FAB Shows: where fashion meets compassion
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Rally ’round Tallulah
UPDATE: 9/8/2010 We have raised $500 so far! We only need another $500!! See her Chipin.com page here!
PLEASE NOTE: Due to anonymity requests, extensive pictures of Tallulah are available upon request only to animaladvocating {at} gmail.com.
Tallulah lives in a small, portable, chain link kennel on the property of a car repair shop. She is rarely taken out of this kennel, and tends to get table scraps as her meals. The owners no longer want a dog and are willing to give her up. Tallulah needs a bit of work because she is undersocialized, so is a bit fearful and (not surprisingly) food aggressive.
We have found this American Bulldog rescue group that is willing to take her and put her in a training facility to rehabilitate her behavior, get her adoption ready, and then put her in a foster home. I am willing to transport her to the rescue group, who is in Southern California. The cost for the training facility, trainer, and board, is $1,000 – which is not that much in terms of fundraising.
Please send this far and wide. Just $10 or $20 from your pocket can save the life of this poor girl and give her a new life, outside of that chain link kennel – you can donate below. Won’t you help Tallulah, today? See her Chipin.com page here!
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Product Review: Pet Head Poof! Magical Deodorizing Spray for Dogs
When I first set out to test this product, sent by the awesome folks at Puppy Party Place, I had no idea just how much I would truly put it to the test! My little old dog had apparently decided that her ticker had enough going at the rate that it was going, and collapsed one night last week. A trip to the emergency room and a radiologist consult later, we found out that she was in heart failure. The good news is that there were medications on which we could start her which would seriously halt the progression of her heart disease. The bad news; after a hospital stay in a cage, a week of major bed rest, and a worried mommy who didn’t want to do anything that would stress her out, like giving her a bath (she’s still convinced that I am trying to drown her) – I had one stinky little dog on my hands. Seriously – how can one tiny dog produce so much stink?
Enter: Pet Head Poof! Magical Deodorizing Spray for Dogs
This little gem of a product promises to neutralize and eliminate odor on contact; and I am about to put that to the test in a big way.
I grabbed my bottle and gently started to spray my confused little stink bomb. First thing that I noticed is that it has a lovely Asian pear scent that isn’t a sickeningly sweet smell that makes you nauseous. When I had sufficiently covered her back in a nice little mist, I worked the rest in with my hands – covering her head, neck, and around her ears. I was pleasantly surprised at how nicely it was working to break-up the smell of “dog”. After I was done working it in, I let her run around a bit and so that the product could dry. Sure, a product smells great when it is fresh out of the bottle, but I wanted a good idea of what it was made of once it had dried and had to contend with the overpowering scent of “Eau de Chihuahua”. After about 20 minutes I picked her back up again and gave her a good sniff; to my shock, she smelled great! And she still smelled great after Days 1, 2, and 3! After about 6 days it was time to do it again – which overall leads to about a good week of stench-fighting power!
So then my concern turned to the back of the bottle; rather, what was noticeably lacking on the back of the bottle. Where was the proud proclamation of “This product not tested on animals”? It was missing. My heart sank – because Pet Head is made by TIGI, the makers of Bed Head and other awesome human products which I have thoroughly enjoyed throughout the years. Why had it never occurred to me to check before? I was a bit shocked that, given that they are a pricier company, they wouldn’t take their cues from other company’s in their league – most of which do not test on animals. So I did a bit of digging. This is what I learned from TIGI:
They do NOT test on animals. In their words, “The latest amendment (7th amendment) of the European Regulations bans the claim of “Not Tested on Animals” on any cosmetic product. The only way we could claim “Not Tested on Animals” is by having substantiation from our manufacturers, their raw suppliers and the suppliers of the raw suppliers that the ingredients are not and have never been tested on animals, making it impossible for cosmetic companies and TIGI to track that information down. We removed the claims we had on the bottles to ensure that there was no misrepresentation. In the United States there is not a law about animal testing but it is impossible to make these claims having an international package. For this reason, we can only guarantee by request that TIGI and our manufacturers do not test on animals.”
