The phrase "fat and healthy" is commonly used to describe "well-fed" pet birds. But in fact, no two terms could be more contradictory. Not only is obesity in pet birds unhealthy ? it's often life threatening.

It's important to understand that obesity in pet birds is not just an aesthetic problem. In birds, the liver is a primary site of excess fat deposition. As an increasing amount of fat is stored there, functional hepatocytes (liver cells) are lost. The medical term for this condition is hepatic lipidosis, and a point may be reached at which there is not enough functional liver left to support life.

Hepatic lipidosis has long been blamed on seed-only diets when in fact there are probably a variety of causes. High simple carbohydrate content such as that found in fruit and starches accelerate the harm caused by a high fat diet. Inactivity, too, allows fat to accumulate.

Ron Hines DVM PhD 9/14/07

I cannot think of a more difficult sign that I have to evaluate at my Hospital than a cough in your pet. You see, coughing can be due to an extremely minor problem - no more than drinking water too fast - or it can be the first sign of serious problems of the lungs or heart.

When I question owners about their pet?s cough I begin the interview with the same set of questions every time. We call this the History: Is your pet a cat or a dog? Is it a small breed less than 15 pounds or is it larger? How long has it been coughing? How old is your pet? Is the cough harsh and dry or is it moist and productive? Does your pet cough most when it is up and active or when it is lying down? Is your pet listless or more depressed than usual? Is it having trouble breathing or breathing rapidly? Does the problem occur this season every year? Does your pet sneeze too and have a runny nose? Has the pet been boarded or groomed recently? Are there any other changes you have noticed in your pet?

These questions give me a basis to begin my examination. I usually begin my exam by looking at the pet as it walks around the exam room. It is amazing how much a dog or cat will tell me through its mannerisms if I just observe them closely. Then I look in the pet?s mouth. I check to see if its gums are pale or bluish or if blood vesicles in the gums stand out (injected gums). Injected gums can be associated with heart disease. I check the pet?s tonsils. Enlarged tonsils often cause a cough. I also check that the pet has nothing lodged in its throat. I look for inflamed eyes and a crusty nose, which often accompany kennel cough and I massage the pet?s trachea (wind pipe) to see if that causes coughing. I check the dog?s neck to see if an abnormal pulse is present in the jugular vein and I feel the pet?s abdomen to detect fluids or an enlarged liver or spleen. Then I use a stethoscope to listen to the heart and lungs. Lung sounds that are dry and harsh often accompany upper respiratory tract infections. Moist congested lung sounds can indicate pneumonia or lung congestion due to heart disease. Both these conditions cause coughing. I check to see if any of the superficial lymph nodes are enlarged and I take the pet?s temperature. The following are many of the causes of cough in dogs. The list is not complete, but it covers most of the cases that I have seen.

Breed Characteristics:
Dogs and cats with flat faces that snore often have elongated soft pallets in the rear of their mouths. This can cause coughing. Pekingese, Pugs, Bulldogs, Lhasa Apsos, Shia Tzu and some Persian cats fall into this category. When flare-ups occur, I put these pets on a short course of corticosteroid and antibiotic treatment. Occasionally the problem is so severe that the pet does not get enough air. When this is the case, I surgically remove a portion of the soft palate. One must be very cautious in performing this surgery. If too much tissue is removed coughing will become worse and the pet may inspire food and water into its lungs.

Tonsillitis:
Infectious tonsillitis is passed from pet to pet through close contact, coughing and sneezing and through contaminated food, water bowls and other objects. It is most common in toy breeds of dogs and puppies. Tonsillitis rarely causes coughing in cats. The two tonsils normally lie in deep crypts or crevices at the far back of the mouth. With certain infections such as kennel cough, the tonsils enlarge, partially obstructing the pet?s throat. Usually both tonsils are affected. When enlarged tonsils become inflamed and ulcerated the pet will spend hours trying to cough them up. This is a retching, violent cough that usually ends in a gag producing foam. These pets will sometimes paw at their mouths. I treat many of these animals with a two-week course of antibiotics. My favorite antibiotic for this problem is trimethoprim/sulfa. If the tonsillitis returns frequently, I remove the tonsils.

Furballs In Cats:
Longhaired cats that are infrequently groomed will periodically retch, cough and vomit up mats of hair. Brushing the cat frequently, cutting its hair or weekly administration of a petrolatum based hairball remedy usually solves this problem. Hairball cat food, high in fiber, also prevents this syndrome.

Tooth And Mouth Infections:
Small breeds of dogs, especially Toy poodles, Yorkshire terriers, Maltese and Pomeranians are very subject to periodontal disease, loose infected teeth and oral inflammation. This is partly due to their genetics but also due to feeding them soft table foods. These oral infections sometimes inflame the rear of the throat causing coughing. Often the problem is magnified by a flabby, narrow trachea or windpipe as well as tonsillitis due to the mouth infection. Many times the infection has migrated to the valves of the heart (mitral valve) damaging that organ as well. These pets need to have all diseased teeth removed. This is not major surgery in these pets because the teeth are already loose, lifeless and no longer used in eating. Many have already fallen out on their own. Subsequent to dental surgery, I place these pets on two weeks of antibiotics and try to get the owners to feed them balanced dog foods.

