A Space Age Ark Changes Travel For Animal Companions
This month, Daisy Mae (our columnist and registered seizure-alert dog) gets the scoop on a fantastic new facility in the works for pets and animals traveling internationally.
- by Daisy Mae Delray 
photo courtesy Paradise 4 Paws
This month, Daisy Mae (our columnist and registered seizure-alert dog) takes a look at one reason she narrowly escaped euthanasia herself: the color of her fur.
- by Daisy Mae Delray Big Black Dog Syndrome
Their statistics also show that it takes longer for adult cats and pit-bull type dogs to be adopted. All dogs and cats need homes and the initially overlooked ones are often the best pets. They seem to appreciate the rescue a little more.
I am a mostly black dog who was almost euthanized, so hearing about this got my attention. Big black dogs are consistently the hardest dogs to place – even if they are friendly and healthy and well-trained. There are a number of reasons for this sad statistic, including the fact there are lots of black dogs, there are so many to choose from, they don’t photograph as well, and they look “ordinary” - whatever that means. To make it worse, a bad depression is often referred to as a visit from the "black dog." Finally, black dogs are often portrayed as the “bad guys” in the movies. In January 2014, NBC did a piece on black dogs. It appears that big black dogs are starting to get some attention, but there are still too many of them overlooked.
Singer, songwriter Emmy Lou Harris wrote a song for the movie, Cats and Dogs. Ms. Harris rescued a black dog that was the impetus for her animal rescue in Tennessee, Bonaparte’s Retreat, which led to her hit song for the film. She calls the song Big Black Dog.
Daisy Mae's top ten reasons to adopt a black dog or a black cat:
Reason number ten: We don’t clash with your furniture or clothing Reason number nine: We don’t clash with any collar you might choose either Reason number eight: Ease of vacuuming! You can quickly spot the areas of most need Reason number seven: We hide the dirt well Reason number six: We make an excellent “backdrop” for a second lighter colored dog Reason number five: Availability! We are available at every shelter and rescue place Reason number four: No annoying questions about breed. People are content with “BBD Reason number three: Excellent for night walks. The “bad guys” are afraid of us Reason number two: Status symbol potential –we are black pearls Reason number one: WE NEED YOU
Keep your tail high and your feet dry.
Love, Daisy Mae The Dogs of Cat Island
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Dear gentle readers,
I am working on my campaign materials and will have more to share with you for the July Puppy Dog Tales. One of my major concerns and a core item on my platform is in the humane treatment of all animals. The Humane Society of the United States ranks all the states plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Mississippi ranks 50th in that listing in the protections offered to animals. With that in mind, Friends of the Animal Shelter is participating in the Humane Society of the United States Humane Lobby Day. The date for Mississippi is the 18th of June. Friends is hosting meeting on the 18th at the Hancock County government offices from 8:30am until 10:00am. Advocates will be meeting with decision makers to urge them to support bills that protect animals.
Lawmakers see a tremendous number of bills and they may be silent on animal issues not because they don’t care about animals, but because they haven’t heard from constituents. Information on the meeting will soon be available on the Friends of the Animal Shelter website and Facebook page. For more information on the HSUS visit their website at www.humanesociety.org.
The Dogs of Cat Island
Humans and animals have long had a working relationship that for the most part has been of mutual benefit. Sometimes that work involves warfare. History.com has an article entitled War Animals From Horses to Glowworms. It appears that elephants, horses, dolphins, camels, pigeons, mules, bats and pigs have all played a role. Cats never quite worked out – they are kinda hard to train. The best they could do was rodent control and serve as stress reducers. Not a bad role actually. About the glow worms: they were used as a light source in the trenches in World War I. They were caught and placed in jars and handed out to the soldiers.
While doing some local research on dogs in Mississippi, I came across a reference to Cat Island. Do you know about the war dogs on Cat Island? A little aside: there were no cats on Cat Island when the French arrived about 1699. They mistook the large brownish raccoons for oyster eating cats because there are no raccoons in France. |
Puppy Dog Tales
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Anyway, During World War II Cat Island was selected as one of the training facilities for the Dogs for Defense program. This program started in 1942 with the first reception and training facility located in Front Royal, Virginia. The new K-9 division was primarily made up of dogs donated by civilians.
Those that passed all the tests went through a basic training of about to eight to twelve weeks. The dogs were trained to wear muzzles and gas masks and conditioned to riding in vehicles and desensitized to loud noises. After the basics the dogs went on to specialized work training in scouting, sentry duty, messengers and to locate missing troops. This was a noble and a good partnering for dog and soldier.
Those that passed all the tests went through a basic training of about to eight to twelve weeks. The dogs were trained to wear muzzles and gas masks and conditioned to riding in vehicles and desensitized to loud noises. After the basics the dogs went on to specialized work training in scouting, sentry duty, messengers and to locate missing troops. This was a noble and a good partnering for dog and soldier.
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In late 1942 Cat Island was chosen as a training location. It was about nine miles from the mainland and had a semi-tropical climate with dense vegetation like jungle islands in the Pacific. The mission on Cat Island was a little different from other training programs. Four official programs were administered by the Quartermaster Corps, but this one was off the radar as a top-secret mission headed by Lieutenant Colonel A. R. Nichols.
A civilian dog trainer, William A. Prestre, had pushed for the mission. His theory was that ethnic groups smelled different. Dogs could be trained to sniff out and attack the Japanese. Upwards of 30 thousand dogs were to be made ready and then would be dropped in as a first wave of assault on Pacific Islands and would seek out and kill Japanese soldiers. History Detectives has a chilling report on the goings on and an investigation into the training.
A civilian dog trainer, William A. Prestre, had pushed for the mission. His theory was that ethnic groups smelled different. Dogs could be trained to sniff out and attack the Japanese. Upwards of 30 thousand dogs were to be made ready and then would be dropped in as a first wave of assault on Pacific Islands and would seek out and kill Japanese soldiers. History Detectives has a chilling report on the goings on and an investigation into the training.
In a nutshell, twenty five Japanese-American soldiers were recruited, brought to Cat Island and used, not as trainers, but as bait. As all us dogs know, the premise was incorrect, the Japanese-American soldiers could not be identified by smell, as the soldiers all had the same diet. Two YouTube videos below show the training on Cat Island. One is an unedited WWII US Signal Corp film, K9 Training at Cat Island and the other is The Secret Dog Training Mission on Cat Island.
The experiment failed after about 90 days and the loyal Japanese-American troops were reassigned. Men from the Signal Corps used the facilities to train messenger dogs with carrier pigeons, as shown in the YouTube video. You can see the special carrying cases the dogs wore to transport the pigeons. This proved very effective and a valuable means of communicating on the battlefield.
