This is a page dedicated to your pets, my pets, everyone’s pets!  Whether it’s a missing animal or a found one.  Tips to keep your furry babies safe.  Stupid pet tricks or just pictures of your pets you wanna share.  It’s all about PETS!:)

……………………………….

Rebecca,

I listening to you guys daily and love your show!  I know how much you are involved in the APL and I just wanted to give a new website to check out and let all your listeners know about it. This was just started by my son-in-law Aaron down in Wooster. Please post on your blog if possible.!!!!!  Thank you guys for making me laugh and cry every morning!

Cindy

Thank you to Cindy for the info and thank you to Aaron for saving more of our furry babies!  Check out his site HERE

……………………………….

This is my friends Jen and Mike’s dog, Buda.  Too adorable! ……………………………….

Hi Rebecca,

I am sending you this e-mail in the hope that you can help bring about some good on behalf of furry children (pets) everywhere.  I know from how much you talk about Van Gogh and Holyfield that you love your cats as much as I love my rabbits.  They are my children, and bring so much joy and love to my life! 

Dusty, our littlest, has to go in this Friday for surgery.  His front teeth have overgrown, but that is only a symptom of a greater problem that he has.  Due to careless breeding by the breeder that sold him to the pet store, he has a small, misshapen jaw.  None of his teeth line up like they are supposed to, and it is affecting his ability to eat.  With the surgery, they are going to try and remove his front teeth, and hope that the back teeth will shift enough to line up like they should.  That is the best case scenario.

However, Dusty is a very small bunny.  He was the runt of his litter.  He is six months old now, and still only weighs two pounds two ounces.  His jaw is so small that there is a real danger of breaking the jaw during surgery.  The teeth may break inside his jaw while trying to remove them, or the teeth may even grow back once removed, and they will need to do the surgery again.  Being so small, Dusty faces a lot of potential complications, even with the surgery.  There is a very good chance that when we go in for the surgery on Friday, the vet will look at the x-rays and determine the surgery to be too much for him, and we will have to put him to sleep right there.  Even with the surgery, there is a also a good chance that if they go through with it, Dusty will not pull through.  The chances for Dusty are not good.

Dusty is an absolute angel.  He has the sweetest disposition, and loves to be held and cuddled with.  He is a Daddy’s Boy, and happy to be so.  He is only six months old and has to go through all of this.  The vet was clear; everything wrong with Dusty’s jaw is due to careless breeding on the part of the breeder.  So many of these breeders pump out as many baby rabbits as they can to make as much money as they can selling them to the pet stores, and don’t care at all what the health of the rabbits are.  When I asked the pet store (Petland in North Olmsted) for the name of the breeder to report it to the House Rabbit Organization of Ohio and the Humane Society, I was completely stonewalled.  I explained that I wanted to make sure that there weren’t reports already against this breeder, and so that these organizations can keep on eye on the situation with that breeder, but I was blown off.  The General Manager would not even speak to me about it.

I just know I am not the only person who stands to loose one of their furry children due to the carelessness of that breeder.  Can you put a call out there to bring pressure on Petland in North Olmsted to either disclose the breeder, stop carrying rabbits, or to report the breeder themselves?  I have spent the days leading up to this Friday mourning the potential loss of my little Dusty angel, and I don’t want anybody else to go through the grief I have had to go through. 

Thank you for listening.  I will let you know how things turn out this Friday. 

Keep on keeping on.

James

……………………………….December 4, 2008 CLEVELAND – Earlier today, the following note was found on the floor of the cat adoption room by a staff member at the Cleveland Animal Protective League: 

Dear Santa Paws: 

We’ve been purr-fect kitties this year.  We’ve kept the “cat-itude” to a minimum, and haven’t hissed at a dog for a really long time.  We’ve even been told we have great purr-sonalities.  We didn’t climb on too many things, we always use our litter boxes, and we love to keep laps warm during the cold winter months!  So, in exchange for our good behavior, all we’re asking for this holiday season is a fur-ever home and a family to love and who will love us.  That’s not too much, is it? 