Phew! That made me feel a ton better. Now I can happily spray away, with a clear conscience!
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Pros: Smells amazing, less stressful than a full bath, wasn’t sticky all over my hands, and does not contain parabens, petroleum derivatives, propylene glycol, sulfate or DEA.
Cons: A bit pricey, but hey, it’s a high-end product and if you are living in fear of your dog dropping dead at the slightest stress, then it is well worth its weight in gold.
The Bottom Line: A handy little product to have for those moments when you need to Lysol your dog; which for me, are plentiful.
Pick up a bottle of Poof!, or one of Pet Head’s other awesome products, here!
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Interview with Shannon Keith: director of Skin Trade
Shannon Keith is more than a lawyer with a bone to pick. Shannon is a woman on a mission; a mission to make sure that you know where your fur is coming from. And as it turns out – what she found out about the fur trade surprised even her.
The director of the newly released documentary, Skin Trade, took some time out of her busy promotional schedule to talk to FAB Shows about her latest work:
FAB Shows: Can you tell the FAB Shows readers a bit about your background?
Shannon Keith: Sure. I am an animal rights attorney. I went into the law specifically to help animals and those who fight for them.
I am also the president of my own non-profit, ARME(Animal Rescue Media & Education) and my production company Uncaged Films.
FS: What made you get involved in animal issues?
SK: I have always loved animals, but when I found out that animals are considered “property” in the law, I knew that I had to change the law.
FS: Do you have any fur babies of your own?
SK: Of course! I have 4 dogs of my own and 3 rabbits. However, the numbers are always changing because I rescue and foster as well.
FS: Tell us a little bit about Skin Trade, and what led you to starting this project?
SK: Skin Trade is an expose into the fur and fashion industries. The viewer learns who sets the fashion trends, how trends are marketed,
how fur became popular and where fur comes from, and the lies and deception perpetrated by the fur industry and the fashion industry in order
to get people to buy fur.
I decided to make this film because I could not understand, why, in this day and age, people are still wearing fur as “fashion.” There is no good argument to kill and torture animals so that you can wear a fur coat. It is morally wrong and it’s not fashionable.
FS: What kind of response have you received to the movie so far?
SK: The response has been great! People are mortified when they learn that they are being lied to. I don’t want to ruin the film for those who are going to see it, so I wont give too much away, but let’s just say whether you like fur or hate fur, you are going to be shocked at what you see and learn.
We have only had a few intimate screenings, and after them, people were literally throwing away their leather items. It has also inspired some very well-known designers to start anti-fur campaigns.
FS: Having focused on so many domestic animal issues, what drove you to drawing attention to the fur trade?
SK: All animals deserve a voice, domestic or not. Unfortunately all animals endure exploitation, but fur bearing animals are tortured and killed
for vanity – the most hideous reason of all. The fur trade also includes domestic animals like dogs, cats and rabbits.
FS: Was there anything in particular that you were surprised to learn during the making of this film, in regards to fur farming/fur trade?
SK: Yes. But I wont give it away!
FS: Is this your first feature film?
SK: No, my first feature film was Behind the Mask, the story of the people who risk everything to save animals. The film won several awards and garnered world-wide notoriety for bringing to light the horrors of
vivisection and putting a face to the name: “Animal Liberation Front.”
FS: Do you have any upcoming projects that you can share with us?
SK: I am currently starting three new films, all of which will of course deal with animal issues on different levels. My non-profit organization ARME (Animal Rescue, Media & Education) fund these films, so at the moment I am trying to raise money to make them happen. Donations are welcome!
FS: If you could say one thing to someone who is considering wearing fur, what would it be?
SK: Do you know that the fur coat you are about to purchase is made up of several animals who were stolen from their families, kept in a cage with hardly any food or water and then anally electrocuted?
