By June Hurt

Anyone who receives the safety alerts from the CYCA, or regularly visits our Facebook page, should notice that we spend a lot of time looking for our residents’ lost pets. For the most part, it’s the sneaky canines that decide to slither under fences or wriggle through unknown loose boards, sometimes snagging and losing their collars on the fence during their escape.

The device looked a little cumbersome, but the dogs didn't seem to mind. Photo by June Hurt.

Microchips definitely help if you are fortunate enough for a kind neighbor to take in your pet to the local vet for scanning, but there are now options available for those of us who want something more.

I recently purchased GPS trackers for both my dogs called Tagg – The Pet Tracker through www.pettracker.com. This is the first system I have found that I would consider “affordable,” and the cost is much lower compared to what I would pay to get either of my lost dogs back home safe.

I purchased a First Pet Master Kit for $99.95, which included one Tagg tracker, docking station, collar clip assembly and power kit. This also includes one month of free monitoring service. After 30 days, you are charged $7.95 per month for services. Because I have a second dog, I also purchased an Add-A-Pet Tracker Kit for $89.95, and after 30 days, 95 cents is added to the monthly monitoring services for every additional tracker. Shipping was $9.95, and the package arrived in a couple of days.

The trackers weigh next to nothing. I thought initially that they were a tad cumbersome on the collar, but the dogs didn’t seem to even notice them. The website states that they are intended for animals more than 10 pounds, so cats and dogs that can hide in your purse are out of luck with this system. It took a couple of hours to charge each of the trackers before I was ready to set up the system at home.

Home setup begins with plugging in the docking station in the right location, which is described in the instructions. Then you just go to the website, set up an account, register each tracker, setup a “home” zone, enter your notification preferences, and you’re done!

I did have to go through the steps a couple of times when registering one of the trackers, but the whole process took under 30 minutes.

I was hoping that these things would notify me the second one of the dogs left my property, but there is a minimum zone size to deal with, so I had to settle for a home zone that included the houses on each side of my property. Not too big of a deal. I chose to receive my alerts via email and text message in case either system is ever down.

Since I also own an iPhone, I was able to download the Tagg Mobile App. I love that at any moment I could locate either of my dogs through the application, which shows their location in Google Earth. I believe that the mobile app is available in other mobile platforms like Android, and you can also track your pet through the website.

The battery life of the trackers is about 30 days if they don’t leave the home zone. They somehow stay in “battery saving” mode until one of them sneaks out of the zone, and at that time the location services ping that tracker like crazy until you tell it to stop or the battery dies in a few hours.

The alerts start coming in within a couple of minutes, and they give you an approximate location, like “Gracie is within 15 yards of 2298 Young.” That is the time to act, because you have to find your pet before the battery dies. You can also hit a button and switch the tracker to “trip mode” for 15 minute increments if you take your dog for a walk or something, which saves the battery and turns off alerts. However, if you lose your pet while the trackers are in “trip mode,” you can still track their location through the mobile app or website.

Overall, I have been very pleased with the system. The first week, I told everyone who would listen to me about it. I would whip out my phone, open the app, hit locate, and show them an aerial of my street and house showing that my elderly dogs are asleep at home, which is where they are 99.9 percent of the time.

For a chronic worrier, like me, it is incredibly satisfying to check it every day from work, just because I can. It even tells me if one of the trackers come off their collar, like if some sneaky-type criminal gets the bright idea to kidnap one of my pups and removes the tracker to escape detection. That was what I thought had happened one day when I got the “Lucky’s tracker detached from collar. Last known location near HOME docking station” alert. After flying home at the speed of light, I discovered Lucky asleep on the bed with her tracker still on her collar. Angrily, I tore through the instruction manual until I discovered that if you didn’t snap the tracker on perfectly, it could lose connection and trigger an alert.

I would recommend the Tagg Pet Tracking System to anyone who loves their pet. The $8.90 monthly monitoring fee is well worth the price for a little peace of mind, and eventually, when one of my dogs passes on, I can use the Tagg tracker on my next dog.

Happy tracking!

