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Puppy Love: Finding The Perfect Pooch On New Pet App

Posted on February 20, 2019 by alexb2448

This vintage typwriter is our featured image.

Once upon a time, people in search of the perfect pet simply went to the local pound or animal shelter. Then the Internet came along, making it easier for people to expand their search. Now there are apps.

Maybe you’ve heard of BarkBuddy or PawsLikeMe. But have you heard about GetPet? It’s the latest app created to match people with companion animals in need of forever homes.

The backstory

Since its debut last month, GetPet sure has gotten a lot of ink. The Associated Press did a story and several publications followed suit. So why all the hype?

Well for one thing the app was created in Lithuania, a world away from the 21st century hotbed of technological innovation otherwise known as Silicon Valley. But as far as I’m concerned that’s actually really cool, since it helps address a serious need in that country. Specifically, it encourages people to adopt shelter dogs in the capital, Vilnius.

As the Associated Press reports, the gang of animal lovers that created the app did so after they were taking a computer class and happened to see a stray dog through the window.

So far, GetPet has been a huge hit with users and the founder of a local shelter which houses more than 100 dogs. Since GetPet launched, more people are calling and coming in to ask about adoption, Ilona Reklaityte told the AP.

One GetPet user who visited the shelter and planned to adopt a dog from there also told the AP that GetPet creates a win-win situation for the shelter dogs and the people interested in adopting them.

How it works

The other reason GetPet has gotten so much hype is because of the comparisons to the dating app, Tinder.

According to one of its creators, GetPet users can view shelter dogs available for adoption on the app, and then use GetPet to then schedule appointments to meet them in person.

“It is like Tinder, but with dogs,” co-creator Vaidas Gecevicius, told the AP. “You can arrange a meeting with the dog — a date.”

To view photos available dogs, GetPet users simply swipe to the right on their mobile device. When one catches their interest, they can then scroll down to get more information. By swiping to the left, they can view more photos.

At the moment, only dogs are featured on GetPet. But that won’t always be the case. According to the AP, future plans call for the addition of other animals in need of new homes.

And as far as I’m concerned, it’s all good.

Pot And Pets Don’t Mix Either

Posted on February 18, 2019February 18, 2019 by alexb2448

In my last post, I shared all of the reasons why it’s not a good idea to let your pets get a hold of your prescription and over the counter medication. As it turns out, it’s not a good idea to let them get a hold of your medical or recreation marijuana, either. In other words, pot and pets don’t mix.

What’s up, doc?

This is hardly breaking news. There have been lots of articles about this topic as more states have legalized marijuana for recreational and medicinal purposes. The latest of these is a recent Boston Herald article that cites statistics indicating that the number of marijuana-related calls to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 24-hour Poison Control Center was nearly nine times greater in 2018 than in 2008. As the article also notes, the number of calls to the center made by concerned Massachusetts pet owners also increased significantly over the 10-year period.

In fact, as one area veterinarian told the Herald, it is not unusual for the animal hospital where she works to treat 20 to 25 dogs for marijuana ingestion each month. The number of pooches treated there after ingesting the substance contained in brownies or some other sort of food, has increased significantly in recent years, the vet says.

Luckily for cat owners, felines aren’t as likely to eat marijuana-laced brownies and similar “treats” because they don’t like sweets as much as their canine counterparts, the veterinarian explains.

Symptoms and treatment

The good news for the veterinarians faced with treating dogs for marijuana ingestion is that owners are now being more open about the cause of their pets’ distress in states where marijuana is legal.

That’s important because it ensures prompt treatment for dogs with symptoms including:

lethargy
slow heart rate
incontinence

The bad news is that depending on the amount of marijuana ingested, our pets can sometimes get pneumonia. Furthermore, marijuana-laced brownies or other chocolate “goodies” pose an even greater threat to dogs because chocolate is also poisonous for them. And sometimes, our pets don’t survive.

For those that do, treatment isn’t pleasant. It includes forced vomiting and the administration of intravenous fluids and charcoal to counteract the toxin over a few days.

A simple solution

Experts say there’s a very simple solution to this problem. Don’t leave your pot where your pets can get it. Sounds like good advice to me.

Pets And Pills (For Humans) Don’t Mix

Posted on February 15, 2019February 13, 2019 by alexb2448

As anyone who has a feisty cat or dog knows all too well, it’s almost impossible to get them to take their medicine. They struggle, they squirm, they scratch, they bite. And just when you think they’ve finally swallowed the pill, you find it on the floor.

