Pet’s Herbicide Exposure. ‘Green’ Cleaner Toxic. Dogs Need Exercise. Adopt a Black Cat. 5 Reasons Cats Go To Shelters. Pee-mail. Drake Claims California. Statue of Liberty. Watergate.

 

For “Mammal Monday”:

New Study Links Herbicide Exposure to Bladder Cancer in Dogs

“A new study to be published in July points to a link between garden and lawn chemicals and canine bladder cancer. The chemicals are common herbicides containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 4-chloro-2- methylphenoxypropionic acid (MCPP) and/or dicamba.

Dogs are exposed to these chemicals through ingestion, inhalation, and through the skin. Breeds with a genetic predisposition to bladder cancer are at particularly high risk. These include Beagles, Scottish Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs, West Highland White Terriers, and Wire Hair Fox Terriers.

In the study, urine samples were obtained from dogs in homes where herbicides were used, and from dogs in untreated homes. Chemicals were detected in the urine of dogs in 14 of 25 households before lawn treatment, in 19 of 25 households after lawn treatment, and in 4 of 8 untreated households.

Researchers discovered the presence of herbicide in untreated lawns, leading them to conclude the chemicals can “drift” from treated to untreated properties. This means dogs can potentially be exposed in their own yard even if the yard is untreated, and from other properties if they travel from yard to yard.

Dr. Becker recommends avoiding the use of herbicides in your own yard; being aware that chemicals from other properties have the potential to contaminate your yard; keeping your pet off treated lawns; and using detoxifying supplements, baths and/or foot soaks to decontaminate your dog if you suspect he’s been exposed to lawn and garden chemicals.” 

Complete article at: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/06/05/herbicide-exposure.aspx

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Why Your Green Household Cleaners May Still Be Toxic to Your Pet

“Green household cleaners can still be dangerous and even deadly for pets … and you may not realize the risk before it’s too late.

Even if you’re confident the cleaners you use are safe for your pet, it’s a good idea to proceed with the same degree of caution you would when using chemical cleaners.

Keep your pet out of areas where you are cleaning. Don’t spray or apply cleansers on or near your pet. Don’t allow your pet to lick freshly cleaned surfaces or chew on sponges or cloths used for cleaning.

When caring for your pet’s bedding or soft toys, don’t use fabric softener sheets or soap or detergent that is heavily scented.

Bathe your pet with all-natural pet shampoos and conditioners, and if you use a professional groomer, insist he or she do the same.”   Complete article at: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/05/29/green-household-cleaners.aspx?

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Which Household Cleaners Contain Toxins?

“Next time you walk down the cleaning product aisle at your local grocery store, take a closer look at those pretty labels wrapped around your favorite surface disinfectant. A new study out today reveals that numerous popular cleaner brands, including Glade, Clorox, Pine Sol, and the ostensibly eco-friendly Simple Green, contain chemicals that are known to cause hormone disruption, pregnancy complications, birth defects, and cancer, and can aggravate allergies. Women's Voices for the Earth (WVE), which published the report, commissioned an independent laboratory to test 20 popular household cleaning products. Turns out, none of the toxic chemicals detected were disclosed on the product labels.”  More at: http://www.motherjones.com/blue-marble/2011/11/toxins-household-cleaners-tide-clorox-glade-pinesol-febreze-simplegreen

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Study Highlights Hidden Dangers In Everyday Products -- Even The "Green" Ones

“The study included both conventional products, such as Windex original glass cleaner and Irish Spring deodorant soap, as well as “alternative” products marketed as containing safer ingredients than their conventional counterparts, such as Seventh Generation Free and Clear natural glass and surface cleaner and Tom’s of Maine natural moisturizing body bar.”  More at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/amywestervelt/2012/03/08/study-highlights-hidden-dangers-in-everyday-products/

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Myth Debunked: A Big Backyard Does Not Equal a Well-Exercised Dog

“There is a common myth among dog owners with fenced-in backyards that their pets get all the exercise they need just going outside. This is simply not true. There are plenty of obese dogs living in homes with big backyards.

Studies show that solitary dogs rest about 80 percent of the time, and dogs who live with other dogs rest about 60 percent of the time. In other words, much like humans, dogs need a reason to be physically active.

The best way to insure your dog gets enough exercise is to provide her with companionship and motivation. If your dog isn’t provided regular opportunities to run, play and exercise aerobically, she is at much higher risk of developing arthritis and other debilitating conditions.

Your dog should be getting a minimum of 20 minutes of sustained, heart-thumping exercise three times a week. Thirty minutes is better than 20... and 6 or 7 days a week is better than three.

Simply walking your dog won’t get the job done, so it’s important to take power walks and/or find other activities that will deliver cardiovascular benefits and keep your pet’s body in good condition.”

Complete article at: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/06/07/big-backyard-dog-myth.aspx

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Adopt a Black Cat Today!

“Did you know that Black Cats are the least likely to be adopted from animal shelters? Here are 10 reasons to adopt a Black Cat today!”

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5 Reasons Cats Are Given Up for Adoption — and How to Avoid These Problems

Cats are among the hardest animals to place in new homes.  Dr. Marty Becker looks at five reasons why cats wind up in shelters, and how to keep your kitty home with you.

