TERRE HAUTE — The American Pet Products Manufacturer’s Association states that in 2005 consumers spent over $36 billion on their animals. According to Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, ASPCA National Program Office, a great amount of growth in the pet sales industry is due to items being purchased that our pets don’t really need. Zawistowski believes it’s more important to budget for the necessities. You can cut pet care costs by sticking to the basics with quality food, cat litter, and good medical care.
Preventative veterinary care is a good way to save money. An annual exam can catch health problems early and can save money in the long run. Included are heartworm, flea and tick preventive, checking your pet’s teeth and gums, heart, lungs, and internal organs. You can also help by checking under your pet’s fur for lumps, flakes or scabs. Look in your pet’s ears and eyes for redness or discharge and be aware of any changes in their eating or drinking habits. Keep your pet’s ears clean and brush your pet’s teeth. Your pet’s breath can indicate a health problem, as well. Consult your veterinarian for vaccinations that he/she recommends for your pet. Dr. Lila Miller, vice president, ASPCA Veterinary Outreach, says, “Veterinarians are now advised to assess each individual animal’s risk of exposure when designing a vaccination program.”
Spaying and neutering will have a profound effect on your pet’s health. It greatly reduces the chances of your pet getting cancer and contracting diseases, such as leukemia and FIV. Your pet will wander less and not contribute to the pet overpopulation problem.
You can also save money by grooming your pet at home. Brushing your pet on a regular basis will help reduce the fur around your home and your cat will have less hairballs. Learn to trim your pet’s nails. Nail trimmers are inexpensive and available at pet supply stores.
Purchase quality pet foods. Cheaper foods will cost more in the end as they are full of fewer digestible fillers that offer no nutrients, which can contribute to digestive problems and allergies. Good quality pet food will provide more energy for your pet, produce a healthier coat, and most likely ensure fewer costly visits to the vet. Don’t overfeed your pet and resist from giving your pet too many treats. The problem of obesity in pets is becoming all too common.
Consider training for your pet. A well-behaved pet is easier to handle and more enjoyable to be around. Training could possibly save you money if your pet stays by your side instead of running out into the street.
Valley Life
Cut pet care costs with quality food and good medical care
- Valley Life
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VIDEO: On the Banks of the Wabash far away …
Paul Dresser left Terre Haute a niche in history.
Opportunism, squabbling and fading memories gradually washed that gift away, like the unending flow of the Wabash River he immortalized in song.
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Vectren cautions public about snow, ice removal
Vectren Energy Delivery wants to remind customers to proceed with caution when removing snow and ice around natural gas meters at their homes or businesses this winter.
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Workshop to emphasize basics of alpaca farming
A one-day seminar on the fundamentals of alpaca farming is planned for Saturday at St. Mary-of-the-Woods.
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Genealogy Society offers free forum
The Wabash Valley Genealogy Society is offering a free educational forum titled “Brick Wall Hurdling” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 13 in rooms A, B and C of the Vigo County Public Library at Seventh and Poplar streets.
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PAW PRINTS: Want to adopt a pit bull? Here are some helpful hints
Despite the bad publicity, pit bulls can be very lovable and loyal family dogs. There is a great deal of confusion associated with the label “pit bull.” The most accurate definition refers to two breeds: the American pit bull terrier and the American Staffordshire terrier. Some people include other breeds in this group because they share similar head shapes and body types.
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Purdue Extension to offer diabetes cooking school
Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service-Parke County is offering a diabetes cooking school starting Feb. 27.
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Pepsi Community Caps Program to benefit charities
Refreshment Services-Pepsi will kick off its 2012 Community Caps Program on March 1. The Community Caps Program will benefit several charitable organizations and schools in Clay, Parke, Vermillion and Vigo counties in Indiana and Edgar County in Illinois.
- Special Occasions: Feb. 5, 2012
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Serve as 4-H judge, volunteer
The 2012 4-H Bi-State Judges and Leaders Clinic will be Feb. 18 at Ivy Tech Community College’s Main Campus, at 8000 S. Education Drive.
