'. . . Act locally': fight against hunts & protect our pets

                                                                                         HSUS pic

On one front this year, enlightened science realized a gigantic breakthrough by carrying out the first-ever fusion reaction that produced more energy than it took to start the reaction itself.  That announcement re-ignited great excitement about the future of carbon-free nuclear energy.

Then, here in NJ, ignoring different branches of science, we’re still slaughtering our black bears, euphemistically referring to “harvesting them” as if that wording would justify the merciless, needless kill of innocent animals.

While we may think and hope globally, we can act locally right now by fighting the barbarism of bear hunts (and others) and assuring our own pets’ well-being.    

Think about New Jersey’s recent weather: long rains, high winds and bitter cold, often preceded by more severe-weather forecasts.

Now think about current and recent weather around the country, from horrific wild fires, floods and tornadoes to the terrible blizzard that some areas are even now digging out from.  Devastation, every which way.

In other words, it’s time to assemble a disaster kit for our families – starting with our pets, who can’t do that for themselves.  Such a move has long been advocated, but now, it seems truly needed, smart and humane. 

If people can’t take care of their pets when disaster suddenly strikes, that could result in further disaster: harm, injury or death to the animals.  Which is why emergency kits should be ready and waiting.  

This time around, I’ll follow my own advice by organizing and stocking kits for Billy and Jersey.  The sad-but-true bottom line is that we can’t count on anyone else to race to our rescue in a disaster, welcome as that move would be.  

So my suggestions for all of us begin with breaking this huge job into smaller parts.  First, round up a big, sturdy container of some kind (not paper) to serve as an emergency kit for pet(s).  Then start filling it with things you can leave there for whatever crisis comes – think canned food (and a can-opener!), bowls, old spoons, paper towels.  Next: water, in good supply, and key medicines.   

After that start, the list could go on and on.  So look online – using search terms like “pets” and “disaster/emergency kit” -- and note ideas from sources like the HSUS, ASPCA and FEMA (also involved in pet rescue, as a result of the 2006 Pet Act that followed the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005).

Please, pledge to do this for your family pets.  Make your new year’s resolution now; the time is right!  Aim to get a pet emergency kit together by the end of January 2023, at the very latest.

Resolve!  

‘. . . the [screech] heard round the world’

That would be the UN-restful sounds of Jersey Summers, who continues to make his presence, and voice, felt here.  He’s quite cute but not (yet) cuddlesome, and he’s easy to love – even at 6 am, when his caroling sometimes starts. 

The only way I’ve found to quiet him when he’s on a roll is to “Shhhhhh” him, with a finger to my lips.  He looks startled each time I do that, and goes quiet (temporarily).  Even though Jersey beats both of them at this game, here are a couple other noisy felines.  

·         Chonk the talking cat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32jZpv9yFZc

·         Mia  (ditto):  https://www.thedodo.com/daily-dodo/cat-is-so-loud-shelter-had-to-put-up-sign

Happily boxed in

Billy, boxed

Finally, staying with the subject at hand -- pets and cats -- I’ll close with a timely piece of info recently found online.

“Cats are attracted to cardboard because it’s the perfect texture for scratching, rubbing and chewing.  Because cardboard is soft, it absorbs a cat’s scent, creating a sense of ownership.  That’s why your cat keeps going back to that same old box he loves so much.  It belongs to him!   So re-purpose those holiday cardboard boxes to ensure it’s a very merry time of year for kitty.” 

Wishing the world a humane, healthy and happy 2023!

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