FEATHERED AND FURRY CREATURES
EVERYBODY CAN GET ALONG
By Cal Orey, South Lake Tahoe NV

In a perfect world, one in five pet households enjoys the best of both warm and furry worlds by having both cats and dogs in their homes. In the real world, “mixed pet” households - including birds--can end up in chaos, have irreconcilable differences or mishaps.
Twenty years ago, for instance, I was given a beautiful green Bee Bee Parrot for my birthday. Unfortunately, the latch on Hastings’ cage was faulty. So, that evening I put my new bird inside the coop and into the closed bathroom for safety’s sake. Since I had made previous plans to go out, I left and didn’t think twice about my 18-pound cat, Gandalf, and the bird. Hastings was in a panic room, right? But, a few hours later, upon my return, I was greeted by feathers in the hallway. Then, I noticed that the bathroom door was open, and my eyes dropped to the broken birdcage on the floor--and my guilty-looking puss behind me. And poor Hastings? Well, let’s just say my senior feline wizard wouldn’t be hungry for a while.
Countless people get ruffled when their furry or feathery children act like arch enemies—or worse. The following experts offer bird-smart strategies on what you can do to avoid disaster and how to get your feathery and furry friends to coexist in harmony. Yes,it can be done!

PRACTICE EARLY SOCIALIZATION
“With time and patience (but not in every incident) cats, dogs, and birds can be taught to get along. The ideal situation, in my opinion, would be to introduce a kitten or puppy to a bird rather than an adult dog or cat. It’s usually easier to socialize and teach dogs and cats early on rather than later in the game. But it can be done.”
• Rayeann Hughes, caretaker/clerk, Pettin’ Place, Reno, NV

CONSTANTLY PAY ATTENTION!
“By very nature, cats and dogs are predators. Most birds are prey. To even remotely consider that they can coexist in harmony is asking for tragedy. I own more than 100 birds (I’m a breeder), one dog, and one cat. I have never had any problems because I know where everyone is at any given time. Even a cat that seems to have no interest can change its mind in a split second. That’s all it takes for the bird to lose its life or be seriously injured. Ditto with dogs. The only way that the three different animals can coexist together is if the owner is very conscientious and constantly pays attention to what’s going on. There is no room for error or slip-ups!”
• Linda Luckey, Lovebirds Aviary, www.lovebirdsplus.com, Florida

PROVIDE SEPARATE PLAYTIME QUARTERS (REMEMBER TO ROUND UP YOUR FLOCK!)
“Dogs and birds for the most part don’t coexist. The birds get to roam the house in the morning, the dogs get the afternoon and evening. If I should get distracted and forget to put the birds back in their cage, the birds are goners.”
• Sally Berger, volunteer, Wylie Animal Rescue Foundation, Reno, NV

UNDERSTAND A “PET PSYCHIC’S BIRDS-EYE VIEW”
“As in any roommate situation, personalities have to be considered as well as privacy and safety space, especially for the more vulnerable pet bird. Predatory instincts are very strong even in the friendliest of catsand dogs, so by honoring the natural laws and giving your bird its own room, your bird will feel safer and happier. By simply talking out loud and explaining to your critters what you want, with clear mental images, will also help to keep everyone involved in the decisions of coexisting. Remember, treat all with respectand consideration as adult members of their species, rather than furry or feathery babies for human pleasure, and peaceful coexistence can become a reality.”
• Tricia T. Hunter, pet psychic, www.PeTalks.com, Verdi, NV

LIVE AND LET LIVE
“These days, I let both my bird-loving cat and bird dog enjoy birds--but it’s done at a distance. For example, Kerouac, my black-and-white, 5-year-old feline is accustomed to an indoor living style. That means, screens on every window in every room. And once summer hits he gets a cat’s eye view of Tahoe’s colorful birds, from woodpeckers to American robins. And my Brittany spaniel, a bird fan at heart, gets his feathery fix, too. At the beach he feasts his eyes on Canada geese and seagulls. But, rather than chase these birds I provide a healthy diversion--swimming in the lake or running on the beach. Either cardio activity will suffice this Type-A energetic pooch.”
• Cal Orey, pet writer, South Lake Tahoe, CA

