SPRING 2022 NEWSLETTER OF ACTORS AND OTHERS FOR ANIMALS |
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Spaying/neutering is commonplace today, but the Covid pandemic has seen the cost rise dramatically and availability decrease considerably. Overnight veterinarians
and animal welfare organizations entered
unfamiliar territory, having to balance the protection of their staff and clients with the animals they serve.
While veterinary clinics were designated as essential, spay/neuter surgeries were classified as elective and stopped by most veterinarians. Unfortunately, numerous clinics greatly reduced or suspended their spay/neuter services when surgeries resumed. Some decided not to do
feral cats, which are a major source of unwanted kittens. Most raised their fees, some as high as $600 for a cat spay! And due to staff shortages and backlogs, appointments can take up to three months. This has caused many to forgo getting their pets sterilized...
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HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF THE LAGOTTO ROMAGNOLO?
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One of the most expensive and rare foods in the world are truffles. Not the chocolate ones, but the edible fungus that lives underground around the roots of certain trees. Found throughout the world, especially in Italy, truffle hunters use dogs to sniff out this delicacy. The Lagotto Romagnolo, one of Italy’s oldest known dog breeds,
is a small to medium-sized water retriever with a great disposition and the only dog in the world recognized as a specialized truffle searcher.
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THE BETTY WHITE CHALLENGE |
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The Betty White Challenge started as a social media post asking fans to donate to a local animal organization in honor of her 100th birthday and soon ballooned into a viral memorial celebration of her love of animals. We know that Betty would be so delighted to know that over $13 million was raised for countless organizations and $30,000 by Actors and Others. When talking about the importance of spay/neuter, Betty always said that there was no secret to the source of pet overpopulation. “It’s not rocket science. It’s simple arithmetic.” We will be using these donations to provide free spay/neuter surgeries. Please view our Tribute Video to Betty on our website.
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CATS ARE PRONE TO LIFE-THREATENING URINARY BLOCKAGES |
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Urinary tract diseases are common in cats. There are bladder infections and bladder stones, but the most serious is a blockage of the urethra. The urethra is a tube that removes urine from the bladder. When a male cat has an obstruction, they will try to pee frequently but can’t. The cat will feel great discomfort and pain, may vomit, and appear sluggish. If this isn’t treated immediately, the bladder will rupture and be life-threatening. Treatment includes clearing the blockage with a catheter and placing the cat on a strict diet. But many cats have persistent problems and then surgery is necessary. The procedure is called perineal urethrostomy (PU), but it’s often referred to as a “sex change” because it reconnects the urethra to a new opening in the skin so that urine can be eliminated without passing through the blocked urethra. And it is very costly in the thousands of dollars. You must be very careful in choosing a veterinarian. Here’s a first-hand experience from one of our applicants, Roneique:
“When our precious kitty Tuxx awoke screaming in pain, I rushed him to an animal hospital then got the bad news that he has a urinary blockage and will certainly die if not treated immediately...
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These days the cost of veterinary care is a shock to most people. And for the low income, it can be devastating. That is why it is very important to scope out a veterinarian before your pet needs one. Call around and ask about fees for an office visit, shots, or a dental cleaning, compare them, and choose which one feels right for you. Get that old coffee
can out, put your pet’s name on it and start putting in your change or a dollar a day to save for that day. And when the unimaginable happens, be sure to do some comparative shopping once you have a diagnosis. It could be lifesaving.
Veterinary clinics are not created equal. If you take your pet to an emergency clinic, the cost will be much higher than a neighborhood veterinarian. Many veterinarians pondering retirement who have been in practice for 20-30 years have sold their practices to corporate chains such as Mars (yes, the candy company that also owns Banfield Veterinary Clinics) and VCA. These are publicly traded companies, so expect the fees to be higher. The best advocate for your pet is you.
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LOW-COST VETERINARY CARE IS NEEDED NOW MORE THAN EVER |
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Actors and Others helps low-income pet guardians find affordable veterinarians and covers some of the cost. By combining both of these services, more pets receive treatment and remain with their grateful guardians. Last year we helped over 400 pets.
Veterinary prices have risen so fast that the low-income care has become inaccessible. To empty shelters, adoptions are offered for free or at reduced fees. What is not discussed is the cost of caring for that pet. When that pet breaks a leg and the cost is $2,000 to $5,000, or when their cat is blocked with a urinary infection for a cost of $5,000 to $8,000 or dental care is over $1,500, what does a low-income pet guardian do? Many guardians face the excruciating decision of economic euthanasia. But even that can cost $300-$500...
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PET THERAPY A GOOD ANTIDOTE TO ANXIETY |
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While another casualty of the pandemic is the suspension of our pet-assisted therapy program, we feel privileged that we can provide some needed comfort to the medical personnel at Valley Presbyterian Hospital. Diana and Sammy make regular visits to an area outside the hospital. When they started, Sammy felt depressed because his buddy had passed away. Now he just loves all the belly rubs while spreading his medicinal therapies.
Woodbury College and Notre Dame High Schools also invited us back during finals weeks. Once again, Sammy made the rounds together with Candice and Luna, a Husky mix.
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NEW LAW CONCERNING
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS
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I’m sure we have all heard of the turkey, bearded dragon, or kangaroo boarding a plane as an emotional support pet, causing confusion and unease. A new California law has been enacted to clarify the differences between service and emotional support pets and the legal requirements of those who provide certification. Of course, all of us know that our pets are the best at providing comfort, companionship, and love! |
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MEMORIALS, TRIBUTES, AND CELEBRATIONS |
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"THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND" |
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However you remember Betty White, she was America’s sweetheart. We were honored to call her our dear, dear friend who inspired us by a lifetime of devotion and philanthropy to better protect and care for the animals who share our world, our homes, and our hearts.
Betty’s credits are too numerous to list, as are the awards and honors bestowed on this true icon. She had an astonishing and wide-ranging career. Her first movie in 1951 gave us a hint of her animal activism. The Daring Miss Jones was shot entirely on location in the majestic High Sierras to illustrate a new color film process. Two of her co-stars were bear cubs, and during the shoot, Betty actually became the “cub handler” on the set, cementing both of her passions – show business and animals.
We were privileged to have Betty serve on our Board of Directors and honored her ourselves, first in 2005 with a rip-roaring roast and a 2011 salute to celebrate our 40th anniversary, during which we introduced the Betty White Inspiration Award.
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Caring for Animal Companions
Who Share Our Homes And Our Hearts
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