The Owlery

Many pets have to undergo surgery at one point or another in their lives. In fact, you’re a very lucky pet owner if you’ve never once had to nurse your pooch or kitty back to health after an operation.

The most important thing in this situation is to make your companion feel as comfortable and well-looked-after as possible. One way in which to do this is to peruse the latest cat and dog beds on the market. Buying your pooch or feline friend a new bed is one of the biggest ways in which you can treat them. After all, if you came home after surgery to a comfortable new bed, wouldn’t you be overjoyed with whomever bought you it?

You should also pay close attention to any instructions the vet has given you regarding post-surgery care. Although changing dressings and administering injections/medication can seem cruel to the animal, it’s only in their best interests to have it done. You must remember this – don’t wimp out because they seem in pain. A good owner does all they can for their pet, regardless of whether or not it seems harsh.

Another thing to consider is perhaps investing in some of your pet’s favourite treats. These may not even be specific dog or cat products; for example, some dogs like to eat rice or scrambled egg when they are sick. These really help to calm the tummy and can act as comfort food does for humans. Some cats love to drink milk, or pick at a fish fillet, so don’t be afraid to pamper your pet. Now is when they need it most!

Lastly, one of the best things you can do for your pet post-surgery is to lavish them with love and affection. Give them lots of hugs and kisses (but not so vigorously that you pull their stitches out!) in addition to walks, when they want them. This’ll help them feel safe and loved, ultimately aiding their recovery.

One day I had the bright idea that sitting on my couch, gazing out the picture window at wild birds would help jumpstart my brain into coming up with clever writing ideas.

However, instead of enjoying hours admiring the colorful plumage of my fine-feathered-friends, I spent several agonizing days watching my wild bird feeder decimated by the local squirrels.

It was my fault, I suppose. In my ignorance, I bought one of those cute wooden ones that resembles a tiny house and carefully hung it on a pole clamped to my deck. Before too long, I discovered that it no longer looked like a house—well, maybe—perhaps one in a seedy neighborhood! The wood had been chewed through as the squirrels attempted to extract every last bit of sunflower seeds contained within its miniature windows. I cursed the little rodents, but they just seemed to scoff at me while laughing and picking their teeth with the splintered remains of the sad-looking little abode.

Undaunted, I headed back out to the hardware store to choose a new seed dispenser. This time I would buy one that was “squirrel proof.” I brought a metal feeder home, attaching it to the pole. “I DARE you to chew through this one,” I said as I shut the door behind me. A movement caught my eye and I swirled around to witness Rocky stuffing his cheeks full of seed while doing gymnastics on my new “squirrel proof” feeder. I ran outside screaming and he bolted off the deck and into the woods. This scene played out several times a day until, in exasperation, I yanked down the offending feeder and pitched it haphazardly into the garage.

Weeks later when I had forgotten all about the failed experiment and was shopping for cat food, a bag of birdseed caught my eye. In big letters, it said, “Squirrel proof. I’m a PEST. This is hot!” On the bag, (next to a picture of a squirrel fleeing, I might add), it explained that squirrels have tastebuds, which birds apparently lack. “Squirrels will not enjoy this food,” the product promised.

Excitedly, I plunked down a tenspot and hauled the bag out of the store. Hope sprung eternal and once again I erected my metal feeder, loading it to the top with the new wonder seed. Of course, this should be the end of the story, but alas, it is not. Rocky must have hailed from south of the equator because it turned out that he adored spicy food. Within days, the entire lot was history.

Bird Feeding 101

I’m nothing, if not stubborn, I suppose. Googling squirrels and bird feed, I came across several squirrel stratagems, eventually deciding upon a tubular metal finch feeder with miniscule holes meant for tiny beaks only. I also purchased an expensive little device called “Twirl-A-Squirl” which I attached to the top of the red metal feeder.

When more than one pound of weight lands on the feeder, a siren is sounded and the feeder spins around rapidly pitching the squirrel headlong into the yard. It works like a charm and keeps me entertained. Of course, some squirrels are drawn to it, just as some humans are drawn to mechanical bulls, but pretty soon, they are all thrown off!

Take that Rocky!