Cal Orey is an author and journalist. She has written hundreds of articles for national magazines and several books including 202 Pets’ Peeves available on the Internet at www.kensingtonbooks.com

DO ANIMALS HAVE A SIXTH SENSE
EXPERTS EXPLAIN MYSTERIOUS INSIGHT
By Cal Orey, South Lake Tahoe NV

Animals have such amazing senses that it seems they can predict quakes and tsunamis. “No way,” you’re thinking. But it’s true, they can, and for a variety of reasons.
Here, some experts offer possible theories to explain animal, and maybe your pet’s mysterious insights.
On December 26, on the day of the Full Moon, a 9.0 earthquake hit off the west coast of Northern Sumatra, and the big wave of destruction followed.
In Sri Lanka, an island south of India, wildlife officials reported that at Yala National Park, near the area of mass destruction, elephants, leopards, and deer survived. Unlike humans, few animal carcasses have been found after the killer tsunami hit the wildlife sanctuary.
California Geologist Jim Berkland is not surprised by the post-tsunami disaster reports of the animals and their “sixth sense.” After all, he has been creating a buzz about our pet-friendly “seismic sentries” formore than 20 years.
So what gives? Diana L. Guerrero, author and animal disaster behavior expert in Big Bear Lake, CA, said, “Animals appear to exhibit an awareness of impending disaster. Changes are common in both wild and domestic animals prior to seismic activity. So I would suspect that animals vacated the area prior to the tsunami based on their survival instincts.”
How do animals do that? It’s just another astounding act that makes animals seem psychic. But do they really have a supernatural sixth sense?

CLAIRVOYANT CUES
Animal experts claim there doesn’t seem to be any other explanation. Animals possess super senses that are beyond the scope of normal sensory perception. Ever notice how pets often seem to know something we don’t? They wake up before the alarm clock rings or recognize their owner is ill. Some experts think they have ESP. Some say it’s a mystery of nature. And some things animals know are unsolved mysteries—or are they?
Do animals really have a sixth sense? “Anecdotal accounts seem to indicate that they appear to. A more common example would be the survival response in groups of animals in response to predators—they avoid the hunters and ignore those that are not on the prowl. I would hypothesize that the same adaptations relate to geological and related threats,” explains Guerrero.

ANIMAL WARNINGS
In fact, pets may be so sensitive to the movements of the earth’s crust that they can actually predict earthquakes, too.
“When the magnetic field fluctuates a few days or hours before a quake, the animals become disoriented or frightened and some run away,” according to Berkland.
He claims a better than 80 percent success rate.Berkland predicted the 1989 World Series earthquake and the 1994 Northridge quake in Southern California. What led this geologist to make these predictions? Missing cats and dogs! He’s found the number of lost-pet ads peak a day or so before an earthquake hits. Evidently, our pets will often disappear— heading for safer ground! And apparently, the wildlife in Sri Lanka did just that.
Berkland also suggests animals are able to detect minute changes in the earth’s magnetic field due to magnetite in their bodies; magnetite is magnetic iron oxide grains that are common in many rocks. Recent research on magnetite suggests they’re the cause of homing pigeons’ navigational abilities, and of whales’ and butterflies’ migrations.
Odd animal behavior has been reported elsewhere. A few days before an earthquake in Haicheng, China, which occurred on February 4, 1975, masses of frogs and fish killed themselves trying to break through icecovered rivers and ponds. Horses, cows, and pigs ran off.
A few days after the strange animal happenings began, the 7.3 earthquake flattened the city, destroying a large percentage of buildings. But because city officials took heed of the animal warnings, the city was evacuated within a day before the quake, and fatalities were kept to a minimum.