Much love,

    The Cats at the APL 

P.S.  Oh, and please don’t forget our doggie friends.  We may not like all of them but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a wonderful home for the holidays, too … 

Sharon Harvey, Executive Director of the Cleveland APL, though surprised by the letter, was in complete agreement with the cats.  Harvey declared, “I know we have the best and smartest cats around, but I had no idea how determined they are to break out of our cages and into the hearts and homes of someone special this holiday season … forget the fact that they can write!” In response, and as there are still SO many more cats than dogs at the Cleveland area humane society, the Cleveland APL is holding a Feline Navidad celebration and reducing adoption fees for cats that are over five months of age to $25 and giving cat adopters a 20% discount off of all holiday merchandise between December 8^th and December 12^th.  Adoptable cats can be viewed online at www.ClevelandAPL.org.  Please HURRY! ……………………………….Holy cow!  Did you hear about the dog that tried to rescue another doggie who was hit by a number of cars.  I do not know where this happened or what happened to the doggies but the video will make your mouth agape.  See it HERE.……………………………….

Rebecca,

I know that you’re a total animal lover so I thought I would drop you a line about this.  We recently adopted a Chihuahua which we named Bruiser.  He’s our first dog and totally gets along (not!!) with our adopted cat, Peanut Butter.  We got the cat for free from this lady who owns a campground where my parents camp at and adopted Bruiser from the good folks at Paws and Prayers in Akron.  They come up to the PetSmart at Chapel Hill every Saturday and Sunday.

Here’s some pics of our adopted “sons”.  Have a great day!!!

            

……………………………….SAD….BUT THEN HAPPY:)Good Friday Morning Rebecca, The last time I dropped you a line was when our family adopted Tasha from the portage county apl. We just loved her, unfortunantly, Tasha had kidney failure and we had to put her down after having her for only three months. Last week we adopted Suzie Q from the trumball county correctional facility. She is a pure bred beagle that was caged and used for breeding her first four years then abandoned. The inmates were taking care of her. We were very happy to rescue her and give her a good home. Hope you can open her picture.  Have a great holiday. Mark.   Here she is…..isn’t she cute?!!!!  Happy Holidays, Mark and family!……………………………….       Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels.  I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.  I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid.As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage.  I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t been walked today.  Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them.As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past.  I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone’s life.She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me.  I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.  Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms.  I would promise to keep her safe.  I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.  I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor.  So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors.  So many more to be saved.  At least I could save one.I rescued a human today.                     

……………………………….

Hey Rebecca!Did you know that the traditional 14th wedding anniversary gift is Ivory?  This mile marker was approaching for us and my husband knew I was still sad over losing my cat of 18 years (I got her in college!).  For our anniversary, my husband got me the traditional gift of Ivory to cheer me up.  Pictures of Ivory are attached!(thought you’d appreciate this!)   Ivory came from a friend’s cat’s litter.  I don’t understand why people go to “pet stores” at the mall to get animals.  In addition to all the shelters and animal rescue places, it seems someone is ALWAYS trying to give away FREE kittens or puppies.  I read your blog and the sad story about Opie.  Why didn’t they go to a shelter in the first place??  The only way those places will go out of business is if people stop going to them!  Another time, I would like to share a sweet prayer we used when our “Toto” died.  Can’t go there right now - we’re so happy about our new kitten  - but it’s perfect for those looking for closure when they lose that special part of their family.  Have a great day!SSpinner……………………………….Hey Rebecca,  Being a fellow pet-lover, I just fell in love with this little diddy my friend sent me.  You may have already seen it, but I felt it was worth forwarding.  Now I gotta go home and hug my dogs!!  I’ll have to send you a pic sometime of my two beautiful boxers, Aramis and Ferris – enjoy!

 10 Commandments of Pets  1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years.  Any separation from you is likely to be painful.  2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.  3. Place your trust in me.  It is crucial for my well-being.  4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment.  You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.  5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.  6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.  7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to.  8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me.  Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.  9. Please take care of me when I grow old.  You too, will grow old.  10. On my final difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone.  Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so. ALWAYS!  Take a moment today to thank God for the creatures he has created and that they miraculously seek our affection.  Enjoy and take good care of them.  Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God’s creatures.  Pass this on to other pet owners.  We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by unconditional love and joy.  It is here on earth and has four legs!……………………………….Hi!  My friend told me there was a post on your pet page about Animal Zone in Elyria’s Midway Mall.  I bought a kitten there in the beginning of this year and had to put him down on August 15th.  His name was Opie and I was wondering how to get Opie’s story on your pet page.                   

