Nothing is more fun than a full-figured, roly-poly, little kid.  But that’s baby fat, hopefully.  And how cute is a pudgy little Bassett or Beagle mix who appears to have super short legs because his belly droops so low and his shoulder mass sags?  Or, better yet, that tubby tabby who can perch on her plump derrier and lick her belly? (If you’re eager to witness this sight, inquire about Helena at our center.)  But just because we live in the most obese nation on the planet doesn’t mean our animals should have to suffer.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying send all the obese cats and dogs to a four-legged fat camp. Even if there is such a place, I’m sure there are more obese pets in America than any one facility could handle.  And by no means do animals sit around and measure themselves against a lean, trim, healthy canine or feline standard. If Clearly I have nothing against pudgy Poodles or a super-sized Siamese, nor do any of us at the Richmond SPCA. We love them all!

We promote all cats and dogs – large and small, mutt and purebred, black, white, brown, calico, blue-merle, gray, three legged or four, tailless or not.  However, when an animal finds a home after being worked with for so long to lose those “precious pounds” we do encourage the new family to, for the animals’ sake, help him continue to lose weight.  Consider this when you come to visit our shelter and decide to adopt a dog like Morris – a long-time resident and large-bellied Lab – animals, like people, are affected by obesity.  It affects them internally and externally, and in the end, it can be a big problem for the owner and the animal (and who wants problems?).  So when you visit us, adopt a pudgy pet, and go home to snuggle and love her, take a picture, then take away the snacks, and get that overweight pooch or kitty on a fit-n-trim diet mixed with exercise.  It’ll do you both some good.  Thanks for adopting!

Today’s blog author is Patrick Hawkins. Pat is the adoption center coordinator at the Richmond SPCA.

While standing across the surgery table yesterday from one of the many veterinary students who complete internships at the Richmond SPCA, I had one of those light bulb, aha moments.  I think they existed long before Oprah gave them a name, but I look for them more frequently than I used to.  This latest light bulb moment was the realization that a power larger than we are puts us where we need to be at certain points in our lives.

I realized while performing that cat spay in our clinic that at some point along the way, I’ve acquired a higher level of patience.  You see, after personally completing somewhere around 30,000+ surgeries over the course of my veterinary career, I can spay a cat in a very short period of time – in about three minutes – but working with our intern, we would spend about 30 minutes on this single spay procedure. (We can complete surgeries in a very short period of time because we operate a clinic that specializes in high volume – we are an exceptionally well-oiled machine of vets, vet techs, and vet assistants who have the utmost in professional care for the animals we serve). 

A group of chance circumstances, a few missed opportunities and some well-placed second tries have brought me to where I am today – giving me a second veterinary career with a new focus.

I have the patience I have in my forties that I did not have in my twenties because of the children I was blessed with in my thirties.

I have the opportunity to teach what I know about veterinary medicine today because I was too busy with my own life, career and profit margin to mentor the new graduate that worked for me when I first started my own practice.

I am at the Richmond SPCA because of a chance encounter with a fax machine and a Sharpie – yes I could be one of their “Write Out Loud” commercials.

And I always knew that there was more to life than the pursuit of money.  Do not get me wrong, I live a very comfortable life, but I also was fortunate enough after working hard to make a few good financial decisions.  I also believe that we live a life of excess a lot of the time.  So now I get the second chance of doing what I love with employees, volunteers, directors, adopters and clients that fill the void of the clients that I loved but left in private practice.  My clients adored their pets but I could not find the happy medium between helping them and the pursuit of that dollar.  Now I work on any given day with over 400 animals and a group of people so passionate that it is contagious.

Thank you to the powers that be for putting me where I am at the exact time I needed to be here and with the maturity and understanding to appreciate it.

Today’s blog was written by Dr. Angela Ivey, director of veterinary medicine at the Richmond SPCA. Dr. Ivey spent many years in private veterinary practice before joining the medical staff at the Richmond SPCA in 2004.

How was summer?  Nice vacations?  Reflect for a moment on all that time you got to spend out of the office that you call home forty hours a week with your friends, neighbors, kids and spouse.  Now take a few seconds to think about the next nine months!  That’s right, fall is upon us and that means a return to school, work, and a lot more time inside and around the home. 

Well cheer up kids, moms, and dads because the return to school and regular work schedules doesn’t have to be as bad as I just made it out to be!  For adults – parents or otherwise – who want to add a sense of fulfillment and enjoyment to their lives and who don’t want to come home to just bills and take out, we have exactly what you are looking for.  No, it’s not a cure, miracle drug, or free robot from the Jetsons.  It’s a canine companion, a feline friend; it’s an adopted animal from the Richmond SPCA who is just waiting to become a permanent member of your family. 
       
Right now you could complete your home and enhance your everyday life!  We have knowledgeable adoption counselors to help you find the perfect pet for your home and family.  Nothing says “welcome home!” quite like a cat snoozing on your lap or a dog licking your face to let you know you’re in the right place - and so are they. 