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An interview with Healing Heart Designs
I am a well-known clothing horse amongst my friends and family and am always having fun learning about new lines and designers. I am also a fierce Pit Bull lover. So what happens when I find a clothing line that combines both awesome fashion and Pit Bulls? Pure bliss for this rescue gal!
Healing Heart Designs is a line of clothing that mixes feminine, vintage, styles with messages of compassion. This isn’t your typical Cafepress message-t; these are bona fide, inspired, designs that evoke a new change in the face of how Pit Bulls, and other key animal issues, are viewed.
At the heart of these designs is Miss Becca Love, designer extraordinaire. I had the opportunity to interview Becca about her designs, her thoughts on animal issues, and her plans the future of her line!
FAB Shows: Your designs are so pretty and unique; where do you find inspiration for them?
Becca Love: I draw inspiration from everything around me! Old costumes antiques, cartoon characters, the Victorian era, music, flowers, and most importantly animals and animal rights. Animals should not have to suffer for human vanity!
FS: Pit Bulls show up a lot in your designs! Do you have a particular affection for the breed? If so, when did that develop?
BL: Yes I absolutely adore pit bulls! When the pit bull ban began in 2005 I was extremely disappointed and knew I had to do something. I had many friends with bullies and they were all such great family dogs. Having grown up with a Doberman as my first dog, I knew that there are some breeds that get a bad rep, but the true nature of the dog is very sweet and loving.
People that mentally and physically abuse dogs, neglect or starve them to alter their temperament and then put them in dangerous situations have caused Breed Specific Legislation to occur. They have not only taken away the rights from pit bull breeds, but in Ontario the rights of any dog that even looks remotely like a pit bull. BSL affects everyone because it doesn’t work and who knows which breed and dog owners will be affected next. It is so incredibly sad when animals suffer because of human mistakes.
FS: I notice that the pieces that feature Pit Bulls are especially feminine. This is an interesting juxtaposition for a breed that the public tends to generalize as “macho” and “scary”; was this your intention?
BL: Yes it was definitely my intention to try and change this view of pit bulls. I want people to remember how sweet and loving bullies are, and to stand up for them. The all American dog was once the pit bull, and this was because of their good nature. If you look back at the show Little Rascals, their pal was a bully. I feel it is incredibly unjust for irresponsible pet owners, breeders and illegal dog fighters to take this title away from them. Pit bulls in Ontario have to wear muzzles which make any dog appear to be vicious. This only furthers the misconception to people who do not have dogs or are not educated enough about the breed. It is important to change the stereotype for pit bulls.
I have been asked to make items for men’s clothing or male pit bulls, but I would rather have those customers support groups making this clothing such as BIN, AFTU, Ador-A-Bull Dog Rescue, and Hello Bully in the US.
FS: Your “Stop the Seal Hunt” piece is amazing! A lovely formal dress. Did you start that dress with the intent of it being an advocacy piece as well, or did the inspiration come to you as you were making it? What fueled your passion to make a Seal Hunt piece?
BL: Thank you! I have a line of couture dresses with different animal rights issues as inspiration. When I found Born Free USA’s Fur Free Fashion Design contest online, I was excited to get started on this project!
Several weeks beforehand I had been working on anti-fur campaign posters for an amazing animal rights group I am involved with called LOV – Liberty Over Violence. Along with many other organizations we volunteered with IFAW – International Fund for Animal Welfare, for a large demonstration in Toronto to promote the Harb Seal Bill. Senator Harb’s Bill S-229, An Act to amend the Fisheries Act aims to end commercial seal fishing. The Canadian government is misleading the public that the commercial seal hunt is the same as the Aboriginal hunt for sustenance! The Aboriginal hunt uses all parts of the seals, while the commercial hunt for harp seal fur is incredibly inhumane and wasteful. If passed the bill will only allow aboriginal organizations to hunt in Canadian waters.