By June Hurt

Those who know me well, know that I love dogs more than most people. I really love my dogs in particular, because they love me unconditionally, occasionally bring me gifts of dead things, and never talk back or ask for money. Losing either of them for even a few minutes is unthinkable, and it hurts my heart to see all the lost dog postings that we send out every week from the CYCA.

So I’m talking to my mother one night on the phone about this GPS pet tracker that I saw on TV while watching “Hoarders,” when she asked me why I hadn’t ordered them for my dogs yet. In my best condescending, “I’m a big girl now and know everything” tone, I explained that my dogs have collars with tags with current contact info, they are both micro-chipped, and they’re old … I mean, really old. They are both going blind, and one has pretty bad arthritis and is almost completely deaf. All they do is sleep all day. They’re not going anywhere, silly mother.

Less than two hours later, Lucky Dog (the 14-year-old, arthritic, almost-blind, deaf dog) went missing after I accidentally locked her out on the front porch. For the next 20 minutes, I was a hysterical, sobbing mess, frantically yelling and searching up and down the street.

Cue the panic attack. “Why am I yelling? She can’t hear me! My precious baby has fallen into a sinkhole that she didn’t see and she can’t get out, or she was hit by a car, or kidnapped, or maybe a dingo ate my baby!” Wait a minute … never mind. She’s sniffing a bush in my neighbor’s yard less than a block away. Lesson learned. Mom is still always right. Hello, Pet Tracker people? Two please.

If you need some extra cash to buy that pet tracker, you will have your chance to sell your old stuff at the CY Yard Sale on May 12. See you all there!

June Hurt

. See you all there!

The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County will host two big events this month.

The Trot for Spot Pet Parade and Canine Carnival will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 14 at the humane society office at 935 Farm Road in Shelby Farms. Pet Parade Participants will be entered to win awards such as best costume, dog/owner lookalike, best bark and best trick. The carnival will also include a doggy DJ, Dog Training 101, a canine unit demonstration, dog cool-down stations, an agility course and an awards ceremony, in addition to many vendors. Kids will have just as many activities as the dogs, with a craft table, game station and face painting. All proceeds benefit HSMSC. The cost to participate in the pet parade is $25, or enter as a team for $15 per participant ($100 minimum per team of 2-10 people). General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

The humane society also will will stay open for 36 straight hours in its very first Adoptathon, from 10 a.m. April 27 to 10 p.m. April 28 at the office on Farm Road. They will have fun events and adoption specials happening all day and night. On Saturday they have invited all the local rescue groups and animal shelters to bring their adoptable pets for adoption, too.

More information about these events is at 937-3900 or www.memphishumane.org.

By Trisha Gurley

Twice a day, my cat Milton runs to the kitchen. He hears a sound that will rouse him from sleep or batting paper wads. This rustling sound makes him dart up to whoever is responsible for the noise. He begins to purr and dance around our ankles. Lo, it is mealtime. It’s usually around 6:45am, and if need be, another round 12 hours later. Milton isn’t the type to eat everything in his bowl, so he’s always got some kibble ready and we just need to top it off. He is not the cheapest cat to feed since he requires special diabetic cat food, but he enjoys it and it’s what he needs. Every now and then he gets a treat. Maybe a small bite of chicken or some crumbled bits of tortilla chips (he dove headfirst into a bag once — the little guy loves a salty snack).

Both my husband Kris and I could live happily without eating meat. We haven’t gone fully vegetarian but we’ve cut back. If anything, we both love veggies. Our cat, not so much. At most he sniffs our plates of steamed broccoli and walks away. The debate of whether or not humans should consume meat is another subject for another column. But what about your dog or cat being vegetarian or vegan?
I will start with the disclosure that I have never tried to feed a vegetarian diet to any pet I’ve had (to date, I’ve only had cats). Hence, the research I did for this article is also for my own benefit. Your experience may vary.

Let’s begin with our doggie friends. Any pet parent should be concerned with what their pet eats, particularly if you’re like most people and buy commercial food. Bear in mind that whatever the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) deems unfit for human consumption will often end up in your pet’s food. These “unfits” often contain hormones, antibiotics, and whatever else mass-produced meat contains.

