Saturday, July 29, 2006

Critter Walk August 11, 2006

Eastern Passage Summer Carnival - Critter Walk sponsored by the Village Vet Clinic. To take place on Friday, August 11th at 4:30pm - Pledge sheets available at the Vet Clinic or by calling Sonya at 469-MEOW

Join the Staff of the Eastern Passage Village Veterinary Hospital on Aug. 11, 2006 at 4:30pm at the Boardwalk in Eastern Passage
In support of “Healing Animal S.C.A.R.S. – Sonya’s Cat & Animal Rescue Society” 469-MEOW
We save stray or feral cats and kittens from a life of misery on the streets, provide vet care and find them loving adoptive homes.
Your donation will help pay for vaccines, spay/neuter operations, medications and food and litter. The medical expenses and care for each cat costs over $300

Monday, July 24, 2006

APPRECIATIONS and VOLUNTEERING

SCARS

recognizes that as a non-profit rescue it relies on the energies and efforts of other animal lovers.


Dear animal lovers,

Thank you to all who helped at the car wash held today, June 17th at the Irving Blue Canoe in Eastern Passage.
We raised a whopping $335.40 to put towards the rescue cost of the 13 cats and kittens currently in our care.
That will be enough to either :
spay 2 mother cats,
or to give 3 full sets of vaccines to two kittens,
or to do "the whole package" for one adult cat, which includes test for FLK/FIV, vaccinate and booster, deworm and deflea, spay or neuter.

We will be doing another Car Wash fundraiser on July 29th and one August 19. Volunteers are asked to contact Sonya Higgins at 469-6369 or katsonya@accesswave.ca to sign up for a shift.
We need people to: make signs for Car wash with Bristol board and markers
carry Bristol board signs on sidewalk to attract cars
to direct traffic and supervise
people to wash cars, of course, and
people to work at Cat Rescue table to discuss adoptions

Special thanks go to Denise, Terry, Jenna, Wanda and Emily for their help preparing for today's event.

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SCARS JULY 22 2006 Auction Appreciations.....

I would like to thank the following for donating items and /or services to the animal shelter fundraiser auction held at The Sandtrap. (not in any particular order)

Global Pet Foods, TPI, Alteen's Jewelry, Sobeys, 99 Cent or Less (Penhorn Mall), KFC, McDonald's, A&W, Our Friend's Pub, Starr's Desert Cafe, Tapered Edge, Kim Clarke, Rita Schwartz, Christa Piercey, Lloyds Supermarket, Ultramar (EP), EP Massage (Megan Tofflemire-therapist), Becky Kent, Kevin Deveau, Peter Stoffer, Woodbury Animal Hospital, Atlantic Cat Hospital, Colby Village Vet Hospital, Dartmouth Vet Hospital, Companion Animal Hospital, Frank Hagen Trucking and TopSoil, Vetcetera, Kara's Urban Day Spa, Boston Pizza, Molly's Whiskers, Pizza Delight (Tacoma), Bowlarama (Woodside), Dairy Queen , Jungle Jims, Haven Therapeutics, Woodlawn Animal Clinic, Lori Ann Pye, Raven's Haven, Elaine's Poodle Parlour, Happy Hounds Gourmutt bakery, Fairview Animal Hospital, Ship Shape Cleaners, Pets Unlimited, Moirs Chocolate Factory and to the private donors as well THANK-YOU!!!

And to all our animals lovers who made the auction a sucess...thank you to you from me and the animals.!!!!

Sunday, July 09, 2006

NEW FAMILY ADDITIONS

Pet to Fuzzy Family Members

Many of us share our lives and our homes with more than one pet. There are many factors that determine the kind of relationship your pets will develop. Some factors we have control over - others we don't. Hopefully you have kept personality combinations in mind when you chose your new pet. Then if you are lucky both pets have had positive experiences with other animals.
It is best to observe a few simple guidelines and exercise patience. Careful observation by experienced, comfortable pet handlers is extremely important. Watching each pet's body language and reacting appropriately can help to avoid conflicts BEFORE they occur. A good time for the first meeting is when both pets are relaxed. Try to keep the initial introduction short - allow time for investigation without aggression or anxiety. Handlers should stay relaxed and use a friendly voice. Positive reinforcement should be used to encourage desired behavior (verbal praise, petting). Tell both pets "it's okay". Do not use this term if either pet is misbehaving as this reinforces negative behavior.

