My book is now also available as a Kindle ebook!

I published my first book!

So exciting news - I finally published my first book: First Aid for Dogs and Cats:

Pets Aid Owners in Fight Against Cancer

Cancer can be a frightening diagnosis for humans, and it is for pets and their owners as well. The most common types of cancer for dogs is lymphoma and mammary gland cancer, while cats tend to suffer from leukemia, according to the Pet Cancer Foundation. Around 60 percent of dogs over the age of 6 will diagnosed with cancer, and the disease accounts for more than half of all pet deaths after the age of 10, the foundation reports.

Another type of cancer found in pets is mesothelioma. This cancer attacks the lining of internal organs. It is usually found in the pleura, which surrounds the lungs. It can also be found in the lining of the heart and abdominal cavity. The cancer is most often caused by exposure to asbestos. Animals are capable of breathing in the dangerous fibers just like humans. Dogs tend to develop the disease more quickly than humans after exposure. Mesothelioma prognosis can be grim if it is not detected early.
Research studies have found that certain breeds of dogs are more susceptible to mesothelioma. Those breeds are Irish setters, German shepherds and Bouvier des Flandres. Male dogs develop the disease more than female dogs.

Just as with humans, a variety of technology and treatment advances has improved the outlook for pet cancer patients. After determining the type, spread and severity of the cancer, veterinarians will use surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation or some combination of treatments.

Pets, however, have been able to assist in the fight against cancer by providing support and comfort to human sufferers of the disease. Trained human and dog, and sometimes cat, partners visit hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Research has shown that interaction with pets can aid recovery by improving patients' mental and physical wellbeing. Petting and interacting with dogs and cats helps reduce blood pressure, triglyceride and cholesterol levels and feelings of loneliness.

Dogs that visit cancer patients usually undergo training to deal with unusual settings, like hospitals, and people who are experiencing stress and may not be themselves. The American Kennel Society offers the Canine Good Citizen certification, and several other pet therapy groups offer workshops, testing and certification.

What is the best dog food?

Many dog owners ask me what would be best to feed their dogs. So I decided to write a free Newsletter to spread my knowledge and enable caring dog owners to learn and understand what they are feeding.
Good healthy nutrition will not only make your dog happy, it will also lower your vet bills!

Check it out here: http://www.freehomemadedogfoodrecipes.com/

Fantastic news!

I am so excited - I got the best news I could imagine - Travis has been released!!!

Yes, I still cannot believe it myself! This beautiful koala boy finally is back in the wild - I am so glad!

He was doing so well and retained weight while living in the plantation and he had no huge problems with his hand, so he finally could be released.

After 4 years in the Australian Wildlife Hospital Travis is finally back where he belongs - in the wild. Such good news!

Here a photo of him just before he was released - doesn't he look happy?

Update on Travis, the koala

I realised today that I am overdue, I really should give an update on Travis' condition.

Recently I got the news that Travis is still happily climbing around the tall gum trees in the rainforest area of the Australian Wildlife Hospital. He actually stays up the high trees for days, so it is really difficult to catch him to do regular checks.

During his recent checks it was obvious that he is doing very well and he looks like a 'happy' koala. He is using his hand a lot and has re-gained good muscle tissue.

There are now serious talks about releasing him back to the wild, which is great news!

I believe, everybody who followed his well-being is as happy as I am!

Last chance - book your seat now!

Now is the time to book your seat for the next workshop "First Aid for Dogs and Cats".

Date: Wednesday, 26.05.2010
Time: 9am until lunch time

For more information please call 3298 5036 / 0417 716 907

http://animalconnection.com.au/index.php/workshops.html