FALL 2011

WE ARE A GROUP OF PEOPLE
THAT BELIEVE THAT NOT ENOUGH IS BEING DONE TO STOP THE OVERPOPULATION
OF
COMPANION ANIMALS. IT IS A HUMAN PROBLEM, AND UNTIL PEOPLE ARE MADE TO
BE
RESPONSIBLE, THE PROBLEM WILL CONTINUE.
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Progress on the ranch: Thanks to some
generous donations, we were able to obtain gravel for the driveway just
in time for the winter months! Two truckloads were delivered and spread
covering the drive, from the road to the dog barn.
Check our website www.wtv-zone.com/timreh/index.html, for more photos of
the ranch. We also received a lawn tractor that will come in handy for
a multitude of ranch chores. We also were supplied with enough firewood
for this year and beyond!
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According
to CATNIP Magazine, in late 2010, the Association of Shelter
Veterinarians
released a set of Guidelines for Standards in Animal Shelters. Cats are often placed in stainless steel
cages with strong smells, and loud noises. Hearing dogs is especially
stressful
to cats. The standards of care guidelines were developed by a 14 member
task
force and noted that “poor cat housing is one of the greatest
shortcomings
observed in shelters.” Better design and
implementation means happier & healthier cats.
The recommendations for housing shelter cats
are exceeded at TUBU. We do not use the
standard floor space and cubic cage space for our cats and dogs—the
inside
space exceeds the standards and we also provide fenced outside area in
which
residents can come and go as they desire.
A provision of stimulating environment -that includes places to hide, climb, perch, and scratch-
should be made available to cats who are more that 2 weeks in a shelter. Litter boxes should be large enough to
accommodate a cat's entire body, and be located away for the feeding
area.
Keeping
our animals safe is a priority, due to the rural area we have a portion
of the
property fenced so our residents have a secure and safe outside access.
In
order to continue to provide this healthy habitat, TUBU can always use
donations of chain link fencing and fence posts.
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The link between
animal cruelty and public health and safety: For
over 20 years we have known of the link between animal abusers and
domestic violence. The same animal abuse
mentality has been shown to threaten, intimidate and control people
during domestic violence with women and children as well as incidents
of neighborhood retaliation. Adults who
are cruel to animals are often 'socialized to violence' lacking social
& coping skills. Children, who are cruel to animals, are showing
warning signs that should be dealt with (on a professional level)
immediately and monitored to prevent future violence.
“When animals in the home are being abused or neglected,
it is a warning sign that others may be in danger as well.” says County
Prosecutor Michael Dvorak of St. Joseph County, IN. in a 2011 South
Bend Tribune article. |
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Managing your cat
allergy: (Good
news to cat lovers: a
vaccine for those with cat allergies is on the horizon; for more info
see
online at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University)
Consider
some of these ways you can co-exist with your loved ones while cutting
down on
your allergy problems--Wear a mask to brush your cat to remove dead
hairs.
Also, wear a mask when scooping cat litter. (People are really allergic
to the
protein ON the dander called Fel d 1. The protein is what sticks to
household
surfaces and causes symptoms.) Wipe the
cat with a damp washcloth to keep dander from getting into the air.
Consider
an air
filtration system for your home, use a high quality furnace filter and
change
often. Encase
mattresses and pillows with air-tight casings.
Better yet, keep the cat out of your bedroom.
Replace
carpet with
vinyl, laminate or hardwood floors. Have
someone else vacuum your house, use a HEPA filter in your vacuum.
ANIMALS
FOR ADOPTION
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Pebbles is a spayed
female lab mix. Pebbles gets along with other dogs, and kids. When
outside Pebbles needs to be on a leash as she likes to run.
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Boo, is a neutered
Husky/Lab mix. Boo is partly deaf and has learned some hand signals. |
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Reminder
of Holiday dangers:
While you are
decorating your home
with trees, ornaments, lights, and stocking up on special holiday
treats, keep
in mind that these activities could bring about holiday hazards for
your pets.
Here are some things to be aware of...
The Tree
If you have a live tree, keep the water stand covered. Pine sap mixed
with
water makes a poisonous drink for your pets.
The Decorations
Pick up any ornament hooks, tinsel or ribbon that fall on the floor.
Your pet
could experience serious internal injuries if it ingests any of these
items.
The Food
Keep holiday treats and candies out of your pet's reach. Remember
wrapped gifts
under your tree that may be food items. Certain foods, especially in
excess, can
make your pet sick. Chocolate, onions, raisins and alcohol can be fatal
to
dogs.
