tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73774876200315882862024-03-12T17:07:13.834-07:00Musings of a Cranky Cat WranglerLucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-28522277678590214172014-01-28T22:49:00.001-08:002014-01-28T22:49:04.185-08:00Grim FactsI used to enjoy watching the Animal Cops shows on the Animal Planet channel. The ones where they rescue a half dead dog or cat from the hands of an evil owner, attend to its medical needs and care at the city's expense, then find it a home. Warm fuzzies at the end of the episode.<br />
When I went back to work in the animal care industry, the reality is much different. During my hiatus from Boss Man's office, I worked for a time at an animal hospital that was attached to and contracted with a city Animal Shelter. For those not in the know, shelter medicine is much different than a standard veterinary practice.<br />
No matter what your impression, the people that work in this environment have a deep compassion for the animals. Not so much for the people, who show a level of assclownery that I rarely have had to deal with. They develop an almost psychic bullshit detector, yet they do their best to be polite and civil. Something that I fail at miserably. Most of these employees have an assortment of pets that have been turned in that have touched them in some way that they can't leave them to the uncertain fate that the shelter affords them. So they take them home and either foster them or keep them. Most of those who work in the veterinary industry take home the blind and dysfunctional, the unadoptables that were thrown away like trash.They stay at their jobs because it is a calling, helping those who have no voice. They weep over those who have no chance, and rejoice for those who find love and acceptance. They get up everyday and do their job because making a difference to just one is why they are there.<br />
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The over breeding of pets along with irresponsible pet ownership and lack of funding means that to make room for more animals coming in, those who have not been adopted must be euthanized. The law varies, but usually there is a 3-5 day hold on strays because they must try to locate the owner. Owner turn ins may be euthanized immediately. If an owner turns in an animal that is unadoptable for either medical or temperament reasons, it's rare that the pet will end up available for adoption. So if you can't keep Fluffy or Fido for whatever reason, don't turn them over to a city or county shelter unless you want them to spend some time in a cage before they are euthanized. Stay away from the illusion that the pet you didn't keep will find a new, loving home. The odds are better in Vegas.<br />
Because of lack of funding, most city or county shelters are only required to administer pain medication to injured animals. These little guys are usually euthanized immediately, unless someone steps up and is willing to foot the vet bills to put them back together. Sick animals, the same thing. That cute puppy with Parvo won't be treated, he will be put down.<br />
Same thing with space and funding: most shelters have the 2 +2 rule: under 2 months, under 2 pounds equals euthanasia. I worked during the spring (kitten season) and saw so many bright eyed beautiful kittens who didn't stand a chance.<br />
There is no breed of cat or dog that is shelter proof, we've seen all breeds. The shelter doesn't just have mutts, there's a ton of purebred pets there too. Luckily, there are breed specific rescue groups who regularly troll the kill shelters. Not much made me happier when a rescue person came in to pull all pets who were either purebred, or a mix of the breed they were dedicated to. It's nice to load pets in a van for once who stand a chance at finding a good home.<br />
Like the tooth fairy and unicorns, No Kill Shelters are a myth.<i><b> A city or county run No Kill Shelter means simply that the animals are not euthanized on the premises.</b></i> Instead, those who are elderly or have physical or temperament issues are sent to a kill shelter to be euthanized. Turning in a pet to a No Kill shelter (providing your pet passes the standards they set) only buys them more time at being adopted. A No Kill shelter is not a sanctuary, nor is it a permanent home.<br />
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So what can the average person do to change things? Besides the obvious, which is donate and/or volunteer, there is something that every pet owner can do. Quit passing the buck and making your pet someone else's problem. It is not necessary for your pet to breed once, or have one litter of babies (90% who will end up in a kill shelter). Sterilize your pets as soon as possible. Pets are a lifetime commitment, so make sure you can take care of that cute puppy or kitten in the grocery store parking lot before you take it home. A new addition to your family should always be a decision well thought out and not an impulse. Make sure you can budget in food, spay/neuter surgery and vet bills. Budget in 10-20 years for the lifetime of the pet. And when the quality of life is not there, make the decision for a peaceful end. That's what being a responsible pet owner is about. <br />
<br />Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-17866443437380729692013-08-28T22:38:00.001-07:002013-08-28T22:38:27.792-07:00Sure, They're Acting Normal, But....Eating and drinking normally, along with normal bathroom habits are always a good sign. But it's no guarantee that your pet is in optimum health.<br />
Well pet checks on a regular basis are always encouraged. But in this economy with money being tight we are seeing pets that have had problems go on so long that immediate action is necessary, and usually expensive.<br />
Boss Man and I have had a higher than usual number of cases of mammary gland tumors and pyometra in older unspayed female dogs. When we ask the owners why they waited until the dog is in critical condition before seeking help the answer is always "But she's been eating and drinking and acting fine, so I didn't think there was a problem"<br />
A tumor the size of a grapefruit that is dragging the ground didn't happen yesterday. A Pyo so infectious that the smell comes into the room 10 minutes before the dog does has been brewing awhile.A small male dog with testicles swollen to the size of a tennis ball is not macho nor is it healthy. Having to call an owner and tell them that their beloved pet has metastatic cancer is hard on everyone. Which could have been avoided with a simple and relatively inexpensive sterilization surgery when they were young.<br />
These cases are expensive and time consuming. Blood work is needed to make sure the patient can survive the surgery. X rays to check for metastasis before. Biopsies of the tumor are not cheap. And the surgery itself is touchy. While we do perform the neuter or spay at the time, there is also the extra of removing the tumor and making sure the whole tumor is excised. Some of these are so large that there is very little skin left to suture together. This means a longer and more arduous recovery time for the pet, with more possible complications than a routine sterilization.<br />
Remember the childhood taunt: "See with your eyes, not with your hands"? This doesn't apply to having pets. A routine examination no less than once a month will catch things before they get critical. Run your hands all over your pet. Note any lumps or bumps, and their size. You don't have to measure, just compare the size (a dime, a quarter, a softball, etc). If you find something, have it checked out. Your vet may recommend surgical removal, or monitoring the progress, depending on the type of lump and the location. It's much easier on you, your pet and your wallet to remove something the size of a quarter rather than something the size of a grapefruit. Even if everything is normal, at least getting an exam is good preventive care.<br />
And, if you're not breeding them or are done breeding them, get them fixed.Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-32379433987680337622013-05-31T22:12:00.000-07:002013-08-28T22:41:20.359-07:00Vacations and PetsittingSummer's just about here and most people are planning a vacation of some sort. One part of the checklist that seems to get sorely neglected is the care of their pets in their absence. Every pet owner needs to budget in the cost of boarding or a petsitter as part of their vacation expenses.<br />
If you choose to board, get references and inspect the facility before leaving your pet with them. Make sure they have what you need, and be sure that what is important (a large run for a large dog, for example) will be provided.<br />
If you choose to have a pet sitter come to your home, make sure they are licensed (check) and also check their references. This is a stranger to you and your pet, make sure you know enough about them before you hand them the keys to your kingdom.<br />
If you use a family member, friend, neighbor, etc, choose wisely. I've seen many long time relationships lost over petsitting deals. Choose someone whose standard of pet care is as good or better than your own.<br />
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<b>DO</b>-If you have a pet that is medically not well or has special needs, is an escape artist or a biter, consider boarding that pet with a reliable facility or your vet's office. I once had a very sweet dog that I didn't find out until a short day trip that she wouldn't let anyone, even people she knew, in our yard without me present. She was also a master escape artist during firework season. I started boarding her during our vacations and life was much easier for everyone.<br />
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DO- Arrange a meet and greet with your petsitter, even if it's one you use frequently. Make sure to go over what you expect them to do while you're gone, what time to feed, etc.<br />
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<b>DO</b>- Put everything in writing. What food goes to which pet, which pet has special needs or quirks.<br />