Kennel Cough In Dogs:
Kennel cough of dogs, also called infectious tracheobronchitis, is cause by the bacteria, Bordatella bronchiseptica. The signs of parainfluenza virus and Canine Adeno-2 virus can be indistinguishable from kennel cough and often the two or three organisms work in tandem along with mycoplasma to cause the cough.
Soft dry coughs and sneezing are the two most common signs of this disease. They begin 3-7 days after the dog was exposed to another sick pet. Some dogs with this problem only cough when they are excited. Kennel cough is highly contagious and passes directly from dog to dog at kennels, grooming parlors, pet stores, doggy parks and humane societies. Dogs with this disease rarely feel ill although they may vomit food and foam due to enlarged tonsils and tracheal irritation. In healthy dogs, the cough lasts seven days to three weeks. But it can persist much longer in flat-faced breeds or dogs with narrow tracheas (windpipes).
I have never seen a case of kennel cough that endangered a pet?s life. It is not clear that antibiotics speed recovery from this disease. But I place many dogs on antibiotics for a week or two, chiefly because owners are so annoyed by the constant racket. If the cough is not too severe I dispense a guaifenesin-based cough syrup. If guaifenesin is not sufficient to control the cough I put them on the narcotic cough suppressant, Hycodan. Humidifiers help clear mucous from the throat allowing the dog to breath easier.
Dogs that are frequently exposed to other pets should receive a kennel cough vaccination every six to twelve months. The intranasal vaccine is more effective than injectable products. Vaccinating a dog the day it goes to the kennel is valueless ? it takes a good week to ten days for the vaccine to protect.

Rhinotracheitis In Cats:

Cats with coughing due to this problem usually originated recently from humane societies, shelters and catteries. Rhinotracheitis is caused by the Herpes-1 virus of cats. Although most cats with this disease sneeze and have watery eyes, some cases of rhinotracheitis develop a cough. You will find a more extensive description of this problem and how I treat it under the articles entitled "Why Is My Cat Sneezing" and "Upper Respiratory Infections In Your Cat". When cats with this infection cough, it is usually due to secondary bacterial infections that accompany the virus. The same bordatella bacteria that causes kennel cough in dogs will cause a this condition in virus-weakened cats. I treat these cats with antibiotics, multivitamin drops, non-narcotic cough suppressants and good nursing care.

The amino acid, l-lysine, has been found to help many cases of rhinotracheitis resolve. This amino acid reduces the amount of another amino acid, arginine, that is present in the cat's body. Arginine is thought to be necessary for herpesvirus to reproduce. The suggested lysine dose is 250-500 mg per day sprinkled on canned cat food. I would give this suplement until the acute flare-up has resolved. But many cat owners continue the suplement indefinitely. Lysine can be purchased at health food stores. Pick a brand that is propylene glycol-free.

For this problem, also read: http://www.2ndchance.info/respiratorydiscat.htm and
http://www.2ndchance.info/rhinotracheitis.htm and http://www.2ndchance.info/cateye.htm and http://www.2ndchance.info/cornealulcer.htm and http://www.2ndchance.info/sneezing..htm

Collapsed Trachea:
Toy breeds of dogs are very prone to a genetic abnormality called tracheal collapse. I believe I have seen this problem in more Pomeranians than any other breed. The trachea is made up of cartilaginous rings in the shape of a C( that are fibrous and soft on their innermost side - represented by the parenthesis. In collapsing trachea the inner soft portion of the windpipe is sucked into the airway during inspiration, partially occluding it. With time, the membranes lining the trachea become inflamed causing a chronic dry, hacking cough. The condition is easily diagnosed by massaging the trachea near the dog?s chest for a minute or two. Dogs with this problem go into a coughing spell as soon as you finish the massage.

When the problem flares up, I place these dogs on a cough suppressant and an anti-inflammatory drug such as prednisone until the problem resolves. Air humidifiers are also helpful. I suggest these dogs wear harnesses rather than collars and I limit exercise until the cough is better. Various surgical techniques are used to attempt to cure this condition. They meet with mixed success.

Migrating Hook And Roundworm Larva:
Canine and feline hookworms and roundworms can also cause a cough. We call this a verminous cough. This problem is primarily a concern in young dogs, kittens and puppies. When a dog or cat accidentally eats a hookworm or roundworm larva or egg, the larva burrows through pet?s stomach or intestine into the blood stream. When it reaches the lungs it is coughed up, re-swallowed and then matures in the pet?s intestine. If the pet becomes infested with large numbers of larva due to an unsanitary environment the owners will notice the cough.