Throughout September we will be rewarding students from kindergarten to college for their good grades.  Bring in your or your child’s first quiz or test grade and receive a discounted adoption rate for simply striving scholastically.  Brighten up multiple lives this fall and pay our pets a visit at our Robins-Starr Humane Center.

Today’s blog author is Patrick Hawkins. Pat is the adoption center coordinator at the Richmond SPCA.

Dogs are not born understanding English, and humans, with the exception of Lassie’s family, are not born understanding dog. However, we can come to a common understanding of some terms with appropriate training and practice.

Many of us train our dogs daily. We train them to understand that reaching for the leash means we’re going for a walk. We train them to know that opening the cupboard means dinner is about to be served. We teach them that sitting on the sofa means lap time. The key method we use to train these terms is consistent, rewarding repetition. People are naturally very skilled trainers.

Unfortunately, many of us fail to use the same method when training more helpful skills such as sitting when people approach, staying inside when the door is opened, or coming when called. Instead of showing our dogs what we would like them to do, we get excited, flail our arms and raise our voices when they don’t do what we like. I can’t imagine how unintelligent we would be if this is how our public education system worked. Yet we expect our dogs to understand something after a few successful attempts, and we get upset if they make a mistake. Learning almost never happens in a straight line for people or animals. Dogs will make mistakes. Our responsibility as their educators is to ensure frequent, successful, rewardable behaviors. Frequent mistakes may indicate that you have not yet found a successful way to communicate what you want – not what you don’t want. If you find your dog responds only infrequently to your requests, talk with a reward-based trainer.

Sounding out words repeatedly and more loudly does not make your point any clearer than it would for anyone else who doesn’t speak English.

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the manager of admissions and behavior services at the Richmond SPCA. Call the Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-SPCA.

Many customers will walk into the adoption center already knowing what kind of pet they’d like to get. As a result, I see people going past dogs’ runs without giving some of them a second look. It could be because the dog is larger than the customer wants; he or she might have a different breed mix in mind; it might even be because of the dog’s age or his energy level. But did you know that there are many wonderful pets here who are sometimes passed over, through no fault of their own? Simply because of the coloring of their coats; all black pets often go unnoticed.

        That’s right – it seems to take the public much more time to look at all-black dogs and cats than animals with other colorings. No one has an explanation for why it happens, but almost every animal shelter sees the phenomenon. Shelter managers have to come up with ways to counteract this problem. Many humane societies have come up with promotions to raise the dogs’ visibility. Recently I heard of another humane society that advertised half-off adoptions of what they referred to as “Big Black Dogs,” or “BBD’s.” Here at the Richmond SPCA, we try to spread out the kennel spaces of our predominantly black dogs, so there’s no possibility that the public will overlook multiple animals.

        The problem caused by this phenomenon is that many dogs and cats will take much longer before someone takes the time to visit with them. I own two black dogs myself: a lab/pit mix and a lab/hound mix. People approach me when I’m walking them to ask me if they’re brother and sister, and I have to break the news to them that not every all-black canine is a Black Lab. It’s clear that this is still a very misunderstood group of pets, especially since many people don’t realize that they are in a group of their own. The next time you come into our center, take a long look at one of our all-black dogs or cats. It might just be the best adoption decision you could ever make.

Today’s blog author is Patrick Hawkins. Pat is the adoption center coordinator at the Richmond SPCA.

There has been a lot of concern in the animal community as of late over the fact that veterinarians are now required in Virginia to report within 45 days of giving a rabies vaccination all of the pertinent information contained in that rabies certificate to the Treasurer of the locality in which they practice.  As of today the law only applies to dogs. In theory, it is to assure that dogs are properly licensed in individual localities.  The concern has been brought up about our right to privacy and the fact that owners of certain breeds may be reluctant to have this information known publicly for fear that certain breeds may be targeted in areas were localities would prefer they not reside.  As an animal owner, you should already be aware of the licensing requirements of the locality in which you choose to reside. Requiring dogs to have city or county tags is by no means a new concept.
My concern as a veterinarian is that the policy may lead certain dog owners to forego vaccinating their pets for rabies at all.  Rabies is a deadly disease of mammals that can be prevented with vaccination protocols. Because of improved rabies vaccination programs for pets and better treatment for people who are bitten, rabies cases among humans in this country are rare.  The best way to prevent the spread of rabies to humans is by keeping pets properly vaccinated.
As of August 11, 2007 the State of Virginia has reported 451 cases of laboratory confirmed rabies in animals.  This number includes dogs and cats as well as wild animals like raccoons, foxes and skunks.  This number is up sixteen percent over the same time last year and I have to wonder about the cases not confirmed by laboratory testing.  I would have to hope that in light of the significant number of cases in our state that pet owners would look past the inconvenience and privacy issues and continue to help prevent this deadly disease by properly vaccinating their animals against rabies

Today’s blog was written by Dr. Angela Ivey, director of veterinary medicine at the Richmond SPCA. Dr. Ivey spent many years in private veterinary practice before joining the medical staff at the Richmond SPCA in 2004.