But then there’s the matter of what happens when our pets accidentally take our medicine.

Accidental poisoning poses real threat to pets

Nap time! Hurricane Harvey kittens take a break at the 30th annual Puttin’ on the Dog festival. Photo by Alexandra Bogdanovic

In a recent column in The Oakland Press, veterinarian Toinette Strusinski-Broschay warns that, “accidental pet poisonings are on the rise, and some of the most common are from human medication.”

Specifically, Dr. Strusinski-Broschay says some of the common medications we take to treat minor ailments pose a real threat to companion animals. Examples include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs such as Advil, Aleve and Motrin.

When accidentally swallowed by our pets, these drugs can cause serious ailments ranging from stomach and intestinal ulcers to kidney failure, Strusinski-Broschay says.

Tylenol poses an even bigger danger for cats, which are “especially sensitive to acetaminophen” she adds.

“One regular-strength tablet can damage red blood cells, leaving the blood unable to carry oxygen,” Strusinski-Broschay explains. “Many cats die from acetaminophen ingestion. In dogs at high doses, it can cause liver damage and also damage red blood cells.”

Certain medications used to treat depression in people can also be harmful for pets. As Strusinski-Broschay notes, pets that ingest too much Effexor, Cymbalta and Lexapro can experience “serious neurological problems, such as sedation, tremors, incoordination and seizures.” On the other hand, some other antidepressants may have the opposite effect, leading to elevated heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature.

“Keep in mind, too, that it seems pets enjoy the taste of Effexor and often will eat the whole pill,” Strusinski-Broschay warns.

Finally, she says, medications used in the treatment of human ADHD can also act as stimulants in pets, raising heart rates and creating anxiety.

How to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion

The good news is that there are simple things all “pet parents” can do to prevent or reduce the risk of accidental ingestion. The first is to keep your medicine where Fido or FiFi can’t reach it. The second is to consult your veterinarian before giving your pet any medication not specifically prescribed for that pet.

Strusinski-Broschay also recommends taking the following precautions:

Never store loose pills in a plastic bag, because pets can chew through them.
Reduce the chances of your pills getting mixed up with your pet’s medicine by keeping them separate.
If you keep your medication in your purse, make sure to store the purse out of reach because curious pets in search of treats may mistakenly eat the contents.

“Remember, pets metabolize medication differently from humans, so if you have any questions regarding a medication your pet may have ingested, call your vet,” Strusinski-Broschay says.

In other words, better safe than sorry…

Connecticut Pet Store Fire Sparks Controversial Puppy Mill Bill

Posted on February 13, 2019February 12, 2019 by alexb2448

A recent fire at a Danbury, Connecticut, pet store has apparently prompted a handful of state lawmakers to revisit proposed legislation targeting puppy mills.

According to published reports, the so-called “Puppy Mill Bill” would “address shutting down so-called puppy mills and kitten factories, which are large-scale commercial facilities that breed animals and sell them to many local puppy stores in Connecticut and New York.”

The media also notes that the way the bill is written and designed is similar to a new California law that just went into effect. Like its west coast counterpart, the Connecticut bill seeks to prevent pet stores from selling dogs, cats and rabbits unless they are sourced from animal shelters or rescue groups. If passed, however, the Connecticut bill would not affect local breeders who sell the animals directly to the public.

There was too much excitement at Puttin' on the Dog for these little kittens! — We’re pooped! Hurricane Harvey kittens at Puttin’ on the Dog, 2017. Photo by Alexandra Bogdanovic

Critics push back

Even so, not everyone is happy about the proposed legislation. In an ensuing interview, the owner of Puppy Love, the pet store where the fire occurred, said the law would be “a huge mistake.”

Specifically, Sean Silverman, who sources the animals he sells from “reputable breeders” with “complete guarantees,” says the law could put him out of business.

“Most of the people who come to us are looking for pure-bred dogs, which many local rescues don’t offer,” Silverman said. “If stores like ours are unable to provide the type of puppies that people want, then some 15 to 20 thousand people here in Connecticut will go on the internet, get a dog with zero regulations, and have it shipped, but will not get any guarantees, it’s just putting these people in a bad situations.”

Silverman also said that his business complies with all applicable state regulations.