Preventing verminous coughs is a mater of sanitation. Dog feces need to be collected and disposed of properly. Hookworm larva thrive in damp shaded soil. One of the best ways to prevent this problem is to keep all your pets on a monthly heartworm medication, which contains pyrantel pamoate.

Allergies And Irritants:
Some dogs and cats, like people, experience throat and nasal irritation due to chemicals in perfumes, cigarette smoke, new bedding, carpeting, etc. Dust mite allergy is said to occasionally cause coughing. These cases are uncommon and I do not recall any seen in my practice. Coughing can be a multifaceted problem and it is quite likely that allergies and irritants have made many of the cases of cough that I due treat worse

Heartworm Disease:
Heartworms are transmitted to dogs and cats by mosquitoes. The disease is common in dogs and rarer in cats. Mosquitos that bites an infected dog, ingests microscopic heartworm larva or microfilaria. When they next bite a dog or cat these larva migrate through the new host?s body and lodge in the upper right side of the heart. Depending on the number of heartworms present and the length of time they are there, the heart is slowly damaged and enlarges. The presence of heartworms also causes inflammatory changes in the lungs. In dogs, these changes, along with pressure from the enlarged heart on the windpipe cause a dry to moderately moist cough. In cats the signs are more similar to asthma. By the time a cough is present the disease is quite advanced and some of the changes to the heart and lungs are irreversible. Dogs with heartworm coughs are noticeably ill. They are thin and their hair coat is dry and musty. They have a worn-out look about them and are often prematurely grey around their mussel and toes. They are usually pot bellied due to an enlarged liver and excess fluid in their abdomens and are positive on a heartworm antigen test. Their cough is worse when the dog is lies down. The pet?s history includes the fact that they are not receiving heartworm preventative.

After assessing the degree of damage to the body, I treat these dogs with Immiticide, an arsenic-containing medication that kills the adult parasites. If the dog?s liver, heart and kidneys are strong enough to withstand the side effects of this powerful medication, I give them the standard two injections at twenty-four hour intervals. If the disease has caused marked damage to the liver and heart I try to stabilize and improve the pet?s health before the injections. If that cannot be done I have two alternatives. I can give a single injection and then place the dog on monthly heartworm preventative or I can just place them on the monthly preventative. Recent studies have shown that dogs placed on monthly ivermectin are free of adult heartworms within a year. Coughs can take up to six months to resolve.

Heart Problems:

Congestive Heart Disease ghing sick

Coughing is one of the most consistent signs of heart disease. The most common form of heart disease in dogs and cats begins with damage to the mitral valve on the left side of the heart. When I listen to the heart with my stethoscope, I can detect abnormal sounds on the left upper quadrant of the heart ? the area where this valve is located. X-rays of the pet?s heart show a typical globular, enlarged heart shape with elevation of the trachea. Pressure on the trachea and fluid in the lungs are the primary causes of the cough. The pets? gums are often bluish (cyanotic) and slow to return to normal color when my fingers blanch them. The livers of these pets are enlarged with pooled blood and they may have fluid in their abdomens. Mitral valve insufficiency is the most common heart disease in older dogs. It affects over one-third of the dogs that are older than ten.
Early in this disease, placing the pet on the diuretic, furosemide, eliminates the cough and improves the function of a weakened heart. These dogs and cats do well when placed on a sodium-restricted diet. As the disease progresses, the pet will need other medications. One of the most effective medications is the ACE inhibitor, enalapril maleate.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a form of heart disease that affects larger breeds of dogs. Doberman Pinchers and boxers have a high incidence of this condition. In cats it has long been associated with a lack of dietary Taurine. Most recently, Taurine deficiencies due to feeding lamb and rice diets have been shown to cause the same disease in dogs. It is very rare in dogs that weigh less than 28 pounds.
The onset of this disease is very rapid. Pets begin to cough and show general weakness and exercise intolerance all within a matter of weeks. When I listen to the chests of these dogs their heart rate is very fast and weak. Often the heartbeat is very irregular. The usual lack of heart murmurs distinguishes this condition from congestive heart failure. X-rays of these animals chest show a huge heart ? often with an enlarged left upper chamber (atrium) and the lungs often filled with fluid.

I treat this condition similar to congestive heart failure. Unfortunately, dogs and cats with Dilated Cardiomyopathy do not live long.

Tumors In The Lungs:
Hacking coughs in old dogs and cats are also common when tumors of the lungs are present. These are always sad cases to deal with. When lung tumors are advance, pets may cough up blood as well as phlegm. Primary lung tumors are exceedingly rare in cats and dogs. They are generally secondary tumors that have moved to the lungs from another location. Sometimes, if the disease is advanced, abnormal lung sounds or silent areas are present. X-rays of these animals? lungs often show a shower of small tumors throughout the lung fields. The most common tumor type is adenocarcinomas. Although I may refer these pets on to a veterinary oncologist there is really no effective chemotherapy for dog or cats with lung tumors. I try to make their remaining life as pleasant as possible with cough suppressants, steroids and bronchodilators such as theophylline.

