Come with me if you don’t want to shed!!

Sorry…I just had to say that. My husband likes to pun allot and it seems to be rubbing off on me. And now that you’re thoroughly confused, let me explain myself. I got an email about a product called FURminator. Now if you’ve seen the Ahnuld (heheh!) movies you’d understand the pun.

My cat Marcie could really use something like this. I’ve got all kinds of shedding tools but, so far, the best comb that works for me is a plain and simple flea comb (mainly because Marcie loves it when I use the flea comb). But it can’t hurt to try something like this. She’s a a shedding machine and I can’t imagine how something so small (well…12 pounds) can produce so much hair that I could probably upholster a small pillow with it.

Above is an example of how much hair can be eliminated from your pet’s body with the FURminator.

I really could have used this when Sasha was alive. When we shaved him that one time (yeah me and my cousin had a lovely time with a home-grooming kit), we could have upholstered an entire couch! Not sure it was such a good idea to shave him because, according to the email that I got, shaving a pets’ fur during warmer months can actually cause more harm than good.

Animals have an internal cooling system and their fur protects them from the sun. By shaving them, you expose your pet to harmful UV rays from the sun during the day and
leave them chillier than normal at night.

According to the website, the FURminator is designed reduce shedding better than any brush, comb or rake.

The company also claims that it

• Works great on all shedding, long and short-haired dogs and cats
• Brings out the pet’s natural oils, promoting healthier skin and a shiny topcoat
• Reduces the amount of airborne elements that cause allergic reactions in many people
• Helps to eliminate hairballs in cats

Products vary in size depending on the type and size of your pet. It even has new equine tool for horses and other large animals. Aside from the brushing tools, the company sells all kinds of accessories such as shampoo and supplements.

New Leash On Life rescues mange-ridden dog

It’s the worst case of demodectic mange they have ever seen, according to the New Leash On Life dog rescue organization. Maggie, a six-month-old Lab/Staffordshire terrier mix was found abandoned, dehydrated and hungry near the Hansen Dam area. The group of lifeguards that found her dropped her off at the nearby East Valley Shelter where they deemed her too sick for the costly veterinary care that the shelter would have to provide. She was scheduled to be euthanized when a shelter worker decided to give Maggie a chance by calling local rescue organizations. NLOL came to the rescue.

Above right: an NLOL caretaker tends to Maggie. The right photo shows just how severe the mange is.

Check out Maggie’s full story here! And check out this video!

Here’s current news on Maggie according to the website:

• 90% of Maggie’s mites are dead, which is good news
• It could take 6 months before we see a real improvement in her coat and up to 1-2 years for it to completely fill in. And actually chances are that some hair will not come back in certain areas. She could also be left with some permanent scarring.
• Maggie is currently on antibiotics for infection, Ivemectin for the mange, and will need weekly baths and possibly skin scrapings.
• We plan to find her booties for her feet so her toenails don’t re-open her wounds if she tries to scratch them.

To make a donation towards Maggie’s treatment go here! So far, approximately $1,500 has been raised towards Maggie’s treatment and more funds are needed to keep her long-term treatment going.

And check out Maggie’s story at The Signal.