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YOU AND YOUR PET By Robert L. Stear, D.V.M. Manager of Veterinary Services Norden Laboratories Giving-A Year 'Round Theme (By Robert L. Stear, D.V.M.) (iuinea Pigs And Hamsters - Are Rodents Good Pets? Guinea pigs and hamsters are very popular pets with children. They are inexpensive, clean and easy to care for. The guinea pig is the larger of the two and is most active during the daytime. An alert, docile animal about eight in­ ches long that comes in short and long-haired varieties, the guinea pig has a characteristic low whistle and no tail. Hamsters are less than half the size of guinea pigs. They are most active at night and have short, stumpy tails. They are best known for their habit of stuffing their expandable cheek pouches with food, and then storing the food away under bedding. New hamster owners sometimes become fearful when they see their pet's face swollen to double its normal size. However, as soon as the hamster feels no one is watching, it will empty the contents of the pouches in a corner of the cage, and the "mumps" rapidly disappear. Both hamsters and guinea pigs will thrive on com­ mercially pelleted rodent chow supplemented twice a week by fruit, vegetables or greens. Dry dog food will serve as an ac­ ceptable temporary pellet substitute. Diets composed entirely of mixed bird seed are not satisfactory and may lead to constipation or vitamin deficiencies. The supplement of fresh greens and fruit is especially important to the guinea pig because it cannot manufacture vitamin C in­ ternally like most pets Without a\jeadv supply of vitamin C in the form of cabbage or other greens, the guinea pia will develop scurvy, a disease that once plagued sailors on long ocean voyages. Signs of scurvy in a guinea pig include bleeding gums, unsteady gait and reluctance to walk Besides the proper food, your hanTSteror guinea pig will need a constant supply of clean, fresh water A hanging water bottle that dispenses only a drop or two at a time is a good 4 investment Many rodents do not drink well from a dish - and may catch pneumonia from walking through it. When you choose housing for these pets, remember that guinea pigs and hamsters are strong for their size. Provide a latched doorway or a top heavy enough to prevent .the pet from nudging it off. Many rodents, especially hamsters, escape from converted aquariifrrft by climbing up water bottles or large exercise wheels. All rodent cages should be lined with absorbent materials ^e wood shavings or crushed corncobs. These materials absorb surplus moisture and aid in keeping the pet warm land dry. Because a rodents teeth grow throughout its lifetime, short lengths of hard wood should always be in the cage for your pet to gnaw on. If you do not allow your pet to wear down its teeth, the teeth may overlap and cause difficulty in eating. It is not uncommon for hamsters to gnaw on cage bars in a determined effort to keep their teeth at the proper length Despite Their sharp front teeth, guinea pigs and ham­ sters rarely bite and are rapidly tamed by frequent handling. Since hamsters are so small, children must be taught how to pick them up properly. The safest way to pick up a hamster is to treat it like a ball. Put your palm over its back and curl your fingers softly about the body. A guinea pig can be carried with one hand under the stomach and the other hand supporting the id legs. todents have few medical problems when the basic needs of food, water, and proper housing are filled. However, since their normal life span is so short, three to four years at most, it is best to buy a young animal-about eight weeks old- if you desire one for a pf?t. (Dr. Stear regrets that he is unable to personally answer letters from pet owners. He suggests that readers cOiTSTUlt their own veterinarians when their pets have problems). Editor's Quote Book He who wishes to secure the good of others has already secured his own. Confucius Throughout the recently concluded holiday season, one of the central themes has been to "give"--give of oneself to God, and give of oneself to the less fortunate. The holiday season is now over, but hopefully everyone hasn't packed away their "giving" along with broken toys and clothes that don't fit. Many, of the Christmas organizations in operation ask for people to give money. The newly-founded Central Baptist Family Services organization (CBFS) asks that people "give" love! The CBFS asks that people giVe love by opening up their homes