Laryngeal Paralysis:
This is a relatively rare condition in which the structures of the throat (larynx) become paralyzed allowing food and water to enter the lungs causing pneumonia. Large breeds of dogs (particularly Labrador Retrievers, Irish Setters and Springer Spaniels) are affected. These dogs loose the ability to bark. They have reduced exercise tolerance and occasional fainting spells. They produce a roaring sound when they inhale. Mild cases can be managed with corticosteroids and cough suppressants such as butorphanol or codeine. The dogs need to be kept cool in the summer. Severe cases require surgery to widen the pet?s airway.

Distemper:
I have not seen a case of distemper in dogs since the 1960?s. Good vaccines have eliminated the disease from middle and upper class neighborhoods throughout the United States. When I was a kennel boy in South Texas, distemper was very common. The first sign of this disease was often a dry hacking cough. Many dogs became listless and ran fevers of 103-105F. A thick, yellow discharge from nose and eyes was common. Most dogs recovered from distemper during a two-week period. Some dogs developed fatal neurological and intestinal disease. Because a virus causes distemper, we were limited to treating these dogs with antibiotics for secondary infections, fluids, nutrients and good supportive care.

Lungworms:
The chief signs of lungworm infections in cats and dogs are coughing and a rise in the number of white blood cells called eosinophiles. I have never diagnosed a case of lungworms because they are quite rare in my urban environment. But I will tell you a little about them. Dogs become infected with a lungworm, Filaroides osleri, while cats become infected with Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Adults of these parasites live in nodules in the windpipe where they pass living larva, which are coughed up. Some are spit out and others reswallowed and pass out in the stool. Pups become infected by eating the saliva or feces of an infected dog. Cats obtain these parasites by eating birds or small rodents that have eaten an infected snail or slug. These worms are treated with fenbendazole (Panacur) at 25mg/pound body weight daily for 7-14 days. Most are also given prednisolone to decrease inflammation and coughing. I have never used fenbendazole in cats and would not before I checked into its safety.

When the diagnosis of the cause of cough in cats remains unclear, a test for the Bartonella bacteria called the Western Blot test should be run. Bartonella was recently recognized a being able to cause a wide range of diseases in cats including chronic respiratory tract inflamation. When present, it is treated with azithromycin, doxycycline or rifampin.

7 Things You Need To Know Before

Buying a Bird Cage

An Info Article From Avian Emporium/Everything For Birds

(www.Bird-Supplies.net)

Here at Avian Emporium - Everything for Birds we have found that people are generally not educated enough on what to look for when buying a bird cage. It is hard to make an informed decision on such a large variety of cages when all the cages "appear" nearly the same. Many cages have only minor feature changes, but large material differences. With such a large array of differences, this situation is not on confusing, it can be down right frustrating. Most often if you are buying a decent quality bird cage it isn't going to be extremely cheap, and if you are paying a fair amount, you need to get the best product you can get for the money you pay.

All of this has led us into creating this informative article: 7 Things You Need To Know before Buying a Bird Cage.

1. Is the cage you're considering made of materials that are safe for your bird? Have you considered the toxicity levels of minerals like Zinc & Lead in the cage you are looking at? This is your #1 priority when shopping for a bird cage. This is the very first question you have to ask! If you can't get a straight answer, then it's time to move on, and this is why some cages are priced so much lower than other cages. Most all powder-coating on regular powder-coated cages have Zinc and/or Lead in them, but companies like Interpet Products, A & E Cage Company and Avian Adventures have taken the time to discuss this issue with veterinarians and other bird experts to determine a safe level for both of these minerals and they demand that their cages are manufactured in a manner that meets or beats these standards!
2. Is the cage you are considering large enough to keep your bird safe, happy, and healthy?

This is a tricky issue to consider when shopping for a bird cage, but here is the rule of thumb; the bigger the cage the better, as long as the bar spacing isn't too wide. So what is too wide of a bar spacing for your bird? Basically you don't want your bird to be able to put its head between the bars, because this can cause major injuries or even death to your bird. You also want to consider that the bigger the cage the better. Studies have shown that the larger the cage, the happier and healthier your bird(s) will be.

To help out, we have created a chart that shows you what bar spacing & cage size is appropriate for your species of bird. View this chart by clicking here . Please keep in mind that all bird's are different, even bird's of the same species can be significantly different sizes (for example, a small Conure might fall into the Small Bird Category & a regular-sized Conure would fit into the Medium Bird Category).