Doesn’t it surprise you when your sweet, fluffy kitty winds lovingly around your pant leg, purring loudly, then stretches out for a nice long yawn extending at least 8 long, sharp, needle-like claws.  Sometimes it’s hard to believe that the fur ball who snoozes in your lap also comes equipped with such protective gear.  Luckily cats are largely able to take care of their claws on their own, although they’ll need some assistance from you.

The outer layer of a cat’s claws get thick and yellow if not properly maintained by their owner.  That scratching behavior cats perform is not only for exercise it also serves a very functional purpose – it removes the outer dead layers on each claw.  So be sure to provide appropriate scratchable surfaces for your cat.  Each cat may have his or her own surface preference.  Some enjoy scratching wood with bark.  Some prefer wood covered with carpet or sisal.  Still others really tear up cardboard.  Whatever surface you want to provide your kitty should be hard, but not so hard that nails cannot penetrate.  Metal and plastic, for instance, won’t do. 

Once you’ve got your cat on a good scratching regimen, you’ll need to find a way to trim those nails.  Long, “sharpened” nails can tend to unintentionally snag things like carpet, furniture and clothes; which then invites your cat to explore further.  It’s in your best interest, to gather a few nail-clipping implements to find the set that works for you and your cat.  Some find the most convenient tool for trimming nails is human nail clippers.  Set your goal for one nail a day.  Your initial goal may even be just touching one nail each day with the clippers.  If you make it part of their daily feeding, you’ll be less inclined to forget and your cat will get lots of practice.  Your veterinarian may also be able to give you some one-on-one guidance about how to get started.  Most veterinarians are happier to discuss the nail-trimming process with you than the de-clawing option.  De-clawing is a serious step and should be reserved for last resort, desperate situations. 

Contact our Behavior Helpline if you would like to discuss solutions for problems caused by those pointy little parts of your kitty. 

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the manager of the Richmond SPCA’s Behavior Helpline. Call the helpline at 643-SPCA or Marie.

Several of our supporters have written to us this week about an Associated Press article that ran in Sunday’s Washington Post and is featured on CNN.com. On the CNN Web site, the story is headlined “No kill shelters hurtful to animals?” It focuses on San Antonio’s city shelter, which has developed a plan to transition to no kill by 2012. While the story does not include details of the shelter’s plan, it does collect criticisms of the movement from a variety of sources.

One of the common arguments presented in the story states that no-kill shelters fill quickly and that when they stop taking in animals, owners are forced to go to open admissions shelters, which euthanize, or the animal ends up on the street. However, in Richmond and other communities like San Francisco, the statistics have shown otherwise. Both intake and euthanasia are down in the City of Richmond since 1999 (the year the Richmond SPCA’s board of directors adopted the long-range plan that led to our transition to no-kill).

Combined statistics for Richmond Animal Care and Control and the Richmond SPCA:

            11,149 total homeless dogs and cats received

                5,798 or 52% euthanized / 46% live release rate

            7,664 total homeless dogs and cats received

                1,614 or 21% euthanized / 76% live release rate

Total intake is also down communitywide, which includes shelters in the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico. This decrease has occurred as the live release rate has risen significantly.

As Maddie’s Fund President Richard Avanzino is quoted in the article, “It’s not something that you just flip a switch and it happens immediately.”

There are many facets to the no-kill model. The Richmond SPCA was the first to replicate the San Francisco model, and now we have partnered with ASPCA Mission: Orange as a learning laboratory for other communities transitioning to a no-kill model.

The essentials of the Richmond model include an effective public/private partnership to eliminate overlapping services between private and public agencies, pet retention programs to address the problems that lead owners to surrender their pets, humane education to provide information about responsible pet care and ownership, and a high-volume, low-cost spay/neuter initiative. A shelter does not simply decide to stop killing, but by putting effective programs in place to address the underlying problems that led to pet overpopulation, a community can become a place where every life is precious. 

The other concern raised by “animal advocates” interviewed for the article is the practice of “warehousing” more animals than a shelter can care for responsibly. At the Robins-Starr Humane Center, we care for an average of 400 cats and dogs each day, and more than 3,000 pets were adopted into loving homes in 2006. While they are in our care, our staff and volunteers work diligently to provide them with mental stimulation, specialized training, socialization, daily walks and play time in our Track and Training Center. We hope that each pet’s stay with us is as brief as possible before he is adopted into a loving home; however, once we have taken a pet into our center, we are committed to care for him here until he finds the right home. Our facility was designed with the mental and physical well-being of pets in mind. Dog living rooms and catillions provide a less stressful environment while they await that home that is their perfect match.

Additional Information:
Compare statistics from 1999 and 2006
Background information on the Richmond Model
Frequently Asked Questions about the no-kill model

Today’s blog was written by Tabitha Hanes. Tabitha is the community relations manager at the Richmond SPCA. 

