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Loran Hickton
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"Working with community to reach great results for pets and animals."

Pittsburgh, PA, USA
male
committed relationship, 2 children
Speaks: english
Joined Nov 17, 2007
What I Want to Do:
Causes: Responsible Pet Owners Alliance, Cancer Awareness, Food Safety, Animal Welfare, education, environment, Children's Welfare, Pets
Activities: Family, Great Theater, Old Western Movies, outdoors anything, writing, travel, cooking


 
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Hello and welcome to my page!

I am here to make friends and promote partnerships between caring pet folks on Care 2 and pet health related associations and industry. My goal is to work with folks to improve the health of pets.

We are reaching out and meeting with many groups, associations and companies that are involved in animal and pet health and welfare issues.  

If you would like to join my professional network, please visit:
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/3/b23/170

If you would like to learn more about Pet Health Insurance, visit: http://www.naphia.org


On Thanksgiving, Be Thankful and Provide a Feast Best Suited for Pets - Pet Insurance Association Provides Advisory
Pets ingesting rich and fatty foods, chocolates, or other unsuitable or unintended items, can create a thankless holiday visiting the veterinary emergency hospital.

November 10, 2009 (Pittsburgh, PA) As pet owners head into the season of special gatherings, celebrations and holiday tidings, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) reminds pet owners to protect their pets.

It is almost impossible for most family members to sit and wait through the wonderful aromas' of a special holiday feast being prepared. We will wonder into the kitchen, with the preface to provide help to the cook, and maybe be available... to make sure there is not too much wine in the gravy! This is true for our four-legged family members as well! They too are wanting to sample a scrap in the kitchen, or partake in an unusual treat from the coffee table. As our pets stand ready and prepared to lunge at any opportunity for food or strange foreign object, as pet owners we must be vigilant and protect our pets from their natural tendencies..

Pets ingesting rich and fatty foods, chocolates, or other unsuitable or unintended items, can create a thankless holiday visiting the veterinary emergency hospital.
 

As pet owners, we need to provide extra care and attention to their pet during this time of year, according to Dr. Ingmire, (of Mokena Animal Clinic, near Chicago). "It is important to plan and consider our pets as we head into the holiday season. Our pets are certainly aware of this special time of the year and want to be a part of all of the celebrations. Without consideration of our pets, trouble and mischief can ensue. Even a well-behaved pet that feels slighted or confined during festivities may get into trouble that normally would not happen during other times of the year." According to Dr. Ingmire:

Pet owners need to be mindful of the following:

  • Do not provide any forms of chocolate
  • Do not provide table scraps or foods not specifically prepared for our pets
  • Secure or remove garbage and food scraps from the kitchen before sitting down to dine
  • Adjust your pets' feeding time to occur as you are serving dinner for special occasions and add a special pet treat as part of the pet meal
  • Plan and provide short periods of special one-on-one time for walks and just providing focused attention during special occasions
  • Our pets will adjust better to the additional activities taking place in the home, if a little bit of special attention is provided.

"Providing rich human foods is just a bad idea and it can cause Pancreatitis and general internal illness. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, and it can be life threatening. When a pet is diagnosed as having pancreatitis, he/she becomes more susceptible to developing it again so you want to avoid your pet ever having it. The best way to protect our pets so they can enjoy a healthy and happy life is to avoid feeding human foods. If your pet becomes ill with bloody vomit and diarrhea after consuming turkey or ham or getting into the garbage, take your pet to your veterinarian immediately," continued Dr. Ingmire.

Other cautionary "tails" to share during holidays include avoiding poinsettias and tinsel, especially with cats in the house. Dogs can become ill after consuming Christmas tree standing water, though generally not life threatening. On the other hand, there are many positive examples of great things pet owners can do to correctly spoil their pets. Provide a special holiday trip to the groomer or provide a nice shampoo wash and dry at home. Hang a stocking with correct treats and toys. A new toy with a bit of cat nip is okay for our feline friends. Just remember, pets are aware it is a special time of the year and all of the festivities can cause our pets to get into mischief and potential painful trouble. Also check with your veterinarian for the preferred 24 hour emergency pet hospital in your area for care after hours and have the phone number with your other important emergency information.