One great thing in all of this was hearing that all of the petitions and letters Canadians have been sending into government are being read and our message is being heard! Mac Harb’s bill is still in legislation, the support is there and we need to keep speaking up for seals!
FS: Any hopes of seeing that piece walk the red carpet 
?
BL: Oh yes! I create my pieces for individuals who want to make a statement in style. Doing all that you can to promote something you care about, and presenting it in a non-confrontational way is a beautiful thing. It is hard enough to find designer couture without having to compromise your ethics. I would love to dress vegans and people who stand up for animals such as Moby, Pink, Alicia Silverstone, John Feldman and Pamela Anderson.
FS: Any future animal issues that you plan to incorporate in your future designs?
BL: Another important issue is the use of animal fur in fashion. The fur industry is the most inhumane, violent, wasteful, and unnecessary slaughter of animals. The Fur Council of Canada has been promoting false facts and myths about fur in order to push it to more consumers. They are trying to convince consumers that real fur is more environmentally conscious than fake fur with false facts. The truth is trapped fur costs over 3.5 times as much & ranched fur costs 15 times are much as fake fur in total energy content to produce. People are not taking into account the vast number of resources, land space, pesticides and hormones that are used to ranch fur animals. Even more toxic chemicals are used in the actual production in tanneries such as chrome, formaldehyde, and sulfides which cause serious air and water pollution. I could go on for ages… for more info visit my website’s Cruelty-Free policy!
I would like to expand my line until I cover everything important to me. Here is a very brief list: circus animal abuse, captive marine animal cruelty, all environmental issues, ending racism, and body issues.
FS: What is the main message that you are trying to get out about the Seal Hunt issue? The Pit Bull issue?
BL: The main message for the pit bull issue is that BSL just doesn’t work. Much like racial discrimination, BSL laws are based only on physical appearance and the attributes associated with pit bulls can almost be applied to any dog – shot hair, muscular build, small in stature, and broad snouts. The term pit bull itself has been broadened far from the American Pit Bull Terrier.
What we really need is to implement responsible dog ownership laws in municipal, provincial and federal dog legislation. Calgary has recently proven that holding owners responsible for their dog’s behavior works! We need to tighten up laws for pet owners, not pets. “Punish the deed, not the breed” as Advocates for the Underdog say. Join the DLCC and promote responsible pet ownership:
The seal hunt is inhumane and wasteful. It is funded by government subsidies and our tax dollars. Canada is funding politicians to go overseas to promote completely unnecessary seal fur products which statistics show no one wants to buy! Despite Russia ending their seal hunt this year and the European Parliament voting to ban the import of seal products, Canada is still covering up the blood on the ice with false media coverage to keep pushing fur. Instead Canada should be investing in sustainable employment alternatives to the seal hunt, which is a three month long killing spree that brings in little profit as well as low salary for hunters.
Another misconception is that the seal population will increase greatly if the hunt ends. When IFAW began efforts to end Canada’s commercial seal hunt in 1969, the harp seal population was on the way to becoming extinct. The changing climate is destroying the seal’s natural breeding habitat which is causing many baby seal pups to die. If the hunt continues I believe we are at risk of another extinction crisis. Luckily IFAW is going on to the ice every year to get footage of what is really happening, and reporting that less seals are being killed, and less seal pelts are being sold each year. It’s time to stop the cruelty!
Thank you Becca! We couldn’t agree more!
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Confessions of a Euthanasia Technician
While I am blessed in my life to take my love of animals and help them in a way that brings me joy, I have also had to help the animal cause in ways that have brought me great sorrow. In my other blog, animaladvocating.com, I wrote an account of the time that I spent as a euthanasia technician; putting animals to sleep at the animal shelter. It was a blog that was hard for me to write because I feared how others would receive it. But I am so overwhelmed as to how well it has been received. Even though I know that what I did, sadly had to be done, it means the world to me to hear from those who have read it and said that it touched their lives. It somehow makes me feel like there is an offset to the horrible tasks that I faced while in this job. It makes me feel as if those animals did not die in vain because, at the very least, their legacy can inspire and educate – so that maybe, one day, the suffering can end.
