All About Pets - Double the Fun? There are some things to consider when going from one dog to two - Townnews
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All About Pets May 28, 2021 Double the Fun? There are some things to consider when going from one dog to two. ‘Cat Does Not Equal Dog’ Pet owner learns life lessons when a cat joins her dog-centric family. a special section of The Derrick. / The News-Herald
2 – THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald: Friday, May 28, 2021
Owning pets can lead to healthier lifestyle
Pets play a huge role in creating a
healthy lifestyle for their people. In fact,
studies have shown that pet ownership
can enhance fitness levels, lower blood
pressure and cholesterol levels, relieve
stress, improve mental and heart health,
and boost overall happiness and well-
being. Evidence also suggests that con-
nections to pets provide good social
support — an important factor in helping
you stick with new health habits.
One of the main benefits is that dogs
force us to get up and move for routine
and regular walks. A research study
found that dog owners more likely report
regular physical activity patterns, a
healthy diet and ideal blood sugar levels
compared to those who do not own dogs.
This is beneficial to your heart health
because increased physical activity helps
strengthen your heart muscles, making it
more efficient in pumping blood through-
out your body and improving overall
heart health.
It’s no secret that pets contribute to
overall happiness. Owning a dog has
even been linked to better mental health
and less perception of social isolation —
both risk factors for heart attacks. Dog
owners have increased interaction with
people, and are less likely to experience
depression. This helps to diminish social
isolation, which can reduce worse health
outcomes and premature death.
Even just interacting with a dog has
shown to increase levels of “feel-good”
brain chemicals, such as oxytocin and Pets help manage anxiety. Up to Aside from your mental health, own- Consider also that you can hop in the
dopamine. This creates positive, happy 30% of the workforce could be working ing a pet — a canine in particular — can car with your pet and have a picnic else-
feelings and a great bonding experience from home multiple days per week by significantly help your heart. This is the where. Bring healthy snacks for both of
for you and your pet. Pets bring a sig- the end of 2021, according to Global finding of a Kardiozive Brno 2030 study, you. In warmer months, venture out to a
nificant benefit to working from home. Workplace Analytics. So, now more than which looked at the association of pet nearby beach or lake. You can run or
Over 50% of people surveyed said they ever, people are struggling with mental ownership — specifically dog ownership walk on the shore, chase balls, and swim.
would prefer if they could bring their pet health. Pets provide companionship and — with cardiovascular disease risk fac- There is always something to be said for
to work. support. tors and cardiovascular health, in part getting exercise outdoors and having a
There are four major ways pets can Pets help you be more active. Pets due to the increase in physical activity. companion.
help with your mental health while work- give us a reason to get outside, get some While walking a dog around the Owning a dog is a big decision that
ing from home: fresh air and get in some physical activ- neighborhood may not always sound so takes a lot of responsibility, but there are
Pets can reduce work-related stress. ity. enticing, don’t forget to look for ways to countless mental and physical benefits.
Two out of three employees say work Pets combat loneliness. The bond incorporate your furry friend into other Consider getting a pet to help you be
stresses them out, and 40% say their job with pets helps people feel less alone. activities. If your neighborhood has a more active and socially connected,
gets in the way of their health. Studies Owners can touch, see, hear or talk to local dog park, it’s a wonderful way for while also improving heart health and
show that pets in the workplace reduce their companion animals, which helps to your dog to let off some steam while you promoting a healthy lifestyle.
stress and improve employee satisfaction. bring joy and happiness. make friends with other canine owners. — Mayo Clinic News Network
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THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald: Friday, May 28, 2021 – 3
Take steps to protect your pet from summer heat
Warm weather brings many changes. brick at 135 degrees, blacktop at 140
Warm weather can make travel more degrees, and grass at 102 degrees.
enjoyable and affords people more time Individuals who think a car is safer for
to comfortably enjoy the great outdoors. their dog or cat may be surprised the
It’s best to keep safety in mind when informal study measured 152 degrees on
soaking up the sun. That’s important for seat surfaces.
all members of the family, including Provide extra water
pets. Cats and dogs are as susceptible to
heat-related illnesses as their human It’s likely you will need to fill your
companions. pets’ water bowls more frequently in
warm weather than during other times of
Recognize heat stroke the year.
