Written by Michelle Kretzer
PETA's Emergency Response Team received an e-mail from a woman wondering what to do for her ailing cat, who had been diagnosed with feline leukemia (FeLV) and was losing weight, acting lethargic, and not eating anymore (common symptoms of this ravaging disease). We responded immediately and learned that her young cat, Tigger, had been diagnosed two weeks prior when she took him to the vet because of dramatic weight loss. Two different veterinarians had recommended euthanasia as the most compassionate option for Tigger, but his guardian was reluctant to take their advice.
In light of Tigger's diagnosis and alarming condition, we gently counseled his guardian about the prolonged suffering that FeLV causes, including further weight loss, fever, gastrointestinal problems, difficulty breathing, and a compromised immune system that could lead to secondary infections.
Tigger's guardian finally agreed that merciful euthanasia was the kindest thing she could offer her beloved animal companion, and she rushed him to a veterinarian that afternoon. The next day, PETA received a phone call from Tigger's guardian to tell us that she was relieved that he was finally free from his suffering. It had been hard to let go, but once she convinced herself to do it, she realized that it was the compassionate choice.
The once frisky, playful cat quickly deteriorated
If someone you know is struggling with the deteriorating illness of an animal, please urge them to consult a veterinarian to ensure that the animal doesn't languish. If you've recently lost an animal, setting up a True Friends Memorial can be a special way to honor your animal companion's memory.
Written by PETA
Tomorrow is National Pet Memorial Day, a time to honor the animals with whom we have shared our lives and love. We gave them a home, and in return, they gave us their all.
© Andrew Helwich | iStockPhoto.com
Looking for a way to memorialize your best friends past and present? You could do something kind for animals who haven't had the good fortune to be cherished by someone like you. For example, you could offer to take a lonely chained dog for a walk and offer him or her treats and toys. Or you could volunteer at your local humane society or spay-and-neuter clinic. In these economic tough times, animal charities are struggling and would welcome a donation in your animal's name.
You could also post an online remembrance of your beloved animal companions on PETA's True Friends Memorial page. Tribute pages can include stories, pictures, and videos and are easily linked to blogs, websites, and social-network profiles. People can view the tribute to your animal and make a donation in their honor that will have a lasting impact and improve the lives of not-so-lucky animals.
Written by Michelle Sherrow
As we honor those loved ones who have passed away, we'd like to take a moment to remember the many animals whose passing has gone largely unnoticed and unmourned—except by PETA and its supporters. Thousands of thoroughbreds die on racetracks every year, and thousands more "retired" racehorses are sent to slaughter in Canada and Mexico.
Each year in the U.S., more than 8 billion chickens are killed for their flesh. More chickens are killed in slaughterhouses than any other animal, yet they are exempt from even the meager protection of the Humane Slaughter Act.
The millions of animals killed annually for their fur are electrocuted, bludgeoned, and sometimes skinned alive.
Elephants in circuses die far short of their natural lifespans of captivity-induced diseases like arthritis and chronic foot problems caused by standing chained for hours on end on hard concrete floors.
Three to 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized every year across the country for lack of a good home. Every animal who is purchased from a pet store or breeder takes a home that could have been opened to an animal waiting on "death row" at a shelter.
It's easy to save animals' lives on Memorial Day and every other day of the year by simply making educated choices at the grocery store and shopping mall. Learn more about getting active for animals at PETA's "Get Active" page.
On Monday, we will honor U.S. soldiers who have passed, as well as our deceased friends and loved ones. For many of us, loved ones include both the two- and four-legged variety. Losing an animal companion can be just as heartbreaking as losing a human family member, and we seek to honor their memories as well. One way to do this is with a True Friends Memorial page on PETA's website.
A memorial page can be set up for a beloved animal companion or compassionate person, and it includes photographs, a biography, and cherished memories. Friends can visit the site and leave their own special reminiscences, and if they choose, they can make a donation to PETA in the name of the honoree. We remember our departed animals every day, of course, but Memorial Day is a wonderful time to pay special tribute to them.
Just two weeks after young polar bear Knut died suddenly at the Berlin Zoo, a baby Indian elephant named Shaina Pali unexpectedly died early this morning at the zoo. A necropsy of the 6-year-old elephant showed she most likely died of a herpes virus. Elephant endotheliotropic herpes virus (EEHV) is a deadly disease that is common in young captive elephants.
Scientific research strongly suggests that young elephants are susceptible to EEHV because of the stress of captivity, including lack of space and unnatural surroundings (Ringling’s ailing “Baby Barack” has EEHV). The Washington Post explored the issue of how well zoos care for their animals and found that even zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) have woefully inadequate standards. For example, AZA-accredited zoos only have to provide elephants with a 40-foot-by-45-foot outdoor enclosure, can chain them for up to 12 hours a day, and may use bullhooks to strike them.
PETA has set up a True Friends Memorial page for Shaina Pali where you can sign the guest book in her honor or make a donation to support PETA's efforts to get elephants out of zoos.
If you have a general question for PETA and would like a response, please e-mail Info@peta.org. If you need to report cruelty to an animal, please click here. If you are reporting an animal in imminent danger and know where to find the animal and if the abuse is taking place right now, please call your local police department. If the police are unresponsive, please call PETA immediately at 757-622-7382 and press 2.
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