Free coupon for $20 off vet bill
These are tough economic times for everyone, including our pets. To help make sure our animals get the preventative care they need, Advantage and Bayer Health Care are kicking off the “Help Your Pet, Get to the Vet” campaign.
The companies are handing out $20 vouchers for pet owners beginning today and running through Feb. 28.
“In these challenging economic times, many pet owners are facing difficult choices about how to pay for and prioritize their pets’ care and wellness. And unfortunately, veterinary visits and preventive veterinary care are often cut due to financial struggles and concerns,” according to the campaign Web site.
They’re limiting the giveaway to about 83 vouchers every hour from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST so that everybody has a shot at getting some help. After all is said and done, about $260,000 in free vet care will be handed out.
The way it works is simple. You print out the voucher, take your pet to the vet, have your vet fill out the form and you mail it in. The result: you get a $20 check in the mail.
The vouchers are open to any adult in the United States, with a few restrictions. For example, the voucher must be used on preventative care.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Valentine’s date gives a look at zoo animals’ sex lives
Witnessing this kind of thing traumatizes some kids for life. But at the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, Mich., it’s entertainment. High-class, high-dollar, Valentein’s entertainment.
The zoo is hosting a special event called Zoorotica. Yes, really. It really is called that. Patrons pay $50 a person for a fancy dinner and a look into the sex lives of some of the zoo’s popular animals. There will be a DVD presentation and then a special tour of the zoo. The event is 21 and up. Good idea.
My thoughts:
- Creepy.
- Yucky.
- A severe invasion of privacy for those poor, amorous animals.
- Creepy. Again.
Apparently I’m alone with my sentiments, though. The event is sold out and there’s a waiting list. Apparently lots of folks think Zoorotica is a good Valentine’s Day date. And The Binder Park Zoo isn’t alone. Zoo sex tours have been popular for many years, dating back to the first tours in San Francisco in the 1980s.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pet advice after the tornados
The tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma were a reminder to pet owners how important identification is.
Severe weather can rip down fences, pull down walls and leave pets confused and scared. At least one veterinarian is helping reunite lost dogs with their owners. The best way to ensure a pet is returned is by microchipping, he said. Collars and tags can sometimes be caught and torn by debris. Microchips stay under the skin and can be tracked by any vet or shelter official.
Here is some more information from the ASPCA about disaster readiness:
- The Pet Evacuation Transportation Safety (PETS) Act, passed after Hurricane Katrina, allows owners to take their companion animals with them to shelters. Contact the shelter before you show up to make sure it’s OK. Some shelters are designed for animal owners.
- Practice getting your animal out of the house so it isn’t scary or difficult. This is especially important for cat carriers.
- Owners with pets that require special temperature settings, such as reptiles, need to have duplicates of everything, such as heaters. Fish owners should have a small, transportable tank ready.
- Socialize your pet as much as possible in case they come in contact with rescuers or other people at the shelter.
- Keep an emergency kit of your pets needs, such as any medicines and some food, that you can take with you. Be sure to keep a photo of you with your pet if you get separated and have to claim him.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Koala saved from fire
Finally, there’s some good news from the wildfire catastrophe in Australia. A firefighter saved an injured koala.
The poor little gal was walked around on burned feet when she spotted a firefighter, who immediately called for water and help.
Koalas are known for their cranky nature despite their cute appearance. They rarely come down from the trees and usually aren’t interested in interacting with anyone. But in this case, the injured marsupial was desperate for help.
Animal welfare officers eventually picked up the koala and took her to a nature reserve where she’s healing well. (Word has it she already has an admirer – a male koala who keeps hugging her.)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today, yesterday and Saturday j-
- - Zoo is getting wild at heart. (Tulsa)
- - The big ones are biting. (Oklahoma)
- - Wild horses face a rough ride ahead. (Pauls Valley, Western United States)
- - A wing and a preyer: Falconers develop special rapport with raptors. (Oklahoma)
- - Racing pigeon’s detour showcases Route 66. (Edmond)
- - Pit bulls kill five alpacas. (New Mexico)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper – Gator rescued from SE OK
Check out these animla-related stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Bear hunts considered. (Oklahoma, page 3a)
- Workers find mammoth. (California, page 8a)
- Recovery of pet alligator becomes large-scale effort. (Wynnewood/Stuart)
- Poultry firms cite conflicting positions. (Colorado, page 18a)
- Agency to conduct state forest survey.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Six more weeks of winter in OKC
Grizzly bears Will and Wiley predicted six more weeks of winter today as part of the annual Groundhog Day activities at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Here are photos from Oklahomanphotographer Paul Hellstern.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Conserve wildlife or else
A wildlife advocacy group in South Africa produced this commercial, reminding folks that if nature isn’t protected, we all lose.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Countryside tour with an otter
A postman in Scotland rescued a baby otter on the side of the road, then took her on a 220 mile tour of the country in his mailbag.
Kenny Wilson spotted the otter, which he named Orla, on the side of the road. He stopped his car and put her in his mailbag to keep her warm.
Wilson fed her kitten milk through the tube of a ballpoint pen, then took her with him in a Mini car enthusiasts’ rally before dropping her at an animal rescue.
Wilson said Orla was nearly frozen when he found her and he didn’t think she would survive. He stopped for milk when he started hearing squeaks from his bag that made him think Orla was hungry.
Orla is now eating fish and being hand-reared at an animal sanctuary.
- Staff Writer Bryan Dean
Drink beer, save a salamander
As if beer drinkers needed an excuse to drink beer, here’s a new one: it helps wildlife.
A Fort Worth brewing company has created a series of beers called Rare Species. Read the full story on our beer blog, The Thirsty Beagle!
By the way, The Thirsty Beagle himself gave the brewer a thumbs up. And if a dog says it’s good, you know it’s the truth.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