Pets can suffer from heat stroke, Be sure to provide constant access to
according to the American Red Cross. fresh water, even for young puppies who
Certain breeds of dogs are highly suscep- may be learning to house train.
tible, particularly those with short snouts, Avoid cutting fur too short
such as pugs and bulldogs.
Excessive exercise in hot weather, If a veterinarian suggests a hair cut
lack of appropriate shelter outdoors and may be beneficial for keeping a pet cool
leaving a dog in a hot car may precipitate or comfortable, resist the urge to shave
an episode of heat stroke. down to the skin.
It’s important to get the pet out of Having at least one inch of fur will
direct heat right away and check for protect the pet from sunburn.
signs of shock, which include seizures, a Outdoor hazards
body temperature of 104 degrees or Warm weather may bring out a high
higher, stupor, increased heart rate, or number of insects and wildlife. Use a
excessive panting. flea and tick preventative product and
Placing water-soaked towels on the medication to protect against heartworm,
pet’s feet, head, neck, and abdomen can which is transmitted through mosqui-
bring down its temperature. toes.
Be cautious of hot surfaces Snakes, skunks, raccoons, foxes, and
Humans wear shoes on their feet for other animals may be roaming around,
protection, but pets do not have that and a scuffle with your pet can result in
luxury. Think about how hot your feet injury.
can feel when you scurry barefoot across
hot sand en route to the shoreline or to
cross a deck to get to the pool.
When the sun beats down on surfaces, Pets need extra care during
those surface temperatures rise quickly.
According to a study by Liberty Home the warm weather to avoid
and Pet Services, at peak afternoon sun damage and sickness from
and an ambient temperature of 95 degrees the sun, heat and more.
in southern Florida, the temperature of
cement was measured at 125 degrees, red
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4 – THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald: Friday, May 28, 2021
Lesson No. 1: Cat Does Not Equal Dog
Addition of cat brings ‘attitude adjustments’
By CINDI POWER
Special sections editor
I have always been a big fan of the
dog. As a child and into adulthood, my
furry friends had always been of the
canine species.
This changed several years ago when
I adopted a cat from a co-worker who
was moving out of state and couldn’t
take along his 5-year-old ball of feline
fur.
While the “adoption” was a gradual
thing (the plan was for me to keep the
cat for just a year while my friend got
settled into his new place), the love was
instantaneous — on my part, that is.
And that’s probably a good thing, or
Griffy (whose real name was Griffin
Andrew, which was used only in times
when disciplinary action was needed)
would have found his bags packed and
sitting outside his covered litter box a
hundred times or more.
Besides the whole going-to-the-bath-
room-indoors thing, having a cat in the
house changed things quite a bit for all
of us in the house. My husband had
been a cat owner in a previous life, so
he knew what to expect. But our 7-year- Oakley, a Labrador mixed breed with a heart of gold, was excited to welcome a new cat to his family in
old black Lab mix, Oakley, was in for a this photo from 2007. Oakley’s attempts at hospitality were not received well by his cat-brother, Griffin,
big surprise, as was his “Mommy.” who prefered to hang out under the couch rather than come out and play with his 90-pound sibling.
Oakley quickly discovered the best
way to welcome Griffy to our happy The cat found his only means of the couch where no dog or human arm what I thought was a rather toothy
home was to run from room to room, security was in forming his body into a could reach. “grin.”
trying to catch the poor thing. ball and situating himself WAY under I think Grif spent his first three I did what any new mother would do:
months with us under that couch. I dropped him like a hot potato!
My husband kept telling me that, in As time passed, we found ways to
time, Griffin would venture out and make things work better for all of us.
start staking his claim. Griffy and I both underwent some atti-
But the days turned into weeks, and tude adjustments, and I learned that we
while Oakley continued to enjoy his were never going to have that special
reign on the furniture, Griffin seemed lovey-dovey thing going on between us
to prefer the safety of being under- that Oakley and I shared.
neath it. As soon as Griffin joined our family,
The first time I managed to pick Oakley learned two very important
Griffin up and hold him like a mother words in English, “No Chase!” He was
should, I was rewarded with claws dig- such a good boy.
ging into my stomach and the strangest
sound I’ve ever heard coming from See LESSONS, Page 5
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THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald: Friday, May 28, 2021 – 5
M
Lessons
Continued from Page 4
He’s been gone now for eight years,
but in my opinion, Oakley was the best
dog in history of the world.
