“Recycled” Pug gets around….

How can the plight of a pug, named Puglet help make a difference in the lives of other pugs and pets that are homeless?  Easy…..Puglet inspired his mom to share him with the world via post. The project helps bring awareness to people that “recycled” pets are just as good as “non-recycled” pets.

According to his mom, and fellow recycled K9, Dutch (the Dalmation) “Flat Puglet started out as just something to write about on the blog (Daily Puglet). Thought it would be cool to visit some of Puglet’s “followers” in other parts of the country”. As “the Flattie prototype” gained traction in public the light dawned that the “Flat Puglet might be able to do some good”. To date there are now 65 flat Puglets “getting around”.

I know I posted yesterday about Earth Day (April 22, 2010), but how can one resist a most engaging and adorable pug? Here’s to “recycled” pets and recycling….

There are so many ways to “GO GREEN”:

  • Spay and neuter.
  • Rescue and adopt.
  • Shop locally for pet supplies and research products.
  • Buy pet items made from natural or recycled materials.
  • Look for pet foods with “FDA Certified Food Grade” stamp of approval for the long term health and well being of your pet.
  • Purchase non-clay based cat litter.
  • Buy biodegradable poop bags for your pooch’s poop.
  • Remember EPA findings regarding spot-on flea and tick control products and purchase natural treatments.
  • Resources:

    American Animal Hospital Association

    Have a Green Pet

    Petside.com

    “Be Kind to Animals Week” Kid Contest

    Deadline for filing taxes is fast approaching as is American Humane’s “Be Kind to Animals” Kid Contest on the same date, April 15th.  I know what I would rather be doing. “Be Kind to Animals” week is May 2nd – 8th this year.  The contest acknowledges those teens and children who show compassion to animals and help them in extraordinary ways.

    Nominations are for two age groups:

    • Children ages 6-12 years old
    • Teens ages 13-17 years old

    The winner in each age group will receive $1,000 and the runner up will receive $500.  Winners will be announced during “Be Kind to Animals” week, May 2-8, 2010.  Not bad winnings for such a fun and rewarding contest.

    The contest is intended to instill a sense of responsibility, appreciation and love for animals.  Some suggestions  for helping to make a difference in animals lives yearlong:

    1. Be an advocate for animals. Look at policies and legislation locally and nationally that have an impact on animals.
    2. Respect and love. Show children the importance of animals in their lives.
    3. Donate to your local animal shelter. Donations can be in time, money or needed items like blankets.
    4. Gift of wildlife. Explore the great outdoors to really appreciate nature and know that you can share it respectfully with animals.
    5. Report animal abuse. There have been many reports lately of how animal abuse is interrelated with other forms of abuse and violence.
    6. Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue group. Many shelters and rescue groups are overwhelmed with animals looking for loving homes.  One out of every four dogs in a shelter is a purebred.
    7. Take care of your pet. Pets unlike children never grow up.  They require constant care and attention. Maintain annual vet visits and vaccinations. Besides unconditional love there are many rewards to pet ownership.

    Nominate someone you know for the “Be Kind to Animals Contest”:

    Last year’s (2009) winners were pretty impressive.  So put on those thinking caps and see how you can contribute to the betterment of the lives of animals year-round.

    Source: American Humane

    Baby chicks and rabbits not good Easter gifts

    “Within the first few weeks of Easter an estimated 30% of all Easter “pets” die and another 60% to 70% are abandoned or turned in to shelters.”
    -The Humane Society

    I remember growing up and going to my aunt’s house for Easter. We would visit my uncle who lived next door to see his bunnies and rabbits. Of course I thought they were adorable and desperately wanted one at the time. But as a child I quickly lost interest in “Peter Cottontail” once I got that Easter basket filled with chocolate bunnies and peeps instead.

    Having said that The Humane Society and ASPCA are reality checks for those parents/adults considering purchasing a baby chick or bunny as an Easter gift. As with other pets, bunnies, ducklings and chicks grow up and require a commitment. Chicks and ducklings can be carriers of salmonella.

    Bunnies:

    • Live on average 7-10 years
    • They like to dig and chew
    • They should be spayed and neutered
    • Makeminechocolate.org a great alternative!

    Ducks:

    • Live on average 8-15 years
    • Social animals and most likely require another duck for companionship
    • Require sufficient space for shelter and safety from predators

    Chickens:

    • Live on average 5-8 years
    • Scratch, peck and dig holes in the soil
    • Check with local health and zoning boards before purchase
    • Become hens and roosters pretty quickly
    • mypetchicken.com….awful lot of work….

    Pet Safety:National Poison Prevention Week – March 14th-20th, 2010

    This coming week is National Poison Prevention Week.  It is an important reminder for pet owners to survey their homes to establish and maintain a poison-safe pet environment.

    The ASPCA found that last year in 2009 the top ten pet poisons were:

    1. Human Medications
    2. Insecticides
    3. People Food
    4. Plants
    5. Veterinary Medications
    6. Rodenticides
    7. Household Cleaners
    8. Heavy Metals
    9. Garden Products
    10. Chemical Hazards

    The following are 5 Preventative measures and reminders:

    1. Schedule regular/annual visits to veterinarian
    2. Keep a Pet Safety Kit: can of soft pet food – turkey baster, bulb syringe or large medicine syringe – saline eye solution for flushing out eye contaminants and artificial tear gel for lubricating eyes – mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid and rubber gloves for bathing – forceps to remove stingers – muzzle to keep animal from hurting you while he is excited or in pain – pet carrier for trips to your local vet
    3. Don’t Panic
    4. Contact emergency hotlines:

    Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435

    Pet Poison Help Hotline (800) 213-6680

    5.  If your pet is seizuring, unconscious or losing consciousness, or having             difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian immediately.

    Resources: AAHA, ASPCA, Humane Society, Pet Poison Helpline

    Launch of The PawdCast – March 24th

    On March 24, 2010 Found Animals Foundation/@FoundAnimalsOrg will launch the national and international Pawdcast from Monday through Friday for 30 minutes from 4pm to 4:30pm PST. The objective of the Pawdcast is to bring more awareness of shelter pets, increase animal adoptions and lower euthanasia rates.

    Segments will include:                                                                                                                             Hot Topics – global animal news                                                                                               Things Your Pets Want You To Know – tips and tricks                                                   Ask The Expert – live chat room

    There will be special guests at the ribbon cutting ceremony March 24th so stay tuned.