Skagit County/Whidbey Island Kitten/Puppy Buyer Beware

Unfortunately there is a individual that resides in Whidbey Island (originally out of Skagit County) that seems to be making rounds selling mixed breed kittens for $300+ as well as is a breeder of "mini"Australian shepherds on Craigslist and Whidbey Island Facebook groups. This individual was charged in Skagit county charged with hoarding, animal abuse and neglect.

Skagit Superior
Case #09-1-00203-6
Filed on: 03-16-2009
Kristi Lynn (Finch) Thomas
Ausland Aussie's Kennel

"Buyer Beware!!! Do not buy any animal from this woman! She has been charged with hoarding, animal abuse and neglect. She had 40 animals seized from her and was charged $110k from the courts and banned from breeding and selling in skagit county. She moved to whidbey to continue breeding and selling her mixed breed, run of the mill animals. Please do not fall for her lies and enable her by buying these animals. You can research her name and fine it online as it was all over the news." -Quote from Facebook

"Ugh I'm so mad I fell for her scam. This has to stop I can't believe she's getting away with this. I was at her house today for maybe 10 minutes and saw at least 15 baby animals. She didn't let me go in, so this was all out side. She kept bringing them out to show me. I'm sure there was way more animals then just the ones that I saw.Yes I wish someone would have told me. I have talked to (name withheld) and she is how I found out. Thankfully I saw her post or I would have never known this women just ripped me off. I will be in contact with the sheriff asap tomorrow. I would really like at least some of our money back. Which I doubt will happen." -Quote from Facebook

" On Jan. 19 (2009), Skagit County Sheriff’s deputies seized 40 dogs and two ponies from Finch, who runs Ausland Aussies from her home in Big Lake, because of concerns about the animals’ welfare."

"In early November (2009), a Skagit County animal control officer responded to a complaint about Finch’s ponies’ conditions and also grew concerned about the dogs’ welfare, said sheriff’s Chief Criminal Deputy Will Reichardt. The officer thought Finch’s dogs were living all the time inside “crates” rather than spending six to eight hours a day being crate-trained, Reichardt said.

A search warrant was served Jan. 19. A veterinarian accompanying deputies determined that Finch’s animals were in poor condition, Reichardt said.

Professional dog trainers debate the benefits of crate training, a practice in which trainers or owners put their dogs in plastic kennels for various reasons, such as accustoming them to being transported. The Humane Society of the United States cautions that dogs shouldn’t be crated all day and all night, and warns that puppies, which have smaller bladders, can’t be crated for longer than three or four hours, according to the nonprofit organization’s Web site." -Marta Murvosh mmurvosh@skagitpub lishing.com.

DISCLAIMER: This information is public knowledge and thus can be shared.

Please if you are buying a purebred puppy/kitten from a breeder. Buy from a reputable breeder!

Make sure you are allowed to see the parents.

Make sure you are allowed to see living conditions.

Make sure you obtain documentation of vet records.

Make sure you obtain documentation of pedigree.

Refrain from buying over-priced mixed breeds. (This inevitably supports "backyard breeders")

Do a background check on the breeder.

If you suspect someone is a "backyard breeder/puppy mill" or see any type of animal abuse or poor living conditions report that person to local authorities immediately.

The Tabby Cat

A tabby is any domestic cat that has a coat featuring distinctive stripes, dots, lines or swirling patterns, usually together with a mark resembling an 'M' on its forehead. Tabbies are sometimes erroneously assumed to be a cat breed. In fact, the tabby pattern is found in many breeds, as well as among the general mixed-breed population. The tabby pattern is a naturally occurring feature that may be related to the coloration of the domestic cat's direct ancestor, the African wildcat, which (along with the European wildcat and Asiatic wildcat) has a similar coloration. -WIKIPEDIA

Tabby Cat Fur Patterns
Mackerel
Classic
Ticked
Spotted

Notable Tabby Cats
Garfield
Freya
Think-Think
Bill
the Ithaca Kitty

I frankly absolutely love the tabby cat coat pattern and have two tabby kitty's myself. Lilly the tabby DSH and Tilly the Main Coon Mix. Yay for Tabbies. Adopt a tabby from a shelter today :)

