Friday, January 29, 2010

Lost Your Cat? Search From a Cat's Point of View

The Davies family were concerned when Boots, their eight-month old kitten, was recovering from spay surgery because she seemed to be experiencing some discomfort. Needless to say, they were frantic when they couldn't find her a few hours after they had brought her home from the vet!
After a quick search of the house, they registered Boots as “lost” on PetLynx™.


Thankfully, Boots was not really missing, she had just decided to curl up in a little ball and sleep for a few hours! The kitten reappeared when she was hungry.



“Although we know she likes warm and hidden away places, we failed to check a little crawl space under the stairwell!” explained Mr. Davies. “We had turned the house upside down looking for her, but didn't look there.”

The Davies’ say they learned a valuable lesson; one that they’ll be sure to use the next time kitty pulls a disappearing act! They suggest you look through your home from a cat’s point-of-view. Even get down on your hands and knees to search!


“Be sure you check hidden away places,” said Mr. Davies. “Look through the whole house room by room, closing each door behind you as you go.”

Monday, January 25, 2010

Help for Haiti's Animals

Photo: Copyright WSPA/FAW

With hearts and minds focused squarely on the devastating earthquake that occurred in Haiti on January 12, 2010, the world is extending its full support to those organizations providing humanitarian relief in the ravaged island nation. But the animal victims of this disaster need help, too!

In effort to help the animals in this time of crisis, the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH) was created. The coalition is comprised of the following organizations:
These groups have banded together with the belief that partnering across organizations is the most effective way to address the serious and enormous problems facing animals in Haiti. There are an estimated 5 million head of livestock in the country (mostly goats), a large stray dog population, and an untold number of companion animals and native wildlife all adversely affected by the earthquake.

To donate to the coalition or sign up for updates, visit the Animals in Disasters blog set up by the WSPA.

Monday, January 18, 2010

AutoMatch Methodology Explained

After placing a lost cat report on PetLynx, one confused cat owner emailed to ask why she was getting potential 'matches' for cats that were tabby or black and white... when the photo of her cat clearly showed it was a Siamese.

Here is why:
Potential matches that may appear to be 'mistakes' are provided because the PetLynx
AutoMatch
system takes into account the fact that not all members of the public describe a lost/found animal the same way.

We don't want to miss a chance at getting a lost pet HomeSafe
simply because the 'finder' can't tell a tabby from a Siamese! So, all potential matches are provided, taking into account a variety of factors, such as sex, coat length, etc.

AutoMatch™ is a service exclusive to the PetLynx system that can search for matches for a pet using either an identifier such as a tattoo, microchip or PetLynx visual tag, and/or based on only a physical description of the animal using a PetLynx technology called DataSketch™. The AutoMatch™ system then serves up all potential matches and notifies both parties involved. The parties can then retrieve the matches and physically follow up to see if it is the correct pet.

AutoMatch™ is unique because:

1. The system makes matches based on identifiers such as microchip and tattoos. Our system is not proprietary to any microchip manufacturer, so all microchip types are accepted.
2. AutoMatch can also make matches on a pet based on only a physical description, using our unique DataSketch™ technology.
3. Unlike other systems, AutoMatch™ is an automatic system so there is no need to manually search through reports.
4. AutoMatch™ sends out possible matches to other animals that are similar to your description -- no other pet lost and found search engine does this!

The pet family is ultimately responsible for managing their information, however, the system allows for the finder to engage themselves as well if they choose to.


10 Most Common Pet Poisons of 2009

Many common household goods that we take for granted as harmless can poison our pets.

In 2009, the American SPCA Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, IL, handled more than 140,000 cases of pets exposed to toxic household substances, including insecticides, cleaning supplies and prescription medications.

To help you keep your pet safe in 2010, ASPCA has created a list of the 10 common poisons that most affected our furry friends last year. Here’s a sneak peek at their advice:
  • Top dishonors—once again—go to human medications, which accounted for the most calls to the ASPCA’s 24-hour poison control hotline in 2009. Pets often snatch pill vials from counters and nightstands or gobble up meds accidentally dropped on the floor. Remember to keep all medications, including pain remedies, antidepressants and decongestants, in a cabinet far away from prying paws.

  • Cats and dogs are often the unwitting victims of our efforts to battle flea infestations. The misapplication of spot-on flea and tick products can be especially problematic for our feline friends. Talk to your vet about choosing the right, species-specific flea treatment for your pet and never use products made for dogs on cats, and vice versa.

