ANITA'S ANIMAL CORNER
Over Population & Tips
By Jean Sutherland
jeansutherland@jeansutherland.com

     One female cat and one male cat and their offspring can produce 420,000 cats in seven years. These numbers help explain the problem of pet over-population and overflowing animal shelters.
     Shocking numbers and that is why the Lakeside Spay Neuter AC needs your help. A donation of $15 can help get a puppy or kitten spayed so that the numbers above need never show up at Lakeside.
     Consider talking to your maid or gardener to see if they have pets that need help getting spayed. For many of them the cost of spaying is not within their grasp. Spring is prime breeding time for a lot of animals and your help helps not just the community but helps in many other ways. It makes Lakeside a more desirable area when you do not have massive numbers of street animals or dead animals lining the roads. It’s not a great first impression for people considering moving here and is not an incentive for your real estate to rise in value.
     The money you save with this free flea protection recipe could spay a young animal. An essential oil collar provides protection against fleas, is economical, and easy to make. Start by purchasing a soft material collar from your grocer or pet store. In a small glass bowl, mix the following together:
1/2 teaspoon rubbing alcohol
1 drop Cedarwood essential oil
1 drop Lavender essential oil
1 drop Lemongrass essential oil
1 drop Thyme essential oil
1 drop Garlic essential oil OR
4 contents of garlic capsules (discard capsule shell).
     Blend your ingredients together and then submerge and saturate the new collar, soaking it until it has fully absorbed your potion. Leave it to dry completely before putting it around your pet’s neck. You’ll find it effective for approximately one month.
     Note: Animals have a much keener sense of smell than do humans, so use a minimum quantity of essential oil and increase the quantities if and when you find it necessary. Use only high quality, PURE essential oils, or your efforts will have been wasted.

CAT SCRATCHING YOUR FURNITURE?

To help deter the scratching of your favorite piece of furniture, consider using sticky tape. Place double sided sticky tape to all areas of the furniture that your cat is scratching. Your cat will find the tape displeasing to her paws and refrain from scratching this area. Be sure to provide a scratching post or board for your cat.

GARAGE SALE ITEMS NEEDED

     One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. Most of us love yard sales and Anita’s Animals is in need of donated items of trash and treasures. Some of the special items we will be selling at the market every other Wednesday and other items will be saved for our huge spring garage sale. If you have items to donate please call Aileen McTague at 766 2618.
     To help your maid or gardener get their pets spayed at a rea-sonable fee please contact Gudren Jones at 766 3813.