Don’t buy from animal zone!!!

Animal Zone in Midway Mall (Elyria, OH 44035) needs to be shut down.  My office bought a kitten from them and he was soooo cute!  We named him Opie for Opinions (the name of my company).  He was sick from the beginning; he was infested with fleas and his ear mite problem was becoming severe.  After not eating for the first few days he collapsed.  I tried brand after brand of cat food and nothing was working too well.  After $42 he found the food he liked.  I took him to the vet to see what his problem was.  Apparently he was only 3 weeks old (or around that age) when he was sold to me and there was no mother cat in the store to feed him for a while before that.  Animal Zone had lied to us and told us he was older.  I got rid of his fleas and after a while I was able to get rid of the ear mites too.  I got his first set of vaccinations and was overjoyed to hear he did not have feline leukemia.After Justin and I moved into our first house, Opie’s belly started swelling.  I thought he had been constipated or possibly had worms.  After a couple of weeks and no evidence of worms, I looked online for possibilities as to why he was growing so much in the belly and had not grown anywhere else.  In fact, he had started to grow thinner and bonier.  I learned of a disease called FIP, which is feline infectious peritonitis.http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/fip.htmlhttp://www.newmanveterinary.com/fip.html Most cases occur when the virus is passed along the placenta from the mother cat to the kittens and also when they are feeding between the ages of 5 and 8 weeks old.  This virus is passed from nonrelated cats when they come in close contact with each other or fecal matter.  Places like catteries transfer their cats to places like Animal Zone.  In Animal Zone all of these cats, especially those under the age of 2 years, are highly susceptible to this disease because of the living circumstances.  Opie’s brothers and sisters most likely have this disease and were all sold at Animal Zone.  If they have not already died, they will.The really sad thing is that this virus can live in the environment for several weeks, and if a kitten that was purchased at Animal Zone passes away from FIP and the unknowing family purchases another cat, the virus can still infect and kill it.  Now the family has suffered two losses, or more if they already had cats or kittens in the home prior.With no other symptoms to guide the vet, Opie’s wheezing and watery eyes led him to believe Opie had Asthma and possibly and Upper Respiratory Infection.  When I had read that these were the signs, as well as fatigue and abdominal swelling, I rushed Opie to the vet.He had agreed that the chances of Opie having FIP were high, and had informed me of other cats coming from Animal Zone with the same or other problems.  He inserted a seringe into Opie’s side and drew from it a very bright liquid.  It was thick like maple syrup and the vet just closed his eyes for a moment.  He offered to take a blood test to try to be more accurate, but gave me an assurance of at least 95% that this was FIP.He told me to expect Opie to live for another week, maybe two.  He died exactly 7 days later and he was only 4 1/2 months old.During his last days all he wanted to do was sit outside in the sun with me and feel the breeze on his face.  He slept with us and tried to purr when we were petting him.  He started hacking, it sounded like he had a hairball, but it was the fluid that was pressing on his diaphragm and into his lungs that was making it hard for him to breathe.  On his last day he lost control of his bowels and I knew it was time to put him down.  On the way to the vet he couldn’t even stand to take him for one last walk outside.  He started to hack more and wheeze and he was foaming at the mouth.  He started twitching and we laid him on the table.  I kissed him one last time, watched him go.  Don’t buy from Animal Zone.……………………………….My co-worker Rona’s new doggie Morgan!!!……………………………….JUST A DOG ~ Author Unknown      From time to time people tell me, lighten up it’s just a dog or      that’s a lot of money for just a dog. They don’t understand the      distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for just a      dog. Some of my proudest moments have come about with just a dog.      Many hours have passed and my only company was just a dog, but I did      not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought      about by just a dog and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch      of just a dog gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.      If you too, think it’s just a dog, then you will probably understand      phrases like just a friend, just a sunrise or just a promise. Just a      dog brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and      pure unbridled joy. Just a dog brings out the compassion and      patience that make me a better person. Because of just a dog I will      rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for      me and folks like me, it’s not just a dog but an embodiment of all      the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past,      and the pure joy of the moment. Just a dog brings out what’s good in      me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the      day.      I hope that someday they can understand that it’s not just a dog but      the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being just a man.      So the next time you hear the phrase just a dog, just smile, because      they just don’t understand.………………………………My girlfriend Ashley sent this to me this morning(Tues. 10/28/08).  Unreal! 

