Shawn M. Finch, DVM

To all of the Pet Savers in Omaha and beyond…

Thank you for all you do to help pets!

I think that you are great.

Happy May Day!

Learn as much as you can about <rabbits> before you adopt one.

Do not surprise the kids with a <holiday> <pet>.

Whenever possible, rescue your new pet!  You are saving two lives, that of your new pet, and the life of a pet who can use the resources that the rescue or shelter now has available.

I was going to go on and on about those three things, but you already know all of that!  And if you do not, you will after hopping around today’s awesome blog hops!  Instead, I will tell you about my favorite rescue organization, Nebraska Humane Society.

Sometimes the Nebraska Humane Society has super cute rabbits up for adoption.

OK, I didn’t have as much to say about that as I thought, either.  This is going to be a short post!

Happy Hopping!  Happy Easter!

Thank you Carrie for hosting today’s Easter Rabbit Adoptathon!  Visit Carrie’s awesome blog, All Things Dog to see some very cute bunnies up for adoption across the country as well as her own very cute bunny Robby.  Her Help Page has great rabbit information too!

Today I am hopping with the Always Awesome Saturday Pet Blogger’s Hop and the New-to-Me Easter Rabbit Adoptathon.  Feel free to join in both.  Thank you for stopping by!  And thank you Blog Hop Hosters!

In January 2011, Banfield Charitable Trust approved a grant request from Nebraska Humane Society to support their Guardian Angel Foster Care Program, which allows pets who need extra care (very young kittens and pups, pets who need extra socialization and the like) to be fostered until they are adopted.

Yay!

In the past, Banfield Charitable Trust has supported Nebraska Poodle Rescue, Nebraska Humane Society’s Camp Kindness and Nebraska Humane Society’s Guardian Angel Foster Care Program (Remember Zoo Kitten?) as well as SO MANY other great pet causes across the country.  Thank you Banfield Charitable Trust! You could not have chosen a more wonderful organization to support than Nebraska Humane Society.

On behalf of all of the pets and families you are helping, this kitten who has graduated from the Nebraska Humane Society Guardian Angel Foster Program and is now in her forever home would like to say a word to the wonderful people of Banfield Charitable Trust as well…

“meow”

♥

Our guinea pig Piggy died Monday morning.  I held him on my lap and told Amanda and Abby Comforting Things I had very recently told them about Fuzzy and Wuzzy Rats, only this time it was Piggy.

Joy the Puppy walked up to us sideways, wagging her tail.  She kissed Abby on the arm, kissed Piggy on the head, kissed the DVD case next to Abby, kissed Abby again and settled in to be sad with us.  I would take Joy the Puppy over a smart dog any day.  She is one of a kind.

And I would take Piggy over a smart guinea pig any day.  He too was one of a kind.  (Are there smart guinea pigs?  Does anyone know?)  He was sweet and gentle, goofy and fun.  Piggy and I spent almost every morning together these past six plus years.

I found some of my favorite pictures of Piggy.  Some are photographs I took, and some are drawings given to me by the kids at Camp Kindness in the summer of 2008, when Piggy came to help Fuzzy and Wuzzy Rats and me.  A few have fun stories that go with them, and if so, I linked the stories to the photo captions.

Piggy Kissing a Purple Hippo

Piggy as the Zero-Zero Domino, Halloween 2010

(The three black dogs were all Dominoes too, but they were big enough for dots!)

Piggy Eating Cat Grass in the Garden He Shared with Max the Cat

My first (and still favorite) species-specific “pet care” article was inspired by Piggy:

Taking Care of Your Exotic Pet, For Example, Your Guinea Pig, Which is Not Really All That Exotic

We will miss you Piggy.  You were the sweetest, cutest guinea pig I have ever known.

Piggy Finch

May 1, 2004 - January 17, 2010

This is a card my brother Dave made for me several years ago, even after he said “But I don’t make greeting cards!”  Isn’t it awesome?  I still use it all the time when I want someone to know I am REALLY REALLY grateful.  I know some of you have gotten one from me! Dave included his Great Dane Riley (yup, same Riley), his cat Abaye and Piggy.

