Summer – A Shelter’s Perfect Storm

Posted on July 22, 2017 by jennariedi

July is typically considered the craziest, busiest month for animal shelters and rescues. Summer in general sees a lot of animals coming in (and hopefully, also going out the front door in large numbers, too!). Why? There are actually several factors at play for this “perfect storm”:

Trap/Neuter/Release Programs – if the shelter has a TNR program, they are BUSY right now. Summer is the “busy” season for animals who are feral (or possibly stray). Their food sources are active, it’s the time to mate, and the weather makes it easier for them to be out and about. Traps are filling up quick this time of year, and surgical rooms are packed with animals getting fixed.

Fireworks/summer thunderstorms – summer brings about a lot of activity, including the mid-summer fireworks and lots of summer storms. Both can be upsetting for pets, who may spook enough to run away from home. The day after the Fourth of July is actually notorious for being the biggest day of stray intake for shelters. Make sure to check local shelters regularly if you loose a pet, and check the entire area, not just your one town. Spooked animals can go pretty far when they get lost.

“Kitten Season” – summer also brings about kittens. Lots of them. Cats breed around the same time, bringing about ALL the kittens starting in May each year. That number just keeps rising until the weather cools off, so shelters are getting packed with cats and kittens this time of year. Guaranteed your local shelter is doing some kind of adoption special on cats right now, because they have so many that need homes and they need to make room for more.

Loose Pets – when the weather gets better, people tend to not contain their pets as much. Less leashes, more running down trails, and more letting them outside without keeping an eye on them. Unfortunately, this leads to more strays as pets can spook, chase something, or just get lost and don’t know how to get home. And with cats, people tend to not look for them when they don’t come home (which is super tragic… many lost cats DO end up at a shelter, but rarely do they get reclaimed). This leads to more animals in their stray hold, and more animals up for adoptions when they don’t get reclaimed.

So, the lesson to be learned here is: if you were thinking of adopting a pet, volunteering at your local shelter, maybe supporting them with a donation… now is the time to do it! Shelters and rescues across the country need YOU to support them while these crazy summer months are happening. Get out there and help!

Humane Cosmetics Act

Posted on June 15, 2017 by jennariedi

Testing cosmetics on animals is outdated, unreliable, and completely unnecessary thanks to newer technologies that allow proper testing of products without harming any living beings. Over 30 countries have phased out animal testing, including the entire EU. Unfortunately, animal testing, and buying products that have been testing on animals, is still a very legal and widely used practice in the United States.

Luckily, legislation has been introduced to phase out cosmetics animal testing in the US. The Humane Cosmetics Act legislation, introduced with bipartisan support by Reps. Martha McSally, R-Ariz.; Don Beyer, D-Va.; Ed Royce, R-Calif.; Tony Cárdenas, D-Calif.; Frank LoBiondo, R-N.J.; and Paul Tonko, D-N.Y., would prohibit the use of animals to test cosmetic products and ingredients. It also phases out the sale of cosmetics that have been tested on animals in other countries.

Please join me in urging support for the Humane Cosmetics Act by contacting your US Representative (phone numbers here) and signing this petition. Thank you!

Leash Laws – Not Such A Bad Idea

Posted on May 17, 2017 by jennariedi

I’ll admit, I have broken many a leash law in my day with my dog, Montague. He’s very well behaved and listens to me despite distractions, so in certain situations I trust he will be safe off leash. But, really, we should never do that. And here’s why:

1. Other dogs. Your dog may be great off leash, and may be awesome with other dogs. But other dogs may not be so great with your dog. Having your pup off leash creates a tension automatically with any dog he walks up to, because that dog knows they are restricted (on a leash) while your dog is not and that can cause aggression. Also, other dogs may just not be fans of dogs so your dog being off leash and out of your control could cause some serious issues if/when he runs up to a non-dog friendly dog.

2. Wildlife. I think we can all agree that if our dog sees a bunny, squirrel, or other chase-able animal, all bets are off and they are not listening to you. Running off after wildlife can cause safety issues for both your dog and the wildlife. Also, snakes. I can’t tell you how many times Monty and I come across a snake on the trails. Most of the time, they are bull snakes and therefore pretty much harmless, but poisonous snakes are out there and will bite if provoked. Dogs usually don’t know to be wary of snakes and normally are curious. This is very dangerous for your pup and could lead to serious injury or even death.

3. Safety. Overall, it can just be unsafe to have your dog off leash. Monty and I regularly go hiking in the mountains where some trails have steep drop offs and loose rocks. Having him on a harness and leash allows me to catch him if were to slip (which has happened). It also can be unsafe for the environment. Many trails border or go through protected land, which can be disturbed or destroyed when dogs romp through them (example: endangered animal nest your dog runs over).

I agree it can be annoying to follow leash laws, but overall, it’s for the greater good to follow them. Please think twice before taking the leash off and have fun out there walking and hiking with your pups this summer!

Happy Birthday to Calliope!