If you have multiple pets at home - try introducing them to the new kid on the block one at a time. This will help avoid a "mob mentality". No matter what the number or combination of species, there are likely to be growls or hisses during the first meeting. It is a rare first meeting that results in immediate friendship. Generally, with time most pets either develop a close relationship or simply decide to tolerate one another. Unfortunately, some pets never accept one another. In these cases, alternative placement should be considered.


If you are introducing a cat and a dog, again the dog should be on a lead and under control. The cat should have an easy escape route. If you are introducing two cats both should have trimmed nails. They should either be on harnesses far apart in the same room or they can be started in different rooms to investigate one another through a door. Both pets should have their own secure space with all the necessities. The resident pet should have the more desirable space initially. By the same token, you should greet and feed your resident pet first then your newcomer. They can work out the social hierarchy later on if they so choose.

Set aside time everyday for individual attention. This will reassure your first pet and establish a bond with your new friend. Remember to progress slowly each pet meeting. At mealtime, feed pet at a distance at which they will eat comfortably - decrease this distance slowly each day. Be sure neither can get at the other's dishes!! Pets should be restrained during meetings until they are showing consistently good behavior. This may take several days to weeks and should be with supervision. Have a noisemaker or water bottle on hand. If a conflict arises use these to break it up - NOT your hands.
If you any concerns regarding the integration of your new pet into the family consult your veterinarian or animal behavior specialist.

They are a great source for information. As well medication is sometimes indicated to help pets over the initial hump. Remember to stay relaxed, cautious and patient and have fun with your fuzzy friends.
Articles by Dr. Emma RaghavanAppearing in the Halifax Daily News

CAT CONCERNS

SCARS

strongly encourages and advocates for animal owners to know their pets' needs so that this lovable new addition to your family is as safe and healthy as can be.


Vaccines
Cats should be immunized against feline panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calcivirus, and rabies, and, depending on their lifestyle, against feline leukemia. Most vaccines require boosters and it is vital that you adhere to the schedule set out by your veterinarian. Without boosters, the immunity given by vaccination will disappear and leave your pet susceptible to diseases. The following are certain diseases that can be controlled by vaccination.


Distemper Caused by a parvovirus
Distemper in cats is distinctly different from distemper in dogs. Also known as feline parvovirus or panleukopenia (FP). Since most cats are likely to be exposed to panleukopenia in their lifetime, vaccination against this virus is extremely important. Clinical signs of panleukopenia include vomiting, diarrhea, a loss of appetite, and lack of energy or depression.

Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)
Upper airway disease is caused by a group of viruses and bacteria that attack the cat's upper respiratory tract. URI is highly contagious among cats. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) is a herpes virus. It, along with Calicivirus (FVC) is responsible for 90% of URIs. Signs are sneezing, tearing/ pusy discharge from the nose and eyes and hypersalivation. Some cats will also have a moderate fever and suffer dehydration. Infection in kittens can be fatal. Much less commonly, bacteria called chlamydia can cause URIs. Signs of chlamydia are usually limited to the eyes. Even if treated successfully, URIs can lead to a lifelong disease making vaccination extremely important. Transmission of URIs is by aerosol spray or from direct contact with an infected animal.

Rabies
Caused by a virus and contagious to all warm blooded animals by attacking the nervous system. It is invariably fatal once symptoms occur. The greatest incidence is in foxes, skunks and a new strain that is affecting raccoons. While the HRM does not currently require vaccination for licensing, due to the nature of the disease and the fact that it can be transmitted to people vaccination is strongly recommended. It is important to know the laws regarding rabies vaccination when travelling with your pet.

