In a non-frugal moment I usually throw away the shirts used by transport animals or feral cats. I am just too cautious about the germs that might be shared through reusing them. Still, they are at least mostly biodegradeable, I tell myself.
Being an animal rescuer or foster parent means never having enough bedding. EVER! I started out using bath and hand towels, depending on the size of the kennel. Through normal wear-and-tear, towels became very precious in my house! So, I started looking for another source of bedding, and I have found it right in my neighborhood: the local laundromat where I do 'cat laundry' at least weekly. My laundromat has a bin of 'reject' laundry free for the taking, and about half of what is thrown into the basket is t-shirts. I've found t-shirts to be a comfortable, absorbent material for kennel bedding when folded to fit. Older or ill animals appreciate a cushion made of several t-shirts folded together, covered with another (you guessed it!) t-shirt!
In a non-frugal moment I usually throw away the shirts used by transport animals or feral cats. I am just too cautious about the germs that might be shared through reusing them. Still, they are at least mostly biodegradeable, I tell myself.
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My Dad used to say, 'If you want something done the easy way, ask a lazy person!' (He meant himself, even though he was the least lazy person I've ever known. Now I try to live up to his example by thinking my way out of some tedious tasks....
So, today I took a carful of kennels and crates (two of each) and one litter box to the 'spray it yourself' car wash. (Funny that my car gets washed a lot less than the pet equipment!) I took a detergent 'squeeze' bottle full of soapy water and a spray bottle full of 1:32 bleach solution. Pulling into the bay of the spray-and-wash lane, almost all the way out of the building, I unloaded the dirty kennels and crates. I think of any cleaning job as three parts: clean, rinse and sanitize. So, that's what I did at the car wash, too. First, I pre-washed by squirting soapy water onto any dirty surfaces. Then, putting my quarters in the slot, I washed and rinsed the kennels thoroughly. After shaking the excess water off, I sprayed bleach solution over all the surfaces. A quick shake and partial sun-drying and I was done. Kennels back in the car, back home and unloaded in a half hour. For all my transport friends especially, trust me, it's the best $1.25 you'll spend this week. And, the water is recycled instead of going into the ground or the storm drain. All RIGHT! My Facebook friend Elaine of PomRescue.com wrote this a while back and I asked her permission to include it here. Her post speaks to the importance of preparing properly for any transport, large or small, for short or long distances: August 7 at 9:33pm I am so proud of my little Pom pack!! Half of them were due for rabies shots & the Mobile Vet was setting up at 8:00AM at the tractor place just up the road. With a little planning and packing of crates last night - I pulled it off with out a hitch. (Thank you God!!) Nobody was traumatized & we all made it back with out a scratch. I think I have a talent for logistics. It just does not even occur to me not to be prepared. I had the list of all the info the Vet needed on each dog printed out. A list to check off as each one was vaccinated. A crate w/ each name on it lined with towels all packed in the car, (crate) doors ajar and bunjee corded in. Poop bags, water & bowls, leashes, even a can of dog food with a big spoon and metal bowl to clang on if somebody got loose. Paper towels. Check book & pen. Valet key OFF the key ring so I could leave the car AC running and locked while I stood in line. And last but not least a business card to hand to the lady that offered to help me with transports. ; ) Like Elaine, I enjoy preparing for transports by packing the car with everything I need the night beforehand. Here is a question for all my transport friends….what do you always make sure to have in your vehicle when planning a road trip? Comment here with your favorite transport necessity! On transports, I regularly mix up something I call Cat Food Soup. It's just water and cat (or dog) food mixed until 'soupy.' Cats very often are too stressed by transport to drink plain water, but often will lap up the 'soup.' It's one way I help keep passengers hydrated for longer-distance travel. Puppies like it very much, and so do some adult dogs.
At home, Cat Food Soup is more like broth, because it is made with just a little water swirled around in an 'empty' cat food can. My biggest Maine Coon cat, 'Bob' (he is tailless) LOVES his soup and has no idea he's getting what would in most households be poured down the sink. He gets a little extra liquid in his diet, and I use the very last little bit of cat food from the can. Beyond frugal! |