In "Open Your Heart with Pets: Mastering Life through Love of Animals" I shared with readers ways that we can open our hearts to pets even when we cannot have a pet in our own home. I've noticed that as our understanding and appreciation for animals increases, a feeling of being overwhelmed, or even a feeling of guilt, can then follow, as we soon realize that we cannot adopt them all, save them all, love them all. Our kindness has a limit.

We are limited by the space in our homes, the patience of our families, our pocketbooks, our health. Perhaps even sometimes there is the temptation to think, though perhaps we are not even conscience of thinking it, that it is easiest and best to "find another hobby" and forget about the animals out there that we could help, in some way. In other words, if we can't adopt them, then is it easier not to think about them at all?

Well, of course, if you want to be hard-hearted! If you want to risk the fall-out that shuttering your heart to one being will have on your relationships with all other beings (yourself and the humans around you, for instance).

Opening our hearts to pets is good for pets, but it's really good for us. It enlarges our capability to love (this isn't even taking into account the documented physical benefits of being around animals). Animals teach us about love, forgiveness, patience, living in the moment, along with interesting things like nutrition, biology, behavior, etc.

In fact, I'm not even sure it is possible for a human to be kind to an animal without getting something back for him- or herself! Animals, on the other hand, are often kind with no selfish thought to a return on their investment. (Though I imagine some might debate that… see my previous article, "Can Pets Choose to Do Good?")

When it's "Be Kind to Animals" week and your house cannot fit one more pet in it, what's an animal-loving person to do? Here are 5 suggestions for being kind to animals when you cannot adopt an animal:

1. Learn More--Spend fifteen minutes going online (I've got some links at the right side of this blog) and learning about current rescue efforts in your area, or nationwide.

2. Drive--In the coming days, I'm going to share with you information on a great nonprofit, Saving Shelter Pets, that works with volunteers to transport adoptable animals from one place to another; saving their lives. There might be a similar organization in your area.

3. Write--Is there pending legislation concerning animals in your city, county or state? Usually local rescue groups will have info on this on their site. You can also very easily go to the Humane Society of the United States webpage and click on your state to see, in an easy format, pending legislation that affects you and your neighbors.

For instance, I learned that in Washington state the following bills have "DIED" or "FAILED."

Pets in Disasters: Requires that state and local emergency preparedness plans address the needs of individuals with household pets or service animals; requires plans to include provisions for evacuation, transport, and temporary sheltering of animals.

Damages for Wrongful Death of a Pet: Allows a person to recover economic damages for the wrongful death of a companion animal, including damages for the "actual value" of the animal, veterinary expenses, burial expenses, and other expenses by the owner in rectifying the injuries of the animal; "actual value" of the animal means the intrinsic value of the animal and is not limited to the market value, but it does not include unusual sentimental value.

Pet Protective Orders: Allows a court to issue orders protecting animals in cases of domestic violence.

They all sound good on paper. If I lived in Washington, I'd want to know who sponsored these bills, why they didn't pass, and who did not support them.

You might also want to look at pending legislation and consider writing a letter to your senator or representative in support of animal-friendly legislation. It only takes a half an hour at the most to learn about a bill, locate the address of your representative, and write a letter, sending it by email or snail mail. It doesn't have to be the bill of rights. Complete sentences and a quick spell check should do it.

Legislation not your thing? How about posting on animal related blogs. Bloggers, and other writers, tend to work in isolation, well, at least when they are starting out and not well known. Find those you can support with your comments even criticisms. Feedback matters. It takes a bit of faith to put information and opinions out there (among other motivations). So, read, comment, and return.

4. Give--Sometimes we think that if we don't have $100, or $50, or $20, that we cannot donate to help an animal-related organization. Donations are for corporations and millionaire, right? Pshaw! If I had a nonprofit, I'd of course appreciate a donation of a million dollars, but I'd also appreciate 100,000 donations of ten bucks.