These precious babies were dropped off at PetSmart yesterday in a sealed Rubbermaid container!

I am half tempted to live with swollen eyes and stuffy nose!!! 

Can you stand it???

……………………………..Hi Rebecca,The other day on my way to school I was listening to the morning show and heard you mention the pets page…I was so excited to check it out and finally got around to it this evening.  I just wanted to thank both you and listener Amy for sharing the terrible story about the Animal Zone Pet Store.  I was appalled and angry when I read about those puppies!  The post mentioned that the store clerk was bragging about being investigated by Carl Monday, and I was wondering if anyone has thought to contact the local news media again?  I simply refuse believe that there is nothing we can do about this store!  I plan on spreading the word among my friends, especially those involved in the Animal Law student group at my school (I’m a law student at Case Western).  If nothing else, at least we can spread the word about places like this that mistreat animals.  The story also reminded me of how I came to adopt my two beautiful cats, Fiona and Boots.  While visiting my boyfriend’s family (and pets!) in SW Ohio last summer I went along on a trip to the vet.  As we were waiting to be seen a woman ran into the office carrying a large cardboard box.  Inside I could hear faint cries.  It turned out that the woman had discovered that a neighbor had buried a litter of newborn kittens alive.  She went out, dug them up, and rushed them to the vet’s office.  I never did find out what happened to that neighbor, but my boyfriend and I adopted 2 of the kittens who have now grown into very playful and loveable cats.  They were so small when they were first rescued that we fed them with bottles!  After they grew a little larger we had to slowly transition them to solid food by mixing formula with soft canned food.  As you can imagine, this resulted in almost daily baths.  Since the kittens had no mother, we had to teach them things that cats need to know, such as stalking and pouncing.  I used a fuzzy rope to simulate a mother cat’s tail and tried to appeal to their “wild” natural instinct.  Today they are healthy and happy (and extremely spoiled!)  I attached a few pictures of them in their favorite hiding places….the washer and dryer.  If we leave the doors open we can always be sure to find them curled up inside sleeping!           Thanks for all the work you do for our furry friends, and thanks for the great music you play every day.  Keep up the good work!Lisa……………….THIS SHOULD TRULY PISS YOU OFF………………….Hi Rebecca,I know this email is long, but PLEASE read!I would like to share a disturbing story with you and your listeners.  Only because I would like to make everyone aware of what I witnessed and the lies that were told.My 12 year old daughter and I were at the  Elyria  Midway Mall.  We decided to go into Animal Zone which sells everything from snakes to puppies.  I first noticed a cage with three puppies that had soaked their cage with water, urine and poop.  They were bunched up in a ball shaking.  I told the store clerk and she said “oh okay, I will take care of that”.Then my daughter noticed three puggles in another cage.  She asked me what was wrong with one of them because it had two very large bumps on its head, could barely walk and was shaking.I asked the store clerk what was wrong with this puppy and she said “oh, someone that shouldn’t have been handling him dropped him”.  I asked her if a Vet had looked at him and she said no.  I told her that the puppy did not look good and she said “we have ice that we are putting on him”.My daughter and I went home very upset.  I told my husband what happened and that I didn’t feel right leaving the puppy there.  He called several places including The Elyria Police Station, APL and Dog Warden.  They either couldn’t help or were not open.  So we decided to go back to Animal Zone and buy the puppy.When we got there my husband saw the dog and couldn’t believe they had him in a display cage to be potentially sold.  My husband asked the store clerk how much for the damaged puppy?  The store clerk said “they are $499.00″.  My husband said “there is something obviously wrong with this puppy, can you come down on the price?”  She said “yes, $300.00 in cash only.”  Another store clerk over heard some of our discussion and said “no, what really happened to the puppy was that I slammed his head in a glass door on accident.”  My husband said “we will take the puppy.”  While the clerk was getting some paperwork together I looked at my husband and said “when we leave we should go straight to our Vet.”  The clerk looked at me and said “I can’t sell you the puppy.”  I said ”what???? Why?  because I am going to take him to the Vet.  She actually said YES!So I got a little upset and started crying.  