First identified in 1978, the Canine Parvovirus attacks the gastrointestinal tract, is highly contagious and can lead to heart tissue damage in puppies. The majority of deaths from parvovirus occur within 2-3 days after initial symptoms, largely due to dehydration. Parvovirus is spread by contact with feces passed by infected dogs. Even trace amounts on shoes, pants legs, bare feet, paws, etc. can carry the contagion. The most caommon symptoms include …

Here is a message about the horrible destinies of slaughter horses. Also included was the following heartbreaking video from Sharkonline.

Federal law requires that horses be rendered unconscious before they are slaughtered. However, undercover footage proves that many animals are improperly stunned by shooting up to 4 metal bolts into their heads, and are conscious while they are shackled by one hind leg and hoisted into the air prior to having their throats slit.

A horse is forced into a metal lined, rectangular cubicle below floor level. An arm within an elbow length glove reaches forward. The gun in the hand of the killer shoots a metal bolt into the brain of that victim. The horse falls, yet sometimes struggles to get back on its feet, maybe having up to four bolts ejected into its brain.

Last year, over 100,000 horses were killed in foreign-owned slaughterhouses in the U.S., and tens of thousands more were exported to Japan, Canada and Mexico for slaughter. There is evidence to suggest that these creatures are subjected to cruel treatment prior to their deaths, including starvation, sleep deprivation, lack of water and physical abuse.

Congress is now mounting a ban on the slaughter of American horses, whose meat is shipped over our borders for human consumption in foreign countries. If you’d like to let your congresspersons know your feelings about the proposed legislation, you can reach them by calling the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121, and reference the proposed legislation American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 503/S. 311

When I consider which trait I like most about cats, I’d have to say that it’s their mysterious manner. I never know when they will pounce on my computer keyboard, or where they will hide on a particular day. Unfortunately, they are also masters at concealing any illnesses they might have. A cat can have a medical problem and even the most watchful owner may not know until the symptoms have become full-blown.