This next set is the pictures kids drew of Piggy when he went to Camp Kindness at Nebraska Humane Society with me.  How many ways are there to draw a black egg-shaped pet?  (Apparently, as many ways as there are great kids writing thank you cards.)  I like the green pig too - apparently drawing black pets is as difficult as photographing them…a box of crayons gives you more wiggle room than a camera.  Thank you kids…looking through these again cheered me a little.  And thank you Friends, for all of your kind words and love.  You have cheered me up quite a bit.

And one by Abby…

And one by Amanda…

And this last one did not include a drawing of Piggy, but it is my favorite thank you card I have ever received from Camp Kindness…

Piggy, you touched a lot of hearts, but you really got to mine.  We will miss you buddy.

Please welcome the newest Riley and James guest blogger, Abby Finch!

Abby’s wonderful teacher gave her the book Marvin the Golf Caddy Dog for Christmas.  When we were reading it together, we noticed the shelter in the book looked very similar to the Nebraska Humane Society and had its logo.

We confirmed our suspicions with Abby’s teacher and friends from the Nebraska Humane Society that the author is indeed from Omaha.  In fact, he had given the books to the school to give to the kids.  Our friends at the Nebraska Humane Society suggested Abby review the book, and here is what she has to say…

What was the book’s title?

Marvin The Golf Caddy Dog.

Who is the author?

Harold R. Mann.

Who are the main characters?

Marvin and his best friend, Ted.

What is the book about?

Marvin’s owner didn’t like him so he left him on the street, which made me mad and sad, and then Marvin found a golf yard, and then he made a new friend named Ted.  Marvin helps his friend Ted play golf, but one day Marvin gets caught and ends up at the Humane Society, then Ted rescues Marvin.

Did you like the book?

Yes.

Why?  What did you like about it?

I liked it because I like dogs.

If a friend or sister or cousin asked you about the book, would you recommend they read it?  Why?

Yes, because it is a good book and I want other people to know about it.

How many stars would you give this book?  5

Friends have been asking me pet welfare questions online.  They ask darkly hilarious questions knowing the answer is “no.”  They know me well enough to make me laugh and stop way before they make me cry.

Example:

Q:  Can I dip my dog in bleach to treat his fleas?

A:  No.

In July of 2010, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln Extension Office released a seven page paper, in print and online:

Feral Cats and Their Management

by

Aaron M. Hildreth, Stephen M. Vantassel and Scott E. Hygnstrom

I wish the authors had thought to play the very fun Ask the Vet a Welfare Question Game with me, or any veterinarian for that matter.  I also wish they were trying to be darkly hilarious.  Sadly, they were not.

I have e-mails sent to the three authors of the publication.

Subject:  WITW (That’s how I say THAT) were you thinking?!?

I am hoping they would still like to play “Ask the Vet a Welfare Question” with me.  After they play, research more recent literature, consult the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association), the AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners), perhaps even their “neighbors” the Nebraska Humane Society, which is doing a stellar job carrying out a successful Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program in Omaha and surrounding areas, they could write a new Opposite Report.  I would even be willing to help them write it.

Here are some “Ask The Vet a Welfare Question” questions that I think would be fun.  I also included my answers, because they are not always as obvious to everyone as I had thought!

Q:  As members of a respected university, one that invests heavily in training the veterinarians of the future, should we suggest shooting cats in the head as a potential tool in an integrated pest management program?

A:  No.

Q: Shooting cats in the heart?

A:  No.

Q:  The lungs?

A:  No.

Q:  Padded jaw foothold traps?  Snares?  Body-gripping traps?

A.  No.  No.  No.

Q:  Should we have consulted the 2007 AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia before publishing this paper?

A:  Yes.

Q:  Should we have glanced at Nebraska euthanasia laws?

A:  Yes.

Q:  Would the American Animal Hospital Association or American Association of Feline Practitioners or Nebraska Humane Society have been good resources?

A:  Yes.  Yes.  Yes.

Q:  Should we have consulted one of the many, many veterinarians, veterinary team members and others with an interest in animal welfare, whose hackles are now up (figuratively speaking) before we made them angry?

A:  Yes.

Q:  Should one of us have walked down the hallway and consulted one of the many fine veterinary professors on East Campus before publishing our report?

A:  Yes.