Cat Island did not really have the facilities for soldiers and the dogs so it was not practical to keep it open. The training facility closed down in July, 1944.
The experiment failed after about 90 days and the loyal Japanese-American troops were reassigned. Men from the Signal Corps used the facilities to train messenger dogs with carrier pigeons, as shown in the YouTube video. You can see the special carrying cases the dogs wore to transport the pigeons. This proved very effective and a valuable means of communicating on the battlefield.
Cat Island did not really have the facilities for soldiers and the dogs so it was not practical to keep it open. The training facility closed down in July, 1944.
A Canine Candidate
by Seizure-alert dog Daisy Mae Delray
This month - Daisy Mae, inspired by other non-human candidates for office, announces her own candidacy to raise money and awareness for animal issues!
This month - Daisy Mae, inspired by other non-human candidates for office, announces her own candidacy to raise money and awareness for animal issues!
See Daisy Mae's NEW PAGE - Animal Shelter Updates - under the Cleaver's "RESOURCES" menu tab. You find out what's new at the Hancock Animal Shelter and see dogs looking for their "furever" homes!
 Daisy Mae Delray - Seizure-alert dog, author of this article and now, candidate for Supervisor-At-Large for Animal Issues.
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Puppy Dog Tales
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Campaign season is heating up for political office and I am already seeing “vote for __” signs popping up in yards and rhetoric filling the air like cotton at harvest time. I was wondering about campaign promises having to do with the protection of us animals. That caused me to wonder about running for office myself to represent our interests.
I am not a novice at this as I have interviewed senators, governors and mayors for stories I have written in the past. I even applied for a position in Federal Government. That was for Chief of Staff for the President’s dog, Bo. In my application I wrote. “In general a chief of staff provides a buffer between a chief executive, i.e. First Dog and that of the executive’s direct reporting team (handlers, chefs, walkers, media, etc.).”
I went on to state, “As Chief of Staff I will be working behind the scenes to solve problems, mediate disputes and deal with issues before they bubble up to 1st Dog. Often I will act as confidante and advisor to 1st Dog, acting as a confidential sounding board for ideas.” I did not get that position, which in a way is a good thing, because if I was there I could not be here.
To prepare myself, I checked to see how animals have done in political races. I was not surprised to find numerous examples, such as the race in 1938 in Milton, Washington State where Boston Curtis, a brown mule, won his Republican precinct seat by 51 votes. Several animals in the U.S. have been elected mayors of small towns such as Rabbit Hash, KY, where a black lab named Junior Cochran won the majority of votes. In Lajitas, Texas a beer-drinking goat named Clay Henry III became mayor and in August 2014, a seven-year-old mixed-breed dog named Duke became the new mayor of Cormorant, Minnesota.
Three races in particular caught my eye. Stubbs the Cat won the race as honorary mayor in Talkeetna, Alaska. Stubbs was elected mayor in 1997 and he recently retired to run for senate as he realized that “Alaskans needed a resounding voice, even if it is in the form of a meow.” I liked his media campaign which you can see on Youtube below:
I am not a novice at this as I have interviewed senators, governors and mayors for stories I have written in the past. I even applied for a position in Federal Government. That was for Chief of Staff for the President’s dog, Bo. In my application I wrote. “In general a chief of staff provides a buffer between a chief executive, i.e. First Dog and that of the executive’s direct reporting team (handlers, chefs, walkers, media, etc.).”
I went on to state, “As Chief of Staff I will be working behind the scenes to solve problems, mediate disputes and deal with issues before they bubble up to 1st Dog. Often I will act as confidante and advisor to 1st Dog, acting as a confidential sounding board for ideas.” I did not get that position, which in a way is a good thing, because if I was there I could not be here.
To prepare myself, I checked to see how animals have done in political races. I was not surprised to find numerous examples, such as the race in 1938 in Milton, Washington State where Boston Curtis, a brown mule, won his Republican precinct seat by 51 votes. Several animals in the U.S. have been elected mayors of small towns such as Rabbit Hash, KY, where a black lab named Junior Cochran won the majority of votes. In Lajitas, Texas a beer-drinking goat named Clay Henry III became mayor and in August 2014, a seven-year-old mixed-breed dog named Duke became the new mayor of Cormorant, Minnesota.
Three races in particular caught my eye. Stubbs the Cat won the race as honorary mayor in Talkeetna, Alaska. Stubbs was elected mayor in 1997 and he recently retired to run for senate as he realized that “Alaskans needed a resounding voice, even if it is in the form of a meow.” I liked his media campaign which you can see on Youtube below:
One thing I really liked about Stubbs was that he stayed above the fray and stuck to the issues. When asked if his running was just a hairball idea or if he was truly serious, Stubbs replies, ‘I don’t believe my personal hygiene is any of your business.’ Yea for candor!
In another race, a senate seat this time. Hank the Cat, a Maine Coon, ran in the 2012 United State Senate election in Virginia. Details can be found on the official site http://hankforsenate.com. Hank’s story was an inspiration to me. He and his siblings were picked up by animal control and scheduled for euthanasia but were rescued by Animal Allies and adopted into a family in Springfield, Virginia. Hank’s platform was based in part on the need to raise awareness and funding for spay and neuter programs. By the end of the campaign more than $60,000 dollars had been raised and Hank won 7,319 write in votes, coming in third in the Virginia senate election.
My last example is a little closer to home. In Fairhope, Alabama, a seven-year-old Labrador retriever by the name of Willie Bean Roscoe P. Coltrane ran for mayor. He was the only dog running against seven men. Willie Bean was invited to candidate’s forums and other events. I like the energy he brought to the election process, adding a little fun and the other candidates embraced the idea of Willie in the race.
My last example is a little closer to home. In Fairhope, Alabama, a seven-year-old Labrador retriever by the name of Willie Bean Roscoe P. Coltrane ran for mayor. He was the only dog running against seven men. Willie Bean was invited to candidate’s forums and other events. I like the energy he brought to the election process, adding a little fun and the other candidates embraced the idea of Willie in the race.
There was a serious side to Willie's campaign and that was awareness of animal issues. His campaign raised funds for the local animal rescue organizations by asking for a dollar per vote. I also liked his campaign slogans which I may borrow: “sniffing out the issues,” “a doggone good choice," “if you can’t run with the big dogs, then don’t run for office,” and “always one leg up on the competition."
Okay, I am announcing my candidacy for the position of Hancock County Supervisor at Large for Animal Issues. I am too late to get on the official ballot so it will have to be write-in only. We are just starting the race so I will give you additional information in my next column.
Right now, I am focusing on campaign materials and strategy. I will be running on issues important to all citizens of Hancock County which include: No more puppy mills, along with spay and neuter, as a start. More to come!
Please contact us if you want to serve on my campaign committee. I can be reached through my person at 228.222.7018 or Christina@figaroconsulting.com.