Donations of $5 or $10 are very welcome…all those small amounts can add up to save one whole animal's life. And that's a good thing, right? So, make a decision what nonprofit you want to support. (There are some links on the right of this blog.)

Drink 5 fewer sodas, or lattes, or Big Gulps per week (water's better for us, right?) and put the money in a jar in your kitchen with the name of the organization on it. After a month (no taking from the jar, no matter how much gas costs), take the money to the post office or convenience store, with an envelope addressed to the organization. Get a money order. Get a stamp. Mail the money order. Save the copy of the money order (the part you tear off) for when you do next year's taxes.

Want to spend money on yourself and help nonprofits? The Nonprofit Shopping Mall offers the chance to do just that. See also Ebay's Mission Fish, and "support your favorite causes while trading on Ebay."

Here's a site that gives suggestions to kids and teenagers who want to learn more about responsible giving.

Considering a charity? Check out the Better Business Bureau's National Charity Index.

For local charities, check our us.bbb.org. http://us.bbb.org/WWWRoot/SitePage.aspx?site=113&id=4ef08b14-37cb-4974-a385-7f41f63b16b0

The American Institute of Philanthropy offers some times at charitywatch.org.

5. Volunteer--Your body is needed. It doesn't matter if you weigh 100 lbs or 300 lbs. If you are short or tall, a member of Mensa or a reluctant student in high school. There are no barriers to race, religion or sexual orientation. Animals do not discriminate! You, too, can help transport an animal to its new home; bath an animal waiting adoption; walk a dog waiting for it's forever home; man a table at a fundraiser; donate your artwork to help raise money for a nonprofit (see Saving Shelter Pet's Café Press site). I maintain a Café Press shop. It is easy to set up. If you, or your children, are artistically inclined and computer literate, you can set up a Café Press shop for under $7 per month and sell products and then give a portion to your favorite charity. How's that for a good family project?

Continuing on with "a body is all you need": If your community has a "Mingle with the Mutts" type activity (often in the summer time, on Sundays), go to the next one. Ask how you can help.

Some rescue groups offer raffle items at their events. I recently attended an event with the most beautifully "done up" baskets of pet-related items. They were beautiful and easily encouraged bidding at a silent auction. Perhaps you could collect donated items and create beautiful baskets to be raffled at a nonprofit's next event.

Can you bake? Organize a bake sale. Can you sing? Write a song and post it on YouTube.

Find out what your local animal shelter needs (newspapers, pet food, blankets, baths, etc.) and then help make it happen.

Being kind doesn't have to take a lot of time or cost a lot of money. Being kind starts with "random acts of kindness" and also with deliberate decisions about what we value and what we want to do with the most precious commodity we have, our time.

Be kind today and you will reap the benefits tomorrow.

Keep an Open Heart,
Janice Phelps Williams
May 6, 2008

With gas prices and restaurant costs on the rise, some folks might consider foregoing this year's family vacation. Instead of chucking it entirely, consider a few shorter trips, save on pet boarding and bring your pet along. Sometimes a weekend, or four-day trip can be just as rejuvenating as a week or two away, and by spreading several short getaways throughout the summer, you might find it is really more pleasurable than trying to fit everything into one or two weeks.

If you're reading this column, you likely already consider your dog, cat, parrot, or other pet species a part of your family. A short trip is a great way to try out having them come along, and there are many websites with information on safe and fun travel with pets.

Dogs:

The AKC offers "Canine Travel Tips." To find dog-friendly hotels, visit DogFriendly.com, named a Forbes "Best of the Web" site. Canismajor.com also has a good article "Have Leash, Will Travel." If your trip involves air travel, check out "Airline Carriers and their policies on canine travel" also at AKC's site. You might also be interested in this article on sedating your pet (AVMA.org site). See also: "Air Travel, Consumer Reports" by the US government. The TSA's guide is here.

Cats:
Check out The Cat Site and also, "Traveling with Kitty by Plane" if you are traveling by plane. Drs. Foster and Smith is a pet supply company, but they do offer a lot of great information for pet owners. Read their article on "Air Travel With Your Cat ." Safety is important, so also check out "Traveling With Your Cat & Outdoor Safety" at PetEducation.com.

