Meowllo everypawdy, it’s time fur another Service Cat educational posty. As ya’ know da followin’ will be written in human English. It appears there’s still some confusion ‘bout da difference ‘tween Service Animals, Therapy Animals and Companion Animals. Purrlease see our Service Animal page by clicking on da Service Animal tab on our menu bar or click here to read da full definition of each. Me will give a very brief definition of them later in this posty. It’s very purrtant dat everyone understands da differences. Anyways, we got a few good questions to answer today. And we asked a couple questions dat we think you’re gonna be surprised by da answers. Ifin you’ve missed any of da postys in this series you can get caught up by clickin’ da links below.
So let’s get on with it. First up we need to make a few things clear. Mommy talked to one of our friends this past week and learned there’s a lot of confusion about this subject. First and foremost, If you are breeding your non pedigreed cat, that cat is NOT a Service Animal!!! And please STOP!!! Are there not enough unwanted kitties in the world as it is? True Service animals are spayed or neutered for their health and temperament. Now we know a lot of you just said to yourself, “How can you make that judgment and say that?” Well let us explain. If you need a Service Animal, you need said animal all the time. A mother cat will be out of commission for at least 6 weeks, barring complications; her kittens need her more. And most Service animals are not pedigreed animals but rescues. And to breed your non pedigreed indoor kitty is irresponsible at best, but to supply you with barn cats is the very definition of cruel and unusual punishment. And training is not passed on through DNA.
Secondly, we’ll repeat this again. Any Cat at any age can be trained. The number one requirement is the bond you share. Please see the Training Foundation post. It isn’t necessary to start with a kitten. We did because mommy requires 2 cats to help her and there was just me after sis Lexi went to heaven. Introducing a kitten into our home is easier than an adult cat. If you already have a cat or three, you can train one of those. There’s no need to adopt a new cat or kitten or to breed any of your existing cats. We hope that clears a few things up.
Now awnty Jean, Shoko and Kali of the Canadian Cats asked a couple of questions about training. Mommy got a great laugh at the wording of the question, so we’re going to copy and paste it in here for all of you to read. Me must say that mommy and awnty Jean have had many a conversation so she knows mommy pretty well.
Question:Do you ever run across times when Raena just wants to play and is not interested in learning? How long can she get away with not wanting to be taught? Did you ever have a cat that was more interested in playing?
So this question is specifically asked about Raena because that’s who mommy’s training now, but it could apply to any cat or kitten in training. The answer is Yes, of course there are times when Raena just wants to play, she’s a kitten. The trick is to make learning fun so that at least at first she thinks she’s playing. And remember, training is about repetition not a one shot deal. So it’s better to have many short training sessions than one long one. Altho’ mommy makes a game of training for some tasks, it is very serious, and she doesn’t tolerate nonsense. Mommy looks at these times as an opportunity to “train out” unwanted behaviors; such as, hands are not for biting, toes are not for biting, cords are not for biting, etc.. It’s also a time to train kitty to accept being held down, and other things like pilling and bodily exams. These are things that all pet parents could benefit from not just those that are training Service Cats. Unfortunately as kitty ages, there may be a time when medicine needs to be administered, and it’s so much easier if kitty has been trained to accept whatever you do to them as good.
Raena had been playing but jumped on the small cat perch to be closer
to mommy to alert her to sit down. Mommy had been conducting
a photo shoot when Raena and Dezi felt a change and knew
mommy was going to pass out.
Now, we mentioned cost. We asked what you all thought the average cost for a Service Animal is. We also asked who you thought paid for it. We got some mixed answers here, and a couple that mentioned Companion Animals for Service men and women. We realized that most people thought Service animals were given to the disabled free or that some charitable organization paid any fees, and that again, there was some confusion about the differences between Service Animals and Companion Animals. So, here’s a really simple definition of the three classes.
Service animal: An animal that has been specifically trained to perform duties to assist it’s disabled handler/owner.
Therapy animal: An animal that has no particular training other than basic obedience that after certification goes into places like nursing homes, hospitals, etc. to cheer up people by just being there or allowing people to pet it.
Companion animal: A Pet.
These aren’t the full definitions, but hopefully they will help to clear up any confusion anyone still has. Now let’s answer those questions we asked. A few years ago, the average cost of a Service Animal was between $20,000.00 and $50,000.00. This was for a rescue dog purchased through one of the certifying organizations. Dogs trained by individuals could cost exponentially more. Insurance does NOT pay for Service animals. There are organizations one can apply to for financial help, but they’re on a first come first served basis and income based and often require the person in need to pay up to $10,000.00 of the fees. So in the end, the cost of a Service animal is solely on the person needing one. That’s one reason you don’t see more. Most people who need Service animals are on fixed incomes and can’t afford the initial cost. Once a disabled person has a Service animal they can apply to several organizations to receive food and vet care for that animal. These are run by the big pet food companies and are part of their “giving back to the community”. Remember, these organizations only provide for those Service Animals the ADA recognizes as Service Animals.