“I pay about $7,000 a month in vet bills back to customers whose dog or cat may have had issues within 20 days of the purchase,” he explained. “Stores like ours do this because it’s the law. I have a five-year congenital warranty as well, something that would not be offered by a shelter or home breeder.”

Businesses like his are already “heavily regulated,” Silverman concluded. Given that, he said, it is clear that a bill targeting them “would be a huge mistake.”

State Representative Representative Richard Smith from New Fairfield also told the media that he has some concerns about the broad language in the proposed legislation and cannot support it in its current form.

Seeking support

On the other hand Representative Steven Harding has no problem supporting the measure.

““As a dog owner myself, I am happy to support initiatives that help to ensure that pets are treated safely and humanely,” he told the media.

Representative Raghib Allie-Brennan, from Connecticut’s 2nd Assembly District, which includes Bethel, Danbury, Newtown, and Redding, is currently leading a bipartisan delegation of seven legislators backing the proposed legislation. Of the seven on the committee, five are co-sponsoring the bill with him.

Although Allie-Brennan is now seeking more support from colleagues who have these type of pet stores in their districts, only time will tell whether the legislation finally gets the backing it needs.

What do you think? Should Connecticut approve this bill? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Estate Planning With Your Pets In Mind

Posted on February 11, 2019February 9, 2019 by alexb2448

Good morning, everyone! Happy Monday! Are you ready for some thought-provoking questions to start your week? Well, ready or not, here they are.

What will happen to your pet(s) if something happens to you? Who will take care of them? Where will they live? Will they end up in a familiar place with people they know? Or will they end up in a shelter, where they will be left to an uncertain fate? Have you thought about it? Do you have a plan?

You don’t? Why not? Make one. Put it in writing. Share it with your friends and family. Talk to your lawyer about it. Seriously. It’s important!

Runner-up in one of the contests at the 30th annual Puttin' on the Dog festival. — Second place? What do you mean I got second place? The indignity of it all. Puttin’ on the Dog, Greenwich CT. Photo by Alexandra Bogdanovic

Estate planning

Proper estate planning is a proactive rather than a reactive process. As such, it allows you to prepare for unanticipated events, instead of simply reacting to them. Specifically, it allows you to create a strategy that can be shared with your family and used in the event of a serious, catastrophic or fatal injury or illness. In other words, this is a way to ensure your wishes — including those about the care of your pet(s) — are documented and followed if/when you are no longer capable of expressing them.

The last will and testament

When most people think about estate planning, making a will is the first thing that comes to mind. This is because a valid will is a legal document required for the settlement of your affairs and distribution of your estate. Or, to put it in plain English, it is a legal document in which you specify who gets what after you die, and designate someone (called an executor) to make sure your wishes are carried out accordingly.

According to The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), you should keep a few of things in mind if you’re considering including provisions pertaining to the care of your pet(s) in your will. Specifically, you should be aware that:

Your will only takes effect upon your death.
It takes time to sort everything out (determine if the will is valid and so on).
Other complications could arise, especially if someone decides to contest (challenge) the will.

“Even determining the rightful new owner of your pet can get delayed. In other words, it may take a long time before your instructions regarding your pet’s long-term care can be carried out,” the HSUS says. “This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should not include a provision in your will that provides for your pet. It just means that you should explore creating additional documents that compensate for the will’s limitations.”

Setting up a trust

A trust is another type of legal tool used in the estate planning process. It allows you to allocate funds for a specific purpose, such as the care of your pet, if something happens to you. It also allows you to choose someone to manage the trust.

According to the HSUS, the benefits of using a trust in addition to a will are:

It ensures your pet’s immediate needs are met.
It can be used while you are sill alive (in the event of illness/injury).
You can decide when it goes into effect.
It allows for the exclusion of some funds from probate.

“There are many types of wills and trusts,” the HSUS points out. “Determining which is best for you and your pet depends on your situation and needs.”

The organization also stresses the importance of getting proper legal advice from “an attorney who both understands your desire to provide for your pet and can help you create a will and/or trust that best provides for him.”

Because there may be different rules depending on where you live, the HSUS recommends that you and your lawyer verify that the trust established for the benefit of your pet(s) is valid and enforceable in your state.

Power of attorney

Finally, a third type of legal document, called a power of attorney, allows someone else someone else to handle some or all of your affairs for you while you are alive. As such, they can be written to take effect upon your physical or mental incapacity and remain in effect after you become incapacitated.

