When working in rescue its easy to get consumed by the every day work and care of the kitites. I have put off taking care of me because I didn't have time and well I really didn't WANT to take the time. As we all know we tell ourselves these little "lies" in order to keep from facing the truth. The fact was I just didn't WANT to have to change my life which I knew was what I was going to have to do. I would have to take the time to think about what I eat and take meds I probably wouln't have had to take at ALL if I had just done what I should have done from the beginning. But the fact is, if I die who will care for the kitties? Without me and Troy they have nowhere to go and well it just makes sense to take care of yourself for them AND your family. Your health affects more than just you and it hurts all those around you when you choose to ignore it!

Well as some of you may know I'm type 2 diabetic..yeah  I am the WORST patient there is..stubborn or rather very stupid..I've known it for years as I was diagnosed 3 yrs ago..BUT I knew things were off even years before that when my bloodsugar would drop and I'd have to eat something sweet to stop shaking. That was in 1998. But I hated going to the Dr and put it off...years later in 2004 I went and had high BP..put on meds that made me sick so I quit taking them too..then 3 yrs ago I went to the health clinic and did a bloodtest and fasting my sugar was over 400. At the time I didn't know anything about sugar or what my numbers should be. I knew my vision was going, I noticed everything was blurry from a distance and I had to get glasses before I could renew my license. PLUS I was thirsty all the time, peeing every 5 minutes, up every 2 hours at night. I also stayed up till 2 or 3 am watching tv or working on the computer or cleaning and on a few occasions didnt even go to bed for 2 days. I gained weight on and off through the last 16 yrs at my heaviest I was going on size 22 pants because I had 2 back surgeries and I couldnt run anymore and I didn't eat right.

I've had several other "wake up calls' which I chose to ignore. My sister died at 45 from a stroke in 2009. Then mom who is just as stubborn as me  had a SECOND stroke..yeah she wouldnt take the bp meds either or go to the doctor for anything. Just like me she went once and they told put her on high bp meds which made her super sick and so she threw them out never to take them again. Sound familiar? She had a stroke and didn't tell me until months later saying she got too hot and then had to learn how to write her name all over. I tried to tell her then to go to the doctor but she refused. Then last year she had another one and we had to literally go to Georgia and drag her to the ER in Athens where she stayed a week. Her bp was like 210/120. We found out she had several mini strokes on both sides of her brain. She didn't know where she was or why or who we were it was AWFUL! She couldn't barely walk and fought the whole time to get up and go home. Long story short she had to move in with us and sell everything she owned. She literally lost everything. Then a few weeks ago my best friend from high school died a few weeks ago from a stroke was my final wake up call.

I finally went to the dr last month (ok it was only because Troy had to go in for his lungs so I decided I'd get app too it was now or never! ) and got my bloodwork done again which was still over 300 after fasting and my H1c was a 10!  and began my journey to living a better healthier life. 

Since then I've changed how I eat and how I live.  So for last few weeks I've changed my habits and go to bed now at least before 12 am (ha) and eating better and learning more on what I can eat through pinterest!  Slow steps but steps none the less.  I feel much better although I could knaw the bark off a tree somtimes lol. But I look back at what I was eating and omg my sugar must have been in the 700 or more with the carbs I consumed. It's a wonder I haven't had a stroke of my own.

I know this blog doesn't have anything to do with cats but it does have to do with the person taking care of them. I mean without me and Troy there is no Puddy Tat's Paradise.  I write this to all the other stubborn people out there. DON"T be stupid like me and wait to go to the doctor for check ups and  TAKE your meds and when and  if they make you sick go back and get them adjusted. Your life affects more than just YOU.  

I am now on metforin and linsopril for my high bp which is now down! and yes metforin makes you sick to your stomach or it did me but its finally going away. I get on the treadmill 30 min a day..well most days..its still a work in progress. I have nerve damage to my feet and legs and can't feel bottoms of my feet from the back surgery so my legs get really sore when I exercise but I'm sticking to it. Even Troy has been eating right too and losing weight. It's SO much easier when someone does this with you. I pray we are both on the road to a much healthier life. 

