No sooner did I post my article about the problem of cats that are left behind when their owners die, when I received news that one of our oldest clients had passed away. She was 79 years old who loved her 2 Great Danes dearly. After a short battle with heart complications she died suddenly in the hospital.
It was all very unexpected and the lady’s gentleman friend suddenly found himself with 2 Great Danes that were pining for their mistress.
The amazing part of this sad story is that one of the Great Danes died three days after the lady died. Granted, both dogs were 7 years old, and that age is the beginning of the end of a Great Dane’s life cycle. Nevertheless, I find it fascinating that this dog apparently was so psychically connected to his owner that her death ultimately led to his demise.
At the onset of this post I mentioned that the lady had 2 Great Danes. The second one is still alive but he’s clearly suffering. The most amazing physical transformation happened to this dog within a week of both deaths. Abruptly, his muzzle turned completely white as if he’d aged 5 years within that week. He now mopes around the house and looks at you with the saddest eyes that you’ve ever seen.
I’ve advised the new owner (the deceased lady’s gentleman friend) that the dog now needs more love and attention than ever, and that a vet should see him regularly to ensure that he gets adequate nutrition. He’s listless and uninterested in eating, and I worry about him.
If this dog can grieve like us, let’s hope that he can also get over it like us.
And there are those who argue that dogs don’t have a sense of self!
Ray
Christine’s Pets
703.626.3829
[CAT] That Old Cat of Mine
At times I like to share personal experiences with my pets. Below is an article that I wrote a number of years ago for an internet pet site.
Ray
Christine’s Pets
703.626.3829
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Many years ago when I was a much younger man, I had a cat that died after having been hit by a car. I suffered greatly and when it was time to get another cat, I saw a small ad in a local newspaper that caught my eye. It was a plea for animal lovers to adopt homeless cats and dogs from their local animal shelter.
At that time I didn’t have very much money and the reasonable cost for shots and neuterization, that were mandatory for pet adoption from the shelter, was a pittance compared to the prices that pet shops or individual owners charged. Shelter cats were certainly more affordable than privately owned ones.
That very same day I adopted an old, ratty cat that looked like she’d gone through hell. She was very scared and I remember thinking that she looked like an owl because of her wide-open, terrified eyes. When the shelter volunteer told me that no one wanted this cat, that her time “was up,” and that she’d get the blue juice the very next day, I adopted her on the spot.
She’s gone now. She was an adult cat when I saved her some twenty-five years ago, and I like to think that her remaining years were spent in comfort with lots of love.
Since those days, my wife, who’s also an animal lover, and I have adopted exclusively older animals in need of a good home.
At the moment we have another old cat, Coco, whom we rescued from a condo owner who was moving to the west coast and who didn’t want to take him along. He had inherited Coco from a former roommate, and to him, this was a throwaway cat which he was just going to set loose on the side of some lonely highway.
We’ve had Coco for almost two years now and he started to show signs of advancing age not too long ago. When he first joined us he was active. He liked to play with his toys and sometimes he’d race around the house for reasons known only to him. Upstairs to the bedrooms, downstairs to the family room, around in a circle from living room through dining room and kitchen … his energy was boundless.
Then, recently, I noticed that he wasn’t as energetic anymore. He wasn’t racing around the house and frankly, he was getting fat. His breath also stunk.
The vet confirmed that he was “slowing down,” and that we had to start thinking of Coco as our elderly gentleman-tom in the family. He had his teeth cleaned of plaque and we had to start brushing his teeth … not an easy task at first.
On the advice of the vet, we adjusted Coco’s food to help him shed his weight. We also bought him a collar for some planned, daily outdoor walks on the leash. Having been an indoor cat for most of his time with us, this, too, was an adjustment that didn’t come easy.
Nevertheless, after a few ill-started attempts, Coco finally relented and took short walks with my oldest daughter. Being exposed to the outside, we also made sure that Coco’s feline leukemia shots were up to date.
However, after a while we noticed that Coco wasn’t excited about going for his walks either anymore. He was slow to walk up and down the stairs, and a couple of times he just walked away from jumping up on to his favorite couch. He even had trouble climbing into his litter box. I then noticed that there was swelling and some redness around his joints. Arthritis was setting in and he was in pain.
Since aspirin and acetaminophen are potentially dangerous to all animals, we took Coco to the vet who prescribed an antibiotic and ultimately a steroid. They helped. When the weather was cold and damp, Coco suffered the most. We helped him by gently rubbing his joints and keeping him wrapped in warm blankets. At times his arthritis was so painful that we couldn’t touch him without causing him to wince in pain.
With medication, Coco now manages. He has his good days and he has his bad ones, but he’s never in want for love from us. We know when he needs to be pampered and we know when we have to leave him alone.
