Don’t You Love A Story With A Happy Ending?

Here at Clear The Air, when it comes to animals, we love a happy story!

The San Diego Humane Society does a wonderful job of finding pets’ forever homes and we love to share success stories from them.

Charlie & Diego – Bonded Pair Provide Love and Warmth

Charlie and Diego are brothers.  When my husband and I saw them at the Central shelter we noticed they were VERY bonded.  We had never had two cats at the same time but we didn’t feel we could separate them.

That was two years this past Sept.  They have continued to express love for each other while maintaining decidedly different  personalities…this makes them even more fun to observe.

I could talk for hours about what a wonderful experience this has been for us, but what would Charlie and Diego say?  See Picture… caption’s would be: “We are so glad we were adopted by a quilter mom who lets us lay on every new quilt she finishes and sleep in a box of scraps in the sewing room, and a dad who built a cat condo and potty box area adjacent to a window so we can sit outdoors and be safe and NO potty smell in the house. We also enjoy nap time with him!”

San Diego Humane Society Success Story

We love hearing success stories!

As we usually do every Monday, we would like to share a wonderful success story from the San Diego Humane Society. Ruth, aka Elsa, was adopted by a sweet family and they think the world of her:

“…the sweetest dog in the world. We love her so much.”

Dear Humane Society,

I’d like to update you on the wonderful dog we adopted from you on Gaines St. on Nov. 24th 2012.  She was named Elsa while in your excellent care & is a pit bull mix & the sweetest dog in the world.  We love her so much.

I sent a few pictures shortly after we adopted her & here are a few more. We renamed her Ruth after Ruth 1:16 in the Bible where Ruth is speaking to her mother-in-law, Naomi.  “Don’t make me leave you, for I want to go wherever you go, & to live wherever you live; your people will be my people, & your God shall be my God.”  That scripture seemed to fit so Ruth or Ruthie she is & we are her people!

Thank you to all the folks at your place for caring for her so lovingly until we came along.  God bless you all.

Shari & Richard H.
June 2013

5 Helpful Bird Care Tips

Are you a bird owner?

Pet birds can be a lot of fun and provide much entertainment for your entire family. The Clear The Air family loves all animals  and we would like to share some care tips for pet birds.

Remember to use Clear The Air at the bottom of your bird’s cage to eliminate any and all odors. Remember, it is 100% non-toxic even if ingested!

1. Before bringing your bird home, you will want to make sure you purchase a large well-constructed cage.  No matter the species, it is important for your bird to have enough room to stretch his wings and fly short distances.  Horizontal bars and perches need to also be installed in your cage at varying heights.
2. Line the bottom of the cage with plain paper or paper bags that are cut to size and make sure it is changed daily.  We recommend sprinkling Clear The Air at the bottom of your bird cage to keep odors away.  Place your bird’s cage in a warm, bright part of the house off the floor that is close to where the action is but away from drafts and direct sunlight.  Make sure your bird is not close to the kitchen as they are extremely sensitive to fumes from ovens, cookware and such.
3. When it comes to feeding your bird, pelleted food is the way to go.  While seed mixes provide variety, they do not always provide the best nutrition. Fresh veggies and fruits should be given to your bird every day.  Dark, leafy greens are packed with vitamins and many birds also enjoy carrots and broccoli.  Fresh cold water should also be available at all times and changed at least once a day.
4. A trained and tamed bird will need at least an hour of exercise out of the cage in a safe and enclosed room every day.  He may simply want to just sit on your shoulder or explore the room.  For birds that do not take to handling, providing a selection of toys like ladders, swings and mirrors with bells are a great way to keep your bird entertained.
5. Providing a shallow dish at the bottom of the cage is a great way to provide a bath for your bird and keeping his plumage looking perfect.  It is probably a good idea to schedule a bath right before you plan to clean out the cage.

A Happy Dog Adopted From The SD Humane Society

We love stories with a happy ending!