TURNING TO MOTHER NATURE
But there is more to Berkland’s theory than just missing pets and strange animal behavior. He alsopredicts quakes by using information on the tidal flows, and the position of the moon and earth. Plus, the moon in the Full or New phase with fluctuation of both extreme low and high tides can cause significant earthquakes. And not only “was the great 9.0 Sumatra quake and tsunami on the day of the Full Moon,” points out Berkland, “the last 9+ magnitude quake and tsunami was in Alaska on March 27, 1964, also the day of the Full Moon.”
Berkland adds, “All year I have been warning of the record tides coming in early December. I have said that if a great quake was going to occur, December was the most likely time. And now we have two separate great earthquakes within one week, which may be unprecedented.” An 8.1 monster quake struck off the Macquarie Island on December 23. Interestingly, it has been reported that penguins, like the Sri Lanka animals, escaped harm’s way, too.
But since scientists still admit they aren’t yet able to reliably predict earthquakes, is it really so silly to monitor our animal friends?
Berkland advises people to do just that. Prepare. In the meantime, he’ll be noting the moons, tides, and listening to reports from people worldwide who observe changes in animal behavior.
For more information, log onto Jim Berkland’s Website at: www.syzygyjob.org

Cal Orey is an author and journalist who lives in South Lake Tahoe, CA. She is the author of The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes, the story of Jim Berkland and his ability to predict major tremors around the world, for publication in 2006, the centennial anniversary year of the San Francisco earthquake.
 

Your Seismic Sentries Looking for a beacon to the next earthquake? Here are some animal clues gleaned from Diana L.Guerrero’s animal disaster preparedness booklet, Animal Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners & Pet Professionals: Wild Animals: Animals vacate areas, gather in groups, or enter into human inhabited areas prior to incidents. Cats: You may see warning signs such as hiding, running around frantically trying to escape outdoors, and meowing. Dogs: Dogs will usually hide. Behavior before a quake includes howling, whining, barking, restlessness, aggression, and increased devotion to animal guardians. Horses and Livestock: Hoofed animals often refuse to enter their barns or pens and often refuse to tie. They tend to group together in open areas, act nervous, or pace. Other Animals: Caged birds will often hang on their cage, sometimes they will flap frantically, or they can be abnormally quiet. But note, not all animals can and do predict earthquakes.

EINSTEIN'S CHALLENGE
A STRANGE AFFLICTION
By Juci Somogyi, Reno NV

Reflecting on 2004, one memory sticks out like a beacon in the fog: my horse's near-death experience. In July, on a typical Thursday night, I went to bed and when I woke up, I remembered my not so typical dream of my horse, Einstein. He was in his stall rolling bizarrely and couldn't get up, as if part of his leg was missing. The image came back immediately, and feeling uneasy, I hurried to feed him that morning.
I was relieved to see he was on his feet, but realized something was wrong. His eyes were huge with pain and he could barely stand. I led him out of the stall to assess how bad it was but could barely coax him to walk. He almost fell down with every step. We barely made it to the pasture where he went down instantly.
My dream flashed--it wasn't looking good. I thought this was the end. Einstein was 18, and I’d had him for seven years. Could our time be up?
I was watching and looking for his rib cage to rise and fall. It seemed an eternity between breaths. His legs stiffened and stuck out straight like a dead horse. His tongue was hanging out of his mouth. Unable to hold back tears, I took his head in my lap and petted his kind face. I thanked him for all he had taught me and told him how much I loved him. I never thought he would stand again.
Thankfully, I was wrong. Five of us pushed Einstein to his feet just as the vet arrived. To get him up seemed the right thing to do. It was a scary sight but he was on his feet, teetering. The vet concluded: a spider bite. His right hind had isolated swelling and was hot to the touch.
The bite triggered a massive infection, which triggered vasculitis, an inflammation of a vessel. Three of his legs became grossly swollen. The infection was wreaking havoc in his body. The majestic 17.1 hand grey was no longer eating and lost 300 pounds the first week.
Super antibiotics and cold-water hosing became routine. He was turned out night and day with his old friend Trilogy, a spunky chestnut mare who became his nurse. She would hover over him, hang her head down so close almost touching him with her muzzle when Einstein would be down having spasms of pain. She would lie down next to him as if to say, "I'm right here." It was a remarkable sight.
After eight days of misery, seeing his panic filled eyes and my own feelings of guilt because I was watching this suffering, I had another dream. I dreamed he started eating. Einstein was only interested in apples and carrots. The sight of my big, handsome boy barely able to walk and not being able to get to his feet on his own started eating away at me. His urine also started turning brown, dark brown. He needed to start eating and drinking or he would need to be hospitalized.
Again, I fed earlier than usual because of the dream. I offered a handful of grain and he ate it!! Excited, I fixed him a hefty bran mash and he ate most of it. He continued eating that week and slowly started gaining strength and stability.
It seemed like forever waiting for this turning point. While, he wasn’t out of the woods yet--that difficult decision I almost had to make could be postponed.
After another week, I had another dream. I was noticing how well muscled Einstein's body was. When I rose, I knew there was no reason to hurry and feed, but felt it was indicative of things to come. Einstein lost most of his muscle. At his worst he was skin and bones. At one point I never thought he would ever stand and be comfortable again. Now, optimistic after the dream, I thought he might be ride-able once more.
Two months after the initial onset of this crazy illness I was able to bring Einstein back to work. Starting very slowly, increasing in gradual increments, Einstein has exceeded his previous potential. I remember the first canter since he came back. I cried. He was happy to be back to work. I was happy to have him back.

