Many people have been asking if their dogs and cats are safe, as the so called "swine" flu virus spreads across the country.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) issued a statement which said that the virus, which by all accounts originated in Mexico, "appears to present a low risk of infecting cats and dogs." The American Veterinary Medical Association also indicated that "there is no evidence that pets are susceptible to this new strain of influenza."

While there is no indication at this time that there is any possible risk of dogs and cats contracting the virus, people who own pet pigs, and pig farmers are being told to monitor their animals more closely for any health related problems. Steps to limit transmission from humans to pigs and vice versa should be taken.

The ASPCA advises keeping your pet pigs and swine on farms isolated from public contact. Influenza type A vaccines are readily available and highly recommended for healthy swine -- something owners of Vietnamese Potbellies, African Pygmies and other pet pigs should consider.

The American Association of Swine Veterinarians recommends keeping any unnecessary personnel out of swine production units, and for people to avoid any contact with pigs that is not necessary. If your pet pig appears to be unwell, they recommend that you call your veterinarian.

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Modern America is now epitomized by a growing number of pet owners who see pets as family and friends rather than merely animals that have to be fed. Previously, pet ownership was delegated to families especially since at least one member, mostly the mothers, were at home to extend care to their pets. Today, however, even working singles and couples are taking on the responsibility of caring for pets.

The America Pet Products Association approximates that 63% of all households in America own pets. Most of these households have at least one of these three pets: dogs, cats or birds. Owners prefer these animals as they are commonly the most loving and loyal. Happy pet owners give back such affection and never tire of caring for them.

The quality of love and care that owners give to their pets are often threatened when the owners have to temporarily hand over their pets to other people. This often arises when owners have to travel and be away from home for a long period of time. The separation of owners and their pets are often emotionally taxing and worrisome.

In the past, pet owners faced such dilemma by requesting their neighbors to regularly feed and occasionally look after their pets, or hauling their pets to a kennel or a relative's house. These options are cumbersome for both the owners and pets: the owners for having to necessitate care for their pets from different people and the pets for having to deal with unfamiliar faces and environment. For pets, new faces and places can be very stressful, and to some extent, traumatic.

Today, owners are now given a new option for caregiving: the pet sitting service. This is one of the modern innovations in the country which allows owners to have the flexibility to leave their pets to a familiar face in the comfort of their own homes. Hence, this service deals with the stress and shock that owners and pets often undergo when both are separated from each other.

With pet sitting, pets get to stay in the comfort of their home and get their regular dose of tender loving care which is provided by regular pet sitter. Availing of a pet sitting service ensures a pet owner that only one pet sitter will be around to give care to a pet. This assures familiarity and regularity, one which is critical for a pet especially in the absence of its recognizable owner. A pet sitter also ensures that the routine followed by owners and pets are continued while carrying out other tasks specified by the pet owner. Regular routine includes feeding, exercise, play, medication and grooming.

For owners who avail of pet sitting services, they are assured that caregiving is given only by professional pet sitters. As such, they make sure that all pet-related concerns are reported to owners which may at times be overlooked. These include following vaccination schedules and methods in enhancing a pet's health and behavior. The bonus? Owners are assured that their homes, apart from their pets, are safe while they are away.

Stressed by leaving your adorable pet to strangers? Switch to pet sitting. You might get more than what this article has just described.

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Is Bide-A-Wee in Wantagh NY Cursed? (I can not say for certain this is all true. Many will argue Animals do not have Souls!)

I worked at Bide A Wee as a part of the grounds keeping staff for almost five years, from 1990 to 1994. I have many fond memories of my time there! It was my first real job.For years after I moved on I regularly returned to visit the Friends I had made while working there.

A few years ago I returned to find Tim Bourne the man who was my Boss and good friend the years I worked at BideAWee was no longer there! Tim Bourne was a Manager at Bide-A-Wee in Wantagh for over 20 years! When I heard Tim was no longer there. Myself and many others knew it was the end of Bide-A -Wee in Wantagh as Tim was the Bide A Wee of Wantagh!

Soon after Tim's departure from Wantagh Bide A Wee the Animal Hospital closed! Now the Bide-A-Wee Adoption Center is closing its Doors. Some may say it is just a coincidence and Tim could not have done anything to stop the problems that happened!

I say Tim not being there is the reason these problems occurred! Tim had an incredible knack for bringing all three departments of Bide A Wee together. Whether it was for a Softball game at the School across the street after work or a BideAWee Staff night out, He made us all more then just co workers He made us all a family! He was the Heart and Soul of Bide-A-Wee in Wantagh. A body can not function with out its heart and without its Soul, why would it want to?

Ever since BideAWee of Wantagh let Tim go it has been as if the place has been cursed, I believe it is! There are Hundreds of Animals buried at the Bide-A-Wee of Wantagh and Tim took care of them for over 20 years.

Tim ran the Cemetery at Bide A Wee in Wantagh Honorably and many loved him. Losing a pet is very difficult for anyone, But some how Tim made it easier for people to get threw this tuff time! When the Scandal of pets not being buried at the Pet Cemetery in Middle Island NY happened in the early 90's there was almost no one who was worried that something similar may have happened at BideAWee of Wantagh, Because everyone knew Tim would never allow something like that to happen there!

I believe the Souls of all the Animals at BideAWee of Wantagh can no longer rest and the place is now suffering from a curse! These Animals buried at Bide A Wee of Wantagh long for the man who made sure they were buried properly and helped ease the pain of their owners when they past!

Bide-A-Wee needs to do what ever it can to get Tim Back! They need to beg, plead and bargain! I believe once Bide-A-Wee of Wantagh has Tim back the Souls of the Animals buried there will once again be able to rest and the Curse will be lifted. Then Watch how quickly things turn around, I just Hope Bide-A-Wee does what it must before the curse spreads to the rest of the BideAWee Locations!

This Story is dedicated to the Memory of Red the Cat (Bide A Wee Mascot) By LJ James

Posted under Dogs