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​Paw Prints

A blog by the friendly folks at ​Midland Humane Coalition

The Magical Tale of Tiny Tim

2/24/2021

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Tiny Tim has been waiting for a home for almost a year.  This little guy was dropped off in a carrier with all his belongings a few days before Christmas 2019.

Tiny Tim is a dog with special needs -- he was born with bad knees and  has difficulty walking sometimes. 

Despite his challenges, he's had a wonderful year filled with love and cuddles from his amazing foster family! And, like magic, when the clock struck 12 on Christmas Eve one  year later, his wish was finally granted. He found his FOREVER HOME!  ​ 


​The story below was shared by Cheryl Ives, MHC Adoption Center Staff member,  Tiny Tim's former Foster Mom and new Forever Family 

Tiny Tim has made a perfect addition to our family and pack of “littles”.  As a rescuer, I am drawn to the underdog and that is why I was drawn to Tim with his bad knees and his constant pain.

However, the timing wasn’t exactly the best to take on another dog. You see, I wasn’t in my own home and we had just lost our big dog, Trixie, who died of old age during the days of COVID.

I initially fought bringing him home because of this. It was actually my husband who kept asking about Tiny Tim and saying "just bring him home".

Timmy was very stressed in the kennel environment and he was biting some of the staff members. It really did take him a good three months to feel totally safe in our home. He’s really settled in now and even plays with the other dogs.

Tim is a really fun, playful dog and we really enjoy his little antics. He loves to chase a ball and now he uses his legs more and doesn’t have to be carried out for breaks. He really has brought joy to us in these trying times. I would encourage anyone to take home a special needs animal as it can be very fulfilling. It certainly has been for us!


 
Follow up Questions..

How did Tiny Tim end up in your care?

I have been fostering him some during COVID because the Adoption Center was so stressful for him and he became a biter with some of the staff.  I am sure some have followed his story and wondered whatever happened to him. I lost one of my dogs during COVID (due to old age) and that's when we decided to foster him.  He chose us and we think he is fitting in with our small pack of dogs.
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Poster Pooch for MHC!

How did you pick Tiny Tim?  And what made you decide to adopt him?
Sometimes they just pick you!! We did not intend to keep Tiny Tim, but after no one stepped up that really would care for him the way we knew we could, we decided to put a deadline of December 24 on him and my husband and I agreed that he would have a forever family with us if no one adopted him. 


Why December 24?
I planned to adopt Tiny Tim on Christmas Eve this year because that was his drop off date in 2019 and we had not found anyone that was a good fit for him that is really committed to his care. 

What advice/tips would you give people who are thinking about adopting a special needs dog or cat? 
Really, I would just say not to shy away from the special needs animals. They can adapt and compensate for any deficits. I used to have a blind cat and she made a wonderful pet. Her sense of smell was so keen and you wouldn’t really know she was blind. All they really need is a routine and a lot of love. 
​
Here's a glimpse of Tiny Tim's life in his new home

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Midland Humane Coalition is honored to be a recipient of the  PetSmart Charities Adoption Preparation Grant for 2021.

With the help of this grant, we are able to prepare rescues for their new homes!  

Thank you, PetSmart Charities!

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What to Do if Your Pet Has Fleas

2/23/2021

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Imagine cuddling your itchy pet one day just to notice tiny mystery bugs in their fur. You start to panic. Oh no! Are they fleas? Will my animal be ok? They’re probably all over the house by now! 

Don’t worry! 

Chances are, you’ve heard horror stories about someone’s cat or dog being perpetually plagued by these frustrating little creatures. It can happen; but it doesn’t have to be that way forever. Truth be told, there are things you can do to get rid of fleas. The secret is early identification and swift, continuous action. 


Identify Fleas

Fleas come in four forms: eggs, larvae, pupae and adults. 

Flea eggs are extremely small. They are covered with a soft, white shell called chorion. These will be very hard to identify if you’re not looking for them and often slip into hairs, carpets and cracks in sofas. 

Larvae hatch from the eggs. They look like tiny white worms, ranging from 2 to 5 mm in length. Larvae build up their nutrition and then transition into pupae. 

Pupae form after the larvae spin cocoons. The forming fleas lie dormant as they transition from larvae to pupae and finally to adult fleas inside their cocoons. 

Adult fleas shed their cocoon and emerge ready to eat. Since they’re between 1.5 - 3.3 mm long, adult fleas are still relatively hard to see; however, it’s much easier to identify fleas during the adult stage of their lifestyle than the other three stages. If you see small, dark brown pests crawling in your pet’s fur, you probably have a flea problem. 

Steps to Rid Your Pet of Fleas

  1. Take Your Animal to the Vet Immediately. A vet can officially confirm the flea diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment for your pet’s situation. Treatment options include, but are not limited to, oral medications, sprays and drops. 
 
  1. Take Action in Your Home. Treatments for your pet will only be effective if you can eradicate the flea issue at large. Chances are, fleas in all stages of the life cycle are in your house. Thoroughly vacuum all floors, carpet and furniture. Steam clean everything if possible as well. You also need to run ALL clothes and bedding through a hot washing machine cycle or two. 