Keep your tail high and your feet dry. Love, Daisy Mae
Okay, I am announcing my candidacy for the position of Hancock County Supervisor at Large for Animal Issues. I am too late to get on the official ballot so it will have to be write-in only. We are just starting the race so I will give you additional information in my next column.
Right now, I am focusing on campaign materials and strategy. I will be running on issues important to all citizens of Hancock County which include: No more puppy mills, along with spay and neuter, as a start. More to come!
Please contact us if you want to serve on my campaign committee. I can be reached through my person at 228.222.7018 or Christina@figaroconsulting.com.
Keep your tail high and your feet dry. Love, Daisy Mae
Friends of the Animal Shelter
A dynamic local organization proves that people really can better the lives of Hancock County's animals.
- by Ellis Anderson
photos courtesy Friends of the Animal Shelter
- by Ellis Anderson
photos courtesy Friends of the Animal Shelter
"Reading With Friends" at the Boys and Girls Club is only one program of the Friends of the Animal Shelter
While the organization’s name is Friends of the Animal Shelter, it could also be Friends to Animals, Friends to Pet-Lovers and Friends to the Community. Perhaps that’s why in conversation, the group is usually referred to simply as “Friends.”
Founded in 2001, Friends, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, has thousands of supporters and 200+ members. Dr. Christina Richardson has served as Friends president for the past two years and one of her goals in office is to create more public awareness about the group and exactly what it does.
Richardson says that Friends was started in 2001 by Mickey Hemsley and Paula Leone, animal lovers who were concerned about the soaring rate of euthensia of unwanted pets at the Waveland animal shelter – which at the time, served as the only animal shelter for the entire county with it’s human population of 40,000 people.
One of the group’s early goals remains in place: To end euthanasia as a viable means of control for the pet overpopulation problem in Hancock County. To achieve that goal, Friends works as a support group for the County Animal Shelter.
Founded in 2001, Friends, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, has thousands of supporters and 200+ members. Dr. Christina Richardson has served as Friends president for the past two years and one of her goals in office is to create more public awareness about the group and exactly what it does.
Richardson says that Friends was started in 2001 by Mickey Hemsley and Paula Leone, animal lovers who were concerned about the soaring rate of euthensia of unwanted pets at the Waveland animal shelter – which at the time, served as the only animal shelter for the entire county with it’s human population of 40,000 people.
One of the group’s early goals remains in place: To end euthanasia as a viable means of control for the pet overpopulation problem in Hancock County. To achieve that goal, Friends works as a support group for the County Animal Shelter.
Friends co-founder Micky Evans and member Janet Fiveash manning the bake sale table during a Second Saturday Artwalk
Richardson says there’s a lot of confusion about animal welfare and rescue groups and explains the difference.
There are several national groups like that work animal issues, rescue and educate people, like the Humane Society of the U.S., and the ASPCA.
There are also many humane societies and rescue organizations that work locally. The Humane Society of South Mississippi runs the Gulfport Shelter is a good example – most people on the coast are familiar with that group and their work.
The Hancock County Animal Shelter is run by the county, using county employees and funds. The cities of Bay St. Louis, Diamondhead and Waveland also provide some financial support. In many places, communities have their own shelters. Here, there is one shelter and it’s supported by the communities served.
The problem is the county’s annual budget sets aside a finite amount of funds each year to run the shelter. Meanwhile, there is no limit to the number of strays or surrenders (dogs/cats that are dropped off at the shelter by people) that come into the shelter each month. No one can predict how many injured animals will be brought in each week. And even a psychic couldn’t foretell how many animals might be adopted in a given year.
So frequently, the shelter runs into shortfalls. And in the sad world of logistics versus life, dogs and cats are put down.
Friends of the Animal Shelter works to fill that gap and save animal lives. The organization does that through a number of programs.
SNAP – The Spay/Neuter Assistance Program is set up to primarily help people in the community who already have animals. In 2014, Friends gave out over 1000 vouchers for low-cost or free spaying or neutering of pets. Several area vets work with Friends and accept these vouchers.
Trap/Neuter and Release Program – Since feral cats are a big problem in Hancock County, Friends volunteers trap the cats and after they are neutered or spayed, the cats are returned to their colony (if there’s someone willing to feed them). Non-breeding cats in a colony actually keep out new ones, eventually ending the cycle.
Richardson says that the spay/neuter programs help the problem of pet overpopulation more than most people realize. Statistics make her point. In seven years, one female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats. One female dog and her offspring can produce 99,000 dogs.
Shelter Support – Friends help out by purchasing medical supplies and equipment that the shelter can’t obtain on its own. Friends also collects supplies and food for the shelter and provides transport and volunteers to take adoptable dogs and cats to area Pet-Smarts each Saturday, where many find their “forever homes.”
The GUMBO fund – Donations to Friends can be designated to help injured or sick animals brought into the shelter.
Community Outreach – Events like Barksgiving, Tea With Friends, the Holiday Tour of Homes and the Second Saturday baked goods table help bring awareness to the public, as well as raising funds that will be funneled into local animal welfare.
There are several national groups like that work animal issues, rescue and educate people, like the Humane Society of the U.S., and the ASPCA.
There are also many humane societies and rescue organizations that work locally. The Humane Society of South Mississippi runs the Gulfport Shelter is a good example – most people on the coast are familiar with that group and their work.
The Hancock County Animal Shelter is run by the county, using county employees and funds. The cities of Bay St. Louis, Diamondhead and Waveland also provide some financial support. In many places, communities have their own shelters. Here, there is one shelter and it’s supported by the communities served.
The problem is the county’s annual budget sets aside a finite amount of funds each year to run the shelter. Meanwhile, there is no limit to the number of strays or surrenders (dogs/cats that are dropped off at the shelter by people) that come into the shelter each month. No one can predict how many injured animals will be brought in each week. And even a psychic couldn’t foretell how many animals might be adopted in a given year.
So frequently, the shelter runs into shortfalls. And in the sad world of logistics versus life, dogs and cats are put down.
Friends of the Animal Shelter works to fill that gap and save animal lives. The organization does that through a number of programs.
SNAP – The Spay/Neuter Assistance Program is set up to primarily help people in the community who already have animals. In 2014, Friends gave out over 1000 vouchers for low-cost or free spaying or neutering of pets. Several area vets work with Friends and accept these vouchers.
Trap/Neuter and Release Program – Since feral cats are a big problem in Hancock County, Friends volunteers trap the cats and after they are neutered or spayed, the cats are returned to their colony (if there’s someone willing to feed them). Non-breeding cats in a colony actually keep out new ones, eventually ending the cycle.
Richardson says that the spay/neuter programs help the problem of pet overpopulation more than most people realize. Statistics make her point. In seven years, one female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats. One female dog and her offspring can produce 99,000 dogs.