Posted on May 11, 2017 by jennariedi

My wonder cat, who was born with FeLV (Feline leukemia virus, click here to learn more about this incurable disease), celebrated her third birthday this past Monday, May 8. This little kitty is the ever playful, super cuddly, defier of all odds who will not, and cannot, be stopped. Happy Birthday, Calliope. You are a true little wonder bunny-cat!!

Monty Update – April 12

Posted on April 12, 2017 by jennariedi

Monty had his final check up at the CSU Flint Animal Cancer Center this morning: He is healing well, and cleared to eat and play however he wants again!!! WOOT!!! He has been pouting and sulking a lot the last week, wanting his toys and to play catch. So I am super happy to learn we can get back into our

THANK YOU to all of you who have support me and Monty through this crazy journey of battling cancer. Your kind words, positive vibes, prayers, and generosity have helped more than I can ever express.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!

Monty Update – Cancer Free!

Posted on April 1, 2017 by jennariedi

Wednesday afternoon I got the call from the Colorado State University Veterinary Hospital oncology team that my Mister Montague the Moose is officially cancer free. YAY!!! It is such a relief to learn everything Monty and I have gone through the last two months has led to him back on track to enjoy his life as he is meant to.

Now, we focus on healing up from surgery (despite our fun set back of three visits to the ER the weekend after Monty’s surgery. He kicked two of his stitches out in his sleep Saturday night, which kicked off *pun intended* a weekend full of trying to fix the stitches.) and snuggling ALL THE TIME. And, once he’s healed up, we are going to have so many awesome adventures, too, to celebrate. Lots of hiking and swimming adventures are in our future this spring and summer, and maybe a road trip or two as well!

Thank you for all your love and support as we went through this battle. I really appreciate you so, so very much.

Just a few days before Monty’s big surgery that would alter his handsome looks, we went to Horsetooth Reservoir to do a photo shoot to capture Monty’s amazing personality. The photos were beautifully done by Erin Thames Photography. Enjoy!

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My boyfriend, Ryan, has lovingly set up a donation page for Monty’s surgery. If you would like to support Mr. Montague in his surgery and recovery, please consider making an investment in his future as a derper dog (due to the tongue hanging out situation that we now have!). Thank you ❤

Monty Update – Back Home!

Posted on March 17, 2017 by jennariedi

Monty’s surgery did not start until a little after 4pm yesterday, and his surgery took longer than expected so I did not get the phone call from the surgeon until about 7:15pm. At that time, I was hosting my usual quiz at McClellan’s Brewing, but the staff and quizzers alike were super supportive of me having to pause the quiz and take the call to make sure Monty made it out of surgery okay.

This morning, CSU called a little after 8am updating me that Monty did well through the night and had a pretty good appetite as well. They said he was doing great this morning and that I could pick him up after 11am, so I went and got him right at 11.

So now we are home! Monty is quite alert, although a little droopy/drugged up (he’s got some pretty sweet pain medications to give him comfort). Now begins the healing process. At this moment, he is napping by the door and drooling all over the place. He gets three medications three times a day at different intervals, so I am working on making a chart to keep track of it all. In 10-14 days, Monty will go back to the vet to have a check up appointment and make sure everything is healing correctly. And in 7-10 days we will hear back from the lab as to whether or not the tumor was completely removed. If the lab results come back that the tumor is fully gone, Monty is cured of cancer. (!!!)

I will make sure to do an update once we hear back from the lab and know our status in this cancer battle. Thank you to everyone who has been so amazing and supportive during this process. I am forever in your debt!! ❤

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Ryan has lovingly set up a donation page for Monty’s surgery. If you would like to support Mr. Montague in his surgery and recovery, please consider making an investment in his future as a derper dog (due to the tongue hanging out situation that we now have!). Thank you ❤

Monty Update: Surgery Day

Posted on March 16, 2017 by jennariedi

Today is the big day. Monty and I arrived at the CSU vet hospital bright and early at 7:30am this morning. I was able to meet with the new team (my previous team, for several reasons, was unable to do the surgery today) and ask any final questions I had. Monty was typical Monty and shook as if he was a chihuahua once we got inside the hospital. That pup is too smart for his own good! The new team seems wonderful. We have a student vet, a teaching vet, and the surgeon, who is one of the staff surgeons. It was a difficult morning for me, but I made sure to be calm and collected while Monty was still with me. Don’t need him knowing I’m a mess! He was taken back to their prep area around 8:15am to get a once-over, get his blood type, and start prepping for surgery.

I will receive phone calls right before Monty goes in for surgery, right after he wakes up, and a follow-up call before the team leaves for the day. They do have an overnight team that takes over, so Monty will be monitored the entire night. They will then call me tomorrow morning around 8am to let me know how he’s doing and if/when he’ll be ready for me to pick him back up. The vet also said she would take a picture of Monty post-surgery so I can prepare myself for what he’ll look like when I see him in person again.

