Page 18 - Boca Club News - October '21

Page 18, Boca Club News

Nature & Pets

The Environmental Enthusiast: A Ripple of Kindness

By Tina K. VaLant. Remember Dr. TNVRing ferals, and resources. Kindness often goes unreciprocated. That can
Doolittle, the man who was able to fostering, networking, pile up…...then your cup is refilled by a total stranger one
converse with all the animals? Boca transporting, home hectic morning, at a random drive-thru!
Raton’s Tina VaLant, who was named visits, organizing/ A dear rescue-friend fell apart recently, emotionally broke
Palm Beach County “Animal Friend attending adoption down. We’ve all felt like giving up, at some point. I left her
of the Year,” doesn’t claim that ability, events/fundraisers, or a voicemail, “I’m sorry you’re going through this. Maybe
but she does relate remarkably well losing sleep over those it’s time to take a break. You do so much. Get some rest.
to flora and fauna. An avid rescuer we couldn’t help. Tomorrow will be better. I am here for you.” Kind words,
(known for her beloved Australian Pleas for assistance are lending an ear, a hug, card or sending a small gift in the mail
shepherds), she serves as a foster home to surrendered pets, relentless, arriving at all can restore us from the human selfishness, neglect and cruelty
volunteers with numerous organizations and assists wildlife. hours via phone, text, doled upon helpless, innocent animals.
She raises/releases ten species of native butterflies, for over email and face-to-face What can you do? Donate money, supplies, or time all
20 years. Recently she garnered worldwide attention with an interactions. It seems as great and needed. When those aren’t options, we can all
unexpected animal adventure: reCRABilitation of HERbert, a soon as we place one exercise emotional intelligence, by keeping negative energy/
limbless blue land crab. For over four decades, Tina’s award- pet, two come in. Some comments to ourselves, especially on social media. No one
winning company, Extraordinary Photography, captures days, we barely muster needs to hear how you “hate people” or “that the person
portraits, pets, weddings, and events. She will answer the strength to devote left a kitten in a box wanted it to die.” Unless you know—
questions at TinaValant.com or (561) 945-6363. to our own furry family firsthand—the circumstances, keep it to yourself and focus
During a particularly hectic morning, I needed to “push members. Factor in all on helping the animal. This can be as simple as a prayer, and
the reset button.” So, I stopped at a drive-thru to treat myself that unpaid time away Tina rescued Roger (Irish hope for the best outcome.
to a special coffee. After placing my order at the menu from our jobs/businesses, wolfhound x wheaton mix) in When I meet a new volunteer, prospective adopter or
speaker, I pulled ahead. I was informed the car ahead of me families, and friends. You Miami, years ago. He is happy, foster, I make it a point to ask what kind of work they do/
“had taken care of my order, with their best wishes.” I have may rationalize, “I wish I healthy and loved by his new business/hobby they have. Not only does it help me to
heard of this happening, but never been personally involved. could do that,” “It’s nice family. network with/for them, but it spreads commerce in the local
The young guy then asked if I wanted to “keep it going.” they are so devoted,” Photo by Tina VaLant area. They may very well become the source of a connection,
Without thinking or looking in my rear-view mirror, I said “She loves animals so donation, expertise or knowledge. Keeping it local benefits
“yes.” This unexpected, kind gesture put a whole new spin much,” or ‘’He chooses to do all that.” all of us, including the environment.
on the rest of my week. Later, I called to see how many cars Animal rescue and volunteering can be difficult, Think of the last person you received a (animal-related
participated. It went on most of the day. Employee morale heartbreaking and expensive. Rescuers absorb gas costs, or other) favor from, got great advice, did something kind,
is boosted as they get to share the kindness of strangers on wear and tear on vehicles, vet bills and basic care for pets or went above and beyond. Did you return the favor? Refer
what is normally an uneventful shift. unexpectedly taken in, along with the emotional toll. Many them/their business when you hear of someone looking for a
Animal-loving volunteers devote countless hours, energy, rescuers suffer from PTSD, anxiety or depression. product or service. This enables us to keep helping animals.
money and resources to helping animals, wild and domestic. From complete strangers we get, “Come get my dog, We must work together and pay it forward–for the animals,
For many of us, it is our mission in life. Often, we don’t get today by 4 pm, or I’m taking him to the shelter, or worse.” each other and ourselves. Next time you are in line or at the
updates on pets we rescued/fostered/placed. We assume “no From people we know, “I need a favor,” “Will you…,” “Your drive-thru, you just might create that ripple of kindness. Pay
news means good news.” Life goes on. expertise is needed, but we have no budget,” and worse. When it forward; you can change the course of someone’s day,
There are no days-off from feeding/catching strays, I am unavailable/unable to help, I offer ideas, alternatives, week or life.
You and Your Pets:

To Chew or Not to Chew…That is the Question!