The Plants
Poinsettias, mistletoe berries and some other plants and popular
holiday
flowers can cause serious stomach problems for pets.
The Noise
Provide a quiet refuge for your pet. With all the holiday festivities,
your pet
may need a break from visiting family and friends.
Letter
from Mindy:
Mindy is
a rat terrier mix adopted in 2006 from TUBU. Mindy
makes her home in Marshal, WI.
Hi
Canine Friends (Felines too),
I
have good news since the last letter I sent. Dianne’s hip has healed
real well
after 2 ½ months. She was able to take care of her garden, and
can walk without
any pain. I still feel bad about the accident.
We
had a new family move in down the street, and they have two young boys,
Noel
and Sebastian. Their mother, Adrianna, let’s them come over almost
every day,
and they play ball with me. They are real nice boys, and fun to play
with.
Ron
and Dianne had to go to a funeral up in Tomah, and I had to stay with
one of
their friends while they were gone. “Whew Doggie” I am glad they are
back. That
is the first time I have been separated from them both since I was
adopted from
the Ranch. It sure felt different not having them around. I sure missed
them.
The
white stuff will be flying soon, and I am not looking forward to it.
Hopefully
our winter will not be real bad, and Spring will come fast. As you know
I am
not a winter dog, but I can handle it, if I have a nice fireplace, and
don’t
have to go outside the house. (not going to happen)
Please
think of Karen, and those at the Ranch in your prayers, and please help
them in
any way possible.
Love
to all. Mindy Lou (bark)
In
this time of Thankfulness, the animals at TUBU would like to remind
everyone
that they have been very good this year and the best present you can
give
anyone, is the message of spay and neuter!
Remember, TUBU can help with your gift -giving list, see below
and on
the website for numerous offers.
Holiday
Gift Giving Ideas: TUBU Tree Memorial Lane is an area planted with
native WI
trees and shrubs to encourage a “green” future at TUBU animal rescue. By donating $25, you can plant a tree in
honor or in memory of a loved one. We have gift trees growing now as
well as an
established prairie and natural area.
More information on our green future is available on our website
at:
www.wtv-zone.com/timreh/index.html.
(Holiday and Memorial Trees will have a recognition card sent
out and be
planted in the spring.) The ranch
property has grown from no wildlife-- to a habitat that is a home for
squirrels, birds, amphibians, and snakes.
(Luckily, mosquito season is over!)
As we discuss future plans for TUBU ranch, we will continue to
have the
lowest impact on the environment as well as the best use of money and
resources.
Fund
raiser:
An easy way to help TUBU is to buy online
through i-Give A
percentage of the money you spend is given to the
charity/charities of your choice. TUBU has received approximately $2300 through this site. Thanks to all who
helped!!
Until we meet again: Since last fall, we
have said farewell to: Aggie,
Iddy, Mickey, Maggie, Lu, Stanley, RC, Kira, Ebony, Snoops, and Taylor.
Some
were cats/dogs that were adopted from TUBU and lived in traditional
homes;
others that had their forever home at the TUBU ranch with other cat and
dog
friends in the cat room, and yard. Our
pets form deep attachments to us and each other; it is natural that we
all
grieve at a passing. Grief occurs as a
result of an abrupt or unexpected severing of a relationship. A
surviving pet
may be withdrawn (for days or weeks), display signs of over grooming,
pacing or
persistent searching, loss of interest in normal activities such as
food or
toys. Even a vocalization pattern can change after a death of a loved
one.
(Since cats do not communicate the same way as humans—watch them
closely, these
are also signs for a physical problem—see your vet!) Pets will grieve
for a
familiar or close companion so give your surviving pet companion extra
attention and love and reassurance (this will help you grieve too). Enrich their environment with a treat or new
toys, these welcome attractions will help establish new rituals and a
new
social order in a multi pet household.
In
closing, this last newsletter of 2011, we would like to mention that
TUBU
STRIVES TO EDUCATE OTHERS about responsible pet care & therefore
all of our
animals are fixed. We want to make that clear to animal owners and
animal
lovers. Overpopulation is such a problem that we advocate spaying and
neutering. TUBU also aids humane societies and rescue groups save more
lives by
providing temporary shelter, transport or, behavior modification. We
are
grateful for all your help and could not accomplish so much without
your
donations—THANK YOU!! If you would like
to be a more active part of TUBU; please contact TUBU's Director at tubu.ranch@yahoo.com.
With your help we can save more lives in 2012!