3.     How easy is the cage to clean?

People tend to overlook this when shopping for a bird cage. This is arguably the most important factor to consider beyond the toxicity levels in powder-coated cages. Let me tell you why; when a cage is easy to clean it not only cuts down on the amount of time you need to spend on cleaning; it also increases the lifespan of your cage. If your cage is a major pain to clean and it takes multiple hours to take care of, you will tend to put off cleaning it for longer spans of time and this will drastically shrink the lifespan of your cage (especially a powder-coated cage). Bird droppings can actually become an erosive chemical to your cage and the longer that sits on your cage, the more damage it can do. Even the best of cages will only last 3 or 4 years if not properly cared for. And on the other hand, a properly cared for, good quality powder-coated cage can last over 10 years. So what makes a cage easy to clean? The biggest thing to look for is a cage that is sturdy, but can still be broken down easily in a matter of 1 or 2 minutes without the need for many tools. All of the top quality cages have this feature. Avian Adventures Cages are some of the only large cages not needing tools to break it down. Even if you don't plan to break your cage all the way down, it's nice to be able to remove a portion of the cage to clean it without having to get out a tool box or spend an afternoon getting that part off with the possibility of damaging or destroying your cage. The Avian Adventures Cages literally snap in & out of place with no tools required! Another great feature to look for is drainage holes in areas where moisture tends to collect, like on the bottom of each panel. This makes it so the moisture drains into the tray rather than sitting on the panel itself and eroding it. You should also shop for cages that have optional-use grates. Here's why this can be important; if the grate is optional use that means the bird cannot escape when it's out. Here are two reasons that you may want to remove the grate: 1> Some people think it's a more natural living environment if their bird lives in a cage that has a solid bottom & 2> Nothing gets dirty faster than the bottom grate & if it can be removed and quickly cleaned without creating a gap for your bird to sneak out of this is a very nice feature.

4.     Please don't buy a cage to fit into a specific tight spot in your home!

Here's why; when you get caught up with trying to squeeze a cage into a specific spot in your home this tends to take away from the well-being of your feathered friend! Let us explain; Birds are a lot like humans, they need space, they need sunlight, they need to be able to look around. Consider living your life out in a cubicle, this is where you sleep, eat, and spend ALL your free time. We recommend buying a cage with wheels so you can move your bird from time to time and give them a change of scenery (wheels are also a great feature that could be put under the ease of cleaning topic above).

5.     Does your cage give your bird enough stimulation?

The two best ways to give your bird stimulation are toy hooks & removable playtops. Avian Adventures was the first manufacturer to introduce the removable play top. The reason we are so fond of this is because it can be pulled off the cage without any tools and placed in a spot away from the cage. This is so great for your bird. This not only gives the bird a change of scenery, it also encourages your bird to exercise. It can give your bird a chance to get some sunlight and social time if he is regularly in a room without these items. Avian Adventures & Interpet Products also make dome top & play top conversion kits for most of their models, so you can have one of each and switch back & forth between them as you see fit.

6.     What's the quality-level of the materials used on the cage you are looking at?

Avoid hollow bars at all costs! Any decent sized bird can bend or even chew through a hollow bird cage bar. If you are looking at high quality bird cages they will be constructed of steel or iron not zinc or other metals.

Stainless steel cages should be 100% surgical 304 grade stainless steel, not plated. True stainless steel cages will not hold a magnetic charge. In other words, magnets should not stick to a stainless steel cage.

There's no such thing as a flawlessly manufactured bird cage, but there are huge differences in quality levels. Companies like Avian Adventures, Interpet Products and A&E Cage Company include long-term warranties against manufacturer defects. These manufactures also insure your cage against shipping damages so you get the best cage available. And since there's no such thing as a flawlessly manufactured cage, you should buy from a company that will back up their product. Don't buy a no-name cage that will come with no manual, no support phone number, and no warranty. Companies like Interpet Products, A & E Cage Company and Avian Adventures will jump to make things right in the rare event that you do have a problem.

7.     Functional Features & even more attention to detail!

First time bird cage buyers usually aren't the type of people that take features & functionality into account like they should. They've never owned a cage so they don't know what to look for and what to watch out for. Bird cages are the type of item that ?you never buy cheap twice?. If you buy cheap once, the second time you'll be sure to shop for cages that have features that save you from the nightmares you experienced with your first cage! Here's a feature that's commonly overlooked: bird-proof locks. You need a cage that your bird can't open. Just imagine what could happen to your bird (or your home) if your bird escaped & roamed free the entire time you were out! The patented bird-proof locks on Avian Adventures' cages are unlike any you've ever seen, they actually screw down tight (a movement that birds can't imitate). Here's another functional feature you'll fall in love with; stainless steel bowls that are only accessible through external solid locking doors. If your bird is a ?biter? this is a must-have feature! There are other features that you can look for; I will just name a few. Feeder Bowl hold bar, removable grate and cleaning tray, breeder doors or front veranda porch as an example. Though not particularly important, the breeder doors and veranda porch offer more to your bird's enjoyment. Here's an example of attention to detail that no manufacturer besides Avian Adventures, Interpet Products and A & E Cage Company carefully consider danger zones for your bird. These Companies have carefully inspected every centimeter of each of their models to assure that there are no sharp edges or traps for your bird. The smallest planning over-sight in a bird cage can be disastrous for your bird. Birds are the type of animal that will panic when they get stuck. If your bird gets its foot caught in a small hole, or gap, it will frail around until it is free and feels secure. Sometimes this is at the cost of your bird breaking its leg, its wing, or something far worse!

