador retriever named Dixie, who is a registered Pet Partners therapy dog and Canine Good Citizen; and Chloe, a 10-year-old tuxedo cat who rules the house with a velvet glove.

Images:  1, 2, 3

Daffodil

Spring is upon us in Northeast Ohio, and with it comes the prime time for gardening (FINALLY!).  When planting your vegetation—or even keeping houseplants or floral arrangements in your home—it can save your furry friend’s life if you know which ones can be harmful or even deadly.

We at Paws & Prayers have compiled a list of common toxic plants for pet parents to be aware of. While the list is not exhaustive, you can find a complete listing at the ASPCA poison control site.


Aloe Vera  

• Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, decreased appetite, tremors, change in urine color 

Azalea

Azalea/Rhododendron 

• GI upset, drooling, loss of appetite, diarrhea, colic, weakness and loss of coordination, stupor, leg paralysis, recumbency for 2 or more days
• Dogs and cats may become comatose and die if medical attention is not sought 
• Also toxic to farm animals such as horses, goats, and sheep

Begonia

• Oral irritation or burning of mouth, tongue or lips; excessive drooling; vomiting; difficulty swallowing

Daffodil

Hosta

• The bulbs are the most toxic part of the plant
• Vomiting, salivation, diarrhea 
• If large amounts are ingested, may cause convulsions, hypotension (low blood pressure), tremors, and arrhythmias

Hosta

• Vomiting, diarrhea, depression

Ivy 

• GI upset, abdominal pain, increased drooling

Tomato plant

• Excessive drooling, decreased appetite, severe GI upset, depression of the central nervous system, confusion, behavioral changes, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate

Tulips

Tulips/Narcissus

• As with other bulbous plants, the bulb is the most toxic portion of the plant
• Severe GI upset/irritation, depression of the central nervous system, drooling, loss of appetite, convulsions, cardiac arrhythmias

Several plants found in floral arrangements can also be hazardous to your pet’s health, causing symptoms such as GI upset, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. These include carnations, baby’s breath, chrysanthemum, and gladiola. And YES, although the ever-popular holiday poinsettias are a commonly known toxic plant, the symptoms of ingestion are not quite as severe as most people believe, and are mostly limited to vomiting and diarrhea.

Don’t be left unprepared in the event of any type of poisoning, whether it be hazardous chemicals, foods, or plants. Make sure you—and every member of your family—know how to reach the closest emergency veterinarian, and have the ASPCA’s Poison Control number (888-426-4435) prominently displayed in a common area, such as your refrigerator.

Being vigilant and knowing what symptoms to look for can help save your cat or dog’s life. It’s always better to be safe rather than sorry, and a consultation fee for the ASPCA Poison Control Center or your vet is worth it to make sure your pet is A-OK! 

Here are some helpful sources and resources to review: 

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/ 

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/?gclid=CJyj_qXnvbYCFc9AMgodSlAA0w

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/24-common-plants-poisonous-to-pets.html

http://www.animalhealthfoundation.net/news/item.html/n/20261gclid=CJ2yxYzqvbYCFY1aMgodZH8ADA


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Content By:  Jocelyn Alexander

Jocelyn Alexander is a rescue foster for dogs and cats, as well as a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS).  She has a 4-year-old black Labrador retriever named Dixie, who is a registered Pet Partners therapy dog and Canine Good Citizen; and Chloe, a 10-year-old tuxedo cat who rules the house with a velvet glove.


Images:  1, 2, 3

Remember Bob Barker’s sign-off at the end of every show?  “Spay or neuter your pets!”  What d’ya know, Mr. Barker was absolutely correct!

Today, February 26, 2013, is the 19th Annual World Spay Day, sponsored by the Humane Society of the UnitedStates (HSUS) and Humane Society International (HSI).  HSUS heralds this special date as “a day to shine the spotlight on spay/neuter as a proven means of saving lives of companion animals, feral cats, and street dogs who might otherwise be put down in a shelter or killed on the street.”  World Spay Day is also co-sponsored by national groups such as ASPCA, PetSmartCharities, and PetFinder, as well as many local animal welfare organizations.

