PetSugar

Awww, Hurricane Ike's Tiny Bushy-Tailed Victims Need Help

PetSugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:05 -0700

It's not just pets that need help in the aftermath of recent hurricanes, over 1,000 baby squirrels are undergoing care in what's best described as a "squirrel neonatal unit". The Houston SPCA still receives 20 to 30 lil ones each day, causing these creatures to far outnumber all of the other animals there.

We’re feeding them puppy formula every three hours. . . . We’ve had a pelican and a couple of seagulls, but we’ve been overwhelmed by the squirrels, said Sharon Schmalz, executive director of the society’s Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center, who explained that this was the height of squirrel birthing season in Texas.

The orphans – many less than three inches long – are hand fed via these nipple-tipped syringes and will remain in the care of volunteers until they reach 12 weeks old. They will then be re-released into their natural habitats, places like rural areas outside city limits or tree-filled suburbs, with newfound strength to frolic freely and leap from limb to limb.

Source

How You Can Help Furry Victims of Hurricane Ike . . .

PetSugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:00:08 -0700

Thankfully, there were improved plans in place before the recent hurricanes hit, but I'm reminded that plenty of pets still need help in the storms' aftermath. Shelters including the Houston Humane Society and the Galveston Island Humane Society are working around the clock to photograph all the arriving animals to help keep track of the pets, and locate their owners. Much of the area is still without running water, electricity or gas . . . but the stray and injured animals keep on coming!

In addition to accepting monetary donations online, if you're local to these areas (or any place affected by the storms), don't be shy about stopping in to volunteer or bring by some much-appreciated goods. To see the items on the shelter's wish list, read more.

Towels
Batteries (especially 9 volt)
Crates of ALL sizes
Tarps
Bungee Cords
Bottled Water
Cat Litter
King Size Kong toys for dogs
Rabbit Food - Timothy Hay pellets or Timothy Hay
Small TVs with built in VCR/DVD
Soft Chewable Dog Treats
Current Key Maps
Disposable Rubber Gloves
Digital Cameras
8- and 12-Inch Cable Ties (50 lb strength)
Newspapers
Food for Hamsters, Rats, Guinea Pigs, Ferrets, and Gerbils
Halters - small and medium size
Fly Spray and Masks
Thrush Medicine
Mucking Forks/rakes

Source

Hurricane Gustav Evacuees Included Pets This Time, Too

PetSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:30:14 -0700

One of the most devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina three years ago was the fact that pets were not allowed on evacuation buses or boats – so thousands of people were forced to leave their furry loved ones behind if they had no other way out of the hurricane's path. Thankfully, we have since then not only learned how to better prepare ourselves for a natural disaster, but lawmakers have come to realize that pets are part of your family, too.

In May of 2006, the Pet Evacuation Bill was approved by the House of Representatives in response to the unfortunate treatment of animals during Katrina's evacuation. The bill says that states must take pets into consideration when drawing up evacuation plans, or they will not get federal grant help from FEMA. This is all good news for pet owners, and it looks like the evacuation for Gustav went smoother not only for humans, but for their pets as well!

Geeky Cats Use Mac Minis in Litterboxes: In the LINK of an Eye!

PetSugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 03:00:51 -0700

Cat Jet combats litterbox stinks with a Mac mini and a lot of DIY – Boing Boing

Eco-tastic, customizable bumper beds news from West Paw! – moderncat

Chasing tail? Bizarre pet behaviors explained – Womansday.com

Top 10 pet peeves dogs have with humans (if they could talk) – PetPlace.com

How do you really get stinky pet smells from your sofa? – Apartment Therapy

Super sporty Tina takes Jessica Biel for a walk – Celebrity Dog Watcher

Hurricane safety tips for your pets that come in handy anytime – Dogster