And there you have it! You are now more educated about bird cages than 99% of the people out there trying to figure out which cage to buy. You now have the opportunity to find the cage that is right for you and beneficial to your bird, armed with the knowledge you need to make an educated buying decision!

  
The Brave Little Parrot -- A Jataka Tale

Once, long ago, the Buddha was born as a little parrot. One day a storm fell upon his forest home. Lightning flashed, thunder crashed, and a dead tree, struck by lightning, burst into flames. Sparks leapt on the wind and soon the forest was ablaze. Terrified animals ran wildly in every direction, seeking safety from the flames and smoke.

"Fire! Fire!" cried the little parrot. "To the river!" Flapping his wings, he flung himself out into the fury of the storm and, rising higher, flew towards the safety of the river. But as he flew he could see that many animals were trapped, surrounded by the flames below, with no chance of escape.

Suddenly a desperate idea, a way to save them, came to him.

He darted to the river, dipped himself in the water, and flew back over the now raging fire.

The heat rising up from the burning forest was like the heat of an oven. The thick smoke made breathing almost unbearable. A wall of flames shot up on one side, and then the other. Crackling flames leapt before him. Twisting and turning through the mad maze of fire, the little parrot flew bravely on. At last, when he was over the center of the forest, he shook his wings and released the few drops of water which still clung to his feathers. The tiny drops tumbled down like jewels into the heart of the blaze and vanished with a hissssssssss.

Then the little parrot once more flew back through the flames and smoke to the river, dipped himself in the cool water, and flew back again over the burning forest. Back and forth he flew, time and time again, from the river to the forest, from the burning forest to the river. His feathers were charred. His feet were scorched. His lungs ached. His eyes, stung by smoke, turned red as coals. His mind spun dizzily as the spinning sparks. But still the little parrot flew on.

At this time, some of the devas -- gods of a happy realm -- were floating overhead in their cloud palaces of ivory and gold. They happened to look down. And they saw the little parrot flying among the flames. They pointed at him with perfect hands. Between mouthfuls of honeyed foods they exclaimed, "Look at that foolish bird! He's trying to put out a raging forest fire with a few sprinkles of water! How absurd!" And they laughed.

But one of those gods, strangely moved, changed himself into a golden eagle and flew down, down towards the little parrot's fiery path.

The little parrot was just nearing the flames again when the great eagle with eyes like molten gold appeared at his side. "Go back, little bird!" said the eagle in a solemn and majestic voice. "Your task is hopeless! A few drops of water can't put out a forest fire! Cease now and save yourself -- before it is too late."

But the little parrot only continued to fly on through the smoke and flames. He could hear the great eagle flying above him as the heat grew fiercer, calling out, "Stop, foolish little parrot! Save yourself! Save yourself!"

"I don't need a great, shining eagle," coughed the little parrot, "to give me advice like that. My own mother, the dear bird, might have told me such things long ago. Advice! (cough, cough), I don't need advice. I just (cough), need someone to help."

And the god, who was that great eagle, seeing the little parrot flying through the flames, thought suddenly of his own privileged kind. He could see them high up above. There they were, the carefree gods, laughing and talking, while many animals cried out in pain and fear from the flames below. And he grew ashamed. Then one single desire was kindled in his heart. God though he was, he just wanted to be like that brave little parrot, and to help.

"I will help!" he exclaimed and, flushed with these new feelings, he began to weep. Stream after stream of sparkling tears poured from his eyes. Wave upon wave, they washed down like cooling rain upon the fire, upon the forest, upon the animals and upon the little parrot himself.

The flames died down and the smoke began to clear. The little parrot, washed and bright, rocketed about the sky laughing for joy. "Now that's more like it!" he exclaimed.

The eagle's tears dripped from burned branches. Smoke rose up from the scorched earth. Miraculously, where those tears glistened, new life pushed forth -- fresh shoots, stems, and leaves. Green grass pushed up from among the still glowing cinders.

Where the teardrops sparkled on the parrot's wings, new feathers now grew. Red feathers, green feathers, yellow feathers -- such bright colors! Such a handsome bird!

All the animals looked at one another in amazement. They were whole and well. Not one had been harmed. Up above in the clear blue sky they could see their brave friend, the little parrot, looping and soaring in delight. When all hope was gone, somehow he had saved them. "Hurray!" they cried. "Hurray for the brave little parrot and for the miraculous rain!"