In doing research on another topic this week, I came upon the discussion of the fact that we are currently experiencing a veterinary shortage.  There is an acute shortage of large animal veterinarians that is having an impact on our food and farm industries.  There is also a very large stumbling block for high volume spay/neuter facilities and shelters to attract veterinarians who are interested in that amount of surgery and shelter medicine.  Many veterinary schools have added shelter medicine curriculum to their programs.  This was not a tract you could have chosen to specialize in a few years ago, but the supply of veterinarians is still far from meeting the demand in our shelters.  For years humane societies and shelters had to depend on veterinarians donating their time after their regular obligations were met.  We have come a long way but have much farther to go.

Here are some of the current facts I came across.  Most come from the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges which was formed in 1966 and now coordinates the affairs of some 32 colleges, 4,000 faculty, 10,000 veterinary students and 5,000 staff members.

·      The American Veterinary Medical Association has accredited 28 Veterinary Schools in the United States, 4 in Canada and eight in other countries.

·      In 1995 the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) was launched as a central distribution, collection and processing service for applications to the veterinary medical colleges.

·      There are more than 20 veterinary specialties that a student may choose to continue education in following the usual four years of required veterinary curriculum.

·      Graduate veterinarians may work in the fields of private practice, teaching and research, regulatory medicine, public health, military service and diverse fields such as zoologic medicine, aquatic medicine, sports medicine, animal therapy programs, aerospace medicine and of course shelter medicine.

·      Each college or school of veterinary medicine has its own pre-veterinary requirements.  These usually include biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, humanities, language and communication and social sciences.

·      Admission is highly competitive.  The class of 2010 (VMCAS schools only) had over 5,700 applicants averaging 4 applications for each opening.  Women will make up close to 80% of the class.  Over 70% of applicants were between the ages of 20 and 24.

·      The average pre-vet GPA for colleges in the United States was a 3.54 and the average age of first-year students was 24. 

·      First year tuition for resident students at colleges in the United States was $15,600 and $28,800 for non-residents.  On average resident students will spend $37,000 their first year and non-residents over $52,000.

With only 2,500 students graduating each year from veterinary schools there veterinary shortage could be possible.  With a student debt of well over $150,000 after four years of resident tuition and fees, you can see the dilemma they face in seeking a career path that will allow them to meet their financial obligations.  This is a far cry from the $30,000 I incurred for a DVM degree some 20 years ago, but I know that some of what our education trains us for is worth far more than money.

Today’s blog was written by Dr. Angela Ivey, director of veterinary medicine at the Richmond SPCA. Dr. Ivey spent many years in private veterinary practice before joining the medical staff at the Richmond SPCA in 2004.

If you want to be awed, watch a herding dog race across acres of grass to steadily guide livestock back to the person who just released him.  Head down, heart pounding, legs pumping.  He has to get to the sheep before they scatter, then weaving back and forth drive them as a group.  Some dogs will travel over hill and dale to accomplish this task.  That’s exercise.  That’s a workout for any dog.  Lure coursing sight hounds achieve a similar level of exercise chasing a plastic bag on a string as fast as their legs can carry them.  Fetch games or long leash walks are other healthy forms of exercise for a dog.

What is not an effective form of exercise for your dog is attaching her to a 10’ line and anchoring the line in your yard.  She won’t feel her muscles warming.  She won’t leap for joy.  Your dog’s heart rate may not even increase.  Most dogs tied out will eventually understand they are not going anywhere and learn to spend most of their “outside time” lying down.  They’ll even have a difficult time playing with toys since toys will eventually roll or fling out of reach within a few minutes of play time. 

If you have limited space and no fence:

·      Hold onto a 100’ clothes line attached to your dog’s collar, and throw the ball 30’ for her about 20 times.

·      Put your dog on a 4’ leash and take him for a 30 minute walk.

·      Find a nice long tug toy and play ‘get the toy’ for 20 minutes.

·      Get a couple of good friends to stand in a triangle 20’ away from each other and call your dog back and forth – a tasty reward will ensure he comes on the double. 

Unless you want your dog to get exercise barking at passersby, lunging at squirrels, and digging holes, take her off the chain and let her really run in circles – with you.

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the manager of the Richmond SPCA’s Behavior Helpline. Call the helpline at 643-SPCA or Marie.

A recent Associated Press story that was printed in the Richmond Times-Dispatch detailed the service offered by a California company called Flex Petz. Members of this service pay annual fees and monthly membership dues along with daily visit charges to enjoy the temporary companionship of a dog. The company touts their service as a way for people with frenzied schedules and small living quarters to work a dog into a lifestyle that won’t accommodate a full-time pet.

At the Richmond SPCA, we recognize the many benefits that people derive from the companionship of pets. We’ve developed numerous programs, such as Paws for Health, in order to bring that companionship to hospital patients and nursing home residents who are not able to care for a pet full-time.