So all this is a learning process. I know how mad I was at mom for not going to the Dr and taking her meds. It could have prevented her losing her health  and her home. And I don't want my kids feeling the same about me.  That was my greatest motivator. Funny how that works, the more I fussed at mom the more I had to look in the mirror.I'm no better so I did something about it. Better late than never! If there is no me there is no one to care for the furkids! ​

My message is this;  don't ignore your health. Your body tries to tell you things and you should listen. Learn how to eat RIGHT! That alone will spare you many future heartaches. You might get away with it now but in the end it will bite you in the butt! You cannot escape your health and if YOU don't take care of you, no one else will. If this gets through to even ONE person it will be worth it. 

I'm diabetic, NOW what?
When I first was diagnosed I thought my life was over. You don't realize how much your life revolves around food until you can't eat it. One can only eat so many salads!  I didn't have time to think about what I eat all the time. I just wanted a quick start meal plan but most websites are all about what diabetes is and I didn't want to read all that to start with I just needed to know what I could eat NOW. I found a few websites that really helped. I just needed something to go by until I could sit down and read more. I learned about counting carbs which to me was much easier than calorie counting which I never could do. here are a few links;

 http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/weight_loss_diet_plans/diet_meal_plans/7_day_diabetes_meal_plan

http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/diabetes-menu-plan

 You can find even more if you search diabetic meal plans. 

The hardest part is I do like bread, rice  and sweets! I was so depressed thinking I could never eat these things again. I mean what is Christmas if I can't make my cookies and bread? Thanksgiving is ruined!
I read up on several different diets. The American Diabetes Association recommended diet,  the LCHF (low carb high fat diet), Primal and now Paleo diets. I was so confused I didn't know which way to turn. In the end I decided to just do it my way at least for now.  I needed to lose weight so I felt the ADA was too many carbs while the LCHF diet was too restricted so I'm using common sense and just going as low carb as I can stand without going completely crazy until I get my numbers down and lose the weight I need to lose. I finally have my sugar down to 130 in the morning (it needs to be 100 or less) and my bp is down to 143/84. I'm also in a size 14 (170 lb) after losing over 10 lbs in the last 2 weeks. I'm on my way and its a journey that will last a lifetime.

All of this had me thinking. Why is America's health gone down hill so fast? A long time ago people were much healthier. Before our jobs got automated and  fast food joints popped up everywhere . We have quick processed meals in the grocery store. We have stopped thinking about what we eat and its been replaced with lives so busy we have to eat on the run. Everything is geared towards quick and easy and we have paid the price with out health. Gastric bypass is hailed as the only way to lose massive amounts of weight. Not only is it dangerous but if you continue to eat wrong it will not work. Insurance companies will not pay for any cosmetic surgery unless its with gastric bypass. No one encourages doing it by just diet anymore. Why can't we have low carb restraunts or at least a low carb menu to make it easier to choose. Some places have this on the menu but not all. Especially fast food. Lets face it nothing fast food is good for you unless its a salad. I did find Captain D's has a grilled fish and shrimp! It's hard to do eating out but it can be done. It just takes massive amounts of willpower which I don't always have. 

I was sinking into depression thinking of everything I couldn't eat. Maybe I'm the only one this dumb about nutrition. Well last night I went on pinterest and searched low carb recipes and this opened up a whole new world to me! I saw recipes for lemon bars and bread all very low carb. I just wanted to be able to still eat a bite now and then and this was great news! Who knew there were things like almond and coconut flour?! From there I found websites and I can order from amazon and have it shipped straight to my door. It opened up my whole world. You can evidently shred zuchinni into noodles with a spirializer  You can even make zuchinni lasagna. WHO KNEW?!  I've got one ordered! Here is a wonderful blog I found; Elana's Pantry 

Why is it doctors don't TELL you this stuff? It would save a lot of anti depressent prescriptions I'm sure! They should have a sheet to hand out with websites. I didn't even get a hand out on what I could eat! They just told me no bread,rice,potatoes. Eat lean meat and dark leafy greens. I mean really?Anyway pinterest saved my life as far as I'm concerned! But I feel sorry for those not internet savvy and who are as clueless as I was. 

