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”:

Resources:

American Animal Hospital Association

Have a Green Pet

Petside.com

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

“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….

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

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.

My cat, “The Princess”, (Miss) Mia just waltzed inside after the cannon went off signaling sundown.  This reminded me of course of preparation for the upcoming fireworks on Saturday, for the 4th of July celebration.  I have commiserated with a few other pet owners of what a miserable time it is for our beloved pets.  It is most important to plan ahead for your pet’s safety so both you and they can have a stress free Holiday.

To protect your pet on the Fourth of July, take these precautions:

• Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays.
• Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects—even death—in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
• Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you’ve removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while you’re attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.
• If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn’t leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
• Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.

Source: Humane Society of the United States

In today’s Boston Globe there is reporting of an abandoned kitten. Pet owners under duress, please do not despair and remember there are many wonderful local, regional and national organizations that can help.  Oprah has been a tremendous supporter and advocate of animal rescue and adoption.  There is donated space in the July issue of O Magazine or go directly to BestFriends.org.  Like BestFriends.org you can get assistance from The Humane Society, Animal Rescue League, Petfinder and the ASPCA.

Mark your calendars!  The week of June 22- 26 is “Take Your Pet to Work Week” sponsored by Pet Sitters International.  It is the 10th Anniversary of “Take your Dog to Work” on Friday, June 26th.  I suspect “Take Your Pet to Work Week” was established as to not offend other animal pet owners like myself (proud cat owner).

www.takeyourdog.com provides information you can download to prepare your pet for the workday and the following for your boss:

Top 10 Things to Say to Convince Your Boss to Take Part in TYDTWDay

10. The squirrels in the neighborhood deserve a break.
9. Wagging tails work great when the a/c is on the fritz.
8. With a dog as your passenger, you’ll be able to use the car pool lane.
7. It’s a great way to lick the work day blahs!
6. My dog thinks you’re grrrrrrreat!
5. Meetings end as soon as Rover starts staring at the conference room door.
4. You can blame those missing reports on one of your employees’ dogs.
3. It’s the leash you can do.
2. Finally, someone at your office will actually be working like a dog.
AND THE NUMBER ONE REASON TO TAKE YOUR DOG TO WORK…
1. Friday, June 26, is Take Your Dog To Work Day®!

But most importantly it is meant to confirm what great companions dogs, cats and pets in general really are. And to help save the lives of homeless pets by “encouraging pet adoption from shelters, humane societies and rescue groups”.

Thank you Pet Sitters International for the great work you do!