Anyways, we feel like we’ve given you information overload today, so we’ll wrap it up for now and let ya’ digest all of this. Remember to leave any questions you may have or want answered in da comments or feel free to email us. We’re trying to answer them all as best we can. Raena’s getting’ bigger so she’ll be starting to learn how to use da fone in da next week or so. Mommy’s gonna try to get some good fotos, but since she ain’t da bestest with da camera, we’ll settle fur any fotos. MOL Anyways, da lawn crew’s here. Raena may be fearless, but she hasn’t yet convinced me. Oh, we were asked what mommy did with our fotos in da new editing app yesfurday. She turned our fotos into talking videos.
What would you like to learn (know how to teach your cat or dog)?
How do you feel about the cost of and that insurance doesn’t cover the cost of Service Animals?
Do you think that Service Animals make a difference in the lives of their disabled handlers as opposed to those that don’t have one?
Meowllo and welcome to another Blest Sunday. We are so blest to have all of you in our lives and so thankful dat we got to meet you all even ifin not in da purrson. It’s been a very innerestin’ but blest week here. Me has lots to tell ya’. Furst up me wants to say a meowsy big thank you to Herman and his mommy fur helpin’ mommy learn ‘bout a new foto editin’ app. ‘Course dat means mommy’s been goin’ crazy editin’. Just wait’ll ya’ see what mommy’s done. OMC She was laffin’ so hard me thought fur a minute she was gonna pee her panties.
Anyways, Raena’s growin’ like a weed. But let me tell ya’, dat kid just never runs outta energy. It ain’t what she’s eatin’; and me oughtta know dat fur sure, cuz she won’t stay outta me’s food dish. Yeah, really. Every meal, here she comes tryin’ to push me outta me’s plate. It’s not like she don’t have a plate of her own full of da same thing. Me hisses, and growls and even gave her da whacky paw, but alas, she just keeps hornin’ in on me’s meals. Check it out.
So, me decided we should meet at during dinner high noon fur a showdown. Ya’ know settle this once and fur all. When mommy serves our meals we should each eat outta our own plate. Yep, we needed to settle this fur sure. So Raena agreed to da showdown and it was on. There we was in da livin’ room floor squarin’ off and sizin’ each other up. Raena was all poofed up and turned to da side dancin’ like Mohamed Ali, singin’ somethin’ ‘bout butterflies and bees. Me doesn’t know where she gets this stuff. She’s too young fur da butterflies and bees story anyways. And isn’t it birds and bees? (scratches head and looks puzzled) And…it’s not like she’s ever gonna need to know ‘bout da birds and bees anyways. Mommy’s gonna take care of dat befur she ever even thinks ‘bout it. She did to me. Anyways, me’s getting’ sidetracked.
Dezi: You wanna piece of me?
Raena: C’mon sissy I’s not afraid o’ you.
Now where was me? Oh yeah, we were squared off and Raena was all puffed up. Well, me didn’t need a mirror, there was no need fur me to puff up. Raena may be growin’ like a weed, but me’s still bigger than her……by a lot. And me doesn’t have to turn to da side to prove it. C’mon, one of me’s paws is almost bigger than her head. But da kid has no fear. None at all. Befur me knew it, she jumped up in da air and lunged in on me. Me wrapped me’s paws ‘round her and fell to da floor and there we was…wrestlin’. We rolled and pawrted and rolled and pawrted again and again. And then, it was over. Me showed Raena just who da boss in this house is.
Now Dezi…
Oh mommy, me didn’t know you was payin’ attention. (Dezi looks over at mommy and acts embarrassed.)
Wha’cha’ talkin’ ‘bout Dezi? I’s got you good. Sure nuff, didn’t I mommy?
Now Raena…
Dezi: Ya’ wanna go again?
I’s sorry mommy. (Raena drops her head but grins) But I’s still eatin’ outta sis Dezi’s plate.
Dat may be Raena, but it’s cuz me lets you. Mommy says sharin’ is carin’ and me does care ‘bout ya’. After all, who’s gonna help me with mommy ifin not you?
Anyways, me was really happy when mommy took me fur a stroll da other day. It was just me and mommy havin’ a little girl time, just da two of us. We haven’t really done dat since Raena got here. It was really nice. Me felt so luvved and blest.