  • Some of the most delicious people food—including citrus, avocado and raisins—can be poisonous to pets. Chocolate ingestion accounted for nearly half of all people food-related cases in 2009, so be sure to keep cocoa hidden from your resourceful cat or dog.

  • Household plants may keep your house green and your air clean, but some can cause serious gastrointestinal problems for companion animals who nibble on them. Check out the ASPCA's toxic plant list before your next visit to the nursery.
As always, if you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your vet or the ASPCA’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Accolades from Pet Families

We've got mail!

We love to get the great news that PetLynx has played a role in helping lost pets get HomeSafe! Here are a few excerpts from emails we have received from grateful pet families:

"I am absolutely elated to tell you that Semico has been found! We received a call from Canadian Tire to inform us that he was in their parking lot. It is so nice to have him at home again. We appreciate the help provided to us by PetLynx. Thank you again!"
Sincerely, Debbie KB.

"Thank you very much for your help in finding Blaze. People who had seen our posters spotted him and called us. THANK YOU for your help."
Natalie W.


"I put a lost ad for Max on Kijiji and had a response that directed me to the Humane Society. Unfortunately, our local Humane Society does not place impounded animals on their website so, when I registered him with PetLynx, an identical match came up confirming he was at the shelter. The poor guy spent Christmas in a kennel at the shelter, but he was warm and safe and he gained more Christmas weight than I did! Thank you so very much for your service."
Bonnie H.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Focus Group on Feline Behaviour

Friskies brand cat food finally answers an age-old question that many cat owners have: What does my cat do when I am not at home?


The pet food company recently announced the results of a first-of-its-kind "focus group" that reveal there's more to life than a cat nap for our feline friends! Friskies had 50 roving "repurrters" to go on the job to reveal the magical world of cats through examining their sensory experiences in their home environments.

In the cat "focus group," cats from across the United States wore tiny digital cat-cams that took pictures of their surroundings every 15 minutes. The resulting photographs uncovered where cats go, what they do, and specifically, what they experience when their owners aren't home.


Purina animal behavior scientist, Jill Villarreal, Ph.D., analyzed the photos to determine what they revealed about the playful days and sensory experiences of cats when they are home alone. "Many people under-estimate the richness and sensory stimulation the home environment provides for our cats," said. Dr. Villarreal. "The photos shed light on the home from the cat's point-of-view and, for the first time, we can better understand what gets our cats' attention and provides them with opportunities for play and adventure when we are away.

According to Dr. Villarreal, cats of all ages need play time to help maintain a healthy body weight and keep their minds active. Through their photos, they gave us a personal look at their social lives by stalking playmates and toys, climbing on structures and exploring their home.

Other key findings include:
  • Several cats took pictures of computer and television screens. This is likely due to the cat's natural prey instinct to focus in on moving objects.
  • The cats' photos revealed that screened-in porches are a rich oasis filled with sensory stimulation. This includes sights, sounds, textures, and smells with grassy patches and non-toxic plants that provide tactile (touch) and olfactory (smell) stimulation for the cats.
  • The photos also showed that cats were greatly interested in water, be it in the sink, bathtub, or swimming pool. This may seem counter intuitive, as it is commonly believed that cats dislike water. However, these photos reveal that cats like water, but on their own terms.
View the full report in the Scratchington Post!

Friday, January 8, 2010

PetLynx Announces Collaborative Agreement with CKC's Dogs in Canada

08
January
2010



PetLynx Corporation is pleased to announce an agreement with Apex Publishing Limited, the publisher of “Dogs in Canada” Canada’s premier provider of content for dog owners and breeders.


Under the terms of this agreement PetLynx Corporation and Apex Publishing will collaborate to expand the circulation of this magazine to all dog owners in Canada through the PetLynx Subscriptions & Registry Services unit.

Pet families who register their dogs in the PetLynx system for recovery services, microchips, tattoos, licenses or other HomeSafe™ Canada initiatives will have the opportunity to subscribe to four special issues targeted toward this Responsible Dog Owners Group [RDOG] at a special discount that is related to their level of compliance.


In addition, the two parties will collaborate to provide responsible dog owner content through Apex's micro site and the PetLynx pet family portals. Pet families who normally manage their animal records using PetLynx portals will be able to manage their subscriptions in the same area.

