Archive for the ‘Pet Adoption’ Category

All Hail the Mighty Mutt!

Wednesday, November 28th, 2012

 

The mutt, or mixed breed dog, is an often overlooked American staple.  They can be just as cute, cuddly, and loving as their purebred counterparts and are every bit as capable.  Some even suggest that their diverse genetics allow them to have a lower incidence of inherited problems and diseases such as cancer, hip dysplasia, allergies, and heart problems.  Recently, the American Kennel Club has even opted to allow mutts to compete in obedience, agility, and rally competitions, proving that mutts can do it all!  Mixed breed dogs often make great family pets as well, deriving a balance of personality and traits from several breeds.  There is no doubt that a mutt can wiggle its way into our hearts every bit as effectively as a pure breed.  Next time you are looking to add a dog to your family, consider “mutt shopping” at your local shelter or rescue.  You may just find the next true love of your life!

 

Posted in Dogs, Mutts, Pet Adoption, Shelter Pets | Comments Off

Top Ten Reasons to Adopt a Cat

Wednesday, June 13th, 2012

It’s National Adopt-A-Cat Month again, and it is time to think about the benefits of providing a home for a shelter cat.  Here are the top ten reasons to offer up your home to a cat in need:

10.  Who doesn’t need some extra help controlling rodents/bugs/miscellaneous pieces of fluff on the floor?

9.  Cats from shelters/rescues frequently come fully vaccinated and spayed or neutered so that you don’t have to worry about doing it.

8.  We all know that a house without a cat in not truly a home.

7.  You can sleep better at night knowing you are providing an animal with a comfortable home rather than letting it live out its life in a cage.

6.  Because you’ll know every time your kitty looks at you with those loving eyes that you did the right thing.

5.  By adopting an animal, you make room and resources available for another life to be saved.

4.  When you adopt an older animal, you have a better idea of what you are getting.  Personality traits and medical issues are likely to already have been identified.

3.  Everyone needs an extra cuddle-buddy!

2.  Having pets has been shown to reduce stress and improve quality of life.

1.  Combat the pet overpopulation problem.  Three to four million animals are euthanized in shelters every year.

Please give us a call if you have any questions!

 

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Animal Shelters, New Pet, Pet Adoption | Comments Off

Welcome Home!

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

Puppy in a BasketIntroducing a new puppy to your home can be an exciting and challenging time.  Remember, they are cute for a reason!   Puppies are babies, and they require extra care.  Use the following tips to make your new family member’s transition into your home as smooth as possible.

  • Make sure you have done your research!  Know about the breed you are bringing home and learn a little about puppy training and socialization before your little one comes home.
  • Prepare any children in the house for taking care of a puppy.  They should know on an age-appropriate level about basic care and how to handle the new dog.  There are many resources geared towards children to help you teach them about their new pet.
  • Pick a potty place!  You are going to be spending a lot of time here over the next few months.  This should be the first place your pup visits when he or she gets home.
  • Come and see us!  A new puppy should be examined within 24-48 hours of coming home so that potential health problems can be addressed and any questions regarding care and training can be answered. And don’t forget that we offer this first exam, an intestinal parasite evaluation, and your puppy’s first shot all for free!
  • Puppies need to be kept safe and relatively contained.  Purchase a crate, baby gates, or any other items needed to help you keep close tabs on your pup.
  • Puppy-proof the house.  Objects that you don’t want to be chewed like plants, electrical cords, and other doggy dangers should be secured.  Get down on your hands and knees and think like a curious pooch!
  • Buy the basics.  Your pet should have a few toys that are suitable to chew on, a leash, collar, and identification tag, and bowls.  Have a week or two of the food it has been eating so that you can transition over to any new diet over the course of 7-14 days.
  • Prepare existing pets.  Be sure that they are healthy and up to date on any medical needs.  Cats in particular may appreciate a “puppy-free” zone where they can seek shelter.

Congratulations on your new pet!  By laying the foundation for a good start, you are helping to ensure a long and healthy life! Check out the pet care handouts on our website for some more puppy tips and tricks. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call us.

 

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Animal Shelters, New Pet, Pet Adoption, Pet Care, Pet Health, Pet Safety | Comments Off

IS A FURRY GIFT MAKING YOUR LIST? PLEASE CHECK TWICE…

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Everyone wants a puppy or kitten… right?  The truth is that taking on a new family member is a huge responsibility, and not everyone is up to the commitment.  While the image of a little furry friend sitting under the Christmas tree may be irresistible, giving a pet as a gift is a very serious matter.

With 6 to 8 million dogs and cats entering shelters every year, selecting a pet that is right for an individual family and situation is of utmost importance.  Because having a pet is a decision that an owner must be committed to for the pet’s entire life emotionally, financially, and physically, the selection of an animal is usually best left to the individual taking on the responsibility.  The holiday season is often not a good time to introduce a new family member, either, as new pets take extra time and attention often not available during this busy season.

Please think carefully before giving a furry gift, and certainly do not do so without discussing extensively with the recipient.  Or, if the surprise is a big part of the gift, consider giving a gift card to a local rescue or animal shelter that will cover the adoption costs. That way the recipient will still have the surprise of a new pet, but will also have the ability to pick one out that suits his or her lifestyle and personality.

 

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Animal Shelters, Holidays and your pet, New Pet, Pet Adoption, Pet Care, Shelter Pets | Comments Off

National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week

Monday, November 7th, 2011

The week of November 6-12 is National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, and with around 6-8 million homeless animals in the United States, these facilities deserve some recognition!  Here are a few ways that you can get involved and make a difference too:

  • Shelter Dog getting pettedConsider adopting a pet.  Not only are you giving a needy animal a great home, you are freeing up a place and resources for another homeless animal within the shelter system. And remember, we will give your adopted pet a free first exam, parasite check, and rabies vaccine!
  • Volunteer.  Get in touch with your local shelter and find out how you can help.  Not all volunteering is cleaning cages and walking dogs.  Your local shelter may need help with fundraising, graphic design, or other areas in which you may have some expertise.
  • Donate.  While money is always nice, many times shelters are in need of other items like blankets, towels, food, and the like.  Ask your local shelter what types of items they may need.  Consider initiating a pet food drive or something similar within your church, school, workplace, or community.
  • Set an example.  Be sure your pets are spayed or neutered (further helping the pet over-population problem) and are properly identifiable with tags and/or a microchip.

There are countless ways that you can make an impact on the shelter system in your area.  And what better time to get involved?

 

Tags: , ,
Posted in Animal Shelters, National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, New Pet, Pet Adoption, Shelter Pets | Comments Off