(From The Hungry Tigress as told by Rafe Martin. Parallax Press, Berkeley California, 1990.)
(Taken fron Inquiring Mind -- A Semi-annual Journal of the Vipassana Community Volume 10, Number 2, Spring 1994)

 
 

Kijiji Free Classifieds recommended the Humane Society Info Below.  The Kijiji website encompasses the entire US and Canada as well.  The link for them is http://www.kijiji.com/. It is vital that we take FULL responsibility when we enter into pet ownership, no matter what type of pet.

Guidelines for Responsible Pet Purchase or Re-homing

While pet sellers can be reputable individuals or breeders who treat their animals well, the ease of selling pets over the Internet also makes it attractive to careless breeders and scammers. To protect yourself you must be careful and believe only what you see, not what you?re told. When looking for a pet online or posting an advertisement for your animal, it is important to meet the breeder or seller before agreeing to anything.  Since Kijiji is local to your community, this should be easy to arrange. Never buy a pet from someone who is unwilling to let you see how and where the animal is living!

If you are searching for a pet on Kijiji, here are some tips and guidelines:

• Visit the pet seller?s home or business and see how they raise and care for their animals. If the seller is a breeder and will not make the parents of a puppy or kitten animal available for inspection, there may be a problem. For instance, many unethical sellers buy animals from puppy mills and similar sources but pass them off as home-raised. If you?re buying, or responding to a ?free to good home? offer from an individual who is not a breeder, ask for as much information as possible about the animal?s history in terms of source, health records, and behavior information.
• Get references, including other customers and the seller's veterinarian. Check them out.
• Get all health guarantees and other promises in writing.
• Pay with a credit card so you can reverse the payment if something goes wrong.
• Buy from sellers who live in your area. Long distances between buyers and sellers make it less likely that your complaints will be addressed. And transporting animals by air may put the animal?s health at risk.
• Avoid sellers located outside the U.S. Never send money outside the U.S. no matter where the seller says the animal is located.

For a checklist of what to look for in a responsible breeder, visit www.humanesociety.org/puppy. If you suspect someone of operating a puppy mill, please take responsibility. Visit www.humanesociety.org/puppymills. This site is owned and operated by The Humane Society of the United States .

If you are using Kijiji to find a new home for an animal, here are some tips and guidelines:

• Advertise through friends, neighbors, and local veterinarians first; then try classifieds, if all else fails. Your chances of finding a good home are increased when you check references with someone you know.
• Visit the prospective new home in order to get a feel for the environment in which your pet will be living. Explain that the pet is part of your family and that you want to make sure he or she will be cared for. Screen potential homes carefully.
• Don't be fooled. If anyone refuses to allow you to visit their home, do not place your pet with them. Individuals known as "bunchers" routinely answer "free-to-good-home" ads, posing as people who want family pets when, in actuality, they sell pets to animal dealers. Dogfighters have also been known to obtain domestic animals for baiting through "free-to-good-home" ads. These people are "professionals" who may even bring children or their mothers with them when picking up pets.
• Always be mindful of your own safety when you go to interview potential adopters or if you allow a prospective adopter to enter your home.
• Carefully consider all the elements of the new home: Will your pet get along with small children? Is the family planning to keep the dog chained outside as a watch dog? Will the cat be kept only as a mouser? Does the family have a veterinary reference? Do not be shy about asking questions. Your pet's life and happiness may depend on it.
• Ask for a valid form of identification (preferably a driver's license). Record the number for your records and require the new owner to sign a contract stating the requirements of adoption upon which both parties agree. As part of the contract, require the new owner to contact you if he or she decides at some point that they must give up the pet.
• Have your pet neutered or spayed before he or she goes to the new home. This will make the animal more adoptable and help stop irresponsible breeding.
• If your pet is chronically ill or has behavior problems, it may be difficult to find him a suitable home. A new owner may not be willing or able to deal with these issues, and it may also be difficult for the pet to adjust to a new home. The decision to humanely euthanize such a pet should not be made without thoughtful input from a veterinarian, a behaviorist, and the family, based on how well they believe their companion would adapt to a new home

Finding a quality home for your pet can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Remember: Your local animal shelter has a qualified staff trained to screen and counsel adopters. Relinquishing your pet to your local shelter may be the best option for you and your pet.  

For more information about re-homing a pet, Click Here.

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Preparing your home for a new arrival...

Moving to a new home may be stressful to your pet. So be patient and understanding and provide lots of affection. Here are some pointers to help you settle in safely and sanely.

Cats
For the first few days in your new home, it's smart to confine your cat to one room, while you work on putting the rest of the place in order. Prepare the room with your cat's bed, litter box, food and water bowls, and toys.
Now is the perfect time to make your cat an indoor-only pet. Indoor-only cats live longer and healthier lives. Resist attempts by your cat to go outdoors. If your cat hasn't established an outdoor territory, he or she is less likely to be interested in going outside. Accessories such as window perches can ease the transition. If you play with your cat and supply lots of attention, your cat should have all he or she needs indoors.

Dogs
Ideally, your dog's introduction to his new home will be with familiar furniture already in place, including his bed and crate, toys, and food and water bowls. If you must be away from home for many hours each day, look into a pet-sitter or consider dog day care.

