Frame Your Pets - Info

(NC)—When the words ”pink” and “cat” are used in the same sentence, it’s usually referring to a kitten’s nose, tongue or the pads on their cute little paws. But this October, “thinking pink” about cats takes on a whole new meaning.

Many breast cancer patients say that the unconditional love and affection their cats provided while they were undergoing treatment comforted them, and strengthened their bond. And discussions surrounding the potential role animals play in cancer detection are becoming more and more prevalent.

One such breast cancer patient is British Columbia’s Holly Brinker. Nearly twenty years ago, Holly and her husband rescued their cat Tiny from outside a restaurant in Langley, BC. Holly was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, and Tiny immediately became a devoted and loyal cat, acting in ways she hadn’t before.

“Tiny wouldn’t leave my side,” says Brinker. “She slept with me every night, on my left side next to where my cancer was located, from the time I was diagnosed until she passed away a couple of months ago – the day after I completed chemotherapy. Her behaviour was remarkable and it really helped me feel comforted during my treatments. Tiny was the calm soothing part of some difficult days. She is very missed in our household.”

Connections such as this one have inspired Purina Cat Chow to team up with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation to help make a difference this October, and for good reason – breast cancer continues to be one of the most common forms of cancer in women, affecting more than 23,000 Canadian women each year. Cat Chow is making a contribution for every specially-marked Cat Chow product purchased during the month of October to the Foundation, with a target goal of $100,000.

“When we learned that cats played an important role comforting women with breast cancer, we immediately knew this was a relationship we wanted to make people aware of,” says Susan Molenda, vice president of marketing for Nestlé Purina PetCare. “It reinforces the unique bond that exists between people and pets, and we are pleased to be providing support to this very worthy cause.”

More information is found online at www.catchow.ca.

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(NC)—When Karen Corey found a beautiful, black and white stray cat outside her Fredericton, New Brunswick apartment last summer, she decided to bring him into her home. “He was the most beautiful cat I’d ever seen and I was sad that he had no one to care for and comfort him,” says Corey. Little did she know then just how he would comfort her in return.

Corey had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and was scheduled to begin chemotherapy in early August of 2009. Once her treatments started, the side effects were predictably unpleasant. But through it all, her cat – now named “Luke”, Corey’s variation of “luck” – wouldn’t leave her side. “I had to get up hourly to use the washroom throughout the night as a side effect of my treatment,” says Corey. “Luke would follow me into the bathroom every time and then come back to bed and curl up purring beside me. It was hard to think about how crummy I felt with him looking so cute, trying to make me feel better. He kept close to me the entire time I was being treated for breast cancer. It was amazing.”

Corey’s is one of many such remarkable stories. According to a US study conducted by Nestlé Purina, 84 per cent of cat owners battling breast cancer said their feline companion had a calming effect on them during their treatment. This same study also revealed that 73 per cent said their cats knew they were sick.

Ontario-based veterinarian and feline specialist Dr. Liz O’Brien has been working in the field of cat care for over twenty years. She also owns and runs two feline-exclusive veterinary hospitals. She concurs that unique cat behaviour around sick owners is not unusual. “Cats are much more attune to their environment and attached to their human family members than people give them credit for, and their owner’s emotions are a key component of their environment, “says O’Brien. “Cats have an innate sense and pick up on the fact that their caregiver is sick, and the stronger the bond with the cat, the more he or she will react to the situation.”

Recognizing this remarkable bond between cats and breast cancer patients, this October, Purina Cat Chow is making a contribution for every specially-marked product sold to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation with a target goal of $100,000. According to Susan Molenda, vice president of marketing for Nestle Purina PetCare, “The support and comfort cats provide during these difficult times reinforces the important role pets play in our lives and to society, and we are pleased to lend our support to this worthy cause.”

“I think that Cat Chow’s support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is wonderful”, says Corey. “If more women with breast cancer are made aware of the support cats can provide, perhaps more cats will be welcomed into people’s homes. I rescued Luke and he rescued me right back.”