People were looking at me so I pointed to the puppy and everyone started saying “what is wrong with that dog”.  I started to cry even harder and the store clerk called mall security on me.  Three mall security cops showed up and explained what happened but of course they could nothing because it is a privately owned business.  The security guards were wonderful.  They tried to negotiate with the store clerk for me to see if she would sell me the puppy.  She would not sell me the puppy.  I couldn’t understand why.  I just want to help this little guy.  I had no idea Animal Zone was shady like that.  She was even proud that Carl Monday has been there to do investigations on them.So basically I had to finally leave the store.  The next day I called the APL.  Not much help there.  So I had several co-workers go into the store to see if the puppy was there.  When they got there the puppy was gone.I wasn’t ready to give up.  I called Animal Zone and asked them if they had any puppies.  They said yes, we have all kinds of puppies.  We have a rat terrier, labs and puggles.  I asked her how many puggles she had (because when I was there they had three in the cage) and she said two.  I said what sex are they?  She said females.  I said oh, I was looking for a male.  She then said oh we have a male.  I said oh so you actually have three.  she said yes.I had my awesome co-worker Tina go there to see if it was him (because I am not allowed back in the store).  She called me and said yes, he has bumps on his head.  I Told her to buy him.We went straight to the Vets. They examined him and found four raised areas on his head, soft fluid filled structures (blood blisters), 2 degree to trauma, abdomen was distended due to round worms and parasites, his hind legs were bowed out from him stomach being so big and he lost muscle mass.The Vet will have to monitor him to see if he will improve with age.He now lives with my husband Chris, daughter Taylor, myself , Black Lab (Buddy), English Mastiff (Roxy), Boston Terrier (Franky) and Cat (Pepper).I would really like to spread the word of my horrible experience at Animal Zone.  I am now determined to close that store.  Please help me spread the word.Thank you soooooo much!!!Loyal listenerAmy ………………………………… Hi Rebecca:I listen to your show most every morning but was never aware that you may be opposed to breed-specific legislation.  Earlier today, I was contacted by a friend indicating that you took a picture with an American Pit Bull Terrier at the Lakewood event, at which we were present handing out flyers against breed-specific legislation.We are facing a very terrifying time in Ohio:  responsible owners are being harassed by neighbors and authorities; Ohio residents who own American Pit Bull Terriers have no due process after the Tellings’ decision and live like fugitives as a result; “pit bulls” are being abused at rates and in a way to which no other breed is close; our local “humane organizations,” “protective organizations,” and “animal welfare” organizations are not speaking out and are euthanizing any dog that resembles what people believe to be a “pit bull.”  I understand that all animals deserve a chance but the American Pit Bull Terrier is being demonized and we do not know what to do to stop this extreme injustice.  We have tried to hold free handling classes and Canine Good Citizen preparatory classes for pit bull; however, noone wants to donate space to us for a few hours on the weekends.  We need “pit bull” owners to care for their dogs.  We want to reach out to the inner city owners who just don’t know better but we have no resources.  We have many programs to teach children how to safely interact with dogs and how to properly treat animals; yet, no school, except for one, has taken us up on our offer to bring in a certified dog to work with students.  We have been turned away from the Canine Greeter program at the Cleveland Clinic because our dog “may scare someone.”  The exact quote was:  “We’ve never had to turn away such a perfect dog.”  We just were asked to help a dog that was starved and then dragged by a truck but we have no open foster homes and no money.We need to change the laws and stop the media from reporting inaccurate information.  We need to educate people on responsible ownership and animal cruelty; we need people to see that these dogs are just dogs and we need help doing this.I’m hoping you may be willing to work with us or at least be part of some sort of public service announcement to get the word out.Thanks for your time.Regards, Shana **********************Shana Klein, PresidentFOR THE LOVE OF PITSP.O. Box 19292Cleveland, Ohio 44119www.fortheloveofpits.org…………………………………Hi Rebecca,I listen to Wilde & Fee every morning.  You guys are awesome!  I really enjoy the show and all that you do for Cleveland. Since I’ve been listening for a few years I know you are a pet lover.  The work you do with and for the Cleveland APL is fantastic.  