Flex Petz is planning to expand to new cities, but Richmond is not on the list of new locations. Luckily, Richmonders who are unable to care for a pet full-time, have an even better option for pet companionship, without any fees.  I would suggest volunteering at the Richmond SPCA to get your fix of walking with the dogs or snuggling with our cats. It’s the perfect way to enjoy animal companionship when your dorm or apartment – or your work demands – won’t allow you to commit to a pet. Best of all, if your lifestyle changes, you’ve already made the acquaintance of some wonderful pets, so when you’re ready to make a full-time, lifetime commitment, you’ll likely already know just the right one (or more) to share your life.

If you’d like to learn more about volunteering, visit www.richmondspca.org/volunteer or call 521-1329.

Today’s blog author is Tabitha Hanes. Tabitha is community relations manager at the Richmond SPCA.

When your pet develops a sickness or has a medical emergency, it can become quite expensive, and pet owners should be prepared for such situations.  One way is to develop a great relationship with your veterinarian over time.  You can do this by always following your vet’s recommendations and always fulfilling your financial obligations.  If you do this and unforeseen veterinary bills resulting from a serious medical issue arise, your vet will be more likely to work with you when money is tight.

If money is tight and you face a potentially high veterinary bill, be honest with your vet and talk through creative payment solutions if he or she is willing.  Remember, veterinarians have staff to pay, drugs and equipment to purchase, offices to rent and other bills to cover, and we aren’t, unfortunately, in the position to give extensive vet care without payment.  It’s important to be up front with us so that we can work together to find the best solution for your beloved pet. 

Caring for our companions can be costly, and we need to make sure we have the resources to be there for our pets when they need special care.  We also need to feel comfortable enough with our vet to talk to him or her about payment options.  Having a pet is a lifetime commitment that we make, and we need to make every effort to provide for their care and not neglect that care or surrender them to a shelter when treatment proves too costly.  Having a good relationship with our vet will help ensure that veterinary bills are not financial burdens we cannot bear.

Today’s blog was written by Dr. Angela Ivey, director of veterinary medicine at the Richmond SPCA. Dr. Ivey spent many years in private veterinary practice before joining the medical staff at the Richmond SPCA in 2004.

People frequently inquire about their dogs’ leash behavior, and lately the question has been phrased as, “My dog should not walk ahead of me when she’s on leash, should she?”  They somehow believe their dog’s relationship with them will change if she is walking ahead of them on leash or behind them. 

I have to say that I do not follow that philosophy.  I believe your dog can wander ahead of you on leash or behind you on leash and your relationship will not be dramatically different. 

However, I do believe that a dog literally dragging her owner down the street on leash is an absolutely avoidable but serious accident waiting to happen. Serious injuries can be caused by a dog’s behavior on leash. Darting around on a 6-foot or longer lead doesn’t give your dog better exercise than trotting beside you on a 4-foot leash. A dog acquires a more healthy form of exercise at a steady trot or walk, than she does at a frantic spin. A frantic “tracking” or “sled-pulling” behavior on leash is actually more detrimental than helpful to your dog’s physical and mental health. 

If your dog is walking you instead of walking with you on leash, talk with a reward-based trainer.  At the Richmond SPCA, we offer services and supplies to help improve the pace of your leash walks.  A training consultation can help to determine what equipment and training process would best help you and your dog.  The staff in our Lora Robins Gift Shop are trained to appropriately fit a clip collar, a Martingale collar, a Gentle Leader, a Sense-ation harness, a Top Notch harness, an Easy Walk harness, or a standard harness – all available here in our store. 

Don’t miss out on one of the most enjoyable aspects of living with a dog because you haven’t quite figured out how to walk together.  It could take 2 weeks or a month of regular training to gain 10 years of pleasant walks on leash.  It’s well worth the effort.

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the manager of the Richmond SPCA’s Behavior Helpline. Call the helpline at 643-SPCA or Marie.

How much fun did you have playing by yourself growing up?  No, I’m not including Franklin your imaginary friend; just you.  Now take that amount of fun and subtract toys.  Take that emptiness and put yourself in a new place, not a bad place, just a new one.  Unexplored planes, larger than you’ve ever known with a small group of creatures a larger, different species.  When you adopt a kitten from a litter and bring him home without a sibling or friend of a similar age, this is what one could imagine his experience to be. 

Now think about all the fun you had with friends, even if it was only your little sister or brother who pestered you. Much better, right?  Now think of the last time you saw two kittens playing with one another:  some howling, rolling, jumping, hopping, and swatting. Now that’s a good time!  Not only do kittens get more exercise together, they distract one another from the constant need to be playing with you, not totally, but definitely at four in the morning. 

I adopted two kittens from the Richmond SPCA two years ago, part of my quartet of adopted pets, and you’d think the two, as different as they are, were actually sisters all along. Their mannerisms, their attitudes, all the way down to their play styles all hint toward the same parental combo.  The best part about adopting two at once is that when I did, I saved four lives: the two who went home with me as well as the next two kittens who came into the Richmond SPCA and filled their space while awaiting a good home. 