Parrots:
Some parrot owners believe their birds are happiest remaining at home with a pet sitter or relative checking on them. Others take their birds with them. Read "No Hassle Travel Tips" from TheBirdChannel.com. Safety is important with all pets, but especially with those who fly. The Portable Parrot features info on cages, carriers and harnesses. Pet owners love reading about the adventures of like-minded pet-loving families : check out Avian Auto Adventure. Parrot Trek is a website featuring the journal (with great photos) of Frank and Suzy Whitmore: a young couple, living the traveling life with their 3 parrots.

If you choose to leave your parrots at home, but want a vacation centered around parrots, consider Parrot Tourism. Here are links:

CAYAYA BIRDING - GUATEMALA
INKANATURA
NATURE CAYMAN
PARROTS PARADISE UK
TROPICAL NATURE
WILD MACAWS
WILD PARROTS UP CLOSE

Traveling with your horse:
For those with horses, check out "Traveling with Horses": A directory of Accommodations and Services in the United States for horses and those who love them. Also, Bed & Breakfasts: Inns with Accommodations for Horses, features B&B's with stables. If you have a service horse (see Service Animals in links at right of this blog), check out these travel tips.

Guinea Pigs:
Yes, some folks do travel with their guinea pig. Check out this helpful article to help your pet feel secure and happy: "Traveling with Guinea Pigs."

Pet emergencies while traveling:
Save this website to your favorites (if you're taking a laptop along) or search before you travel and put the phone number and address in your wallet or purse for the nearest Animal Hospital in the town two which you are traveling. You also might want to note the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour hotline at 1-888-4-ANI-HELP.

Crossing state lines with your pet:
Each U. S. State has their own requirements for health and/or rabies vaccination certification. Learn more: U.S. State and Territory Animal Import Regulations. Veterinary Services Area Offices carry out the VS mission at the state level across the United States and can provide: Health Certificate Endorsement; Export Certifications; Import Inspections. Eastern US. Western US.

Traveling internationally with your pet:
If you are traveling internationally, you'll want to know International Animal Export Regulations. If you are taking a pet to another country, you may wish to contact that country's consulate or embassy for information. A listing of consulates can be found at the U.S. State Department. Also, there are companies that help with traveling and relocating animals to other countries. One such company is Pet Air Carrier, LLC.

There are many sites online that list pet-friendly hotels, etc. One is Cruise Cat: "a specialty travel service designed with pets in mind, providing an assortment of pet friendly hotels, pet friendly travel deals, special services, and luxury pet accommodations throughout the United States and across the world."

Books:
Seattle residents might want to purchase this book: Eileen's Guide of Pet-Friendly Lodging and Outdoor Adventure in The Northwest (ISBN# 1-884465-18-8 672 pages, $19.95).

Another good book for dog lovers who travel is TRAVELERS' TALES: A DOG'S WORLD, edited by Christine Hunsicker (Travelers' Tales Inc; ISBN 1-885211-23-6; $12.95).

Traveling With Your Pet: the AAA PetBook includes information and suggestions on preparing your pet for travel, how to pack for your pet and selecting a carrier or crate. It also offers special advice on traveling by car or air, what to do in an emergency and travel between Canada and the United States.

Have a great summer and a great vacation or getaway with your whole family!

An open-hearted person seems more attuned to opportunities to reach out to others, to use his or her talents, to imagine possibilities, and to do good for others, either other individuals or society in general. There is an outwardness, if you will...a sensitivity to fellow beings that accompanies open-heartedness... Yes, we are all selfish to a degree: primarily concerned with ourselves. Still, there is a sense of hope and peace that one must have to be truly open-hearted. It's difficult to be open-hearted when we are depressed, ill, anxious, frightened, or fighting for our lives. Sometimes to be happy, healthy, secure, unafraid, and safe we must be a bit selfish. Hmmm.... It seems a bit of selfishness might be necessary to get to the place of being open-hearted. A paradox, it seems, worthy of minds more philosophical than mine.

