Animal Companions and Their People Blog

Archive for December, 2010

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 39% of our pet population is over 7 years of age, which is generally the age at which a pet is regarded as senior. Veterinarians refer to pets as seniors when they enter the stage of life that signals the onset of decline – of their physical condition, mental functions, organ functions, sensory functions and immune response. Our animal companions experience many of the same symptoms and issues related to growing old as we do. However, today pets, like humans are living longer and healthier lives due to several factors: quality of life and improved healthcare.

 

An increasing number of people love and regard their pets as family members. and treat them accordingly paying attention to their nutritional needs, regular exercise, playtime and interaction, socialization and incorporating them into their daily lives and routine. Advanced veterinary care is also responsible for the increased longevity and quality of the lives of our aging and older animal companions.

 

A regular veterinary examination is an important means of assessing your pet’s overall health and well being. It is also important for you as your pet’s caregiver, to observe and keep track of signs or symptoms that suggest potential health problems. Some of the signs of possible illness are:

1). Decreased amount of activity; limited mobility;

2). Decreased appetite or complete lack of appetite;

3). Problems getting up from the seated or lie down position

4). Trouble walking or limping;

5) Weight loss or gain;

6). Increased or excessive water consumption;

7). Difficulty climbing stairs or jumping or getting down from a chair or bed;

8). Difficulty breathing, or panting heavily while at rest;

9). Drooling;

10) Vomiting;

11).Foul mouth odor;

12). New lumps, swollen areas, or bumps – or changes in existing ones

13). Changes in urination or defecation appearance and routine

14). Obvious pain or discomfort;

15). Seizures or convulsions;

16). Lethargy;

17). Lack of interest in people and activities around her;

18). Whining, moaning, squealing or moaning.

 

Pay attention to your pet and any changes in her overall physical activity or behaviors. Make a deliberate effort to examine her frequently. When you pet her, feel her for any possible lumps or swollen areas. If she winces or cries when you touch certain areas or emits unusual scents, it is wise to follow up with a visit to your vet.

 

If you are aware of any unusual conditions or behaviors, consult with your veterinarian and arrange to have your pet examined.as soon as possible. Early detection of any potential illness or health problem can improve your pet’s physical and mental health and prolong her life!

 

Dog Behavior Specialist,Dr. Diane Pomerance

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It has been a difficult and tumultuous year for so many of us. We have experienced the dramatic decline of our economy. Many of us have lost not only money, but also our jobs – and even our homes. Many of us have lost loved ones. Others have faced serious, debilitating, even life-threatening illnesses. We have witnessed the horrors of the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile and natural disasters in other parts of the world. We have experienced the effects of the BP Oil Spill – one of the worst man-made environmental disasters in history. We have lost the comforting and inspiring fellowship of many leaders and artists. Yet, somehow we continue to endure – and survive.

This holiday season may find us more alone and lonely than ever before. Friends and relatives are few and far away. We feel alienated and detached from the merry-making, kinship and celebrating of those around us. We can only hope and pray for peace and goodwill in a world that seems perilously out-of-kilter and topsy-turvy.

I have personally found deep comfort and support from my own profound spiritual faith and through the presence, love, loyalty and devotion of the animal companions with whom I share my life. It is the beauty, purity-of-spirit, grace, joy, gratitude, friendship and companionship (and lack of deceit and materialism) of these wonderful creatures that give me cause to hope for a happier, deeper, richer and more fulfilling life for all of us.

And so, especially during this time of year, when I am so thankful for all the blessings in my life, I express my gratitude for those voiceless, helpless and vulnerable creatures that seek so little from us as humans and provide us with so much love, laughter, beauty, gratitude and joy.

The following are some quotes, which I hope you, will find inspiring – especially as they may relate to the friendship which many of us are privileged enough to receive from our beloved animal companions.

“When it hurts to look back, and you’re scared to look ahead, you can look beside you and your best friend will be there.” –

———- Anonymous

“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.”

———– Walter Winchell

“We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend.”

————–Robert Lewis Stevenson

“My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.”

—————Henry Ford

“A friend is someone who knows all about you and loves you just the same.”

—————-Proverb

“Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow;
Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead;
Walk beside me, and just be my friend.”

—————–Albert Camus

“There is nothing on this earth to be prized more than true friendship.”

—————-St. Thomas Aquinas

“Who finds a faithful friend finds a treasure.”

——————Jewish Saying

“True friends are always together in spirit.”

——————-Lucy Mead Montgomery

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave
footprints in your heart.”

———————-Unknown

I hope that all of you are blessed with the true friendship and companionship of a beloved animal companion. May all of you have a wonderful, beautiful, and blessed holiday and a joyous, PEACEFUL New Year!

Dr. Diane Pomerance

It’s holiday time, and, as it’s said “Tis the season to be jolly.” However, there is no reason that we cannot be jolly and introspective at the same time. We can reflect upon the blessings that are ours and rejoice in them. There is no better time to love, appreciate and embrace your animal companions. Most likely, there is no one in your life who is as devoted to you and who loves you as truly and unconditionally as your pet.

In spite of the many social, religious and professional obligations we may have this time of year, it is also a time for reflection, compassion, kindness, peace, good will and generosity, It is also time to pause and contemplate the special people and experiences in our lives. Certainly, for those of us who share our lives with our wonderful animal companions, we can think about the many ways our lives have been transformed and enriched by their presence.

Their innocence and vulnerability; the purity of their hearts and spirits; their spontaneity and ability to live “in the moment”; their empathy and support; their playfulness; and affection; the joy they find in the most meager of games or attention; their stoicism and innate wisdom; their intuitive appreciation of and attunement to nature – all are gifts they bring to us. These gifts help us to revisit our own childhood innocence, playfulness and vulnerability. They also help us to rejoice in the simple beauty of Creation.

Our animal companions remind us of a simpler, quieter time when life was far less technologically complex, the world of nature was more deeply appreciated, and the world as whole at least seemed to be less dangerous and complicated. Our animal companions respond to life as it is – not as it was or as it “should” or will be. They offer a treasure drove of lessons about the purposefulness, significance and interconnectedness of every living creature.

Simply petting your animal companion can feel soothing, comforting. and healing. Embracing (hugging or snuggling with him) can also feel warm, tender and rewarding. This holiday season, find time to appreciate, be grateful for and celebrate your furry child and all he represents. His gifts are simultaneously both simple and monumental…

Dog Behavior Specialist,Dr. Diane Pomerance

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