We need your help!

You know that saying by St. Francis of Assisi, “For it is in the giving that we receive”.  Of course I know what that means on the surface, but I never really felt it in my heart until I saw an episode of “Undercover Boss”.  The premise of the show is the CEO of a big corporation goes undercover and takes a job with the everyday people working in the trenches.  While doing this, he gets to know them and what their dreams are and their ideas to make the company and their jobs better.

In the end, he reveals himself to the employees.  There was one man that had always wanted to go to a certain school (I can’t exactly remember the school), but was too financially strapped to ever imagine this could come true.  The CEO surprised him with a leave of absence and a full ride to that school.  Not only that, his job would be waiting for him when he returned.  The look of pure gratitude, happiness and relief brought me to tears in a wonderful, happy way.  It was as if he was drowning and was thrown a lifesaver.

In that moment, I really grasped what St. Francis was saying to us.  That awesome feeling of bringing so much joy to another human being felt so good that it’s almost like a selfish act.

Why am I telling you this story?  Because I want to encourage you to pay it forward to our animals in need.  Helping those that have no voice,  the beaten, the battered and the neglected.

My own dream for the future is to create a foundation to raise funds for animal shelters and rescues.  Right now a portion of the proceeds from Waggy’s online store will go to this effort.

If you feel deeply about animals, here’s how you can help:

Volunteer your time to an animal organization that you feel strongly about.  Get involved and help with fundraising efforts, walk dogs, clean out kennels – anything that helps out their cause.

Connect on Facebook and other social media outlets.  There are thousands of people working night and day to help out rescue animals.  Google for media sites that are specifically geared toward animals.

Get involved in animal advocacy or legislation. Get people to sign petitions offline and online, campaign for causes, make phone calls.  If you pick a cause that you really feel strong about, it will be easy to explain your side to people and get them to join your cause.

Start your own non-profit.  2 Hands 4 Paws (her website was hacked, so this URL is from Volunteer Match) was started by Maureen Gendron in Rhode Island to give temporary housing to pets that have been affected by the housing crisis.  She is looking for families to house these pets while their owners get back on their feet and find a permanent home.  In my pet sitting business, I get many calls asking for this very thing, but we’re not set up to do that and it would cost the owner too much.  However, I’d love to start something like 2 Hands 4 Paws.

Donate your money.  If times doesn’t allow you to volunteer for the organization of your choice or cause, I’m sure they will gladly accept your money.

Become a pet sitter.  Of course this isn’t like volunteering for a shelter, but you are helping pets feel safe, secure and loved while their owners are away.  You can’t imagine how much unconditional love you get sitting dogs and cats.  Basically, that’s my selfish pleasure.

If you’re looking for something more globally, check out Charity Navigator to find just the right cause that’s dear to your heart.

You’ll never get more as when you give of your heart.

Chris L Wagner

From One Pet Lover to Another

In my world, everyday is Be Kind to Animals week.  As a pet sitter it’s my job – that’s why I became a pet sitter.  I’ve always had a special relationship with dogs and feel that we need them as much as they need us.

Annie and Tommy

Be Kind to Animals Week was started in 1915 by American Humane to celebrate the relationship we have with our pets and to educated people on how to treat them with kindness and love.  I couldn’t image a world without pets. The joy and love they bring to our lives everyday can’t be measured.  It’s constant and so complete.  You can always count on a dog to lift your spirits and fill your heart with so much love that you think it’s going to burst!

It’s only right that we help other people who may not feel the same way to treat our furry friends with kindness.

As my part for this week, I devoted my ezine to adopting or getting a new dog.  If you want to do your part, here’s what American Humane suggests.  They also instruct you on how to accomplish these suggestions when you click on the learn more button.

Speak out for the animals:  This can be done through legislation, reporting animal abuse (see my prior post about animal abuse) or just speaking out on animal issues that you’re passionate about.  They have an Action Alert if your interested in knowing more about policies and legislation.