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<b>DO</b>- Include in writing descriptions of your pets, names, ages, vaccines, license tag or chip numbers, special dietary needs and allergies. Including a recent picture is a good idea in case the pet gets lost.<br />
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DO-leave a list of veterinarians that you use, directions to their office, and phone numbers. Also leave contact information of at least one friend or family member who knows your pets and can act in your absence.<br />
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<b>DO</b>-Leave a signed written consent form for your petsitter to seek veterinary attention or euthanasia in your absence. This is crucial. Because of this litigious society, most vets won't touch an animal brought in in the owner's absence without written consent. Accidents happen, and you don't want Fido or Fluffy suffering because you're out of cell phone range.<br />
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<b>DO</b>-Leave plenty of food and supplies. I leave double the amount needed for the time I'm gone. Planes get delayed and cars break down, sometimes we don't get home when we expect to.<br />
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<b>DO</b>-Clearly label and go over instructions of any medications or special supplements. A daily pill minder from the dollar store makes life easier for Fido or Fluffy's meds. Dobbin's powdered supplements can be put in a baggie with his name and day and feeding time so all the petsitter has to do is dump it in the feeder.<br />
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<b>DO</b>-Make sure you are clear about what you want the petsitter to do about poop. If you want her to scoop poop, make sure that the tools are in good working order and easily accessible and the waste receptacles are where they need to be.<br />
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<b>DON'T</b>- leave without written instructions. If something is forgotten, it's there in black and white. If a veterinary visit is necessary in your absence, the short history you've left will be valuable to someone who hasn't seen your pet before.<br />
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<b>DON'T</b>- make changes to diet or routine before you leave unless it's medically necessary. Your vacation may be relaxing, but your absence is still stressful to your pet. Wait until you get home to make changes.<br />
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<b>DON'T</b>-Leave a mess and expect your petsitter to deal with it. Leave the cats with fresh litter in their boxes before you go, scoop up poop in the backyard, clean Dobbin's stall. Leaving your petsitter to deal with Bandini mountain means that next time you go you won't have a petsitter.<br />
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<b>DON'T</b>- Expect your petsitter to automatically know everything about your pet, even if she is very experienced. If Fluffy usually only eats half of her food or won't poop in a used litter box let the sitter know. Also be sure she knows what is usual, and unusual, habits of your pet. Tell her what to watch for and what is considered an emergency.<br />
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<b>DON'T</b>-Leave and expect the sitter to supply necessities. If Fido will only take his seizure meds with peanut butter, make sure it's available. If Dobbin gets a carrot daily, supply it. Everything your pets need in your absence is on you.<br />
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Have a great vacation!!<br />
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Coming soon: The Cranky Catwranglers Mis-Adventures in PetsittingLucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-51922653037135282122013-02-16T22:18:00.001-08:002013-02-16T22:18:22.123-08:00Ass Clown Redux<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So I've been neglecting my little blog. Life took some strange twists and turns in 2012, most of which I'm happy to leave behind, but there were learning experiences all the same. I've found myself in yet another full circle yet again: I'm doing relief work for Boss Man. I'm not so sure this is a good thing. The F bomb has reentered my vocabulary out of either necessity or a requirement of working there.<br />
Today was a shot clinic day, and with good weather and the promise of spring we were busy. It was the typical mix of new puppies and old clients, those who were happy with us and those who will never be happy.<br />
Then I get a guy who comes in after speaking to a co worker. He went to give his dog a bath, the collar is embedded and the dog won't let him near him (big surprise). So he stopped by to get some tranquilizers so he can get the collar cut off the dog. I go through the whole ritual of what he needs to do, that the dog will probably need veterinary attention, etc., then off to find Boss Man to get the script written. I hand him the chart and the following conversation ensues:<br />
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BM: Is the dog here?<br />
ME: No, the owner is. He can't get near the dog. He needs to tranq the dog so he can get close enough to cut the collar off.<br />
BM: Does he look stupid?<br />
ME: How smart can he be if the dog has an effing embedded collar?<br />
BM: Let me talk to him.<br />
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Seriously. <b><i>An embedded collar does not happen overnight. Most embedded collar cases are a guarantee of neglect charges. </i></b>While I would really like to give this assclown the benefit of the doubt, such as he was out of town and this happened under someone else's watch, still, there is no excuse for an embedded collar.<br />
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Preaching to the choir here: We all have busy lives. Pets are a responsibility, and a duty. Part of ensuring their well being is checking them. All pets should have a visual inspection daily. No less than weekly, a pet owner needs to go over their pet with their hands and check. Check teeth, sniff ears and skin, check foot pads and between toes. Anything different needs attention. If a collar is too small, get rid of it or replace it. Whether the pet never leaves your side or lives outdoors guarding your property there should always be a good going over. With the exception of feral cats, all pets should tolerate a quick general inspection. If this is impossible, get yourself a good trainer for help, or reconsider pet ownership.<br />
Embedded collars are signs of weeks or even months of neglect, and shouldn't happen. Ever.Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-90816641691920281752012-11-07T21:44:00.001-08:002012-11-07T21:45:44.352-08:00Rock The Dogs And Other Random Musings<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been awhile, and my poor little blog has been sorely neglected, time for an update.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An attorney who very generously donated his time was able to stop the TIER property auction. It's in a holding pattern now, hopefully enough time to get the next move sorted out</span>. <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, through a grant and some fundraising, TIER was able to send two of their most needy residents for some training. Both Chino and Autumn have been so traumatized by humans that it's very difficult to do the most basic care for them. The goal is to be able to put a halter on them and have them let the farrier trim their feet. These are the kind of horses TIER helps, which is why it's so necessary to be able to keep them going. The facebook page is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/TIER-True-Innocents-Equine-Rescue/364610464988?ref=ts&fref=ts">here</a></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and their website is <a href="http://www.tierrescue.org/">here</a></span>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another worthwhile charity has come across my desk. It's called <a href="http://www.tazzyfund.com/rockthedogs.html">Tazzy Fund/Rock The Dogs</a></span>. <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's run by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Cambell and his wife Marcie.</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They're doing some fundraising: check out their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rock-The-Dogs/145688525448034">facebook page</a></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and their <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/tazzyfund/m.html?item=330823256658&ssPageName=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&_sop=1">ebay auctions. </a></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a great way to donate to a good cause and make a Petty fan (like me) on your Christmas list happy. I'm really hoping they'll start selling T shirts, since my unemployment budget keeps me from bidding on any of their auctions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm so relieved that this election is over. WTF is up with the radical right and why must their crap be all over my facebook page? I realize I have the rebel without a clue thing going, but I'm still shocked and surprised at the vitriol being spewed all over the social media. We're supposed to be an evolved society. NOT</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The days are getting shorter and every fly in the area has moved into my house. That's how I know winter is coming.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm going to try to make a point of updating this blog more often. People are still assclowns, and there are more stories to tell. But for now, back to the manure pile. </span><br />
Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-59244282146547772132012-08-17T22:42:00.000-07:002012-08-17T22:42:20.485-07:00Chase Bank:Hypocritical Ass Clowns<object height="268" id="otvPlayer" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://cdn.abclocal.go.com/static/flash/embeddedPlayer/swf/otvEmLoader.swf?version=fw1000&station=kabc&section=&mediaId=8775482&parentId=8775477&cdnRoot=http://cdn.abclocal.go.com&webRoot=http://abclocal.go.com&configPath=/util/&site=" ></param>