Shelter Support – Friends help out by purchasing medical supplies and equipment that the shelter can’t obtain on its own. Friends also collects supplies and food for the shelter and provides transport and volunteers to take adoptable dogs and cats to area Pet-Smarts each Saturday, where many find their “forever homes.”
The GUMBO fund – Donations to Friends can be designated to help injured or sick animals brought into the shelter.
Community Outreach – Events like Barksgiving, Tea With Friends, the Holiday Tour of Homes and the Second Saturday baked goods table help bring awareness to the public, as well as raising funds that will be funneled into local animal welfare.
Currently, Friends has a grant that allows them to purchase pet food that is then donated to the Food Pantry, so people struggling with budgets aren’t forced to surreneder their pets to the shelter. Owners and pets stay together and pressure is taken off the shelter.
The old Waveland Shelter was badly damaged in Hurricane Katrina and has been replaced with a new facility built in the county with help from the Bucksmont foundation. Yet, with room for only twenty dogs, it was already too small by the time it opened.
However soon, the Animal Rescue Site will be offering funds and volunteers that will work with Friends. They’ll actually triple the current capacity of the shelter by building addition (see details and donate here!).
According to Richardson, one reason Friends has been so successful is that they provide a way for people to make a difference.
“Friends tries to present a positive approach,” says Richardson. “We don’t play on emotions. Our calls to action give people a way to change things for the better.”
Richardson has several animal companions of her own, including miniature horses. Her seizure-alert dog, Daisy Mae Delray has written and published articles about animal awareness for years – and is a regular correspondent for the Cleaver with her “Puppy Dog Tales” column.
Although, of course, Richardson writes the columns herself from Daisy’s perspective, she jokes that when Daisy Mae is not feeling well, the writing just doesn’t flow.
“There’s nothing wrong with treating animals with the same depth of empathy that you treat a human,” says Richardson. “Studies show that there’s a strong tie between the way we treat our animals and the way we treat our children.”
“Everything is interrelated. It’s respect for life, period.”
Friends is currently looking for volunteers, especially to help with the feral cat trap catching program, but all the programs need helping hands.
“We want people who really love and care for their animals and want to help improve the lives of other animals in Hancock County. And have a great time working with Friends.”
Check for the Cleaver's monthly updates from the Hancock County Animal Shelter!
The old Waveland Shelter was badly damaged in Hurricane Katrina and has been replaced with a new facility built in the county with help from the Bucksmont foundation. Yet, with room for only twenty dogs, it was already too small by the time it opened.
However soon, the Animal Rescue Site will be offering funds and volunteers that will work with Friends. They’ll actually triple the current capacity of the shelter by building addition (see details and donate here!).
According to Richardson, one reason Friends has been so successful is that they provide a way for people to make a difference.
“Friends tries to present a positive approach,” says Richardson. “We don’t play on emotions. Our calls to action give people a way to change things for the better.”
Richardson has several animal companions of her own, including miniature horses. Her seizure-alert dog, Daisy Mae Delray has written and published articles about animal awareness for years – and is a regular correspondent for the Cleaver with her “Puppy Dog Tales” column.
Although, of course, Richardson writes the columns herself from Daisy’s perspective, she jokes that when Daisy Mae is not feeling well, the writing just doesn’t flow.
“There’s nothing wrong with treating animals with the same depth of empathy that you treat a human,” says Richardson. “Studies show that there’s a strong tie between the way we treat our animals and the way we treat our children.”
“Everything is interrelated. It’s respect for life, period.”
Friends is currently looking for volunteers, especially to help with the feral cat trap catching program, but all the programs need helping hands.
“We want people who really love and care for their animals and want to help improve the lives of other animals in Hancock County. And have a great time working with Friends.”
Check for the Cleaver's monthly updates from the Hancock County Animal Shelter!
Read Me a Story
by seizure alert dog Daisy Mae Delray
This month - Daisy Mae takes part in a reading program at the Boys and Girls Club.
This month - Daisy Mae takes part in a reading program at the Boys and Girls Club.
Daisy Mae, eagerly listening as one of the children in the "Reading With Friends" program.
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I love being a service dog and a journalist. I get to do so many things and I am always so impressed that one good thing so often leads to another. Let me explain. During the Mississippi Week for the Animals two years ago I went to the Pearlington Library during story hour. I love meeting the children and a neat thing about going to the library or to the Boys and Girls Club is that I always get to hear a good story. This story hour was no exception.
We gathered around a short table with little chairs. I like the little tables and chairs because I can see better, otherwise all I see is knees and feet. So we settled in. The story selected was "Two Bobbies: A Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival" by Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery and illustrated by Jean Cassels. |
Puppy Dog Tales
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Bobbi and Bob Cat are real and this is their story. It was August 29th, 2005 and Hurricane Katrina was slamming the Coast, flooding homes, taking away dreams and lives changing the coast forever. Bobbi, a brown hound mix dog with no tail was tied to the porch of the house where she lived and a white tabby named Bob Cat who also had a bobtail was by her side.
The wind and the rains came and there was no rescue in sight. Bobbi and Bob Cat had eaten all their food and drunk all the water that was left. After days Bobbi finally broke her chain and went in search of family, food and water. No luck. They were on the street for four months until they were rescued and taken to the Best Friends Animal Society shelter that has been set up in Celebration Station. That’s all of the story you get. To find out what happens you will have to get the book and ask your children to read it to you.
The wind and the rains came and there was no rescue in sight. Bobbi and Bob Cat had eaten all their food and drunk all the water that was left. After days Bobbi finally broke her chain and went in search of family, food and water. No luck. They were on the street for four months until they were rescued and taken to the Best Friends Animal Society shelter that has been set up in Celebration Station. That’s all of the story you get. To find out what happens you will have to get the book and ask your children to read it to you.
I am fortunate as I get to be read to on a frequent basis. I am part of the Friends of the Animal Shelter Reading with Friends program. There are two sides to reading with Friends. One is to help children gain confidence in their reading and the other is to educate them about pet companions and how to take good care of them.
Micky Evans, founder of Friends and her beloved Catahoula, Isobel, went to schools and anywhere there were children to teach them how to be good stewards to their pets. One day while she was in her store (before the storm) a woman and her son came by and the boy recognized Micky and Isobel from a presentation she had given. When Micky asked him what he had learned he said, “spay and neuta your pets”. Kids are like sponges and they absorb as much as we can give them.
We started out reading at the library and then last year started at the Boys and Girls Club here in Hancock County as a joint project with the Hancock County Library. Club Director, Shannel Smith (Cleaver Good Neighbor, February 2015) was eager to help the students improve their reading skills and the parents were presented the idea at a parents meeting and like the idea. So what we do on the first and third Wednesdays is show up with dogs and we get read to. We educate a little but the real focus is to increase reading skills. It is so much fun for me to have the kids remember who I am and to be so eager to read to me.
