Dan's Papers - May 15, 2009

The East End of Long Island is a living canvas of beauty, color and nature holding its hand out to us to protect it and nurture it. If you're like me, you too want the grass to be greener on your side. I'll do whatever I can to keep it that way.

Going for the green doesn't have to be a solitary activity. Our family pets can play a huge role in the health and well being of our environment. Actually, it's easier than you might think. I call it the "rollover" effect. Did you know that many of the wonderful things we do to take better care of our canine and feline companions will also have a positive impact on our planet?

Here's the green light on some pet friendly ideas.

Save a life: Older/rescue dogs are not as effort intensive as a young puppy and chances are good that they will already be housebroken. Not having to cope with the chewing and teething stage of a young puppy may be reason enough to look for an older dog that has been through this phase already. Adopting an older dog should guarantee that medical exams, vaccination, de-worming and neutering or spaying have already been taken care of by a veterinarian. If the dog you adopt is over a year old, you pretty much know what you are getting as far as looks and size are concerned.

Over crowded, over-bred, filthy, and cruel conditions of puppy mills, PPPs or Puppy Processing Plants only cultivate greenbacks.

Prevention is Healthy, Too: If it doesn't surprise you that nationally millions of dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters, it may come as a surprise to learn that most of them come from loving families that can no longer care for them. Many are the offspring of pets, but efforts to find good homes for them failed. The rise in foreclosed homes has given rise to the abandonment of dogs and cats and created the term "foreclosure pets." At least 15% of dogs found in foreclosed homes have to be euthanized.

Human Grade: "Not fit for human consumption" is what the ingredients in most dog foods most likely are unless otherwise stated. Dead, dying, diseased or down (disabled) animals are supplied to the rendering plants for commercial dog and cat food. Herschel Pendell, president of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), said in a recent interview, referring to the ingredients found in popular brands of commercial dog food, that, "If the ingredient says meat, bone or meal, you don't know if it is cattle, or sheep or horse or ... Fluffy." There is no authoritative or regulatory system in place when it comes to dog food. Manufacturers slip under radar when it comes to labeling because "the large manufacturers are protected by the constitutionally guaranteed right of speech, which doesn't require that speech to be truthful, or with reason."

Read the label. Know what you're getting. The first ingredient is the most important to look at because they are listed in the order of value. If corn is the first ingredient, it's downhill from there.

Holistic and certified organic pet foods are in abundance now, but don't be fooled by the marketing hook on the front of the bag using words like "natural," "wholesome," "healthful" or "real."

No pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, artificial preservatives, artificial ingredients, environmentally damaging or genetically engineered ingredients help keep the Big Kahuna a healthy, happy puppy.

Here's the Scoop: Dogs first. There is no longer any excuse for leaving feces where it falls! Parvovirus, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, heartworms and giardia are transmitted via dog feces. Not only is there a risk of stepping in the waste and tracking the mess and the diseases into your home, but as rainwater begins to dissolve the piles of waste, contaminants are transported via runoff into the ground water.

Dog feces are known to be one of the leading sources of contamination in lakes, rivers and streams. In addition, the nitrogen released in animal waste combines with other naturally occurring elements in lakes and streams causing an increase in ammonia levels, resulting in dead fish.

There is a plethora of products designed for the easy removal and disposal of this unsanitary, toxic and otherwise disgusting entity available everywhere there is poop. Pet supply stores have an abundance of easy-to-use, inexpensive devices and bags to aid in your quest to clean up your property and your neighbors. There are even pre-filled plastic attachments for your dog's leash that contain waste pick-up bags. For the latest in modern convenience, there are reliable companies that will scoop-the-poop for you, and dispose of it in accordance with your town's regulations. For you cat lovers, litter and clean up products that are environmentally safe, as well as healthier for your feline family, are the right choice.

Pet & Planet Friendly: I can probably fill an entire room with anti-something that is made specifically for our canine and feline family members. Antiseptic, antibacterial, odor eliminating, stain removing and parasite and mite preventing powders, liquids, sprays, soaps, shampoos and the like promise to make Kahuna and Sylvester, as well as our homes, bug free, stench free and pet owner identification and evidence free. Every anti-green chemical we use will become part of our air and water supply.

Products that are non-toxic, biodegradable and made from renewable resources (not petroleum) are the way to go. Home-mixed cleaners can get the job done too. Vinegar and baking soda can clean almost anything. Ask your vet about cleaning your dog's ears with a little white vinegar.

Next time you play ball on the lawn with your dog or run with him on the beach, stop and take your shoes off. Lie down on the grass or sand, or sit with him at the shoreline and put your feet in the water. Think about how great that feels. There's nothing like it on the earth.