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Watch the video above. I've been a long time VolunTIER and supporter of True Innocents Equine Rescue aka TIER. TIER, and the founder, Gail Gleeson, has been dedicated to helping abused and neglected horses find permanent homes. To date, TIER has assisted 800 (<b>yes that is eight hundred</b>) horses. Gail has also helped found the Riverside County Horse Coalition, dedicated to helping horses in need. This is a true community service.<br />
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You won't find fancy trimmings at TIER. What you will find are horses that are recovering from serious neglect and abuse that are well fed and taken care of. Some of them were hours away from death and are now on the road to recovery because of TIER's efforts.<br />
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Despite the wonderful donors and volunteers, essentially TIER is a one woman act. Every penny donated goes to the needs of the residents and I've lost count of how many times Gail has had to reach into her own pocket to make up the difference. Unlike many other rescues, TIER has taken unsound horses, those who spend the rest of their lives as pasture pets. There have been some that have had to go straight to the vets to be euthanized because a former owner wouldn't do the right thing by the horse that served them so well.<br />
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Sadly, there's been a predicament. Gail refinanced her home, which is where TIER is located, then later lost her job. She has been making payments to Chase Bank who has somehow screwed up the paperwork. Earlier this week she finds a notice that her property is going up for auction. A phone call to some random person at Chase gives her the info that her property was foreclosed on in late 2011.<br />
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<i>WTF kind of country is this that Chase Bank can foreclose on a property owner without proper notification?! Isn't that a notice that needs to served with proof of service? </i>Had she been aware of the foreclosure back then, she could have done something, instead of this last minute mad scramble.<br />
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<b>And Chase Bank, sponsors of the Kentucky Derby and the Keeneland Thoroughbred sales are going to put 34 horses and 3 donkeys and the only person who stood by them out of their homes? When horses like these from events that Chase sponsors are no longer making money, those that don't go to slaughter end up in places like TIER, which are in short supply. How hypocritical can you get?</b><br />
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TIER's Facebook page is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/TIER-True-Innocents-Equine-Rescue/364610464988">here</a> if you'd like to help or see what the rescue is all about. I don't bank with Chase since I've never liked them, but if I did I'd be closing my accounts. And making a "deposit". One of Princess Pout's. <br />
<br />Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-17086233523730655612012-07-22T22:53:00.002-07:002012-07-22T22:53:41.770-07:00Guest Blogger!I've been neglecting my little blog lately. Recovering from my accident and subsequent job loss has left me a bit uninspired. So today I'll turn over the keyboard to Princess Pout, who has plenty of opinions on everything.<br />
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Hay there! It's about damned time my human stepped aside and gave me some spotlight. She insists that my first post here be a sort of PSA. Since she controls my food I'd guess I better humor the squirrely blonde.<br />
It's summer, which means it gets hot. If you think you're suffering, try it with fur or feathers. Not all animals sweat, which means it's harder for us to cool ourselves off when the temperature rises.<br />
If you won't get in your car without the air conditioner on, don't expect your pet to either. Don't leave your pet locked in the car, not even for a minute.<br />
We need lots more water in the hot weather. If you're coming home from work and water bowls are empty, fergawdsake <i>add another bowl</i>. We don't care if it matches the other bowls or your decor, that's a human thing. We need water. Dump the bowls out often, give them a good scrub and add fresh water. We stay more hydrated when the water is fresh.<br />
Those metal lick-it things that attach to faucets for dogs to drink out of. If you really want to use one of those, at least put it on a faucet that's in the shade. Think about it.<br />
Speaking of shade, those of us who live outside all day need some kind of shade, whether it's a tree or a small shelter. It doesn't have to be something out of Better Barns and Manure Piles, just a place to go to get out of the heat. It's also a place to get out of the rain during winter, so it does double duty. My former stall mate, the Gay Bay, never went under the cover when it rained. When I questioned his sense, he said it was because when he was on the track he was always locked in a stall unless he was running. I think it's because he liked to spy on the neighbor.<br />
Summer also means pests and insects. It's bad enough out in the heat without stuff crawling all over you or flying and landing on you. So take care of it for us since we can't do it ourselves. Use fly sprays, and flea/tick control for the dogs and cats. Avoid standing pools of water which attract mosquitos, carriers of heartworm, encephalitis and West Nile Virus. See why I said to change our water often?<br />
There's a flake of hay coming with my name on it, so I'll sign off for now. Don't forget to tip your guest blogger.<br />
Hooves and tails,<br />
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PPLucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-12547040450398454452012-06-02T12:45:00.000-07:002012-06-02T22:59:25.179-07:00When Neglect Becomes Cruelty***WARNING-GRAPHIC PICTURES POSTED BELOW***<br />
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I usually don't do this. Between my job and volunteering for rescues, I see a ton of animals in need, and I'm only too painfully aware that no matter how herculean the effort, they can't all have happy endings. However, this was in my news feed, and I just can't ignore it:<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/notes/tier-true-innocents-equine-rescue/duncan-needs-help-warning-graphic-photos/10150935200154941">Here</a> is the link if it's too small to read.<br />
Whoever owned this horse is beyond reprehensible. From what I can see in the pictures, other than the eye this horse looks relatively healthy.<br />
Owning a horse is not cheap, no matter how much you slash your budget. Feed prices are astronomical, the constant costs such as hoof care and dental have to be budgeted in. And there's physical work involved in horse care. I figure for every hour I spend in the saddle, there's at least 3 hours work involved before I can think about tacking up. Rain or shine, it must be done daily, no matter how you feel or what the weather is like.<br />
I always tell potential new horse owners that if they aren't passionate about horses, it's not worth the trouble. Everyone I know who has the passion drives a used vehicle and budget shops for clothes. And emergency vet bill can mean several months of ramen noodles for meals. All for the passion. If you're not willing, don't bother.<br />
It sickens me that this horse's owner didn't get veterinary care long before the eye got this bad. I can't think of a vet who wouldn't either donate their labor or take payments on the bill to help this horse if money were an issue. Instead this piece of garbage does nothing, and leaves it up to a rescue. Run by an awesome woman who is stumbling under the weight of responsibility for caring for the residents who are already there, she has to clean up the mess of someone who couldn't be bothered to pick up the phone and call the vet. In this bad economy prices are up and donations are down, and she's struggling enough to take care of her own. But she and others like her that truly have the passion, she's working on a way to help Duncan.<br />
Stay tuned either to this blog or on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/TIER-True-Innocents-Equine-Rescue/364610464988">TIER Facebook Page</a> for updates on Duncan. I'm hoping that very soon I can post some positive updates, especially when he's ready for adoption. I'm sure that eye will have to be removed, but that doesn't mean that Duncan can't live a good life and have a job. There's lots of people who have one eyed or completely blind horses (I was one of them), missing an eye doesn't mean the end of a career-or a life.<br />
To help Duncan, or any of the TIER residents, click <a href="http://www.tierrescue.org/IndividualDonations.htm">here</a>. All donations are tax deductible.<br />
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**********UPDATE**************<br />
I have just been notified that Duncan's problem was beyond medical help and he was humanely euthanized. He was a young horse and a perfect gentleman. The update is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/notes/tier-true-innocents-equine-rescue/duncan-crossed-the-rainbow-bridge-today/10150938658729941">here.</a> <br />
I would like to thank the tireless volunTIERS at TIER for their hard work in trying to make a difference to Duncan. This is the hardest part of rescue, getting them out of a bad situation only to have to euthanize. Duncan's last moments before crossing the bridge were filled with gentle pats and kind words from people who cared about him. And sometimes, that's all we have to offer.Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-77452746410410874982012-04-11T22:07:00.000-07:002012-04-11T22:07:29.605-07:00The Second Opinion: Dr. GoogleYou've just been given a diagnosis that you don't know much about, so who do you call? Dr. Google!<br />