I had the opportunity to visit the APL during your Spring fund drive and was blown away by all the wonderful people from Q104 and the APL.  Please keep up the good work!  It’s so needed and appreciated! Anyway, the reason for my email is I was hoping you could share the story of my little dog Becks.  He’s a little guy with a big heart but unfortunately even bigger problems.  I’m trying to get the word out that people should avoid purchasing animals from mall pet stores and adopt from local shelters instead.  Below is the email I have sent to family and friends.  I hope you will consider sharing it with others and will steer clear of these places. Thank you!Anjie in Brunswick…………………………………..Hi Everyone,I just wanted to share some updates on little Becks.  Many of you know that on Tuesday he collapsed.  After a half hour of cpr, we were able to get him to the Brookpark Animal Emergency room that evening.  After a series of x-rays and tests they could not diagnose what was wrong with him.  He was conscious but was having a very difficult time breathing and keeping himself balanced.  The following day Brookpark recommended us to a Metro and a neurosurgeon in Akron.  Again after many tests and an MRI it was determined that Becks has some pretty serious brain defects.  The most serious and critical is the fluid which is building around his brain.  He is currently undergoing steroid therapy to help reduce the fluid.  They will assess him again in two weeks and in 6 months he will have another MRI to determine the success of the therapy.  He is home now but is very lethargic.  He has a very difficult time walking and typically falls or veers right.  We are optimistic that he will gain his ability to walk normally again but it could take many months.  Many of you know that I am a huge animal person.  I view all of my furry critters as an extension of my family because they bring so much joy and peace into my life.  I would really appreciate it if you could send B a little prayer for a full recovery.  Most of you know him as a little guy with a big heart and even bigger personality! One last thing, when I purchased little Becks I made a large error in judgment.  I love him more than anything; but like most people I saw a dog in a pet store, fell in love, and took him home.  In all likelihood he was from a puppy mill.  As many of you know puppy mill dogs are bred and raised in horrific conditions. They are then sold to pet stores under the guise that they are healthy dogs when in fact they are quite ill.  In Becks case it took over two years for his illnesses to manifest into symptoms that could be identified and treated.   I am asking you to please not shop or support ‘mall’ pet shops.  If you or anyone you know has plans to get a pet please consider adopting from a local shelter (or research a reputable breeder).  We love Becks and will do whatever it takes to keep him happy and healthy; but he will always be a ’special needs’ puppy that requires extra time, money, and vet care to maintain a healthy life.  All of which could have been avoided had I listened to my ‘inner voice’ and not shopped for a dog at one of these stores. Thanks for your prayers & thoughts….and remember to count your blessings each and every day.Anjie …………………………………1. My life is likely to last 10-17 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me, or that I might not understand what it is you want. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food,or any food or water, or I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You will grow old, too.10. On that sad and difficult last journey, go with me please. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so. Tell me goodbye with your presence, no matter how difficult it is for you, remember, it’s worse for me…..Take a moment today to be thankful for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without our four legged critters~Now please pass this on to other pet owners.. We get so much from our four legged pets who sadly live shorter lives than we humans. We need to make their lives as well as our own a mutual relationship that has no comparison with other relationships.Your four legged friend will not divorce or leave you.You don’t need to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness.It is here and now on earth and has four legs.…………………………………One of the things this page encourages is for you to send pics of YOUR babies if you want to share them.  This is one email I received:Hi Rebecca-I read about the APL on your blog and wanted to send you a pic of my babies.  Everytime someone talks to me about going to a breeder or worse, a pet shop for a dog or cat, I get very vocal and tell them to go to their local shelter for a pet.  I really don’t understand why people will pay big money for a Shi-poo or other mixed breed and tell me they don’t want a mutt (aka mixed breed)!Scamp, the blond, is from the APL on Wiley Ave.  