Respect wildlife in your own backyard: I know there are lots of pests that eat gardens and plants such as rabbits and deer, but there are humane ways to deter them from your door.  The American Humane has lots of suggestion how to humanely get rid of unwanted animals in your yard.  Or, how about starting a butterfly garden or have bird houses so they have a safe place to live.

Rescue of pet from a shelter: In my opinion, this should always be your first choice when getting a new pet.  Not only are you being kind, but in some cases, you’re saving their life.  All they want is someone to take them home and give them the love they deserve.  It’s a win-win situation. 

Taking care of your pet: Once you get your pet from the shelter, you have to give them the very best.  Number one on that list is nutritional pet food.  This is the foundation of their health and you can avoid costly vet bills if they are getting the proper nutrition.  Get a soft, warm pet bed, brush their teeth on a regular basis, give their coat a good brushing, bathe them, take them on daily walks, provide them with adequate shelter, shade and water, make sure they have their identification including getting them micro chipped and get them the vaccinations they need to keep them healthy and happy.

Most of all love them with all your heart and the love they give back to you is nothing short of miraculous.

Chris L Wagner

I’m so excited to be able to introduce you to Marisa Herrera.  Marisa is a Green Pets Eco-Living Consultant that is dedicated to reaching out to the global community and teaching us how to make our homes and pets in harmony with Mother Nature.  She is also passionate about a raising the funds to open up an animal sanctuary in Mexico.

Chris: Marisa, thank you for stopping by Waggy’s Pet Tips and Tales.  Please tell us how you started out on this wonderful journey in helping animals and families become more eco friendly.  What is your working background?

Marisa: Thank you, Chris, for having me.  It’s great to connect and talk with you!  My journey started a long time ago with my love of animals and my desire to help them in any way possible.  Since young, I’ve also had a deep connection with Nature and concern about the environment.  I grew up in Mexico City and remember wanting to help and rescue all the stray dogs I would see.  I saw so much apathy, cruelty and injustice that it forever touched me.   I have been an animal and environmental advocate for decades and, finally, I’ve reached a point in my life where I had to pursue my passion and purpose of dedicating my life to help as many animals as I can while helping Nature, too.  So, this is how Green Pets Eco Living was created in late 2009.  I integrated my passions, interests, background and knowledge to help pet parents “green” their companion animals and create toxic-free home environments so their pets can live as long and healthy as possible.  By incorporating eco-friendly practices, your pets, you and the planet all benefit from living green and having a green pet.

Marisa and Roco

My working and academic background is diverse.   I’ve done environmental education, administrative work, public relations and field research.  My academic background covers tourism management, wildlife management, restoration of natural systems, ecological landscape design and sustainable gardening.  Over the years, I have developed my environmental conscience and have learned about ecology, sustainability, holistic living and holistic pet care.

Chris: I see you have loads of information and videos regarding living an eco friendly life.  Can you tell us what things we can learn from you?

Marisa: Indeed.  Living an eco friendly lifestyle starts with awareness and education.  Awareness that we live in a highly toxic world that affects us and our pets; that our planet needs help and that we have options to create non-toxic and more sustainable environments at home, our communities and the world.

This is my approach:  Bring awareness about the problems, conditions and risks associated with doing things the conventional way (from the foods we feed our pets and eat ourselves, to the cleaning supplies, cosmetic and personal care products we use and the vaccination regimes to which we expose our pets). Awareness about the toxic overload that is all around people and pets in their very own homes but are unaware of it.  Educate and present the options and benefits of implementing safer, holistic and eco-friendly practices for you and your pets.  Promote action by taking that first green step, by implementing the solutions for a healthier and greener lifestyle for you, your pets and the environment.  This whole process assists pet parents to reduce and eliminate the toxics that abound in most homes now and, in turn, help their pets live long, healthy lives.