A sad fact is that, according to HSUS, 6-8 MILLION pets are put into shelters every year.  Only half of these are adopted—the other half, sadly, are euthanized because of overpopulation.  Many of these euthanized pets were healthy and adoptable.  Where do all these pets come from?  HSUS states that usually, these are not the result of stray animals breeding on the street; rather, they are companion animals—pets—who owners have allowed to breed, either purposely or accidentally.  By performing spay or neuter, you can 100% prevent unwanted or unintended breeding.  Not only that, but by spaying/neutering your pet, you will help ensure you won’t contribute to already overpopulated shelters.  “The message of World Spay Day is that by spaying or neutering your pet, by supporting spay/neuter efforts in the United States and abroad, and by informing others of the importance of spay/neuter, you become an important part of the solution!”


One of the primary reasons spay/neuter surgery is not performed timely (or at all) is cost.  During the month of February, many national and local organizations are striving to make sterilization affordable for all pet owners.  To find an event near you, click here.   For those in the Akron area, check out this event at One of a Kind Pets.



How much do YOU know about spay or neuter? Quick facts:

• Kittens can (and should!) be spayed or neutered once they reach 2 pounds; dogs can have the procedure completed as soon as 8 weeks of age. 
• One unaltered cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in seven years!! 
• Spaying females corrects many undesirable behaviors associated with heat cycles; neutering males helps correct things like urine marking, roaming, and humping. 
• Spay/neuter lowers the chance of many health problems later in life, including certain types of cancer.
• Purebred dogs make up approximately 25% of shelter populations—don’t let your purebred’s puppies become a statistic!  A litter of purebred puppies is still a litter that has the potential to end up in shelters.   

As always, we have included a list of our sources AND resources for the savvy, knowledgeable pet parent.  Make sure you take full advantage of this month’s spay and neuter deals—your pet will thank you!! 

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Content By:  Jocelyn Alexander

Jocelyn Alexander is a rescue foster for dogs and cats, as well as a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS).  She has a 4-year-old black Labrador retriever named Dixie, who is a registered Pet Partners therapy dog and Canine Good Citizen; and Chloe, a 10-year-old tuxedo cat who rules the house with a velvet glove.

Images:  1, 2, 3

Have you ever gotten up in the morning and had your mouth feel “icky?”  Imagine that feeling compounded by days, weeks, and possibly months of going without brushing your teeth.  YUCK!  In our last post we discussed how important your pet’s dental health is, and how many complications poor oral conditions can cause or exacerbate.  Today, we’ll give you all the information you need to get into a healthy, regular dental care regimen.  A good routine can LITERALLY give you many more happy years with your beloved companion!

Things You Will Need:

• A toothbrush made for dogs or cats:  You can use one that fits over your finger (especially helpful for smaller dogs or cats who have little or no experience with tooth brushing), or one with a handle (which can give you better reach into a larger dog’s mouth).  Some handled brushes have a small brush on one end and a larger brush on the other. 
• Pet-specific toothpaste:  This is a must!  NEVER use human toothpaste; it contains ingredients which may be harmful or toxic.  Pet toothpaste comes in several flavors, such as beef, liver, chicken, or peanut butter.  You may need to experiment a little to figure out which one your pet prefers. 
• A favorite treat:  Remember our January blog post?  Using positive reinforcement helps ensure that tooth brushing will be a routinely positive experience, one that your dog or cat won’t mind repeating.   

Start Small!

If your dog or cat isn’t familiar with tooth brushing, you may need to start in small steps.

First, in keeping with positivity, ensure that you do not take a threatening stance or restrain/ hold down your pet.  WebMD recommends kneeling or sitting in front of or beside him.  Rub your finger along his gums and teeth, applying light pressure.  Getting your pet to accept this may take a few days.  Then, you can apply toothpaste onto your finger and repeat the process.  Once this has been achieved, you can generally begin to use the toothbrush along with the toothpaste.


The Brushing Technique

Gently brush your pet’s teeth in a circular motion, ensuring you are hitting the gum line to help remove the plaque.  Make sure you don’t brush too hard—if you see bleeding gums, this could be either an indication of gingivitis (gum disease) or that you are applying too much pressure.  If it happens regularly, be sure to ask your vet.

Even if your pet only allows brushing for a few seconds, it’s important to reward the behavior with a treat.  You can keep trying the next day, and build up time as you go!