Especially when it involves animals! Check out this great happy ending story from the San Diego Humane Society about a dog, Milo, who was adopted by a sweet and loving family…he even has his own Facebook Page!

“He is my inspiration and gives me more joy then anyone could ever imagine!”

We adopted Milo a pug/ Chow Chow mix  in 2008 from SD (Gaines Street) location and he has been the smartest most loving dog we have ever had.

He loves to go with us everywhere we go including our office. He goes to work every day.Milo even has his own tie for the office, but usually wears a simple bandana for a more casual look!

He enjoys just sitting in the car, thinks he is a pug and will try to climb on your lap. He has learned many tricks but his best trick is just the fact he loves to cuddle!

He was a groomsman in my sons wedding last year and even danced with guests at the reception. He is “The boss” like all the staff at the office like to call him and he loves every minute of it.

One of the artists at Kess Inhouse in Oceanside (Where Milo Works ) even created an Art piece of him and now others can enjoy his sweet face because you can buy it on home goods on Kess inhouse website and even direct from Amazon.

He is my inspiration and gives me more joy then anyone could ever imagine!

Here is Milo’s facebook page
facebook.com/MILODOGPAGE

The Gupta Family
October 2013

How To Get Your Cat To Use The Litter Box

It is natural for a cat to want to use its litter box.

Sometimes, however, kitties have accidents and they don’t always use the litter box when they should. Most of the time it is something you, as their owner, can change for them and make their litter box more accessible.

Here are some tips for creating a pleasant environment for your kitty’s sandbox:

• Keep the litter box in a safe and quiet location. Make sure it is not in a corner with no escape – like the end of the laundry room with one entry/exit.
• Keep litter box clean….no one likes a dirty outhouse!
• Keep litter box and the cat’s feeding area in separate places.
• Don’t place litter box on carpet…often the feel of carpet is more attractive than the litter.
• Don’t move the box around and if you have to change the location of it, do it gradually (a few inches a day)
• The bigger the box, the better.
• Add Earth Care’s Clear The Air Odor Eliminator to the box every time you scoop or clean the box.

If your kitty misses the sandbox or has an accident somewhere else he/she isn’t supposed to, clean up the spot and sprinkle Earth Care on the soiled area. Cat urine is a very strong odor and unfortunately it stays in the carpet if you do not have the proper way to get rid of it. That is why Earth Care works great for cat urine odor. Earth Care draws in odors like a powerful magnet. The odors are adsorbed and neutralized.

Mutt Monday’s Pet Of The Week

Check Out April!

April is available for adoption and is one of the San Diego Humane Society’s employee picks. Find out why:

Pat R., one of our wonderful Central Campus Canine Companions, adores the 10-year old Border Collie/Spaniel Mix, April, and has chosen her as her pick:

What do you like best about your pick’s personality? “She’s ADORABLE! Lots of spunk for an ol’ dog! April loves to run around and play.”

What first drew you to your pick? “I love Border Collies!”

Is there something special about the way
your pick looks? “Her cute ‘old soul’ mug and fluffy ‘always-wagging’ tail!”

What is your pick’s coolest/silliest/most fun trait? “She insists on taking her toy from the agility yard back to her crate! I wish I had a video of it!”

Anything else? “Look at that face! What’s not to love?!”

April’s intake number is 131412. She is looking for her forever home…come check her out!

Does Your Kitty Make Biscuits?

This kitty is so cute falling asleep while making biscuits!

Does your kitty knead, or make biscuits?

If your kitty makes biscuits, it’s a sign he or she loves you! Check out more ways to see if your cat loves you.

Marshmallow Needs A Furr’Ever Home!

Marshmallow – A  suuuper SWEET treat!

Check out Marshmallow from the San Diego Humane Society! She needs a forever home and is as sweet as can be!

Behold, the marshmallow!! T’was ever there a sweeter treat? And, true to her name, Marshmallow, the 11-month old kitty, is just as sweet as can be. Now, as is the case for any marshmallow, this adorable red tabby can require a little bit of time and care in order to warm up and soften. You see, she had a rough start and was forced to fend for herself during a time when she should have been pampered. As is such, she can be a bit wary of new people and environments.