He was loved so much by so many,
and rightfully so. He taught me so much
about how to love and how to make life
beautiful for others. But because of his
exuberance in pleasing his people, my
dear Oakley taught me very little in
regard to living happily with a cat.
A good Milkbone went a long way
with the Oakster. The only thing better
than the crunchy treat was a chance to
ride in the car!
I think he could understand us when It is understandable why Griffin
my husband and I spelled out the word, didn’t appreciate getting dressed
R-I-D-E.
What Griffin Andrew lacked in ‘the warm fuzzies” he made up for in up. The tie is obviously a bit tight
Of course he understood us! His goal
in life, after all, was to make us happy. his majestic beauty. His motto in life: Look but don’t touch! around his chubby chin.
There was nothing more important to our hearts for 13 years before he died When that beautiful Russian Blue content with that understanding. I loved
my Beautiful Black Boy (one of many last fall. first entered our home and I was all Griffin. And, despite our rocky intro-
nicknames for Oakley) than to under- There were a few precious moments caught up in preparing my life for the duction to each other, in time I realized
stand me and to want to do every single when Grif — the original Grumpy Cat! adventures of feline affection, my hus- that I had become his person (there real-
thing I told him to do and to go along — chose to love me in his own way. He band gave me some sage advice: Don’t ly isn’t a higher compliment than that
with every “good idea” I came up with. didn’t really purr for anyone else. That think for one second that a cat is any- from a cat like Griffin).
For instance, he LOVED to get all gus- was my gift from him when he decided thing like a dog. Our two current kitties prefer being
sied up and go to a luau in the living to give it. Most of the time, we lived Those words rang true most every outdoors over resting in my lap. I won’t
room with our granddaughter. together with the clear understanding day of our 13 years with Griffin. lie and say this is OK with me. I’ll just
Not so much with Griffy. that he was the boss. Somewhere along the line, I became say that I’m still learning Griffy’s lessons.
The dressing-up thing did not go well Several other cats and dogs have
with him. taken up residence at the Power barn
At all. over the years, and they each have
His deep desire for anything that taught me something about life and
came out of the treat cupboard in my love, but I learned the most from my
kitchen is probably the only thing Griffy. I learned that love doesn’t
Griffin had in common with his brother- always look the same as I have experi-
dog. enced it before — but that doesn’t
We had Griffin in our home and in cheapen it by even one iota.
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6 – THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald: Friday, May 28, 2021
Knowing facts about felines can help them fit in at home
Shelters often are the first stop for be tempted by sweet treats. Stick to Declawing cats is illegal in at least
people who want to become pet parents. savory options. Unlike dogs, cats do not 22 countries, but not the United States.
The ASPCA says around 6.5 million have taste receptors for sweet flavors. Cats scratch at items, so they’ll need
companion animals enter shelters each Lions may be kings of the jungle, scratching posts and other outlets for this
year, and 3.2 million of them are cats. but domesticated cats are kings among behavior.
Although shelters do their best to get pets. They often beat out dogs as the Cats will rub against people not
these animals into new, loving homes, most popular pet in North America. only to be affectionate but also to mark
the Humane Society of the United States Cats are very good at hearing out territory with scent glands around
says roughly three million cats and dogs sounds and their eyesight is exceptional their faces.
are euthanized in shelters each year. as well. Cats have 32 ear muscles that However, they have something called a Cat litters can be between one and
Sadly, 80 percent of those animals are allow for “directional hearing.” “righting reflex.” The eyes and balance nine kittens, so it is important to neuter
healthy, treatable and adoptable. Comparatively, humans only have six organs in the inner ear tell cats where them to prevent overpopulation.
