Page 8 - Stuart Exposure - April '25

Page 8, Stuart Exposure
Pet Matters

The Pet Cottage Post

Bonded Pairs: Two Hearts, One Home
At The Pet Cottage (TPC), many of
the pets who come to us arrive in
bonded pairs—siblings or lifelong
companions who have spent every
moment together. When they lose their
human, they rely on each other for
comfort and security. Separating them can
cause profound distress, anxiety, and depression, making their
transition even more heartbreaking.
That’s why we are dedicated to keeping bonded pairs Skylar and Sofia Sofia and Ellen Simba and Smokey
together. Through our Lifelong Guardianship Program, we
ensure that these pets remain by each other’s side, finding a Many bonded pairs are already well-adjusted, socialized allowing them to continue their golden years with the love
new home where they can continue their journey together. and trained, making the experience smoother for their and security they deserve.
For Smokey and Simba, bonded brother cats, staying
The Comfort Of Companionship new families. Plus, there’s something truly special about together meant everything. After their owner suffered a
witnessing the deep unspoken connection between two
Just like people, animals form deep emotional bonds. animals who have spent a lifetime together. severe injury, The Pet Cottage ensured they were placed
Whether they’re littermates, lifelong housemates, or best with a loving Forever Guardian, where they continue to
friends who found each other later in life, their connection Forever Homes For Lifelong Friends thrive—even after Simba developed diabetes. Thanks to
provides stability, confidence and a sense of security— TPC’s lifelong medical support, they remain healthy, happy,
especially during times of upheaval. Some of our most heartwarming success stories come and together.
When bonded pairs are separated, they often experience: from bonded pairs finding their perfect Forever Guardians.
• Depression and withdrawal—losing interest in food, Sofia and Skylar, a bonded brother-and-sister Maltipoo How You Can Help
play, or interaction. duo, lost their mom suddenly in 2023. Alone and terrified,
• Increased anxiety—pacing, whining, or destructive they were rescued by The Pet Cottage and placed with Ellen By becoming a Lifelong Guardian for a bonded pair,
behavior as they search for their missing companion. and Bryan Daly, where they you’re not just giving them a home—you’re preserving a
• Health issues—stress-related illnesses or weakened have since thrived. Now, they relationship that means everything to them. The Pet Cottage
immune systems due to emotional distress. spend their days happily by ensures that no Guardian has to take on this commitment
Keeping them together eases their transition into a new each other’s side, completely alone, covering veterinary care and offering ongoing support.
home, helping them feel safe and secure as they adjust to adjusted and loved in their If you’re ready to change two lives forever, consider
their new environment. new home with their dog welcoming a bonded pair into your heart and home.
Your support makes these matches possible. Donate today
The Reward Of Welcoming A Bonded Pair companion, Betty. and help us keep best friends together, where they belong!
For Shamus and Fiona,
For Guardians, welcoming a bonded pair into their home two senior dogs left behind The Pet Cottage
means twice the love, twice the joy! These pets bring an after their owner’s passing, Wendy Derhak Founder/Executive Director
instant sense of family, often providing companionship and staying together made all To schedule a tour or for more information contact us at
entertainment for each other. They play together, nap together the difference. They found (561) 818-5025. Learn more at thepetcottage.org.
and look out for one another, making them easier to integrate comfort and stability in their Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
into a new home than many expect. Forever Guardian family, Shamus
Tip of the Tail

Kidney Disease signs are evident, which may allow treatment to be initiated kidney insufficiency, pets can experience anemia. If this
sooner and provide the best quality of life for the pet. occurs, medication may be needed to help correct the anemia.
Chronic kidney Several treatment options can be utilized to help pets Chronic kidney insufficiency is a common disease in
insufficiency is one with chronic kidney insufficiency maintain a good quality older animals; however, pets can live with a good quality of
of the most common of life. Special prescription diets are a primary means to life for many years after diagnosis with proper management.
diseases affecting help maintain appropriate protein levels, certain electrolyte Annual lab work may reveal indications of chronic kidney
older pets, especially levels, and a better longer quality of life. These diets are insufficiency well before a pet shows clinical signs. Please
cats. Many causes available through veterinarians. Another treatment option is check with your veterinarian to see if your pet is due for his
exist for chronic fluid therapy, either subcutaneous fluids or intravenous fluids. or her lab work.
kidney insufficiency, with age-related kidney deterioration Subcutaneous fluids, which are placed under a pet’s skin, can Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center
being one of the more common causes. Chronic kidney be used at home or in the clinic to help maintain hydration; is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your
insufficiency indicates that a condition called azotemia has subcutaneous fluids can be utilized long-term to help with pets. With focuses on compassionate care in surgery,
been present for months or years. When azotemia is present, quality of life. Some pets will benefit from subcutaneous physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative medicine,
toxins have accumulated in the bloodstream, and lab work fluids up to several times a week, while others may need extensive diagnostics, and emergency service, Palm City
will indicate abnormalities. Approximately 70 percent of fluids less often. Intravenous fluids are usually reserved for Animal Medical Center combines exceptional medical
kidney function must be lost before lab work abnormalities pets who need more aggressive fluid therapy. Some pets care with a caring philosophy for pets and their owners.
are noted. Azotemia does not necessarily mean a pet is with chronic kidney insufficiency may have blood pressure For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit www.
experiencing a reduced quality of life, but with uremia the issues, and these pets may benefit from blood pressure palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook
patient is exhibiting clinical signs of kidney disease and medications. Depending on the chronicity and severity of at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
may be reducing their quality of life. The goal in treatment
of chronic kidney insufficiency is to prevent, postpone, or
resolve uremia, to ensure the pet experiences the best possible
quality of life. Azotemia associated with chronic kidney
insufficiency may not be reversible.
The kidneys perform several important functions:
1.) Filtering waste products, primarily urea and creatinine.
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Lab work may reveal abnormalities before obvious clinical