“No matter what your issue, taking your cat to the shelter shouldn't be the first solution. "Many alternatives to giving up a cat are available for pet owners," notes Dr. DiGangi. For example, he says, "Most veterinary practices are well-equipped to assist with any medical or behavioral issues that are causing a pet owner to consider relinquishment."”  Article at:  http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/5-reasons-cats-are-given-up-for-adoption-and-how-to-avoid-these-problems

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10 Weird Pet Behaviors and What They Mean

“While we love our fuzzy companions unconditionally, let’s face it – they have some really weird behaviors! There’s all that doggy drool and tail chasing… and those dead creatures the cat drags home.

Here are answers to some common pet owner questions about the behavior of their furry companions. We think it’s important to view the world as your pet sees it once in awhile!”

Example # 7: Why does my dog sniff every blade of grass before deciding where to pee?

Dogs pick up a great deal of information with their noses. When a dog is sniffing around — especially outdoors — he’s discovering what other dogs have been in the area and a little about each of them. Imagine you receive an email that requires a response. This email is the end of a chain of emails on an important topic. Chances are you’ll read all the other emails in the chain before deciding how to respond. When your dog is outside sniffing, sniffing, sniffing for a potty spot, he’s simply reading his pee-mail before he “responds.” Read more at: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/05/24/weird-pet-behaviors.aspx

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On This Day:

Drake claims California for England, Jun 17, 1579:

“During his circumnavigation of the world, English seaman Francis Drake anchors in a harbor just north of present-day San Francisco, California, and claims the territory for Queen Elizabeth I. Calling the land "Nova Albion," Drake remained on the California coast for a month to make repairs to his ship, the Golden Hind, and prepare for his westward crossing of the Pacific Ocean.

On December 13, 1577, Drake set out from England with five ships on a mission to raid Spanish holdings on the Pacific coast of the New World. After crossing the Atlantic, Drake abandoned two of his ships in South America and then sailed into the Straits of Magellan with the remaining three. A series of devastating storms besieged his expedition in the treacherous straits, wrecking one ship and forcing another to return to England. Only the Golden Hind reached the Pacific Ocean, but Drake continued undaunted up the western coast of South America, raiding Spanish settlements and capturing a rich Spanish treasure ship.

Drake then continued up the western coast of North America, searching for a possible northeast passage back to the Atlantic. Reaching as far north as present-day Washington before turning back, Drake paused near San Francisco Bay in June 1579 to repair his ship and prepare for a journey across the Pacific. In July, the expedition set off across the Pacific, visiting several islands before rounding Africa's Cape of Good Hope and returning to the Atlantic Ocean. On September 26, 1580, the Golden Hind returned to Plymouth, England, bearing its rich captured treasure and valuable information about the world's great oceans. In 1581, Queen Elizabeth I knighted Drake during a visit to his ship.”

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Statue of Liberty arrives, Jun 17, 1885:

“On this day in 1885, the dismantled State of Liberty, a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of America, arrives in New York Harbor after being shipped across the Atlantic Ocean in 350 individual pieces packed in more than 200 cases. The copper and iron statue, which was reassembled and dedicated the following year in a ceremony presided over by U.S. President Grover Cleveland, became known around the world as an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy.”

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Watergate burglars arrested, Jun 17, 1972:

“Five men are arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee offices at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. Senate investigations eventually revealed that President Richard Nixon had been personally involved in the subsequent cover-up of the break-in; additional investigation uncovered a related group of illegal activities that included political espionage and falsification of official documents, all sanctioned by the White House.

The Watergate affair had a far-ranging impact, both at home and abroad. In the United States, the scandal shook the faith of the American people in the presidency. In the final analysis though, the nation survived the constitutional crisis, thus reinforcing the system of checks and balances and proving that not even the president is above the law.

To avoid almost certain impeachment, Nixon resigned from office on August 9.”

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Yesterday:

Jay’s neighbor had asked me to go down there as he had a mess of tomatoes for me.  He waters the vegetable garden at the American Legion in town, and they had more tomatoes than they knew what to do with.  Then Jay invited me to have some of his percolator coffee, so Misty and I went down there.  She had a good walk-about down there, but it was mostly a sniffing expedition.  She acts like a little bloodhound and follows scent trails on the ground, then marks them to tell the world that ‘Misty was here’.  A blind dog has to have some hobbies.

Some of the tomatoes had to put on the table on my screen porch to finish ripening.  They will make a good old British dish, fried red tomatoes.  Not the way they are done here, green and with breading, just fried in coconut oil.  In England, fried red tomatoes are often served at breakfast time with bacon, eggs and toast or fried bread, but those are fried in the bacon grease.  I wonder why Brits don’t seem to have the same cholesterol problems that they do in the USA.

I had so many tomatoes that I made Spaghetti Bolognese sauce with them.  It has carrots and celery in it. http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/quick_pasta_bolognese.html   Tomatoes and carrots are two foods which have more nutrients when cooked.  Sometimes, I like tomatoes just raw as a salad.

The contractor is supposed to be here again on Wednesday evening to talk about doing the roof extension over my front porch.  So I was out there measuring where to put posts, and looking at porch designs on the internet.  I am hoping to find a design where my front porch and screen porch blend together, so that it doesn’t look like an add-on. 

The windows and doors are opened each morning when I get up, but sometimes it becomes humid, and I have to close them.  It was humid early, so it became an AC day.