# # #

About The North American Pet Health Insurance Association
Founded in 2007, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association is committed to educating and promoting the values and benefits of pet health insurance to North American pet owners, the general public, and the veterinary industry. For more information, visit www.naphia.org or call 412-319-7730 / 412-908-9766.

About pets in the United States
Research shows that pets are truly regarded as members of the American family. About 60% of U.S. households have at least one dog, cat, bird, or other companion animal. Many have more than one. There are more than 72 million pet dogs in the U.S. and nearly 82 million pet cats. Projected 2009 pet expenditures for North America are over $45 billion, of which $25 billion will be spent on veterinary related care.
Please also consider joining the North American Pet Health Insurance Group here on Care 2.

As I have always been completely transparent in all of my efforts, my work includes working with all members of the community and industry to improve pet health. My work has always been and will continue to be about making life better for all pets and pet owners. I am very happy to report that I have accepted the position as Executive Director of The North American Pet Health Insurance Association!


One of the reasons I was selected for this position is the great friendships and work I have enjoyed with you as part of Care 2. I now need your support to build the North American Pet Health Insurance Association Group on Care 2. Our group will provide the important input and participation of people like you that truly care and understand what it means to go the extra distance to provide needed care for our own pets, as well as pets in need without a home.


Please join this group so I can keep you informed and have your continued advice and input into shaping the future of pet health insurance that will work best for pet owners and their beloved pets! Please join our group today!


National Pet Health Insurance Association Provides Advisory – The Season of Treats Can be a Painful and Costly Trick! October 30, 2009(Pittsburgh, PA) As pet owners head into the season of special gatherings, celebrations and holiday tidings, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) reminds pet owners to protect their pets from ingesting chocolate and other unintended items, and not provide unsuitable special treats and meals to their pets.  Pet owners need to provide extra care and attention to their pet during this time of year, according to Dr. Ingmire, of Mokena Animal Clinic, near Chicago. “It is important to plan and consider our pets as we head into the holiday season. Our pets are certainly aware of this special time of the year and want to be a part of all of the celebrations. Without consideration of our pets, trouble and mischief can ensue. Even a well-behaved pet that feels slighted or confined during festivities may get into trouble that normally would not happen during other times of the year.” Dr. Ingmire recommends that all pet owners be mindful of the following:    ·         Do not provide any forms of chocolate·         Do not provide table scraps or foods not specifically prepared for our pets·         Secure or remove garbage and food scraps from the kitchen before sitting down to dine·         Adjust your pets’ feeding time to occur as you are serving dinner for special occasions and add a special pet treat as part of the pet meal·         Plan and provide short periods of special one-on-one time for walks and just providing focused attention during special occasions·         Our pets will adjust better to the additional activities taking place in the home, if a little bit of special attention is provided. “Providing rich human foods is just a bad idea and it can cause Pancreatitis and general internal illness. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, and it can be life threatening. When a pet is diagnosed as having pancreatitis, he/she becomes more susceptible to developing it again so you want to avoid your pet ever having it. The best way to protect our pets so they can enjoy a healthy and happy life is to avoid feeding human foods. If your pet becomes ill with bloody vomit and diarrhea after consuming turkey or ham or getting into the garbage, take your pet to your veterinarian immediately,” continued Dr. Ingmire.   Other cautionary “tails” to share during holidays include avoiding poinsettias and tinsel, especially with cats in the house. Dogs can become ill after consuming Christmas tree standing water, though generally not life threatening. On the other hand, there are many positive examples of great things pet owners can do to correctly spoil their pets. Provide a special holiday trip to the groomer or provide a nice shampoo wash and dry at home. Hang a stocking with correct treats and toys. A new toy with a bit of cat nip is okay for our feline friends. Just remember, pets are aware it is a special time of the year and all of the festivities can cause our pets to get into mischief and potential painful trouble. Also check with your veterinarian for the preferred 24 hour emergency pet hospital in your area for care after hours and have the phone number with your other important emergency information.  
Heimdall, the Gentle Giant Wins 2009 North American Pet Health Insurance Favorite Pet Story Award


Heimdall's story provides a most heartwarming and compelling example of the love of a special pet, and the value of being able to provide excellent care.
  October 22, 2009 (Pittsburgh, PA)The North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) announced today that Heimdall, a much beloved deaf Great Dane is the winner of the 2009 North American Favorite Pet Story.