Mommy took me out too sissy.
Yeah she did Raena, but all you did was complain. ‘bout da heat.
Well Dezi it was hot. It still is.
Yep Raena it is. And guess what? It’s gonna get even hotter next month.
No Way Dezi, really?
Really. Anyways, Raena got her furst lesson with da shower this week and yes, mommy’s been takin’ her a few places. She’s at a crucial age and needs to be exposed to a variety of situations and people so dat she’ll be used to it once she is fully trained. We’ll talk more ‘bout all dat in future postys. OMC Me almost furgot. Ya’ know mommy never did drugs. She never even tried them. But, her furst college degree was in criminal justice, so she knows what they look and smell like. Mommy took Raena out da other night and they decided to stop at da dollar general. There wasn’t too many cars in da pawrkin’ lot, so mommy thought it would be da purrfect exposure fur Raena. Not so busy as to freak her out but enuff peeps to let her get used to them. Well while they was walkin’ up to da door, mommy saw a mary-joo-wanna joint right there on da ground. She told da lady workin in da store and then watched da lady run outside and pick it up, look ‘round and then put it in her pawcket. OMC Da lady went and saved dat fur later. MOL Mommy sure was glad she never did drugs. Alley cats and kittens only know what germs be on dat joint. You fur sure wouldn’t ketch any of us puttin’ it in our mouths.
Well me better wrap it up fur now. Don’t furget to take a minute today and everyday to give thanks fur da blessings in your life. We purray fur each of ya’ everyday, and ask God to bless and keep you. Ya’ll are da bestest furiends in da universe. Don’t furget to get your fotos in fur our Pawlympic event: Fly Fishin’, and there’s still time to enter our Give away. We’s joinin’ our furiends da Kitties Blue fur Selfie Sunday.
Hey? Are ya’ll out there? I’s gotta tell ya’ somethin’. Your pawrents might be holdin’ out on ya’.
O Raena, nopawdy was holdin’ out on you.
Uh huh sissy. You and mommy both was keepin’ things from me.
That’s just not true Raena. Anyways, you gotta tell everypawdy what you’re talkin’ ‘bout. And dat as ChewyInfluencers we get to try great products each month dat we might not otherwise get to try.
Okay sis Dezi, looks like you just did. I’s not completely sure what dat influencer stuffs means just yet, but we got this amazinly pawsum box from Chewy.com and inside was…kitty heaven on earth.
Raena, not everypawdy knows what dat means.
What? (eyes big with shock) Oh yeah, cuz their pawrents be holdin’ out on ‘em.
Raena…(shakes heads) nopawdy’s hold…just get on with it.
Okay sissy. Treats!!! We got these things called Treats. OMC They are da cat’s meow, da bees knees, da…well anyways, we got Treats. They’re called Pure Bites Freeze Dried Chicken Breast. They’re little pieces of divine white chicky meat and nuffin’ else. Mommy and sis Dezi say they come in other flavors too, and let me tell ya’ ifin they’re anythin’ like these, they gotta be good. I’s couldn’t get enuff. But mommy says they’re “specials” and dat we don’t get them all da time, and dat we only get a few each time. What’s up with dat? I want more and I’s want ‘em now. After all, there’s only 1 calorie in each piece and mommy breaks da pieces up. And besides, she keeps sayin’ I’s need more meat on mines bones. Come on mommy, just give me da whole bag.
So you like ‘em huh Raena?
Oh yes sissy, I’s luvs ‘em.
(whispers) Is this da pawrt ‘bout da paws up or down? (Dezi nods) Oh Dezi I’s give da Pure Bites freeze dried chicken breasts 4 paws up fur sure. Ifin I’s had more paws, they’d be up too.
Thanks Raena. As you all know me luvs freeze dried chicken breasts and these Pure Bites hit da spot. Me gives ‘em 4 paws up too. Me asked mommy and she said she was thrilled we both like them and readily ate them. No mumblin’ or grumblin’ at treat time. She luvs dat there’s only 1 ingredient and it’s da protein, and dat they be low calorie. They’re $3.49 fur 0.60 oz, so mommy thinks they’re a bit expensive ‘specially since a lot of da bag is already crumbled up and not whole pieces. But she says she can use da crumbles as a topping fur our meals, so it’ll still get used. We mentioned these come in different flavors and they also make bigger bags fur da doggies. Since there’s just one ingredient, these treats can be fed to both kitty and doggy or any other meat eater you may have. Mommy used to buy da doggy bags fur sis Lexi and me cuz they’re much bigger.