Dogs are omnivores and can be fed a vegetarian diet provided they are getting the nutrients they need. There is also the issue of flavor; a dog who’s been on a meat-based diet will likely turn his nose up at a vegetarian meal. Your dog needs a balanced intake of protein, calcium and vitamin D to maintain health. Some dogs require amino acids such as L-carnitine and taurine — amino acids that aren’t often found in commercial dog foods. A result of this amino acid deficiency is cardiomyopathy, a life-threatening condition where the heart enlarges and cannot function. Barring making your own meatless dog food, you can check out vegetarian dog food brands such as Nature’s Recipe and F & O Alternative Pet Products. Newman’s Own makes organic vegan treats.

Cats, of course, are much more complicated. There’s a reason they’re finicky eaters; their bodies demand it. The main issue is the amino acid taurine (commercial pet food companies usually get this from mollusks). A deficiency in taurine will result in retinal degeneration and blindness. Cats also require a considerable amount of vitamin A, and unlike humans and dogs, their bodies can’t obtain it from carotene — in other words, don’t give your cat pureed carrots for vitamin A. Without sufficient vitamin A, cats risk hearing loss and a myriad of other problems with bones, skin, and intestines.

Other nutrients such as vitamin B12, niacin, and thiamine are requirements whose best source is meat. Cats need more protein and less fiber than most vegetarian diets will give them. Even the Vegetarian Society of the UK espouses a meat-based diet for cats. If you wish to attempt a vegetarian diet with your cat, you must supplement his food or make sure to find a vegetarian cat food that has these supplements in it. You might want to check out supplements such as Vegecat and Vegekit to add to your cat’s food.
We all do what we think is best for our pets, and sometimes what our pets want or need isn’t what we as humans would prefer. If your pet thrives on a vegan or vegetarian diet, wonderful. But if after a few weeks you see your pet isn’t adapting to a new diet, it’s time to rethink the changes. In the end, what matters most is your pet’s happiness and health.

House of Mews received a new lease on life after its benefactor was purchased by an out-of-town company.

Service Assurance, a Memphis-based IT support and management company, adopted the no-kill cat shelter on Cooper Street in 2010, after founder Elain Harvey considered selling her house to keep the facility afloat. That partnership faced an uncertain future when Service Assurance was purchased recently by All Covered, a division of New Jersey-based Konica Minolta.

But the new company has assured House of Mews that it will keep on purring, announcing that it will provide $1,000 a month to cov er the shelter’s rent indefinitely. Harvey thanked Mark Giannini and Kelli Mitchell of Service Assurance for their commitment to the nonprofit, which has rescued some 9,000 cats over the past 17 years.

House of Mews, at 933 S. Cooper St., currently has about 120 cats available for adoption. Learn more at houseofmews.com.

By Trisha Gurley
By now the new year isn’t quite so new anymore, and myself, my husband and my ever-awesome cat Milton have settled in to 2012. I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions, but I have promised to look out for my health and the health of those I love. Milton the cat is no exception, of course.

As I’ve mentioned previously in this column, Milton has diabetes. Until his diagnosis, I’d never considered the possibility of animals getting such a disease. A few years ago, I’d noticed some gradual changes with Milton. Milton is an all-black cat, no traces of white whatsoever (aside from a few old man grays in his ears). Like most cats, Milton likes to bake himself in the sunbeams that spread across the floor in the afternoons. Over time I saw his coat fade from its usual inky black to a dark brown. Friends would come over and remark how Milton had gotten lighter. He was almost resembling a tortie in hue. I figured the sunbathing was the culprit and the fading was just one of those weird cat things that happens, or just a sign of aging.

He seemed fine with his brown self until I noticed he was getting lethargic. I know, I know…a cat? Lethargic? Most anyone would label any animal that sleeps up to 20 hours per day lethargic! But I could tell something wasn’t right. The cat that was normally prone to “night crazies”― the inexplicable dashing, zooming and meowing of cats that tends to happen while the humans are trying to sleep ― sat curled on the couch. Sometimes he’d find a space to hide in the closet. He lost interest in his toys (toys can range from a store-bought cat toy to a paper wad).