After cleaning, the home needs to be treated with flea extermination products. This can be an intensive process. Products you find at the store may not do the job. It’s best to have professionals with experience, like Fox Pest Control’s Pest Pros, service the home. They will perform an extensive treatment and answer any questions you have. If a follow-up visit is needed, they’ll let you know. 

  1. Repeat. Flea extermination calls for continuous action. It’s not a one-and-done scenario. Keep following your vet’s instruction with your pet, and continue to clean and be aware of what’s being brought inside your home. Continual pest control services will also help keep the fleas away. 

No Fleas, No Worries

By following this advice, you can get your flea situation under control. Your cat or dog will be back to normal in no time. It just takes a little hard work, consistency and trust in the professionals. Now’s the time to enjoy your pet.


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​Fox Pest Control. No Bugs, Simply Better. ​
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Article contributed by Latessa Jacobs, Fox Pest Control 

Visit their website on www.foxpest-midland.com or call them at (432) 653-5264
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Tips for Finding the Right Food for your Pet

2/23/2021

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February—a month when we focus on matters of the heart.  Not only do we celebrate Valentine’s Day this month, but February is also designated by the American Heart Association to bring awareness to heart health.  That goes for our four-legged friends, too. 

Two things necessary for people and pets for heart health are exercise and a healthy diet.   



The hunt for Dog Food 
When it comes to dogs, choosing a healthy dog food can be confusing when you go into a pet store and see the hoard of pet foods and brands available today.  Then, to complicate matters, there are differing opinions on what is best.

Some say grain free is the way to go, others say include grain.  Once dry food was suggested as better than canned, but now processed kibble, fed exclusively, is in question. Breeders say raw is the way to feed and nutritionists say cook human-grade food and vegetables. And then there is the internet that will sell you the priciest pet food, loaded with promises of healthy coat, long-life and regular, to your door, delivery. 

Oh, my!  So how do you decide what to feed?  
There are some basics to consider when choosing a dog food.
  • Is it nutritious?
  • Will your dog eat it?
  • How does it fit into your lifestyle? 

Some people don’t have the luxury of cooking fresh food for their dog every day.  If feeding raw, you must be careful and know what you are doing.  You can’t feed spoiled food to a dog any more so than to a human.

Although the human quality premium pet foods may be an excellent choice, not everyone can afford them, (animals, like humans, need regular medical care to keep them healthy, as well as a nutritious diet). And always remember that marketing is directed at the pet owner, not the pet.

Also, when selecting a food, consider that your dog goes through different stages in his or her lifetime including puppy, senior and pregnancy that require different nutritional needs. 

Assuming you have a healthy dog that does not require a special diet for medical reasons, here are some tips you might consider when choosing a pet food.
​

1. Talk to your vet for suggestions. In fact, always talk to your vet for advice regarding your pet (we can't stress this enough).
 

2. Consult an informed person at your pet store.  But remember, they got their information from the vendor selling the product, and premium and price are not always a good gauge of quality. 

3. When shopping for dog food, check out the ingredients:
  • Look for a food that is not filled with “fillers.” Grain-free food often has less fillers.         
  • Make sure the first ingredient listed is meat, not grain, or meat by products. 
  • Check for fat content.  High fat dog food is equivalent to a drive-thru diet for you.
  • Look for “Made in America” and “AAFCO” (Association of American Feed Control Officials). 
  • Look at “sell by” date on package to make sure the food is fresh.
  • Look for “toppers” that may make the food more appealing. Like humans, dogs like variety. 
           
4. When you have selected a food, store it in a proper container at home and keep bowls clean.

5. Monitor how your dog responds to the food. If your dog is gaining too much weight or losing weight, having stomach issues or not eating, talk to your vet and go back to square one if necessary. ​

​
The search for  Cat Food
When it comes to cats, many of the same common-sense rules apply when selecting a cat food as selecting a dog food. 

“The main thing to remember about cats is that they are obligate carnivores—meat eaters, plain and simple. They must have protein from meat for a strong heart, good vision and a healthy reproductive system. Cooked beef, chicken, turkey, and small amounts of lean deli meats are a great way to give them that. Raw meat is supposed to be good for them, but one has to be careful when feeding raw for the same reasons as for dogs,” shares Dallas cat advocate, Sherrie Narusis.  
​
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Here are some tips you might consider when choosing a food for your feline:

1. As always, the first step is to consult with your vet for suggestions on what to feed your cat.  Your vet will know the best food for your cat's age, size, as well as specific nutritional requirements for any medical conditions they might have. 

2. Do you research and keep an eye on ingredients.  Also, like dogs, cats go through various stages in their lifetime that require different nutritional needs. Be sure they're getting the right type of food for their age. 

