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requests for advice to:
Horatio Says
Horatio Says is designed for
entertainment purposes only. Advice
rendered is solely the opinion of the
writers of Horatio Says and should
not be construed as a legal, medical,
psychiatric, educational, financial,
spiritual or any other type of
authority, other than as a friendly
point of view.
Artesia360 shall be held harmless in
any and all events that may occur
from any individual or group that
should act upon Horatio's words.
After all, people, Horatio is just a cat.
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Horatio suffers from writer's block...
| Grrrrrrrrrrrrrreetings, meow friends... While surfing the internet, I happened upon a purrrrr-fectly delightful site that quickly became a purrrrrrr-sonal favorite that I would like to share with you... for the laughs, for the fun and for the "kittehs" Please click here ----->> and enjoy! Meows & fishes, Horatio |
Artesia360 photo
Oh, the indignity! I stretch out in the tub where it's cool
once in a while and my people seem to think I wanted them
to lather me up and bathe me! Well, of course, they
should heed my every demand, but how much should a
cat have to endure? It's so hard to find good help!!
Oh, the indignity! I stretch out in the tub where it's cool
once in a while and my people seem to think I wanted them
to lather me up and bathe me! Well, of course, they
should heed my every demand, but how much should a
cat have to endure? It's so hard to find good help!!
Houghton talks about toxic plants for dogs & cats
by Woods Houghton
I am often asked what plants are toxic to ones pets. This is
one of those questions that I have a hard time answering
because I have too much information. When I taught
toxicology I started the semester with asking a question.
Can you name anything that is not toxic? A student would
always come up with distilled water. This is toxic if inhaled
in 20 seconds, it is called drowning, and consumption of
water faster than you can metabolize it is toxic as well.
Everything has the potential of being toxic. Acute toxicity is
dependent on dosage to weight ratio. That is the lighter
you are the less it takes to be toxic, that why I weigh so
much. Route of entry, is it eaten and swallowed, inhaled, or
exposure to skin. So things are not toxic except by the rout
or entry. The duration of exposure, how long you have
been exposed. The fourth factor is the mode of action of
the toxin. With that said science of toxicology is the careful
application of probability to predict an outcome. I am going
to list a number of plants that have been document to
cause toxic effect on dogs and cats but that does not mean
it will always do so. If your pet is sick take them to a
qualified Veterinarian and if you think they ate a plant take
a sample of the plant or name of the plant as well.
Cardiovascular (causes heart failure)Toxins in plants
include:
Avocado (autumnale), Bleeding heart, Castor bean,
Foxglove (Digitalis), Kalanchoe, Lily-of-the-valley,
Milkweed, Mistletoe (berries, leaves, seeds, stem, skin),
Azalea (entire rhododendron family), Autumn crocus
(Colchicum), Mountain laurel, Oleander, Rosary Pea, Yew.
Gastrointestinal (cause digestive problems) Toxins in
plants include:
Amaryllis bulb, Azalea (entire rhododendron family),
Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), Bird of Paradise,
Bittersweet, Boxwood, Buckeye Buttercup (Ranunculus),
Caffeine, Castor bean, Chocolate, Chrysanthemum (a
natural source of pyrethrins), Clematis, Crocus bulb,
Croton (Codiaeum sp.), Cyclamen bulb, Dumb cane
(Dieffenbachia), English ivy (All Hedera species of ivy),
Garlic, Hyacinth bulbs, Holly berries, Iris corms, Lily (bulbs
of most species), Marijuana or hemp (Cannabis),
Narcissus, daffodil (Narcissus), Onions, Pencil cactus/plant,
Potato (leaves and stem), Rosary Pea, Spurge (Euphorbia
sp.), Tomatoes (leaves and stem).
Respiratory (breathing problems) Toxins in plants include:
Almonds, Apricot, Cherries, Chinese sacred or heavenly
bamboo, Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia), Elderberry (unripe
berries), Hydrangea, Jimson weed, Peaches.