Find a Good Pet Sitter for the Holidays

Here are some things to look for when finding a holiday pet sitter.
Overall appearance and personality.
Listens and takes direction well.
Asks questions.
Can read and follow a schedule.
Must like animals (obviously).
Experience with animals.
Credentials and certifications (pet CPR, pet sitting, veterinarian assistant, etc.
Time-management skills.
Good references.
Look for these things and good luck on finding a awesome pet sitter =)

Winter Pet Woes

Its cold outside keep your pet warm by keeping them indoors.
Keep outside pets sheltered with warm bedding and a insulated shelter and access to unfrozen water.
Feed your pets some extra calories especially if they are outside a majority of the time.
Check paws, ears and tails daily to make sure no signs of frost bite.
If its a blizzard please just bring your pets inside or at the very lease a insulated barn of sorts.
Watch out for salt and other de-icers. If suspected always wash off immediately.
Check your car and make sure no stray animals are under or in your car.
If you have a short hair pet consider a doggy coat maybe?
Booties are always a good idea to avoid snow and ice incrusted paws.
Shovel snow and make paths for you and your pets.
Give your pet the gift of a warm place to sleep and lots of cuddles :)

It's windy out there! Be safe!

Keep your pet close and on a leash if outside.
If a hurricane or tornado is imminent keep away from windows.
Stay inside or seek shelter if the winds get to gusty.
Listen to the news or radio to know weather patterns and preplan outings.

Keep your pets and kids safe during a storm

Deafening booms of thunder and blinding flashes of lightning can often feel like a scene straight out of a scary movie for your kids and pets. Even wind that causes a branch to tap against a window can instill fear in those who aren’t able to understand the ways of Mother Nature! To avoid the panic and fright brought on by this year’s storm season, check out these tips to help make your kids and pets feel safe.

KIDS

• Implement a safety plan for weather emergencies that everyone is familiar with. Have a cozy space picked out with the emergency supply kit there.
• Limit TV and scary movies. Avoid news coverage as they will always show the most severe storm damage.
• Remain calm. Your children will follow your lead, so let them know that you feel safe.
• Make a game out of it. For example, a player could "get points" each time there is thunder.

PETS

• Practice positive reinforcement, to encourage your pet to not act out.
• Play calming music to drown out the thunder claps.
• Keep the pet with you.
• Provide a safe indoor area, such as a crate, but leave the door open so the pet doesn't feel trapped.

BOTH

• Provide distractions. Create a “storm fun kit” that you bring out only during storms. Include human and pet games, snacks/treats, flashlights, etc.
• Cover windows so that neither kids nor pets can see the turmoil outside.

Be calm and control your dog. Doggy etiquette.

Leash train your dog.
 Do not allow your dog to jump on people.
Always supervise your dog especially around children and other animals.
Do not let your dog injure or kill neighbors livestock or pets.
Don't assume your dog and another dog will be friendly to one another.
Never allow aggression especially when playing or feeding.
Pick up after your dog I.e their poo please.
Keep you dog up to date on vaccinations. Do not bring a sick dog to places other dogs will be.
Make sure you have a secure fence or kennel area for your dog when left alone.
Do not let your pet run loose in public areas other the dog parks and even then remain in control of your dog.
Make sure your dog knows "recall" and "stay".

It's hot outside..

Tips and tricks to keep your pets happy and healthy during the summer months.
Make sure water is available at all times.
Wading pools are a good way to keep cool.
Some ice cubes or frozen treats are always a cool delight.
Fans, open windows, air conditions anything that creates air flow is awesome.
Long fur? How about a hair cut?
Please no car rides that result in sitting in the hot sun for any period of time.
Stay clear from hot asphalt and cement, does not do your pets poor feet any good. Maybe booties?
Fleas and ticks maybe rampant so keep your pet parasite free with flea/tick treatment and prevention. Contact a local veterinarian.
Also if your in a area known for mosquitos watch out for heartworm, treat and prevent if needed. Contact a local veterinarian.
Keep your pets vaccinations updated to prevent spread of disease. Contact your local veterinarian.
Know the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Ask your veterinarian.
Have fun and be safe this summer with your pets.

