Willy-O seems a-ok now!

There was whining at the patio this morning and no prizes for guessing who it was.

Yes, it was Mr Zurik. He was just sitting on Timmy's chair and whining. And whining. Loudly too.

I think he just wanted attention OR maybe to prove a point.

So anyway, I fed everyone and everyone was happy. It was the whole gang - Daffodil, Rosie, Ginger, Vincent (now he eats with everyone again), Mr G and Mr Zurik.

Then it was Willy's turn.

Medicine first. Plop, plop...okay, no problems there.

Then, food!

Great appetite!

Willy had two helpings. I didn't want to push my luck. Overfeeding can cause diarrhoea again. So, no. Better play it safe.

Mr Zurik wasn't particularly hungry this morning so I wonder what his whining was all about. Physically, he looks fine too. I don't see him licking any wounds.

Willy allows me to pat. I need to get friendly with him and gain his trust so that I can catch him again for neutering after 2-3 weeks. My plan is to ask the vet to see how soon he can be vaccinated first. Since his scrotum needs 2-3 weeks to heal completely, I thought I'd do the vaccination first.

Diarrhoea is scary. You cannot rule out parvovirus and parvovirus can be prevented (or at least, the probability of contracting it can be reduced) by vaccination. You'd kick yourself for not getting the animal vaccinated when you can, right?

However, having said that, there is a big movement against vaccination, and concerned pet owners and caregivers should google and read all about it.

Here is one (against vaccination): http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/AnimalWellness/PetVacc.aspx (our disclaimer holds, of course).

This is another, and it's by a vet, Dr Lisa Pierson: http://www.catinfo.org/?link=vaccines (the dangers of over-vaccination).

For me personally, I take the middle way. It all depends on the environment your pet is in and the amount of exposure to pathogens. I'm certainly not against vaccinations, just OVER-vaccinations. So please do read up and keep yourself well-informed with the latest research findings.

Shelter animals, in my opinion, would probably need yearly vaccinations, giving the often less-hygienic environment that they are in. Rescuers' pets or animals may need that too, if they are often in contact with newly rescued street animals.

My own pets go on the 3-yearly schedule. But for infant animals, I would definitely do the 2 baby shots. Even Dr Lisa Pierson advocates that.

Street animals whom we can only catch once or twice, best to also have at least one (or one + a booster) for some protection against street diseases. Older animals, please google and find out the pros and cons. I stopped Bobby's vaccinations at 11 years old but that's because he was indoors and only exposed to cats!

Willy's towels are still washed with the 3% bleach solution. His trays too. Playing it safe, folks.