“Adding the Dogs in Canada content and micro sites to the HomeSafe™ Canada initiative will not only increase the number of responsible dog owners across Canada, but provide valuable resources across the entire value chain that supports these pet families” said Larry R. Evans, President and CEO of PetLynx Corporation. “I am confident that we will eventually reach every dog owner who is interested in having ready access to Canada’s number one source of information about dogs.”

“We are very excited about the opportunity of using the PetLynx relationship with dog owners across Canada to expand our circulation base and improve the services we provide to dog owners through our micro site program,” said Ann McDonagh, Group Publisher, Apex Publishing Limited. “Apex Publishing Limited is a subsidiary of the Canadian Kennel Club, an organization that has serviced the needs of dog owners in Canada for more than 120 years.”


For more information please contact:

Ann McDonagh, Apex Publishing Limited amcdonagh@dogsincanada.com
(416) 798-9778 ext 3410

Larry Evans, PetLynx Corporation larry.evans@petlynxmail.com
(403) 921-5900

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Dog-napping has a Happy Ending Thanks to PetLynx

If Chloe, could talk, she would have quite a story to tell!

According to her Calgary guardians, the American Eskimo X Sheltie, was dog-napped when she was left tied up outside a medical office. A witness saw two women pick up the tethered dog, unclip her leash and walk away.

"I was pretty naive," said Alessandro. "I never thought someone would just steal someone else's dog. I had been warned about it, but I just didn't think it would happen to us!"

Alessandro said that during the five days Chloe was missing, the guilt and stress played heavily on him. He tried to funnel all the negativity into positive actions by putting up posters, calling local radio and TV stations and the newspaper. He put announcements on the Internet, including PetLynx, and contacted the police.

It was the posting on Petlynx that helped get Chloe home!

The family received a call from a man who had found a dog in Airdrie, a city a few kilometers north of Calgary. He had posted the dog's information Petlynx which resulted in an Automatch!

"Our life was indescribably painful during the five days Chloe was gone ," concluded Alessandro. "We are all so thankful to have her back and feel blessed to be given this second chance. I don't think this story would have such a happy ending if it wasn't for Petlynx. Thank you!"

P.S. Alessandro says that he won't be tying up his dog and leaving her unattended in a public place ever again!

Area Service Providers:
Calgary Humane Society, City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Dog gone it! What can I do?

Found a stray dog? (Or cat.)
Use common sense to determine if he or she is genuinely homeless and in need of rescue, or is a neighborhood pet... out for an unauthorized walk in the park!

Is the dog well cared for?
If the animal appears healthy, well-groomed and approachable - chances are he or she is merely lost and not abandoned. If it is friendly, you can take him or her in and help find the guardian.

If the animal is thin, with a matted and dirty coat or it appears injured -- it has very likely been lost for a long time or abandoned. (It is very unusual for a dog to become feral.) If the pet is approachable, try to catch it and take it to an animal shelter or vet clinic for medical treatment.

Check for pet identification
A collar and tags are obvious forms of pet ID. But many pets also have tattoos and/or microchips. You can take the pet to a vet clinic and they will help you check for tattoos or microchips.

Whether the dog has any identification or not, you can still register it with PetLynx!

PetLynx has a special program called AutoMatch

Normal.dotm 0 0 1 1 RTPerrin Consulting Services 1 1 1 12.0 that considers physical characteristics. It searches for lost and found matches even in the absence of any pet identification. 

Know Your Neighbours 
Remember that most animals that are lost, belong in the neighbourhood where they are wandering. Their guardians are probably frantically looking for them. Taking the animal to your local animal shelter is an option, but moving the animal from the neighbourhood reduces the chances that the pet will be reunited with its guardian. At least for a couple of days -- if you are able -- try to find the guardian yourself.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Power Paws: The latest fashion for dogs with hip dysplasia

Power Paws – recently launched and developed by Woodrow Wear, Inc – in its most basic description are socks for dogs with rubber–non-slip treads. Power Paws combine fashion and function to help dogs (and their owners) like never before.

Basically, Power Paws enable large breed dogs with hip dysplasia to move around on slick surfaces such as hardwood, linoleum or tile floors. Far less expensive that installing carpets in your house!

Inventor of Power Paws and CEO of Woodrow Wear, Lorraine Watson, says, “Dogs slipping because of dysplasia or slick surfaces is common, yet nothing practical has been invented to help. Power Paws give dogs the power to stand, the power to stop, and the power to go. Since then, they have been 100% successful on hundreds of test-dogs. No product available is this simple or effective.”