Commercial Cat Food 
  • Commercial cat foods are formulated as dry, semimoist, and canned. These products differ in water content, protein level, caloric density, palatability and digestibility.
  • Again, read the label! Look for a food that is not filled with “fillers” like meat by-products and corn, but one that lists the first ingredient as meat.  
  • Cats require high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and a minimal amount of carbohydrates. They also require vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids, (usually found in their food.) Do not give your cat supplements without consulting your vet.
Home-made Cat Food 
  • Like with dogs, home-made cat food is a difficult and time-consuming process, and the recipe may not contain the right quantities and proportions of nutrients for your cat. 
  • It is generally recommended that cat owners purchase nutritionally balanced commercial foods, unless a veterinarian recommends a home-formulated recipe for medical purposes.
  • Basic minimum nutritional requirements for cats have been established by the Feline Nutrition Expert (FNE) a subcommittee of the AAFCO, and manufacturers use these standards in producing cat foods.
  • Consult your vet if you're planning to feed your cat home-made food.  ​

3. Once you've decided on cat food that works, store their food properly, keep their bowls of food and water clean and in a low traffic area where they feel comfortable. 

4. As always, look for signs from your four-legged family member. We know they communicate with us! 

Canine or Feline, your pet deserves to thrive and enjoy his or her meals. 

​Bon appetit! 
​
​

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Shelia Huffman, Contributor
Shelia recently moved to the Greenwood community of Midland from Dallas where she was a staff writer for White Rock Lake Weekly and a columnist for Bubblelife Media.  A retired travel agent and event planner, she has  been an animal activist her entire life.  Shelia  has a daughter and son-in-law in Midland, a grandson in Dallas and a granddaughter at Texas Tech. She lists cooking and writing about food, and,  of course, playing with her Terrier Mix rescue, Penelope, as some of her favorite things.
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Pets & Loneliness

2/23/2021

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​Ah, February!
Known around the world as the month of love! But, alas, for many, February is just another month of loneliness. 

But it doesn't have to be this way. Read on to find out how pets can help you fight the loneliness epidemic! 


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The Loneliness Epidemic
Current studies show that America is experiencing a loneliness epidemic. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over a quarter of the U.S. population -- and 28 percent of older adults -- now live by themselves.


Living alone can be gratifying for some people, as long as they have strong and meaningful social relationships with family and friends. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Plus, in today’s world of technology it is easier than ever to meet daily living needs while rarely leaving your home and thus, allowing television and social media to fulfill social needs.

Studies were already being done on what is called “The Loneliness Epidemic,” a current way of life that has ambushed Americans, and then last year we got waylaid by the “COVID Pandemic,” which has further isolated us from one another.  

What does this loneliness and isolation do to us?
Physically, loneliness can have the same effect on one’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Wow! Emotionally, think of the song lyrics, “Hear the lonesome Whippoorwill.  He sounds too blue to fly. Like me, he’s lost the will to live.  I’m so lonesome I could cry.”


Physically and mentally, it’s not good! 

Not everyone can change their living arrangement, and we must follow the guidelines for ridding our country of the COVID virus. However, studies have also been done on factors that can ease loneliness, and one of the most paramount is having a pet in your home. 

How pets can impact your life
Pets have evolved to become acutely attuned to humans and our behavior and emotions. Dogs, for example, can understand many of the words we use, but they’re even better at interpreting our tone of voice, body language, and gestures. And like any good human friend, a loyal dog will look into your eyes to gauge your emotional state and try to understand what you’re thinking and feeling.

Pets, especially dogs and cats, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health. Pets also provide valuable companionship for older adults. Perhaps most importantly, though, a pet can add real joy and unconditional love to your life.

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Studies have shown that many therapeutic effects take place in people who own pets such as:
  • Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression.
  • People with pets often have lower blood- pressure in stressful situations.
  • Playing with a dog or cat can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, that help regulate many bodily functions.
  • Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol. 
  • Heart attack patients with pets often survive longer than those without.
  • Pet owners over age 65 make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets.
One of the reasons for this good health news is that pets fulfill the basic human need for touch. Stroking, hugging, or otherwise touching a loving animal can sooth when you are stressed or anxious. Most dogs are a great stimulus for healthy exercise by playing fetch or going for a walk, which can substantially boost your mood and ease depression.

While isolation and loneliness can trigger symptoms of depression, companionship can help prevent illness and even add years to your life. Caring for a live animal can help make you feel needed and wanted, and take the focus away from your problems, especially if you live alone. Most dog and cat owners  talk to their pets, some even use them to work through their troubles.

​And nothing beats loneliness like coming home to a wagging tail or purring cat.


If you're feeling a little isolated and could use companionship from an animal, consider adopting  one from the city shelter, a local rescue or stop by our Adoption Center to meet your new best friend!  

Check our our current Adoptable Pets: www.midlandhumane.org/adoptables
 

​

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Shelia Huffman, Contributor
Shelia recently moved to the Greenwood community of Midland from Dallas where she was a staff writer for White Rock Lake Weekly and a columnist for Bubblelife Media.  A retired travel agent and event planner, she has  been an animal activist her entire life.  Shelia  has a daughter and son-in-law in Midland, a grandson in Dallas and a granddaughter at Texas Tech. She lists cooking and writing about food, and,  of course, playing with her Terrier Mix rescue, Penelope, as some of her favorite things.
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