Right now we have me and my brother Robbie and our beagle friend Rosie. We are adding another therapy dog for next time so that means we can read with 12 children at a time – 3 for each dog. The kids select a book and take turns reading aloud. If one stumbles on a word the others help out. What excites me the most is the improvement we see every time we come.
Micky Evans, founder of Friends and her beloved Catahoula, Isobel, went to schools and anywhere there were children to teach them how to be good stewards to their pets. One day while she was in her store (before the storm) a woman and her son came by and the boy recognized Micky and Isobel from a presentation she had given. When Micky asked him what he had learned he said, “spay and neuta your pets”. Kids are like sponges and they absorb as much as we can give them.
We started out reading at the library and then last year started at the Boys and Girls Club here in Hancock County as a joint project with the Hancock County Library. Club Director, Shannel Smith (Cleaver Good Neighbor, February 2015) was eager to help the students improve their reading skills and the parents were presented the idea at a parents meeting and like the idea. So what we do on the first and third Wednesdays is show up with dogs and we get read to. We educate a little but the real focus is to increase reading skills. It is so much fun for me to have the kids remember who I am and to be so eager to read to me.
Right now we have me and my brother Robbie and our beagle friend Rosie. We are adding another therapy dog for next time so that means we can read with 12 children at a time – 3 for each dog. The kids select a book and take turns reading aloud. If one stumbles on a word the others help out. What excites me the most is the improvement we see every time we come.
Natalie Beam is the Youth Services Director for the library and she and Nel Ducomb, Community Outreach Director join us. They pick the books for the kids to read at the right age level so it is not too easy and not too hard. Natalie told me that an important part of reading to a dog is that affirmation we give them. We don’t correct their pronunciation or step in and read a line. The average pooch has a vocabulary of about 165 words so we understand more than you would expect and we turn our heads, prick our ears and gaze adoringly at the person reading out loud.
Start early with your children and have them read to you, their siblings and any pets in the home. If they don’t know the words – the picture can tell the story. Soon they will be getting books out and demanding that you listen to them read. Natalie pointed out one interesting point. When the kids come to read, they recognize us and we recognize them.
“They are getting affirmation,” Natalie told me. She said that they feel that “I am doing a good job – this dog is sitting next to me and listening." “When they start school and they don’t have a good foundation," Natalie said, “Studies show the kids cannot catch up.” Something that seems so simple as reading out loud is really quite profound.
So that is the program and what do I want you to do? Have your children read to you and their pets. You will find that time you spend together is calming, rewarding and so much fun. As an aside, if you don’t have children then you can read to your pets. We understand more than you think we do and we love to hear the sound of your voice. My person yaks at us all the time and we have awesome vocabularies. You can also read more about the benefits of reading programs by looking at the website, www.Librarydogs.com. There is an adorable Today Show presentation on their site about reading to dogs.
Finally, consider having your pet trained as a therapy animal. In the Sun Herald there is a notice that the Pass Christian Library is continuing their sponsorship for the Sit, Stay, R.E.A.D Visiting Pet Teams of South Mississippi Children’s Reading Program. A friend of mine, Eleanor Rose Hunter runs an organization called Angels on Paws out of Slidell, LA. Her group is an affiliate of Intermountain Therapy Animals R.E.A.D. program. Eleanor is working to set up a R.E.A.D, program at the Diamondhead library. If you are interested in more information about R.E.A.D. their website is www.therapyanimals.org.
Send my person an email for more information on the Friends of the Animal Shelter Reading with Friends or to get involved. She is at christina@figaroconsulting.com or 228.222.7018
Keep your tail high and your feet dry – love Daisy Mae
Start early with your children and have them read to you, their siblings and any pets in the home. If they don’t know the words – the picture can tell the story. Soon they will be getting books out and demanding that you listen to them read. Natalie pointed out one interesting point. When the kids come to read, they recognize us and we recognize them.
“They are getting affirmation,” Natalie told me. She said that they feel that “I am doing a good job – this dog is sitting next to me and listening." “When they start school and they don’t have a good foundation," Natalie said, “Studies show the kids cannot catch up.” Something that seems so simple as reading out loud is really quite profound.
So that is the program and what do I want you to do? Have your children read to you and their pets. You will find that time you spend together is calming, rewarding and so much fun. As an aside, if you don’t have children then you can read to your pets. We understand more than you think we do and we love to hear the sound of your voice. My person yaks at us all the time and we have awesome vocabularies. You can also read more about the benefits of reading programs by looking at the website, www.Librarydogs.com. There is an adorable Today Show presentation on their site about reading to dogs.
Finally, consider having your pet trained as a therapy animal. In the Sun Herald there is a notice that the Pass Christian Library is continuing their sponsorship for the Sit, Stay, R.E.A.D Visiting Pet Teams of South Mississippi Children’s Reading Program. A friend of mine, Eleanor Rose Hunter runs an organization called Angels on Paws out of Slidell, LA. Her group is an affiliate of Intermountain Therapy Animals R.E.A.D. program. Eleanor is working to set up a R.E.A.D, program at the Diamondhead library. If you are interested in more information about R.E.A.D. their website is www.therapyanimals.org.
Send my person an email for more information on the Friends of the Animal Shelter Reading with Friends or to get involved. She is at christina@figaroconsulting.com or 228.222.7018
Keep your tail high and your feet dry – love Daisy Mae
Gaits to Success
by seizure alert dog Daisy Mae Delray
This month - Daisy Mae visits a confidence-building program in Kiln that benefits both humans and horses.
This month - Daisy Mae visits a confidence-building program in Kiln that benefits both humans and horses.
| I have been trying to meet with Carolyn Rhodes, Director of Gaits to Success for a couple of months. It has been too cold and rainy to have classes but the rain gods gave us a break on Saturday morning and I was able to see some students in action. Before I get into my morning at Gaits to Success I want to mention that we are involved with Friends of the Animal Shelter in Hancock County. My "person," Christina Richardson, is the current president. We are coming up on kitten and puppy season and as always many of them will wind up as discards. | Puppy Dog Tales |
To keep those numbers down Friends takes cats and dogs to the PetSmarts in Slidell and Gulfport for adoptions. Every week Georgia Goodell, Penne Rappold and Bev Rice pick up ready-to-go cats and dogs from the shelter to get them before the public in the hopes of a good placement. We need more helpers with the PetSmart program.
Another way we keep the numbers down is the feral cat program where we trap, sterilize and then release cats back to their neighborhood. We need more trappers as Jen has been doing almost every one. For information on how to volunteer for these and other programs contact my person, Christina at 228.222.7018 or send an email to christina@figaroconsulting.com.
