Pets and domestic violence

Petitioning U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, Mike Honda Pass the PAWS Act Petition by Debbie Szot United States 92,159 Supporters Sign Debbie’s Petition As a lifelong animal lover and domestic violence survivor, it breaks my heart when I get a telephone call from our local women's shelter WISE. Often the shelter advocate on the telephone has just witnessed a woman drive up to the shelter with a dog or cat in her car. Far too often, she’s come to WISE as a last resort; if they can’t help her find a safe place for her beloved pet, she’ll return to her abuser because she doesn’t want to leave her companion in their dangerous hands. That's when the shelter advocate contacts me at the Riley MacKenzie Fund. The facts are, up to 40% of domestic violence survivors report that they’ve returned to an abusive partner out of concern for their pet. Sadly, only 3% of domestic violence shelters have the resources to accommodate animals. That’s why this petition has been started asking Congress to pass the PAWS Act, which would expand federal protections for the pets of domestic violence victims and set up a federal grant program to help acquire safe shelter for their pets. I left an abusive marriage over twenty five years ago. Thankfully my ex-husband never threatened MacKenzie, my faithful Scottish Terrier, but I discovered from my work on the board of a local domestic violence shelter that many fellow survivors aren’t so lucky. I now know that threatening, maiming, or killing a pet is one of the most common ways an abuser keeps their victim from leaving. In 2009, I founded the Riley MacKenzie Fund that helps stray and abandoned animals and works to spay and neuter animals, but also in part helps survivors of domestic violence find a safe place for their four-legged companions while they get out of harm’s way. The Riley MacKenzie Fund relies solely on donations to pay for pets to be rehomed or in some cases to be boarded at a local veterinarian’s office while their owners focus on getting back on their feet. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the joyful reunion between a woman and her cherished pet; many domestic violence victims say getting their dog or cat back is the first step toward rebuilding their life. Unfortunately, we are a small organization and we can only pay the boarding fees for a limited amount of time. One of the hardest parts of our work is telling survivors we’re going to have to help them put their pet up for adoption because we can’t afford to board them any longer. The PAWS Act, which is a bipartisan piece of legislation, could change that by establishing a fund that would allow organizations like us to help more survivors and their pets. Will you sign the petition asking Congress to pass it? I’m confident that with enough support, we can convince our legislators in Washington to do the right thing. With your help, we can make sure that no domestic violence survivor ever has to choose between her pet and her safety ever again. Sign Debbie’s Petition

Cats Vs. Babies

Cats Vs. Babies by buzzfeedvideo

Dogs React to Finding Cats Sleeping in Their Beds

Dogs React to Finding Cats Sleeping in Their Beds by videobash

8 Things People Do That Cats Hate

• By: Lisa Spector
• July 29, 2015

• About Lisa
• Follow Lisa at @throughadogsear
  

We love our cats and consider them family. “Cute” cat videos go viral in minutes. Your cat may not think our human behavior is always so cute, yet we expect our cats to adjust to our crazy human environment. As responsible pet parents, it’s important for us to understand their world. Pay careful attention to your cat’s reactions to the following human behaviors:

1. Not Providing A Safe Hiding Space

When the doorbell rings, dogs usually think it’s the most exciting part of their day. Cats sometimes run and hide under the bed or sofa. Cats require consistency in their environment. Most don’t like change. Allow them to resort to behavior that is comforting for them when anything new appears in their environment.

2. Ignoring Loud Noises

Change in the cat’s physical environment—strangers, different food, additional animals, loud noises, illness, etc.—is a major contributor to stress, which frequently leads to disease.  Cats prefer their homes to be stable and consistent. Acute feline stress turns into chronic irritation, manifesting in disease and behavioral challenges. Try to minimize obtrusive sounds by taking a sonic inventory and lowering the volume on household appliances and other sounds you can control, including the television, radio and computer. Even moving her food bowl away from a noisy appliance can make a difference in her eating habits.

3. Giving Them Tummy Rubs

My dogs love their tummy rubs and beg for them. However, the stomach is a cat’s most vulnerable area and many go into predatory mode when people try and rub their tummies. I’ve had my hand scratched enough times to know I should stay away from this area altogether, particularly with a cat I don’t know well. Of course there are exceptions. The cat pictured above is loving her belly scratch. Observe your cat’s body language and notice if she is tense or like jello.

4. Hugging Them

Some cats love being hugged. Others don’t. Veterinarian Rebecca Jackson advised Pet360 readers to follow their cats body language. If he tries to get away, just let him. If he crawls towards you purring loudly and melts in your arms when you pick him up, he’ll be just as happy being held as you are hugging him.

5. Petting Them Aggressively

Some cats like to be pet, others don’t. Let your cat take the lead. Place your hand by your side, and see if Fluffy comes to you. Most cats don’t like it when you reach to them and then pet them too fast and rough. Watch your cat’s behavior. She’ll let you know how much and how gentle she prefers to be pet. If she wants to move away from you, let her.

6. Treating Fluffy Like Fido or A Baby

While cats may be the size of puppies and babies, they are still cats.  Not all of them like constant attention. Most don’t prefer to be chased around and picked up, then held tight. Observe your cat’s behavior. Let her greet you when you come home. She’ll let you know when she wants attention. Her meows and rubs against your legs will give you a clue.

7. Lack of Play Time

If you have an indoor cat, she isn’t able to use all of her hunting instincts. But, you can still encourage them inside. Schedule playtime together daily. Use a toy for her to chase and hunt, and sometimes let her catch her prey. It will nurture your relationship and you’ll quickly discover that the playtime benefits you as much as her.

8. Dropping Him Off at a Shelter

When we choose to be a pet-parent, it isn’t a part-time job with an end date. It means forever. If your cat is demonstrating behavior problems, consult with your veterinarian and/or a cat behaviorist. If you are having financial problems, there are organizations that can help with Fluffy’s veterinary care. If you make a trip to your local shelter, be a volunteer, not a death sentence for your cat.

If you have any more to add to my list, thanks for posting them in a comment below

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Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-things-people-do-that-cats-hate.html#ixzz3tdXrbMER

15 Cats Who Aren't Afraid Of Dogs

15 Cats Who Aren't Afraid Of Dogs by buzzfeedvideo

Stealth Mode Activated

How Conventional Veterinary Care May Be Harming Your Dogs and Cats

http://www.veterinarysecrets.com webinar In this video Dr Jones shows you how conventional veterinary care may be harming your dogs and cats, and what you can do about it.