Meg Wittenmyer is a member of the Houston and Denver Great Dane Rescue Groups. Just a few years back Meg was only going to keep Heimdall for a few days until a good home could be located. You may have an idea of what occurred. It happens to all of us who love and care for pets. The dog was very special and not just because of his hearing disability. Meg and her husband quickly found a kind and gentle giant with a soul that could be seen through his eyes and he immediately melted the hearts of what became his new family.



Heimdall gently approached his new owners and softly laid his head on their shoulder and he pretty much got whatever he wanted. Yes, they spoiled him quite a bit, but he returned that favor a hundredfold with all the love and devotion his 145 lb. body could give.



Working with Great Dane rescue and having them for years taught Heimdall's new parents the importance of maintaining pet insurance coverage. With big dogs there are sometimes risks for big bills, which is why the rescue strongly recommends pet insurance to all our adoptive families. Little did they know how true that would be when they took Heimdall into their regular vet for a persistent cough. In November 2008, what began as an upper respiratory infection progressed to recurring pneumonia to bacteria, that mutated each time the veterinarian tried a new antibiotic.



Like many pet owners with pet health insurance, these folks had been paying premiums for a long time without actually making a claim. However, within the space of six months, all their expenses and efforts were repaid in ways they had not imagined.



The primary veterinarian and the pet owners searched out a fine respiratory specialist, Their optimism turned into months of trying one antibiotic after another, included countless lung x-rays and three bronchoscopes. At one point, the pet owner was paying over $300 a day for the special antibiotics, as Heimdall was fighting both staph and e-coli bacteria which had settled in his lungs. It was at this point that the pet owner realized the value of not only having pet insurance, but the added drug and dental benefit they decided to purchase as part of their coverage.



Between November 2008 and May 2009 their pet insurance company had paid their policies maximum annual benefit of $10,000. The pet owner said that "not only did they pay the bills we submitted in a timely manner, but we knew that the staff of the pet health insurance company cared as much about what happened with Heimdall as we did."



Very sadly, Heimdall passed away last month, as the pet owner shared this story and she sincerely wanted everyone to know that if your pet is important to you, then pet insurance should be just as important. "We would have done anything to get Heimdall the treatment he needed and having insurance meant not having to take out a second mortgage or even selling our house, but more importantly, gave us many extra months with our beautiful baby boy, which really is priceless. It's just that simple."



"It is with a little bit of sadness, but also a great deal of joy that we celebrate to life and bond that was enjoyed by Heimdall and his family. The North American Pet Health Insurance Association is very pleased to share this special story as the winner of the North Amercan Favorite Pet Story, Said, Loran Hickton, Executive Director, North American Pet Health Insurance Association.



A special donation will be made in Heimdall name to the Houston and Denver Great Dane Rescue Groups. Also, the family will receive a special award of $500.00 for pet related purchases and veterinary care.



# # #



About The North American Pet Health Insurance Association
Founded in 2007, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association is committed to educating and promoting the values and benefits of pet health insurance to North American pet owners, the general public, and the veterinary industry. September is National Pet Health Insurance Month. Pet parents can enter their stories, pictures and favorite veterinary practices for special prizes and an educational grant for the veterinary care provider. To learn more, visit our website at http://www.naphia.org.