Feline Leukemia
Feline Leukemia Virus, or FeLV, is a serious viral disease that researchers now considered the number one infectious disease causing death in cats. FeLV can potentially affect any cat at any age. Indoor cats living in single cat households are least likely to be exposed. In the natural environment with cats going outside, the incidence of infection is only about one percent. In multi-cat households or in catteries, it can run as high as ten percent.
The virus itself is highly contagious, readily transmitted from cat to cat through saliva, blood, feces and urine. Close cat contact is necessary for transmission, yet without the cat the virus is very unstable and will die within a few hours outside of a victim. It is highly unlikely you will bring this virus home on your clothing.

Research has shown that kittens can become infected while still in the womb, and for this reason it is very important for breeders to have their cats tested for FeLV prior to mating.

What is surprising to many cat owners is that the majority of cats at some time in their lives actually come in direct contact with FeLV. Fortunately, some cats will never show any clinical signs, let alone succumb to the disease. In these fortunate cats, their own immune system is able to fight off the virus. For the cats in which FeLV does cause disease, it occurs either in the form of cancer or as a suppression of the immune system. This, in turn, causes the system to be weak against other offending diseases. A second form of cancer, although less common, occurs when the virus attacks the bone marrow and blood cells leading to leukemia.

TestingTrying to determine if your cat suffers from FeLV is not a straightforward issue.

Diagnostic testing has its limitations. In most cases the test results have to be determined by a veterinarian in the light of all the other information on your cat's condition. Routine screening of your cats should be done before being introduced into a household containing any other cats. Treatment Unfortunately, there are no long term, successful treatments or cures. Efforts have therefore directed at finding a means of prevention in the form of a vaccine. Vaccination The initial vaccine program consists of a series of two injections followed by an annual booster. It is important when the vaccine program is initiated for your cat that you carefully adhere to the booster schedule outlined by your veterinarian. Missing a booster will require starting the program again from the beginning.

Homecoming
Hopefully, you have picked up all the necessary items and have them ready at home. That way you can take Whiskers home without unnecessary stops.

Try to remember that this is a time of great change for your new pet. If you have a brand new pet, this is his first time away from mom and littermates. With adult pets it is a move to a new home, different from their current residence. It is a good idea to bring your new buddy home in the morning so you have the better part of the day to spend together. Weekends or the beginning of holidays are excellent times for homecomings as well. This will help to make his first few days at home as smooth as possible.

To help with the transition, please remember to get all of the pertinent information from the people who know your pet best. Find out what diet is being fed and the feeding schedule. Then be sure to get the exact same food and follow the same feeding routine. A problem we see quite commonly in pets going to a new home is diarrhea - often due to sudden diet change or the addition of too many new treats. If you would prefer your pet be on a different food that what is currently being fed, simply wait about 2 weeks. Once your pet has had this initial period to "settle in" you can gradually switch to the new diet. We also often see intestinal upset when milk is given to puppies and kittens. Many of these little furry guys are lactose-intolerant. Once they are weaned, puppies and kittens really need only water and a good quality diet to meet all of their needs.

Your pet's health record contains vital information as well. Be sure that you get a copy of this and that you understand the immunization and deworming status of your pet. Once you get home, if you are unsure about repeat deworming or booster immunization date, do not hesitate to call your local veterinarian or your pet's original home.

On the car ride home, the driver should have an assistant to hold the new pet even if you are getting an adult - maybe Fifi will want to be on the driver's lap. If you are going alone to pick up your new addition, a kennel is a great idea. If you have a long drive, plan some stops along the way. Regardless of the length of the drive, have paper towels and bags handy in case of accidents or vomiting.

