There is a new iPhone app in town and Snoopy the well known character from Peanuts is the leader of the pack. Snoopy has teamed up with HomeAgain® Pet Recovery Service to help bring pet parents back together with their missing pets. The new free app on the Apple® iPhone and other devices like the iPad is a nationwide “HomeAgain PetRescuer” network.
According to Gary MacPhee, director and general manager of HomeAgain “if anyone sees a dog or cat on the loose in the streets and is concerned the HomeAgain PetRescuers app will make it easy for pet lovers to play an active role in helping lost pets get home quickly.”
Just in time for Earth Day there was a press release today announcing the revolt of felines everywhere to clay litter. The revolt is being organized by a “stealth Feline Rights organization, Cats Against Clay (C.A.C.)”. Reasons cited for disdain of clay litter: “Doesn’t Taste Good, Has Harsh Chemicals, Is Dusty On Our Fur and Is Unnecessary Because Of A Better Alternative.” That sodium bentonite is pretty nasty stuff. It’s not a renewable resource and which, if ingested, can cause respiratory and digestive problems for cats…YUCK!
I must say though that I was introduced to this “stealth organization” a few weeks ago by one of the hippest cats, Romeo the Cat. And am a proud member. Think my kittie, Miss Mia is proud of me too. So check with Romeo for the “scoop”…and find out how you too can become involved.
After watching this video of Edie before she was rescued, memories came flooding back of the time I was going to the YMCA to exercise before going to work. There was a dog cowering at the top of the stairs. When I got to the top of the stairs his owner appeared and told me to “mind my own business” and I did. To this day that memory haunts me for not having reported the incident to Marblehead Animal Shelter.
Fast forward to this past weekend in Columbus, Ohio where the first annual pet bloggers conference “BlogPaws” was held. Unfortunately I was unable to attend. But, I was glued to my computer last Saturday pining for any information attendees would share. Out of that conference emerged a movement, a mission: “Be the Change”.
A friend of mine and dog owner mentioned to me recently in conversation that anyone who does not like animals is not worth knowing. What I do know and believe is that there are many loving pet owners and animal lovers.
Shelter and rescue groups are overrun with homeless dogs and cats. Space is becoming more limited. And as a result animals are being euthanized at a record rate. “Be the Change” is a simple cause to action by fellow pet owners and animal lovers to help shelter and rescue groups save the lives of these many homeless dogs and cats.
Volunteer
Donate: Time, Pet Toys, Medical Supplies, Gift Cards from Pet Supply Stores or Supermarkets, Kennel Supplies, Office Supplies
Foster a Pet
Giveaway:
How to enter: Leave a comment on this post (one per person and comments on this post only count toward the drawing) by noon EST on Friday, April 16.
Enter to win an Eco-Tech Dog Bed from pet-super-store.com. The contest was inspired by the “Be the Change” session, so add a link and comment (if you would like) to your favorite shelter or rescue (SEO) on THIS POST to be entered to win!
PS Don’t you just love happy endings I do?! Following is video of Edie’s adoption. There is some duplication the first minute so you can fast forward. I think Edie has a lot of MOXIE: “energy, nerve, courage and spirit”. Remember you too can help “Be the Change”.
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:
Be an advocate for animals. Look at policies and legislation locally and nationally that have an impact on animals.
Respect and love. Show children the importance of animals in their lives.
Donate to your local animal shelter. Donations can be in time, money or needed items like blankets.
Gift of wildlife. Explore the great outdoors to really appreciate nature and know that you can share it respectfully with animals.
Report animal abuse. There have been many reports lately of how animal abuse is interrelated with other forms of abuse and violence.
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.
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.
I am trying to sort out vacation plans for this year and I am having a difficult time thinking of leaving my cat, (Miss) Mia behind. Having said that I cannot imagine not seeing her for an extended period of time as the men and women in our armed services. How grateful and fortunate we are for their service to our country.
In steps an incredible organization, Guardian Angels for Soldiers Pets to fill the void of assuring service men and women as well as veterans that their beloved pets are well taken care of in their absence. They are a non profit public charity completely run by volunteers. And even better they are “Non-political, non-partisan, and do not support nor endorse any political candidates”. Not sure if you agree but these politicians exhaust me. Thank God for our pets, our service men and women and this organization.