He seemed to eat normally, but I detected a bit of lightness when I’d scoop him off the floor. Despite the normal appetite, his water drinking dramatically increased. The cat mama instinct kicked in and I scheduled a vet appointment.

At that vet appointment, Milton’s blood sugar was 520. This is an extremely dangerous level for a human, let alone a cat. The reality hit me fast when my vet said that if I wanted Milton to live, he needed insulin immediately and on a constant basis for the rest of his life. I cried when the vet told me this; it was more than I expected. Milton was a rescue. He had already had life-saving surgery years ago for another medical condition, and I naively figured the poor guy been through all the hard times he was ever going to have.

I worried about the expense and stress too. Insulin would be $160 for a small bottle. We’d have to inject him with three units a day for the rest of his life. We had to buy the syringes and switch to special diabetic food. Thankfully we did not have to do blood testing with him, but we’d always have to be on alert for signs of blood sugar dropping and be ready to handle it immediately. (We’ve never had to bring Milton back from the brink, thank goodness, but we have a bottle of Karo syrup on hand to rub on his gums if it ever happens.) I am terribly needle-phobic, and it took getting past my own mental block to inject Milton ― who, by the way, purrs right through the shot, which takes all of three seconds. Still, my husband usually handles the task. I’m just too much of a wimp to do it.

It was not until Milton’s diagnosis that I put all the symptoms together as diabetes. These symptoms are the same as in humans ― unexplained weight loss, tiredness, increased thirst. Dogs can present with these symptoms as well and unlike cats, can get cataracts with the disease.

I am happy to report that Milton, while still on insulin and special food, has reverted to his old kitty self. Within weeks of starting insulin, his coat returned to its luxurious black. He resumed dodging around our feet as we walked by. He still sleeps most of the day and night (he’s still a cat, you know), but wakes up ready to hunt paper wads, chirp at birds, and demand our attention. He’s even been reduced to two units a day from three, lessening the financial stress. Yes, the vet visits, special food and insulin add up, and we are hardly rolling in extra cash. But to not do all we humanely could to save Milton’s life, or improve its quality, just wasn’t an option for us. It’s fine that he can only repay us with purrs and unbearable cuteness.

Just as in people, diabetes can strike young and old. But if you have an older (10 years and up) cat, double check for diabetic symptoms. Is your cat eating the same amount or more and still losing weight? Is she hiding in new places around the house (a sign of pain)? Is he drinking more water than normal? Do you feel in your gut that something just isn’t right? Call a vet and have your cat tested via a blood draw. If your cat indeed does have diabetes, be assured it is not a death sentence and your cat can live a productive, happy life, just as any person can. It just takes a little extra money and a lot of extra love.

By Katie Pemberton

What do Annie, holiday ornaments, and Zumba have in common? They’re all ways to support the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County this holiday season!

First up, take in a show at Playhouse on the Square! Now through Dec. 23, Annie will be showing at Playhouse at 66 S. Cooper St., and guess who plays Sandy the dog? One of the Humane Society’s very own residents – Hester. Just 10 months ago Hester was living with her seven puppies in a hole in the wall of a garage when the Humane Society rescued her from a hoarding situation. Now she’s healthy and happy and a part of Playhouse’s Annie cast. Performances will take place at Playhouse Fridays at 7pm and Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm. The Humane Society will be on hand offering merchandise, educating about its mission, and accepting donations at selected performances. For tickets, visit playhouseonthesquare.org or call the box office at 901-726-4656.

Up next, check a few items off your gift list by making a donation to the Humane Society in honor of your loved ones. The Humane Society is offering a special gift item for holiday donations. People wishing to make a donation for loved ones as a holiday gift will receive a commemorative holiday ornament for donations of $10 and up. The honorarium ornaments are available now through the end of the year at the Humane Society.