I hope this was a little helpful and I hope everyone lives a healthy long life. Happy Low Carbing it! 
Feel free to leave any additional information, blogs, recipes, or links you would like to share in the comments below. 

Here's to your health!
Marianne Grindstaff

Fall update for 2015!!
Been working super hard on the yard and flower beds trying to get them back into shape since the remodel while poor Troy has been stuck doing all the house painting. Hopefully we finish most of it tomorrow and then working on the feral cat building after that. Hope we get enough donations in to get the walls up sat. These poor sweethearts have been waiting to get in this new enclosure all summer. I promised Whitey and Felicity our FIV+ kitties they would get to finally go outside once we complete this. sigh..anyway tomorrow I have a dentist app ugh 2 cavities so I'll be glad when thats over and I can get home to get some more work done.
For those who don't know mom (77) had a second stroke last March which threw our entire lives and the rescue into turmoil.  I stayed a week in Athens Regional hospital night and day for 6 days while Troy drove back and forth daily to care for the cats..a 3 hr drive each way! I don't know how he did it.  My stepdad could no longer care for her by himself and we were in the process of moving her to NC to live with us. The next week he unexpectely died and we were thrown into dealing with the estate in GA and all that involves on top of caring for mom. Weekly trips we had to do in order  to deal with 40 years worth of "stuff" and so on and Troy had to work not only all the rescue work but also his regular job around all this. Also during this time Troy still managed to help the Christian Verterinay Mission with their annual low cost clinic by providing tables, cages and canopies!
 It was a nightmare I wouldn't wish on anyone and I do not know how we managed to do all we did! 
Things are just now finally slowing down and the work load has finally eased up on me. Poor Troy was stuck with almost all of the rescue work while I cared for mom, her therapy, dr appointments, and worked with going through mom's stuff as well as the addition we had to do for the handicap bathroom which threw our entire house into chaos which drove her OCD to new levels!   She is finally doing much better although the dimentia is still present. I have to work everything around mom now so my time is limited in between her meals and bedtime. BUT its good now she can come outside and sit while I work which helps a lot. I hope to have some more pics tomorrow of my progress. Its finally looking much better after a whole summer of chaos. Things are finally getting settled down and I hope things will start to improve and I can help Troy more with the furkids. 
We lost several of our beloved kitties this year.. Sully, Pepper and Angel who had CHF. We gained 3 new residents 2 of who were kittens (Riley and Indy and one approx 6 mo old male we still have to catch who someone threw in the yard) Riley was dumped at the dumpsters and little Indy was nearly dead when Troy caught him at the dumpsters at the EMS base. Poor little thing it took him weeks to rally and start to improve. He's a little luv bug now! and he loves Riley who ended up being "mom's" boy lol 
We also have added a new Feral/FIV building with a small outdoor enclosure so they can enjoy the outdoors finally. ITs a small building just  12x12 but will be so nice for the furkids. We are in the process of finishing the inside and hopefully will add a covered enclosed porch so they can go outside when it rains too. It's all on the neverending "to do " list!  ha 
We had to cancel our open house this year due to all thats been going on and just are not sure we can manage one this fall so we are focusing on a big spring one next year. Hopefully we will be doing the fall festival still in October at Stecoah Valley Center. Please keep checking back for updates. I will try to do more posts especially on the FB rescue page. 
Thank you for all your support!! 
Marianne

Today was our open house. There were times I thought we were never going to do it. We had to postpone it twice we were just so busy. Anyway we got everything nice and cleaned up for today. I'm a little of a perfectionist sometimes I just like everything to be perfect which of course I never quite get DONE but I try. 

We had 2 families show up. One lady and her aging mother came. She sat and we got her a chair. She petted the kitties a long time and had such a great time. Another couple came and they got to tour around the property. They were so nice and understood all the work we do and made sure to tell us how much they appreciated us. It's great to meet other kitty lovers! The kitties really enjoyed all the attention and so did the dogs! They were amazed at how we know all the kitties by name and personality but after all, they are out "kids". Even the vet is amazed when he comes out to do our rabies shots. He has no idea how we can remember them all. 