More information is found online at www.catchow.ca.

Source: www.newscanada.com www.thenewsleader.info www.thenewsleader.ca www.princetonbcnews.com

Healthy Pet Tips:

(NC)—Veterinarians play a critical role in the well-being of Canadian pets. They are pet passionate people who are dedicated to providing the best health possible for all animals. As a pet parent, it’s important that you recognize the importance of the relationship you have with your veterinarian.

You should take your pet to visit the veterinarian every year, especially when it’s time for your furry friend to get his annual flea and heartworm medications. However, the number of veterinary visits your pet requires will depend on his specific needs, breed, age, and other health factors. It is best to talk about all of these items with your veterinarian in order to establish a regular health care regime.

Your pet’s nutrition should be a key discussion topic during your vet visits. A healthy pet’s diet consists of a pet food that is high in good quality animal protein and formulated for the specific needs of your cat or dog. Chat with your vet about choosing a pet food that will keep your furry friend both happy and healthy. A premium pet formula, like Iams ProActive Health which features the prebiotic FOS (fructooligosaccharides), will help promote your pet’s strong defenses. Proper pet nutrition will also play a role in keeping your pet looking good on the outside – a shiny coat, strong bones and joints, healthy heart, teeth and digestion all start with the right food.

Also, healthy snacks that are low in calories, like Iams treats and biscuits, are great to reward your pet and make them feel special. The biggest reward of all will be when your pet is happy and healthy, thanks to your veterinarian, and the choices you’ve made as a pet parent.

More information on proper pet nutrition and responsible pet parenting can be found online at www.iams.com.

Source: www.newscanada.com www.thenewsleader.info www.frameyourpets.com

(NC)—If you’re like most pet owners, Fido and Fifi are precious members of the family. So when it comes to what they eat, dogs and cats deserve just as much attention as everyone else. What you put into your pet’s dinner dish can have a big impact on his overall health.

A proper pet diet can provide healthy vitality from the inside out and benefits such as the following:

- Shiny coat
- Strong bones and joints
- Strong, firm muscles
- Healthy heart
- Healthy teeth
- Healthy digestion
- Strong immunity

Be sure to discuss your pet’s diet during regular visits with your veterinarian and choose a premium pet food, like Iams ProActive Health which features the prebiotic FOS (fructooligosaccharides), to promote your pet’s strong defenses. The right food in the right doses goes a long way in maintaining your furry friend’s health.

Remember, a healthy pet is a happy pet, and a forever grateful member of your family.

More information on choosing the proper foods for your pet can be found online at www.iams.com.

Source: www.newscanada.com www.thenewsleader.info

(NC)—As a pet parent, you will be faced with many choices regarding the health and happiness of your furry friend. One of the first decisions you will need to make is selecting a veterinarian.

The best first step to finding a good veterinarian is to ask other pet owners for their recommendations. Speak to family, friends, colleagues or neighbours who have a similar approach to pet care as you do. If you don’t know many pet owners, you can use the internet to search for a veterinarian clinic in your community.

Once you narrow down your search, schedule a visit to get some first-hand insight of your clinic contenders. When you book your appointment, ask to tour the facility, inquire about the hospital’s services and meet the staff. Remember, you should use the same considerations as if you were looking for a medical centre for yourself.

If possible, speak to the veterinarian who will be your pet’s doctor. Chat with your veterinarian about your pet’s habits, hobbies and nutritional well-being. You should also discuss the type of food to feed your furry friend – a formula likes Iams ProActive Health features the prebiotic FOS (fructooligosaccharides) which will promote your pet’s strong defenses.

Following the easy steps above will ensure you make an informed decision for your pet’s well-being.

More information on responsible pet parenting can be found online at www.iams.com.

Source: www.newscanada.com www.thenewsleader.ca www.similkameenteen.com