Scratchings-and-Sniffings

I Think, Therefore... I Think

Today's popular take-off on the "I think therefore I am," quote is, "I link, therefore I am." Pithy, I guess.

But, let's look at the original quote more closely - thinking makes me... human. It's something we do and other 'animal' species do not.

Really? Other animal species don't think? Raise your hand if you find that a lot of poppy-cock. Thank you.

Animals do think. They may not think in the same terms as we think (what should I have for breakfast today? Or, where should I go for dinner tonight? Or, why didn't Alice get back to me yet?) but they think. It's quite clear, if you observe your dog or cat or ferret or even your guinea pig, for just a little while, that they think. I doubt they ruminate (think deep thoughts about their existence and where the animal world is going - to hell in a handbasket, maybe?), but they definitely consider their surroundings, their humans, themselves, and their animal friends. 

Drive for Five: The Daily Corgi's Drive for Five Campaign

For those in the know, I'm a co-founder of BlogPaws, the first online pet community supporting pet bloggers and pet lovers the world over. It's an honor and a privilege to be working with Caroline, of Romeo the Cat, and Tom, of Scratchings & Sniffings and Books, blogs and beyond. Both of them are top-notch blog and social media professionals. They make me shine. [gotta love this pic of Romeo]

BlogPaws has introduced me to so many outstanding bloggers in the pet community space, I could never list them all here! But, I can help support the efforts they make to effect change in the world. BlogPaws, when its not focused on how to be a better blogger and how to use social media effectively, is all about Be the Change for Pets. We work hard to help raise funds for shelters and rescues everywhere. It's because we are devoted to our pets and we want to help our community bloggers get support for their efforts, also, that I feel compelled to share projects on this, my personal pet blog, from time to time.

Can a Dog be a Pessimist?

Apparently so, according to a recent article I saw in the NY times. The story detailed some interesting research out of England on dogs with separation anxiety. According to these authors, dogs that exhibit separation anxiety behavior suffer from an underlying negative affective state. In other words they are perpetually in a bad mood. Sounds like more than a few people I know.

The research design itself was pretty interesting. These Veterinary scientists identified dogs that demonstrated what they called separation related behavior or SRB. They videotaped these dogs after they had been left in a room alone by another researcher. Once they had a population of dogs with SRB tendencies they put them into what they call a cognitive bias test of affective state.

National Feral Cat Day

Feral cats are those cats who live in the wild. Many are born there. Feral cats can be found just about anywhere - including many back alleys in your city.

The groups they form are called "colonies." A colony can be big or small, depending on circumstances. The reason I bring this up today is because it's National Feral Cat Day. You can learn more at Petfinder from Becky Robinson, founder of Alley Cat Allies which is "a group dedicated to transforming and developing communities to protect and improve the lives of cats."

Food Allergy and Ear Infections

Sounds like a weird title for a post, but if you have a dog with chronic ear infections you ought to be thinking allergy. One of the more common causes of chronic ear infection is allergy. Ear mites, yeast, bacteria and even thyroid problems can lead to chronic ear infections too, but allergy is sometimes over looked as the primary cause.

Atopy, or an allergy to something in the environment like pollen or house dust, can also be the inciting cause of recurrent ear infections.

Lyme Disease in Dogs

If you live in certain parts of the country you are undoubtedly aware of Lyme disease.

Lyme disease affects both people and pets and can have serious health consequences for both. If you live in the Northeast or upper Midwest you live in what is called a Lyme disease endemic area (see map).

That means your chances of coming into contact with a tick that carries the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease is pretty darn good. The chances that your dog will encounter an infected tick is even better, considering how they like to play in the woods and run through the brush where ticks hang out.

Wow, This is Cool

You've got to see this video on Oscar the cat and his amazing surgery. My Facebook pal, Patrick, sent it to me and it totally made my day.

Oscar had an unfortunate run in with a farm implement and lost both his hind feet in the process. His owner took him in to his Veterinarian who referred him to Dr Noel Fitzpatrick; star of a British TV show called the Bionic Vet.

Do Pets Dream?

I can tell you that my pets dream. Carmie definitely chased rabbits or squirrels in her dreams. And, Wabby, well, she probably chases the ferret. Or, spends her dreaming time wondering when her next meal is. Or, maybe she's thinking about being FURminated! She loves her FURMinator!

I came across a great article in Bloomberg Businessweek titled, "Where Do Pets Go When They Dream?" and I couldn't resist sharing. The conclusion of the article is, "Pets do dream while sleeping." Which isn't news to any pet parents, of course. But, the way this was uncovered is interesting.

A Shocking Experience for Miles

Poor Miles. He rarely gets a harsh word around our house. He's so handsome and intelligent, he's hard to criticize. As such, he's not used to punishment. Well, that ended last week with snake training.

As you all know I'm a big fan of rewards based training where you reward for the right behavior until it becomes habit. Try as I might, I can't think of a way to teach a dog to avoid something they would be naturally curious about. Like a snake.

 

Aversion training relies on a certain degree of pain. According to our trainer, you want the dog to associate a rattlesnake with a really bad experience. In this case, a shock collar.

Hopefully Miles is Safe Now

I may have told you of a recent backpacking trip up the Middle Fork of the Gila River. I went in May with a bunch of high school kids and we had a great time. I also saw my first rattlesnake in the Gila. In fact, I saw four of them.

Kinda scary for me, but as a human I know the warning signs and that it's a good idea to give them plenty of room. Fortunately for us, the most common snake around here is the Black Tailed and as you can see from this video they are not too aggressive and would rather avoid us, too.