Einstein truly feels better than ever. He has never been an easy horse to ride, but since this "death therapy" experience, he’s changed. He has a new found willingness and happy attitude which has made him less complicated. He’s a joy to ride and even looks and acts younger.
Maybe we’ve finally arrived at a common ground. This is all “bonus time” with him now. Priorities have changed in this continually evolving relationship. I will always admire and respect the amount of heart and desire to live Einstein embodies. I think everyone at the barn learned something from his strength to endure, as we were moved by Einstein and maybe even motivated to use our time more wisely.
If you listen closely you'll be amazed by the lessons our horses can teach.

Juci Somogyi trains dressage and jumping horses at Big Air Riding Academy in Reno, NV. With a strong foundation in dressage, she instills the importance of correct riding and training methods that are in the horses’ best interest. Juci's primary goal is to educate people and their horses while keeping both parties happy. For instruction or boarding options, contact Big Air Riding Academy, 2955 Rhodes Road, 775-849-7773.

WILD ANIMALS
ARE NOT DOMESTIC PETS
By Deb Voss Quail, Delafield WI

A stuffed teddy bear is one thing, but trying to hug a wild brown bear is another. Yet, that is exactly what one misguided Wisconsin man attempted. He purchased the bear cub at an exotic breeder auction and attempted to raise it in his home. When a neighbor spotted the cub on a leash, authorities seized the illegal animal and delivered it to the Wildlife In Need Center, Ottawa, Wisconsin. Eventually a zoo was found for the rapidly maturing bear. The would-be pet owner was arrested for violation of local ordinances and state laws governing ownership of non-native, wild, and exotic animals.
Not only can non-domestic animals be illegal to own, they can also be hazardous to both the home and artificial environment they are enslaved in. Raccoons and squirrels, for example, can be cute and docile as babies, but quickly mature and become unpredictable (aggressive) in behavior. Exotic lizards and snakes can rapidly outgrow cage limitations and threaten other household pets. Dealers don’t warn buyers about how big and difficult an animal will get, and “no one realizes the ability this animal has to tear off your cat’s head with one twist,” says Kenneth Krysko, a University of Florida herpetologist.
When ill-tempered undomesticated “pets” can’t successfully be housetrained, some are released into the wild, upsetting the environment when displaced species prey on native plants and animals, creating a threat to homeowners and innocent household pets.
Before attempting to cuddle up to anything other than your teddy bear or legitimate domestic house pet, consider that wild animals harbor parasites that can be lethal, especially to infants and young children. Internal parasites can cause debilitating diseases in humans, while external parasites such as ticks and fleas transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever, bubonic plague, and other diseases. Domestic animals, under veterinary care, make excellent house pets for a reason!
Wildlife species should remain in the wild, advises Nate Theobald, supervisor at the Wildlife In Need Center, where they can be admired and enjoyed (from a distance) by all.