There are other considerations: overall cost of food, litter, medical bills and the like.  For most people – especially right now when you can take home two for the adoption fee of a single kitten – the benefits, and the fun, far outweigh anything else.  So next time you visit our center and a cute, little, cuddly-wuddly kitten catches your eye, think about the others sharing his habitat and think about how much better it was having a real playmate rather than that imaginary friend.

Today’s blog author is Patrick Hawkins. Pat is the adoption coordinator at the Richmond SPCA. Call the adoption center at 521-1307.

As I started discussing with our blog last Friday, it can be very frustrating and heart breaking to feel the need to make medical decisions based on financial restraints.  No one but you can decide what you can afford for your pets, and it goes without saying that the time to have a discussion with your veterinarian about payment options is before you are standing across the examination table with an emergency and no money.  So let’s cover some of the options you may have and how to talk to the clinic staff about your concerns.

•      On your very first visit to a new office find out what forms of payment they accept.  Most clinics accept cash, check and all major credit cards.  Many clinics’ check-in forms ask for your preferred form of payment. (This is not the best place to write “none.” )

•      Know before you make your first visit what the cost is for an office visit.  Tell the receptionist that you would like to know what to expect and to be prepared.  If it is already more than you can afford, then feel free to call around, since that is a good service to comparison shop.  Also know that the office visit fee usually covers no other services.

•      Once you are at the hospital, you should never feel bad about requesting a full estimate for the services that the veterinary staff is recommending for your pet.  Clinics are very used to this and for lengthy procedures and treatments may actually require you to sign an estimate to be sure you know the cost up front.  Also be prepared to leave a deposit if you are a new client.

•      If the recommended procedures are more than you can afford, do not feel bad about asking for alternative treatments.  Many times there may be less costly things that could be tried first, with the understanding that if you do not get the desired results, you may still need to proceed with the original recommendations.

•      Also there is the option at many clinics (even my dentist’s office) of CareCredit.  You can look at their web site at www.carecredit.com and search for your existing veterinarian or look for clinics where the card is accepted.  They even have a no-interest option, and once you qualify you can use the card at the offices of different professionals and fields, such as your veterinarian or dentist.  Be aware that you have to have good credit to qualify and the best time to get it is before you actually need it.  It will not cost you to have it until you actually use it.

•      Another option for expensive veterinary care is to have had the foresight to acquire veterinary insurance before you actually needed it.  There are several companies that offer it.  You usually pay for services up front and are reimbursed by the insurance company for covered expenses.  They cover preventive medicine as well as emergencies.  They do have premiums, co-pays and exclusions but you can look at all of these on their web sites.  Two sites to check out are www.petsbest.com and www.petinsurance.com, but there are others, and we do not endorse any certain company.

Please understand that we as veterinarians want no more than you to feel the pressure of trying to pay for a procedure that you cannot afford.  Veterinary medicine has become very advanced and there are treatments that we could never have dreamed about for pets even ten years ago.  But all of these advances come with very big costs.  Years ago we may have splinted a fracture on the leg of a puppy for $100 or so. Today the treatment of choice would be internal fixation, done by an orthopedic specialist, with the cost now well over $1000, including the pain medications and after care options that we can offer.  None of this discussion is to say that we are not in a better place in regards to the care we can offer our pets.  As more and more pet owners want only the best for their animals, at any cost, veterinarians have filled the void by becoming specialized in every aspect of our field.  There are still clients who may only be able to put the splint on that puppy’s leg, and we need to be sure that everyone can get the best care that they can afford.       

Today’s blog was written by Dr. Angela Ivey, director of veterinary medicine at the Richmond SPCA. Dr. Ivey spent many years in private veterinary practice before joining the medical staff at the Richmond SPCA in 2004.

Unless you are living in Katmandu, you have read and heard a great deal about the Michael Vick indictment for dogfighting which was issued by a federal grand jury on Tuesday.  Vick and three others will be arraigned and tried on federal charges in the United States District Court in Richmond in coming months.  While the trials of Vick and the others named in the indictment have yet to unfold, it is possible that Vick will soon be trading in his football jersey for an orange jumpsuit.  If the horrific allegations prove to be true, no punishment could ever be adequate in my view.  The specific allegations regarding Vick’s personal participation in the gruesome and barbaric killing of under-performing dogs was enough to churn any decent person’s stomach for days.

The seriousness of the Justice Department in investigating and pursuing this matter is gratifying and reflects a change that seems to be occurring in the attitude of the public toward animal fighting.  Whereas it used to be largely ignored by the public and, accordingly, by their elected representatives, prosecutors and judges, animal fighting is now being recognized increasingly as a sadistic money-making activity of gangs and organized crime and an erosion of our society’s sense of compassion and decency.