Learning what makes cats tick and ear muscles. Cats also can rotate their they are in space so they can land on Cats can often jump up to five
their particular needs can help prospec- ears 180 degrees. their feet. This is what helps them sur- times as high as their own heights.
tive pet parents decide if cats are right Developmentally speaking, the first vive falls — some from more than 32 Even though cats have been depict-
for them. It also helps to identify feline year of a cat’s life is equal to the first 15 stories high. ed as drinking milk, dairy can give them
behaviors that can be problematic or may years of a human’s. After its second year, The meow sound is not something an upset stomach and gas. Provide water
require correction when cats come into a a cat is the equivalent of 25 in human cats innately produce to interact with instead.
home. years. other cats. Rather, cats began to meow to Research shows that cats know and
The following are some facts about Domesticated cats can spend about communicate with humans. recognize their names, but often they do
cats, courtesy of MSN, Fact Retriever 70 percent of the day sleeping. Another Spayed and neutered cats live longer not come when called. This is a dismis-
and Purina food company. 15 percent is spent grooming. than non-fixed cats, likely because they sive move and not because cats do not
Food-motivated cats likely will not Cats do not have nine lives. do not get lost or injured trying to mate. recognize when they’re being called.
~Benjie~ ~Rasputin~
4/13/2021 ~Scrat, Cuda & Ripley~
4/27/2021
1/12/2021, 2/05/2021, 10/27/2017
Our loving companion The biggest barker
shared our lives I loved you your whole life.
of Third Ward and
and our hearts. I’ll miss you for the rest of mine.
best friend of Iva and
Weasel.
Forever missed by Sadly missed,
Tom & Terry Shelly & Tony
THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald: Friday, May 28, 2021 – 7
~Abby~ ~Andy~ ~Benjie~ ~Brandy~ ~Foxy Lady~
3/16/2021 1/19/2021 4/13/2021 5/21/2020 9/27/2020
You crossed the Rainbow We miss you everyday! Terry had a little dog. Our best friend, always You are greatly missed.
Bridge. My heart is Everywhere that Terry there waiting for us! Love you to the moon
broken. Missing you Love, Sam, Jenn, Zach, went, Benjie was sure to Best 15 years ever. and back.
terribly. Adrienne, and Winston follow. ♥
Lynn
Love, Furmama Bea
~Heidi~ ~Hershey~ ~Hugh~ ~Annie & Andy~
2/21/2021 3/31/2021 9/28/2020 2/12/2020
She loved everyone. Golf No longer by our side, We miss you everyday. Always together, you left
cart and car companion. but forever in our hearts. for heaven together.
Great listener. Love, Mom, Dad &
Butler Forever missed, Mom,
Missed by the Dad & Cara
Delaney Family
8 – THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald: Friday, May 28, 2021
Certain strategies will help keep pets from wandering off
Wandering is a common complaint among pet par- Certain systems use an audible correction on the col-
ents. lar, while others may employ a static correction that is
The urge to wander is inherent to many animals. startling but not harmful.
Cats, dogs and animals in the wild naturally wander to
claim new territory, find greater comfort and even seek Spaying and neutering
out mates.
However, companion animals that wander can land Curtail wandering to find a mate by having pets
themselves in hot water. spayed and neutered.
Some may scuffle with feral animals, while others This will greatly reduce the urge to roam and also
may be permanently lost or suffer severe injuries. may cut down on other nuisance behaviors such as
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty urine marking or baying.
to Animals surveyed 1,015 households that had cared Generally, vets recommend desexing animals before
for a dog or cat within the past five years. they are able to breed, which also reduces overpopula-
Fifteen percent of participants had lost a dog or cat tion.
in the past five years. Designate a safe room
Pet owners can employ various strategies to keep Pets may attempt to escape when they hear loud
their pets safe at home. Companion animals that are prone to wan- noises or become confused.
Fencing dering can find themselves in trouble. Pet This may occur during a house party, when fire-
Physical fences can provide barriers from egress, but owners can follow some strategies to help works are going off or even during severe thunder-
they aren’t foolproof. keep their pets safe from harm. storms.