Helpful Hints:

• Talk to your pet in a soothing manner; be calm 
• Give treats regularly during brushing activities to build positive response to dental care 
• Schedule tooth brushing following physical exercise, when your pet may be a little more tired and more likely to cooperate calmly 
• Ask your vet which chewy items are good for maintaining dental health (some recommend Greenies, types of rawhides, or raw marrow bones) between brushings. 

As always, here is a list of useful resources to help you make your pet’s “smile” dazzling and kisses sweet! 

Paws & Prayers Adoptable Dog, Hennesy

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=997 

http://pets.webmd.com/healthy-dog-teeth-10/slideshow-brushing-dog-teeth 

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/essential-grooming-brushing-your-dogs-teeth.html
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Content By:  Jocelyn Alexander

Jocelyn Alexander is a rescue foster for dogs and cats, as well as a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS).  She has a 4-year-old black Labrador retriever named Dixie, who is a registered Pet Partners therapy dog and Canine Good Citizen; and Chloe, a 10-year-old tuxedo cat who rules the house with a velvet glove.

Images:  1, 2

• 57% of dog owners say their dog has bad-smelling breath.
• 59% of pet owners did not know that dental disease is the most prevalent disease in dogs and cats.
• 62% of pet owners aren’t taking action to address their pet’s dental health, and only a third take their pet to a veterinarian for professional cleaning.

• Bad breath (YES, a dog or cat’s breath isn’t always sweet as honey, but any especially offensive odor should be cause for concern; this can also be accompanied by loss of appetite, or vomiting or excessive drinking and urinating)
• Excessive drooling
• Inflamed gums
• Tumors in the gums
• Cysts under the tongue
• Loose teeth

• Pink gums (not white or red) which are not swollen
• Teeth should be clean and without brownish tartar
  
  

  

  
  

What health problems can dental disease cause?

Jan Bellows, DVM, from Weston Florida, writes to PetMD.com that “toxins from periodontal disease are absorbed into the dog’s bloodstream. As the kidneys, liver, and brain filter the blood, small infections occur, causing permanent and at time, fatal organ damage.” Shocking? Most definitely! Once dental disease is treated and pet parents continue a healthy regimen at home, pets often improve and do not suffer from further discomfort or illness. Dr. Bellows goes on to state that, thanks to circulation, these bacterial colonies can “set up shop” in the pets tissues, such as the heart and its valves, kidneys, liver, and brain. Exactly HOW important is dental health? Dr. Bellows says, “When a client asks me how long their puppy will live, I usually respond 15-17 years if you brush their teeth daily….11-13 years if you don’t.”

Hopefully this blog post has given you some food for thought with regards to your pet’s dental health. We have listed helpful resources below, as well as sources used to write this article. Stay tuned for our next installment on dental health, including easy and effective at-home dental regimens!

http://www.petmd.com/dog/grooming/evr_dg_oral_hygiene_and_your_dogs_health?page=show#.URLtRx3LSSo

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/how-to-tell-if-your-dog-has-dental-disease/page1.aspx

http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1112778940/banfield-sinks-its-teeth-into-pet-dental-health/

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-care-dental-health.aspx

http://www.healthypet.com/PetCare/PetCareArticle.aspx?title=AAHA_Dental_Care_Guidelines

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Content By:  Jocelyn Alexander

Jocelyn Alexander is a rescue foster for dogs and cats, as well as a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS).  She has a 4-year-old black Labrador retriever named Dixie, who is a registered Pet Partners therapy dog and Canine Good Citizen; and Chloe, a 10-year-old tuxedo cat who rules the house with a velvet glove.

Images:  1, 2

Barry, still looking for his home!

We fell in love with Molly the first time we saw her in the pound. Then I got the call that every adoptive pet parent dreads... yup... Molly was heartworm positive. I was heartbroken but thought she was worth it to try to save her. She was in our family for 5 weeks before she passed from complications from her heartworm treatment. She died on July 24, 2011 right around noon. I will never forget when I got the call from her vet... see, she was in the hospital because she was having trouble breathing. I fell to my knees and cried like a baby! She is buried on a close friend's family farm. Gone from this earthly life ... but is waiting at the rainbow bridge for us and will NEVER be forgotten.

Polo- one of the first 2 treated under our program and looking for a home!

http://www.medicinenet.com/pets/dog-health/heartworms_in_dogs.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirofilaria_immitis#Treatment
http://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/faqs.html