But open-heartedness toward pets; that's a subject I can get my mind around. And, conversely, I've wondered, "What about pets. Can they be open-hearted too?"

I wrote about "Farley, the Open-Hearted Mutt" and "Tyler, the Prove-It-To-Me Pekingese," and Jackie, our Chihuahua, whose timidity overrides the urge to be open-hearted. Today I am thinking a bit further about this and considering a book I read last year: "Beauty in the Beasts: True Stories of Animals Who Choose to Do Good" by Kristin von Kreisler.

Ms. Kreisler's book is full of uplifting stories about a variety of animals who choose to do good and even, in some cases, make moral choices. I like that she considered this topic worthy of examination. Apparently, some professionals who work with animals, as the author explains, question whether or not an animal can choose to do good. Everything, they are sure, is motivated by self-interest or instinct. But Ms. Kreisler offers convincing examples, and explains things in a way that a non-scientist like myself can appreciate. I loved her book, and a few months after reading it, saw an example of an animal doing good, for no other reason than to help out another, in my own family.

Last August, Mark and I were on our honeymoon at Drummond Island in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Though the Williams family has been spending summers there since 1938, it was my first time there and I loved it. We had the dogs with us, and Tyler immediately took to the water. Jackie didn't care for it, however. But, she always prefers to be in either my lap, or Mark's. So, when we ventured into the water, she stood on the shore watching.

Tyler swam out to me. (I wasn't far out, only about 25 feet, and the water wasn't deep. I was sitting in the sand.) Jackie wanted to be with us, so Mark went and got her and brought her out, and deposited her on my lap.

After some time in the sun, Mark left us to take his afternoon sauna. Jackie had had enough of the water, left my side and began swimming to shore, following Mark (who was some ways ahead, already on shore, and didn't realize she was following). Here's the good part...

Tyler left my side, too, and, perhaps realizing intuitively that Jackie had never been swimming before, he (confident swimmer that he is, and with much stronger legs) positioned his 16-pound body right behind Jackie's 5-pound body...her thin, aquatically-challenged back legs and slender tail between his short, muscular front legs. His whiskered chin nearly resting on her slim rear end. In this way, she kept swimming, and he kept swimming and pushing her forward, as if to help her get there fast and safe. He stayed with her until her feet touched the sand and she was safely on shore.

Tyler is not a herding dog; he has never herded when we walk or during playtime. But, he definitely seemed aware that his assistance was needed and, in an altruistic, open-hearted way, he stepped up to the plate. I was so proud of him and reminded once again of how there are always lessons to be learned and blessings to be gained by observing the animals we share our lives with. There was nothing in it for Tyler, but he did the right thing. He used his newly-discovered talent for swimming to help his friend. And Jackie knew he "had her back," literally.

What about you? Do you believe that animals can choose to do good? Even when it doesn't benefit them? Even when it may put them at risk?

Please share your thoughts with other animals lovers across the country. Either post them in the comments section, or email them to me at OYH.PETS@gmail.com.

All the best,
Janice Phelps Williams

The contest this month involves writing a song about your pet. The following is not a song, but a poem...written by a fellow blogger, Jamie Smith. I particularly like the phrase "perpendicular peanut." So, while this wasn't an entry in the contest, I'm putting it out there for all you Bassett lovers! Thanks, Jamie!

Henry is a wayward Basset Hound.
His nose is always to the ground.
He feels the need to announce himself,
to other dogs on a walk, to people, and himself.
Henry prefers to spend his days lounging around.

Henry's nose is long and stout.
It frequently steers him about.
He loses all control
When chasing smells is his goal.
His nose directs his whereabouts.

Henry likes to run away.
He gets caught up in a world of smells day-to-day.
He sneaks out the back,
His owner has a mild heart attack.
He then saunters home in his nonchalant way.

