Mission Statement

• To celebrate animal life in all its forms

• To celebrate humankind’s relationship with the animal kingdom

• To acknowledge the diverse roles that animals play in our lives – from being our companions, supporting and helping us, to bringing a sense of wonder into our lives

• To acknowledge and be thankful for the way in which animals enrich our lives

World Animal Day takes place every year on 4 October.

Animal welfare groups, sanctuaries and individuals throughout the world hold special events to heighten public awareness of animal issues and to encourage people to think about how we as humans relate to animals.

Be part of something special. Making a small donation to your local animal shelter today.

Eric Derossett, 16, received his first fainting goat, Ruby, for Christmas a few years ago. But what started for Derossett as a pet grew into a hobby and is now a part-time business.

He sells some of the goats, but out of care for the animals screens prospective buyers to ensure they don’t intend to make meat of them.

“They eat grasses, vines and small shrubs, and they love to eat leaves,” Derossett said. “When they see leaves falling they’ll all start running out to tackle the leaves before they hit the ground.”

“Myotonia is the condition which causes them to stiffen up or fall over when they’re scared.” Derossett said. “It lasts for just a few seconds, and then they get right back up and start walking, although they might still be a little stiff.”

The goats appear to be pretty friendly on first visit. Derossett said that they are very playful and gentle. Jack, a 2-year-old billy goat, was especially friendly after receiving a few head rubs and nuzzle scratches.

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Meet Leo, a nine months old domestic cat/Asian leopard cross.

Leo weighs 8 to 10 pounds. He’s playful. He likes to get into trouble. He does flips around the house.

Leo also often hops into the bathtub or shower to enjoy the water.

Leo is extremely social, when somebody new comes to the door and he runs right up to them and tries to jump on their head.

Tell us about your unusual pets.

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In April, a fire severely damaged the Jacksonville Humane Society shelter.

Zoe Brose, a junior at  Episcopal High School and classmates Katie Schneider and Susan Brodersen started a fundraiser on the campus.

They made a promotional video and posters, and seeked the help of biology teacher Sally Russo, who had her students decorate lunch bags with animal faces for donation containers.

The students decided on some extra incentive.

They then asked Pat Andrews, the head of Episcopal's middle school, if she would dress as a cat if they raise $1,000.

Andrews agreed to do it at $2,000.

Add another $500, and Andrew Davies, dean of the middle school, agreed to wear an English sheep dog costume.

The ante was upped to $3,000, and veteran English teacher Billy Valentine joined in. His students even provided a modified costume - a cat mask, furry paws and tail.

The students did that and more, bringing in $3,300.

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Good news for many pets owners. Regular interaction with an animal will improve your health and reduce your medical bills. If you are considering getting a pet, this will be another good point to add to your consideration.

A study found that pet owners gained health benefits and visited the doctor 10 per cent less than those without pets. The health benefits dipped for those owners whose pets died during the survey and increased for those who acquired a pet.

Dr Bruce Headey, a principal research fellow at the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, said "But I guess I was surprised to find that it was the pet that changed them; people with pets were better off than people without them. When a pet died people's health decreased; when they got a pet for the first time their health improved and it appeared that it didn't matter what sort of pet it was, from horses to goldfish or dogs and cats. I had thought it would mainly be dogs who offered a health benefit because of the exercise that often comes with them, but it seems the companionship is amore important issue than exercise,"

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A hurricane preparedness expo in Honolulu teaches pet safety and advise on the necessary supplies to prepare for your pets. Kawehi Yim of the Hawaiian Humane Society runs down a list

1. A 2 week supply of food and water.
2. If you pet has medication make sure your pet has a 2 week supply of that medication.
3. Flea and tick preventative pills.
4. A first aid kit for animals
5. Their toys.
6. A towel
7. Pet ID is very important.
8. Photos of your pets.
9. Pet carrier.(Emergency shelters for pets are being built, but pets will not be allowed into the shelter unless they have a crate or carrier)

    

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