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Actually, there's nothing wrong with using the internet to educate yourself about things you're unsure about, a new diagnosis or term, or even some symptoms to find out the possibility of what you may be looking at.<br />
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However, <b><i>it's best to use the internet to get a second opinion, not the first one</i></b>. I get a few phone calls a week from people who have diagnosed their pet's symptoms and want advice-all for free of course, and without seeing their pet, which is against federal law. The info on the internet is for educational and not diagnostic purposes, but it seems most people don't read the disclaimers.<br />
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Not long ago we had a case of a young beautiful dog with neurological problems. It was horrible to watch. Not only could this dog not walk a straight line, he had lost control of his bowels and bladder. Turned out the owner wanted to save some money on heartworm testing and medication by giving ivermectin horse paste to his dog. He read about it on the internet. Too bad he didn't read further, he would have found out that his breed of dog carries a genetic mutation that allows ivermectin to pass through the blood brain barrier. This is toxic and can be fatal. For want of saving a few dollars he's spent thousands and his dog has a very guarded prognosis. Not to mention the heartbreak of watching a beautiful young animal go through hell.<br />
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Not all internet advice is bad. Here's a few pointers:<br />
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Check pages that are written by veterinary professionals. Their credentials will be listed on the page. Same with research done by schools.<br />
Check the publication dates of the page. There are still tons pages with outdated studies/advice that search engines will hit. Look for more recent information.<br />
Take with a grain of salt the manufacturer's page. They're trying to sell a product, and it may not be the right one for your pet.<br />
Likewise, approach with caution the "all natural healing remedies" stuff. They aren't under any kind of regulation, and probably aren't tested.<br />
Message boards/groups need to be approached with caution as well. It's worth reading them because they can be a source of valuable information and links, but it's one of those "don't try this at home" cautions.<br />
It's okay to take the internet information with you to your vet visit and ask your vet's opinion of what you've learned. Making informed choices is a good thing.<br />
<i>If you're not willing to subject yourself or your human kid as an internet advice guinea pig, apply the same rules to your pet. They don't have a choice in the matter.</i>Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-55269615778281591462012-03-25T15:14:00.000-07:002012-03-25T15:14:59.718-07:00Vaccination RevisitedI see it all the time in public bathrooms: women washing their hands like they're scrubbing up to perform surgery, carefully not touching the towel dispenser, and using the paper towel to open the bathroom door. Even most grocery stores provide antibacterial wipes to wipe off carts before we use them. People don't want other people's germs around them.<br />
Yet one of the biggest arguments when I got from callers making surgical appointments when I worked for boss man was about our hospital policy regarding current vaccinations on all surgical patients. If they weren't current, then we did them at an extra charge, and the clients were screaming.<br />
Would you sit in a room with people sneezing without covering? Would you accept a drink or food from a waiter who you saw take a taste before they set your food on the table? Would you shake hands with someone who just sneezed into theirs? Then why in all that's holy would you want your unvaccinated pet in for surgery with all the germs floating around the hospital?<br />
As I explained <a href="http://crankycatwrangler.blogspot.com/2010/09/virus-story.html">here</a> it is impossible to live in a bubble or keep our pets in one. Even humans get horrible infections in the hospital, as do pets. Exposure is everywhere. It has nothing to do with how clean or careful you are.<br />
Vaccines aren't 100% foolproof but they can exponentially increase the survival rate of a deadly disease. Getting vaccinations are cheap compared to the cost of hospitalization. Pretty cheap insurance worth having.Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-45430361883830778342012-03-20T19:58:00.000-07:002012-03-20T19:58:22.727-07:00Happy Ostara!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CkBg5dLu_LgbSt95OotXIUSWeXBVkEnVP36xRusxW3mZ-MrbcMs6EFntPPsQghJ5XCZ_jcoSxatsYlrQ32vhN6CXqLpUXywT0Xmfl-hTvfR6vGUY2BH02x62U7SE0eqr54Ovh0RGzLA/s1600/DSC_0060+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CkBg5dLu_LgbSt95OotXIUSWeXBVkEnVP36xRusxW3mZ-MrbcMs6EFntPPsQghJ5XCZ_jcoSxatsYlrQ32vhN6CXqLpUXywT0Xmfl-hTvfR6vGUY2BH02x62U7SE0eqr54Ovh0RGzLA/s320/DSC_0060+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Happy first day of Spring, or Ostara, Vernal Equinox, or whatever you celebrate. Springtime means something different to everyone, but to most it's the signal of rebirth or new beginnings.<br />
I finally got a new job as a receptionist at a veterinary clinic. This job is different in the sense that I don't do as much catwrangling as I did when I worked for Boss Man. I mostly just check people in and charge them out and don't get to spend much time with their pets.<br />
The clinic I'm at is attached to a city animal shelter, and one of the functions of the clinic is to spay and neuter the pets that have been adopted. We have our share of the sadness that goes with it, but since the subject is new beginnings, I'll talk about my favorite part of the job.<br />
I love checking out the new adoptees to their new humans. These animals have been either lost or dumped by their former owners, and stuck in a cage with others while an attempt is made to find their people. When they are put up for adoption, they get visits by a bunch of strangers in hopes that someone will find a place for them. Then they get shipped to us where they undergo surgery and a few hours later go home with someone who is a stranger to them.<br />
So called experts say that we shouldn't assign human emotions to animals. But anyone who gets the honor of giving them to their new people know better. I know what they've been through before this day. I sense their reluctance when I gently lift them out of the cage. As I carry them into the crowded room, they see their new human and ears perk up, tails wag, and cats purr. Somehow, they just <i>know</i>. And I'm drowning in a puddle of snot trying not to cry.<br />
It's the coolest thing ever.<br />
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</div>Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-8681445729093265882012-03-10T22:08:00.000-08:002012-03-10T22:08:18.296-08:00Vetiquette: The Second OpinionIt happens to all of us: A pet has a condition that's threatening to empty our savings account. We love our pet, but there is the thought in the back of our heads that maybe we can save a bit of money if we go somewhere else. People we know tell us " MY vet only charged me half as much for the same thing."<br />
Vets can vary widely on their pricing. Unless it's life threatening, you may have some time to shop the price. Keep one simple thing in mind: <i>Shopping prices will cost you.</i><br />
Unlike getting your car or house painted, vet estimates are not free. You don't shop prices for surgeries on your kids. You have to physically bring your pet in for an exam from the doctor you want the estimate from. Laws governing veterinary practices are very similar to those governing human medical practices. <i>A vet must physically see the patient or risking losing a license.</i><br />
I've had people call me on the phone while their pet is being prepped for surgery. Estimates from other places tossed across my desk. Owners asking ME to look at their pet and give them an estimate, for free, of course. And of all the issues I've had to discuss with owners that are less than happy, the second opinion answer is the one that creates the most anger : we can't do anything until the vet sees the pet first. I've been cussed out, sworn at, and had stuff thrown at me. In the time owners have spent arguing with me over it, their pet could have been seen and had an estimate given.<br />
Sure, simple spays and neuters can have estimates given over the phone, but other things are more complicated and what is needed depends on the pet's age and condition.<br />
Be prepared to spend the cost of an exam when asking for a second opinion. Bring all records, medications, blood test results and x rays with you when you come for your appointment. Feel free to ask questions. When you see the estimate, it is okay to ask if certain things are necessary, or whether they are optional.Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-85102770614745170582012-02-27T10:03:00.000-08:002012-02-27T10:03:24.043-08:00Do's And Don'ts: Vetiquette<b>Do</b> be polite, if not at least civil. The person you are talking to will be happier to help you if you play nice.<br />
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<b>Do</b> ask what methods of payment are accepted before you make the appointment. <br />
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<b>Do</b> ask what you need to bring besides the pet. If you have copies of previous vet's records, ask if you need to bring them.<br />
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<b>Don't</b> scream or berate. Nothing puts the brakes on my cooperation than being called the C word. Saying "I'm stressed and freaked out and I can use your help" will make me do whatever I can to help you.<br />