It is clear, however, that the local prosecutor, Gerald Poindexter, and sheriff, Harold Brown, continue to treat the matter with a yawn and a shrug.  Their recent statements of their great surprise at the specific allegations contained in the indictment would be amusing were they not so deeply disappointing.  There are felony charges that prosecutor can and should be bringing under Virginia law against Vick and his cohorts but he continues to manufacture excuses for not doing so.  It is amazing that the swiftness and aggression of the federal authorities in pursuing this matter has not humiliated the Surry County authorities but they continue to appear to be more concerned with the protection of their local celebrity than with carrying out their sworn duties. 

If you would like to urge Gerald Poindexter, the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Surry County, to bring felony charges against Vick and his cohorts for their depraved activities, please e-mail him at . 

Today’s blog author is Robin Robertson Starr, chief executive officer of the Richmond SPCA.

Wandering puppies

Kittens without mothers

Dogs without an ID tag

We’ve probably all seen them, and we become more concerned for their safety in the heat of the summer.  Here’s an important tip to keep in mind when approaching stray animals:  The behavior of a stranded pet may change dramatically when he or she is confined to your property. 

My intent is not to dissuade you from approaching stray animals.  On the contrary, please do approach with caution, if you feel you can help.  If you feel you cannot approach, you can always contact city or county animal control to alert them.  Do keep in mind, though, if you decide to intervene, that the sheepish, hungry kitty you find under your shed may turn into quite the active young hooligan given a few good meals and a house to run around in.  Oftentimes pets-on-the-run are not used to living a well-structured, indoor lifestyle.  Even though a stray dog sports a fashionable collar, he may feel restricted by a fenced yard and howl, dig or jump the fence. 

If you bring a stray pet into your vehicle or into your home, be sure to at least notify the city or county animal control agency that you have found a lost animal.  Then prepare yourself and your foundling for a safe stay while you attempt to locate the pet’s owner(s).  Find a small room, or better yet, a crate in which to house the pet until you have a better idea of his behavior.  Make sure the room is free of any valuable items – that includes bedspreads and bathmats.  Some stranded dogs have been known to panic and chew or dig solid wood doors once they realize they are confined. 

We at the Richmond SPCA applaud anyone’s efforts to re-unite a stray pet with his family.  We also realize that everyone’s abilities are not the same.  Do establish a back-up plan early in case you find yourself with more than you can handle.  And feel free to contact us for advice if you need some help making a decision about the best path to take with a found pet. Please view our stray FAQ page here, or call our Admissions Department at 521-1306.

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the manager of the Richmond SPCA’s Behavior Helpline. Call the helpline at 643-SPCA or Marie.

Adopting a homeless animal is the best way to find that family friend and make better a living creature’s life as well as your own.  Walking into the Richmond SPCA, it doesn’t take long for the feeling to hit you.  Six steps in and surprise slides over you with a fresh, clean-air smell unexpected in most shelters.  As you make your way through the open sliding doors, the sound of cats and kittens meowing and purring rolls throughout the lobby, creating an odd, obligatory feeling that you yourself should be doing the same – before you are snapped back to human-hood by the staggered barking of dogs excited to see you.  If you’ve visited us before, you know these sights, sounds, and smells (or lack thereof).  But there are also sights that bring joy and comfort to the naked eye that require a bit more attention. 

Not all of the animals here have been waiting for that forever home, for the same length of time. While the majority of pets at the Richmond SPCA spend only a couple weeks at our center before moving on to a loving, permanent home, a few are with us for a much longer period of time.  My favorite Lab-mix, Morris, for example, has been around our center the longest of any dog.  BB, the sweet teenaged cat in my office, has been here for over two years and is still waiting for a special person to deny the cute kittens, avoid the more able-bodied adults, and accept her for who she is.  During my tenure here I’ve grown very close to both animals, more recently BB, or Beebers as I like to call her.  Unfortunately, I live in an apartment and already have two dogs and two cats, all adoption alumni, of course.  Unlike most other shelters, we are no-kill, meaning no animals face euthanasia because they have been here “too long” or space does not permit.  But that doesn’t mean they are guaranteed immediate adoption.  It is up to you, the public, to open your hearts and your homes to these wonderful animals so that they don’t spend another day in a shelter.  We provide as many comforts of home as we can, but there is no substitute for a permanent family.

How can you help?  How can you tell if an animal has been here longer than the next?  To the untrained eye, the newcomer, like most, overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of our shelter like a first-time visitor to Las Vegas, it’s no simple task; but if you know where to look, it is. In every one of our animals’ living quarters, there is a card listing basic information about each of them: their breed, their age, and the date they came in.  With this knowledge in combination with frequent and consistent visitation, one may come to recognize a more long-term resident who is very sweet and social and who will make the perfect companion just like the others who have perhaps been here for only a few days.  Remember, they are waiting for their turn to go home. So please, visit often and just as often consider one of our more long timers.  They like it here – but your home would be SO much better!

Today’s blog author is Patrick Hawkins. Pat is the adoption coordinator at the Richmond SPCA. to send e-mail to the adoption center, or call 521-1307.

In my conversations and reading this week, I came across several references to the many breakthroughs in research, diagnosis and treatments for canine cancer.  I realized just how far we have come since I graduated from veterinary school in the 1980’s, but I also wondered, “Have we left a segment of our animal owning population behind?” 