Once at home, take your pet immediately to his new "bathroom" area. Give him ample time to sniff around and do the necessities. Once in your home, your new pet should be given the opportunity to explore your pet-proofed home. Give him some space and time - resist the temptation to crowd around him. Speaking of crowds, you probably want to keep them to a dull roar for a few days. New pets draw lots of well-intentioned family and friends. Try to give your pet time to get familiar with things before introducing him to the "whole" gang.

Then there is the picking of a name. Try to pick something short and that doesn't sound like any of the commands you will teach him later. Oh, you may want to make sure you know the sex of your pet –so you don’t have to change Charlie to Charlene when you realize the cat is actually female!

VETS ARE ANIMALS FRIENDS TOO

Healing Animal SCARS
– Sonya’s Cat & Animal Rescue Society

Proposal for veterinary care of indigent felines

I wish to obtain a quote for veterinary services to assist the cats that come into my rescue.
I am seeking veterinary advice regarding what health care is required for kittens and grown cats, since the information available online varies greatly.

I intend to test for Feline Leukemia and FIV, provide vaccinations, parasite removal and finally having the cat altered so they cannot reproduce.

Testing for fatal disease:
I have been told that kittens only need to be tested for Feline leukemia, not FIV because it always comes back as a false positive. If the mother cat is with the kittens, is it okay to only test the mother cat, and presume the kittens are the same as the mother?

Vaccinations/immunizations:
At what age does a kitten require vaccines, and which type and how often? What about if I find an adult feline? I should presume that it has never been provided with any vaccines, etc. so what do they need to start? Is it necessary to give boosters of the vaccines, and if so, how far apart?

Parasite control:
Worms - Strongid-T dose every 10 days for 3 doses, then follow up with a pill (Drontal or Cesstex) to eliminate any tapeworm (from fleas or hunting).

Fleas – what product should I use, and at what age? If it is a nursing mother, when can I give flea treatment? If there is no visible sign of fleas, is it still necessary to give a dose of flea treatment?

Feral cats (Trap Neuter Release):
What should be done for feral cats that I intend to trap, alter and release? Should I give them flea and parasite control? Vaccines only needed once? Alter and keep for how long before releasing? Could we put a notch in their ears to identify which cats have already been caught and released?

Please provide me with your opinion as to what health care I need to provide to my rescued cats, as well as your price schedule. I greatly appreciate your time,

Thank you,

Sonya Higgins, Director, SCARS
PHONE: 469-MEOW (469-6369)
FAX: 461-2029
143 Briarwood Drive
Eastern Passage, NS B3G 1B7

COMMUNITY EVENTS/FUNDRAISERS/NOTICES

Healing Animal SCARS-


3. August 19 at 10am - Car Wash at Irving Blue Canoe on Cow Bay Road in Eastern Passage. Volunteers needed to wash cars and discuss adoptions, please call Sonya at 469-MEOW

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2.Car Wash
on Sat., July 29th from 10am to 3pm
at Blue Canoe in Eastern Passage

I rescue stray cats, provide medical attention and then find loving homes for the friendly cats. I also have started a Trap, Neuter and Release program for feral (wild) cats.
I am trying to raise funds to pay for the vet care so desperately needed by these stray cats. Each one needs a test for Feline Leukemia and Feline AIDS, then to be vaccinated and treated for parasites such as fleas and worms. They must be spayed or neutered, to prevent further unwanted litters of kittens.

Can you help on July 29th, at a car wash at the Eastern Passage Irving Blue Canoe?
If so, please call Sonya at 469-MEOW (that’s 469-6369)

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1.Healing Animal SCARS -
Sonya’s Cat & Animal Rescue Society - rescues cats and kittens from the wild. We are a volunteer organization operating solely on private donations.

We are holding an auction on Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 6:00pm at the Sandtrap Restaurant and Lounge in Cole Harbour and request your assistance in the form of a donation, whether it be merchandise, gift certificate or monetary donation.

Presently there are 14 kittens and cats being cared for and requiring medical attention before a loving family can adopt them. The veterinary care for each cat can cost up to $300, so fundraising is vital to our rescue.