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<b>Do</b> have a good idea of when you can come in and be as flexible as possible about it. It is okay to ask if you can drop the animal off and have us call you at work when we can examine, suggest treatment and estimate cost. I've gone in early for a certain client because her work schedule didn't coincide with our hours, and was glad to do it because she was such a nice lady. It may cost you a day's board depending on the office, but sometimes that's your only choice.<br />
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<b>Don't </b>ask for a diagnosis and treatment over the phone. The person answering is not qualified to do that.<br />
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<b>Do</b> ask if the symptoms you're describing are things that should be seen ASAP or can wait if you're not sure.<br />
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<b>Don't </b>assume any prices given over the phone are set in stone. Realize the charges will likely go up when your pet is seen.<br />
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<b>Don't </b>scream at us when we give you a price quote. We quote the prices, not set them. If someone else has a price you like better, go there. <br />
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<b>Do</b> plan on paying for at least the exam, or office visit fee. We don't work for free.<br />
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<b>Don't</b> call us and ask for drug dosing advice, or over the counter remedies unless your pet was seen by us and it was prescribed by us. We won't give out that info on pets we haven't seen.<br />
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<b>Do </b>your best to show up for your appointment on time. <b>Do</b> call us if you can't make it or need to reschedule. We've set that time aside for you and your pet and, pending emergencies, will be ready for you.<br />
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<b>Do</b> make sure your pet is on a leash/in a carrier that is secure and under your control when you bring them in the waiting room. If your pet is frightened/aggressive, let us know and we'll either get you in a room immediately or have you wait outside with your pet.<br />
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<b>Do</b> let us know if you see pee or poop on the floor. It's part of the job, and we'll take care of it if we know it's there. Don't blame us because it happened.<br />
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<b>Do</b> allow plenty of time for your appointment. Sometimes we have an emergency in we must take first. It's okay to ask to reschedule if you're waiting too long, but don't berate us. One day that emergency that took priority may be your pet.<br />
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<b>Do </b> ask for an estimate of treatment or surgery when you see the vet. <b>Don't</b> freak out and accuse us of price gouging when you see it. Do ask if treating the symptoms would be okay.<b> Do</b> tell us if money is an issue.<br />
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If you have been told that diagnosis is only possible with tests/xrays and opt not to do them, <b>don't</b> call the help constantly and ask for a diagnosis.<br />
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All hospitals have slightly different policies. Ask. If you disagree, <b>don't</b> argue. Go elsewhere.<br />
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If you are required to have proof of vaccines before a surgery/procedure, ask what the policy is and provide proof. <b>Do</b> be prepared to pay again for vaccines if you don't bring proof the day of the surgery.<br />
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If your pet is on lifetime/long term medication to manage a medical problem, it is okay to ask if you can have the prescriptions called in somewhere else or the price matched. Some vets are required by law to do that and some aren't, the laws vary by state. <b>Do </b>check your state's laws.<br />
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Prescription price markups are pretty standardized. The big difference in price is volume discounts. If a small one vet office only buys one dispensing bottle a year, the price will be much higher than a corporation that buys hundreds or thousands of bottles of the same stuff in a year. <b>Don't </b>scream at the little guy, ask if you can get the prescription elsewhere.<br />
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We can't control the market markups. Last year the prices of one drug increased 5 times and eye ointments prices increased over 500 percent. Our costs go up, so do yours. <b>Don't</b> accuse us of sucking away all your money.<br />
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Likewise drug recalls or shortages. In 2010, there was a huge recall for liquid Amoxicillin, which is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for children and small animals. What was available went to the human pharmacies first, and vet's couldn't buy it anywhere for awhile. Which had clients screaming because they had to pill their cats. No amount of screaming will make something that doesn't exist magically appear.<br />
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If you make the decision to find another vet for whatever reason, do be civil about it. Remember that it is noted in your pet's records if you're a difficult client. We do trade information with our colleagues about a client's behavior and if they have skipped out on payment. It's best to leave us where we regret losing you as a client rather than have us do a happy dance while burning your chart. And, we may be the only vet available should you have an emergency, so it's best not to burn your bridges.Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-83136284350410667392012-01-27T21:21:00.000-08:002012-01-27T21:21:18.223-08:00Random Horse StuffI've been keeping my horses on my property for the past 19 years. The first horse I had here went blind from uveitis. Since she often bumped into things, I made the corrals as safe as I had childproofed my house, and stocked up on wound ointments.<br />
She never had a scratch on her.<br />
Taking care of her got me in the habit of inspecting the corrals and surrounding grounds daily. She went to the bridge years ago, still, I check everything and quickly fix or move anything that may possibly hurt a horse.<br />
Since the subsequent residents here seem to be Band Aid poster children, the practice has stood me in good stead.<br />
The latest on the horsey boo boo list is that the Shitweasel has managed to scalp himself. He is missing a huge patch of hair about 2 inches in width and 4 inches in length, from his poll to his forehead, There's a few scrapes that haven't broken the skin and part of his forelock is missing as well.<br />
I have combed every inch of his stall and I can't find anything that could have possibly done something like that. I can't find the patch of hair either.<br />
The only thing I can figure is that Princess Pout got tired of being bothered and grabbed a mouthful of hair and didn't let go until there wasn't a horse on the other end any more, and what he pulled off was picked up by the high winds we were having.<br />
Shitweasel is solid black in the winter and his skin is pink so you can spot the bald patch from a mile away. There's nothing in the budget for the hair club for horses, so he'll have to live with a comb over until the hair grows back.<br />
Just when I think it's safe to relax....Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-82453461310601997522011-12-20T13:11:00.000-08:002011-12-20T13:13:02.476-08:00BPAL: Snake Oil or Snake In The Grass?One of the reasons I decided to do a blog dedicated to bitching instead of my other love, indie makeup, is that there are tons who do this so much better. I suck at descriptions, and I'm too damned lazy to take pictures.<br />
One subject I would avoid would be scented stuff. Scents, to me are a personal thing. It's all a matter of body chemistry. What smells great on someone stinks on another. I've got the kind of chemistry that very few scents work with, so I'm sure a review of "smells like shit on me, but you should try it!" wouldn't be appreciated by a seller. But I read reviews, and sometimes will try stuff based on that.<br />
Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, or BPAL, is a perfume company that has a huge cult like following. It's impossible for anyone who reads blogs about indie products not to have come across some BPAL reviews. So I've tried several of their stock and limited edition fragrances. And no matter what fragrance I try, they all smell the same on me. Like the morning after a night of drunken debauchery. Where you jump out of bed, holding your head, throw open the window, wake up the lump next to you and tell them to get the hell out and swear off alcohol forever. Anything to make it go away.<br />
So I've left BPAL to those who love it. Until now.<br />
Someone who I've been a customer of, who has a small indie bath and body shop, who I LIKE (and that list is small) sells a product that she calls Snake Oil. She's not the only person in the world that sells a product that they call snake oil, but for some reason BPAL has decided to give her a ration of shit about it. Apparently, BPAL sells something they call Snake Oil, which is not the same product as the other, for more than twice the price. And they're claiming that she, who has sold her product longer, is infringing on a name that BPAL has trademarked.<br />
WTF?! The term "snake oil" has been around for hundreds of years, long before all of us were a twinkle in our daddy's eye. We use the term "snake oil" to describe anything from that used in the Craft to anything sold by infomercial. What moron in a trademark office would allow anyone exclusive use of an everyday term?!<br />
And why would anyone whose company has several times more volume in sales want to bother a small indie perfume maker during the busiest time of the year? Is business so slow at BPAL that they have enough spare time to act like shitweasels?! Here's a few suggestions for being more productive with their time at BPAL:<br />