Flea season is year-round in south Mississippi and keeping them under control is a challenge and a pain. We have been using food-grade diatomaceous earth in the yard. It is safe and dries up their little bodies. I have friends who have dusted it on their pets and bedding as well. Read more about it here and as always, follow the instructions for usage.
Now on to Gaits to Success. I am dedicating this column to the memory of Peppermint Patty, a Percheron/Tennessee Walking Horse mix who worked at Gaits to Success for many years and was loved by everyone.
Drive up 603 and turn left at Dolly’s in the Kiln. Go a few miles and on the right is the sign for Gaits to Success. It sits on 10 acres and has pasturage, a barn, equestrian ring, classroom, horses, cats, and Carolyn Rhodes. This is no ordinary training facility. This is a PATH Center.
PATH stands for the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, which is an organization that serves as resource and advocate for equine-assisted activities and therapies, and the equines in this work that inspire and enrich the human spirit. According to PATH, there are more than 850 member centers worldwide, divided into regions with Gaits being in region 5, which includes Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, Africa, and the Caribbean Islands.
I checked with PATH to see how many centers there are in Mississippi. There are only seven listed: Mississippi State, Nesbit, Columbus, Burnsville, Brandon, Caledonia and Gaits in Kiln. This is a big deal and a very special gift for the Mississippi Gulf Coast to have a PATH center right here.
story continued below
Another way we keep the numbers down is the feral cat program where we trap, sterilize and then release cats back to their neighborhood. We need more trappers as Jen has been doing almost every one. For information on how to volunteer for these and other programs contact my person, Christina at 228.222.7018 or send an email to christina@figaroconsulting.com.
Flea season is year-round in south Mississippi and keeping them under control is a challenge and a pain. We have been using food-grade diatomaceous earth in the yard. It is safe and dries up their little bodies. I have friends who have dusted it on their pets and bedding as well. Read more about it here and as always, follow the instructions for usage.
Now on to Gaits to Success. I am dedicating this column to the memory of Peppermint Patty, a Percheron/Tennessee Walking Horse mix who worked at Gaits to Success for many years and was loved by everyone.
Drive up 603 and turn left at Dolly’s in the Kiln. Go a few miles and on the right is the sign for Gaits to Success. It sits on 10 acres and has pasturage, a barn, equestrian ring, classroom, horses, cats, and Carolyn Rhodes. This is no ordinary training facility. This is a PATH Center.
PATH stands for the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, which is an organization that serves as resource and advocate for equine-assisted activities and therapies, and the equines in this work that inspire and enrich the human spirit. According to PATH, there are more than 850 member centers worldwide, divided into regions with Gaits being in region 5, which includes Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, Africa, and the Caribbean Islands.
I checked with PATH to see how many centers there are in Mississippi. There are only seven listed: Mississippi State, Nesbit, Columbus, Burnsville, Brandon, Caledonia and Gaits in Kiln. This is a big deal and a very special gift for the Mississippi Gulf Coast to have a PATH center right here.
story continued below
The bond between horses and people is a very special one in working relationship and inspiration. Our two miniature Appaloosas are more than yard art to us. They are in training to visit hospital patients and love being around people. We have a senior citizen in our household with balance issues, and Teo and Cheyenne are very gentle with Gus.
Horses have been used for therapy for hundreds of years. In 1946, after cases of polio crippled children, riding therapy was introduced in Denmark by Liz Hartnel, an accomplished horsewoman who contracted polio. She was determined to ride again and her daily sessions brought back muscle strength and coordination. She went on to win the silver medal for dressage in the 1952 Olympics.
On Saturday it was breezy and cool as we drove up and parked. Three horses were saddled and ready to go. On staff this morning were Carolyn Rhodes, Director of the program, Lisa Munson, Debi Dowell-Ferris and Dimond Banks. Lisa is a physical therapist who works with children. She loves horses and is impressed by the synergy between the horses and the riders. “The way the children respond - some are over stimulated and then, once on the horse, just calm down.”
Debi was telling me that she loves being around horses and that “I have seen what happens when the rider gets that sense of trust and confidence. Once I saw Carolyn take her hand and put it over the hand of a girl who was wary of the horse, and then put both hands on the horse. I watched the child relax.”
Two parents arrived with their children. Nikki Palermo-Denoux’s son Christian, in the blue striped shirt has been coming since he was four. He is eight now. Today he was riding Levi, a sixteen-year-old horse who had been “thrown away.” He has been working with clients for five years now and is a favorite. Nikki is a veterinarian in Gulfport and she is very happy with Christian’s progress. She is also impressed with the care given to the horses and has a great deal of confidence in Carolyn.
Horses have been used for therapy for hundreds of years. In 1946, after cases of polio crippled children, riding therapy was introduced in Denmark by Liz Hartnel, an accomplished horsewoman who contracted polio. She was determined to ride again and her daily sessions brought back muscle strength and coordination. She went on to win the silver medal for dressage in the 1952 Olympics.
On Saturday it was breezy and cool as we drove up and parked. Three horses were saddled and ready to go. On staff this morning were Carolyn Rhodes, Director of the program, Lisa Munson, Debi Dowell-Ferris and Dimond Banks. Lisa is a physical therapist who works with children. She loves horses and is impressed by the synergy between the horses and the riders. “The way the children respond - some are over stimulated and then, once on the horse, just calm down.”
Debi was telling me that she loves being around horses and that “I have seen what happens when the rider gets that sense of trust and confidence. Once I saw Carolyn take her hand and put it over the hand of a girl who was wary of the horse, and then put both hands on the horse. I watched the child relax.”
Two parents arrived with their children. Nikki Palermo-Denoux’s son Christian, in the blue striped shirt has been coming since he was four. He is eight now. Today he was riding Levi, a sixteen-year-old horse who had been “thrown away.” He has been working with clients for five years now and is a favorite. Nikki is a veterinarian in Gulfport and she is very happy with Christian’s progress. She is also impressed with the care given to the horses and has a great deal of confidence in Carolyn.
Jeff Mays of Gulfport has been bringing Madie, in pink, for a few months now. It has been very good for her. She is riding Honey and is already using the reins. Honey is a show horse on loan from a local doctor who is very busy with her medical practice.
Watching the riders with their spotters was amazing. They started out a little tentative and then you could see them relax. Riding works on the core muscles and focuses the riders. During the hour-long session riders walked over pipes, around barrels, did cognitive exercises and interacted with their horses.
Gaits to Success was started in 1991. It offers a unique approach to assist clients with mental, physical and emotional disabilities. Volunteers undergo rigorous training as instructors and assistants. I have heard from so many people who have been involved with Gaits, and who see this facility as a real treasure to support and promote. Over the years Gaits has worked with college students, 4-H and Key Club members as volunteers, and has been a location for Special Olympics and Paralympics.