If you didn't make it out today you missed out! I took some pics this evening to post for those who didn't get to come. I got some tour video too,  but ugh I gotta get up to get the camera lol might be a little while I'm lazy. Plus I got sick the other day and my sinuses and sore throat I really have not had any energy so that made it even harder to do everything. All in all though it was a great day! I took the evening off for once and laid on the bed playing with Emma and Reese, the 2 kittens and even Doc played with us.  

Tomorrow Troy is going to a house burning/training thing in town so I'll be ..who knows..doing chores then I might actually get to work on some of my art projects and just clean house. Lots of things  I need to repaint like the propane tank that's a submarine and some of my artwork in the kitty house and I have a few new things I want to do project wise..I'll leave it a surprise. :) We have worked so hard the last few weeks getting the property back in shape we are just killed! So let me explain a little; 

 For those who don't know Troy was pretty sick for the last 2 years. I just let the property go because he just couldn't do the work. Weed eating and mowing was so hard on him and we couldn't find anyone to help and frankly we just hate to even ask. So this year we have been trying to get it cleaned up. I gave up on having shrubs that I have to prune and keep honeysuckle out of and briers. I just cannot and don't WANT to do that kind of back breaking work anymore. I have had 2 back surgeries (over $50,000!) and I"m not even supposed to DO any heavy lifting or half the stuff I do. SO we just cut the dang bushes down and burned them. We cannot afford to pay anyone to do it for us so they had to go. Looks better anyway and its easier for Troy now and less for us to fight about! Its looking really good I think so it was a good decision in the end. We aren't getting any younger and we need to have this place easier to maintain so we have more time to do other things. 

Also this year we have had to start buying our dry kitty food and with all the dentals we are trying to get done it has taken a toll on our rescue funds. Winter seems to be trying to come in early too and that means I need to think about heating money. Propane goes on sale here and if we have the funds I try to get all we can to save in the long run. It is looking to be and early and long, cold winter. I hope I'm wrong! but then I am a worrier! 

So with all this work going on of course I just had to get sick  with a cold. I plan on taking  it easy tomorrow .lol yeah right. I say that but know I'll start cleaning or something off my never ending "to do" list.  Troy works sun/mon too. If you don't know he is a paramedic. Works 48  then off for 4 days. Usually he sleeps half a day on his first day off just to catch up on sleep because they run non stop here. Its hard on us as a rescue. Troy works full time PLUS this and when hes gone on his 48 hrs straight I do all the kitty chores too on top of all the other things I do. Most rescues our size with this many cats/dogs have help. We do everything ourselves just me and Troy no help unless Kylie (my 9 yr old granddaughter)  comes over! Shes my little minion. I've taught her to give the insulin shots already and shes really good at it. 

You wouldn't think there is that much to do but its not just petting kitties. I've written about this before but it is a LOT more than I ever realized and I'm still learning after 5 yrs. Some days I just want to get in the car and drive and not look back I get so burned out but then I think who will give the meds and well the list is endless. So usually when that happens I just go to bed and forget it all for the night and start over in the morning. I am a little bit of a pessimist and I suffer at times from depression so when I post on FB sometimes even when I try really hard it shows through in my comments. I just hope people understand. Troy has his moments too! But then he's not the one posting so no one knows! Sometimes it takes so little to set me off like a few weeks ago I decided to see how many people gave us stars and  I know its silly but some gave like a one or two star and I was so upset because we work so dang hard and haven't even had a vacation in over 8 yrs it was kind of insulting to think anyone would rate us so low! ahh FB drama..anyway I'm over it now because our real supporters know how hard we work and that's all that matters. That and the kitties! ok so I've rambled on too much here. 

Soon we will be putting up the annual computerized Christmas light display which I have vowed yet again that I'm DONE With doing! It takes a month or more just to get up all the lights.  We should sell pre show tickets to our yelling and arguing while he puts them up and I supervise the set up. 

Just when we think no one cares and we aren't going to do it people start stopping us in the grocery or in town saying oh we love the show and the kids think its great! So then I know dang it! Gonna have to do it again lol ..sigh. Just can't say no to the kids. 

One thing will be different this year. Our loved Little Boy died this summer due to cancer and he was 14 yrs old too. He always climbed the ladder with Troy and did the lights with him. He was one of the "original" kitties and we had him since he was a kitten. He will be missed. 