Oh the Uber fleas.....

Got fleas? See a couple skurrying around on your let? Or at all out war with a uncontrollable infestation. No worries here are some quick prevention and control  tips and tricks to keep your sanity and utter annoyance of being flea bitten.

Keep it clean. Vacuum at least once daily if not twice or thrice times daily. If you feel like throwing some baking soda, salt, borax or food grade diatomaceousous earth go right ahead, might just help annihilate the little biters.

Use poison lots of poison! Okay if you have kids and pets eh not so much. Always read the directions thoroughly before using flea bombs, carpet powders, sprays, etc.

Treat the outside too not just the inside. Keep your grass short. Use pesticides if you wish but once again always read the directions thoroughly. Oh and let your neighbor know your yard will be a toxic playground temporarily as a courtesy.

Treat your pets. Flea collars, flea dips and flea treatments are awesome just make sure you always read the directions thoroughly before applying any sort of toxic poison to your pet.

Is your pet a indoor/ outdoor pet? Consider keeping them as strictly indoor pets, this mainly applies to cats.

Home remedies yay or nay......

Wash your pet with some Dawn's dish liquid and use a flea comb to groom the fleas out of your pets fur.

Use salt, borax or diatomaceous earth when vacuuming. Leave on for a hour or so and vacuum the crud out of the carpet....throw the bag or empty the container of your vacuum cleaner immediately to prevent re- infestation.

Vacuum and treat your furniture same way as carpets.

Cedar chips in your pets bedding and in your yard seem to help deter the little buggers.

Light, piece of white paper and shallow bowl of water (maybe thrown a drop of dawn in there) in the middle of your carpet....fleas seem to be attracted to the setup

Keep clothes off the floor and wash your pets bedding weekly if not daily.

If nothing seems to be working consult with a veterinarian and a pest control person. Consult both. I say consult with a vet first because frankly they know all about fleas and if anything can recommend a flea treatment plan least likely to harm your pet. If your veterinarian does not have the answer you want then by all means get a professional bug killer to assassinate and annihilate the little intruders.

Common pet emergencies and pet first aid tips

Choking

• If your pet’s airway is totally blocked, you must take immediate action, as there is no time to go to the veterinarian for help.
• Open the mouth and look for a foreign object. If the dog is unconscious and an object is blocking the airway, grab the tongue and pull it outward to try to dislodge the object.
• Regardless of consciousness, sweep your finger through the dog's mouth in an effort to feel or dislodge any object. Use caution to avoid being bitten. CPR or the Heimlich maneuver may be required.

Seizures

• Make sure your pet is in a safe place, but do not try to restrain her. She may be scared during a seizure and not recognize her owner, so keep your hands away from her mouth.
• Seizures can occur for a variety of reasons. It is urgent that you take your pet to a veterinary hospital immediately.

 

Heatstroke

• If your pet has been exposed to the heat and has a bright red tongue, red or pale gums, thick or sticky saliva, diarrhea, is panting rapidly, weak, depressed, dizzy, or vomiting, he may be suffering from heatstroke.
• In the case of heatstroke, immediately remove the dog from heat and lower his temperature by wetting him thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water (NOT ice cold) and increase air movement with a fan. Then take him to the vet as soon as possible.
• As the weather continues to heat up here in Austin, we’ll go more in depth about symptoms and prevention of heatstroke and other heat-induced emergencies. 

 

Poisoning

• Signs of poisoning include bleeding, both internally and externally, dilated pupils, drooling or foaming at the mouth, seizures or abnormal behavior and mental state.
• Some of the obvious culprits might be rat poison or cleaning products, which should be kept out of reach, but pets can also be poisoned by unassuming household items. 

