Ferrets making a comeback north of Oklahoma
Kansas, our fabulous neighbors to the north, have some good news to share. Black-footed ferrets there are making a comeback.
Last summer, 24 ferrets were released onto the plains, and apparently they’re doing really well. Most survived and a few even reproduced – great news for the endangered animals.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Oklahoma pet owners can be prepared for flooding
Emergency workers are evacuating parts of Canadian County this morning because of dangerous flooding. No doubt many of the homeowners are pet owners, too. When disaster strikes, being prepared is key.
The ASPCA offers these tips if you have to evacuate your home:
- - Make sure your pets have identification and collars, even if you have to improvise. ID tags should have the animal’s name, your phone number and any pertinent medical info.
- - Keep your animals indoors (or in the car with you) as much as possible. Disaster situations are scary for animals and people, and you want to reduce the chance your pet will take off.
- - Stay at a pet-friendly place. Don’t leave your animals in the car if they can’t stay in a shelter or hotel. (TripsWithPets.com offers a list of pet-friendly hotels in Oklahoma.)
- - Bird owners: make sure your bird’s leg has an ID band and have photos of your bird available. Cover your bird’s cage to reduce stress. Use a timed feeder in case you have to leave your pet unattended.
- - Reptile owners: traveling temporarily with your snake in a pillowcase is OK, but try to find a more secure situation as soon as possible. Keep track of your reptile’s body temperature.
- - Small animal owners: like birds, try to keep your animals as calm as possible by finding a secure, quiet location.
If you can prepare ahead of time, do so. Disasters like the Canadian County flooding remind all of us to be ready. The Humane Society of the United States offers this list of necessary items to have on hand in case of emergency:
- - Food and water for at least five days and a manual can opener if necessary.
- - Medicine, medical records and the name and number of your vet.
- - Cat litter and litter box.
- - A sturdy leash, harness or carrier.
- - Current photos of your pet.
- - Pet beds and toys.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Ardmore plans vigil for homeless pets
The Ardmore Animal Care Animal Shelter is hosting a candlelight vigil for homeless animals Aug. 16, which is International Homeless Animal Day.
About 28,000 unwanted and homeless animals were accepted at the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter during the last fiscal year. More than 7,000 were adopted. But about 19,000 were euthanized.
For folk who can’t make it down to Ardmore next Saturday, honor International Homeless Animal Day in your own way. (You could even adopt Megan Lynn, shown here, from the Ardmore shelter.)
I plan to honor the holiday by petting the four-legged members of my family, both of whom were rescued from homelessness by the kindness of strangers.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Get off the bus, albino ferret
Apparently, ferrets aren’t allowed on buses in Canada.
A Canadian woman who suffers from agoraphobia, anxiety and panic attacks always takes one of her pet ferrets everywhere. Gyno, a 3-year-old albino, gives her a sense of calmness and security. She applied for – and recieved – a bus pass to take a ferret on the bus with her as a service animal. For some reason, the pass was revoked in April. Nobody’s told her why. So now she can’t use public transportation at all because of her mental conditions.
Well thank goodness the bus officials put that chaos to a stop!
Not really. That’s silly. I’m surprised people still have trouble using service animals in the modern world. Service animals are allowed on buses in the Oklahoma City area, a Metro Transit employee told me Thursday morning.
Have you or anyone you know ever had trouble taking a service animal somewhere in public? Maybe this is a story worth looking into.
- Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
