Seniors Can Benefit From Pet Ownership

Here's a good article to remind us of the benefits of pet ownership - at any stage of life, but especially as we get older. We all have the responsibility, but it is especially important for older pet owners, to consider what will happen to our pets if something happens to us? Including your pets as part of your estate plan, including creating a pet trust to ensure their future welfare is important. For more information, you can contact us directly or read more in "All My Children Wear Fur Coats - How to Leave a Legacy for your Pet." The book is available through our site on Amazon.

Seniors Can Benefit From Pet Ownership | Ryan, Hicks, Cumpton & Cumpton LLP

Should You Vaccinate Against Canine Flu? | petMD

This is a great question. Should you vaccinate against canine flu? The media is a buzz encouraging humans to get their flu shot. Every corner drug store is offering some kind of discount incentive. My health insurance company even sent me a coupon for a free flu shot. But what about my dogs?

Personally, I'm not that inclined to get the flu shot for myself. So, I hesitate when it comes to my dogs. Why get more vaccinations than you need? Read this article for more information about getting the flu shot for your canine friends. Chow!

Should You Vaccinate Against Canine Flu? | petMD

The Center for Animal Advocacy represented at Orlando Veg Fest

Central Florida had a festival weekend - one of the highlights was the Veg Fest.  Veg Fest is a vegan festival featuring vegan food vendors, spiritual life styles, animal welfare - just to name a few.  The Center for Animal Advocacy had the opportunity to meet lots of interesting people while spreading the word about the importance of protecting the legal rights of animals.  Attorney Peggy Hoyt was a featured speaker and presented on the topics of Estate Planning for Pets, Avoiding Veterinary Malpractice and Pets and Domestic Violence. 

Co-founders, Casey Taylor and Attorney Kim Radcliffe were front and center manning the booth and making new friends for the Center.  Casey did double duty representing the Center for Great Apes as well. 

The weather was gorgeous, the people interesting and the topics stimulating.  Look for us next week at the Walk for Farm Animals. 
 

Pet Talk: Celebrate National Feral Cat Day - USATODAY.com

October 15, 2011 is National Feral Cat Day. In the United States today there is an increasing feral cat population. Feral cats originate from lost or abandoned cats that are unsterilized and allowed to roam. They are not tame cats in the sense that they are easily integrated into a domestic household. Many organizations promote the idea of trap, neuter and release or TNR. It helps to stop further reproduction of cats within a colony.

Here's an article with more information:
Pet Talk: Celebrate National Feral Cat Day - USATODAY.com

Here's a video put out by The Humane Society of the United States

H.R.1406 - The Fairness to Pet Owners Act of 2011 | petMD

Here's an article on the recently introduced legislation, The Fairness to Pet Owners Act of 2011. It appears this legislation is designed to frustrate veterinarians and put more money in the pockets of pharmaceutical companies. However, it's not all bad. One point is that veterinarians will not be permitted to charge a fee to write a prescription just because you intend to have the prescription filled somewhere other than the vet's office.

If you have an opinion about the fairness of this legislation, please let us know.

H.R.1406 - The Fairness to Pet Owners Act of 2011 | petMD

Veterinary Malpractice - What I've learned from my first case. | Nashville Personal Injury Law

This is a great article written by a lawyer regarding the difficulties of prosecuting a veterinary malpractice case. The damage rewards are low to non-existent, therefore making pursuing the claim difficult. Most pet owners, although they believe strongly in the strength of their case, aren't able to finance the litigation costs. Most personal injury or malpractice attorneys can't afford to invest the time and energy in a case with no possibility for recovery. It is a true catch 22. Until the law changes, and it only will through the efforts of animal lovers everywhere, this may be the unfortunate reality if your pet is injured or killed.

Veterinary Malpractice - What I've learned from my first case. | Nashville Personal Injury Law

Wiggle Waggle Walk

If you want to make a difference in the life of an abused or abandoned dog or cat, join the SPCA of Central Florida and lots of pet lovers at the Wiggle Waggle Walk on Saturday October 22, 2011 at Crane's Roost, Uptown Altamonte.  For more information visit www.SeminolePets.com.  Hope you can join us!

Attention Veterinarians!

For all the vets out there, I'd like to introduce you to Tiffany King.  Tiffany is a CLU, ChFC, CASL which means she is a true professional in the insurance world.  She is an authorized representative with the AVMA Group Helath & Life Insurance Trust Program.  In this role she can provide lots of value added service and is happy to review your existing insurance programs, without obligation.  Tiffany is putting together a team of trusted advisors who serve the veterinary community - so you'll have a one stop shop to get professional advice of all kinds. 

