Monthly Archives: October 2010

In conjunction with out adoption drive this weekend, we’re offering an unprecendented 20% store wide discount on everything!  We’re sorry for the late notice as we’re sure many would’ve liked to save up for this.

Hi, to celebrate our new banner, we’ll be rewarding every tenth comment with a bag of Angel Sashimi Cat or Dog treats.  I personally think it’s gorgeous but we want to hear your specific thoughts.  The banner features Jon’s little dog, Clifford and was designed by Chiueh.

Researching this one made me cry.  I have always had pets (THANK YOU ma and pa) but I never realised I was lucky until I myself became a parent.  So many children nowadays are denied the simple pleasure of the company of a living being.  Instead they have PSPs, Nintendos and Wii.

While I had a Sega when I was 10 and access to the Internet when I was 15, and unlimited access to the TV, these thing never monopolised my time because we had dogs; dog to play with, dogs to go walking with, dogs to clean up after and dogs to feed.  I even learned to cook for my dogs and read books about dog breeds, training, health and just good ol’ feel good stories with animals in them.  I loved James Herriot and Enid Blyton’s Shadow the Sheepdog.

Don’t get me wrong, I have asthma but I think if I had had access to the pets from babyhood, it would be a different story.  But mum was advised against it and so we were kept clean and away from the ‘dirty creatures’.  However, as soon as I was old enough to choose, I would always be found in the company of our dogs.

Here are some great articles about the health benefits of having pets in relation to kids.  For those parents who are thinking of getting a pet for their, read and go to a shelter this weekend. Save a life and give your child a childhood worth remembering.  For those of you who keep the dog outside because it is ‘dirty’, lighten up and have  a bit of faith in the good ol’ immune system.  For those of you who think animals and children don’t go together, go out a meet kids who have pets.  Talk to them and watch them interact with their pets.  It’s heartwarming.

Benefits of raising kids and pets together

5 ways pets can improve your health

NYT explores the health benefits of pets

And just for fun, here’s the link to James Herriot’s site

Meg and Kiss

Meg and Midnight

Bern and Barley

Kiki Sheeri

Cian and Truffle

People keep coming to me with this question.  And the answer is YES.  In fact, please be strong, ignore well-meaning but misinformed relatives and/or health advisers and keep you cat(s).

I can talk until my face is blue and tell you why you can keep your cat but it’s a topic that has been written about so well, in so many different places that I’ll just share the links.

Here’s avery thorough review of toxoplasmosis and preganancy from Babycentre UK

Here’s some advice from a vet.

And another good article (but short) on toxoplasmosis and pregnancy.

Remember, Changing cat litter may expose you to the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. It is also found in raw meats or unwashed root vegetables.

After reading all this, if you still think you need to get rid of your cat, then you’ll probably have to stop cooking and eating meat AND stop gardening.  So, let’s be rational and firm with misguided friends and family and set them straight.  And go give kitty some sardines for even entertaining the thought of giving her up