Monday, January 30, 2012

Giving up your pet for love?

Kellie Pickler Gives Up Cat Pickles for Her Allergic Husband | Kellie PicklerI was reading a recent article today on Kellie Pickler and her cat, Pickles.  She was spotted recently at the New York City unveiling of a cat sweater to benefit the ASPCA.  She stated that she is still in wedded bliss with the exception of having to give her cat up.  Apparently her new hubby is allergic to cats. 

Pickles has been with her since 2006.  This is the cat that traveled with her everywhere after American Idol.   She adopted Pickles at an animal rescue shelter in Tennessee. 

Kellie admitted that she still gets teary eyed when thinking about Pickles.  She admitted that her husband does not know how sad she was.  My question is how does your significant other not know that you would be devastated?  Why is she worried that her husband will be sad when he finds out her true feelings?  The girl just gave up her "child" for him!  Another concern that I had is, was it really worth it to give up your pet?  I'm sorry to say, I'm not so sure if I would be able to do that.  I would try my best to drug my husband with allergy medications.  Noticed that I haven't mentioned kids because that is a whole new ball park.  I think if it involved kids, my stance may be different.  So, should people have to give up thier loved ones for a human companion?  What do you think?

According to The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) (http://www.hsus.org/ace/11778) approximately 15% of the population is allergic to dogs or cats. An estimated 1/3 of Americans who are allergic to cats (about 2 million people) live with at least one cat in their household anyway. In a study of 341 adults who were allergic to cats or dogs and had been advised by their physicians to give up their pets, only 1 out of 5 did. What’s more, 122 of them obtained another pet after a previous one had died.


Tips to keep the allergens at bay (New York Tails):
1. Avoid hugging and kissing pets if you are allergic to them.
2. Remove litter boxes from direct contact with allergy sufferers. Look for "low-dust" or "dust free" brands of litter.
3. Wash hands after handling or touching a pet.
4. Consider placing plastic covers on the couch or other upholstered furniture (which may harbor pet allergens) where the pet sleeps or rests.
5. Wash your pet weekly. Recent studies have indicated that some significant reduction in the amount of pet allergens occurs with weekly washing of dogs and cats. A number of shampoo products are available in pet stores that may neutralize or inactivate allergens present on the skin of cats and dogs.  Two commonly used products, Allerpet and Nature's Miracle Dander and Odor Eliminator, come in spray bottles that let you spray some solution on your pet, rub them down with a cloth, and you're done. (Allerpet/C, D and B treats cats, dogs and birds, respectively.)
6. A non-allergic individual should brush the pet regularly, outside of the home.
7. Speak with your pet's veterinarian to get a well balanced diet for your pet. This change in diet may help to minimize hair loss for the pet and this can reduce dander indoors.
8. Use a double or micro-filter bag in the vacuum to augment the filtration of the vacuum cleaner and, in turn, reduce the amount of pet allergen present in carpeting that leaks back into the room air.
9. A number of chemical solutions, like tanic acid, are available that may remove allergens present in carpeting. However, removing carpeting and rugs is the best way to reduce exposure.
10. Finally, look into allergy shots (immunotherapy) from your allergist/immunologist to reduce the unnecessary suffering associated with having a pet in the home.

1 comment:

  1. I think if someone really loves you, they would NEVER let you willingly give up something you love. There should have definitely been some sort of compromise there!

    I love the tips you give here for the allergy prone. There should be no reason to give up your pet!

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