This will be the first time since I adopted Monty that I sleep in my home without him there. It will definitely be an odd evening for both of us. I left a hoodie that I wore most of yesterday with Monty so he could smell home and me, and hopefully know I will be coming for him as soon as I can!

Please send all you’ve got – prayers, positive energy, good juju, etc – to Monty for his surgery today and for his recovery in the days to come. Thank you ❤

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And for something a little more fun: all this week leading up to today, Monty and I had as many adventures as we could. He went swimming at the indoor dog pool, got all the pets at New Belgium Brewery, went hiking and swimming at Horsetooth Reservoir, did our usual walks at the ponds near our house, and had a toy party last night (since he won’t have toys for a month… poor guy!). Enjoy our pictures from the adventures. 🙂

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Monty – March 9

Posted on March 9, 2017 by jennariedi

Yesterday, Monty had his CT scan at the CSU cancer center.

We arrived at 7:15am and he was taken back for the day soon after. It was a pretty nerve-raking day for me, since Monty had to be put under for the scan and I have terrible anxiety with anesthesia. Monty was a champ, though, and he did great, although was a little dopey still when I picked him up. I met with the oncology surgeon around 4pm when I came to get Monty and learned what they saw. It turns out the cancer has been attacking Monty’s jaw bone (we originally didn’t think it was) and the entire front of his mouth is infected. Luckily, the tumor does not go past his canine teeth, so our surgery plan that was discussed on Monday is the same: they will remove the lower jaw bone to just behind the canine teeth (so Monty will be losing his canines, which is a bummer, but necessary). The surgeon was very confident that this surgery would completely remove the tumor and Monty would be back on track to having a the lifespan he deserves.

I talked a while with the vet and surgeon about Monty’s quality of life after this surgery, since it seems to me to be a major change. They both said that while Monty may look a little different, it won’t affect his ability to play/eat/chew/etc in any way.

The big day is scheduled for Thursday, March 16. I will be taking Monty to the cancer center that morning, and they will hold him overnight after the 1.5 hour surgery to ensure everything is okay and Monty’s comfort level/pain management. My plan is to work from home that Friday, March 17 so I can be available to pick him up when he’s ready and then be with him the rest of the day/into the weekend.

Please send your love, healing thoughts, positive vibes, whatever you have to send for Monty to have a successful and as painless as possible surgery next Thursday.

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Ryan has lovingly set up a donation page for Monty’s surgery. If you would like to support Mr. Montague, please consider making an investment in his future as a derper dog (due to the inevitable tongue hanging out situation that we will have post-surgery). Thank you ❤

Monty Update – March 6

Posted on March 6, 2017 by jennariedi

Last Thursday, my vet called to discuss the dental specialist veterinarian she had recommended and finally spoke with about Monty. She informed me that the specialist wants to do surgery as soon as possible to try to eradicate the cancer and avoid issue with Monty’s jaw in the future. It seems the main concern is that due to the cancer’s location (close to the middle joint of his lower jaw bone) that when the tumor comes back, it could break his jaw by messing with the joint. The surgery, from our initial conversation, sounds like it would involve taking some of Monty’s jaw bone and surrounding tissue to take out the entire area the tumor was in in the hopes to completely remove it. There may be some “wiring” involved as well, but I was assured his canine teeth should be able to remain. .

On Monday, we had our appointment with Colorado State University’s Animal Cancer Center. I was nervous going into the appointment, mainly because I was worried they would either contradict what my normal vet and the dental specialist recommended OR that they would want to do the surgery themselves and I would have to choose who would be doing the procedure. Honestly, in all of this, my greatest fear is that I will make a poor choice for Monty. This road is not clear cut, it’s not “to achieve A, do B” and I’m truly terrified I will make a bad decision and it will affect Monty’s quality of life or length of life.

We arrived at 10am for our appointment and met with the vet, and then the oncology surgeon to discuss Monty and their recommendations. The CSU team is very optimistic we can get Monty to total remission, and have his length and quality of life not altered in any way once the tumor is completely removed. They would like to do a CT scan to get a better idea of where the tumor remains, and then use those images to plan out the second surgery that they agree needs to be done. This surgeon believes Monty will most likely have to lose his bottom canines to ensure we have removed the entire area of the cancer cells. We won’t know for sure, though, until his CT scan. The scan is scheduled for this Wednesday (March 8) and Monty will have to spend the day at the hospital, and they will have to put him under. I believe, after talking with both vets, that I will go with CSU’s surgery team for this second surgery. Send positive vibes, as I always hate when they are knocked out…

I also reached out to my vet from back home in Wisconsin, as she is a specialist of sorts for alternative medicine options. I truly want to make sure I am doing everything I can at home to assist Monty in his battle with his cancer. I’m all for combining modern medicine with alternative medicine. So, we shall see if she recommends any supplements or diet changes or anything else to support his immune system and help Monty heal.

Please keep Monty in your thoughts/prayers/send him your positive energy/good juju as we move ahead towards our goal of remission!