Lastly, shake your winter blues away at Zumba for a Paws to benefit the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County. Zumba for a Paws is a 2-hour Zumbathon featuring many of Memphis’ Zumba instructors, including Kimberly Hawkins, Deontario “Deejay” James, and more; drawings for prizes; healthy snacks; vendors and adoptable pets; plus an exclusive halftime performance by a talented Humane Society dog. Zumba for a Paws will take place Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10am to noon at Mullins United Methodist Church gymnasium at 4 N. Mendenhall Road. Participants who purchase tickets for the drawing, starting at just $1, will be eligible for prizes from The Wine Market, Hollywood Feed, Melanie’s Hallmark, Knick Knack Patty Whack Pet Services, the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County, Arbonne, Advocare, and more. There’s one more way participants can help raise money for the Humane Society with Zumba for a Paws – through sponsorships from family and friends. Zumba for a Paws will award prizes to participants who raised the most funds through sponsorships. For more information about Zumba for a Paws or to download the sponsorship form, visit memphishumane.org.

Most of us will remember our pets when the holidays come around; we’ll watch them “open” gifts of plush ducks, frogs, or hamburgers, rawhide bones, and new collars and leashes. The Humane Society hopes that during this time the community will also remember our pets still looking for their forever homes. You can help them by volunteering, donating, or adopting, of course, but also simply by becoming a fan on Facebook or a follower on Twitter and helping the Humane Society get the word out about its programs, fundraisers, and adoptable pets.

By Holly Smith

Kittens Cooper and Young are gearing up for the House of Mews’ 8^th annual Meowathon with personalized runner numbers, matching sweat bands, and plenty of “cat-itude.” The two eight-week-old male kittens are among the newest additions at the House of Mews and are currently available for adoption. Found during September’s Cooper-Young Festival, the duo have become the unofficial mascots for the Meowathon coming up on Saturday, November 19.

The Meowathon is a 5K run/walk and silent auction hosted by the House of Mews with all proceeds benefiting the organization. The House of Mews is a 16-year-old non-profit staffed by volunteers and located at 933 S. Cooper. A no-kill feline sanctuary, cat adoption agency, and cat lovers’ gift shop, the organization exists solely on support through donations and volunteer efforts.

Cooper and Young arrived just in time to cheer on the 2011 racers and bidders. Last year’s race proceeds totaled nearly $32,000. Cooper and Young, as well as Elain Harvey, Founder and Managing Director, and the volunteer staff say, “Let’s beat that!”

For registration information and a continuously updated list of auction items, visit houseofmews.com/meowathon. Register online, in person during store hours, or over the phone at 901-272-3777. Those who aren’t able to participate in the 5K can sponsor a cat for the day for $15. All race and sponsor fees are tax-deductible charitable donations.

Race day registration begins at 7:30am, and the race begins at 9am at Overton Park (enter off East Parkway, between Poplar Avenue and Sam Cooper Boulevard). Come out and “Run for the Claws!”

By Milton

Note: Milton the cat decided to write this month’s column while his mom, Trisha Gurley, was at work.

Hi everyone. It’s my understanding that my mother writes a column for this here paper. I know what you’re thinking: how does a cat type with no opposable thumbs? None of your business, silly human. We cats can do much more than you think.

I was initially sprung from the Memphis/Shelby County Humane Society by my parents after being there for two years. What happened to me in the years before is shrouded in mystery. I’m a renaissance cat, and I prefer to look forward. I am also a black cat. I am told this worked to my disadvantage when trying to find a family since black cats are considered unlucky. Humph. I prefer to think I am always perfectly dressed to match with any decor or outfit. Mom likes that my shed hair does not affect her primarily dark wardrobe. She was not put off by my dark shroud that day she looked for a new friend at the Humane Society. But I admit I fooled her.

When my mom scooped me out of my cage that day, I was thrilled to get attention all to myself. Not that I was neglected in my temporary home. But my caretakers had a lot of other kitties to look after, and I was pretty low maintenance at the time. I knew she was good people, so I made sure to purr and rub my fuzzy head on her shoulder. My plan worked, mom melted, and I was taken to my new home that day.