 

Animal Bites 

• Keep an eye out for one or more small puncture wounds, tremors, nausea, vomiting, weakness, difficulty breathing, bleeding and bruising at the site of the wound.
• If you think your pet has been bitten by a snake, seek immediate medical attention.
• Sometimes, injuries from being bitten by another animal seem minor; however, your pet should still see a vet to prevent infection and check for internal wounds.
• If bleeding, apply gauze to the wound. Should the bleeding continue, apply new gauze without removing soaked gauze until you reach the veterinary hospital.

  . .  

OTHER PET EMERGENCY TIPS

• Stay calm! Pets are keen. They can very easily sense when you are nervous, scared, or stressed and may mirror your emotions.
• During an emergency, a relaxed, confident and educated guardian can help save an animal’s life.
• Use your best judgement when deciding if it is something that can be handled at home or if you should call the vet.
• Download a pet emergency app. 
• Buy a pet first aid book. There are numerous resources available to educate pet parents on first aid plans. 
• Take a pet first aid class. 
• Create your own pet first aid kit.

What constitutes as animal cruelty?

what constitutes as animal cruelty?

ASPCA NATIONAL SHELTER OUTREACH

Acts of violence or neglect perpetrated against animals are considered animal cruelty. Examples include overt animal abuse, dog and cock fighting and companion animal neglect where the animal is denied basic necessities of care such as fresh water and food or shelter.

Thinkstock

Many people who witness or hear about cruelty are not aware that legal action can be taken to help stop the problem. Companion animals are primarily covered by state animal cruelty laws, which vary from state to state and county to county. Animal welfare organizations across the country work daily to educate people about the proper care of animals and how to prevent animal cruelty.

Animal cruelty can be divided into two general categories: neglect and intentional cruelty.

Neglect

• Neglect is the failure to provide an animal with the most basic of requirements of food, water, shelter and veterinary care.
• Neglect may be due to ignorance on the animal owner’s part and is usually handled by requiring the owner to correct the situation. If the problem is not corrected, the animal may be removed from the neglectful person by law enforcement authorities.

Intentional Cruelty

• Intentional cruelty is often more shocking than neglect and is frequently an indicator of a serious human behavior problem.
• Intentional cruelty is when an individual purposely inflicts physical harm or injury on an animal. (The ASPCA and other organizations with cruelty investigation authority have arrested individuals who have deliberately maimed, tortured or even killed animals.)
• Although many individuals are arrested for intentional cruelty, people who commit even the most heinous crimes against animals are often not prosecuted to the full extent of the law. In states where animal cruelty is considered a misdemeanor, individuals who commit intentional cruelty crimes against animals can receive, at most, one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Often, perpetrators receive no more than probation.
• Someone who is violent towards animals may be violent towards family members or others.

Animal Cruelty Laws (State-to-State)

• 33 states and the District of Columbia currently have laws that make intentional cruelty a felony charge, while the remaining states treat animal cruelty as a misdemeanor.
• Many animal cruelty laws specifically exclude accepted animal husbandry practices involving farm animals, animals used in research, and lawful hunting and trapping of wildlife.
• Many states now require the person convicted of cruelty to undergo psychological evaluation and counseling, in addition to paying a fine or serving a prison sentence.
• An increasing number of states are instituting cross training and reporting programs that involve social service workers who are likely to see cases of animal abuse during the course of their work in domestic violence and child abuse cases.
• A number of states provide civil and criminal immunity to veterinarians who report suspected cases of animal abuse to law enforcement authorities, as veterinarians are likely to be the first to come in contact with an abused animal.
• Enforcement of animal cruelty laws can be carried out by local police or by humane or municipal agencies that are granted power from the state or local government.