His days are surely numbered now; Coco, to the best of my recollection, must be around twelve years old. I suspect that he’ll leave us sooner than later, but I also know that he’s enjoyed his stay with us as much as we’ve enjoyed having him stay with us.
Taking care of our older cat hasn’t been exceptionally difficult once we knew the warning signs of old age, and once we knew the correct treatments.
Ray
Christine’s Pets
703.626.3829
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Many years ago when I was a much younger man, I had a cat that died after having been hit by a car. I suffered greatly and when it was time to get another cat, I saw a small ad in a local newspaper that caught my eye. It was a plea for animal lovers to adopt homeless cats and dogs from their local animal shelter.
At that time I didn’t have very much money and the reasonable cost for shots and neuterization, that were mandatory for pet adoption from the shelter, was a pittance compared to the prices that pet shops or individual owners charged. Shelter cats were certainly more affordable than privately owned ones.
That very same day I adopted an old, ratty cat that looked like she’d gone through hell. She was very scared and I remember thinking that she looked like an owl because of her wide-open, terrified eyes. When the shelter volunteer told me that no one wanted this cat, that her time “was up,” and that she’d get the blue juice the very next day, I adopted her on the spot.
She’s gone now. She was an adult cat when I saved her some twenty-five years ago, and I like to think that her remaining years were spent in comfort with lots of love.
Since those days, my wife, who’s also an animal lover, and I have adopted exclusively older animals in need of a good home.
At the moment we have another old cat, Coco, whom we rescued from a condo owner who was moving to the west coast and who didn’t want to take him along. He had inherited Coco from a former roommate, and to him, this was a throwaway cat which he was just going to set loose on the side of some lonely highway.
We’ve had Coco for almost two years now and he started to show signs of advancing age not too long ago. When he first joined us he was active. He liked to play with his toys and sometimes he’d race around the house for reasons known only to him. Upstairs to the bedrooms, downstairs to the family room, around in a circle from living room through dining room and kitchen … his energy was boundless.
Then, recently, I noticed that he wasn’t as energetic anymore. He wasn’t racing around the house and frankly, he was getting fat. His breath also stunk.
The vet confirmed that he was “slowing down,” and that we had to start thinking of Coco as our elderly gentleman-tom in the family. He had his teeth cleaned of plaque and we had to start brushing his teeth … not an easy task at first.
On the advice of the vet, we adjusted Coco’s food to help him shed his weight. We also bought him a collar for some planned, daily outdoor walks on the leash. Having been an indoor cat for most of his time with us, this, too, was an adjustment that didn’t come easy.
Nevertheless, after a few ill-started attempts, Coco finally relented and took short walks with my oldest daughter. Being exposed to the outside, we also made sure that Coco’s feline leukemia shots were up to date.
However, after a while we noticed that Coco wasn’t excited about going for his walks either anymore. He was slow to walk up and down the stairs, and a couple of times he just walked away from jumping up on to his favorite couch. He even had trouble climbing into his litter box. I then noticed that there was swelling and some redness around his joints. Arthritis was setting in and he was in pain.
Since aspirin and acetaminophen are potentially dangerous to all animals, we took Coco to the vet who prescribed an antibiotic and ultimately a steroid. They helped. When the weather was cold and damp, Coco suffered the most. We helped him by gently rubbing his joints and keeping him wrapped in warm blankets. At times his arthritis was so painful that we couldn’t touch him without causing him to wince in pain.
With medication, Coco now manages. He has his good days and he has his bad ones, but he’s never in want for love from us. We know when he needs to be pampered and we know when we have to leave him alone.
His days are surely numbered now; Coco, to the best of my recollection, must be around twelve years old. I suspect that he’ll leave us sooner than later, but I also know that he’s enjoyed his stay with us as much as we’ve enjoyed having him stay with us.
Taking care of our older cat hasn’t been exceptionally difficult once we knew the warning signs of old age, and once we knew the correct treatments.
[CAT] When You Die and Leave Your Cat Behind
This is an article that I wrote for an internet-based pet site. It's as relevant today as it was when it was first published.
Ray
Christine’s Pets
703.626.3829
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As cat owners we’re constantly fussing over our cat’s welfare. We buy special food, we take our annual trips to the vet and we provide a safe and comfortable home for our companion.
We also worry about how we’ll cope when our cat dies. How will we explain this to the other members of our family? If you’ve been a cat owner for a considerable amount of time the odds are that you’ve learned how to manage the loss of your cat. It’s inevitable, primarily because of the length-of-life discrepancy between us and cats.
One problem that very few of us have ever seriously considered, however, is what will happen to our cat if we die first? Who will take care of our pet?
