P.O. Box 80663
Lincoln, NE 68501
402 - 476 - 4414
info@animalrescuesoc.org
Lifestyle Info
When animals arrive at our sanctuary, almost always have health or lifestyle issues. Each one is evaluated through observation for several days. Most are suffering from some degree of malnutrition or over-nutrition. Many are not receiving ample exercise. We often get cats that are all-four declawed or front declawed but still intact! This is a recipe for disaster as the cat will still have their reproductive instincts but no longer has the ability to defend itself.
Socialization Issues
Many of the animals have socialization issues stemming from various causes. Animals coming from a hoarding situation desperately seek out space for themselves. Animals who are left alone a considerable amount of time need one-on-one time in order to feel loved again. Animals who have been abused are easy to spot as they are usually very shy and jumpy. We have thirty-eight years of experience in dealing with almost every type of animal from almost every type of situa
Diet
While the animals are here they are offered an extremely varied but very high-protein diet consisting of raw meat (poultry or beef), either ground or in strips, boiled chicken, fish (fresh and canned), premium canned foods sans grains and fillers, premium dry food, and greens. Of course there are ample numbers of mice on the grounds and in the buildings for extra good health.
Disease & Vaccinations
Each animal is tested for parasites and treated if infected. Mouths are inspected for any sign of tooth or gum disease. ARS does not advocate a yearly or scheduled vaccination routine because of scientific research that has been mounting over the past several years linking vaccinations with possible causes of feline aids (FIV) and feline leukemia (FeLV) and other immune compromising diseases. Many doctors and other health care workers are now not vaccinating their own children because of what the research may be indicating. There are several good links on the Website where one can educate themselves more on the subject.
ARS advocates finding a vet who will draw blood and checking for immunity before giving the needless vaccinations that may be contraindicated to the future health and well-being of the animal. ARS also has some excellent video and audiotapes of seminars that have been held by some of the world's top research scientists on the subject of vaccinations and the possible link between immune disorders in animals.
Dental Health
Good dental health is also extremely important to the health and well-being of the animal. We have had many animals come to the sanctuary suffering from stomatitis. Although a direct causative link has not been established for certain, we highly suspect that neglecting the teeth and mouth of the animal is at the root of the problem. That is why we offer every animal fresh, raw meat just as they would find in nature. A cat or dog will naturally seek out mice and other rodents, birds and small mammals for their diet. We should try to replicate that as much as possible in a domestic situation as the animal knows what it should be eating so that it can maintain it's health. When an animal eats dry kibble and nothing else it will often develop urinary problems. We strongly advocate a well-balanced and varied diet of real and wholesome food -- the same you or I would eat.
Balanced Lifestyle
A balanced life-style is of the utmost importance. We cannot stress enough how important it is for a companion animal to be able to move about freely at all times, within limits of course. This is why we try to seek out the very best homes in terms of adequate space for the animal in a somewhat safe and protected area. We strongly advise turning any companion animal into a strictly indoor-only lifestyle for the following reasons:
1) Animals need unfiltered sunlight on their bodies for optimum health, especially bone health. They can suffer vitamin D deficiencies the same as us. Sunlight through window glass is filtered.
2) Animals benefit greatly from food they catch themselves outdoors. The perfect diet for a cat is a mouse. The perfect diet for a dog is a large bird or a rabbit. It is difficult to replicate that in an indoor-only environment.
3) Animals need grass. They eat grass for medicinal reasons and also to cleanse their intestinal tract of hairballs and other debris.
4) Animals need ample exercise just like us humans. There is no way an animal can get the exercise their bodies need when they are never allowed outdoors.
5) Animals get bored easily. Animals like to be stimulated the same as us. Even the best-intentioned person will not have or spend the time to give an animal all the stimulation they need and crave. A stimulated animal is a happy animal. Ample stimulation promotes good physical and mental health.