At the Richmond SPCA we focus much of our efforts in reducing pet overpopulation by providing spay and neuter surgeries for dogs and cats of low income families.  We know that it is difficult for these families to afford quality veterinary care and know the importance of providing physical examinations, preventative vaccinations, routine worm medications as well as heartworm and flea control at the time we see them for the sterilization of their pets.  But then what do they do?  Hopefully we have prevented some of the reasons that they may need to seek veterinary care in the future, but they also deserve to be able to afford annual physicals, dental cleanings and wellness care for their furry family members.  We know that it is always more economical and sometimes life-saving to receive an early diagnosis of certain diseases and conditions.

I am not saying that veterinarians do not deserve to be properly compensated for the years of education that we go through.  And all of the technology we have come to expect and the drugs and treatments that we have come to depend on are extremely expensive.  As a member of the veterinary community, I also know that as veterinarians we have huge hearts, and have given away services time and again.  I am just wondering where the loving family of a sick puppy or kitten turns when they need something they truly cannot afford.  Should euthanasia be the only alternative for the owner of a beloved dog with a cancer diagnosis that has a reliable treatment she cannot afford?

Over the next couple of weeks I will focus our Friday blog on how to talk with your veterinarian about the ever uncomfortable financial side of the care of your pets.  We all want what is best for our pets, whether you are the veterinarian or the owner standing on the other side of the examination table.  Maybe we can help everyone – including our four-legged friends – with decisions that have to involve a discussion of what will it cost and what can we afford. 

Today’s blog was written by Dr. Angela Ivey, director of veterinary medicine at the Richmond SPCA. Dr. Ivey spent many years in private veterinary practice before joining the medical staff at the Richmond SPCA in 2004. 

Cat bites – unless they are inflicted by trained circus tigers – rarely send us running to the hospital.  Most domestic cats cannot crush human bones with the power of their jaws.  Cats don’t typically pull and tear when they bite.  But cat bites are serious maneuvers in kitty kingdoms.  If your cat is biting you and puncturing skin, your cat means business. 

Cat scratch fever is not just a catchy phrase.  People can acquire serious infections from what appear to be small punctures, especially when it comes to cats.  If your cat bites you, immediately treat with an antiseptic and talk with your doctor about recommended care for the wound.  Then talk with a behavior specialist about how to help your cat.  Especially if this is a new behavior for a normally peaceable kitty, a vet visit is also in order.  Rule out any physical problems that may be triggering it before embarking on a plan to modify the biting behavior. 

It could be your cat just needs to learn to direct his teeth towards appropriate toys.
It could be your cat is injured and you are not aware of his sore spots.
It could be your cat felt trapped or threatened, even though you didn’t intend it.

Biting, and certainly nibbling, is a behavior that can often be modified. However, it usually does not go away on its own and may even get worse if not addressed early.  Cats have a whole repertoire of ‘threats’ – ears back, large pupils, tail twitching, growling, hissing, showing teeth, batting, scratching, etc.  If you cat is biting, take that message seriously and take care of it early.  Your cat will thank you.

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the manager of the Richmond SPCA’s Behavior Helpline. Call the helpline at 643-SPCA or Marie.

What is a “responsible breeder”? Google the term and you’ll find innumerable opinions on the subject of ethics and how to carefully choose a breeder; however, I would suggest that this is a mythological creature, much talked about yet never encountered.

As long as euthanasia is still used to control the homeless pet population, all breeders must take a share of responsibility for this problem. Hubris is inherent in their arguments that they are not a part of the problem, implying that somehow the lives of the purebred pets they create are more valuable than the homeless animals who lose their lives in shelters. 

An estimated 20 to 25 percent of pets in shelters are in fact “purebred.” Both of my dogs – a Lhasa Apso adopted from the Richmond SPCA, and a Rottweiler who found a place with me that began as “temporary” foster care – come from this percentile. Each had a previous owner who acquired her from a breeder, yet that purchase price did not make Sunny valuable enough to work through housebreaking issues, nor did it make Freida valuable enough to receive even routine veterinary care. (Both of their names have been changed since they came to live with us, so innocent or not their former owners are protected.)

As much we love our dogs, it has very little to do with their breeding. In fact, I have a bit of purebred guilt that leads me to explain their origins to strangers, lest they think I went to a breeder for one of my dogs. I would feel better about their prospects of long, healthy lives if they had a little more “hybrid vigor.” There is much to be said for a diverse gene pool – reflected in the fact that it’s illegal to marry a sibling or cousin – yet breeders of purebreds by definition exercise tight controls on the genetic materials of their progeny.

Consider carefully what you are supporting before turning to a breeder as the source of your next pet. The purebred pet has nothing to offer in terms of loyalty, companionship and devotion that is not also fulfilled by the mix or mutt.

Todays blog was written by Tabitha Hanes. Tabitha is the community relations manager for the Richmond SPCA.