Neurological Toxins in Plants include:
Alcohol (all beverages, ethanol, methanol, isopropyl),
Amaryllis bulb, Azalea (entire rhododendron family),
Bracken fern, Buckeye, Caffeine, Castor bean, Chocolate,
Choke cherry (unripe berries),Chrysanthemum (natural
source of pyrethrins), Crocus bulb, Delphinium, larkspur,
monkshood, Lupine species, Marijuana or hemp
(Cannabis), Mistletoe berries, Morning glory, Poinsettia,
Potato (leaves and stem), Rosary Pea, Tomatoes (leaves
and stem).
Kidney/Organ Failure Toxins in plants include:
Anthurium, Begonia, Caladium, Calla lily, Jack-in-the-pulpit,
Lantana, Oak, Philodendron, Rhubarb leaves, Scheffelera,
Shamrock.
This list is not meant to be all comprehensive but is some
of the more common ones in landscapes. I also included
some house hold items like caffeine and chocolate. If a pet
owner suspects that their animal ingested a poisonous
plant, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. It
is advised to bring in part of the plant for identification if the
exact species is not known. Symptoms of poisonings can
include almost any clinical sign. The animal may even
appear completely normal for several hours or for days.
Eddy County Extension Service, New Mexico State
University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action
employer and educator. All programs are available to
everyone regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age,
handicap, or national origin. New Mexico State University,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Eddy County
Government Cooperating.
by Woods Houghton
I am often asked what plants are toxic to ones pets. This is
one of those questions that I have a hard time answering
because I have too much information. When I taught
toxicology I started the semester with asking a question.
Can you name anything that is not toxic? A student would
always come up with distilled water. This is toxic if inhaled
in 20 seconds, it is called drowning, and consumption of
water faster than you can metabolize it is toxic as well.
Everything has the potential of being toxic. Acute toxicity is
dependent on dosage to weight ratio. That is the lighter
you are the less it takes to be toxic, that why I weigh so
much. Route of entry, is it eaten and swallowed, inhaled, or
exposure to skin. So things are not toxic except by the rout
or entry. The duration of exposure, how long you have
been exposed. The fourth factor is the mode of action of
the toxin. With that said science of toxicology is the careful
application of probability to predict an outcome. I am going
to list a number of plants that have been document to
cause toxic effect on dogs and cats but that does not mean
it will always do so. If your pet is sick take them to a
qualified Veterinarian and if you think they ate a plant take
a sample of the plant or name of the plant as well.
Cardiovascular (causes heart failure)Toxins in plants
include:
Avocado (autumnale), Bleeding heart, Castor bean,
Foxglove (Digitalis), Kalanchoe, Lily-of-the-valley,
Milkweed, Mistletoe (berries, leaves, seeds, stem, skin),
Azalea (entire rhododendron family), Autumn crocus
(Colchicum), Mountain laurel, Oleander, Rosary Pea, Yew.
Gastrointestinal (cause digestive problems) Toxins in
plants include:
Amaryllis bulb, Azalea (entire rhododendron family),
Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), Bird of Paradise,
Bittersweet, Boxwood, Buckeye Buttercup (Ranunculus),
Caffeine, Castor bean, Chocolate, Chrysanthemum (a
natural source of pyrethrins), Clematis, Crocus bulb,
Croton (Codiaeum sp.), Cyclamen bulb, Dumb cane
(Dieffenbachia), English ivy (All Hedera species of ivy),
Garlic, Hyacinth bulbs, Holly berries, Iris corms, Lily (bulbs
of most species), Marijuana or hemp (Cannabis),
Narcissus, daffodil (Narcissus), Onions, Pencil cactus/plant,
Potato (leaves and stem), Rosary Pea, Spurge (Euphorbia
sp.), Tomatoes (leaves and stem).
Respiratory (breathing problems) Toxins in plants include:
Almonds, Apricot, Cherries, Chinese sacred or heavenly
bamboo, Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia), Elderberry (unripe
berries), Hydrangea, Jimson weed, Peaches.
Neurological Toxins in Plants include:
Alcohol (all beverages, ethanol, methanol, isopropyl),
Amaryllis bulb, Azalea (entire rhododendron family),
Bracken fern, Buckeye, Caffeine, Castor bean, Chocolate,
Choke cherry (unripe berries),Chrysanthemum (natural
source of pyrethrins), Crocus bulb, Delphinium, larkspur,
monkshood, Lupine species, Marijuana or hemp
(Cannabis), Mistletoe berries, Morning glory, Poinsettia,
Potato (leaves and stem), Rosary Pea, Tomatoes (leaves
and stem).