So there's a little insight into "us" .. I'm the artsy, crazy, pessimist cat lady. Yeah I'm an Eyore. Troy is the heavy lifting , omg what has that woman thought of for me to do NOW guy. Poor man goes to work just to get a break! haha So that's it! We are just a mom and pop rescue.  Anyway I'm done for today!
 Thank you for all your support. 

This year marks our 5th year in our endeavor to help save the cats in Graham County. We have come so far from when we first started in 2009. I wasn't even sure exactly WHAT we were or going to be I just knew we needed to do something. I knew we didn't want to be an adoption facility. We already have several near our county that do that and cannot even keep those cats adopted out. I wanted us to be different in that we would give these kitties a loving home and a lifetime of care. Their last stop in searching for a home and someone to care. So many don't get this opportunity. We wanted to focus on sponsorship and giving these deserving kitties the absolutely best home they could ever want.

Troy had wanted to work in disaster rescue and we even took classes towards this, but as we went on through the years this has gotten pushed farther to the back as the need for us to take in the many unwanted cats escalated, Troy and I having health issues and lack of participation has taken its toll.

With the help of many wonderful supporters, we have run full force with upgrading the buildings, maintaining the sanctuary, ensuring proper medical care, and pursuing funding to accommodate the felines in our care. We have done everything from filing for grants, working festivals, holding fundraisers and  finally (at our own expense) built a thrift store to hopefully bring in some much needed funding.

After 4 years we had reached our capacity for what we ourselves could care for and decided to adopt out some if and only if we could find really good homes. These cats are family to us and we had never wanted to be an adoption facility. We did find several good homes but they are not as plentiful as the cats who need help. Although we had stopped taking in cats in general we still ended up with emergency take in's from ones dumped on our property to some who just had nowhere to go. 

We have managed to keep going and break even every year but never really saving up anything for the rescue. Many much needed upgrades to the buildings were done such as putting in tile floors, waterproof boarding on walls, painting, as well as building a new 8x8 building thanks to  the Lakin Foundation Grant. Vetting has been a very large expense but we were lucky enough to receive donated food through Purina until this year. We do not know why but they have not done any more donations and this year we are having to purchase dry food for the first time. With vetting bills getting higher and most of our population is older cats which are requiring more vetting this added increase plus the added expense of dry food has taken its toll on us.

We are so thankful for everyone who has supported us even with just a few dollars. It has made such a tremendous impact in these animals lives. Troy and I are willing to put in the work and the time to do this as long as we are physically able to do so but at this point our hands are tied. While we have accomplished what we had intended for our rescue to do, the demand is far greater than what we can do at this point. We would love to have a facility where we could take in more and do more adtoptions but without more funding this will not be possible. We turn cats down constantly and just today turned down 25 cats from 2 different people. Some were feral and some friendly. It breaks my heart but we are confined by the funding we receive. Sadly funding is what it all boils down to. No money, no rescue. 

The economy has gotten steadily worse through the years and has hit hard on many rescues not just our own and forced some to shut down. Ours is no exception. We will keep going as long as we can both physically and financially but without further resources and funding  we are forced to stay as we are. If we get funding to move forward we will gladly do so but if not we will do the best we can for what we have and eventually at some point, if we cannnot find anyone to continue our mission, we will shut down. 

Graham County has absolutely no help for animals. Valley River Humane Society in Peachtree has agreed to take in our unwanted animals but there is a $50 fee per animal that they take in so the dumping will continue. Especially with the Stanley Plant closing which was our main place of employment here.  

One of the big problems is people who are willing to help.  I wish we could offer something but without the funding or employees to do it we will not be able to. People will not and can not work for free in this day and time. Plus with troy working a full time job and all the added work of the rescue it has put a lot of stress on him as he is the main person doing all the hard work and heavy lifting. If we had more funds coming in we could get a building and  he could do this full time and maybe have one or two paid employees. I know this is not what people want to hear but volunteers are impossible to find and if you look at ANY big rescue they have paid employees which is why they look so wonderful and are so productive and can do more. You get what you pay for in other words. I don't mind being small but I had dreamed of more and becoming more. Maybe not big like Best Friends but big enough to make a difference in our county at least. 