Here is my blog, “Confessions of a Euthanasia Technician”.
Being a euthanasia technician was, without a doubt, the hardest part of my career in the animal field. While working for the county shelter, we turned no animal away; regardless of whether or not they were adoptable. Further, and I will let you in on the secret of “no kill” shelters, we had a contract with our local Humane Society which stated that we would euthanize, on our premises, the animals in their care that needed to be put down. This is how they get away with being “no kill”. So our shelter not only got all of the normal plethora of animals that came through our doors on a daily basis, but we also got the cast-offs of the nearby “no kill” shelter (this once included 72 cats in one day; all for euthanasia).
For the most part, euthanasia technicians get through the day by joking with each other, and turning off those voices in our gut that tell us we are the biggest traitors in the world. We are, after all, there to protect the animals, right? So we manage to build-up this armor around ourselves that protects us from seeing the reality of what we do. We kill animals. We kill animals that are sick and elderly. We kill animals that are under-socialized and vicious. And we kill animals that are healthy and adoptable that are just simply not wanted by anyone else. This is the reality of the job.
Killing the animals that are sick, elderly, and otherwise ill-fit for adoption, while still difficult, is easier to swallow than killing the animals that are adoptable. But the fact of the matter is, when you have 300 kennels, and you are filled to capacity, and you are getting anywhere from 20-50 more animals through the door each day; something has got to give. And that is when healthy, adoptable, animals are destroyed.
There are times when our armor breaks. Those inevitable cracks that allow the reality of what we do to seep in. There are things that will always stand out in my memory, that are burned into it, that will never escape me. My whole life has been about helping animals out of crisis and into comfort. I have devoted my life to helping to alleviate their suffering, and being a voice for them. Despite the thousands of animals that I have saved over the years, there are still times when I stop and think about my time as a euthanasia technician, and the magnitude of what I have done comes crashing down on me. I only allow it to do so for a short period of time, because there is always that fear that if I truly let myself think about what I have done, it will destroy me. Unfortunately, I have seen it destroy many of my fellow euthanasia technicians, and as a result, I have lost 1 colleague to suicide, and seen countless others turn to alcohol.
This next paragraph is rough, so if you don’t have the stomach to read a little more about adoptable animals being euthanized, skip to the next.
I think about a sweet little black lab who stayed up for adoption for 2 months before we finally had to put her down because we didn’t have the room, and her time was up. She looked at me with her big, brown, trusting eyes, gave me her paw when I asked for it, and licked my face while I injected her with euthanasia solution. I think about the man who brought us ten, 8-week old puppies, to be put to sleep because he was going on vacation and didn’t want to deal with them. I think about the way that they so unsuspectingly wiggled around and played with each other as I picked them up, one by one, and took their lives. I think about the countless, feral, mother cats, who watched in frozen horror as we took their kittens away from them, killed them, and then killed Mom. I think about that time that the Humane Society brought us 72, healthy and adoptable cats, to be killed all in one afternoon.
I wish I could I say that these were all exceptional cases; that this wasn’t what I dealt with everyday for 3 years. But the truth is; this is what every euthanasia technician faces every day in their job. And we do it because we care. Because we know that it has to be done by someone, and that at least when we do it, that animal will get that last little pat on the head, or scratch behind the ears. And every time a member of the public calls us an “animal killer” because they don’t understand the reality of what a euthanasia technician faces, it stings.
There is a well-known story about a euthanasia technician, who had a dream one night that she died, and went to heaven, and all of the animals that she had ever euthanized were behind the pearly gates, and they wouldn’t let her in. I would like to think that the animals would better understand why we do it than the general public seems to understand. I would like to think that they would appreciate the men and women that have stepped into that role so that they could ensure that this necessary evil was being done in the best way possible. Then again, maybe I am being idealistic, and it is just my way of keeping that armor whole, and free of cracks. I guess I will never know.