For example, let’s take pet food.  What type of food do you feed your pet?  Is it the nutritionally-devoid commercial brands, or the vet prescribed diets?  Are you aware that many types of pet food use fillers made from corn and/or by-products (meat “meals”), artificial flavourings and colours, and ingredients that are grown with toxic pesticides or synthetic preservatives or contain ingredients that are deemed unfit for humans?  These pet foods are harmful to your pet’s health and to the environment.  So, what are the options?  There are high quality commercial pet foods that contain superior sources of protein; organic, whole, unprocessed vegetables and grains and other foods.  Another option is home-made organic food for your pets.  There are various online recipes and resources to help create wholesome, healthy and properly balanced meals and treats.

Being exposed to a toxic environment by what we eat, drink, breathe and absorb through our skins overloads the immune system leading to potential health risks and degenerative diseases.  We see this in people and animals.  However, because our pets have shorter lifespans, faster metabolisms and are constantly on the ground, they are at higher risk with less exposure than people.

Chris: I know that you are passionate about opening up an Animal Sanctuary in Mexico.  If you had all the funds you needed, and could afford to have the sanctuary of your dreams, what would that look like?  What kind of animals would you house?

Marisa: Yes, I am passionate about having my animal sanctuary in Mexico and help those most in need.  It has been a dream of mine for 10 years now, but finally I am taking action to make this a reality.  This is one of the reasons I created Green Pets Eco Living…to raise the funds to afford and maintain my animal sanctuary.  My intent is to open the sanctuary in 2010.

I will describe my sanctuary:  The Animal Sanctuary is located in the Colonial Region of Mexico; it’s an hacienda nearby natural habitat.  With my team of local staff and national and international volunteers, we rescue, rehabilitate, provide medical care, find foster homes, facilitate adoptions, and provide permanent refuge to as many animals in need as we can, including domestic, farm and exotics.  We deal with animals that have been abused, injured, abandoned and the numerous stray animals without any hope of a life worth living.  We also help people without the financial resources to pay for veterinary care by providing complimentary veterinary services for their companion animals.  Our free mobile clinic reaches remote communities.

Our ongoing humane education program facilitates resources and information about treating animals with compassion and respect and being better stewards of Mother Earth.  We have partnered with the local school Board to give complimentary Humane Education presentations throughout the school year.  It is our belief that we need to teach the young generations about treating animals with compassion and respect, and living more harmoniously on Earth.

Marisa

We conduct low-cost and free sterilization programs for dogs and cats, both in-house and out in the local communities.  The local government agencies support our on-going sterilization campaigns as a public health effort.  The Sanctuary provides internships to Mexican veterinary students, who work along with our resident veterinarian in performing these surgeries and other veterinary care.

The Sanctuary is also a Nature Retreat where people come to connect with Nature and her creatures, a place to find simplicity and refuge from the hectic demands of urban living.  Our accommodations are simple and comfortable with the touch of Mexican culture.  The Nature Retreat is another fund-generator for the Sanctuary.  The people you find at the Retreat have all one thing in common, whether they are volunteers, staff or guests; they all love animals and have an appreciation of Nature.  This is what brings us together.

Here at the Sanctuary we have a mission:  To help animals (domestic, farm and exotics) most in need by providing rescue, rehabilitation, medical care, temporary and permanent residence, and humane education to foster animal compassion, respect and protection.

Chris: Please tell us about your consulting business.  Exactly what does it mean to have an eco friendly consultant?

Marisa: Actually, just this month I launched my online consulting services as a Green Pets Eco-Living Consultant.  I am very excited about this!   It will allow me to assist a global community of pet parents in creating toxic-free, healthy home environments for their pets and themselves.   As an Eco-Living or Eco-Friendly Consultant, I also show you how to incorporate eco-friendly practices that are good for the planet.  Our pets rely on us to provide for them; they are not aware of the toxic overload that may surround them in their homes and communities.

