I have been hard on the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) lately, but today I want to applaud them in some cases. They have a newsletter and I learned the following.

On May 22, ECOs Dylan Schuck and Erik Lovgren found a box turtle trying to cross a road in Deerpark. The aid was a success. Many people just drive on or hit turtles at this time of year, but if you can, safely, it is compassionate to move a turtle off the road in the same direction he or she was heading. According to the DEC, turtle populations are declining due to cars, new home construction and the illegal pet trade. The law protects turtles, so never keep one as a pet. When moving a turtle, never pick him up by the tail. If you see a huge, snapping turtle, try to find someone who knows how to move them. One guy told me he would put a stick between its jaws and then pick him up.

On the subject of wildlife, opossums are not nearly as scary as they appear. As a defense, they show all their many teeth and hiss, but they won’t normally bite you. Opossums play dead when frightened. If you find one seemingly dead, go inside and wait a few hours. The possum will probably be gone. If you need to take one to a rehabber, put a towel over her and plop her into a box and tape in shut, or use a cat carrier.

Free-Roaming Kitties

I miss my wildlife so badly since moving. I have only seen two deer and no bears or any other wild animal. How depressing! My cat is also unhappy, because he has not caught a mouse or been allowed to roam. I take him for walks on the leash and down the hallway to a big porch. However, we keep running into mean people who do not like cats or are rigid about the “rules.” Two women tried to boss me by accusing my cat of causing allergies or staining the porch. My cat is immaculate and has never had an accident. The porch is screened, not closed in. The gardener here told me not to walk the cat near the plants, because he has allergies. The cat was nowhere near him. Give me a big break! We are outside and there are some free cats who go into the gardens whenever they choose. He just doesn’t see them.

Something nice may be on the horizon though. My cat has passed his therapy cat test and we might bring some smiles by visiting and then going into the nursing home garden.

Pet CBD Treatments

From BottomLinePersonal news, I learned that some people are using CBD to calm their dogs and help with pain. Now, be sure the product has the seal of the National Animal Supplement Council on it. Do not buy anything that claims to prevent or cure a disease. Always ask the vet for advice.

The same newsletter suggests people who keep cats indoors get a catio. It is an enclosed porch or patio and you can get the plans from HowtoSpecialist.com. Also, be sure to grow your cat some grass. They like it and need grass for digestion.

I bought a pet stroller to take Tux in for a nice outing.

Animal Testing

Unfortunately, cosmetic companies still test painful substances in rabbits’ eyes. This is not required by the FDA. Please tell your senators and congresspeople to cosponsor the Humane Cosmetics Act (S.3357 and H.R. 6207). There are non-animal tests available for safety.