Some pets can get under or over fences, which During storms or celebrations, keep a skittish pet
means additional precautions may be needed. Wireless pet containment system in a dark, quiet room with comforting bedding and
Pet owners can try burying chicken wire under the Wireless systems use sensors on pet collars that are toys.
ground at the base of the fence or install a tall or triggered when pets breach the perimeter barrier set on These strategies can reduce instances of pets wan-
smooth-faced fence that cannot be jumped or scaled. the fences. dering away from home.
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THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald: Friday, May 28, 2021 – 9
Thinking of getting a second dog? Be ready for some differences
CHICAGO (AP) — Roxy is one of The right match
those dogs who makes everything easy: Although it might seem logical to
“She’s just all love, very little mainte- bring your current pet to a shelter or
nance,” Cameron Gearan says of her breeder to meet a prospective new friend,
laid-back lab mix. “She never gets sick. a dog’s behavior in a place crowded with
She doesn’t bark.” other animals might not reflect what life
When Gearen decided to bring a sec- would be like at home. And taking your
ond dog into her Chicago home, she
figured the new addition would offer dog to a dog park for the first time to
more of the same. She soon discovered, assess their experience with other dogs
however, that “you can’t get that dog also might not yield accurate informa-
twice, actually. That’s not going to hap- tion.
pen.” Most important is really talking with
Her new dog, Zack, required much the shelter staff or breeder about the right
more time, effort and expense than Roxy pet for your home. “Ask a lot of ques-
ever had. Though he’s now happily accli- tions about the pet’s interaction with
mated, Gearen says she struggled through other animals,” McDevitt says. How
moments when she wondered if this new much have they been around other pets,
arrangement could possibly work. and have those experiences gone well?
That’s a common experience. If you’ve found a possible candidate,
“We sometimes have expectations of Two dogs can mean twice the work when they need a bath. But add- Croney suggests introducing the dogs on
pet No. 2 that are colored by our experi- ing a second pup can also bring twice the love and joy to a home. leashes on a walk, so they can meet in a
ence with pet No. 1,” says Candace neutral space. Ideally, have them interact
tomed to being on its own is suddenly “there is always at least one biting inci- on walks on a few different days to see
Croney, an animal behaviorist and direc- paired with an animal of a different age dent where the older dog establishes
tor of Purdue University’s Center for how they get along.
or temperament. dominance. It’s happened every single Be sure the new pet is healthy to
Animal Welfare Science. “And it’s not Some tips if you’re considering get- time, but is never serious.”
necessarily fair to either of them.” ting a second dog: avoid any health risk to the other ani-
Especially when a pet is getting older, What age is best? mal.
bringing in a second animal can seem Consider the commitment People often opt for a puppy or kitten, Lastly, don’t assume the new pet will
like a natural thing to do. Owners may It takes time, effort and money to add and that can work. Older dogs “can do be able to handle the same routine as
hope a puppy can give the older pet an another pet to your home. well with a young puppy,” McDevitt your current pet. Some dogs, like
infusion of exercise and energy. They “That puppy phase, it’s so time-inten- says, “but sometimes it can be a little bit Gearen’s Zack, can’t tolerate being at a
may also hope the presence of another sive,” says Lauren McDevitt, co-founder of a nuisance to them.” “doggie daycare,” for instance. Animals
pet will soften the blow when they even- of the pet placement service Good Dog. Croney agrees: “Many of these older have their own personalities, habits and
tually lose the older one. “So you need to think about whether pets just want to rest and relax” and feelings, just like children, Gearan says.
Brette Sember has had good luck add- you’re able to dedicate that time.” might be happier if their new playmate Despite the challenges, she says add-
ing a new golden retriever puppy to her And even if you’re adding an older were closer to their age. ing her second pet turned out to be a
home each time her older golden retriev- pet, it takes time: Introduce the pets You may be hesitant to adopt an older wonderful choice.
er has reached its final years. slowly by keeping them mainly in sepa- animal, especially if you’re already fac- “It was a learning experience and an
“It’s always gone smoothly,” says rate spaces during the first days or even ing medical issues or concerns over los- expensive one,” Gearen says. “Now Zack
Sember, who lives in upstate New York. weeks. ing your current pet, she says. “But older is this incredible source of love in our
“There’s an adjustment period where “I tend to give a it a few weeks,” pets can be so wonderful and, frankly, family and none of us can imagine if he
they figure out dominance and become Croney says. “Most people don’t tend to are somewhat less work.” wasn’t here.”