There is a lot of information online about green living, which can be overwhelming.  I simplify the process for pet parents who don’t know where to start, don’t have the knowledge, patience or time to do all the research to start living green with their pets.  Through my services, pet parents become aware of the options and the solutions they have available.  I help them discover new ways to immediately implement easy steps to green their pets, themselves and transform their homes to healthy living spaces so their pets can live long, healthy lives.

For instance, my One-On-One Personalized Phone Consultation covers a thorough assessment of what your pets are exposed to, your home environment and the potential risks to your pets and you.  I provide you with recommendations and solutions to improve the health and safety of your pets and to create a toxic-free home.

Chris: If someone wanted to start living green with their pets, but didn’t know what to do, what would you suggest?

Marisa: That’s an excellent question, Chris, because I believe many people face that situation.  They hear about “going green” or having a “green pet”, but they may feel overwhelmed by all the information out there, which, in turn leads to a standstill.  I would suggest starting with small steps, actually one step at a time so that taking action is doable and satisfying.  Once pet parents see the benefits, I believe they will be motivated to move on to their second green step and so forth.

A good way to start living green with your pets is by starting to think toxic-free and learning to identify harmful, toxic substances you don’t want for your precious pets, yourself or your home.  This gives you a foundation to start eliminating toxic products.  It’s important to read labels.  The words “caution,” “warning” and “danger” point to the toxic ingredients in a product.  You need to avoid them!  Buy products that are free of synthetic ingredients like colorants, fragrances and preservatives, and are cruelty-free; that is, not tested on animals.

An example on how to apply this information to start living green with your pets is with flea and tick products.  Read the labels of whatever product you intend to buy.  The conventional flea and tick products on the market are highly toxic; they are pesticides, basically!  Pesticides are poisons and we know that they are dangerous and harmful to the environment, but what effect is it having on our precious pets?!

If you are currently using these toxic treatments on your pet, first, get rid of those collars, spot-on treatments, etc.  Detoxify your house by washing bedding, clothing, and other things with which your pet has come in contact.  This leads you to your second green step; that is, the use of a natural, biodegradable, phosphate, formaldehyde and chemical-free laundry detergent.   It’s also important to bathe your pet regularly using a natural, bio-degradable, chemical, phosphate and cruelty-free pet shampoo.  And by doing this you easily move on to your third step of grooming your pet with non-toxic products.  As you can see, one step leads you to another and as you move on, you will have the awareness and information to select toxic-free and eco-friendly products for your pets and yourself.

Chris: It’s been wonderful to talk to you today.  Please tell everyone how they can reach you on the web and on Social Media.

Marisa, I wish you all the luck in the world on your Animal Sanctuary and thank goodness there are people like you that care deeply for the animals that have no voice.

Marisa: Thank you very much, Chris!  I’ve enjoyed our talk, as well.  I appreciate your good wishes and the work you do to help animals, as well.  Every step, every action counts!

I can be reached via my website:  www.GreenPetsEcoLiving.com , Twitter:  http://twitter.com/marisa_herrera ; Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/MarisaHerreraDupuis , and my YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/MarisaHerreraDupuis

Chris L Wagner

Waggy’s Eco Pet Products

Waggy’s Pet Sitting Service

Waggy’s Pet Tips and Tales Blog

If you’re reading this blog, you are most likely an animal lover, and as an animal lover, you find the idea of animal abuse absolutely abhorrent.    My Mother used to watch the Animal Cop shows where they would rescue an abused animal from situations that you wouldn’t put your worst enemy in.  I asked her how she can watch those shows, and she said that there was always a happy ending and the animal got the help it needed.

Unfortunately, there isn’t always a happy ending for some precious animals.  They are beaten, shot, starved and even hung with no savior to rescue them from these monsters.