By Andrew Turkell, DVM, CVA, CCRT, CHT-V, Calusa Rule of Thumb. Do not allow your pet to chew on chipped, cracked or broken teeth. Hooves can also splinter as
Veterinary Center, Boca Raton, FL 33487 (561) 999-3000. anything unless it has some “give” to it, because that might your pet chews on them, and the sharp pieces can puncture
www.CVCBoca. help prevent breaking a tooth. You should be able to indent their mouth or digestive tract.
Have you ever broken a tooth chewing on something? the surface with your fingernail. Among other things, give Rawhides are a safer option. Made from cow skin,
If you have, you know that the sensation can be very no animal bones, no antlers, no hooves and no hard plastic rawhides are much softer, but tough, and provide many
uncomfortable to extremely painful. This may help you or hard nylon bones. If an object is harder than a tooth, or if hours of chewing. Give your pets rawhide only when you can
decide on what to give your canine to chew. you could drive a nail with it, it’s too hard. supervise them. Remove it when it becomes small enough to
Dogs, particularly teething puppies, have an innate desire BONES. Meat bones may seem like a safe, natural option swallow, and avoid rawhides with added flavorings, which
to gnaw on things, and if you don’t provide safe chewing for entertaining your puppy, or for scraping tartar build-up can cause gastrointestinal upset. Try to purchase Made in
options your puppy may choose the item that could damage from your dog’s teeth, but bones are a dangerous choice for USA products.
its teeth. Pet store shelves are filled with chew items claiming many reasons. Bone is one of the body’s hardest materials; ANTLERS. Many pet stores advertise deer antlers as a
to be safe, but many can lead to broken teeth, enamel damage it can fracture a tooth, causing pain and discomfort. Dogs safe chewing alternative to bones, but they are made of a
and oral injuries. What you may not know is how frequently may become so focused on getting every bit of delicious material like—and just as hard as—bone. Antlers also contain
dogs break their teeth, and that dogs experience the same marrow from the bone’s center that they disregard their a soft center like a bone’s marrow cavity that your dog may
pain and health problems from broken teeth that we humans cracked or broken tooth until it later starts throbbing or access by chewing up the surrounding bone, possibly leading
do… and there is no evidence that dogs are careful. Also, becomes infected. Ring-shaped bones can catch behind your to tooth fractures and ingestion of small, hard pieces. Giving
dog enamel is only one-third as thick as human enamel, and pet’s canine teeth, entrapping the end of the lower jaw, and your dog an antler is no safer than tossing them a cow femur,
the chewing force of a dog is measured at three times more requiring removal by your veterinarian. Some bones can be as both can cause significant tooth damage.
than a human can achieve. If they crack or break a tooth, chewed into small pieces your dog may ingest, which can If you choose bones and antlers to keep tartar from
the exposed pulp canal of the broken tooth often becomes lead to gastrointestinal upset, or a life-threatening intestinal accumulating on your dog’s teeth, choose a product approved
infected and an abscess may form at the root tip, which is blockage. Poultry bones are also problematic, as they can by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) (e.g., C.E.T
painful and affects their health. So, your choices of chew splinter and puncture your dog’s stomach or intestinal wall. Enzymatic Hygiene Chews), that has been proven to prevent
toys can increase the risk of your pet breaking a tooth. Instead, purchase a Kong Type toy, and stuff it with peanut plaque and tartar buildup. You can also give your dog a hard
Many popular chew toys—such as bones, antlers, cow butter, or a mixture of your dog’s favorite canned food and rubber bone—but one soft enough to be indented with your
hooves, hard plastic chews, and even ice cubes—can crack dogs’ kibble. A stuffed Kong can provide hours of chewing fun, fingernail—with a textured surface, to wear away developing
teeth and, surprisingly, dogs seldom indicate that they have a especially if you freeze it for a few hours. This is a great plaque. My personal dog’s favorite are cow ears.
toothache or that a tooth is abscessed, so you usually don’t know option if you need to entertain your puppy or need to leave Rule of Thumb. Make sure you can at least indent the
anything is wrong until the infection is very advanced. the dog in a crate for a few hours while you are away. surface of the chew with your thumb nail – if it has no “give,”
While not all tooth fractures can be prevented, we can help TENNIS BALLS. A game of fetch with a tennis ball seems it is likely harder than your dog’s enamel and is not safe to
make them less likely. When choosing chew toys, consider innocent, right? Wrong, especially if your dog likes to gnaw chew.
the following: on it. A tennis ball’s fuzzy coating is abrasive, and repeated Avoid offering dog chews with rough or abrasive material
chewing can wear down your pet’s tooth enamel. Balls that that could get stuck in your dog’s mouth or become a rapidly
Attention Dog Owners have collected sand or dirt are worse, as these materials expanding obstruction if ingested.
Always monitor your dog with any new chew toy!

increase the ball’s abrasiveness, and cause more damage.
It is your responsibility Enamel damage occurs gradually, and often goes unnoticed Veterinarians stated that approximately 93 percent of
to pick up after by owners until the damage is severe, and the pet is suffering the canine patients they see present with some degree of
your dog. It’s the law. with a painful dental sensitivity. Choose a pet-safe ball that periodontal disease. Veterinary Dental Specialists offer
Some of you have been won’t damage teeth. A hard rubber ball is a good alternative, these guidelines as a tool to use when selecting dog chews
to avoid broken or fractured teeth, abraded gums, accidental
so long as your dog cannot chew it into pieces that can be
negligent in doing so. swallowed. dangerous ingestion, and oral infection. Your pet’s teeth
Please keep our COW HOOVES. Cow hooves are made of keratin, one should last a lifetime, so protect them by choosing pet-safe
Boca community of the body’s hardest compounds, to protect the delicate foot chewing options and schedule regular dental evaluations and
beautiful! structures they encase. Pet stores sell hooves as a natural cleanings with your family veterinarian.
chewing option for pets, but chewing on them can lead to