Safety
Make your new home safe for all pets by being mindful of, or providing a secure place for, hazards that can?

• poison?such as cleansers, insect sprays and pesticides, medications, chocolate, certain plants, and antifreeze (ethylene glycol)
• burn?such as plugged-in appliances, boiling liquids, open flames
• electrocute?such as worn lamp cords
• strangle, choke, or obstruct breathing?such as choke collars, small balls, sewing thread and needles, pantyhose, and bones
• topple or crush ?such as precariously placed appliances, top-heavy filing cabinets, and lamps
• allow escape or theft ?such as loose screens and inadequate fences. Never leave your pet unattended on a balcony or chained in a yard.

For more information about pet hazards, check out our pages on foods potentially poisonous to pets, common household dangers and common poisonous plants.

Veterinary Care
As soon as possible, choose a veterinarian and take a practice drive to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic. Trying to find it when you really need it can waste precious time. Also, learn basic pet first aid.

Disasters
Wherever you live, disasters such as fires, terrorist attacks, floods, earthquakes, or hazardous-material spills may occur. Make sure you are prepared for your pet's safety in case of a disaster. Check out our online disaster resources?including a list of things to include in a disaster kit?and download our Disaster Preparedness for Pets brochure [PDF].

For more information about preparing your home for a pet, Click Here.

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Dog Care Essentials

Your dog gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, loyalty, and friendship. In return, she counts on you to provide her with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, exercise, companionship, and more. Take care of these ten essentials, and you'll be guaranteed to develop a rewarding relationship with your canine companion.

• Outfit your dog with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may become lost?an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your pet will be returned home safely.
• Follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him for rabies. Check with your local animal shelter or humane society for information regarding legal requirements, where to obtain tags, and where to have your pet vaccinated.
• Follow this simple rule?off property, on leash. Even a dog with a valid license, rabies tag, and ID tag should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard. It is best for you, your community, and your dog to keep your pet under control at all times.
• Give your dog proper shelter. A fenced yard with a doghouse is a bonus, especially for large and active dogs; however, dogs should never be left outside alone or for extended periods of time. Dogs need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time inside with their family.
• Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral and check out HSUS information on choosing a veterinarian.
• Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs who have this routine surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavior problems (e.g., biting, running away). By spaying or neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the problem of pet overpopulation.
• Give your pooch a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.
• Enroll your dog in a training class. Positive training will allow you to control your companion's behavior safely and humanely, and the experience offers a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your dog. Check out HSUS information on choosing a dog trainer.
• Give your dog enough exercise to keep him physically fit (but not exhausted). Most dog owners find that playing with their canine companion, along with walking him twice a day, provides sufficient exercise. If you have questions about the level of exercise appropriate for your dog, consult your veterinarian.
• Be loyal to and patient with your faithful companion. Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved. If you are struggling with your pet's behavior, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice, and check out the HSUS' Pets for Life campaign information.

For more information about supporting a healthy lifestyle for your dog, Click Here.

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Cat Care Essentials

Although your cat may act independent and be litter-trained, he still counts on you to provide him with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, companionship, and more. Take care of these ten essentials, and you'll be guaranteed to develop a rewarding relationship with your feline companion.

• Outfit your cat with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may slip out the door?an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your cat will be returned home safely.
• Follow local cat registration laws. Licensing, a registration and identification system administered by some local governments, protects both cats and people in the community.
• Keep your cat indoors. Keeping your cat safely confined at all times is best for you, your pet, and your community.
• Take your cat to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral.
• Spay or neuter your pet. This will keep her healthier and will reduce the problem of cat overpopulation.
• Give your cat a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.
• Train your cat to refrain from undesirable behaviors such as scratching furniture and jumping on countertops. Contrary to popular belief, cats can be trained with a bit of patience, effort, and understanding on your part.
• Groom your cat often to keep her coat healthy, soft, and shiny. Although it is especially important to brush long-haired cats to prevent their hair from matting, even short-haired felines need to be groomed to remove as much loose hair as possible. When cats groom themselves, they ingest a great deal of hair, which often leads to hairballs.
• Set aside time to play with your cat. While cats do not need the same level of exercise that dogs do, enjoying regular play sessions with your pet will provide him with the physical exercise and mental stimulation he needs, as well as strengthen the bond you share.
• Be loyal to and patient with your cat. Make sure the expectations you have of your companion are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved. If you are struggling with your pet's behavior, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice, and check out the HSUS' Pets for Life campaign information.

For more information about supporting a healthy lifestyle for your cat, Click Here.

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Rabbit, Horse, and Other Pet Care

Looking for advice on caring for pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, or hamsters? Want to learn how to prevent your horse from being lost or stolen? Our animal care experts have compiled helpful information on these topics and more.

For more information about Rabbit, Horse, and Other Pet Care, Click Here .

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