friends. The hardest part is the house- have the patience to do that. But it’s
training, and policing the chewing the much better to go slow and set things up
new puppy does.” to succeed rather than having to course
But for many pet owners and pets, the correct.”
process can be challenging. The cheerful Be patient with yourself and the pets
bonding they’d hoped for between two on difficult days. As she incorporates a
pets might not happen when a dog accus- new puppy into her home, Sember says,
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10 – THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald: Friday, May 28, 2021
Pet owners need to find trustworthy pet sitters
Welcoming a pet of any kind into a How long pets can remain at home room breaks and feedings, says the
home can be a lesson in love as well as alone depends on the pet, its age and its Animal Humane Society.
one in responsibility. overall health. Adult dogs may be able to “hold it”
Pet owners must take various steps to For example, an aquarium full of for 10 to 12 hours, but young puppies
ensure the safety and well-being of a fish may be able to thrive for a week and elderly dogs likely need more fre-
companion animal, and that includes with the assistance of an automatic quent breaks outside.
providing for that animal while on vaca- feeder. Feeding and cleaning up pet waste is
tion. Dogs, however, will need daily bath- not the only consideration. Some ani-
mals require much more socialization
than others.
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YOUR YARD, GARDEN, AND PET PLACE www.cranberrymall.comTHE DERRICK. / The News-Herald: Friday, May 28, 2021 – 11
Special equipment helps people care for reptiles
NEW YORK (AP) — Reptiles are Further cautions
easier to keep than ever, with special Rothacker says that one of the top
equipment available in almost any pet reasons people surrender reptiles is that
store. This ease of entry, however, means they’ve gotten too big. The iguana is a
that beginners can end up in over their common example.
head. “It goes from needing a tank to need-
There are species that provide a ing its own bedroom,” he says.
rewarding introduction to these fascinat- Iguanas also can be aggressive and
ing creatures. There are others to steer can hurt you, and not just with their
away from. strong bite. “They have not only very
Here’s a primer: large talons, but also a ridge going down
Lizards their back that is like a serrated knife on
The leopard gecko is a cute little liz- their tail that can cut right down to the
ard that’s easy to care for. These desert bone,” says Keller.
natives don’t need extra humidity except Most people have the sense not to get
when shedding, but also don’t need the truly giant snakes, but Rothacker
much extra heat; just provide a heated says red-tailed boas are commonly sur-
basking area. rendered because they’ve gotten too
Leopard geckos eat live insects that large: about 12 inches when you get one,
are readily available, such as crickets, Keller. “There are no vegetarian Keller only recommends tortoises for it’ll grow to 8 or 12 feet.
mealworms and waxworms. “Pretty snakes.” warm climates where they can live year-
much any pet store is going to have You can buy frozen mice at a pet round outside. Rothacker is a little less Quality care
those,” says Bonnie Keller, who has over store. Thaw them in a cup of warm water strict, but agrees they need to spend a lot Before getting a reptile, make sure
19 years’ experience in pet reptile res- — snakes prefer their food warm — and of time outdoors. you have a vet in your area that treats
cue. you’re ready to go. Many tortoises also get way too big. them. Keller says the care sheets at the
You won’t need the special UVB light That baby sulcata tortoise may be the big pet stores are generally of good qual-
bulbs that many species require. “Leopard
Turtles and tortoises size of a golf ball, but it’s the third larg- ity now, but you’ll get excellent advice if
geckos are nocturnal, so don’t need syn- Even the reptile-wary tend to like est tortoise species in the world. “They you adopt from a rescue group.