Pets Provide Better Human Health and Wellness and Reduce Healthcare Costs As the North American Pet Health Insurance Association celebrates National Pet Health Insurance Month, the association shares the positive impact of pets on human healthcare. (Pittsburgh, PA) September 16, 2009: The North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) has raised awareness of the value of pets, and pet health insurance, by designating September as National Pet Health Insurance Month.  Pet health insurance provides a financial safety net for pet owners, and often gives them the ability to provide a higher level of care to their ill or injured pets.  Every day, pet health insurance spares pet owners the excruciating decision to limit veterinary care for beloved pets, or even to euthanize them, due to economic limitations.  As pet owners consider health insurance for their pets, they might think of it in the context of their own health.  Research shows that humans with a puppy, kitten, dog, or cat in their home enjoy a measurable improvement in health, and in fact spend less on their own healthcare.  Documented studies on human health suggest that pet ownership bestows the following benefits: 



  • Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease



  • Higher survival rates from heart attacks



  • Significantly lower use of general practitioner services



  • Reduced risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis in children exposed to pet allergens during the first year of their life



  • Better physical and psychological well-being for seniors










According to the research by the Delta Society and others, there is not a significant social or economic difference between people who do or do not have a pet that adequately explains the differences in health outcome, leading to the conclusion that pet ownership itself is the primary cause of the positive benefits.  The Delta Society is a human services organization dedicated to improving people's health and well-being. The mission of Delta Society is to help lead the world in advancing human health and well-being through positive interactions with animals.  “At a time in which our society is looking for treatment alternatives to complement western medicine, research is consistently demonstrating that pets can have a profound impact on people’s physical and emotional health.  Delta Society has focused on this single concept since 1977.  We are excited to see more healthcare professionals and other leaders embracing the fact that pets can be a cost-effective approach to improving people’s health while enriching their lives,” stated Lawrence Norvell, President and CEO of Delta Society. 

According to NAPHIA Executive Director Loran Hickton, "As the human healthcare debate continues, some have asked, ‘why provide pet insurance when so many humans do not have health coverage?’ First, we know that the uncertainty of the current economy makes pet insurance critically important for the financial well-being of all pet owners. Many pet owners simply don't have the disposable income to cover emergencies or even routine pet health care, and each day, pets face economic euthanasia.  In addition to financial benefits, now more than ever it is essential to share the human health benefits of pet ownership.  Our pets are part of our families; they make a difference and contribute to better health and lower human healthcare costs. To people without pets this may be hard to understand, but most pet owners corroborate the research that indicates having a pet improves life and a sense of wellness and health!”  