So while we are happy with what we have managed to accomplish we still wish we could do more. 

This has been a very tough learning experience to us. We have learned so much through the last five years. I never realized how much work was involved until we started this. There are so many aspects of rescue and its not just petting cats!

 I now know why you need so many people doing different jobs to be successful. You have to be able to sleep sometime and maintain a little personal life or you just get burned out. Some days I think I have reached that point and I know so does Troy.We are very disappointed with the support in our community. It seems no one acts like we exist until they want us to take in 12 cats. Suddenly we are visible but when we ask for funding you just hear crickets. Sure they love us but they do not want to donate to help us continue. And while we really don't care about the circumstances we just really care about the welfare of the animals but without the funding or the building we are forced to keep declining taking in unwanted animals in our county. 

Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts for all your support and allowing our dream to come true. We do love what we do and hope to keep moving forward. Who knows maybe we will win the lottery. Until then we will continue to do the best we can for our furbabies and hope you stay with us through the journey. I am optimistic that one day our plight will reach the right ears and we will be able to grow and do even more. We will do as much as we can to improve the quality of life in Graham County cats and hope for many more anniversaries to come. The kitties thank you too! 

Thank you! 
Marianne & Troy Grindstaff (Founders)

With the increase of owner turn in's and animals being dumped at not only our facility but many others throughout the state as well as at dumpsters, peoples houses and down roads, and with Christmas around the corner I thought it might be a good idea to do a post on this problem and hopefully shed some light to those thinking of adopting a pet for the holidays.
There are several things you need to consider before adopting a pet; cost, time, allergies, as well as the havoc a pet can wreak on your home are just a few of the things to think about. You can click HERE To read about the top reasons people get rid of their pets with some of the solutions available.

First I would like to say for those who do not want to pay an adoption fee but choose to take in a free cat off Facebook, Craigs list or in the paper, There IS NO SUCH THING as a FREE animal. To care for an animal it takes money. They are no different than having a child. There are vet bills, food and vaccinations to consider. There is more to a pet than just giving it some food every day.
I will talk mainly about cats here but this applies to dogs or really any pet you might be considering. Many people don't think past the part of owning a cuddly little kitten to what this sweet little bundle of joy is going to cost them in the future. So many times people get or give pets for Christmas or other holidays and get overwhelmed with the cost, especially with the economy like it is now.
Unfortunately it is the pet who pays the price in the end when it comes down to feed the family or the cat. The cat is either taken to a shelter or if as is the case usually here and the shelters are full they dump them out when no home can be found. Everyone wants a kitten so any adult or older cat will be homeless and either euthanized in a shelter or die on the streets. Owning a pet is a big responsibility and you need to be prepared to be able to care for it for its entire life to be a responsible owner. As with anything in life there are exceptions I know. Sometimes things happen that just are not foreseen and cannot be helped but I am talking about the ones that can be helped with a little forethought and planning.

The cost:

The costs of bringing an animal into your home go far beyond any initial adoption fee, which can vary from nothing at all to hundreds of dollars. Here is a breakdown of the average first year cost of pet ownership costs for one medium dog or one cat, according to the ASPCA.

One Time Expenses

Spaying or Neutering: Dog: $200 / Cat: $145
Initial Medical Exam: Dog: $70 / Cat: $130
Collar or Leash: Dog: $30 / Cat: $10
Litter Box: Cat: $25
Scratching Post: Cat: $15
Crate: Dog: $95
Carrying Crate: Dog: $60 / Cat: $40
Training: Dog: $110
Total One Time Costs: Dog: $565 / Cat: $365

Annual Expenses

Food: Dog: $120/ Cat: $145
Annual Medical Exams: Dog: $235 / Cat: $130
Litter: Cat: $200
Toys and Treats: Dog: $55 / Cat: $25
License: Dog: $15
Health Insurance: Dog: $225 / Cat: $175
Miscellaneous: Dog: $45 / Cat: $30
Total Annual Costs: Dog: $695 / Cat: $705

Total First Year Pet Ownership Costs: Dog: $1,260 / Cat: $1,070

As you can see, having a pet can cost you over $1,000 in the first year, and well over $500 each additional year. Depending on the food you buy and your actual medical expenses, the costs could be much higher or lower. Furthermore, these tables are not inclusive. If you travel, tack on pet sitting or kennel services, and if you rent an apartment, expect to pay a sometimes no refundable pet deposit or cleaning fee, if your landlord allows animals at all.