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BRIDGE COLUMN : Feb. 5, 2012
With January now history we can report new faces in both master point races, male and female.
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Tried 'n' True: Upside Down Pizza calls for crescent rolls
When our boys were young, we went every Sunday evening for pizza in Charleston, Ill. When they got to be older and they were working on the farm, I would make pizza from scratch.
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Extension to offer basic food preservation workshops
Purdue University Extension will be offering basic food preservation workshops at Clabber Girl Culinary Classroom in Terre Haute. Two sessions will offer different methods.
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GRAPE SENSE: Trips open my eyes to new wines in new regions
The wine industry spends a lot of money worldwide to promote brands, regions, and wine tourism. One of the many ways the wine industry invests is press trips.
Depending on when you read this column, I’m either in France or just returned from a press trip.
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Clay Habitat plans open house
Habitat for Humanity of Clay County will stage the dedication ceremony and open house for the Mary Ann Hofmann family home from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 12 at 518 E. Ridge St. in Brazil.
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Born to perform: Terre Haute South senior to sing in Carnegie Hall
Soon, the domed ceiling of Carnegie Hall and the archway in the Hayes family kitchen will share a special connection.
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8th District Rep. Bucshon visits CASA volunteers
The U.S Representative of the 8th Congressional District, Larry Bucshon met with CASA volunteers earlier this month to learn more about the Vigo County Court Appointed Special Advocates.
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Paw Prints: Animal protection law ranking hits home
The Humane Society of the United States released the 2011 “Humane State Ranking” of all 50 states and Washington D.C.
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Tried 'n' True: Here's a recipe for all you chocolate lovers
This recipe is for all you chocolate lovers.
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Soybean farmers build state fair building
Since 98 percent of Americans no longer live on farms, Indiana soybean farmers are going to bring the farm to the public in a new exhibit building at the 2012 Indiana State Fair.
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Sign up now for Rockville Public Library’s ebook class
Rockville Public Library will have free demonstrations on how to use ebook readers with its downloadable ebook service, Overdrive.
- Weddings, Anniversaries: Jan. 29, 2012
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Sullivan Foundation looking for Volunteer of Year
The Sullivan County Community Foundation is currently seeking nominations for its “Volunteer of the Year” award to be announced March 29.
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YOUR GREEN VALLEY: Conversation leads to imagining a world with no trees
I was recently asked by someone to imagine what the end of the world would look like. I consider myself a very optimistic person and have never imagined the end. The only image that came to mind was one often portrayed in a Hollywood movie, a scene where a big fireball comes down and everything is burnt to a crisp. The person I was talking with imagined the end would be a world where there are no living trees. This short but interesting conversation got me interested in what has and is plaguing trees.
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College offers cooking class in time for Valentine’s Day
Treat your sweetheart to a home-cooked romantic dinner for two this Valentine’s Day, courtesy of a cooking class offered at Lincoln Trail College.
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BRIDGE COLUMN : Jan. 29, 2012
In earlier columns we have reported on the winners of the various master point races at the Bridge Center for last year.
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Sign up now for Signing for the Savior classes
There is still time to sign up for Senior Education Ministries’ Signing for the Savior class; the first session is Tuesday.
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Birthdays: Jan. 29, 2012
•Thelma J. Parr
• Earl S. VanScoyk
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Ryves Neighborhood, WTWO plan ‘Share Your Love’ food drive
Ryves Neighborhood Association and WTWO are sponsoring the second annual food drive from Feb. 3-17 called “Share Your Love.”
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A safe crossing: ‘Turtle girl’ Amber Slaughterbeck makes it her duty to transport Wabashiki animals to safety
On her daily drive to classes at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, Amber Slaughterbeck kept encountering a sad scene alongside the highway.
- Special Occasions: Jan. 22, 2012
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