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Do something about that hot mess gawdawful website. Hire someone with opposable thumbs that can create something customers can navigate.<br />
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Hire more people to spend more time filling orders. You may actually have more business if customers can get their products in the same lifetime that they ordered it.<br />
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Put more effort into your quality/batch control. It sucks to reorder something because we loved in in an imp only to find out the full size is nothing like it.<br />
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For gawdsakes, blend. Even I, who can't describe perfume, can smell when it's not blended properly.<br />
Quit calling your stuff unique when anyone who knows perfumes knows you use stock scents.<br />
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If you're going to harass one person about using a common phrase you now think you own, then do the same with everybody else. It's a long list, get busy.<br />
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Congratulate yourself. You've made the Cranky CatWrangler's AssClown List. Not distinguished enough to be AssClown Of The Year, but you're definitely a runner up.Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-71596240680581652262011-12-06T08:15:00.000-08:002011-12-07T18:45:50.169-08:00PAYPAL: Assclown Of The Year ***Update 12/7/11: Due to this thing going viral the way it did, not only did Paypal fix the mess, they are donating $100 to each of the 200 families that Regretsy is helping. You can read the update <a href="http://www.regretsy.com/">here</a>.<br />
This doesn't make me love Paypal any more, but it does show that with enough people coming together to right a wrong, we CAN change things for the better. Thanks to all of you who took the time to speak out.<br />
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Since I can't say it any better, I'll post the links <a href="http://www.regretsy.com/2011/12/05/cats-1-kids-0/">here</a> and <a href="http://thegreengeeks.wordpress.com/2011/12/06/why-paypal-is-wrong-regarding-regretsy-according-to-their-own-policies/">here</a>.<br />
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I'm all about helping animals, but I've always felt that <i>no child should go without a present under the Christmas tree</i>. Our family buys toys all year round and stashes them to give to the various charities who make a difference to the kids at Christmas. It's as much of a tradition in our house as decorating the tree. The awesome folks at <a href="http://www.regretsy.com/2011/12/05/cats-1-kids-0/">Regretsy</a> have taken it to a ginormous new level, working their butts off to raise money for needy kids, and all you have to do is click to help.<br />
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Until Paypal decided to play Scrooge. They insisted that the folks at Regretsy refund all the donations. Since they had already purchased gifts with the money, they had to dig into their own pockets for the refunds. And Paypal kept the transaction fees. <i>According to Paypal, the spirit of giving is okay as long as it all goes to Paypal fees.</i><br />
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So, according to Paypal, I can put a Donate button on my site to buy myself some <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR4O68kUj5c">Clitter</a> but I can't help needy kids? WTF is up with that?<br />
If you're as outraged as I am over this mess, here's what I suggest:<br />
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Leave a message on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/paypal?sk=wall&filter=12">Paypal's Facebook wall</a><br />
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Go back <a href="http://www.regretsy.com/2011/12/05/cats-1-kids-0/">here</a>, scroll to the bottom of the page and tell the biggies at Paypal what you think.<br />
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Go <a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/president-paypal-unfreeze-regretsys-account-to-help-children-in-need">here</a> and sign.<br />
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If you're a buyer, use something other than Paypal to make purchases. If you're a seller, use an alternative to Paypal for payment. There's other options, use them.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>SCROOGE YOU, PAYPAL!!!!!!</b></u></span>Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-65434692820363935212011-12-03T10:54:00.000-08:002011-12-03T10:54:28.248-08:00How Much is That Puppy in The Parking Lot?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkYiFlLqfsQqzT_KL5PxbHufDocMOJlRQKSRecAprbLlkEU53LyWIHl-qqP_5t7TZriLL9DitNB-9WZFHLSY7483fqcMPkUT5vNTVQAgMjIiTnIiKX81KuPDvvYg2Wy7L0BNmtJLO0L0/s1600/catahoula-leopard-dog-0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkYiFlLqfsQqzT_KL5PxbHufDocMOJlRQKSRecAprbLlkEU53LyWIHl-qqP_5t7TZriLL9DitNB-9WZFHLSY7483fqcMPkUT5vNTVQAgMjIiTnIiKX81KuPDvvYg2Wy7L0BNmtJLO0L0/s1600/catahoula-leopard-dog-0029.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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The year has passed quickly, and we're back at the season of giving. And overindulging, overspending and impulsive purchases that we wouldn't normally make any given time a year. We think we're done, and trudge tiredly to our car, when we spy a crowd in the parking lot; yet again, someone is selling puppies.<br />
Once upon a time, we'd see boxes of mixed breed puppies and kittens in boxes in front of the grocery store that were being given away for free. A bad economy and the trend toward designer dogs has those who have intact dogs with the ability to breed looking for a way to earn some cash: sell them as the next trendy thing in a parking lot.<br />
A reputable breeder would never take a young animal into a public place to sell it. With all the viruses that young unvaccinated pets can potentially be exposed to, they know they will be carrying that back to their own pets at home. Everyone who stops to ooh and ahh, and PETS the animal will be exposing it to everything that human has come in contact with.<br />
And then there's the stress. No matter how good the home, being moved from one environment to another is stressful. Which is why we see so many new owners with sick puppies and kittens. Stress weakens the immune system in animals as well as people. Reputable breeders are happy to hold puppies and kittens until after the holidays.<br />
If you must have a warm fuzzy of your own during the holidays, remember that during the hustle and bustle you're already in that you'll have to schedule at least one vet visit during this time. A well pet check and vaccinations are not something that should be put off, whether it's a pedigreed purebred or an adorable mutt.<br />
Make sure when you're equipping your home for the new addition that you also make a safe, quiet place for the pet to go when it needs to. A crate for the puppy or a bed for the kitten in a quiet room so that they can escape all the noise is essential. Holiday time is stressful and overwhelming for pets, too. Keep them away from holiday decorations. Pets love to drink from the Christmas tree bowl, eat pine needles and ribbons from packages. Any of these can result in a serious emergency.<br />
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If you just can't resist that parking lot puppy, get in your car and go immediately to the local animal shelter. Shelters that euthanize unwanted pets will be doing more euthanizing this month than most others. They will have only a small crew during the holidays and need to keep the population down. There's plenty of choices, you're sure to find something hard to resist. And your adoption fee includes a vet exam, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering, usually for less than the price of that parking lot pup.Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-35366328578339083412011-11-19T21:03:00.000-08:002011-11-19T21:03:06.716-08:00I Whispered And My Horse Won't Stop Laughing.....Is the name of an essay I intend to write someday. It's the chronicle of going to a clinic of a big name Guru, spending hard earned money on overpriced (but necessary to make it work) gadgets, then learning that I Shouldn't Have Tried This At Home.<br />
I think every frustrated horse owner has at some point fallen under the spell of a Big Name Trainer (or BNT) at some point. They make it look so easy. Check out the crowds at Equine Affaire. Spend a couple of grand on some crap and a DVD or two and you're all set. I've seen more than a few people hang up their shingle and call themselves horse whisperers.<br />
I actually considered applying to have Princess Pout be a demo horse. But he didn't meet the age and training requirements.<br />
WTF is up with that? Isn't that the point of these demos?<br />
I don't have the kind of money to clinic with my horse. I don't even have the extra to send one out and have him magically fixed. What I can afford is a mobile trainer who helps me fix it. The time and sweat I put into it is my own.<br />
My first horse as a kid was a magical bombproof do anything kind of horse. Although he dumped me a few times, he was otherwise a perfect babysitter. Since then, I've ended up with the sad and the dysfunctional, the ones at the end of the line, destined for either my place or the meat truck. I found too many trainers who weren't interested-there was no way me or my horse could easily sparkle in the show ring.<br />
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Which was when I learned that finding a trainer for a problem horse separates the women from the girls.<br />
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I've been fortunate in my life that the right person to help me with my horses has popped up at just the right time. Their styles and techniques have all been different, but when they were done with me, I was a better rider, which made my horse a better horse.<br />