If you would like to offer a good home to one of these felines, require more information on our fundraising, or can volunteer your time to our rescue efforts please contact me. Thank you for your interest and donation.

Sonya Higgins, Director
Sonya’s Cat & Animal Rescue Society
902-469-MEOW (902-469-6369)
143 Briarwood Drive
Eastern Passage, NS B3G 1B7
katsonya@accesswave.ca

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http://www.herald.ns.ca/Search/517281.html
Choice baths and other best bets By RICK CONRAD

I HATE TO admit it, but sometimes Hubert stinks.
Being a basset hound, it kind of comes with the territory. So that’s why we give him a bath once a week so he doesn’t offend our or others’ olfactory senses too much. (And before you write telling me how cruel I am, he hasn’t exhibited any negative side effects from it.)
con't on link....
A new animal rescue group, Healing Animal SCARS — Sonya’s Cat and Animal Rescue Society, is holding a fundraising car wash on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Irving/Blue Canoe on Cow Bay Road in Eastern Passage. All proceeds will go to the vet care and spaying/neutering of stray and feral cats. For more info, give Sonya Higgins a call at 469-MEOW (6369) or e-mail her at http://www.herald.ns.ca/Search/.
( http://www.herald.ns.ca/Search/)
Rick Conrad is The Chronicle Herald’s education reporter.
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Healing Animal SCARS - KITTY BIOS.

Healing Animal SCARS - Kitten & Cat Biographies
updated Aug.3rd by Sonya

Litter #1 Tested FLV June 15, vaccinated June 22 , neutered
Aura Male - Born May 3 - Orange tabby Adopted
Domino Male - Born May 3 – Black and white smokey (has a mild heart murmer)
Earson Male - Born May 3 – Tabby black and brown, crooked ears

Litter #2 Tested FLV June 15, vaccinated June 28,
Emma Female - Born May 17 - White with tiny black spot on head
Izzy Female - Born May 17 - White (adopted)

Litter #3 Tested FLV June 15
Abbey Female - Born May 10 - Calico (adopted)
Bear Male – Born May 10 - Black
Betty-Boop Female - Born May 10 – Black with tiny white facial hairs
Della Female - Born May 10 - Tabby Black/brown with white paws/neck

New kittens
Jade Found June 21st - Female - Born May 10 – Tabby black and brown
I think she is part of litter #3 because she was left behind in the original rescue, and came from the same location.

Kanaday Found July 2nd – Female - tabby black and brown

Finnegan - male black and white kitten - tested for Feline Leukemia, and got his first vaccines.

Nancy - long haired tabby brown kitten - tested for Feline Leukemia

Mother Cat – Charity – under 1 year old – Calico (face is black with bits of orange). She has been tested for FLV/FIV vaccinated and spayed Adopted

Cat – Glow – 8 months – Orange long-haired cat with white stomach and neck. She has been tested for FLV/FIV and vaccinated and spayed, and is ready for a patient home with lots of love.

Cat – Flare –Male under 1 year old – Black long haired cat Tested, vaccinated and neutered

Cat – Hazey – Calico (10 months) Tested vaccinated and spayed

If you are interested in adopting or need more information please contact me at:


Sonya Higgins
469-MEOW
katsonya@accesswave.ca

SCARS :General Questions for Animals

Please note this pertains to Nova Scotia.

SCARS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Is it against the law to leave a dog (or other animal) outside all winter long? A. According to the Nova Scotia Animal Cruelty Prevention Act, the owner or caretaker of an animal must provide it with proper shelter and protection from the weather. Therefore, a dog or other animal may remain outdoors provided it is in good health and weight (for its breed), has access to an appropriate shelter, and is not of an age or breed where temperatures could be potentially dangerous (very young or old animal).
The NSSPCA recommends, however, that all domestic animals should be allowed access to the inside, especially during temperature extremes.


Q. Do I need to leave my name to make a cruelty complaint?
A. Yes. The NSSPCA cannot legally respond to anonymous, hearsay or secondhand information. However, because all calls are confidential, a complainants identity is strictly protected from disclosure to others.

