Lizzie continues to read the articles in the Chicago Tribune regarding the safety of mercury levels in canned tuna.

Lizzie says: Didn't I tell you it wasn't safe? DIDN'T I TELL YOU??? Even that paragon of Republican virtue, the Chicago Tribune, is now saying that pregnant women should not eat ANY canned tuna at all. Last month, I reported about the controversy over the amount of mercury in canned tuna, and the government's stance that a small amount is OK for children and pregnant women despite much research to the contrary. I told you that I didn't think it was very safe for kitties to eat, even as a treat. The mounting evidence is causing more groups to advise pregnant women to completely avoid canned tuna, as well as other high mercury fish. Now, if an average sized pregnant woman shouldn't have any tuna, do you STILL think your cat should eat it? My Mom says "no", and I agree!

Lizzie read an article in Veterinary Economics about a touchy subject - pet euthanasia. It's not easy to talk about, but Lizzie wants to remind everyone that while it is common for people to die in their sleep - often from heart attacks and strokes - this rarely happens for animals. Most pets die from drawn-out, very debilitating and sometimes very painful illnesses or diseases. It can be a very difficult thing for a pet to go through.

Lizzie says: As our pet's caretakers, it is up to you humans to be at least as kind to us at the end of our lives as you were to us the rest of our time with you. Humane euthanasia may be the kindest gift you ever give your pet.

Lizzie also read an article in the same magazine that made her go "ewwwwwww." Did you know that bar soap that constantly stays damp harbors loads of germs? Damp bar soap that is used by a lot of people allows germs to survive, multiply, and even spread to other handwashers. Liquid soap stays a lot more sanitary. In one study, researchers tested 12 samples of bar soap and 10 samples of liquid soap in veterinary hospitals for contamination. ALL of the bar soaps were heavily contaminated with germs while none of the liquid soap samples had germs.

Lizzie says: We only use liquid soap at our hospital!

Lizzie finished out her month of reading by reviewing a survey published by Harris Interactive that looked at how people feel about having their pets go missing. While 85% of dog and cat owners surveyed said that losing their pet would be extremely or very traumatic, and 34% said they are familiar with microchipping as the best way of preventing a pet from getting lost, only 14% of those surveyed had actually had their pets microchipped.

Lizzie says: Well, pardon my French, but where are those folks' brains???? Microchipping is safe, easy, fast, and cheap. I am chipped, and it didn't hurt at all. My Mom had me chipped while I was getting spayed. Now if I am ever lost, I will be able to get back to my Mom even if I lose my collar and tags. I read in this survey that 79% of you say that losing a pet would be more traumatic than getting in a car accident or breaking a bone, and 61% of you say that losing your precious Poochie would make you more sad than losing your job. But only 14% of you put your money where your mouth is and actually chip us? Well, time to pony up, buckaroos - show us how much you care, and take us in to the vet to get microchipped, pronto!