Kidney/Organ Failure Toxins in plants include:
Anthurium, Begonia, Caladium, Calla lily, Jack-in-the-pulpit,
Lantana, Oak, Philodendron, Rhubarb leaves, Scheffelera,
Shamrock.
This list is not meant to be all comprehensive but is some
of the more common ones in landscapes. I also included
some house hold items like caffeine and chocolate. If a pet
owner suspects that their animal ingested a poisonous
plant, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. It
is advised to bring in part of the plant for identification if the
exact species is not known. Symptoms of poisonings can
include almost any clinical sign. The animal may even
appear completely normal for several hours or for days.
Eddy County Extension Service, New Mexico State
University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action
employer and educator. All programs are available to
everyone regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age,
handicap, or national origin. New Mexico State University,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Eddy County
Government Cooperating.
Artesia Paws & Claws seeks volunteers, homes
Our Mission: To provide shelter and medical attention
to lost, abused, and homeless animals; to promote
animal welfare through education; to actively
encourage reduction in the pet population; to
advocate animal welfare, animal rescue and
rehabilitation, lost-and-found services, and animal
adoptions; to further promote the bond between
people and animals; to actively work with the state and
local officials to develop improved animal anti-cruelty
laws and their enforcement.
The Artesia Paws & Claws society needs YOUR help.
Do you have skills, time or money to donate? Are you
willing to foster a pet? Would you like to adopt a new
companion?
Contact Paws and Claws • PO Box 807 • Artesia, NM,
88211 or call 575.703.8479 for more info!
Second Chances
ARTESIA - Ever since Artesia Furniture, located at the
corner of S. 4th Street and W. Quay Avenue closed,
the building has been vacant. Now, it has been given
a Second Chance and has been called into service as
resale retail. So the merchandise is getting a Second
Chance, also. And since the proceeds from this
enterprise benefit Paws and Claws Humane Society,
many Artesia pets are given a Second Chance as
well.
Tony Bivens manages Second Chances with a gift for
style and a cheerful smile. Items for sale include
clothing, toys, linens, books, shoes, toys, furniture...
anything, really, that deserves a Second Chance. "We
need donations," says Bivens. "We also need
volunteers."
If you have items that are still serviceable but you no
longer need or want, bring them to the store. Things
that didn't sell at your last garage sale, things you've
upgraded, like small appliances, knick-knacks,
furniture, and clothes you don't wear any more are
welcome! Toys, books, jewelry, artwork, etc.
Tony has a way with display and your extra stuff can
be someone else's newfound treasure. If you have a
few hours a week to fill, spend some time at Second
Chances organizing donations and getting them
shopworthy, learn the retail trade by helping customers
- there are probably a hundred things you could
devote your talents to accomplishing, or learn new
skills. Or if you're just in the market for some bargains
or interesting pieces, come by Second Chances every
Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and
Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The pets will thank
you. Horatio and Phoebe already do.
Volunteer kind to cats
By Justin Bannister, NMSU
LAS CRUCES - If you’ve ever met Patti Benzie, you
probably noticed she likes cats. And, like many cat
lovers, she keeps pictures of her pets (past and
present) at her desk as the secretary for the
Department of Accounting and Information Systems in
the New Mexico State University College of Business.
She even has a cat pin on her jacket and keeps a toy
stuffed cat within arm’s reach of her chair.
Unlike many animal lovers, Benzie takes her
commitment a step further, volunteering her time with
NMSU’s FCaMP (Feral Cat Management Program.)
FCaMP started in 2002 as a resource to help manage
the cat population on campus – then estimated to be
between 200 and 250. Today the population is
between 110 and 150, thanks in large part to the
efforts of FCaMP volunteers who make sure every cat
on campus is neutered and up-to-date on their shots.
Volunteers also provide food and water for the cats
and make some available for home adoption. FCaMP
is a recognized campus organization, but not funded
by the university. Benzie is one of more than a dozen
volunteers with the group. “Cats have been on
campus forever. And they will always be here, no
matter what anyone does,” Benzie said, noting that
universities across the country have cat colonies. She
attributes some of the cats to students who keep them
as pets and later abandon them. Others might be
strays that find a good food source on campus.