There is the common misconception that cats are aloof, standoffish and thus able to fend for themselves at any time. In fact, loved cats are very loyal, full of character and very dependent on us, especially when they’re older. Our untimely death will cause massive chaos to them.
Animal shelter volunteers will tell you that old cats brought to the shelter by family or friends of the deceased, are in such turmoil because of the passing of their owners, that many of them will not eat or sleep, and that their health will suffer tremendously. They loved their owners as much as their owners loved them, and they grew dependent on them, not only for their food and shelter, but also for the love that the owners gave them. They miss their owners terribly and many, unfortunately, will die from grief.
Although the shelter will care for these cats and attempt to place them with the very few families who’ll adopt older cats, the statistics show that eventually most of these cats are put down.
It’s heartbreaking to think of your cat in such a difficult time. There really is only one sensible way to prepare for the possibility of your passing before your cat’s, and that is that you’ll have to make the arrangements to find another loving owner ahead of time.
Talk to your friends and family members who may already know your cat. Pay attention to how they interact with your cat and how your cat interacts with them. Is there someone who is especially close to your cat who might take it when it’s time?
It’s never good to assume that anyone will automatically take care of your cat if something happens to you. Taking in a pet, especially an older cat is not an easy matter and arrangements such as these should be discussed in great detail with the potential new owner. Finally, a letter of understanding written by you, explaining in detail the arrangements that have been agreed to should be sent. Although not a formal contract, it is psychologically more binding than a handshake.
Along with that letter include written instructions that will be helpful in assisting your cat adjust to its new owner. What is your cat’s favorite food? What are its habits, good and bad? What are some of the special things that you did with your cat that the new owner could do? Anything that will help your cat adjust to its new and initially frightening environment can be written down.
We love our cats and they love us, and we don’t want to think about what happens when either one of us dies. And yet, we have to be responsible and plan for the care of our cats much as we do for our loved human family members.
It’s the responsible thing to do!
Ray
Christine’s Pets
703.626.3829
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As cat owners we’re constantly fussing over our cat’s welfare. We buy special food, we take our annual trips to the vet and we provide a safe and comfortable home for our companion.
We also worry about how we’ll cope when our cat dies. How will we explain this to the other members of our family? If you’ve been a cat owner for a considerable amount of time the odds are that you’ve learned how to manage the loss of your cat. It’s inevitable, primarily because of the length-of-life discrepancy between us and cats.
One problem that very few of us have ever seriously considered, however, is what will happen to our cat if we die first? Who will take care of our pet?
There is the common misconception that cats are aloof, standoffish and thus able to fend for themselves at any time. In fact, loved cats are very loyal, full of character and very dependent on us, especially when they’re older. Our untimely death will cause massive chaos to them.
Animal shelter volunteers will tell you that old cats brought to the shelter by family or friends of the deceased, are in such turmoil because of the passing of their owners, that many of them will not eat or sleep, and that their health will suffer tremendously. They loved their owners as much as their owners loved them, and they grew dependent on them, not only for their food and shelter, but also for the love that the owners gave them. They miss their owners terribly and many, unfortunately, will die from grief.
Although the shelter will care for these cats and attempt to place them with the very few families who’ll adopt older cats, the statistics show that eventually most of these cats are put down.
It’s heartbreaking to think of your cat in such a difficult time. There really is only one sensible way to prepare for the possibility of your passing before your cat’s, and that is that you’ll have to make the arrangements to find another loving owner ahead of time.
Talk to your friends and family members who may already know your cat. Pay attention to how they interact with your cat and how your cat interacts with them. Is there someone who is especially close to your cat who might take it when it’s time?
It’s never good to assume that anyone will automatically take care of your cat if something happens to you. Taking in a pet, especially an older cat is not an easy matter and arrangements such as these should be discussed in great detail with the potential new owner. Finally, a letter of understanding written by you, explaining in detail the arrangements that have been agreed to should be sent. Although not a formal contract, it is psychologically more binding than a handshake.
Along with that letter include written instructions that will be helpful in assisting your cat adjust to its new owner. What is your cat’s favorite food? What are its habits, good and bad? What are some of the special things that you did with your cat that the new owner could do? Anything that will help your cat adjust to its new and initially frightening environment can be written down.
We love our cats and they love us, and we don’t want to think about what happens when either one of us dies. And yet, we have to be responsible and plan for the care of our cats much as we do for our loved human family members.
It’s the responsible thing to do!
[DOG-CAT] Holiday Pet Safety
Elsewhere I’ve discussed the dangers of leaving chocolate out that may be eaten by your pets. After thinking about it, it dawned on me that during the holiday season when thoughts are on family, gift giving and all of the other related items, there are other dangers about that threaten our pets.
Poultry bones can be very dangerous to our dogs and cats because they have the unfortunate habit of splintering and getting lodged in the throat or in the stomach where they can cause major health problems.
