Do Shelter Pets Realize They've Been 'Saved'?

Our entire lives we've rescued pets from shelters. I really believe that at some level these dogs and cats bonded so tightly with our family because they realized we'd rescued them. Am I only fantasizing, or do you think such pets know their lives have been saved? - S.P., Minneapolis, MN

I think they know far more than we give them credit for. Remember how incredibly sensitive the sense of smell is in dogs and cats. Perhaps at some facilities they actually smell death. Imagine how terrifying that might be. Also, anxiety begets further anxiety.

At some shelters, this anxiety can spread like a virus with the constant barking or overcrowding. The bottom line is that even with an army of loving volunteers who walk dogs and pet cats, a shelter is no place to be. It's not surprising that animals seem relieved to be sprung.

I'm often asked how people can help companion animals. There are many ways to help. Adopting from a shelter or a rescue organization makes room for one more pet. I believe adoption is a pretty heroic thing to do.

We have a 5-and-a-half-year old, formerly feral cat. When we adopted her, she had horrible breath and vet said this was due to infected gums. During the dental cleaning, three teeth were removed. The vet says the problem is chronic, there's no cure, and our cat may have to have more teeth removed. The cat is on antibiotics, which the vet wants to continue. Do the vet's recommendations make sense? - M.S., Brandon, FL

"Chronic gingivitis is a common and frustrating problem," says Dr. Susan Little, a feline specialty veterinarian in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. "Your veterinarian is correct about there being no cure, per se. The use of antibiotics is controversial.

However, most veterinarians agree that management - you brushing the cat's teeth, and regular dental checks - are important strategies. For many cats with this condition, further extraction is inevitable. However, by removing teeth, you're also removing the pain, and ultimately removing the problem. Life with no teeth may actually improve the cat's quality of life."

Little, also president of the Winn Feline Foundation, says chronic gingivitis may be caused by a retrovirus, such as feline leukemia, or the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Certainly, have your cat checked.

Other causes aren't as well understood, including a genetic predisposition for what may be an immune-mediated disease and/or a viral infection.

I recently adopted a dog who's house trained and very affectionate. However, she's afraid to walk down the street. The shelter did tell us she was very scared. We're giving her lots of love, attention and praise. This is our eighth dog, and we're always happy to save a life, but we need some help with this one. Any ideas? - L.W., Bronx, NY

Congratulations on taking in a special dog who happens to have special needs. Legendary New York City-based dog trainer Carol Lea Benjamin, author of "See Spot Sit: 101 Illustrated Tips for Training the Dog You Love" (Skyhorse Publishing, New York, NY, 2008; $12.95), says to coax your dog with little pieces of hot dog or chicken.

When you take your dog out, get as far away from the house as you can - even if that's only 5 feet. Then add a few steps with each lesson. A trick of the trade is to carry your pup down the block and then put her down. No doubt, she'll want to return home. Allow her to walk home the first time, but on the second trip, go five feet past your house, then circle back. The next time, go 10 feet past the house, and so on.

When and if your dog is ready, enrolling her into a training class would be a wonderful confidence booster. A worthy goal may be to eventually participate in a dog sport, such as agility (an obstacle course for dogs) or flyball (canine relay races).

However, it's also possible that attending a class right now might not be something she can handle. Seeking hands-on help from a veterinary behaviorist or dog behavior consultant might be a reasonable place to start.

The truth is you may have to, over time, adjust the expectations you have for this dog. Appreciate what she gives you instead of what she isn't able to offer.

I just rescued a 5-week-old kitten with two stubs of varying lengths for hind legs. She's accepted me as her mother and I'm feeding her. Even one of her forelegs seems to occasionally dislocate. Still, she seems to be comfortable. Will this condition shorten her life? - R.H.C., Beatty, NV

It depends on what 'this' is. Feline specialty veterinarian Dr. Drew Weigner, of Atlanta, GA, says, "Birth defects may occur in cats, as they do in people. There's no way from your description to determine, though, if what has happened to this kitten will impact her life.

However, I've seen cats with deformed legs lead a perfectly normal life. For now, keep the kitten on soft surfaces and make a veterinary appointment."

Weigner adds, "It's wonderful you've taken this cat to your heart; many people wouldn't."