They are simpler than trusts and may include provisions allowing the person authorized to handle your affairs “to take care of your pets, expend money to do so, and even to place your pets with permanent caregivers if appropriate.”

Short-term solutions

Of course, the strategies used in estate planning are generally devised to address future events. An HSUS fact sheet, called “Providing for Your Pet’s Future Without You,” details not only the issues we have already discussed, but other ways to ensure your pets are taken care of in an emergency.

Its recommendations include but are not limited to:

Identifying at least two responsible friends or relatives who agree to serve as temporary caregivers if you have an emergency. Giving them with keys to your home; feeding and care instructions; the name of your veterinarian; and information about the permanent care provisions you have made for your pet.

• Ensuring that your neighbors, friends, and relatives know how many pets you have and the names and contact numbers of the individuals who have agreed to serve as emergency caregivers. Emergency caregivers should also know how to contact each other.

• Carrying a wallet “alert card” that lists the names and phone numbers of your emergency pet caregivers.

• Posting removable “in case of emergency” notices on your doors or windows specifying how many and what types of pets you have. Doing so will let first responders know that you have pets so they can act accordingly.

• Posting a removable notice with relevant information to the inside of your front and back doors.

The HSUS fact sheet also addresses related concerns, such as the importance of making formal arrangements for your pet’s care if something happens to you; keeping in contact with the designated caregivers; entrusting your pet’s care to a specific organization; and more.

You can find the details here.

It is sad, but it is not necessarily inevitable

As a volunteer at a local animal shelter, I became aware of several cases in which dogs were surrendered because their owners could no longer care for them. In a few of those cases, I believe we had an agreement that the dog would be returned to us in such circumstances. In other cases, the animals were simply surrendered by family members who were unable to care for them and had nowhere else to turn.

In any case, it was always sad. But it does not have to be inevitable.

Disclaimer: The preceding article is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be considered as legal advice. For legal advice, including questions and concerns about estate planning; animal law; and providing for your pets in the event of illness, injury or death, consult a qualified attorney in your area.

On Pet Parents Fur Babies And The Joys Of Cleaning Cat Puke

Posted on February 9, 2019February 4, 2019 by alexb2448

Just for the record, Eli is not my “son.” He is not my “fur baby,” and I am not his “mother.” No, Virginia, I am not a “pet parent.”

That is not to say I don’t love him. Of course I do. That I love him enough to take a bullet for him is well documented in this forum. That I would also beat the living hell out of anyone who even thought about harming one fur on his incredibly adorable little head should also go without saying.

Eli, the In Brief Legal Writing Services mascot. — In Brief Legal Writing Services mascot Eli catching up on the latest news. Photo by Alexandra Bogdanovic

That’s because Eli is a cat. Sure, he is my constant companion, my best friend and my therapist, all wrapped up into one really cute bundle of fur. And yes, he is definitely part of the family. As such, he counts on me and my mother (his people) to provide food, water, a clean litter box, medical care (although he hates the vet), shelter and protection, among other things.

I can’t speak for my mother, but personally I am happy to oblige.

The joys of cleaning up cat puke

Sometimes. No. Make that most of the time. To be brutally honest, there is one aspect of being Eli’s No. 1 person that I really don’t enjoy. I mean, I know he needs one, but I really don’t appreciate that he appointed me sanitation chief. In this capacity, I am not only responsible for cleaning out and changing the litter in his boxes, but I am also solely responsible for cleaning up after him whenever he pukes.

This usually happens when he’s been out on the deck, bingeing on the grass in the containers we leave out for him. And since we have a lot of hardwood floors in our house, there are times when the clean up is relatively easy. And then there are times — like Monday morning — when, for some strange reason, he decides not to puke on a hard surface.

On Monday morning, I came up to my loft/home office to find that my dear, sweet, lovable, adorable cat, whom I love more than life, had puked all over one end of an extremely expensive futon. Needless to say, I was not happy about it.

At least kids learn to clean up after themselves

After spending at least half an hour gathering supplies, cleaning and scrubbing, I finally got rid of the mess. And I found myself thinking that maybe — just maybe — there are some similarities between taking care of a cat and taking care of a child.

“I challenge anyone to tell me that taking care of a cat isn’t like taking care of a little kid,” I told my mother. “I seem to spend a lot of time cleaning up poop and vomit.”