I especially enjoyed watching the parents watch their children grow in confidence while riding. The benefits of riding, along with the cognitive activities, increase self-esteem, self-confidence, attention span, concentration, dexterity, auditory and visual learning, and memory. Most important to me was the happiness I saw in all the faces. At the end of the session it was time to go home. My person has become a volunteer and will start her training next week. We will keep you updated.
For more information on Gaits to Success call 228.255-5368, or email gaits@gaitstosuccess.org.
Well gentle readers, keep your tail high and your feet dry! Daisy Mae
Watching the riders with their spotters was amazing. They started out a little tentative and then you could see them relax. Riding works on the core muscles and focuses the riders. During the hour-long session riders walked over pipes, around barrels, did cognitive exercises and interacted with their horses.
Gaits to Success was started in 1991. It offers a unique approach to assist clients with mental, physical and emotional disabilities. Volunteers undergo rigorous training as instructors and assistants. I have heard from so many people who have been involved with Gaits, and who see this facility as a real treasure to support and promote. Over the years Gaits has worked with college students, 4-H and Key Club members as volunteers, and has been a location for Special Olympics and Paralympics.
I especially enjoyed watching the parents watch their children grow in confidence while riding. The benefits of riding, along with the cognitive activities, increase self-esteem, self-confidence, attention span, concentration, dexterity, auditory and visual learning, and memory. Most important to me was the happiness I saw in all the faces. At the end of the session it was time to go home. My person has become a volunteer and will start her training next week. We will keep you updated.
For more information on Gaits to Success call 228.255-5368, or email gaits@gaitstosuccess.org.
Well gentle readers, keep your tail high and your feet dry! Daisy Mae
by Daisy Mae Delray
This month - Ten ways to help keep our animal companions healthier and happier.
This month - Ten ways to help keep our animal companions healthier and happier.
Keeping Us Healthy and Happy I have been plagued by hot spots for the past few years. I am allergic to something in the grass that makes me itch and get little red blisters on my stomach. This year I got treated with a homeopathic remedy and I am so much better. My success gave me the idea to ponder on and share with you some ideas on how you can look after our physical, mental and emotional health. Keeping us happy and young at heart takes effort. Here are 10 tips that will help you do that. | Puppy Dog Tales Column |
1. Feed us a wholesome diet. It must be hard for you to know what is good for us. Read and understand the ingredients in what you buy and look for products where the meat has a name like, beef, and chicken and lamb. We need vegetables and whole grains n our diet. Please talk to your pet food provider and your vet to find out what is the best diet for each animal family member. We need plenty of fresh water too. Not too many treats (read those ingredient labels too). Pizza is not a preferred food for cats or dogs. I’ll bet you didn’t know that dry cat food is not as good for your cat as wet food. Forget that crunchie treats clean their teeth, they don’t. You humans don’t eat crackers to clean your teeth. What else don’t you know about nutrition???
2. Vitamins can play an important role in your pet’s health. Check the labels or provide supplements to make sure we get plenty of anti-oxidants and all the other breed and species requirements. Check with a holistic vet or your pet food provider for specifics. Age and condition will be influencing factors. My person pays attention to my coat, my hair, my eyes, and my skin condition.
3. Exercise – Keep us moving. We need plenty of exercise to prevent obesity and to keep our
joints, heart and lungs in good working order. Be cautious when it is hot and the pollution levels are high. If it is too hot and dangerous for you or the pavement is too hot for you to run on bare feet, it is bad for us too. One caution, don’t overdue it when your pet is just starting an exercise program. Keep ages, condition and breed recommend levels of exercise in mind.
4. Vaccine caution. There are risks associated with over-vaccination. Some are required by law and the rest depend on the condition of the animal. Discuss vaccinations with your vet. I have a titer test every year. This is a simple blood antibody test that will tell you if your pet is still protected by the last series of vaccines.
5. Veterinarian check-ups are really important. Develop a good relationship with your vet and decide together on when check-ups should be. Between visits pay close attention to changes n behavior and do a body check at least weekly for bumps and sores and cuts, etc. Be a partner with your pet’s health provider. Look into health insurance to help with major expenses and the unexpected.
6. Teeth care – Periodontal disease is a real problem if not dealt with early. It can cause pain, gingivitis, tooth loss and infections that can spread to the kidney’s heart or other organs. I have a tooth brush and my teeth are brushed daily. My favorite toothpaste is chicken flavored. I also get organic carrots and apples to crunch on and the occasional raw knuckle bone. These help clean my teeth and give my jaw a good work out. There are some products you can use as an anti-bacterial spray if you laughed when I said use a toothbrush.
7. Take caution when using chemical pest controls. If you can, use natural products for prevention of fleas and mosquito repellant. What is recommended for dogs may not be safe for cats. Read the labels. Talk to your vet about your specific pet. Use flea combs, frequent brushing and do not use any product counter to the very specific recommendations for that product. Older, very young and sick animals may not be good candidates for some of these medications.
8. Good hygiene, especially in humid climates area is critical. Many of my friends have allergy problems. Daily grooming, bathing when needed ( not too often as you can strip the oils for our skin and we get dry and flaky), and a healthy diet will all help keep your pet’s coat and skin healthy. I like an oatmeal and aloe shampoo because I have that allergy to something in the grass. Because I am a service dog I need a bath every month to stay sweet smelling and shiny.
9. Keep our minds sharp. We need to be around others. People and other animals and new places and situations keep us sharp and interested. I do some agility training and most of my dog friends have been to obedience school. Dablonde, one of our cats, can do some amazing tricks and she has a video on birds that she just loves to watch. Just like most people, we get bored easily and if you don’t provide some appropriate toys we will find out own, like your best shoes or new chair.
10. Lavish us with love and attention. Two of my favorite things are massage and Reiki. Just think how much you love a massage, especially after exercising. Massage soothes stiff joints and improves circulation and it feels so good. Reiki I love because of my aging bones and the allergy I have. Let me tell you a little about Reiki. I know about Reiki because my human is a Reiki practitioner and she has a number of animal clients. Reiki is the practice of using energy to facilitate healing. A Reiki practitioner is attuned to this energy on a level that enables them to channel it through their hands and facilitate healing. Reiki is very soothing and it calms me down and I love the warm touch of hands on the places where I feel sore. One of my neighbors, a greyhound has a seizure disorder that, in spite of medication, was manifesting in at least a seizure a day. Regular Reiki treatments have reduced the number of seizures and Avery is feeling much better. Massage and Reiki are only two of the many alternative, holistic health treatment that are being used to improve the lives of pets and humans. Read more about them.