Q. My neighbor recently moved away and left two cats behind. Is that illegal? A. Yes. Whether as owner or custodian, any such person who willfully abandons an animal is in violation of Nova Scotia cruelty laws.


Q. I know of someone who isn't caring for their pet properly. Can you come and take it?
A. In order to take an animal into NSSPCA custody, a Cruelty Officer must: a. Obtain a surrender from the owner b. Obtain a warrant from the court authorizing the removal of the animal c. Find the animal in distress, and be unable to locate the owner or caregiver or
d. Deem the situation to be an emergency


Q. Who do I call concerning a problem I saw at a pet store?
A. NSSPCA Cruelty Officers are authorized to inspect pet shops that offer animals, birds, fish or reptiles for sale or exhibit within the province of Nova Scotia; however, they can only act if animals are found in distress and the owner or caregiver is unwilling to remedy the distress.


Q. Do I call the NS SPCA about stray dogs?
A. No. You should call your municipal Animal Control agency.


Q. What about stray cats?
A. Although the NSSPCA makes every effort to shelter stray cats when space is available, stray and feral cat overpopulation is becoming an epidemic in this province, and cat control does not strictly fall within the NSSPCA's mandate unless the animals are ill or suffering. Unfortunately, Municipal Animal Control agencies generally refuse to respond to stray cat populations unless the municipality concerned has a cat by-law. If YOU are concerned about stray and feral cats in your area, please write to your local councillor to tell them you expect your local government to intervene.

Healing Animal SCARS - ADOPTIONS

Current Adoptions:

We have 18 kittens and 5 adult cats in our care now. The adoption process will involve completing a thorough application prior to approval. The adopter will complete a contract upon adoption of the cat, and pay an adoption fee of $150.

This fee will include:

Testing for Feline Leukemia and FIV
3 full sets of vaccinations

Deworming and parasite care
Advantage flea treatment
Spaying or neutering

While the cats are in our care, Healing Animal SCARS will cover the cost of food, litter, shelter and general health care (ie: to treat infections or injuries).

Each cat can cost well over $300 to care for, so we feel $150 is a reasonable adoption fee to request. The fee covers all the start–up veterinary costs of getting a new cat; that way we are assured the people adopting these precious creatures are willing to bring it to the vet regularly. We intend to prevent further litters of unwanted kittens by having our kittens spayed and neutered at an early age, prior to being adopted.

Healing Animal SCARS BIOGRAPHY

Healing Animal SCARS – Sonya’s Cat & Animal Rescue Society

Helping Every Animal Live

Mission Statement: To rescue and help heal the scars left on felines that are living in the wild, whether the scars be physical or emotional. We provide love, food, shelter, veterinary care, and finally more love, to the cats that come into our care.

Goals include:
Rescue stray, feral, and roaming cats
Find adoptive homes for the friendly cats
Humanely trap feral cats and help to rehabilitate them – if they do not turn out to be adoptable, we would do a Trap, Neuter, Release program.
To educate the public about proper animal care
To promote spaying and neutering pets to prevent further overpopulation

History
Healing Animal SCARS – Sonya’s Cat & Animal Rescue Society is a rescue organization that helps abandoned, stray and feral cats and kittens. In the 5 years before I officially started this rescue, I have rescued about 80 cats, usually paying out of my own wallet to provide veterinary care, food and shelter to these poor creatures, before finding them loving adoptive homes. I have been a volunteer for other animal rescue organizations, such as the SPCA, Bide-Awhile and Raven’s Haven, and I have decided to form a volunteer Board of Directors to start a non-profit organization. We are in the process of applying for non-profit status and are trying to fundraise to cover costs of the cats currently in our care.

Prayer for the Animals

Hear our humble prayer for our friends the animals, especially for animals who are suffering, for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put to death. We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity, and for those who deal with them, we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals and so to share the blessings of the merciful. .... Albert Schweitzer