During September, NAPHIA is sponsoring a nationwide contest to select pet health insurance customers’ favorite veterinary practices from over 20,000 across North America. Pet owners are posting pictures of their pets, along with a story, at the NAPHIA website. The contest highlights the care and recovery of pets for whom pet health insurance helped to provide needed care. There are prizes for the pet owner, an educational grant provided to the veterinary care provider, and a donation to the pet shelter or rescue group of the winner’s choice. The National Pet Health Insurance Month contest page is http://www.naphia.org/pet_health_month.htm # # # About pets in the United StatesResearch shows that pets are truly regarded as members of the American family. About 60% of U.S. households have at least one dog, cat, bird, or other companion animal. Many have more than one. There are more than 72 million pet dogs in the U.S. and nearly 82 million pet cats. Projected 2009 pet expenditures for North America are over $45 billion, of which $25 billion will be spent on veterinary related care.  About The North American Pet Health Insurance AssociationFounded in 2007, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association is committed to educating and promoting the values and benefits of pet health insurance to North American pet owners, the general public, and the veterinary industry.  September is National Pet Health Insurance Month.   Pet parents can enter their stories, pictures and favorite veterinary practices for special prizes and an educational grant for the veterinary care provider. To learn more, visit our website at http://www.naphia.org About Delta SocietyDelta Society was founded in 1977 by a human psychologist and veterinarians who observed in their own practices that pets had a positive effect on their human patients.  They started the organization to fund some of the first credible research proving that animals have a profound impact on people’s health by lowering their blood pressure, reducing stress and anxiety levels, stimulating the release of endorphins which make people feel good, and so much more.  Today, Delta Society is an international non-profit organization focused on building awareness and empowering people to interact with companion, therapy, and service animals as a way to improve their own health and well-being, as well as the health of others in their community.  To learn more, visit their website at http://www.deltasociety.org. References’ - American Veterinary Medical Association, The Delta Society, Healthy Reasons to Have a Pet, Compiled List of Some Research Findings The Animal/Human Bond: A Prescription for Good Health. Carson, Lynn. American Journal of Health Education, 2006 Nov‐Dec; 37(6): 361‐365.*Pet ownership and human health: a brief review of evidence and issues June McNicholas, psychologist1, Andrew Gilbey, lecturer2, Ann Rennie, general practitioner3, Sam Ahmedzai, professor of palliative medicine4, Jo-Ann Dono, director3, Elizabeth Ormerod, veterinary surgeon3 1 Croit Cullach, Durnamuck, Dundonnell, Ross-shire, 2 Massey University, New Zealand, 3 Society for Companion Animal Studies, Blue Cross, Burford, Oxon, 4 Royal Hallamshire Hospital, University of Sheffield The Human‐Animal Bond: Health Implications Across the Lifespan. Horowitz, Sala. Alternative & Complementary Therapies, 2008 Oct; 14(5): 251‐256.
For Today’s Pet Owners, Health Insurance Has Become Critical March 24, 2009 (Pittsburgh, PA) The current economy may be driving even more pet owners to seek pet health care coverage. The North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) represents leading pet insurance providers in North America and in this difficult economy the association finds opportunity for the pet insurance industry to protect and insure more pets. Pet insurance has been available in North America for over twenty five years, still only 2-3% of insurable pets are covered.  The market however is very strong and has grown over 300% in just the past few years. More pet health insurance providers, a wider range of pet insurance options, more competition, and now the economy, have all played a role in the positive growth of the market.   According to NAPHIA Executive Director, Loran Hickton, “The current economy makes pet insurance critically important for pet health and the financial wellbeing of all pet owners. Pet owners simply don't have the disposable income to cover emergencies or even routine pet health care. Many pet owners have relied on credit cards to cover emergency care, surgery and other unforeseen veterinary care.  This has become more complicated and problematic due to the economy. Clearly, credit cards are no longer an option for many pet owners.”  "Veterinary bills have been escalating.  Invoices well over $1000 are not unusual.  This is NOT a budgeted expense and thus most families are totally unprepared and without readily accessible financial resources.  We need to find ways that pets can receive the best care possible for the conditions that they have while concurrently insuring that pet owners have the ability to make decisions from their hearts and not from the pocketbooks.” According to Peter Weinstein, a veterinarian in California and Executive Director, Southern California Veterinary Medical Association Financial institutions are unilaterally reducing lines of credit, raising interest rates and charging additional fees for the use of credit cards in the United States. The US government is stepping in to better protect consumers through tougher regulations on changing the terms and fees of credit cards. During a recent Senate hearing (Feb.09), Senator Chris Dodd, chair of the Senate Banking Committee, stated, "At a time when our economy is in a crisis and consumers are struggling financially, credit-card companies in too many cases are gouging them, hiking interest rates on customers who pay on time and consistently meet the terms of their credit-card agreements." The International Monetary Fund says Canada's economy is stronger than most and is well positioned to weather the global economic storm -- but warns that the financial turbulence will get worse before it gets better. According to Blackmont Capital analyst Brad Smith, “consumer lending segment saw earnings decline 14 per cent in the latest quarter, due in large part to rising provisions for bad credit card, manufacturing and real estate loans and notes. He says this is an important time for Canadians to rethink and plan to cover their fundamental needs. "If people don't have a plan, once difficult or unexpected bills will become very difficult to cover," he says adding, "While consumers understand and are fearful, they still must better consider what needs to be done to better plan for these times."  “With the current economy and changing credit cards terms make pet insurance in Canada and the United States more important than ever before,” according to Hickton. “As an industry, pet insurance now has an opportunity serve all pet owners and provide needed protection and value. Our pets have become beloved members of our families; certainly most of us want to provide them with the same care we would expect for ourselves. Pet insurance is the means to provide needed care. More pet owners are facing the choice of paying their utility bills or providing care for their pets. Some face a far worse decision: the excruciating choice between providing necessary care or euthanizing their pet.” Research by the American Veterinary Medical Association shows the pets are truly members of the American family. In the United States for example, about 60% of households have at least one dog, cat, bird, or other companion animal. Many have more than one. There are more than 72 million pet dogs in the U.S. and nearly 82 million pet cats. Pet owners spent $24.5 billion on veterinary medicine in 2006, more than double what they paid 10 years earlier.   Founded in 2007, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association is committed to educating and promoting to North American pet owners, the general public, and the veterinary industry, the values and benefits of pet health insurance. For more information, visit www.naphia.org, call 412-319-7730 or write to the association at Loran Hickton, 434 Salvini Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15243 