“Yes, she said. But at least children evolve. Animals stay fairly constant.”

She’s got a point. I mean, Eli is brilliant. But unless he suddenly, miraculously sprouts opposable thumbs, learns to walk on his hind legs and gains even more self-awareness, he won’t be cleaning up after himself anytime soon.

But that’s OK. I love him anyway.

End Dogfighting In Connecticut Now

Posted on February 7, 2019February 2, 2019 by alexb2448

Anyone who knows me at all knows I have a temper. Anyone who knows me at all also knows that I have absolutely, positively, no tolerance whatsoever for criminal activity targeting children, the elderly, or animals.

So imagine how I felt when I read a January 21 article on ctpost.com detailing the prevalence of dogfighting in Connecticut. Let’s just say I wasn’t very happy. In fact, it made my blood boil.

As far as I’m concerned, there is no place for this vicious, cruel, and barbaric activity at all — much less in the 21st century. The time to end it is now.

The harsh reality of dogfighting in Connecticut

Jessica Rubin, a state animal advocate and UConn law professor quoted in the article, has researched dogfighting charges in Connecticut. While doing so, she found that 110 people were charged with “dogfighting related offenses” here between 2007 and 2017.

Among other things, Rubin told ctppost.com that there were no charges in some years and multiple charges in others. She also noted that the activity seems to be most prevalent in areas with the greatest population densities.

“The issues include extreme cruelty, criminal behavior, gambling, giving dogs unauthorized medicines and violence,” Rubin said. “Children are exposed to the offenses and it compounds the dogfighting.”

One of the many dogs available for adoption at a local shelter a few years ago.

Meanwhile, dogs that are lucky enough to survive and escape their ordeal, “usually end up in shelters around the state in hopes that law-abiding dog lovers will adopt them and end their nightmare with care and love.”

And then there are those who aren’t so fortunate.

“When they’re no longer profitable to dog fighters — or if they don’t show enough ‘fighting spirit’— they’re typically killed in atrocious ways, including by being used as ‘bait dogs,’ drowned, electrocuted, beaten or hanged,” Martin Mersereau, vice president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, told ctpost.com. “There are no winners in this sickening blood sport, only abject criminals who represent the very worst of human nature,” Mersereau added.

Freedom’s story

Two years ago, someone found a badly wounded dog — later named Freedom by rescuers — “wandering on Brushy Plains Road in Branford covered in scars and injuries.”

His story is also chronicled in the ctpost.com article.

According to the account, officials at the Branford Animal Shelter concluded the wounds were the result of dogfighting. They also determined that Freedom whose teeth were filed down so he couldn’t inflict damage on other dogs, was probably used as a “bait” dog. As such, it would have been his “job” to trigger attacks by combatants.

“Based on the wounds, this dog definitely took the brunt of whatever has been going on,” shelter director Laura Burban then told the New Haven Register. “What we can see is that it looks like his feet were tied together and he was used as the bait dog for other dogs to attack him,” she said.

Freedom is not alone…

Currently, dogfighting is not only illegal throughout the United States, but it is also a felony in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Even so, Freedom’s story is not unique.

According to American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) statistics cited in the ctpost.com story, there are tens of thousands of dog fight organizers across the country that force hundreds of thousands of dogs to brutally train and fight for sport.

Over the last eight years, the organization says, it has assisted with 200 dogfighting cases in 24 states and has helped rescue and investigate nearly 5,000 victims of dogfighting.

Last year alone, the ASPCA says it directly rescued more than 400 animals from dogfighting rings across 12 states.

“Through our extensive work with law enforcement agencies nationwide, we know that organized dogfighting is taking place in every type of community across the country, causing unimaginable pain and suffering for the animals involved,” Stacy Wolf, senior vice president of ASPCA’s Anti-Cruelty Group told ctpost.com.

And that is unacceptable.

The Efficacy Of U.S. Pet Protection Laws

Posted on February 5, 2019February 2, 2019 by alexb2448

As most of you know, I am passionate about two aspects of the law. One is animal law and the other is criminal law. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that I’ve done a lot of posts on both topics in this forum.

Founder/owner of In Brief Legal Writing Services, Alexandra Bogdanovic. Photo by N. Bogdanovic

Specifically, I have written about the steps that state lawmakers across the United States have taken to protect companion animals and punish the people who abuse, hoard and neglect them. I must admit, there have been a lot of positive developments since I created this website and started posting here in 2015.