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For all the glitz and glamor in the show ring, there are thousands more who just want to get on and ride, to be the best rider they can be and have a good time with their horse. Beyond the loud music and smoke and mirrors are the local trainers. The ones who teach us to develop a good seat and light hands. The ones who always have hay in their hair and are covered in a layer of arena dirt. They may never teach a horse to capriole, but they go the extra mile to make sure that the horses they train stand tied quietly, pick up all four feet when asked, and are safe for beginners. They shine with pride at our accomplishments and comfort us when we're frustrated. They push us to go forward and don't let us quit. No matter how much time has passed, every time we swing a leg over and settle into that saddle, we take them with us.<br />
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These are the true unsung heroes of the horse world. They don't do it for the spotlight, they do it for the love of the sport, to pass along the passion to others who love horses as much as they do. They knew their chosen career path would be hard, but the passion gave them the drive to sacrifice the expensive trappings of possessions to spend time with horses, and all that go with it.<br />
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Thanksgiving is the time to count our blessings. I'm going to make sure I count all of the wonderful horse people I've had in my life.<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving!!Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-89153252882352931932011-10-16T10:13:00.000-07:002011-10-16T10:14:51.790-07:00A Rave Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHDMW9PI3YZNFJAmPEa_1cZYAWIHxW-JB32VjSvHj7ww6EzlK5LyX4n0bBTt5ELOCO3YnrO4VSR4aJTnfgJSFpJkONyzaPe2igqyDVaii3keYF_gk80UvCm-shIoFnGXGxeRxg7AGO0o/s1600/MagRestore_10lbsFRONT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHDMW9PI3YZNFJAmPEa_1cZYAWIHxW-JB32VjSvHj7ww6EzlK5LyX4n0bBTt5ELOCO3YnrO4VSR4aJTnfgJSFpJkONyzaPe2igqyDVaii3keYF_gk80UvCm-shIoFnGXGxeRxg7AGO0o/s200/MagRestore_10lbsFRONT.jpg" width="122" /></a></div>A few years ago, my riding buddy helped me to buy a horse at auction. I was looking for a calm, relaxed trail horse that I could do some team penning with. Princess Pout fit the bill nicely, my buddy did the bidding and we brought him home. Mutual adoration quickly began. I fit him with a western saddle, hit the trails and my buddy made plans to do some team penning. Sadly it was not to be. My buddy's cancer metasticized to his liver shortly after his 80th birthday a year later, and PP and I were on our own.<br />
When I found myself flat on the ground staring at the sky during what was supposed to be a relaxing ride, I realized that Princess Pout had some holes in his training. I made the decision to restart him from the ground up so we could be a team, and my broken ribs could heal. I didn't mind the ground work, besides I had my schoolmaster to ride while PP was learning what was missing.<br />
Except things went from bad to worse. He became increasingly tense and spooky. We'd get something accomplished, then he'd go back to his bad behavior and we'd start all over. He was afraid of the wash rack, of the sound of the velcro on his fly mask. He never calmed down with work, he always worked up.<br />
I had him checked out medically from nose to tail, had the chiropractor out, everything I could think of. My beloved schoolmaster had to be put down and my husband aquired a young unbroke horse, the ShitWeasel. I found myself with the task of dealing with two horses that frustrated me.<br />
Then I got lucky, a former trainer was back in town and doing mobile lessons. She made her name with unruly horses that nobody else would touch, this project was up her alley. We set right to work, with weekly lessons with each and me taking the horses out individually. We soon got the ShitWeasel manageable, but PP was another story. It was the double edged coin of I wasn't doing anything wrong, but she wasn't having much luck either.<br />
A few months later the trainer got a position at a barn that was too far for me to travel to for lessons. PP developed a crack in his hoof that traveled up to the coronet band, so he was going to be out of work for awhile, and we were looking at a year before the crack was fully grown out. The trainer encouraged me to sell him. She said I've put so much into him and have had to keep starting over. That there are plenty of nice cuddly huggy horses that would fit what I need. It was sound advice, since even she wouldn't get on his back.<br />
Except- I don't sell horses.<br />
Except- this horse was everything a girl could ask for: a gay guy who adores me. He is a heart horse. Maybe I could just be satisfied with having him be a yard ornament. Except- I'm not happy unless I'm riding. I struggled daily with the thought, and even called another former trainer in tears. After all, I take in the unloved and unwanted, the dysfunctional and the issue laden. And I've turned them into ideal equine partners. Why was this one so hard?<br />
I decided that I was going to wait a year for the crack to grow out before I made a decision. There was no way I'd sell him with that and run the risk of a career ending injury in the wrong hands. Meanwhile, I would work on him and me, and try not to cry so much.<br />
I was tootling on my favorite horse message board and I found a long thread touting <a href="http://www.performanceequineusa.com/dimgansiummalate.aspx">this product.</a> I read up on the <a href="http://www.performanceequineusa.com/magnesiumtherapy.aspx">symptoms of magnesium deficiency</a> and since it was within my budget, decided to try it.<br />
No difference. I didn't reorder when I finished the bag. A few weeks later, after a workout that ended in frustration and tears, I emailed the owner and asked her opinion. She quickly wrote back and suggested upping his dose for a week then letting her know how it went. It wasn't successful and I told her so. She encouraged me to keep trying and give it some time. So I got another bag and continued to add it to his feed.<br />
A few weeks ago I took him out again and it was if a switch had been flipped. He was the calm quiet horse I thought I bought-and knew I had, somewhere. He seemed happy, and nothing bothered him. He was so relaxed I wondered if he was asleep. I saddled him up, put him on the longe line and walked him down to the local show. He used to be so herdbound that other horses would rev him up, tail flagging and squealing, so much like a mare in heat I'd even check under his tail. (For those who wonder why I use a longe line, it's because it's long enough that if a horse gets unruly, I can get out of the way and still have a good hold.) I wasn't about to ruin someone's show experience with a misbehaving horse, so we approached in increments. We stopped across the street and I let him look. He answered a few whinnys, then cocked his back leg and licked his lips. By the time we got on the show grounds, he was as blase about it as if he did it every day, even happily following me under tents. He stepped on a couple of plastic bottles, usually the source of a major bitch fit, and that didn't phase him. I took him home, saddled him up and rode him on the best ride we've had in years. I'm thrilled beyond words.<br />
For those of you who have horses whose behavior is making you ready to give up, check out the symptoms of magnesium deficiency in the link above and consider giving Mag Restore a try. Of course, I always encourage people whose horses develop sudden behavior problems to have a vet check the horse out for possible medical reasons first.<br />
I'd like to thank the folks at Performance Equine for giving me my horse back.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div>Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-23023103965959476412011-10-04T21:18:00.000-07:002011-10-04T21:18:23.122-07:00Happy Pinktober!October is my favorite time of year. I love Halloween, so much in fact that some of our decorations have a place in my home year round.<br />
October is also breast cancer awareness month. Pink ribbon merchandise abounds in just about every public place. I was in Sam's Club last weekend and there were pink ribbons on everything from toilet paper to potato chips. It's nice to see what started out as a simple idea blossom into national awareness over the years. Even my horses have pink ribbon flymasks. Part of the purchase price went to a worthy cause, and they can help support it, even if they are geldings.<br />
I came across something that, while not animal related, is so darned cool that I have to mention it here. Team Pinkeye Project is a group of indie makeup and other sellers along with beauty bloggers that are raising money for worthy causes, the one in October, of course, is for breast cancer awareness. You can read about them on FaceBook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Pink-Eye-Project/182359701829077?sk=info">here</a> and the blog is <a href="http://teampinkeye.blogspot.com/">here</a>.<br />
I like to support indie companies and worthy causes, so I'm really pleased about this. These are an awesome group of people who have devoted their time and efforts for a worthy cause. Check them out.Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-62239255527215363712011-09-12T12:36:00.000-07:002011-09-12T12:36:31.945-07:00High Maintenance AssClown Of The YearWhen I worked for the Boss Man, we had our share of high maintenance clients. If they're frequent clients, I'd find what it took to keep them happy, and do it. If they were of the more-trouble-than-they're-worth types, I'd do what it took to blow them off. They never did get the hint and leave, dammit.<br />