to a mentally disabled foster child. The purpose of the •.non- sectarian organization, funded by the Department of Mental Health, is to find homes for mentally disabled children. It's the first organization of its kind in this area, and serves the Lake and McHenry county region, working out of offices in Lake Villa. & Essentailly, the organization is looking for families who will be willing to bring a mentally disabled child into their home as a foster child. "Persons who become substitute parents are persons with a strong liking for children, who relate to children with understanding, flexibility and warmth," according to Susan Weinger, coordinator for this new program "They are persons with a willingness to learn, who respect devefropmentally disabled children and the in­ dividuality of all children," she added. "Patience without overprotection is necessary to enable the child to grow more fully. "Foster parents work in a team effort with the agency and respect the child's ties to his biological family when ap­ propriate," Ms. Weigner finished Mrs. Weigner feels there is a very definite need to have children taken out of in­ stitutions and placed in foster homes. "Some children currently residing in institutions- do not belong there," she explained. "These children can share in normal patterns of life, and need the challenge, stimulation, and attention of family living for healthy development. •« ildren in need of homes are living in residential in­ stitutions in Lake or McHenry counties, or residing in state facilities," she added. "When parents can no longer provide for their developmentally disabled child, the child should not needlessly be placed in an institution if home living is the TWO OVENS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE WHEN YOU BUY THIS GENERAL ELECTRIC P-T SELF-CLEANING OVEN RANGE SEE US FOR OUR LOW, LOW PRICE When you buy this P-7 self-cleaning oven range you get features like a digital time center, 3-in-1 Power Saver Unit, a cooktop lamp and a black glass window door. You'll also get at no extra charge, from General Electric, a Toast'N Broil Toast-R-Oven™ toaster (Model T23) valued at $45.98. MODEL JB500GV This premium offer is good from Jan. 1,1977 to Feb. 28, 1977. Present the coupon below to your dealer when you purchase the GE self-cleaning oven range. Model T23 „ $45.98 RETAIL VALUE JB500GV. Offer good Jan. 1,1977 through Feb. 28,1977. I NO CHARGE! TOAST'N BROIL TOAST-R-OVEN I TOASTER A This coupon entitles the bearer to a Toast-R-Oven toaster • (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price--$45.98) upon | the purchase of a GE P-7® self-cleaning oven range Model GAREY APPLIANCE SERVICE 1241 N. GREEN ST., McHENRY more appropriate service for the child. "This program will offer these children and their families a valuable alternative to institutionalization," she concluded. The type of child served by the program is the develop- mentally disabled one. The child learns at a considerably slower rate than the average child and requires a more protective environment There is a wide range among the children in the degree of their disability. The placed children will not have any serious medical or emotional •problems, and vary in age from 3 to 21. "The children can meet their basic needs, and attend special education classes within the community," Ms. Weigner said. To better explain the program, and to meet with any interested foster parents, Central Baptist Family ser-, vices will conduct a meeting Tuesday, Jan 25, in the juvenile court room of the court" services building, Woodstock. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. "We're going to have a foster parent there to talk with the people," Ms. Weigner said. "And we'll have a film, and generally be available to an­ swer any questions interested people might have." For people who are familiar We Reserve The Right To Limit Quantities On Sale Items with all the legalities and red tape involved in adopting a normal child, being a foster parent for a special child is not quite as difficult. Ms. Weigner explained the procedure for obtaining a foster child. - "When a parent comes to us, we interview them, check out the home, and require that every member of the family have a medical examination," she said. "We ha^^raining sessions for the foster parents, and have the child meet with its new parents at least three times before moving the child into the home. "After the dhild moves in, we visit the home at le&st once a week for the first eight