Advice from the ASPCA

• If you witness or hear about animal cruelty taking place, report it to your local humane organization or call your local police.
• Learn about animal-friendly legislation pending in your state – visit the ASPCA’s online Advocacy Center.
• Become a member of the ASPCA Legislative Action Team and take an active part in passing legislation. E-mail all inquiries to government@aspca.org or call the Government Affairs & Public Policy department at 212-876-7700 ext. 4550.
• Teaching future generations to respect animal life will make our society more humane. Make sure schools in your town include humane education as part of their curriculum. E-mail the ASPCA at education@aspca.org for classroom resources.
• If you own a pet, be responsible and provide him with annual veterinary check-ups and preventative medical care; spay or neuter your cat or dog to reduce pet overpopulation and urge your friends to do the same.
• Support your local animal rescue organization or shelter with donations of money, food or supplies. Volunteering your time or fostering a shelter animal is a good way to make a difference. Fostering helps socialize abused or frightened animals before they are adopted.

Courtesy of
ASPCA
424 East 92nd St.
New York, NY 10128-6804
(212) 876-7700
www.aspca.org

Contact: Media Relations (212) 876-7700 ext. 4655

Military and Going on Deployment? Dogs on Deployment can help.

If you are a military member who needs to find a place for your pet to stay temporarily while your away on deployment, Dogs on Deployment maybe just the place you should check out :) Always consider temporary care instead of getting rid of your pet when there are resources that will help you.

Dogs on Deployment Information:

Mission

LCpl Jon Contreas reunited with his dog Diego, after an Afghanistan deployment.

Our mission is to give military members peace of mind concerning their pets during their service commitments by providing them with the ability to find people and resources able to help them.

Dogs on Deployment is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit providing a central network for military members to find volunteers willing to board their pets while they are deployed or have other service commitments, making them unable to temporarily care for their pets. No pet should ever be surrendered to a shelter due to a military commitment. DoD exists to help military members keep their pets by alleviating the need for pet relinquishment from military members due to the hardships of deployments.

Additionally, Dogs on Deployment promotes responsible, life-long pet ownership in the military community by:

• Advocating for military pet owner rights on military installations
• Providing educational resources for military members about responsible pet ownership
• Granting financial assistance to military members for help with their pet's care during emergencies
• Promoting healthy pet lifestyles, including spay and neuter, insurance options and vaccinations
• Connecting with community organizations to ensure Dogs on Deployment resources are available to military families

Dogs on Deployment aids pets of all types that belong to active duty, reservists, guard, honorably discharged veterans and their families.

Our Goals

• DoD aims at having DoD Boarders located near all major military bases in the United States. A military member should be able to find a DoD Boarder located within 50 miles, no matter what base they are stationed at or deploying from.
• DoD will become a first resource for military members to turn to when they need long term boarding for their pets. This includes, but is not limited to, being recommended by military assistance organizations, base family support centers and animal shelters impacted by relinquished pets.
• DoD plans to increase the rights and education that pet owners have while serving active duty in the military. This includes bringing light to the problem of pet relinquishment by military members to higher levels of the chain of command, and petitioning for annual, military-wide pet responsibility training. We want pets to be considered part of the family by military regulations, not disposable objects.
• DoD will help promote the military-pet community by providing a database of partnered pet related businesses which support their troops through discount and incentive programs. Users will be able to search for local businesses which will provide them with affordable options for pet care.
• DoD wants to help qualified military members with the cost of pet care during emergencies, and/or before and during deployments in order to promote responsible pet-ownership, providing financial assistance to get military pets spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and help with cost of pet care. This is known as our Pet Chit Program.
• Dogs On Deployment

When to go to a veterinarian or just ask the internet crowd?

If you have health concerns for your pet always go to a veterinarian and get advice! Asking random strangers on the internet about your pet's health is irresponsible and not recommended. People have their own opinions or personal experience pertaining to their specific pet situation which does not necessarily apply to what is going on with your pet. Second opinions are always nice but if you must just ask another veterinarian.

This goes for home remedies as well. I get it veterinarian care can get expensive but why risk your pet's health? If you are low-income there are always programs that can help you be it pet rescues or sliding-scale veterinarians just look and call around. Pet insurance is always a option as well but make sure you do your research. 

In the end if you just can't afford veterinary care or refuse to at least seek out help paying for your pet's vet care or barely getting by just to support you or your family do yourself a favor and do not own a pet.