Henry's ears hang down to his toes.
They're almost as long as his banana nose.
They take quick dips in the water bowl
They get ice-covered on walks in the snow
Amazing how he can't hear a thing when his owner scolds.

Henry has three-inch-long legs.
He uses them to look pitiful when he begs.
He whines and he squawks,
'Til he gets what he wants
He makes visitors think he's underfed.

Sometimes Henry's too lazy to go potty.
He hates moving his hovercraft Bassett body.
He'll just go in the driveway
Making his owner deal with the fray
He doesn't care when he's being naughty.

We call him a Perpendicular Peanut
We call him the Tubular Dog
Henry is genuinely one-of-a-kind
with his stubborn little Bassett mind.
He's the sweetest little hound one could ever hope to find.

By Jamie Smith. From www.thoughtsfurpaws.com

(Today's article was written by Elizabeth Rigrish, Marketing Intern, Dreamtime Publishing. Thank you, Liz, for all your help this semester with getting the word out about Open Your Heart with Pets!)

An interesting phenomenon in the dog adoption world has recently become very apparent. Dogs that are large and black, especially labs, shepherd mixes, pit bulls, and rottweilers are passed over time after time for smaller, lighter colored dogs for adoption. Some shelters have even named this phenomenon "Big black dog syndrome" because of its prevalence. Although, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, this problem is not tracked nationally and local shelters keep only limited records on the size, breed, and color of the dogs that are adopted or put down, the problem has become apparent to shelters as they see this reoccurring pattern; big black dogs do not get adopted. At the city animal shelter in Rogers, Arkansas, big black dogs make up the majority of animals that are put down each month. Last month, 13 of the 14 animals put to sleep consisted of big black dogs.

Big black dogs have a negative connotation to some potential pet owners, who mistakenly assume they are mean and aggressive. The concept of the big, black dog as capable of unleashing destruction is a common theme among books, movies, and folklore, which may be partially responsible for this misconception. Another reason that people may be hesitant to become owners of these dogs is the message that the dog may portray about the owner. Owning this type of dog may lead people to believe that the owner has the same negative characteristics that are associated with big black dogs.

Animal shelters attempt to explain the reasoning behind this problem, stating that black dogs of all sizes are difficult to photograph for online listings, and that they are easily hidden in the dark shadows of their cages. Another reason why people are wary of black dogs is that it is difficult to read their expressions due to their dark coloring. Because of the lack of defined eyebrows and absence of contrast between black eyes and black face, it can be a challenge to determine how the dog is feeling.

Blackpearldogs.com is a web site that is devoted to increasing public awareness about the "big black dog phenomenon." This site offers reasons to adopt big black dogs, and advises that people should adopt dogs based on personality and lifestyle match rather than on color or size.

Dear Pet Lovers:
Time is coming close now for the deadline for the pet song-writing contest. I'd love to have some more entries, and to encourage that, I'm going to share the great song my sister, Joan Phelps, wrote about her parrots. This is the type of entry I am looking for, so write on!

Following the song, are the details of the contest.... I look forward to reading your entry!

She'll Be Comin' 'Round the Mountain
----
Bird-eez hid-ing every-where in my kitch-en,
This isn't the lifestyle I envisioned.

One is in the oat bran,
And another is dancing on a frying pan,
Bird-eez take over human people's plans.

---
Once I lived alone in a big ol' house,
The only animal I saw was a tiny grey mouse.

Now I have a parrot,
My friends know just where I'm at,
Cleaning cages and chasing bird-ee brats.

--
Oh Koby was the first bird at my place,
Now my house is such a disgrace.

He shreds the morning papers,
And devises other capers,
So much fun, I couldn't stop at one.

--
Simon was the next one to come along,
Couldn't say a word or keep a beat.

Had brown button-eyes,
Tried to bite me, is that a surprise?

Sings himself to sleep,
Isn't that neat?

--
Rudy arrived one year ago this spring,
Had only three long feathers on two wings.