thetic sunlight,” says Jesse Rothacker. turtles, but Keller is blunt: “They’re cute can actually dig under the foundation of In addition to temperature, humidity
His rescue, Forgotten Friend Reptile and they have a lot of personality, but your home,” says Keller. “If you keep and lighting requirements, remember that
Sanctuary, often takes in animals that are they’re a terrible pet.” them inside, they can go right through reptiles have behavioral needs too. Provide
unhealthy due to improper lighting, so Water turtles need a large tank with drywall.” an appropriate habitat with opportunities
it’s good to start with a species where good filtering and frequent water chang- If you’re determined, consider a to move and explore. Leopard geckos
that’s not an issue. es. Avoid red-eared sliders, which are Greek, Mediterranean or Russian tor- need hide boxes, and you can buy a kind
Finally, leopard geckos are captive sold inexpensively as babies — and fre- toise. “It may still live 100 years but at of sticky sand that will allow them to dig
bred. Avoid buying wild caught reptiles quently get dumped on rescues. least it’s going to be an appropriate size,” their own burrows. Corn snakes like to
both for conservation reasons and “It’s not a bad pet if you understand says Rothacker. However, it can be hard climb, so they benefit from vertical space
because they’re less likely to have dis- that you need to spend a thousand dollars to find one that isn’t wild-caught. Avoid and branches.
eases and parasites. for the setup — the tank, the lights, the our native box turtles — they will also And remember to change it up once in
filters,” Rothacker says. “And they’re likely be taken out of the wild, and are a a while to keep reptiles exploring their
Snakes not going to stay the size of a quarter — protected species. surroundings.
Corn snakes are great for beginners. they’re going to be the size of a dinner
Native to the U.S., they’re suited to our
environment.
plate, they swim in their own toilet, and
they’re going to live 50-plus years.” COCHRANTON VETERINARY HOSPITAL
“It’s a very hardy snake, and it’s a OK, maybe not.
AAHA Dr. Larry Spencer • Dr. Lynn Cartee
snake that’s friendly for handling,” says So how about a tortoise? They’re
Rothacker. complicated, too. They need strong UVB
Widely bred for the pet trade, they
come in a range of colors. “If you want a
light, which is tricky to provide indoors.
Without it, says Keller, “their shells
Dr. Margaret Mamula
pink snake, you can get a pink corn grow in strange shapes, their nervous AMERICAN Horses & Small Animals
snake,” says Keller. system does not function properly. It ANIMAL
Feeding is easy, if you can get over takes years to see the effect, but by the HOSPITAL Office Hours by Appointment
the ick factor: Snakes need to eat whole time you’ve noticed it you’ve signifi- ASSOCIATION Member of American Animal Hospital Association
prey. This is non-negotiable. cantly shortened the lifespan of your
“There is no Purina snake chow,” says pet.” 425-8311 • 33124 US Hwy Rt. 322 Cochranton
INTERNATIONAL
WAXES, INC.
1007 East Spring St.,Titusville, Pennsylvania
CALL CLIFF HEBERT AT 814-853-2603 U.S.A. 1635412 – THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald: Friday, May 28, 2021
UCIP is accepting applications for
UCIP Full-Time Direct Service
Professionals in our
IS NOW HIRING!! Residential Programs.
UCIP provides services and care to individuals with These positions may require evening
developmental disabilities. We provide services in and weekend availability depending
Clarion, Crawford and Venango Counties. If you on the shift.
are compassionate, organized, reliable, You will be providing support to individuals
professional and want to make a difference with developmental disabilities in a group home
in someone’s life, contact us today! and community setting.
Why UCI P?
- Starting Wage of $13.00 per hour
- Fully paid health insurance, vision insurance, and
dental insurance for all full-time positions after 90 days
- Matching retirement plan
- Excellent paid time off after 90 days
- Paid holidays - Paid training
Applicants should be motivated and reliable with a solid work history; must
pass a pre-employment drug screening and medical examination; have
favorable ACT 33 and 34 clearances; and a valid driver’s
license with a receipt of a satisfactory driving record.
Please apply in person at the UCIP location nearest to you.
Locations are:
e ople S upporting Quality of Li
Clarion County Office in g P f e f or
11289 Route 322 • Shippenville, PA Car Al l
Crawford County Office
18282 Technology Drive, Suite 202 • Meadville, PA
Venango County Office
33 Seneca Street • Oil City, PA
United Community Independence Programs
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