He’s a yellow lab/shepherd mix, terrified of the sprinkler and he will cry for attention.  Pepper, the brunette, came from the SPCA on Brookpark in Parma.  She’s a collie/shepherd mix that loves to eat furniture.  They both like to sit with me in the recliner.  It’s quite a sight, me sitting in the chair with an 80 lb baby on each hip!  They’re both very affectionate, too.  Scamp gives gentle kisses, but Pepper could take your skin off.  I adore them!Congratulations on raising so much for the APL and I’m was glad to see it noted in the Plain Dealer Thankful Thursday column!Sincerely,Jenny…………………………………………Is this true about Sarah Palin?………………………………..HAVE YOU HEARD OF REIKI??Good afternoon RebeccaHope all is well with you. It’s been a while since we’ve met during the APL radiothon. I’m a Reiki practitioner and had talked to you about it a bit. I was excited to know you understood what it’s about, and how it can help people and animals.As a fellow animal lover I’m reaching out to you for help.  I’ve continued to make Reiki my life’s path, and am especially rewarded when doing Reiki on animals. I have been incredibly fortunate to have met a veterinarian here in Medina who also believes in the holistic side of things. Our vision is to teach clients about Reiki and how it can benefit their pets, but we could use some additional help in getting the word out. Aside from the Western medicine side of things, we want to make Reiki a large part of the therapy for the animals…whether it’s for an illness or just for relaxation.This clinic is truly like no other I’ve entered. The whole energy and atmosphere here is different, and Dr. Anne Sober is amazing with the pets.I know you are incredibly busy but it would be wonderful to have the support from someone, such as yourself,  who believes in the well being of the animals and makes that very clear. That’s our goal as well.Would you consider taking a bit of time out of your schedule to visit us? I’d love to show you around, show you our “Reiki room” and share with you what we’ve done and want to continue doing.My hope is you’d truly feel our passion for what we’re doing and possibly mention it to others as well.   I feel very strongly for the animals and we think it’s important that people are aware we are here.Thank you for taking time to read this.Take care Kim Jarvis…………………………………Rebecca…………….I don’t know if you can help or not but I know how much you do for the APL.  We took in a male cat with the bluest eyes and a very sweet personality.  He was obviously an inside cat who came into our yard for some reason for help.  We took him to a vet and had him neutered and an eye infection cleared up.  They think he’s about 2 years old. He doesn’t play much and is no trouble at all.  His only annoying habit is that you can’t go into the kitchen without him meowing even though he’s eaten many times before.  Who knows maybe he wasn’t fed often before, you don’t know what their stories are.My problem is that I already have two female cats I’ve taken in.  They are about 4 years old.  One was from a Rescue agency and the other was a stray kitten we found in our backyard.  It’s been a month and they are not getting any more used to Frankie than when he was first brought in.  In fact Katie (the stray cat)  who’s always been so shy is hiding more from me and I can’t always find her to feed her.Jazzy my other cat who isn’t afraid of anything is also now hiding.  It isn’t getting better it’s getting worse.  Now if they’d only give him a chance they’d see he was harmless.But they won’t come out at all when he’s around.I want to do right by him but I can’t jeopardize the lives my other cats have.  This was their home first and they are obviously very unhappy.Do you know anyone who would take him?  The Rescue Agency I dealt with will not.  I won’t just turn him out loose but I think he’d be happier and so would my cats if I found him a home.  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks. …………………………..Hey Rebecca,I just wanted to take a minute to say thanks for all that you do for animals around the Cleveland area.I don’t know if you’ve ever watched the show on Animal planet before, “Orangutan Island”, but it just came out on DVD two weeks ago, and it is so cute!I just wanted to bring it to your attention and see if maybe you could you get some of your listeners to show some love to this species that will probably be extinct within the next 12 years. I got so into the show, that I adopted a little baby orangutan that they rescued.  The poor little thing was holding onto her mother when they killed her, and now she only has one hand.  :(  Broke my heart.Anyway, here is some information if you are interested.  And if you do take the time to check it out, please read the stuff about the palm oil crisis.  It is fascinating and horrific what is going on.  I had no idea.  I also attached a picture of the ape I adopted.  http://redapes.org/index.php  Rebecca Sciulli