ANIMAL CHANNEL NEWSLETTER

ANITA CURTIS * P O BOX 182 * GILBERTSVILLE, PA 19525 *

PH: (610) 327-3820

FAX (610) 970-2696 * Anita@anitacurtis.com  * www.anitacurtis.com

     Editorial and Edited by: Anita Written by: Mason    

       Hulis PO Box 30704

       Palm Beach Gardens Fl. 33420

      (561) 691-4633

Mason@AnimalsCanSpeak.com

It’s the day after Christmas and the Newsletter is late,

The Procrastinator’s Club won’t let me in, my check’s out of date.

At seven this morning BB did neigh,

But it was almost nine ‘till they got all their hay.

I dished out feed in a very big scoop,

And ridded the stalls of piles of their poop.

Santa’s sleigh  is put away in a shed,

His tired old team at rest in their bed.

After Christmas sales have already started,

Malls busy with those who are brave hearted.

But I’m at my computer ‘cause I know better,

I really have to finish this tardy newsletter!

Happy holidays,

Anita

On a heavier note, I had asked Mason to write of his experiences during the hurricanes this summer. His article follows:

Frances and Jeanne, A Tale of Two Hurricanes

My wife Sybil and I moved from Maryland to South Florida approximately four years ago.  We were lulled into a false sense of security over the past three hurricane seasons and were spared from a direct hit by a bad storm.

During the month of September 2004, four hurricanes hit Florida.  Two of the storms, Frances and Jeanne made landfall about three miles from our home.  Sybil and I had to prepare for our safety and our three dogs safety, during the storms.  We reviewed our options and they were, take our dogs to a local animal shelter that accepted pets, take the dogs to a friend’s house that was in a safe area or evacuate and travel to a friend’s house in South Carolina.

Each of these options required planning and obtaining the appropriate information and supplies.  Frances made landfall Sunday September 5, 2004 and Sybil suggested that my best option was to take the dogs and go to South Carolina.  Sybil works at a local hospital and she was required to stay at there for the duration of the storm. 

Sybil had told me early that week that she thought I should leave for South Carolina Wednesday.  My being a typical male, I thought that I should stay as long as possible and “Hold the Fort Down”.  I decided to leave Thursday and that was a big mistake.  Governor Jeb Bush ordered a mandatory evacuation of 2.5 million people from Florida Thursday morning and that meant traffic would be extremely heavy.  The few roads north were all bumper-to-bumper traffic.  I left South Florida Thursday morning at 10:30 AM and did not get to Greenville, South Carolina until Friday 4:30 PM.  Another problem I encountered leaving Florida was not being able to get gas.  Most of the gas stations in the state had sold out of gas and there were long waits at the stations that still had gas.

A mere week after Frances, hurricane Ivan was threatening our area of Florida and again I chose to evacuate to a friend’s house in South Carolina.  After my traffic experience with Frances, I left home a day earlier and avoided any gridlock.

Less than two weeks later hurricane Jeanne made a northwest turn toward Florida and made landfall approximately three miles from our home.  This time Sybil and I were in Philadelphia PA, for my stepdaughter’s wedding.  We had hired a dog sitter to stay at our home and take care of the dogs while we were away.  Fortunately, on my previous trip to South Carolina I had purchased three collapsible crates for our dogs.  Little did I know that they would be needed so quickly.  We determined that our dogs and the dog sitter would be safer at her brother’s house because it was further inland.  Our dogs were able to stay in their crates at the brother’s house.  We returned to Florida on the earliest flight back after the storm.  Our home did not suffer any damage because of the hurricanes and our dogs were emotionally and physically well.

As a result, what I learned from that experience is to have a plan for your pets when forced to evacuate your home due to bad weather.  Implement your plan early and do not wait until the last minute to travel.  Check with local animal shelters and, boarding kennels if you are unable to leave the area.  Here are some website links that provide additional information on the subject:

The Humane Society of the United States http://www.hsus.org/ace/352

FEMA Animals and Emergencies http://www.fema.gov/library/anemer.shtm

National Hurricane Center http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/pet_plan.shtml

I have not found any articles regarding what happened to the farm animals during the hurricanes.  However, here are some of the problems encountered by farm animals during past hurricanes in Florida. 

Lessons from Past Hurricanes:

• Collapsed Barns - Owners thought their animals were safe inside their barn.
• Kidney Failure - Due to dehydration, wandering animals were deprived of water for days.
• Electrocution - Horses sought the lowest areas, in many cases this was a drainage ditch.  The power lines that were blown down during the storm were strung over drainage ditches.
• Fencing Failure - Wandering animals, although unharmed during the storm, were hit and killed on the roadways.

Debris Caused the Most Severe Injuries...

• Many horses require euthanasia due to entanglement in barbed wire and the result was severe injuries.
• Debris injuries were found most often in the hindquarters, because horses turn their tail to the storm.