weeks," ' she added. "After that, we visit bi-monthly for as long as the child is in the home. "We also have twenty-four hour emergency service," Ms. Weigner said. "We share in­ formation with the parentsr&nd the child can attend the special education classes in his home town." Central Baptist Family services doesn't have its own home for disabled chidlren. Instead, it works with various institutions Tn the area, at­ tempting to match homes with children. "The family and child are matched after careful con­ sideration of what the parents ..want," Ms. Weigner said. "The parent tells what type of child they desire, (age, sex, etc.) and we then go to the various in­ stitutions and select a child that we believe will work out best." The child and prospective foster parents meet several times, and if the parents agree,' the child is then moved into the home. "Our program is very new," Ms. Weigner explained. "So we really need homes for these children. "Right now,^'people aren't aware that this type of program is available," she said. "I know that there are people right now who would be very interested in ^ our program if only they were aware of it." Ms. Weigner again men­ tioned the meeting on Jan. 25, to inform interested persons of the program. "I hope everyone can make it," she said. "And if they can't they can contact me by calling 312-356-2391, or by writing Central Baptist Family ser­ vices, P.O. Box 218, Lake Villa, II. 60046." Remember, the holiday season is over, but the theme still is to "give." ^ You'll "receive" something far greater in return. Grocery Accident Seemingly harmless grocery carts are responsible each year for injuries to over 8,000 children who receive finger amputations, limb and skull fractures and con­ cussions from the unsafe parts SECTION 2 - PAGE 1 - PLAINDEALER-WfeDNESDAV, JANUARY 12,1977 . YOUR WEEK AHEAD BV DAMIS Forecast Period:, <• . ' * January 9 to January 15 „ ' \rjES Try to dispel disagreements with associates Mar 21-Apr. 19 over f'nancia ' affairs Courtesy on your part prevents a rift. TAURUS What you say is open to misinterpretation Put Apr. 20-May20 min^ in gear before mouth Strive for har­ mony. ... ^ --: GEMINI There seems to be a happy solution to May21-June20 problems Prepare for action Opportunity is knocking--just open the door MOONCHILD An unexpected honor may be conferred in June21-July 22 - e recognition of your efforts in furthering the aims of a club or organization LEO Follow through on plans for further training to July23-Aug. 22 enhance advancement opportunities Surprise moves now have* a profound affect on your public standing ~ -i • VIRGO Unexpected disappointments could interfere Aug. 23-Sept. 22 with travel plans Communication from far off places is disquieting LIBRA Confusion or delay could arise over taxes., in- Sept.23-Oct.22 - surance, business affairs Research into the whys and answers come SCORPIO *" Legal difficulties <k problems in business Oct. 23-Nov. 21 develop Understanding the other persoTfs mental processes brings enlightenment Let your opinions be known. SAGITTARIUS Diet and health are of concern now Wed- Nov. 22-Dec. 21 nesday seems to be an excellent day for start­ ing your new diet program CAPRICORN Make plans carefully first in any speculative Dec. 22-Jan. 19 venture. You could "lose your sox " Put your unique ideas to work for you AQUARIUS Possibilities of a change in residence come in Jan. 20-Feb. 18 to the picture Delay any real estate dealings for a few weeks PISCES Misunderstandings arise thru delayed com- Feb. 19-Mar. 20 munications Keep unkind remarks to yourself as they could lead to real problems J ND LIQUORS JAN. 18 Sale Beer Not Iced • • • • • No Sales To Minors 4610 W. RTE. 120, McHENRY, ILLINOIS FRITO LAY POTATO CHIPS REGULAR OR RUFFLES REG. 75C. ONLY 49* CANFIELDS SODA 24-12 0Z. CANS CASE PEPSI REGULAR-DIET-LIGHT 8-16 0Z. BTLS. ®S®99' ' PLUS DEP. HANNAH & HOGG BLENDED WHISKEY SKOL VODKA IMPORTED CANADIAN MIST SWEET OR DRY GALLO VERMOUTH IMPORTED FRENCH ROTHSCHILD^ V.S.O.P. EARLY TIMES IMPORTED SCOTCH WHISKY CUTTY SA'RK 99 FIFTH From The Largest Wine Selection In Lcke And McHenry Counties IMPORTED DRY SACK SHERRY $399 If $ J 49 TAYLOR PINK CATAWBA IMPORTED ITALIAN ROSE VENTO'S COLD PIGEON A MELLOW RED WINE FROM COLONY FIFTH FIFTH 99< FIFTH CAPELLA GALLON BLACK LABEL 6-12 OZ. CANS MILLER'S 6-12 OZ. CANS $ J 39 RED, WHITE & BLUE 12-12 OZ. CANS B *21» HID WHITE 1 I, BLUE VISIT OUR CHEESE SHOP PA6ST BLUE RIBBON 24-12 0Z. BOTTLES 9 PL! J DEP; 4610 W. Rte. 120 Ph. 815 385-3200