Before FCaMP, the cats were trapped and taken to the
pound where they were euthanized – a strategy Benzie
said wasn’t working because the cat population never
shrank. As part of her work, Benzie manages one of
the several feeding stations around campus. She also
keeps a look out for new cats that may need to be
taken in to be fixed and to have their shots. She said
some of the largest cat populations are around the
NMSU libraries, where they can be seen either in the
early evening or early morning. She said the cats also
come in handy for keeping down the university’s
rodent population.
Gas Chamber banned
SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson issued the
following statement Tuesday reaffirming his
commitment to end the use of gas chambers for
animals by June 19, 2009. “I realize there has been
some confusion about the effective date for the new
law banning the use of gas chambers for euthanizing
animals,” Governor Bill Richardson said.
“Let me be clear: that date is June 19, 2009. That is
the clear intent of the bills I signed into law, and it is
the desire of the people of New Mexico.” Governor
Richardson said he is sensitive to the fact that the five
communities that still use gas chambers need time to
transition to the use of lethal injection of animals.
However, the Governor included $100,000 in the state
budget to help with that transition, which can be used
to contract for lethal injection services while employees
are trained.
Recent media reports cite some ambiguity regarding
the interaction of two bills that Governor Richardson
signed into law, both of which relate to the use of lethal
injection as the most humane method of animal
euthanasia.
One bill, HB 265, bans the use of the gas chamber to
euthanize animals effective June 19, 2009. The other,
HB 593, allows up to 180 days after the effective date
of that law for veterinary technicians to become
certified by the Federal Drug Administration to acquire
and administer the drugs necessary to carry out lethal
injection. Governor Richardson emphasized that the
gas chamber ban goes into effect on June 19.
Although veterinary technicians have until Dec. 31 to
become FDA-certified to perform lethal injections, the
ban will still be in effect. During that time period,
communities can contract for lethal injection services.
“I want to thank Majority Leader Ken Martinez, the
Animal Sheltering Services Board and animal
protection groups who worked together on these bills
and continue to advocate for the humane treatment of
animals,” Governor Richardson said.
PHONE NUMBER FOR ANIMAL SHELTER
The Artesia Animal Shelter phone number is
575.746.8860. This number can be called during
normal business hours in reference to attempting to
locate lost cats and dogs and adoptions.
If there is no answer please leave a message.
The number for the Artesia Animal Control Officer is
still 575.746.5000.
This number should be called for functions of the
Animal Control Officer such as dogs at large, vicious
animals or animal bites.
Our Mission: To provide shelter and medical attention
to lost, abused, and homeless animals; to promote
animal welfare through education; to actively
encourage reduction in the pet population; to
advocate animal welfare, animal rescue and
rehabilitation, lost-and-found services, and animal
adoptions; to further promote the bond between
people and animals; to actively work with the state and
local officials to develop improved animal anti-cruelty
laws and their enforcement.
The Artesia Paws & Claws society needs YOUR help.
Do you have skills, time or money to donate? Are you
willing to foster a pet? Would you like to adopt a new
companion?
Contact Paws and Claws • PO Box 807 • Artesia, NM,
88211 or call 575.703.8479 for more info!
Second Chances
ARTESIA - Ever since Artesia Furniture, located at the
corner of S. 4th Street and W. Quay Avenue closed,
the building has been vacant. Now, it has been given
a Second Chance and has been called into service as
resale retail. So the merchandise is getting a Second
Chance, also. And since the proceeds from this
enterprise benefit Paws and Claws Humane Society,
many Artesia pets are given a Second Chance as
well.
Tony Bivens manages Second Chances with a gift for
style and a cheerful smile. Items for sale include
clothing, toys, linens, books, shoes, toys, furniture...
anything, really, that deserves a Second Chance. "We
need donations," says Bivens. "We also need
volunteers."
If you have items that are still serviceable but you no
longer need or want, bring them to the store. Things
that didn't sell at your last garage sale, things you've
upgraded, like small appliances, knick-knacks,
furniture, and clothes you don't wear any more are
welcome! Toys, books, jewelry, artwork, etc.