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Call for bird feathers
FAB Shows, Fashion and Animal Benefit Shows, is launching a new line of jewelry and accessories featuring bird feathers. “Ethical Feathers” is a line that is aimed at promoting education about birds, both wild and captive, as well as to better inform consumers as to the origins of most feather-based jewelry/accessories. We are looking to work with bird sanctuaries to send us naturally moulted feathers from their birds. In exchange, the sanctuary will receive 40% of the profit from the jewelry/accessory featuring their birds feathers. Any items containing feathers from more than one sanctuary will have the 40% profit divided evenly between the sanctuaries. Each piece of jewelry/accessory, will come with information on the specific type of bird from which it came, and the information on the donating sanctuary, with details on how to also directly donate to the sanctuary. Donating sanctuaries MUST:
- Be an official 501c3 non-profit organization.
- Provide information about their sanctuary, to include mission statement, bird care methods, facility-type, and enrichment methods.
- Be approved by our board of directors, and other bird rescue associates.
Please email Jessica: jessica@fabshows.org, for further information and consideration.
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In the raw
I have made a firm resolution: I am going back on my raw food diet. I used to do a diet of at least 75% raw food, but got derailed by love, career, and the fact that I work from sun up, to sun down. I got lazy. And boy, have I felt the effects of going off my raw food diet. I’ve had less energy, been sick more, and less motivated. It just wasn’t me.
Today I went to the local co-op store to get some raw foods to have for lunch this week, and I stumbled upon these little gems: Nut Blends by Sahale Snacks. They are not completely raw, but they are super healthy, and INSANELY delicious! The one that I tried tonight is Valdosta Pecans with sweet cranberries, black pepper, and orange zest, and let me tell you, my taste buds are dancing! They are unbelievably delicious. They are also cholesterol free, low sodium, and have zero trans fats. You can check out their website here!
Also, if you want to learn more about food, raw foods, what is really in your food, and some interesting and scary facts about the pharmaceutical industry, check out the documentary Food Matters. Its an awesome movie, and you can watch it online!
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She had the eyeshadow of an angel…
Sebastian Trucco Angel Face is a Holographic Colour Collection For "EYES"
Once upon a time, I stumbled upon the most amazing eyeshadow that I had ever seen. A palette of 5 white eye shadows, each with a different, holographic, color. That’s right, holographic. When you put the eyeshadow on, you can see the color go from white to bright when you turn your face. The colors included in the palette are: gold, blue, red, violet and green.
These amazing shadows can be used alone, layered with one another, or on top of other eyeshadow colors. The versatility of this palette is endless; and gives you the most bang for your buck!
I kid you not, every time I wore this eyeshadow, without fail, I got tons of compliments. Eventually I ran out, and could not find it in any local stores. Thinking about it recently, I did a quick search for it online, and found several places where it can still be purchased.
If you love playing with eyeshadow, I recommend that you RUN to the computer and order this eyeshadow. It is the best! I have ordered some myself, and will do a review video as soon as I get it!
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On beauty
My sister had the best quote on her Facebook status today! I’m not sure who the comment originated from, so if you know, please fill us in!
“ Beauty is about perception, not about make-up. I think the beginning of all beauty is knowing and liking oneself.”
My beautiful sister, Melissa
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We practice “cute”
WARNING: The content of this video is so cute that it may induce nausea
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What little boy doesn’t like to wear Mommy’s shoes?
It seems that one of my foster kittens, Uncle Traveling Matt (aka “Matt” for short), is really getting the concept of FAB Shows, and has taken a liking to a cute pair of black flats with a bow detail. He is obsessed with them, and I have found him sitting in them more than once. Forgive the quality of the pictures; my phone was the quickest thing that I could grab before he left the shoe to go chase his sister.
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What to do if you find an abandoned or orphaned kitten
Hello Fabulous Fab-land!