Q:  Should we have listened to the leadership of Husker Cats, the feline welfare group that cares for feral cats on the UNL campus when they explained their TNR/feline health program directly to us?

A:  Yes.

Q:  What if I was too busy to do all that research, would it have been ok to just ask my veterinarian while I was in with my huntin’ dog what he thought about feral cat control?

A:  Yes.

Q:  Can we have a do-over?

A:  I don’t know.  Maybe.

*****

I hesitated to publish this in the hopes that the UNL extension publication would just pass quietly into the abyss.  It seems as though it will not though, and even if it were about to, I really could not let it just pass without saying something.

To the authors’ credit, they have brought up and given us another opportunity to discuss a very important topic:  feral cat control.  Let me know what you think.  If you promise to be nicer to them than they suggest we be to the cats, I will also help you contact the authors.

Phil the Puppy is ready for the Walk!

The 2010 Nebraska Humane Society Walk for the Animals was a very fun event!  The Family Finch Dog Pack consisted of Russ, Jodi, Erika Workman (an honorary Finch) and me and our kids and dogs:  ours-Ebony the Lab Mix, Noodle the Poodle and Joy the Puppy…and Phil!, Jodi’s-Taco the Belgian Malinois and Erika’s-Bella the Long-Haired Chihuahua.

We saw tons of gorgeous dogs and between us could identify all but one by breed (a BEAUTIFUL huge Great Dane shaped dog with tan and dark brown Mastiff-like markings).  We saw lots of friends and pet companies and rescue groups we love…

♥ ♥ ♥ Good to see you! ♥ ♥ ♥

Banfield, The Pet Hospital

Petsmart

Pug Partners of Nebraska

Little White Dog Rescue

Rocky Mountain Great Dane Rescue

Nebraska Border Collie Rescue

Golden Retriever Rescue in Nebraska

Three Dog Bakery

Oxbow Animal Health

Hayneedle Pets

Last we heard, Nebraska Humane Society was very close to meeting their fund-raising goals for the day.  That will help so many pets!!  Thank you SO MUCH for supporting Family Finch and the Nebraska Humane Society!

Grown-ups Left to Right:  me, Erika (with Bella), Russ, Jodi, the other dogs:  Ebony, Joy, Phil (in the carrier!), Noodle, Taco

Joy, Ebony and Noodle in a calm moment

The Beautiful Bella Workman

Gorgeous Taco Dog

Ebony and Phil chat before the walk

And we’re off!  A beautiful walk around the outskirts of the Nebraska Humane Society campus

In one month from today, we are taking all three dogs on the Nebraska Humane Society 2010 Walk for the Animals.  I think it will be a very fun time!

All proceeds raised go to support the dogs and cats (and little guys!) of Nebraska Humane Society.  I think they should label the corner behind the cats “Miscellaneous” as a joke, but maybe some people would not get the joke and then it would not be a good label.  That’s where all the non-dog and cat pets are.  I LOVE that corner!!  In just the past few months, they have had super cute newborn fuzzy white bunnies, painted turtles, ferrets, rats, gerbils, budgies and even a cockatiel.

ANYWAYS, Russ and Jodi and I are all attempting to raise money for the Nebraska Humane Society.  You don’t even have to bet on whether I will finish the mile or number of laps or anything.  You can pledge a set amount…or just wish us well (which is free!)

Here’s my link! Here is the link for Family Finch (Jodi, Russ and me)

If your business would like to become a corporate sponsor, here is the link…I have read through the list of sponsors, you would be in the company of awesomes!

Sponsor Donations

Maybe with a bit of encouragement, all of Omaha will begin to shift to a dog-welcoming atmosphere.  How fun would that be?  If you know of dog-friendly businesses or events, let me know and I will add them.  If you OWN a dog-friendly business, let me know and I will add it and also say, I think you are awesome.

Check out this site that I LOVE - Go Pet Friendly - and thank you guys for allowing me to link to your site!  My little blog post here will have Omaha-specific information as I collect it.  Go Pet Friendly has country-wide information, including pet-friendly hotels!  Very fun site to visit, even if you do not happen to be heading out the door with your pup!

Also check out Fido Factor - They also have helpful information on pet-friendly places!  Pretty soon we will be able to walk in about anywhere with our pups!