Aluminum foil and wax paper that have food drippings or other delectable food traces on them can be ingested by our pets and cause intestinal blockage. Keep them away from your pets’ reach, ball them up and throw them into the trash as soon as possible. Of course you’ll have to ensure that your trash bin can’t be easily snooped through by your curious pets.
Other items that can cause intestinal blockage include tinsel, ribbons and other holiday decorations. Store them safely away from prying pets.
Here’s one that’s not generally known. Onions and onion powder can damage your pets’ red blood cells which can lead to anemia. Who would have thought?
The Christmas tree water additive that helps retain pine needles and/or makes the tree fire resistant can be a poison to your pets if they lap it up. Cover the tree stand and its water reservoir with a heavy decorative cloth.
The year-end holidays are a time of merriment and family get-togethers. As a pet owner you have the responsibility of keeping your pets safe from injury. A little common sense will go a long way.
Ray
Christine’s Pets
703.626.3829
Poultry bones can be very dangerous to our dogs and cats because they have the unfortunate habit of splintering and getting lodged in the throat or in the stomach where they can cause major health problems.
Aluminum foil and wax paper that have food drippings or other delectable food traces on them can be ingested by our pets and cause intestinal blockage. Keep them away from your pets’ reach, ball them up and throw them into the trash as soon as possible. Of course you’ll have to ensure that your trash bin can’t be easily snooped through by your curious pets.
Other items that can cause intestinal blockage include tinsel, ribbons and other holiday decorations. Store them safely away from prying pets.
Here’s one that’s not generally known. Onions and onion powder can damage your pets’ red blood cells which can lead to anemia. Who would have thought?
The Christmas tree water additive that helps retain pine needles and/or makes the tree fire resistant can be a poison to your pets if they lap it up. Cover the tree stand and its water reservoir with a heavy decorative cloth.
The year-end holidays are a time of merriment and family get-togethers. As a pet owner you have the responsibility of keeping your pets safe from injury. A little common sense will go a long way.
Ray
Christine’s Pets
703.626.3829
[DOG-CAT] Oh No! Chocolate is Dangerous to my pets?
Unfortunately, yes. Although all pets are in danger of getting sick or even dying from eating chocolate, dogs are especially prone to it because of their sweet tooth and their ability to find it about the home.
The chemical Theobromine is a constituent part of chocolate, as is caffeine, both of which are members of the class of drugs known as Methylxanines which over-stimulate the central nervous system, the heart, and which can cause nausea and vomiting.
The toxicity level of chocolate varies with the size of your pet, but be aware that no amount is good. We might be tempted to share a piece of chocolate with our pet during the upcoming holiday season. Don’t! It might just ruin the good times.
Ray
Christine’s Pets
703.626.3829
The chemical Theobromine is a constituent part of chocolate, as is caffeine, both of which are members of the class of drugs known as Methylxanines which over-stimulate the central nervous system, the heart, and which can cause nausea and vomiting.
The toxicity level of chocolate varies with the size of your pet, but be aware that no amount is good. We might be tempted to share a piece of chocolate with our pet during the upcoming holiday season. Don’t! It might just ruin the good times.
Ray
Christine’s Pets
703.626.3829
[DOG-CAT] The Dangers of Antifreeze to your Pet
Ethelyne Glycol, the working chemical in automobile antifreeze, is extremely dangerous to your pet when ingested. A very small amount is toxic that can damage your pets liver and ultimately cause death.
The reason that you should be concerned about antifreeze poisoning is that it’s sweet and consequently eagerly lapped up from spills in the garage or driveway. More notorious, however, is the disgruntled neighbor who puts out a dish of antifreeze to “teach them dogs a lesson they’ll never forget.” Believe it or not, there are cretins among us who would rather kill a dog or a cat than discuss any problems that they’re having with the owners. Keep an eye out for such people and take complaints about your pets seriously.
If you suspect that your pet has lapped up antifreeze, take it *immediately* to a vet. If injected in time with the prescription antidote drug Antizol-vet, it will recover.
Ray
Christine’s Pets
703.626.3829
The reason that you should be concerned about antifreeze poisoning is that it’s sweet and consequently eagerly lapped up from spills in the garage or driveway. More notorious, however, is the disgruntled neighbor who puts out a dish of antifreeze to “teach them dogs a lesson they’ll never forget.” Believe it or not, there are cretins among us who would rather kill a dog or a cat than discuss any problems that they’re having with the owners. Keep an eye out for such people and take complaints about your pets seriously.
If you suspect that your pet has lapped up antifreeze, take it *immediately* to a vet. If injected in time with the prescription antidote drug Antizol-vet, it will recover.
Ray
Christine’s Pets
703.626.3829
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