To follow-up yesterdays video blog, here are some tips on what to do if you find an abandoned or orphaned kittens!
- Make sure that they are really abandoned or orphaned!: Many times kittens appear to be abandoned, but they aren’t! Mama cat is just off getting food or water. Only move the kittens if you are absolutely sure they are abandoned or orphaned, or if they are in imminent danger. Kittens who have no mama have a significant chance of not surviving compared to if they do have their mom. They need to nurse on their mamas to get very important anti-bodies. If the kittens appear to be warm, clean, and healthy, chances are that there mom is still around – and imagine how stressed she will be to come back and find that her babies are gone! If they are dirty, appear unhealthy, are cold, or are in immediate danger due to their location, gently pick them up and put them in a towel in a clean box or container with holes poked on the top.
- Take them to a veterinary hospital: Young kittens are extremely fragile and can die very fast. If at all possible, take them a veterinary hospital immediately. Most veterinary hospitals have special accounts set up that are funded by the generous donations of their clients that goes towards the expenses of these types of situations. Ask your veterinarian if the hospital has a “Good Samaritan” fund.
These next instructions are if you cannot get the kittens to a veterinarian or qualified animal care professional immediately, and need to sustain them until you can:
- Get them warm: Young kittens cannot regulate their own body temperature and can become cold very easily, which can cause death if they dip too low. It is also important that you don’t overheat them. Put them on a heating pad, set on “low”, wrapped in a towel, or on a water bottle with warm water, wrapped in a towel. Do not feed them until they are warm, as they need to be warm to properly digest their food.
- Get feeding supplies: This is important: do NOT feed them cows milk. Cows milk is for baby cows. Cows milk will cause kittens to get diarrhea, which will quickly dehydrate them. Feed them kitten milk replace such as KMR. These can be found at pet supply stores, and sometimes even your local grocery store. If it is late at night and you cannot find proper formula, this is a good emergency formula that you can make as a back-up, but should not be used long term. You will also need a kitten bottle, or, if you are really hard-pressed, an eye dropper, but only drop a bit at a time so that kitty doesn’t get any formula in her lungs.
- Feed kitty: Do not hold kitty on her back like a human baby – they can get fluid in their lungs like this. They actually eat more upright. This is an excellent guide to how to feed a newborn kitten.
- Stimulate them to go potty: baby cats cannot relieve themselves on their own – their mothers usually do this by licking them. After you finish feeding kitten, take a damp washcloth or paper towel (keep in mind that their mamas tongues are rough), and gently rub his or her genitals until you see them start to urinate and/or defecate. While they pee regularly, do not expect to see a bowel movement at every potty time.
- Be patient: expect to feed and potty these babies every 2-3 hours (yes this means you need to get up in the middle of the night) until you get them to an animal care professional.
- Be prepared: young kittens are extremely fragile. Do all that you can, but understand that there is a chance that they may not make it. This is why it is important to get them in the hands of a professional as soon as possible.
So there is your basic emergency guide to caring for young kittens. Good luck and thank you for doing such a wonderful thing!
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I LOVE GOODWILL
Goodwill is my obsession. Given that I shop on a non-profit wage, I have to be budget-conscious. Goodwill, and other thrift stores, can prove to be the best resources for hidden treasures! Just be careful not to get something that you are truly not going to use, otherwise you have nothing but junk accumulating in your house! I say that because, lately, I’ve been addicted to this show about hoarders; people who just collect all kinds of junk in their homes. So much so that one woman literally only had room to walk into her room and sleep on her one little spot on the bed.
It was a marathon of this show that prompted me to reorganize my bedroom! One thing that I have been wanting to tackle was my necklaces. I didn’t have a good solution to organize them, and I didn’t think that a simple cork board really went with my room. Well, as usual, Goodwill did not disappoint. I found this adorable photo-holder for $2.99 and voila! A new necklace organizer that I LOVE, and that goes with my room. Yay!
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