Tiffany has been part of the The Law Offices of Hoyt & Bryan advisor referral team for many years.  Please feel free to contact her for additional information or to schedule a review.

Tiffany King, CLU, ChFC, CASL
AVMA GHLIT
20 N. Orange Avenue, #1300
Orlando, FL  3 2801
TiffanyFKing.com
407-595-2288

Watch for upcoming announcements about our educational workshop, "How to Avoid Veterinary Malpractice Claims."

WWF - Tiger Stamp - Help Protect Wildlife with New U.S. Postal Stamp

Here's a way we can all help. Buy this new stamp to protect wildlife!

WWF - Tiger Stamp - Help Protect Wildlife with New U.S. Postal Stamp

Did You Know September is Happy Cat Month? (Yes, Really) | petMD

September is a month to celebrate cats. I have four - two in, two out. I love having a household full of animals, cats, dogs and horses. How many pets do you have? Let's acknowledge all our pets this month by providing the very best care we can. Love your pets!

Did You Know September is Happy Cat Month? (Yes, Really) | petMD

National Adoption Weekend September 9-11 - PetSmart Stores everywhere!

This is National Adoption Weekend sponsored by PetSmart Charities at all PetSmart stores in North America.  The goal of the program is find thousands of pets a life long, loving home.  If you have room in your heart and your home, and you are willing to make a lifetime commitment to a loving companion, please visit your local PetSmart and bring home a friend!

Remember, until there are none, adopt one!

http://www.certifiedhumane.com

You vote with your dollars when you decide what you are going to buy at the grocery store. Seek out only those products that are raised humanely.

http://www.certifiedhumane.com

Walk a Hound Lose a Pound? That’s What Dr. Zeltzman’s New Book Recommends | petMD

Here's a great way for people and dogs to be fit! If you and your dog could both lose some weight, get out and walk. If you're both fit, keep up the good work. Dogs are the best walking companions every - they always want to go, they never have an excuse and they don't care what the weather is like or what time it is. They never have a competing appointment. Check me out, walking five everyday! Soon, Sienna the Service Puppy will make 6!

Walk a Hound Lose a Pound? That’s What Dr. Zeltzman’s New Book Recommends | petMD

GPS Collar Options: A Traveling Pet’s Best Friend? | petMD

This is good advice for people who travel with their pets. A microchip is essential, but there are other new high tech tools that can help us keep track of our pets.

GPS Collar Options: A Traveling Pet’s Best Friend? | petMD

New damage laws may impact malpractice rates for veterinarians

This article is clearly written to scare veterinarians. It describes two different scenarios - one where pets are simply considered property and one where pets are viewed as loved family members. The picture he paints and the one he suggest veterinarians should support is the pure property theory. It's an interesting take on the subject because most pet owners I know spend tons and tons of money at the vet because they do love their pets as family members. You can't have it both ways - pets as property for malpractice insurance purposes and pets as family for treatment purposes. We need to pick one and I think the family theory wins!

New damage laws will impact your wallet - DVM

Bufo Toads and Dogs: A Nasty Combination - But is it Worth Killing Over? | petMD

Dog owners beware if you have Bufo Toads in your vicinity. These toads can cause seizures and even death if not treated. If you have them, please consider a humane way of disposing of them as suggested in the article.

Bufo Toads and Dogs: A Nasty Combination - But is it Worth Killing Over? | petMD

Jobs With Animals – Obtainable Employment For Animal Lovers

This is a good list for people who love animals and want to make a living out of their passion. One excellent recommendation is to do what you love, the rest will come.

Jobs With Animals – Obtainable Employment For Animal Lovers

Top 7 Dangerous Dog Breeds | PropertyCasualty360

Be sure and read this article on dangerous dog breeds. Doesn't mean your dog is dangerous if it falls into this category but owning a dangerous breed could create problems for you in the future.

Top 7 Dangerous Dog Breeds | PropertyCasualty360

11 Exotic Endangered Animals To Never Buy As Pets | Global Animal

11 Exotic Endangered Animals To Never Buy As Pets | Global Animal

If You Can’t Stand the Heat ... On Burnt Pad Denial in Dogs | petMD

Yet another article about the dangers of heat - our dogs and cats can burn the pads of their feet on hot pavement. If you haven't walked on hot pavement in your bare feet recently, you might try it. Then think about how your pet must feel if made to walk on the same surface. Please pay special attention to the needs of your pets during this particularly hot time of the season. They need your protection from hot cars, pools, hot sidewalks and need plenty of food and shade.

If You Can’t Stand the Heat ... On Burnt Pad Denial in Dogs | petMD