Now her body is furry,
And she's always in a hurry,

To shower and play . . .
Her two favorite things.

--
Don't know how much more of this I can take,
Do know having bird-eez wasn't an error.

Parrots do amaze,
And add fun to my days,

Hope they stay with me
For ever and ever.

(By Joan E. Phelps, guardian of Koby (TAG), Simon (Eclectus), Rudy (CAG))

This is your chance to share a song for or about your pet! It must be to the tune of one of the following (please note in your email which melody fits your lyrics):

"She'll be comin' around the mountain when she comes..."
"How much is that doggy in the window?"
"America the Beautiful"
"Auld Lang Syne"
"Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree"

The prize the prize the prize!
A box of pet-related goodies: 1 signed copy of Open Your Heart with Pets: Mastering Life through Love of Animals; a box of edible doggie treats; 1 copy of They Called Me Beautiful: A Dog's Search for Love and the Family that Rescued Him; and 1 original Artist Trading Card with a drawing of a dog by Janice.

Here are the rules:
Write a the lyrics for a song for or about your pet.
I should be able to sing it to the melody mentioned above (though thank God I won't, where anyone can hear me).
Deadline is April 30th, 2008.
Email the lyrics to OYH.PETS@gmail.com

The winner will be notified and asked to provide a mailing address. There will be only one winner chosen.

This contest is offered by Janice Phelps Williams, an earnest author of pet-related books and articles, and has nothing whatsoever to do with the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, as I am a "reader blogger" not being at a level 10, "staff blogger."

Void where prohibited by law of man or beast.

My sister, Joan Phelps, has three parrots: Koby, a Timneh African Grey, Rudy, a Congo African Grey, and Simon, an Eclectus. Simon has been ill recently, and I asked Joan if she would share some thoughts on her experience...

It's really difficult to know when a parrot is sick. They have limited body language when they're in good health; when they are ill or injured, they hide any clues that would reveal to a predator that the parrot was less than whole. Simon is sick.

One day last week, I asked him to step up on my hand so I could take him to the bathroom for his morning shower. He's right-footed. How many people know that parrots can be right- or left-footed? When I waited for his right foot to be placed on my left forefinger, all that moved toward me was a limp leg with four long toes dangling from it. It didn't take an avian vet for me to know something was amiss.

After waiting to see if it was only a transient neuro-blip, I called his vet, who was able to see Simon the next day. While there was no diagnosis for the foot/toe problem, the vet did discover a huge lesion on the underside of his tail--in the exact spot where those beautiful tail feathers grew from: the ones that were royal blue on one side and grass green on the other...with lemon-yellow tips at the end. The vet cleaned and treated the lesion, did a quick bodycheck, and checked his red- and white-blood count . . . normal. Nothing felt or seen that would cause the leg/foot problem, either. I was given (rather, I purchased at the cost of two large Starbuck's) a small bottle of anti-inflammatory drops and given instructions to have these drops find a way into whatever small space I could find between those two huge beak-parts--you know, the ones with more psi than the tires on my car.

We had a follow-up appointment five days later. With Simon still limping and compensating for that stringy, skinny reptile foot and toes, we drove to the avian vet's office. On the way, Simon started having seizures, something I've seen with only one other parrot--my sister's Goffin's cockatoo Bailey, minutes before she died. As we sped through little burgs in southeastern Ohio, I hoped I would not be stopped by a sheriff who couldn't conceive of the idea that a animal who weighed 414 grams could evoke such persistent behavior in a human....especially an animal that wasn't a dog or cat. You know, REAL pets.

At the vet's office Simon's case jumped ahead in line, just after the cockatiel with a prolapsed-something. We were swished into the exam room, where tables were moved around and a vet-tech nailed him to the formica with two strong hands strategically placed over one tiny neck and two rapidly flapping wings. Blood was drawn from his neck -- not a drop from a toenail, like usually done. This needle was attached to a human-sized syringe.