Deb Voss Quail is an animal lover and freelance writer in Delafield, WI. The only creatures she snuggles up to are her husband, four teenagers, and the delightful doggy duo of Digger and Duke.

 

 

A HAPPY MIX CATS AND KIDS GETTING ALONG
Your new baby girl (or boy) has your eyes and your husband’s nose. She’s perfect, and you can’t wait to introduce her to your fur child. But wait, Kitty may not share your love and enthusiasm for this new bundle of joy. To him, your precious infant seems like an alien in small human form. She makes funny noises and emits an unfamiliar scent. Bringing home baby—or adopting a new cat and introducing it to a household with children—can turn even the calmest feline into a wild cat. Not all cats fall victim to “child jealousy,” but many do. If you learn to spot the signals, however, you can keep kitty purring through the growing up years for both cats and children. HAPPY CAT TIP 1: The consensus is kids should be told that when Kitty wants to stop playing, they should leave her alone until she comes back for more, whether it is chasing a ball or some one-on-one TLC. HAPPY CAT TIP 2: It’s key to teach your kids the right way to hold Kitty. That means, “with the bottom and hind legs supported by one arm and the front legs supported by the other,” say cat experts. The fact is felines do not like to be held by the shoulders with their legs dangling. Ugh! HAPPY CAT TIP 3: Instruct your child early on how to teach a cat good behavior. “It takes some effort to replace frustration and punishment with teaching desired behavior and to offer consistent praise to a cat for a good job,” says Animal Behaviorist John Wright, Ph.D., and author of Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Groundbreaking Program for Happy, Well Behaved Pets and People. HAPPY CAT TIP 4: Give your toddler some toys to use with the cat so they can interact in a positive way. HAPPY CAT TIP 5: When choosing a cat, select kid-friendly breeds. Some good choices are: Siamese, Tonkinese, Bombay, Main coon, and Scottish fold. HAPPY CAT TIP 6: Supervise all child-cat interaction for both the cat and child’s sake. HAPPY CAT TIP 7: Take the time and patience to show a child how cats should be petted. It’s a given, cats like to be stroked gently with fur direction, not against it. HAPPY CAT TIP 8: Keep cats from passing parasites and other health problems on by scheduling regular veterinarian examinations, vaccinations, and nail clippings, says the American Animal Hospital Association. HAPPY CAT TIP 9: Make certain your cat has its own eating space to ensure safety and security from an active toddler. HAPPY CAT TIP 10: Remember, growing up with cats can help teach children responsibility, nurturing, and how to love nature’s creatures.
	Smooth Introductions These safeguards, straight from veterinarians, will help Kitty and baby or toddler form a safe, healthy bond: • Perform first encounters in a neutral room, so your cat doesn’t feel as if it is defending its territory. • You may want to put the cat in a crate at first to acclimate it to the household’s sights and smells. • Ten minutes of contact is advised, then time out. Stay within this time range during a few close encounters. Separation will decrease hissing and other mishaps as well as lessen Kitty’s anxiety and boost confidence. • It’s wise to let Kitty come to the child rather than have the child go to Kitty. • Once introductions are done, supervise all interaction until you’re convinced that both your child and cat are friendly and not afraid. This excerpt from 202 Pets’ Peeves: Cats and Dogs Speak Out on Pesky Human Behavior, by Cal Orey, presents the cat’s point of view: Your Feline’s Pet Peeve #34: Unsupervised Infants While cats can live in peace with babies, we still have a few complaints. For starters, when we feel ignored by our “parents,” we may become miffed. Also, a baby’s cries can upset our equilibrium. Also, cats think: before baby, I was the baby. Then bam! Our human’s attention is elsewhere. If the attention to me is zapped without adequate warning, I may suffer from the kitty blues. Purr-fect Solution: To prevent this from happening, before the baby is born consider adding another cat to our household. If it’s a compatible match, the feline companionship will be a nice diversion for me when you forget my name. Another ideas is that before the baby comes home, occasionally play a recording of a baby crying. This may help get me (and you) desensitized to the new sound. Cats and babies can be mixed. All it takes is preparation and catlike persistence.