Anyways, check ‘em out. And while you’re there look around, chewy carries products fur most of da furry and non furry pets in your house; includin’ da feathered and finned. They offer speedy free shipping on all orders over $49.00 and flat rate shipping for all orders under $49.00. You can also set up an auto ship so you never run out of your pets favorite food, treats or whatever. Don’t worry, you can skip, cancel or delay anytime. And don’t worry ‘bout havin’ to buy a whole case of noms, Chewy has great customer service and they will do everything to make it right. Guess me will wrap it up now and see ‘bout getting’ some treats. All this treat talk has made me’s mouth water. Check out da Chewy blog hop fur more furtastic reviews.
Disclaimer: We were compensated in exchange for this review. Our opinions are our own and we always tell it like it is. We only bring products we use or have tried ourselves and that we think would be of interest to you our readers and friends.
Meowllo everypawdy, we hope you’re havin’ a great week. Let me tell ya’ me doesn’t know what this world is comin’ too. Furst sissy Raena hijacks me’s bloggy and now mommy wants to. You know what? It’s okay. After all without mommy me wouldn’t have a bloggy to hijack, and we are all furmily after all. So me’s gonna turn it over to mommy now. She has some great purroducts to tell ya’ ‘bout. And stay tuned, vu we’s havin’ a give away at da end.
Thank you sweety. I won’t make a habit of taking over, and ya’ll did get to try out the new goodies, so you’ll still be a part of the post. Anyways, recently we were given the opportunity to try out a couple of new products from Collage.com’s new pet line. First let me explain a little about the products. We received a bowl and a pillow bed. They are completely customizable as you’ll see by the photos.
This is a sponsored post. We’ve been compensated for sharing. However, we always tell the truth; all opinions are our own. As always we only bring you products we use or have tried ourselves and think would be of interest to you our readers and friends.
When you go to the site and choose the item you want, you’re taken to a screen that allows you to add photos, writing, initials, designs and pretty much whatever your mind can think of. Now you all know I’m no techy. You don’t need to be. It’s a simple and really easy format to work with, and if you have any trouble there’s a number listed on every page for customer service help. You can preview your product and go back and change it all before you finalize it and save it for check out. And if you’re buying more than 1 item, the photos you upload are still available to choose for your next product, or you can choose all new ones.
Let’s take a look at the products themselves. First up the Cat Bowl. It’s a high quality plain white ceramic, fully finished large bowl. When I say fully finished, I mean that the bottom is glazed just like the inside, so no scratching your floors. Altho’ it says it’s dishwasher safe, because of the photos and finish, I would recommend hand washing. The bowl is 6 inches wide by 2 1/4 inches tall (deep). So it’s great for food or water. Collage.com’s recommendation is 1-40 photos for the bowl. But you will also have other options as well as changing the color by adding a background.
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Now lets take a look at the Pillow Bed. As Dezi would say, OMC It’s amazing. First off at 40” X 30”, it’s huge. And it’s overstuffed and fluffy, with a plush fleece top and natural weave back. And the cover is removable for easy clean up. You can use anywhere from 1 to 200 photos in your design. And remember, you’ll have other options as well. We gave ours a space like background in Dezi’s signature bluish purple and added DezizWorld to the top. You can even choose the font and color of any writing as well as placement. You’re only limited by your creativity. And you all know this is the area where I’m lacking. But we think our pillow bed is great. Actually, I love it so much, I can’t bring myself to throw it on the floor for the girls to use. lol So, at the moment it rests at the foot of the bed where the girls wrestle with it and lay on it while I fold clothes and do other chores in the bedroom. As a testament to it’s softness, Raena kneads and suckles it. And if I’m being honest, my guess is, that Dezi does too. (shakes head) My spoiled little angels.
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Dezi: Mommy, you’re not supposed to tell all me’s secrets. Oh well, can me tell ‘bout da give away now?
Yes, I’s sucklin’ da new pillow bed. It’s just soooooo soft.
Yes Dezi, you can tell about the give away now.
Thanks mommy. Let me tell ya’ dat pillow bed is pawsum and so is da bowl. Raena luvs her bowl, and she knows those are fotos of her on it too. Anyways, da pawsum peeps over at Collage.com are lettin’ us give away one of those amazin’ Customizable Ceramic Pet Bowls. Dat’s right, one lucky U.S. reader will get to customize their very own cat or dog bowl dat will then be shipped to your door. Ya’ might wanna check out all da other pawsum customizable purroducts they have while you’re there.
Don’t furget to get your fly fishin’ fotos in fur our Pawlympics event. And we’re takin’ questions fur our next Service Cat posty. We’s gonna go now so you can enter da give away.
Service Cats U.S. 