Then, off to the radiology department, which doubles as a room where sick birds are housed in what looks like microwave ovens. Flapped down on his back with his head in a lock, pins screwed into holes on either side, and a vet-in-residence helper stretched out his legs and feet using cords with lassos, pulled through grippers to extend Simon's legs as far as they could go. Next was sticky tape to affix both wings to the machine. This surely is hell for a parrot: to be on its back, vitals exposed, legs contained, no way to bite, no way to fly, predators with eyes on the fronts of their faces staring--one completely contained in a led vest, neck protector, and apron. Simon peeked at me, leaning against the doorway, looking for me to save him.

X-rays showed no abnormalities. We were given (well, sold -- at $12) a bottle of calcium supplement. This one with instructions for 6 drops every day. At least it had an eye-dropper. And, the term PDD (Proventricular Dilatation Disease) was mentioned by the vet. This literally the kiss of death for parrots. There is no known cause, no known way to diagnose it while the parrot is alive, and no cure. All parrots who contract PDD die within a few months to a year. I'm scared.

I stopped at my sister and brother-in-law's home on the way home from the vet's. Simon looked horribly stressed. There were no feathers that fit together. He was sweating (yes, under his wings--where people sweat), was holding his beak open, panting--eyes staring, expecting a predatory hawk to scoop him up while he sat with us in the sunroom.

Gradually, he realized he was with friends and began to eat a little snack especially prepared for him. Then the preening started. By the time we left, he was in a somber, sleepy mode, and made what I call baby-noises on the way home. "Ahh-haa-haa. Ahh-haa-haa."

When we arrived home, I gave him and the other two parrots all the mushy warm food they could eat from a spoon. Simon fell asleep on his playstand to Van Morrison singing "Bright Side of the Road."

We return to the vet's office for a follow-up exam tomorrow. Hopefully I can help Simon get back on the bright side of the road again.

UPDATE:

Joan and her parrots. Photo by David Pike

Simon had his 3rd avian-vet visit in a week today (Fri). He began the day by stepping up on my hand, right foot first--and at about 85% of his normal pressure and grip. This was great news for me! I'm not sure how he felt about it, but his feathers were preened and smooth and his eyes focused and bright.

Our long road trip was uneventful as far as seizures or other health-related issues go. I had a smooth jazz station on the radio and Simon was humming along every time the saxaphone dropped into the really low notes. At first, I thought there was a problem with my dashboard, so I rapped and tapped across the car with out successfully stifling the low-pitched "Mmmm...Mmmm."

There weren't any other birds in the vet's waiting room, and an aura of calmness prevailed. Simon said "Hell-woah, Thy-man" to the vet-techs and ushered into the exam room. The vet was encouraged by the returned strength and control in Simon's foot and toes and toweled and placed him on his back on a table to check the ugly lesion. As I leaned across the table to inspect the healing-ness, the humans in the room let out a long sigh. The dime-sized, red, open sore had started to close properly and securely. (I've never been so excited about the healing-tissue issue.)

On the way out of the office, we passed a female (red-head) eclectus who was sleeping in an incubator, recovering from surgery. Simon took specific interest in her and sprang up and down on his legs hoping to be able to get closer to her.

We stopped at Janice and Mark's home on the way to my place. Simon was once again allowed to perch on Gracie's playstand and sample her food. We moved the playstand under the big skylights in the room and Simon watched the clouds drift by. I think he hoped to see the female eclectus coming after him.

We are so happy to report that Simon continues to do well; he is eating as usual, the lesion is healing, and he has had no more seizures. As to the PDD, we hope for the best for this wonderful parrot whose colorful feathers cannot be adequately shown in any photograph.

Organization is not everyone's strongpoint, but when we put our minds to it, keeping all pet-related info in one place makes things easier, especially when circumstances are less than serene.

I've created several infosheets to make life a bit easier for pet owners and their "babies." And, now I've posted them on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, in PDF form, for you to print out and use in your home.

You can access these at anytime through the links bar that is always visible on my blog.