I say that I fooled her because once I was adjusted, I began executing my plan to take over the world. You may not know that all felines are in cahoots to take over the world or at least our domains. Mom still likes to scoop me up and cuddle me, and I’ll indulge her for a minute or so but then it’s time to move along. I have plans to make and such plans exhaust me, hence all the naps we cats take. Other times I’m deciphering quantum physics in my head. It varies.

Mom got another surprise when I began my nightly ritual of running from the bedroom window to the living room window, jumping on the sills and meowing. I make sure to do this just as she’s falling asleep. She’s grown accustomed after all these years, but does not realize I am protecting our domain. I am an older kitty now, so I have grown more ornery. Since I am strictly an indoor kitty, this is my way of telling other neighborhood critters to stay off our lawn. My meow strikes unspeakable fear into the hearts of trespassers or potential burglars! I am a mighty hunter and a mighty warrior, people!

Aside from guarding our home, my daily routine involves ensuring my food and water bowls are filled and refreshed adequately. So far my parents do an excellent job of this, but only because I remind them multiple times a day. I also like to keep the humans limber and sharp by dodging in front of them as they walk, or even nibbling on their toes as they try to sleep. Some cats do this as a means to kill or injure their humans, but I prefer to think I’m helping them stay active so they might serve my needs longer. I’m also responsible for pest control in the home, but as I’ve aged I feel such work is beneath me. Bugs are toys to bat about and forget.

I’m a very generous and noble cat for doing all these things for free. My shiny black coat ensures I will look good while I do what I do, and that’s important. Uh oh, I think mom just came home. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to nap or maybe conjure new tactical moves. Later, silly humans.

By Holly Smith

The House of Mews had two surprise additions during September’s Cooper-Young Festival. A box labeled “Free Kittens, Take One” was left on Evelyn Street near the Festival. A passer-by discovered the box containing four five-week-old kittens. Two kittens were adopted by Festival-goers on the short walk from Evelyn to The House of Mews, and the remaining two were brought to and accepted by the cat sanctuary. Volunteer Abby Wallace named the male kittens Cooper and Young.

The kittens were quite the attraction. They posed as mascots for the day, accompanying volunteers outside the rescue center’s door helping promote The House of Mews Meowathon. While people kissed and cuddled, they also signed up for the 5K Run/Walk and Silent Auction, which takes place Saturday, November 21, at Overton Park. Race day registration begins at 7:30am, and the race begins at 9am (enter off of East Parkway, between Poplar Avenue and Sam Cooper Boulevard). Everyone is encouraged to sign up and “Run For The Claws.”

The Meowathon is an important fundraiser for The House of Mews, a no-kill feline sanctuary and adoption agency in the Cooper-Young Historic District. Proceeds from the race and auction go directly to The House of Mews, which is currently home to more than 140 otherwise homeless cats and kittens and is staffed entirely by volunteers.

“The Meowathon is a fun event for everyone and it supports a great cause,” said Abby Wallace, volunteer race director. “Last year we had 404 participants, 44 event sponsors, and a profitable silent auction, raising the most revenue in Meowathon’s history.”

The Meowathon 5K Run/Walk is sanctioned and coordinated by the Memphis Runners Track Club (MRTC). Top male and female finishers in multiple categories will receive medals engraved with The House of Mews cat logo.

There are several ways to register. Race day registration at Overton Park begins at 7:30am. Online registration is available at racesonline.com. A registration form is also available from houseofmews.com/meowathon.html. The downloaded form and registration fee should be mailed to 933 S. Cooper, Memphis, TN 38104. Runners may register in person at The House of Mews or over the phone by calling 901-272-3777 during store hours: Tuesday 1-5pm, Wednesday 4-7:30pm, Thursday 6-9pm, Friday 4-7:30pm, and Saturday 12-4pm.

Registration fees are $18 from October 1 through November 13 and $25 November 14 through race day. MRTC members receive $1 discount through November 15. Those who aren’t able to participate in the 5K can sponsor a cat for the day for $15. All race and sponsor fees are tax-deductible charitable donations.

More information on the event, including a continuously updated list of silent auction items, is available at houseofmews.com/meowathon.html. Friends of The House of Mews can stay updated at facebook.com/thehouseofmews and at twitter.com/thehouseofmews.