Abused Dog

I have to say that when I was looking for pictures to illustrate animal abuse for this post, I saw things that I wish I never did.  It literally turned my stomach to see the cruelty that humans have inflicted upon the most precious things on Earth.  The pictures I chose to show you very mild compared to what is really going on.

When I speak to people about abuse the first thing everyone says is Why?  Why do they do it?  How can anyone hurt a poor defenseless animal?

Actually there are 9 reasons why people intentionally abuse animals that keep coming up in the databases over and over again.

1. to control an animal
2. to retaliate against an animal
3. to retaliate against another person
4. to satisfy a prejudice against a species or breed
5. to express anger through an animal
6. to enhance one’s own aggressiveness
7. to shock people for amusement
8. to displace hostility from a person to an animal
9. to perform non-specific sadism
   

   Abused Cat

These 9 reasons are broken down into two different categories:

1. Passive Cruelty or Acts of Omission which is defined as not what the abuser is doing to the animal, but what they are not doing.  This includes neglect, abandonment, not providing adequate water and food, never taking them to the vet when there is clearly something wrong with the animal or giving them the proper shelter they need from extreme weather.  Just because this term is called Passive doesn’t mean they aren’t inflicting severe harm to the animal.
2. Active Cruelty or Acts of Commission is when an abuser intentionally inflicts harm to an animal such as fighting, bestiality, poisoning and the like.  This form of cruelty is the most serious and usually associated with serious signs of psychological problems.

In researching for this post, I found out about some forms of abuse that I never thought a human was capable of.

The most prevalent types of animal abuse are:

1. Neglect or abandonment – As we discussed above, is not providing the adequate care for an animal.  Sometimes this is caused by simple ignorance in how to care for a pet.

2. Fighting – Everyone knows about Pit bull fights as Michael Vick was rightly prosecuted with, but there are other forms of fighting such as:
-          Trunking is when they put two dogs into the trunk of a car, close it and let the dogs fight it out to the death.
-          Hog-Dog Fighting is when they have a dog and a hog fight it out.  This is most prevalent in the Southern United States.
-          Badger Baiting (hold on to your hats) is when they pit a dog against a badger.  Since a badger is very fierce, they first have to beat it over the head, break it’s jaw or chain it’s leg just to give the dog a level playing field.  Then they put the badger in a pit or arena and they let several dogs loose and encourage them to kill the badger.  This kind of abuse is mostly seen in the UK, and over 10,000 badgers are killed every year.  All of these forms of fighting are usually done with Pit bulls.

3. Other forms of animal abuse are hoarding, poisoning, shooting, bestiality , beating, hanging and something called “Crush Videos“.  Crush Videos are when people get sexual gratification from young women crushing or killing a small animal by stomping on them.  It’s even better if the woman has on sexy shoes for those that have a foot fetish.   How sick is that!

What do you do if you suspect someone is abusing an animal?

1. Tread lightly.  If someone is actively abusing an animal, they are probably the type of person that is also abusing family members.  Maybe by saving an animal, you might be saving a child or spouse from abuse.  However, not all cases are clear cut, and you may not know all the facts.

1. Take notes with times, events and dates and if possible, take pictures or videos.  Do not trespass on someone else’s property to obtain these pictures – it won’t be admissible in court if done illegally and they can throw out the case.

1. It’s different in different counties, but you can call your local animal control or law enforcement, but don’t confront the person yourself as they may be dangerous.

1. If your dog was killed and you suspect someone, have a necropsy performed to find out exactly how the animal died if it’s not evident.

It’s our duty to keep these evil (in my humble opinion) people off the streets and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  Volunteering at an animal shelter or other animal organization is one way to help.  The ASPCA and Pet-Abuse.com has lots of information – Even if you help one animal from being abused, it’s worth it.

We have to do it for the animals that have no voice of their own.

Chris L Wagner

From One Pet Lover to Another

Waggy’s Eco Pet Products

Waggy’s Pet Sitting Service

Waggy’s Pet Tips and Tales Blog