801-581-0725

November 2006
Hope you all had a fun and safe Halloween. I know I did. My dog Clover and I greeted little goblins at the door all night. Clover was a GIANT BUMBLE BEE and I was an dead lady.


We had alot of fun!

Training Tips for Dogs - For some reason the "come" command is one of the hardest for people to teach their dogs. I think it's mainly because they forget to be consistent and they repeat the command over and over when the dog doesn't respond. Remember use the command only once. If the dog doesn't come, simply walk over and get them taking them back to where you were. Don't get angry or impatient with the dog. Coming to you should be the funnest thing they do. Praise, Praise, Praise. Use a happy voice. Don't ask them to come for things they dislike.

Practicing with family members in the house or in the yard can be effective also. Always be enthusiastic and praise them as soon as they start moving towards you. You can use treats (sparingly) and toys to make it more fun for them.

Remember: Be positive and consistent!

For Our Feline Friends - Some cats can learn basic commands such as "no" and "out" if you are consistent and work with them enough. Notice I said "some cats." Others simply choose to ignore what you want and they try to make a game out of it. Example....I don't like my cats to go into the kitchen unless invited. I have a glass door which is kept closed most of the time. A couple of my cats won't enter even when the door is open. They hover around the open door. I have one that will enter but if I say "out" he leaves the room. Trickey on the otherhand makes a game of it. He sees the door open and he darts into the kitchen as fast as he can. I repeat "out" everytime he does this. I'll let you know if he ever gets the idea.

Life on the Wildside! - For those who don't know what I am talking about let me explain. I do wildlife rehabilitation as a sub-permittee through Utah Wildlife Rehabilitation - A Non-Profit Organization. We work in association with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resource. All of the work I do with the wildlife is charity. It is my way of giving something back to the community and the universe.

Updates - Momma tree squirrel and baby were moved to a little larger cage that is now easier to clean. The baby's overactiveness disturbs the momma's sleep. The cage is by a window so they can look out. The baby saw the snow for the first and wouldn't quit chirping at 5:00 AM in the morning. They both alert each other to things outside they think they might have to worry about. Lot's of fun watching them grow.

All baby ducks are reported to be doing very well on their pond.

A few days ago I had a Merlin (a falcon) come into for some recuperative care. Twenty four hours I was able to release her. These are one of my most favorite birds of prey.

 

A sad note, the little ground squirrel (I called him Bobbles) dies on October 18th. I knew he had neurological symptoms that kept him from being able to balance properly, but about two months before he dies I noticed he had a tumor in the inside of his ear that was growing. Most likely cancer of some type. He was happy, well fed, and warm when he died. I brought him in the house so he wouldn't be alone. I shall miss caring for him.

Thanks for reading! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Kandy Thomas
Kandy's Kritter Kare & Consulting

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