With today being National Puppy Day please do consider adopting versus shopping for a puppy. There are so many wonderful and worthy pups available for adoption. But this also means a serious commitment of time and money. All too often especially during these difficult economic times animals are abandoned due to lack of finances.
Andrea Arden of Animal Planet’s “Underdog to Wonderdog,” recommends creating a ‘Puppy Wish List’ to discuss each family member’s foreseeable relationship with the prospective new puppy.
Every puppy is different with respect to energy level
A larger dog will require more food than a smaller dog therefore be more expensive
Seriously consider whether you want a mellow dog or one that has a bundle of energy
I have had a couple of friends in the past who have gotten a timid dog that was fearful of men, a dog that raced barking at the door when the mail person arrived and a dog that was not good walking past other dogs while on leash. So there are many variables and important things to observe while in the company of your prospective new puppy.
Important items Miss Arden recommends to have ready when your new puppy arrives home for the first time: crate, leash for possible accidents in the house, food stuffable chew toys, and puppy training classes.
“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.
The EPA concluded webcast late yesterday regarding its evaluation of spot-on flea and tick control products for cats and dogs. They found that incidents had increased 53% between 2007 & 2008. As a result review of labeling will be a priority to ensure “stronger and clearer labeling statements”. Strict testing and evaluation of existing and new products will be enforced. These measures will be taken as preventative steps from adverse reactions.
Is is important for pet owners to read labeling on products carefully. Use caution when applying product and be aware of any adverse reactions: irritation & scratching, vomiting & diarrhea, tremor, depression & seizure, tearing & redness, & cough. Make sure that cats are not exposed to dog products. The EPA will be requiring clear markings to differentiate between dog and cat products. That weight range and age of animal is appropriate for use of product.
There will be a “consumer information campaign to explain new label directions and to help users avoid making medication errors”.
Do contact product manufacturer if there is a reaction
Tell the National Pesticide Information Center: Call 1-800-858-7378 to report an incident
“Flea and tick products can be appropriate treatments for protecting pets and public health because fleas and ticks can transmit disease to animals and humans”. But it was determined that smaller dogs were most affected and cats were exposed to some dog products. And consult with your veterinarian to find best remedy for your pet, especially “on weak, aged, medicated, sick, pregnant or nursing pets, or on pets that have previously shown signs of sensitivity to pesticide products”.
The USEPA conducted an in depth evaluation of spot-on incidents and products. And as a result is hosting a public webcast this Wednesday, March 17th, 2010. They will present a summary of their findings regarding these spot-on products and ongoing awareness of protecting pets.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010 Two-hour audio Web broadcast
I watched The Biggest Loser last night and love how it helps people transform their lives for the better. First Lady Michelle Obama is tackling childhood obesity with the “Let’s Move” campaign. And just recently the “National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Study” has found that the number of overweight cats and dogs is increasing.
“Obesity is now the biggest health threat to pets in the US,” states lead researcher Dr. Ernie Ward. “The costs of obesity in illness and injury make it the number one medical issue seen in today’s veterinary hospitals.”
Obesity rates in cats is a whopping 21.4% and dogs 8.6% as classified by veterinary clinics.
6.7 million dogs are estimated to be obese and 34.9 million overweight
20 million cats are estimated to be obese and 54.3 million overweight
Part of the problem is that pet owners view their overweight pets as normal. Of pet owners who identified their pets as normal weight:
33% of dog owners and 46% of cat owners had overweight pets
25% of dog owners had obese dogs
40% of cat owners had obese cats
33% of small dog (less than 23 pounds) owners dog’s were overweight
41% of large dog (over 50 pounds) owners dog’s were overweight
Labrador Retrievers & Golden Retrievers were more likely to be overweight not normal weight as perceived by their owners.
owners of small breed dogs were more likely to correctly identify their dog as overweight than owners of large breed dogs.
On a positive note 82% of pet owners agreed that pet obesity was a problem in the US. Part of the key in combating weight problems with pets is veterinarians educating dog and cat owners on what a normal weight for their pet actually is and provide weight loss strategies.
The primary nemesis for excess weight in dogs and cats are treats.
90% of dog owners and 54% of cat owners responded that they gave their pets treats
premium pig ear given to a 40-pound dog to drinking six, 12-ounce colas
small dog bone treat given to a 10-pound dog is no different than a person eating two chocolate doughnuts