But of course, that’s just my opinion. Let’s see what the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) has to say about the implementation and efficacy of animal protection laws across the United States as of 2018.

How the states were judged

Last month, the ALDF released its annual Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report , which includes “the best and worst US states and territories when it comes to animal protection.”

Along with the results, American Veterinarian.com published an article explaining how the states were judged. As reported on that website, the ALDF’s criteria included “19 aspects of animal protection, including 5 new categories: the definition of ‘animal,’ courtroom animal advocate programs, laws that allow individuals to rescue dogs from hot parked cars, civil nuisances abatement, and breed-specific legislation.”

Based on its assessment, the ALDF determined that the U.S. as a whole is making progress — but there is still room for improvement.

“Every year, we see more states enacting broader legal protections for animals,” ALDF’s Executive Director Stephen Wells told American Veterinarian.com. “We have a long way to go until animals are fully protected under the legal system as they deserve, especially in the lowest-ranked states.…But as this year’s Ranking Report shows, step by step we as a nation are improving how the law treats animals.”

How the states ranked

Starting with the good news, the top states were:

Illinois
Oregon
Maine
Colorado
Massachusetts

“With the creation of laws banning the sexual assault of animals, Louisiana (7) and Massachusetts (5) were among the most improved states in 2018. Besides Massachusetts, each of the 5 best states has remained consistent with the previous years,” the American Veterinarian.com article notes.

On the other hand, these were the states that ranked near or at the bottom of the list:

46. New Mexico
47. Wyoming
48. Iowa
49. Mississippi
50. Kentucky

Of particular concern is the lack of progress in Kentucky, which was ranked last for the second consecutive year. Specifically, the ALDF’s 2018 report found that, despite its allowance for increased penalties for repeat abusers and/or animal hoarders, Kentucky has not made any significant changes in the following areas:

Adequate definitions or standards of basic care
Restriction of animal ownership after a conviction
Mandatory forfeiture of animals upon conviction

One of the most obvious deficiencies in Kentucky’s animal safety regulations is its lack in felony penalties for animal cruelty (including neglect, sexual assault, or abandonment). Furthermore, Kentucky is still the only state that precludes veterinarians from reporting suspected animal cruelty, abuse, or fighting.

To make matters worse, there are no statutory provisions for post-conviction restitution or forfeiture, except in cases involving horses. In other words, owners who have harmed their pet don’t have to surrender it — so they really aren’t being held fully accountable for their actions.

Why do we need animal protection laws?

Of course, there are plenty of people who don’t like animals — and to them all of this is pointless. In most cases, they argue that people are more important, and lawmakers should concentrate on addressing “more important issues” like healthcare, gun violence and climate change.

Personally, I have a different perspective — one gained during 21 years covering cops and courts in three states. You see, I have written about my share of violent crime. And I know for a fact that the types of people who commit these acts have no qualms about harming animals to begin with.

So, yes animal protection laws do matter. In fact they matter a lot.

Whatever You Do, Do Not Get A Wild Animal As A Pet

Posted on February 3, 2019February 1, 2019 by alexb2448

“Here’s the thing about sloths. They’re kind of anti-social.”

Not to be obnoxious or anything, but sometimes I really, really, really wonder if there is any end to human stupidity. Seriously.

I mean for one thing, what would make someone think that a wild animal would make a good pet? I honestly thought Sterling North addressed that issue when he wrote Rascal.

If you haven’t read it, please do. It’s about a raccoon, and it’s a classic. And once you’ve finished I am sure you’ll agree that — as cute as Rascal was — he wasn’t the best pet.

Even if you disagree, here are a few things to consider.

Red pandas, and sloths, and sugar gliders, oh no!

According to a recent National Geographic article, you can blame the Internet and social media for the surging popularity of wild animals as pets.

“In some cases, owners post videos of wild animals in their care, coddling them as if they were domesticated,” author Annie Roth notes.

Some of the wild animals now in demand include red pandas, sloths and sugar gliders, among others. But, the experts stress, none of these wild animals make good pets.

Red pandas are (not) so cute

Yes, the look adorable, with their sumptuous, rust-colored coats large tufted ears, facial markings, and bushy ringed tails. But appearances are deceiving.