2 of the doctors that I worked with most at Epic Fail made Hell seem like a day in paradise. There was Dr. Jekyll, the client ass-kisser who was Mr. Hyde with the receptionists-the one who needs and exorcism. Then there was Dr. Menstrual, a female vet who was rarely booked mostly because she seemed to be always on the bleed. Forget slamming an occasional Midol-she needs a daily IV drip of the stuff.<br />
So I had been working there for several days and it was decided that maybe I could be trusted to Answer The Phone (ooh, greatness is mine). So the first call I get is this:<br />
"This is Mrs. Pita, and I sent my husband in with Fido for his vaccines this morning. I want to speak to Dr. Menstrual now!"<br />
"I'm sorry, Dr. Menstrual is in with a client, but I can give her the message and she can call you back."<br />
"You tell her to call me right back! She told my husband that Fido is overweight! Fido is very muscular, he is very fit, he exercises at least 2 hours a day. He is NOT fat!!!"<br />
"I'll give her the message and she'll call you at her earliest convenience."<br />
"You'd better make sure that bitch calls me! I don't want her to ever touch Fido again! I want a second opinion from Dr. Jekyll, he knows what he is doing."<br />
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There was more said, but by then I stopped paying attention, plus the form I had to fill out for messages was full. I see Dr. Menstrual in the hall and hand her the note. Apparently, she told the husband that the dog looked a little overweight to her. And the dog was vicious to boot.<br />
I found out that that was the fourth time that day she had called. The fifth time she called, one of the others gave her an appointment with Dr. Jekyll. Which is good since I probably would have said something like "What time would you like to bring Lard Ass in?"<br />
She wouldn't have lasted a minute with Boss Man.Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-86828846284444956512011-09-11T13:34:00.000-07:002011-09-11T13:34:04.528-07:00We Will Never Forget<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNWXQVP-KegYCUv9npAg6ODlEZJZrjI1q-LFOcUnds6l_BOjvMJ7hFs9NvKOXXw1wcjJ_iwYsHs2pPByBQqB_kQ2OmAFcTPDFcOlUE6mRp4Rp6xQx5ck2wTVuZHEcwAPZRFmgrs3bX1k/s1600/iwo-9-11-final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNWXQVP-KegYCUv9npAg6ODlEZJZrjI1q-LFOcUnds6l_BOjvMJ7hFs9NvKOXXw1wcjJ_iwYsHs2pPByBQqB_kQ2OmAFcTPDFcOlUE6mRp4Rp6xQx5ck2wTVuZHEcwAPZRFmgrs3bX1k/s320/iwo-9-11-final.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-54047045796716184352011-08-27T15:07:00.000-07:002011-10-21T07:21:16.825-07:00Epic FailAwhile back, I cleaned up my resume and went on a job search. Mostly for financial reasons. I needed to work full time, and it would be great to get benefits. Anyone who has had to buy their own health insurance will understand that; there is a definite discrimination against the self employed.<br />
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I wasn't specifically aiming for staying in the animal care industry as good pay and benefits are rarely part of the job, but I managed to hit pay dirt: I landed a job at another small animal practice, full time, benefits, with an offer of much better pay to do way less than what I was doing as an Office Manager for Boss Man. A much more technologically modern practice with upscale clientele. It appeared that the staff made a great team. Sounds perfect, right? NOT.<br />
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I've learned that getting what I wish for means I've shit in my own mess kit.<br />
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It's not hard to check clients and patients in and out. To put them in rooms, and weigh and temp the pets. However, I came from an old school pen and paper type of practice, and this one was run by computers with software that was temperamental and virus infested. I went from one doctor to having several doctors working at the same time. Doctors who kiss the clients butt and treat the staff like dirt. Like Multiple Personality Disorder. One who is such a nasty bastard I expected his head to start spinning and pea soup to start spewing out. I made sure to stand at enough of a distance not to get splattered.<br />
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Then there were the receptionists, my lovely coworkers. I was supposed to be in training but nobody wanted to train me. One of them said "If I have to train her, I'd have to talk to her, and I don't want to talk to her." Of course where I could hear it. Derogatory remarks were made about me in earshot. I was berated for not doing my job right. I was ubraided and berated in front of clients. Before my first paycheck (which I still don't have) the woman who hired me had sudden amnesia about the wage she had offered me.<br />
By the end of the first week I had tremors in one of my hands. By the end of the third week, I was shaking at the thought of going to work. On my last day, I had a panic attack at work and had to go to Urgent Care to get sedation. The work supervisor called me later and told me "the only complaint I've heard about you is that they have to tell you things more than once" <i>Ya think?!</i> <i>Then why didn't they fucking train me?</i> and "If you're that unhappy, then it's best that you don't come back." <i>Well, no shit.</i><br />
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I have worked some shitty jobs, but this has been the worst. I'm appalled at the behavior of these women. Who the hell raised them to be these kind of people? A pack of shit throwing monkeys raise their kids with better manners than that. If my own kids had ever treated another person like I was treated, I'd pick them up by their hair, even though they're grown and I'd have to stand on a ladder to do it. And since I didn't get the opportunity say what I wanted in person, I'll do so here:<br />
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I'm editing this out today. Time to let go and be grateful I'm gone from there, away from those toxic people and that hostile workplace. They belong together, and I've learned some good lessons from my thankfully short time there.Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-92195710000200564102011-08-06T22:15:00.000-07:002011-08-06T22:15:54.065-07:00Some Favorite Things-Human EditionDespite being constantly covered in dirt and hair, and dressing like a candidate for the People of WalMart website, I love girly things like hair and makeup products. I don't have the inclination to do a beauty blog, but there are so many fabulous ones out there, I don't have to. Here are a few of my favorites:<br />
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<a href="http://www.h2oplus.com/product/unscented+hand+and+nail+cream.do?sortby=bestSellers">H2O Plus Spa Hand and Nail Cream</a><br />
Pricey, yes, but it works, and a little goes a long way. The skin on my hands gets trashed with my job and lifestyle. I've still got half a tube left and I bought this in February, and I use it daily. I prefer the unscented.<br />
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<a href="http://www.h2oplus.com/product/face+oasis+hydrating+treatment.do?sortby=bestSellers">H2O Plus Face Oasis Moisturizer</a><br />
Another product where a little goes a long way. Perfect for my cranky oily skin, and it's cooling effect is a wonderful "ahh" feeling for skin that's been outside all day. There's no SPF in this though, so if it's used in the daytime, sunscreen is still needed. I use it at night.<br />
**Note on H2O Plus products-I linked these to the manufacturers webpage, but they're available in other places. I bought these at Ulta. Which leads me to a semi-rant. I do a major haulage at Ulta a couple of times a year, whenever the 20% off coupons come out. The prices with the coupon means major stock up time for me. It used to be that the Ulta I go to had exceptional customer service. I got totally ignored on this last visit, except by the rep from this company. Get your shit together Ulta. <br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/lucky107cosmetic">Lucky 107 Cosmetics</a><br />
I tried this company out recently based on a blogger's review. I'm really impressed by the eye shadows. Great color, easy to blend, and they stay on even with sweating in 100 degree weather. The owner's got her game on and the customer service is excellent. I haven't tried her lip products but I have some of her lip scrubs on the way. She just closed her Artfire shop and gearing up to launch her own site, so for now, ordering would have to be done by email, which is why I've linked to her facebook page. My favorite so far is the Sweet Tooth collection.<br />
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<a href="http://www.linnaeuscosmetics.com/">Linnaeus Cosmetics</a><br />
I saved the best for last. I learned about this company from bloggers when she was on Etsy. Marin, the owner is a vet student who has created these fabulous shadows based on animals and wildlife. I can get lost in reading about the animals that inspire each collection on the website. The customer service and attention to detail are unequaled, with the packaging (hand stamped stationary, personal note, products in a hand stamped bag tied with raffia) being as exciting as the products themselves. Several bloggers have swatched these shadows, and it's worth a Google visit to check them out. I recently gifted some these shadows, elevating my status to "favorite relative."<br />
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So, above are a few things I like. Feel free to comment, or share some of the things you like, too.Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377487620031588286.post-44021015104374668042011-08-05T21:22:00.000-07:002011-08-05T21:22:07.301-07:00Every Ride, Every TimeI loved watching Courtney King Dye in the 2008 Olympics. I admire her as a rider, and as a person. This is the video that makes her a hero in my book. The embedding is disabled, which is a shame.<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/awJDYBhBPzk">Courtney Video</a>Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171876920721749260noreply@blogger.com0