Omaha Pet-Friendly Places…

October 14, 2010 *Just in time for Halloween!* Thanks Alicia!

Pumpkin Patch 120th and Military - inexpensive pumpkins and very dog friendly!  Support your local farmers!

Hefflinger Dog Park

Petsmart - 6 area locations

PetCo

Outdoor concerts at Shadow Lake Towne Center

Jazz on the Green concerts at Midtown Crossing

Bookworm Bookstore

Canfield’s Sporting Goods

Trocadéro “Lifestyle and Accessories Emporium” - Old Market

Underwood Hill’s Presbyterian Church - This church in Dundee has special services to which pets are invited.  I was reminded of this great program recently when I saw a fellow grocery shopper with a Underwood Hill’s t-shirt with paw prints on it.

Subway in the Old Market (outdoor seating)

Upstream in the Old Market (outdoor seating)

La Buvette in the Old Market (outdoor seating)

Farmer’s Markets - Old Market (Saturdays), Aksarben (Sundays)

(Come to think of it…The Old Market and the surrounding areas have amazing dog walking and hanging out areas.)

McFoster’s Natural Kind Cafe 302 South 38th Street (outdoor seating)

Trovato’s Italian Restaurant - Dundee (outdoor seating)

Chipolte Mexican Grill (outdoor seating)

Goldberg’s - Dundee (outdoor seating)

Nebraska Humane Society - in designated areas

QC  Supply in Elkhorn - went there today (Sept. 27, 2010) with Noodle the Poodle, LOVE this store!!

Old Chicago - beer garden at Old Chicago of 76th and Cass - I will find out about other locations!  It will be fun to support this one - I love their food (and drinks!)

Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios - 50th and Dodge

Call a business or restaurant ahead if you are unsure if they welcome pets!  Even if they say “no” you will get them thinking!

*****

Some stores will make exceptions if your pet is cute enough.  Russ and I would always walk to Blockbuster’s in Littleton Colorado.  I would stay outside with our dog Benji while Russ went in to get our movie.  One time, the manager came out to the parking lot to pet Benji and said, “You can bring him in if you want to.”  I always did from then on, and we rented movies there more than ever to say “thank you” to that kind manager.  It is a very good memory now over ten years later.

OK, this one is not official, so don’t go bringing your dog in to Sam and Louie’s just because you brought him on errands and didn’t think through how hot it is out!  But I DO want you to support Sam and Louie’s, specifically the one near 72nd and L Street!  I went there once with my friend Erika, and we overheard a guy at the bar saying he was just going to get a drink or two while his dog waited in the car.

Both of us have dog-loving qualities that are about one hundred times stronger than our introversion (which is a pretty strong trait in both of us!)  ANYWAYS, the manager there ended up relenting to our pleas (so we let go of his ankles and stood up), and Ray Charles, the very cute, very blind, very brachycephalic Boston Terrier got to sit under his owner’s feet at the bar instead of in the hot car with the windows up during the lunch hour.  Thank you Very Nice Sam and Louie’s manager. Because I no longer get my movies at the Littleton Blockbuster’s, I will transfer all of my love for the Blockbuster’s manager to you and express it by buying your pizzas and sandwiches as often as possible.

Thank you to Alicia Weiland, Jen Howell, Jess Kamish and Russ Finch for help with the initial info gathering.  You are three of my favorite women and my absolute favorite guy.

Tuesday, July 20 was another day of Camp Kindness, a day camp for kids at Nebraska Humane Society.  You know I am super neurotically protective of kid pictures, and Camp Kindness is all kids everywhere…which means of course, more pictures of Fuzzy and Wuzzy!

Still, I didn’t want you to think I ONLY ever take pictures of my gorgeous rats, so I also took one of Kerry Ecklebe, the Director of Humane Education at Nebraska Humane Society…um, holding a rat.  OK, so maybe I am obsessed with my rats!  There are worse maladies to have!

I do not even want to know how many website design rules I am breaking with this layout.  I just love huge pictures of Fuzzy and Wuzzy!  They are so goofy looking, and I love that you can see whiskers and wrinkles and everything in the pictures…

Kerry Ecklebe holding Fuzzy

Kerry is a class act, and one of my favorite people.  NHS is blessed to have her!