June 19, 2013
Yappy Talk
Photo by Mary Spencer
YAPPY TALK Take care of yourself as well as you do pets
Flu season has most certainly arrived. Hardly a day goes by without hearing another devastating story of folks from all ages and sectors suffering from this epidemic. Which is why, every fall, most of my friends insist on practicing safe prevention by getting their flu shot, much like we did as kids with our moms for the newly discovered polio vaccine. I must confess, though, that I am not one of those people. My mother would roll over in her ...
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Photos of Charley by Mary Spencer
YAPPY TALK Pet’s love has lasting impact on owner’s life
As most people contemplate their New Year’s resolutions, I decided to approach this new year a little differently. Not that I don’t believe in resolutions; I actually jotted down a few myself. However, this year I chose to reflect on my 13-plus years as a foster parent to the more than 600 homeless animals in need who have shared my home and my heart. This reflection gives me the opportunity to count my blessings as someone fortunate enough...
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Photo courtesy of Dallas Companion Animal Project
ANIMAL UPDATE “YAPPYTALK” Support from businesses, community needed
The holiday season is the perfect time to sit back, reflect and count our blessings – and what we have done to help others during the year – whether they be people or pets. In the animal world of “giving back,” I am constantly amazed at the number of animal lovers who have found their niche and are working hard to help the vast number of animals in need. One of these programs is Dallas’ own “No-Kill any Adoptable Animal” project, which has hel...
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Photo courtesy of Dallas Animal Services
YAPPYTALK Give the gift of a home this season
All weekend I was anxious for Black Friday’s shopping results, since I chose to hide from the crowds, doing my own holiday shopping online from the safety of my own home. I was secure and happy with my four-legged family – Hattie, Libby, Ross, Elphaba and a numerous assortment of foster cats and kittens – content to be residing at Spencerville until their forever families are found. Even with my decision to avoid the frantic rush and beginnin...
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YAPPY TALK Matchmaking websites can help pets, too
“Wanted: Young debonair (furry) gentleman in search of his own permanent lap and warm body for daily snuggles and forever affection. Purrs loudly at the drop of a hat (or a rat). A handsome man with luscious silky caramel hair and luminous golden bedroom eyes – both will melt your heart. Don’t contact if loud, constant purring annoys you or if a tendency for four paws following you everywhere sets you on edge. Cashew-Charlie is seeking his sou...
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YAPPY TALK Pets can pack on pounds, too!
Friends have remarked that I wear my food well. Whether that refers to outside appearances, fun new outfits, or from the inside, I sometimes overindulge. My adoration of food and celebrations is the major cause of my wardrobe constantly shifting around in my closet, depending on which size I am at that particular period of my life. Thin clothes up front and heavier ones in the back, or vice-versa, depending on the number of celebrations I have...
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YAPPY TALK Pet's power to predict inspires
Last weekend I celebrated the birthday of a dear friend, who chose my lake house to celebrate her 50th with her long-time furniture friends. We all met back in the ’80s after connecting within the contract furniture industry. Through these 25 years, our friendships, which began at a time when we were young, impressionable, fearless and full of ourselves, have remained close. Not only were we furniture sisters, but we all shared a mutual passio...
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“YAPPYTALK” Remembering our four-legged 9/11 heroes
Animal heroes exist within every species. The fact that an animal will quickly give his life to save yours continues to intrigue and amaze me, especially with the many heart-breaking stories of humans who not only let animals down, but who are responsible for the neglect and abuse of many. Next Tuesday will mark the 11th anniversary of the World Trade Center terrorist attacks, a moment in time that left our world a different place and each of...
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YAPPYTALK Animal amputees adapt better than humans
Affectionately called “tripods,” dogs and cats usually manage just fine with only three legs. Unlike humans, they don’t seem to suffer the same pain from imaginary limbs after surgery or the social stigma associated with amputees. After amputation surgery, the recovery period is much quicker for animals than for people, and the relearning and adjustment of walking or running can happen within a few days. At least that has been the case with my...
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Yappytalk Pet deposits shouldn't break up families
Last week I received one of my many animal-related e-mails that not only touched my heart. but also the hearts of several others at Dallas Animal Services (DAS) and thousands of Dallas animal lovers as well. Blasted across the rescue community, this plea for help was sent from a DAS Rescue Coordinator who happened to be checking in the many discarded and stray animals as they were turned in that particular day at Dallas’ already over-full anim...
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