These figures take into account having pet health insurance, which many pet owners do not. If your animal gets sick and you do not have insurance, vet bills can quickly escalate into the thousands of dollars. Without it though, having pets is another big reason to have an emergency fund of at least several thousands dollars.

I found this website with a worksheet for the cost of pet ownership. http://www.valueyourmoney.org/parenthood/pet-ownership.asp. Although it is geared for children it could be a good tool to use if you think you want to adopt a pet.
 
If you have any helpful ideas on saving on pet care please be sure to comment!

Here is a link to help with vet care:
http://www.warreneckstein.com/g/Groups-Providing-Financial-Assistance-For-Veterinary-Bills/299.html

DO YOU HAVE THE TIME:

Other things you need to consider are not just the expense. Do you have TIME for a pet. I have read many ads with people getting rid of their animals because they find they just do not have the time to put in to having a pet. Your pet wants to spend time with you! Whether its taking your dog for a walk or playing with your cat, it needs daily interaction with its owner. If you work more than you are home a pet might not be a wise choice for you right now. Dogs need bathing, exercise, grooming, more exercise, you get the point. Cats take a little less time but still need time to play, snuggle and depending on the length of hair daily grooming as well as vet visits. Young pets need house training. You have to be sure you are willing to put in the time.

Try this link for some more information:
http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/family/pets/article3.html


CAN YOU HANDLE THE MESS/STRESS:

Another thing to consider is the inconvenience of having a pet. Whether its having hair on your furniture , your sofa being clawed as well as the walls or anything else your pet might choose to claw or chew this needs to be considered. If getting hair on your new sofa or having it clawed, or if a pet soils the carpet or any number of other problems you might encounter is a deal breaker then please reconsider getting a pet.
And I would like to say here that declawing should never even be considered as an option! This is a barbaric cruel procedure as well as debarking! There is nothing beneficial to the pet by doing any of these procedures. I know there are those who argue that by doing so it allows many more pets to be adopted but in our opinion, if you do not want a barking dog or a clawing cat then perhaps you would benefit from owning a fish.

To learn more try these links:
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/declawing.html
http://www.dailytitan.com/2010/02/debarking-hurts-more-than-voices/

Here is a link for help with pet behavior problems:
http://www.petbehaviorproblems.com/

ARE YOU ALLERGIC:
Allergies is another major reason for pet owners relinquishing their pets. Try fostering a pet first to see if you are allergic or borrow your friends pet for a week or so. Do whatever you need to do before you adopt. It is so devastating to the pet and to the adopter to have to return it or find a home.

Here are a few helpful links:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/08/10/health.pets.allergies/
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/cat-allergies
http://animal.discovery.com/pets/healthy-pets/are-you-allergic.htm

I'm pregnant and my Dr says I need to get rid of my cat!

I have been asked many times to take in a cat because the family has decided to have a baby and I would like to take a minute to post some information on this topic. The reason doctors recommend to get rid of your cat is because of the danger of Toxoplasmosis which cats can carry (not always) and you get from cleaning the litter box. This can harm an unborn child if you come into contact with it.
As a pet owner I would NEVER give my pet up they are like family to me but some do not feel this way. Most people will not take a grown cat. Most want KITTENS. So finding a home for your pet will be very hard. Most people do not know that if you turn your cat over to a kill shelter thinking they will find it a home you are greatly decieved! As an owner turn in, if the facility needs space and usually during kitten season they do, they can immediately kill your cat without a 72 hr wait never even offering it up for adoption. Your cat will pay the price with his life.
It is very simple and easy to keep your cat if you are pregnant all you need to do is have someone else clean the litter box. OR you can use gloves if you must and thoroughly wash your hands when done. You can still pet and cuddle with your cat! You can also rule out the exposure with Toxoplasmosis by having your cat tested. Shame on doctors for telling families they have to get rid of their pets! Here is more information:

From the ASPCA website:
Toxoplasmosis What Is Toxoplasmosis? Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can be found in garden soil and raw meat. Cats can get toxoplasma infection by killing and eating infected prey. The disease can also be passed on from cats to humans.