Keep your tail high and your feet dry, Love Daisy Mae
2. Vitamins can play an important role in your pet’s health. Check the labels or provide supplements to make sure we get plenty of anti-oxidants and all the other breed and species requirements. Check with a holistic vet or your pet food provider for specifics. Age and condition will be influencing factors. My person pays attention to my coat, my hair, my eyes, and my skin condition.
3. Exercise – Keep us moving. We need plenty of exercise to prevent obesity and to keep our
joints, heart and lungs in good working order. Be cautious when it is hot and the pollution levels are high. If it is too hot and dangerous for you or the pavement is too hot for you to run on bare feet, it is bad for us too. One caution, don’t overdue it when your pet is just starting an exercise program. Keep ages, condition and breed recommend levels of exercise in mind.
4. Vaccine caution. There are risks associated with over-vaccination. Some are required by law and the rest depend on the condition of the animal. Discuss vaccinations with your vet. I have a titer test every year. This is a simple blood antibody test that will tell you if your pet is still protected by the last series of vaccines.
5. Veterinarian check-ups are really important. Develop a good relationship with your vet and decide together on when check-ups should be. Between visits pay close attention to changes n behavior and do a body check at least weekly for bumps and sores and cuts, etc. Be a partner with your pet’s health provider. Look into health insurance to help with major expenses and the unexpected.
6. Teeth care – Periodontal disease is a real problem if not dealt with early. It can cause pain, gingivitis, tooth loss and infections that can spread to the kidney’s heart or other organs. I have a tooth brush and my teeth are brushed daily. My favorite toothpaste is chicken flavored. I also get organic carrots and apples to crunch on and the occasional raw knuckle bone. These help clean my teeth and give my jaw a good work out. There are some products you can use as an anti-bacterial spray if you laughed when I said use a toothbrush.
7. Take caution when using chemical pest controls. If you can, use natural products for prevention of fleas and mosquito repellant. What is recommended for dogs may not be safe for cats. Read the labels. Talk to your vet about your specific pet. Use flea combs, frequent brushing and do not use any product counter to the very specific recommendations for that product. Older, very young and sick animals may not be good candidates for some of these medications.
8. Good hygiene, especially in humid climates area is critical. Many of my friends have allergy problems. Daily grooming, bathing when needed ( not too often as you can strip the oils for our skin and we get dry and flaky), and a healthy diet will all help keep your pet’s coat and skin healthy. I like an oatmeal and aloe shampoo because I have that allergy to something in the grass. Because I am a service dog I need a bath every month to stay sweet smelling and shiny.
9. Keep our minds sharp. We need to be around others. People and other animals and new places and situations keep us sharp and interested. I do some agility training and most of my dog friends have been to obedience school. Dablonde, one of our cats, can do some amazing tricks and she has a video on birds that she just loves to watch. Just like most people, we get bored easily and if you don’t provide some appropriate toys we will find out own, like your best shoes or new chair.
10. Lavish us with love and attention. Two of my favorite things are massage and Reiki. Just think how much you love a massage, especially after exercising. Massage soothes stiff joints and improves circulation and it feels so good. Reiki I love because of my aging bones and the allergy I have. Let me tell you a little about Reiki. I know about Reiki because my human is a Reiki practitioner and she has a number of animal clients. Reiki is the practice of using energy to facilitate healing. A Reiki practitioner is attuned to this energy on a level that enables them to channel it through their hands and facilitate healing. Reiki is very soothing and it calms me down and I love the warm touch of hands on the places where I feel sore. One of my neighbors, a greyhound has a seizure disorder that, in spite of medication, was manifesting in at least a seizure a day. Regular Reiki treatments have reduced the number of seizures and Avery is feeling much better. Massage and Reiki are only two of the many alternative, holistic health treatment that are being used to improve the lives of pets and humans. Read more about them.
Keep your tail high and your feet dry, Love Daisy Mae
What We Bring
My name is Daisy Mae Delray and I am a seizure alert dog who lives and works in Bay Saint Louis, Misssissippi. I have access to places that most animal companions cannot go, so my view of the human/animal companion bond is a unique one. In my column for the Fourth Ward Cleaver I will be commenting on that bond as I report on our county and the many connections I find between humans and their companions.
I write in gratitude for my life as a dog, and for the great joy that I bring to my human companion. I believe that the bond we share is a bond for life. Devotion and loyalty are primary bonds that we have with our humans. Cats and dogs, parrots and ferrets, horses and hamsters; the species does not matter. Between us and you humans there is something sacred going on. For the past 14,000 years with dogs and at least 7,000 years with cats there has been a partnership of emotional bonding.
I write in gratitude for my life as a dog, and for the great joy that I bring to my human companion. I believe that the bond we share is a bond for life. Devotion and loyalty are primary bonds that we have with our humans. Cats and dogs, parrots and ferrets, horses and hamsters; the species does not matter. Between us and you humans there is something sacred going on. For the past 14,000 years with dogs and at least 7,000 years with cats there has been a partnership of emotional bonding.
Daisy Mae helping the Red Cross plan the Waterfront Festival in Alexandria, VA. photo by Dr. Tina Richardson
What else do we bring to the relationship?
I’ll be covering local pet-included events and reporting back to you. I will be looking for: Pet friendly hotels, restaurants that have outdoor seating & menus for the 4-legged diners, pet sitters, shopping suggestions for food, clothing, toys, etc., veterinary care, profiles of local animal residents, books and magazines to read, special events, dog on the street interviews, stories about kids and their pets and just living and loving being here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
To communicate with you at other times in the month I have created a blog which I'll be populating with information and other details. This is my first blog so bear with me. Your input and ideas will be greatly appreciated.
I look forward to hearing from you and writing about the human pet companion bond.
Keep your feet dry and your tail high.
Love,
Daisy Mae
- The warmth of companionship: Our friendly faces greet you at the door when you come home and we are always happy to hear about your day.
- The power of love: Our love is unconditional and always.
- The strength of hope: Even a simple cuddle with a warm bundle of fur can make a huge difference.
- The weight of sorrow: Made easier to bear by sharing it with a gentle companion.
- The joy of playfulness: To bring out the child in you
- The spirit of connection: We share the same need to be loved and wanted.
I’ll be covering local pet-included events and reporting back to you. I will be looking for: Pet friendly hotels, restaurants that have outdoor seating & menus for the 4-legged diners, pet sitters, shopping suggestions for food, clothing, toys, etc., veterinary care, profiles of local animal residents, books and magazines to read, special events, dog on the street interviews, stories about kids and their pets and just living and loving being here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
To communicate with you at other times in the month I have created a blog which I'll be populating with information and other details. This is my first blog so bear with me. Your input and ideas will be greatly appreciated.
I look forward to hearing from you and writing about the human pet companion bond.
Keep your feet dry and your tail high.
Love,
Daisy Mae
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