Do not keep your animals in the barn to prevent debris injury.  If your barn collapses - and there is no way to insure that it won't, large animals have no chance to save themselves and are likely to panic if they can't follow their instincts.

Precious Memories of . . .

Kira Richardson

Murdoch Boardman

Wickers Byndas

Patches Kelsey

Suliman Holstein

Oscar Grant

Aries Coulimore

Irvin Pruitt

Gracie Sherry

Billy Ray Hackett

Rosie Long

Max Collins

Molly Adams

Dudley Finnegan

For Shene

Carol Yurick

NOTHING LASTS FOREVER

     After much soul searching and pain, I have reached the decision to let my 15-year-old golden retriever go on to the next life.  He has been my faithful friend and companion since he was 9 months old.  Now, he can’t walk but a few steps because of his terrible arthritis, he can’t hear, is blind in one eye, and has cancer in his jaw.  He is staying because he doesn’t want to cause me any more pain in my life.  I have become his caregiver, helping him walk out the door to do his business, holding him up so that he doesn’t fall into it, feeding him, almost by spoon to make sure he eats.  I have been more than thanked for my efforts when I am the only person who he acknowledges with a wag when I walk into the room.

     Nothing lasts forever………  it’s a scary thought.  Whether it be a good thing or a bad thing, it will pass somehow. 

     Shene came to me just as I was in the middle of a bitter divorce.  He was there for me, supported me, and was there to greet my now husband when I met him a few months afterward.   During the years that followed, there were many challenges, as blended families, children going off to school, deaths of cats and other dogs.  He stayed with me.  In 1995, my daughter was stuck and killed by a van on a freeway in Phoenix, Arizona.  I thought I would die along with her.  Of course I had much support from my husband and surviving daughter and friends, but, Shene turned grey because he felt my pain.  He was only 5 at the time. 

     Nothing lasts forever.  When we are young, we believe that our parents will always take care of us and be there for us.  Most are and do whenever they can, but, life gets in the way of that too.  Divorce, death of grandparents, blended families, all can jar the thoughts and beliefs we once had.  Doesn’t mean it’s bad, but, very different. 

As we grow up, we are sure we will find the perfect mate, have the perfect career making the perfect amount of money, and live in the perfect house.  When we actually do grow up, we realize that maybe all of that isn’t realistic.  Nothing lasts forever, whether it be our wonderful lives, or our not so wonderful lives.

     It is now the day after.  I am feeling OK today.  I had 3 days to grieve with Shene and celebrate his life.  My family came the night before he left, and had sort of a party, celebrating is life.  We had pizza, his favorite, and he had lots of treats, attention, and many smiles and wags from him.  I’ll always love him.  He is the best dog I ever had.  He will be sorely missed.

Welcome Home

Cuddles now Roo Afflerbach

Bosco now Diva Hylton

Maggie now Gracie Price

Opie now Andy Adams

Gus now Buddy McTyier

Eoin Houston now QuincyO

Lily Zimmer now Samson Matthews

Mitzi now Luna Blue Voelk

Norman Reeps now Echo

Cabal Rhur now Nathair

Bunker Salvato now Biagio

What people have said about Dogs and Cats

 The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of
 his tongue.
  - Anonymous

"There is no snooze button on a cat who wants breakfast." --Unknown

Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are
wonderful.  - Ann Landers

"The problem with cats is that they get the same exact look whether they see a moth or an axe murderer." --Paula Poundstone

There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.  - Ben Williams

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than they love
 themselves. -- Josh Billings

"If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because your lap is warmer." --Alfred North Whitehead

The average dog is a nicer person than the average person is. - Andy Rooney

Pet Instructions from Cheryl Graf

Dear Dogs and Cats:

When I say to move, it means go someplace else -- not switch positions
with each other so there are still two of you in the way.

The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food.  The other
dishes are mine and contain my food.  Please note, placing a paw print in
the middle of my plate or food does not stake a claim for it becoming
your food and dish.  Nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the
slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating
me to the bottom is not the object.  Tripping me doesn't help, because I
fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king size bed.  I am very sorry about
this.  Do not think I will continue to sleep on the couch to ensure your
comfort.  Look at videos of dogs and cats sleeping.  They can actually
curl up in a ball.  It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each
other stretched out to the fullest extent possible.  I also know that
sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end
to maximize space used is nothing but sarcasm.

My compact discs are not miniature Frisbees.

For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom.  If by
some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not
necessary to claw, whine, try to turn the knob, or get your paw under
the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same
door I entered. In addition, I have been using bathrooms for years,
canine attendance is not mandatory.

The proper order is: 1) kiss me, and then 2) go smell the other dog's
butt.  I cannot stress this enough.  It would be such a simple change for
you.

