Please send all submissions to Pet Personalities, PO Box 381573, Cambridge, MA 02238 or email Publisher@petpersonalites.com. *Please include pet name, breed, your name, address & email on all submissions*.

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Are you single? Do you have a pet? Want to meet other pet owners in the Boston area? Post a personal on the Tail talk message board! Please send all submissions to PetPersonalities, PO Box 381573, Cambridge, MA 02238 or email Publisher@petpersonalites.com.


Boona and Sidney

"Friends from Florida"

As we mentioned last time, pugs enjoy everyone's company. Our people person, Cindy, wants to get some chickens (Who does she think she is, Martha Stewart??) and we are not too sure about that.

However, we do have some pets of our own. Many butterflies visit our garden and we have the cutest Toad Family living in the shrubbery. We had seen Papa Toad occasionally after a rain, crouched in the water main well, snacking on the odd mosquito.

Toads

One day our people left out a flower pot saucer and it filled with rain. The next morning, Papa checked it out. The weather had been pretty hot and dry and he really enjoyed basking in his little pool. He just kind of sits there, always with his back to the house, pretending he's a stone. He does not bother us and we respect his privacy too.Now we notice the babies have been allowed out and this morning one of the youngsters was enjoying a bath. We are pleased the family is in residence because they do keep the biting insect population down!

Q & A about Pet blood donation with Angell Memorial

Why is it important for animals to donate blood?
Just like people, sick and injured animals frequently need blood transfusions. In many cases, blood transfusions can save a pet's life. Dogs and cats that have been hit by cars, or suffer from autoimmune diseases are two of the most common reasons. Last year, Angell veterinarians gave blood transfusions to more than 1,000 animals!

Are there pet blood donation programs across the country?
Only very large animal hospitals that see thousands of patients a year, like Angell, have blood donor programs. Smaller veterinary practices usually have a resident cat and dog who donate as needed.

What animals are eligible & what are the requirements?
Like human blood donors, pet donors should be healthy and meet certain requirements. For example, donor dogs must weigh at least 50 lbs., be 1-9 years old, have no major medical problems, be up to date on vaccinations, have never received a blood transfusion, and have no history of pregnancy. Cat donors must weigh at least 9 lbs., be between 1 - 8 years old, with no major medical problems, not currently on medication, have never received a blood transfusion, and have no history of pregnancy. For more details, visit our website at www.Angell.org

What happens during the procedure & how long does it take?
For dogs, the blood donation process takes about half an hour, but you should plan on spending up to an hour and a half at Angell for the entire appointment. (You can drop your pet off in the morning and return later to pick him up.) Here's what happens during the process:
-A small area of your dog's neck is shaved and cleaned.
-About a pint of blood is drawn.
-Your dog will be brought to the recovery area and, once at home, should remain quiet for the rest of the day.

Because cats have to be under anesthesia to donate, it takes much longer for your kitty to donate blood. For more information, or to schedule a blood donation, contact our Blood Bank Coordinator Natasha Bureau at 617 522-7282, ext. 5368, or via e-mail at: nbureau@mspca.org.

Will donors receive anything?
Donors receive many benefits including a free physical exam and lab screen, including a complete blood count, chemistry profile, and blood type, a free Hill's Science Diet food, a blood donor card and eligibility for a free blood transfusion should one ever be needed, and a "Pet Me! I Gave Blood" bandanna. Dogs are tested for heartworm and cats are tested for FeLV and FIV and hemobartonella. Frequent donors receive even more benefits. See our website for details.

Who should people contact if they are interested in learning more about Angell's pet blood donation program? Visit www.Angell.org for details or call Natasha at 617-522-7282, ext. 5368. By donating blood, your pet could give the gift of life to someone else's beloved companion animal.

Like to write? Become a petpersonalities.com "Pets on the Prowl' reporter and write in about current issues facing pet owners email:petsontheprowl@petpersonalities.com. Has your pet passed away? Share your memories & how you dealt with the loss for our pet memorials section memorials@petpersonalities.com.

*Please note that all submissions must be original works/photos and are subject to the discretion & editing of the Publisher & become the property of petpersonalities.com. If you would like your photo returned, include a self addressed, stamped envelope & remember to have pet name, breed, your name, address or email on all submissions.

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