“You don’t want wild animals as pets, and you particularly would not want to have a red panda,” Thane Maynard, director of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden told National Geographic. “They have cat-like claws that would tear up your furniture and maybe even you.”

Aside from that, they stink. Literally. As a defense mechanism, they can release a foul-smelling scent from their anal glands. And, Maynard said, “they mark their territory like many mammals do, so it would really be a smelly mess at your house.”

Just as importantly — if not more so — red pandas “are endangered throughout their range and their commercial trade is illegal under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).”

Solitary sloths

Here’s the thing about sloths. They’re kind of anti-social. The only times they really show any inclination for interacting with each other is when they mate or have babies to raise. And when it comes to interacting with humans… well, let’s just say it’s not a very good idea. In fact, it’s not a good idea at all.

“Sloths are fragile animals,” Cassandra Koenen, global head of exotic pets at the animal welfare nonprofit World Animal Protection, told National Geographic. “Being touched [by humans] on a regular basis can cause them severe psychological damage.”

Finally, their reputation for being “chill” isn’t entirely accurate. Sloths are well equipped with sharp claws and teeth — and they won’t hesitate to use them when they feel upset or threatened.

Not-so-sweet sugar gliders

According to National Geographic, sugar gliders are popular in the exotic pet trade for few reasons. First, they’re easy to find because they’ve been bred in captivity. Secondly, ownership of sugar gliders is legal in the United Kingdom and in some parts of the U.S. and Australia.

In fact, sugar gliders are native to Australia and nearby islands. Unlike sloths, they are highly social and live in large family groups. They live up to their name by using a web of skin that stretches between front and forelimbs to glide from one tree to another. But they also have sharp claws, which make them well-suited for climbing. Within this context, it is also important to note that although a sugar glider’s claws aren’t that long, they can inflict damage on people.

Some other exotics that don’t make good pets

Here’s a short list of some other wild animals included in the National Geographic article that aren’t good pets:

The fennec fox
Slow lorises
Capybara
Lemurs
Tigers
Prairie dogs
Asian small-clawed otters

Now here’s the bottom line. Getting a wild animal as a pet is never a good idea. If you love exotics and you must indulge your passion for them, please consider volunteering at a sanctuary or zoo that cares for them. But please don’t indulge your ego. It’s not right and it’s not fair — especially to the animals.

Well This Is Certainly Long Overdue

Posted on January 31, 2019January 31, 2019 by alexb2448

Hello, everyone! Yes, it is me. Really. I am alive.

It’s hard to believe it’s already the end of January and I haven’t done a post since last year. In fact, you haven’t heard from me since last April!

The good news is, everything is OK. As a matter of fact, it has been great. Business has been booming here at In Brief Legal Writing Services… and that means I’ve been busy. Very busy. And that keeps me out of trouble… allegedly.

The bad news is that I have been so busy doing legal content writing (and other assignments) for my clients that I haven’t had time to keep up with my own website. I know, I know. It’s not good at all.

New year, new personal and professional goals

But, it’s a new year, so of course I’ve set new goals — for myself and for my business. That means a lot of exciting things will be happening here at In Brief Legal Writing Services. Hopefully! No. Make that, definitely! In no specific order, here’s what I’ve got planned for 2019 and beyond:

Greater engagement with clients and prospective clients;
New and better website (upgrades);
Regular blog posts and more interaction with you guys (I promise);
Growth, growth and more growth;
Having plenty of fun along the way.

In terms of content, I still plan on writing about my passions — namely animal and criminal law. In other words, I will continue to keep you apprised of all of the latest developments that may be of interest to all of the “pet parents” out there. As things stand right now, I plan on doing at least a couple of posts per week, and I expect you guys to hold me accountable if I don’t.

Having said all of that, I’m also counting on you guys to let me know what you think about these posts. If you like them, please let me know. If you don’t like them, that’s okay, too. Be honest about what you want to see, what you don’t want to see, and why. I am open to suggestions.

New year, same mascot!

One thing that hasn’t changed — and I’m hoping that it won’t change anytime soon — is that my best buddy, Eli the cat, is still the mascot here at In Brief Legal Writing Services. I’m happy to say he is still his happy, relatively healthy and feisty self. Of course, he is also a year older, having turned 13 on January 1 (his official unofficial birthday), but he is also as handsome as ever, so I’m sure I’ll be using lots of cute pictures with these posts.

And on that note, I’d better run. Until next time…