Services Offered by Anita Curtis

I sometimes forget that not all the readers of my newsletter are clients and that we have added new services as this business evolves.  Listed below is a brief description of the services we now offer.

Consultations - $25.00/15 min.

These consultations are all done over the telephone.  I can help many more animals in a shorter amount of time this way.  It is also less distracting for the animal to be in his own home environment.

Tape recording - $5.00/tape

A tape recording of your consultation is optional.  If you decide you do not want the tape after having your consultation recorded, you just do not send the extra $5.00.

Workshops - $85.00 and up

The workshop fees can vary because of travel costs, space rental, and lunches provided.

Lectures - Mileage fee

Sponsors of the lecture may charge admission as a fundraising event.  I do require reimbursement for travel expenses.

Books & Video tape- see below + $2.00 to ship item & PA tax for PA residents.

Anita’s books:

‘Animal Wisdom: Communications with Animals’ and ‘How to Hear the Animals’ (kit) have been combined into one book: ‘Animal Wisdom: How to Hear the Animals’ $15.95 (Meditation Tape $2.00)

A Second Chance to Say Goodbye Marianne Michaels with Anita Curtis This new book, about medium Marianne Michaels, not only tells of her experiences communicating with loves ones on "the other side," but instructs the reader how to develop his or her own psychic abilities.  Book: $13.95

Services Offered by Mason Hulis

Telephone Consultations: The cost is $25.00 per 15 minutes

Home Visits are available for a one-hour minimum.

If you would like to make an appointment please call 1-561-691-4633

Book: Animals Can Speak $11.95 A book by  Mason Hulis with Gail M. Ross-Edwards.  PH.D. Presents a lively picture of how humans can communicate with animals.

You can order online at www.AnimalsCanSpeak.com or call 561-691-4633

Mason is also available for workshops, speaking engagements and fundraising events.  Please contact him for more information.

Please check my website for latest schedule of Dog Shows and other Pet Events. 

How you can help keep your pets healthier through dental care
by Susan B Rifkin

Dental health affects our animal’s quality of life and longevity. Dental disease is the #1 disease in pets over the age of three years. I recently learned about the effect of dental care on an animal’s immune system and major organs. Now I’m amazed I didn’t understand this years ago.

Periodontal disease allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream, Then bacteria can travel to and damage heart valves, decrease kidney function, damage the liver, and stress the immune system,

A majority of dogs and cats over the age of three years have periodontal disease. Lift up your pet’s lip and look at their gum line. Do you see a red line? This is an early sign of periodontal disease.

Another sign is bad breath. What we’re smelling can be the bacteria of the volatile sulfur compounds. These are a cause of bad breath, and increase the incidence of periodontal disease because they are toxic to gum cells. When the cells die, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the gaps formed.

And when we start pushing a pet’s face away because of their bad breath, we also upset them. They don’t know why we are rejecting their affection.

Years ago the veterinarians used to point out my cat Cassandra’s red and irritated gums. So I’d get her teeth cleaned. And I’d brush them in between,  but not as regularly as I should have.  I often treated her for cystitis (as Anita mentioned in her book Animal Wisdom). But I didn’t realize there was probably a link between her cystitis and her dental health.

I was also concerned that her blood tests showed her kidney function was deteriorating. But back then no one explained to me that her gum problem allowed bacteria to enter her bloodstream and clog her kidneys.

Cassandra lived to be 22 years old. Then I adopted 2 kitties. Sasha was only a few years old, but had already lost many of her tiny front teeth. Right after she joined my family, a canine tooth fell out. Her veterinarian warned me to expect a lot of dental bills. And I noticed her drooling. But she was far too skittish to tolerate brushing.

Now it’s time for the commercial part of this article. Through several veterinarians I learned about Oxyfresh pet dental care products. I could add1 teaspoon of the Pet Oral Hygiene Solution to a quart of their drinking water. It’s 60% as effective as brushing.

Its active ingredient is Oxygenea (stabilized chlorine dioxide), which reacts with the mouth’s volatile sulphur compounds. But it does not interact with anything internal. It is safe for any age animal, also for birds, pocket pets and horses.  It does not interfere with any medications. There is no taste or odor.

I can usually get her calm enough to use my finger to apply the Pet Gel to her gums. It has Oxygene in it, also aloe vera for healing and pain relief and chamomile for anti-inflammation. Nightly application of Pet Gel helps heal gums and soften tartar. Then tooth cleaning is easier- so pets need shorter anesthesia and can go longer between appointments. It also helps with discomfort from teething (and might therefore reduce the urge to chew on furniture!).

For more information about these dental products or to order them, please call me at 302-593-1687, or visit www.oxyfreshww.com/SusanR

Tanner, Mystic and Colby Curcio usher in the Thanksgiving holiday.

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