Personal disclosure: I have worked in community and public relations for animal health and pet related industries for over fifteen years. I have represented humane societies, assistance dog groups, veterinary practices, RFID Identification for pets and livestock, pharmaceutical companies, and insurance groups. 
 
Personal Professional Contact Singles
Joined Nov 17, 2007
1° Network
American Rivers
Activist Aspirations undeclared 
Here for Meeting Friends, Professional Connections, Support a Cause 
Group Host of
Pet Cancer Foundation (493) Pet Insurance - North American Pet Health Insurance Association (4)
Groups $2 for animals in need of vet care (each week we support a new case), A Dog-Gone Good Natural Pets Group, ASPCA, Abandoned Animals, Adoptions: Pets In Need Of Homes and Rescue, American Humane Association, American Senior Cats, American Staffordshire Terrier and Pit Bull Lovers, Angel Rescue, Animal Angels - HeartReach, Animal Control Officers, Rescues and Cruelty Investigators Help Group, Animal Fanatics, Animal Friends, Animal Lovers more »
Hometown Pittsburgh, PA 
Homepage http://www.naphia.org  
Birthday Nov 30  
Languages english  
About Me Creative and passionate for results
  Introduce yourself to Loran
  Lifestyle
Pets Baxter  
Activist Aspirations
Political Leaning
Religions  
Eating Habits try to eat healthy  
Wild Fact About Me Some of the places I have been...
My Philosophy Keep trying
What Gives Me Hope Children
If I were Mayor, I'd make the world a better place by I would never want to be a mayor or any of these things... I am doing just fine, thank you very much.
What/who changed my life and why Just someone who cared a great deal for those around him...
What Bugs Me intolerance  
Passions communication!, peace, family, earth, children, animals  
Inspirations good people  
What Scares Me ignorance  
  Favorites
Role Models My Grandmother  
Quotation "How is this going to work?" Many of the people have worked with me...
Interests pets  
Books biographies  
Music  
Movies Braveheart  
TV Shows  
Favorite Foods  
Favorite Places Home, mountains  
Can't Live Without my children  
  Introduce yourself to Loran
 
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Loran's Sharebook
On Thanksgiving, Be Thankful and Provide a Feast Best Suited for Pets - Pet Insurance Association Provides Advisory
(Nov 14) On Thanksgiving, Be Thankful and Provide a Feast Best Suited for Pets - Pet Insurance Association Provides Advisory Pets ingesting ri... more »
This Saturday Denver’s ‘Heimdall’, the Gentle Giant is Honored as the 2009 North American Pet Health Favorite Pet Story
(Nov 4) Heimdall’s story provides a compelling example of the love of a special pet, and the value of being able to provide excellent ca... more »
National Pet Health Insurance Association Provides Advisory – The Season of Treats Can be a Painful and Costly Trick!
(Oct 30) Loran Hickton, Executive Director North American Pet Health Insurance Association 1-412-319-7730 / 1-412-908-9766   National ... more »
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Nov 19, 2009 9:31 AM

Simone D. (859) 		Happy friends Loran
Nov 15, 2009 10:10 PM

Roni Y. (131) 		Loran, Thank you for the add and the green star. I look forward to getting to know my new friend better.


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