By Arden Moore
May Day. May week and May month. This is a big month for cats who will tolerate hugs, dog moms, Chihuahuas and sea turtles and yes, don’t forget hamsters.
When it comes to pets and wildlife, special days, weeks and months seem to be in extra abundance during May.
And that’s just fine with my orange tabbies, Casey and Rusty. They look forward to May 30, which is designated International Hug Your Cat Day. Casey and Rusty welcome my picking them up and giving them full-body hugs.
But other felines, like my senior cat, Mikey, prefer a gentle cheek rub or under-the-chin scratch.
Bottom line: Know your cat and respect his degree of affection reception.
Arden Moore with Casey and Rusty. Photo provided
You can learn more about how cats think and behave from a “cat blogger” named Nigel. He was adopted by veterinarians Stephanie and Jeff Karpf, who operate the For Cats Only clinic in West Palm Beach. Each month, Nigel writes about all things feline, from the causes of skin disease to the pros and cons of pet probiotics to the true meaning of purrs. Check out his blog at https://vetforcatsonly.com/category/blog/.
A trio of proud dog moms from Boca Raton — Marta Batmasian, Andrea Kline and Constance Scott — are digging May, too. They will be recognized at the first Moms & Pups Bark & Brunch fundraiser for Tri-County Animal Rescue in Boca Raton on May 2 at the Addison. Thanks to the pandemic, this marks the first in-person fundraiser in two years for this nonprofit, 100% no-kill shelter.
Proceeds will subsidize low-cost veterinary care and surgeries to financially challenged pet owners at the rescue’s on-site veterinary clinic.
“We had six weeks to put this together and we are tying in with Mother’s Day, as we want to recognize the passionate dog moms at Tri-County,” says Bonnie Kaye, event organizer and president of Kaye Communications.
“Providing medical care for pets during this pandemic has been very trying for many and we don’t want people to have to surrender their pets for economic reasons. I have had five treasured rescues dogs — all from Tri-County.”
Batmasian, a Tri-County rescue advocate for about 20 years, says her current Tri-County alum is Tamar, a Maltese who loves chicken, broccoli, green beans and yes, yams.
“Rescue dogs comfort you,” says Batmasian. “That unconditional love from a dog child is well worth the responsibilities in providing her care.”
Kline is in her seventh year on the Tri-County board and just adopted a rescued pup named Harry from a batch of dogs from Puerto Rico transported to Tri-County to improve their chances of finding forever homes. She also has Charlie, another Tri-County alum.
“This event is important because a lot of dogs we rescue have health issues,” says Kline. “We also want to help our community, especially those impacted economically by the pandemic.”
Scott shares her home with Gigi 2, a Maltese-poodle mix.
“Every day is Mother’s Day for me because of the dogs in my life,” she says. “I’m so glad we are having this event to raise funds for its veterinary clinic.”
For more details on the Moms & Pups Bark & Brunch, visit www.tricountyanimalrescue.com.
Turtle Days observed Joy is also evident in the staff and volunteers at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach. Turtles are being doubly recognized. May 23 is World Turtle Day and June 16 is World Sea Turtle Day.
The LMC offers daily tours that include its outdoor sea turtle hospital. The staff also posts info on sea turtles on its social media channels. Guided turtle walks will begin in June, possibly closer to World Sea Turtle Day, according to Lauren Eissey, public relations and engagement specialist.
A loggerhead. Photo provided
“Experienced LMC scouts will patrol our designated section of Juno Beach searching for sea turtles,” says Eissey. “Once a loggerhead sea turtle is found and begins her egg-laying process, the group is led down to the beach to witness this unforgettable experience.”
To show your support for sea turtles year-round, consider reducing your plastic use: More than 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans annually, causing entanglements and other issues for sea turtles.
Also, abide by boat speed limits and wear polarized sunglasses to better see and steer clear of marine life beneath the water’s surface.
To learn more, visit www.marinelife.org.
Take time to celebrate with your pets! They bring out the best in us.
Days for celebrating pets, other animals
Sharing your home — and your heart — with a beloved pet is certainly to be celebrated 24/7, 365 days. But here is a rundown of pet holidays for May:
• National Pet Month
• Microchip ID Your Pet Month
• Lyme Disease Awareness Month
• Responsible Animal Guardian Month
• Pet Cancer Awareness Month
May 1: National Purebred Dog Day
May 1-7: National Pet Week
May 3: National Specially Abled Pet Day
May 4-10: Puppy Mill Action Week
May 8: National Dog Moms Day
May 9: National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day
May 10: National Hamster Day
May 14: International Chihuahua Appreciation Day
May 20: National Rescue Dog Day
May 23: World Turtle Day
May 30: International Hug Your Cat Day
Arden Moore, founder of FourLeggedLife.com, is an animal behavior consultant, author, speaker and master certified pet first-aid instructor. She hosts Oh Behave! weekly on PetLifeRadio.com. Learn more at www.ardenmoore.com.
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