How Do Cats Get Toxoplasmosis? Cats most often become carriers of toxoplasmosis by killing and eating wild animals who have been infected—a good reason not to let your cat outside to hunt! A cat may also contract the disease should he come into contact with an infected cat’s feces. Once a cat is infected, the parasite multiplies in his intestines until immature eggs called oocysts are shed in his feces. Infected cats can shed oocysts for up to two weeks after initial infection.

What Are The Symptoms Of Toxoplasmosis in Cats? Most cats become immune to the disease through exposure to the parasite. However, those who aren’t already immune may have mild diarrhea and a loss of appetite; the disease can also affect a feline’s lungs, liver and nervous system. Kittens exposed to the parasite while still in the womb are most vulnerable—and are more likely than adult cats to show symptoms.

What Should I Do If I Think My Cat Has Toxoplasmosis? If you suspect your cat is carrying the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, it’s time to get him tested by your veterinarian. If he tests positive, it means he has been exposed to the disease but is unlikely to be shedding oocysts after an initial two-week period. If he tests negative, it means he has not been exposed and could still become infected and shed oocysts—but again only for two weeks.

Cats who are capable of shedding eggs should be isolated from children and other pets, pregnant moms and any immunocompromised people in the household. Also, be sure to clean his litter box and bedding twice each day while wearing disposable gloves.

Is There A Cure for Toxoplasmosis? Antibiotics are available that can clear up most of the symptoms of toxoplasmosis. Although they do not kill the parasite, they can provide an effective treatment.

How Can People Catch Toxoplasmosis? Although people can be infected through contact with cat feces, the far more common way for someone to have contact with the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis is through unhygienic handling of raw or undercooked meat, drinking contaminated water and exposure to garden soil or sandboxes where infected cats may have defecated. People do not get the disease through direct contact with the cat himself.

Can Humans Get Toxoplasmosis from Cats? Fortunately, most people have been exposed to or infected by Toxoplasma and already have immunity to the disease. People with weakened immune systems run the greatest risk of contracting toxoplasmosis. If a woman is infected while pregnant, the growing fetus can also become infected. This can result in cysts in the fetus’ brain, and can lead to developmental abnormalities, miscarriage or stillbirth. People with compromised immune systems are susceptible to a number of infections and should take the proper hygienic precautions to protect themselves against exposure to the disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis in Humans? People who are affected by toxoplasmosis may have fever, shortness of breath and neurological problems, such as seizures and lack of coordination. Those in relatively good health will usually show no signs or simply have mild, flu-like symptoms.

How Can Toxoplasmosis Be Prevented? If you have reason to be concerned (if your cat hunts, for example), cat parents, pregnant moms and immunocompromised individuals can take some simple precautions against toxoplasmosis:

• Have all cats in your household tested by your veterinarian for the parasite and make certain the test results are explained to you.
• Keep your cat(s) indoors.
• Do not feed your cat raw meat.
• Do not eat undercooked meat yourself.
• Do not allow your cat to hunt and eat wild mice, birds, etc.
• Use disposable rubber gloves when cleaning the litter box.
• Wear gloves and protective clothing when gardening.
• Cover your child’s sandbox when not in use; this will prevent possibly infected cats from defecating in it.
• Take proper hygienic precautions when handling raw meat.
• Pregnant moms and immunocompromised people with cats who cannot get someone else clean the litter box for them should wear gloves, clean the litter box promptly twice a day before the oocysts can become infective and wash their hands when finished.

It is not necessary to relinquish a cat if he has toxoplasmosis. By taking the recommended steps above to practice good hygiene, both cat and humans can remain safe and healthy.


You can also use our worksheet ; Are you ready for a furry friend?

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any helpful suggestions for keeping your pet or other insites on things to consider before owning a pet please feel free to comment. Also any suggestions on how to save money with your pet would be welcome.