The free infosheets are:
Adding a Pet to Your Home
What questions should you and your family consider when choosing the best pet for your family?

In Case of Emergency Sheet
This is a sheet you will want to fill out and copy. Give one copy to a relative, best friend, or neighbor. Keep the other copy with your important household or medical papers. You might even want to ask your attorney if he or she would like a copy. This sheet will let others know your wishes in case of emergencies, small and large.

Boarding Info Sheet
The Boarding Info Sheet is something you can fill out and give to your pet-sitter or boarding facility so that they can do their best to help your pet be happy in your absence.

Pet-Related Expenses Worksheet
There are a lot of things to keep in mind when budgeting for the best pet for your family. This worksheet will help you build a budget and also will help your child understand the financial responsibilities of having a pet.

The Thoughtful Pet Guardian's Checklist
This questionaire contains additional thought-provoking questions to consider before adopting a pet.

Keep checking back, as I will be posting more infosheets for pet lovers in the future.

Congratulations to Chantel Mangat of Pennsylvania, winner of the April "Open Your Heart with Pets" contest. The contest asked for an April Fool's, "Newsbiscuit"-type article, featuring a pet. Here's her entry, featuring a wonderful cat.

Woman Claims Her Cat Is "Morris" Reincarnated...

Interview with the feline reveals, just like the product he endorsed, he really does have "9 Lives." A very aloof cat, Morris isn't at all phased by his celebrity. He states that growing up as a "kitten star" was much like growing up like other child stars. "The limelight really gets to you sometimes," Morris purrs out, "and my naps were disturbed on a constant basis."

I guess fame really does come with a price. In order for Morris to function, he reluctantly tells us how he relied on catnip to get him through some of his days and nights. He stated that this was how he lost his last and 8th life. Now on his 9th and final life, Morris and his owner live a quiet existence in a small house in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Chantel will receive a signed print of "Animals of the World." You can receive a fine prize too... check out each month's contest at Open Your Heart with Pets Blog!

In an earlier article, I mentioned dancing around the kitchen, holding Farley, and singing "The Farley Polka." Someone left a comment asking for the words to the Farley Polka, which I posted. Here they are again:

Dance around the kitchen, wear a happy smile
This is the Faaaarrrrleeeey polka!

She's a pretty dog, happy all the while
We love the Faaaarrrrleeeey polka!

Farley is a friend, to everyone she knows,
And we love to kiss, her pretty, fuzzy nose

Let's join in together and dance in doggie time
We love the Farrrrrrrleeeeeey Pol....KAAAAA!

Now comes the next "Open Your Heart with Pets" contest. Write it in April, it will be posted in May.

This is your chance to share a song for or about your pet! It must be to the tune of one of the following (please note in your email which melody fits your lyrics):

"She'll be comin' around the mountain when she comes..."
"How much is that doggy in the window?"
"America the Beautiful"
"Auld Lang Syne"
"Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree"

That way we can all follow along and get the gist of the surely wide range of outstanding lyrics about to slam my e-mailbox. As John McCain might say (but it doesn't make sense to me when he says it about voting) "enter early and enter often."

The prize the prize the prize!
A box of pet-related goodies: 1 signed copy of Open Your Heart with Pets: Mastering Life through Love of Animals; a box of edible doggie treats; 1 copy of They Called Me Beautiful: A Dog's Search for Love and the Family that Rescued Him; and 1 original Artist Trading Card with a drawing of a dog by Janice.

Here are the rules:
Write a the lyrics for a song for or about your pet.
I should be able to sing it to the melody mentioned above (though thank God I won't, where anyone can hear me).
Deadline is April 30th, 2008.
Email the lyrics to OYH.PETS@gmail.com

The winner will be notified and asked to provide a mailing address. There will be only one winner chosen.

This contest is offered by Janice Phelps Williams, an earnest author of pet-related books and articles, and has nothing whatsoever to do with the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, as I am a "reader blogger" not being at a level 10, "staff blogger."

Void where prohibited by law of man or beast.