Pets of the Week: Sissy and Bea need a home

Looking for companionship? Animals offer us unconditional love, complete loyalty and many hours of entertainment.

They give us a reason for getting up when life has thrown us a curve and offer complete support when we seek out new challenges. It's scientifically proven that the shared bond between us has substantial health benefits for both sides.

There are plenty of animals at the Cobb County Animal Control shelter ready to step up and offer companionship, with at least one for every person interested. The adoption fees are low (ranging from $30 - $40) and you'll receive a certificate for a free health exam and 20 percent discount on spay/neuter surgery with participating local veterinarians.

Why not make the move and begin a new relationship today?

This week’s pets are two adorable females. Both animals have been at the shelter for quite some time – Sissy and Bea. 

Sissy, a bright-eyed, white domestic shorthaired cat, wasn’t so white when she came in. The shelter attendants bathed her and brought new luster to her dingy white fur. She has a few lingering yellow patches but those will grow off as she matures. She has a pink nose, pink ears, pink paws, golden eyes, and a black smudge spot on the top of her head. Sissy is about a year old and quite a spunky little thing. She loves to play with anything you put in her cage. She has been at the shelter since Jan. 21 and would love to have a home of her own. A petite little bundle, Sissy will bring joy to anyone’s life. ID No. 526994.

Bea also came to the shelter via animal control. She, too, was homeless and wandered the county looking for food and shelter. Her ribs show only slightly now, after having added some much needed weight. Bea’s about 8 months old, weighs 36 pounds, and by the size of her paws, will remain on the small side. According to the shelter attendant, when full grown she will weigh no more than 50 pounds.  She’s a cute little Boxer/Lab mix with such a sweet face. Bea will win your heart when she looks into your eyes, wrinkles her forehead, then tilts her head, as if to ask, “Can we go home, now?” ID No. 527577.   

Animals at the shelter have only two ways out – adoption or death. If you are looking for a new furry friend, please check out the animals at the county shelter…save a life and make a life-long friend.

Check out these two sites for more animals available for adoption at the Cobb County Animal Control shelter:

www.petfinder.com/shelters/GA50.html and www.facebook.com/FOSACobb.

An upcoming indoor yard sale to benefit animal rescue is being held in April. For more information visit MostlyMutts.org

Vet Tip of the Week

Obesity in pets is one of the most common health problems seen by veterinarians.  In fact, almost 40% of pets in the United States are obese. 

An overweight pet tends to live an average of 2.5 years less than those that are kept lean.  Joint problems, respiratory compromise, heart disease and increased anesthetic risk are also associated with being overweight. 

Obese cats are prone to developing diabetes and are more prone to develop fatty liver, a life-threatening liver disease. Since we control what our pets eat, obesity is completely preventable.  

How do you know if your pet is overweight?   

• A dog or cat that is at an ideal weight has ribs that are easily felt when lightly running your hands along its chest.  If you have to apply pressure to feel ribs, your pet is overweight. 
• An overweight pet will not have a readily visible waistline when viewed from above. 
• A pet that is at an ideal weight, when viewed from the side, will have a belly more narrow than their chest. This gives the belly a tucked up appearance. Links for illustrated body condition charts: http://www.purina.com/dog/weight-and exercise/bodycondition.aspx                        http://www.purina.com/cat/weight-control/bodycondition.aspx
• If you are unsure whether your pet is overweight, consult your veterinarian - some animals may have underlying diseases that can lead to obesity.
• If your pet is found to be overweight, your veterinarian can help you design a diet plan specifically for them – on occasion pets need prescription weight-control diets to maintain a healthy weight. 
• Make sure your pets get plenty of exercise. 

Preventative measures go along way in staying off obesity and diseases. Help your pet live the healthiest of lives by providing a good diet routine and lots of activity.  

Dr. Lori Germon is a veterinarian at Chastain Animal Clinic in Smyrna. You can find information on pet introduction and other pet topics at their website. You can also find them on Facebook.