But this sweet girl has made remarkable progress in the short time that she has been with us, and we just know that when she finds the right home, she is certain to show how very beautiful she is both inside and out. In addition to being sweet and having an adorable face, Marshmallow’s favorite pastimes include looking out the window and watching the world around her, playing with her feather toy, and rolling over for a good belly rub.

We simply can’t wait for this wonderful kitty to find a loving home, where she can feel safe and loved and let her inner sweetness shine!

If you are interested in meeting Marshmallow, please come by our Central Campus on Gaines street to meet her, or call us at (619) 299-7012.

Animal ID 134588

Why You Should NOT Declaw Your Cat!

Declawing your cat is not the answer!

If you are thinking of declawing a cat, or a veterinarian suggests declawing at the same time as neutering, before you make a decision for non-reversible surgery, please consider these reasons NOT to declaw.

Your cat will live his remaining years with the result of your decision, one way or another.

First it is important to know scratching is normal. Cats scratch for several reasons. First, it feels good. It also “files” their nails and helps make room for newer growth.

Declawing can trigger behavioral problems. Although veterinary research has not turned up evidence that declawing alters a cat’s personality, the simple mechanical changes the procedure brings can eventually result in behavioral changes. Declawed cats may be more likely to bite, for example, since their first line of defense is gone.

Declawing your cat rids him of his chief weapon of defense. A typical counter-argument is, “My cat is indoors-only.” Even indoor cats sometimes manage to escape. A declawed cat does not stand a chance against a large dog, a bigger cat, or a predator. Although he still has teeth, by the time he gets in close enough to bite, it may be too late.

A declawed cat will lead to other problems such as resistance to using the sandbox. Declawed cats often associate the pain when digging in litter with the litter box itself, and will avoid it, choosing softer carpeting instead.

When cats lose their ability to give a quick warning scratch, they will often resort to their second line of defense: a good, hard bite. The cat’s owner may sometimes find himself the victim, just when he thinks his cat is enjoying a petting session.

Cats need the exercise that their claws and toes provide. Watch a cat stretch, whether horizontally on a carpet or vertically with a tall scratching post. He will grab the carpet or sisal with his claws, using the resistance to pull and stretch his muscles. Cats’ claws actually play a large and positive role in their amazing muscle tone and agility.

Instead of declawing your cat, consider other options. Trimming your cat’s claws frequently and buying a scratching post to sub in for that treasured armchair (sprinkling catnip on it may help get him interested).

Flood Clean Up Tips

Floods can be extremely destructive and cause extensive damage.

If your home has flooded, check out our tips to clean up from a flood with the help of Clear The Air.

Clear The Air eliminates musty mildew odor that is a result of a flood. It is extremely important to cleanup and disinfect everything in your home that may have been contaminated. Flood water may contain bacteria that can cause serious illness.

We would like to share some helpful tips to help with cleaning up from a flood:

• Act quickly to avoid mildew and odor by removing all loose dirt and debris. Use a disinfecting solution to wash walls, floors or other surfaces which have been touched by flood waters.
• Hang 1-2 bags of Clear The Air in each room with odors. One bag will cover up to 100 square feet. The bag will continue to eliminate new odors for up to 3 months. In addition to the bags sprinkle Clear The Air Odor Eliminator for Concrete or Carpet and Furniture granules on the floor and furniture, leave down for 24 hours, then sweep or vacuum. Odors will be completely eliminated.
• Clean and disinfect all interior walls, counters and floors. You will also want to clean and disinfect all kitchen items such as dishes, glassware and utensils.
• Wash clothing with chlorine bleach to remove mildew and germs. Make sure the clothing labels mention they are machine washable and colorfast.
• Always remember to wear gloves and protective clothing and avoid touching your face or eyes. Make sure to be thorough and wash and dry everything well.