Tony has a way with display and your extra stuff can
be someone else's newfound treasure. If you have a
few hours a week to fill, spend some time at Second
Chances organizing donations and getting them
shopworthy, learn the retail trade by helping customers
- there are probably a hundred things you could
devote your talents to accomplishing, or learn new
skills. Or if you're just in the market for some bargains
or interesting pieces, come by Second Chances every
Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and
Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The pets will thank
you. Horatio and Phoebe already do.
Volunteer kind to cats
By Justin Bannister, NMSU
LAS CRUCES - If you’ve ever met Patti Benzie, you
probably noticed she likes cats. And, like many cat
lovers, she keeps pictures of her pets (past and
present) at her desk as the secretary for the
Department of Accounting and Information Systems in
the New Mexico State University College of Business.
She even has a cat pin on her jacket and keeps a toy
stuffed cat within arm’s reach of her chair.
Unlike many animal lovers, Benzie takes her
commitment a step further, volunteering her time with
NMSU’s FCaMP (Feral Cat Management Program.)
FCaMP started in 2002 as a resource to help manage
the cat population on campus – then estimated to be
between 200 and 250. Today the population is
between 110 and 150, thanks in large part to the
efforts of FCaMP volunteers who make sure every cat
on campus is neutered and up-to-date on their shots.
Volunteers also provide food and water for the cats
and make some available for home adoption. FCaMP
is a recognized campus organization, but not funded
by the university. Benzie is one of more than a dozen
volunteers with the group. “Cats have been on
campus forever. And they will always be here, no
matter what anyone does,” Benzie said, noting that
universities across the country have cat colonies. She
attributes some of the cats to students who keep them
as pets and later abandon them. Others might be
strays that find a good food source on campus.
Before FCaMP, the cats were trapped and taken to the
pound where they were euthanized – a strategy Benzie
said wasn’t working because the cat population never
shrank. As part of her work, Benzie manages one of
the several feeding stations around campus. She also
keeps a look out for new cats that may need to be
taken in to be fixed and to have their shots. She said
some of the largest cat populations are around the
NMSU libraries, where they can be seen either in the
early evening or early morning. She said the cats also
come in handy for keeping down the university’s
rodent population.
Gas Chamber banned
SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson issued the
following statement Tuesday reaffirming his
commitment to end the use of gas chambers for
animals by June 19, 2009. “I realize there has been
some confusion about the effective date for the new
law banning the use of gas chambers for euthanizing
animals,” Governor Bill Richardson said.
“Let me be clear: that date is June 19, 2009. That is
the clear intent of the bills I signed into law, and it is
the desire of the people of New Mexico.” Governor
Richardson said he is sensitive to the fact that the five
communities that still use gas chambers need time to
transition to the use of lethal injection of animals.
However, the Governor included $100,000 in the state
budget to help with that transition, which can be used
to contract for lethal injection services while employees
are trained.
Recent media reports cite some ambiguity regarding
the interaction of two bills that Governor Richardson
signed into law, both of which relate to the use of lethal
injection as the most humane method of animal
euthanasia.
One bill, HB 265, bans the use of the gas chamber to
euthanize animals effective June 19, 2009. The other,
HB 593, allows up to 180 days after the effective date
of that law for veterinary technicians to become
certified by the Federal Drug Administration to acquire
and administer the drugs necessary to carry out lethal
injection. Governor Richardson emphasized that the
gas chamber ban goes into effect on June 19.
Although veterinary technicians have until Dec. 31 to
become FDA-certified to perform lethal injections, the
ban will still be in effect. During that time period,
communities can contract for lethal injection services.
“I want to thank Majority Leader Ken Martinez, the
Animal Sheltering Services Board and animal
protection groups who worked together on these bills
and continue to advocate for the humane treatment of
animals,” Governor Richardson said.
PHONE NUMBER FOR ANIMAL SHELTER
The Artesia Animal Shelter phone number is
575.746.8860. This number can be called during
normal business hours in reference to attempting to
locate lost cats and dogs and adoptions.
If there is no answer please leave a message.
The number for the Artesia Animal Control Officer is
still 575.746.5000.
This number should be called for functions of the
Animal Control Officer such as dogs at large, vicious
animals or animal bites.