Wishing you plenty of wagging tails and wet noses in the new year!

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Homeless woman cares for 100 dogs!

Woman Cares for 100 Abandoned Dogs

By Jon Jordan, NEWS 9

ARDMORE, Oklahoma -- Struggling to make it herself, an Oklahoma woman risks her life to take care of more than 100 abandoned dogs. Catherine Titus lives in a rural area outside of Ardmore with her dogs in only a van.

For the past five years, 71-year-old Titus has called rural Oklahoma home, living out of a van with her closest companions, all 100 of them. She does it because her four-legged friends mean everything to her.

She has also given up almost everything to continue to care for the animals.

Titus used to work for the Humane Society in Texas. She said she fell on hard times and eventually landed in Oklahoma.

Now, she survives on her $700 Social Security check, most of which goes to feeding the dogs.

One Woman, 100 Dogs

But Titus said her situation is nothing compared to what the abandoned dogs have gone through.

"I get them wandering in from the pasture, stranded and beaten," Titus said.

Most are dogs she never asked for, but she's adopted them anyway, and once the word got out, they kept coming.

"I pick them up out of trash bags. I picked them up out of cardboard boxes," Titus said. "They tie them to the fence. They tie them to the gate."

Karin Morrison runs Compassion Seeds, an animal sanctuary just a few miles from Titus' home. Once she got word of the situation, Morrison and her co-workers jumped into action.

"She did a wonderful job for what she had to deal with," Morrison said. "Is there any help for these dogs? You know, you never know if there is any hope or not. Maybe for some, but not for all."

They have taken more than 40 dogs from Titus and spayed and neutered them in hopes of giving them a second chance.

"They need to be adopted. I've done what I can for them, but they deserve a home. They deserve as much love as anything else does," Titus said.

Compassion Seeds is asking for help with the dogs through adoption.

To learn about how you can adopt one of the dogs, visit Compassion Seeds Web site or call 580-229-0400.

If you'd like a make a donation to help Catherine Titus and her animals, you can make a check out to: Compassion Seeds, Inc. In Care of Catherine Titus.

The checks can be mailed to Compassion Seeds, Inc. 13423 State Highway 76 Healdton, OK 73438. The staff at the non-profit animal sanctuary will ensure that every penny goes toward helping the dogs and Titus.

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Montreal, QC - Lhasa Apso in need of rescue/foster/adoption URGENT!

This cute little Lhasa Apso dog is located at a municipal pound located in Montreal, Quebec. He's only 18 months old. A local rescue group, Paws for Life, is trying to get him out of there before he is euthanized, which will happen very soon. This guy needs to be pulled by a rescue, fostered, or adopted.

If you can help this dog, please contact Paws for Life at paws.for.life@hotmail.com

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Houston, TX -Stray dog in need of foster/adoption

This beautiful girl was dropped off at a certified dog trainer's by a client who supposedly found her wandering alone. She is a product of mis-breeding, labeled a Lethal White Australian Shepherd. She is partially blind and deaf. This doesn't stop her from being wonderful or deserving a loving, forever home. She is young, eager to please, loves people, and is good with other dogs. The trainer is currently working on basic obedience with her and she is picking it up very well! The dog trainer's family would love to keep this dog, but are unable to due to living in temporary apartment housing due to Hurricane Ike.

The family is looking for someone to adopt this sweet dog or foster her until they can find the perfect forever home. If you can help, please contact me at afurryfriend@gmail.com

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Miami, FL - Beautiful Afghan Hound dumped at shelter!

This is Gala, a beautiful 7-month-old Afghan Hound. She was dropped off at the Miami-Dade Animal Services on December 26th. The shelter only allows the animals 7 days to be pulled by a rescue or adopted. Please consider adopting Gala and giving her a loving, forever home! Please pass this information on to anyone you know that might be able to help.
Her ID is A1120922

If you are able to help Gala, please contact the Miami-Dade Animal Services at (305) 884-1101 (identify Gala using her ID#)

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Philadelphia, PA - Dogs need foster/adopt/rescue URGENT!

This is Gunner. Gunner is a very smart dog. He learns commands in a matter of minutes. He bonds to people who make the effort to work with him. He is a great dog for someone who likes obedience work, play and exercise, There are several key things you should know about Gunner:
Approximately 1 year old
Currently 40 pounds but will gain weight
Up to date on shots
Will be neutered and microchipped
Knows: sit, stay, heel, drop it, paw
Learning: come, leave it, and how to walk well on leash
Eager to please (food and toy motivated)
Medium Energy
Quick learner
Friendly
Likes to play tug and is learning fetch
He is jumpy/mouthy when playing
Should probably be your only pet




Sparky is a female pit mix about 2 years old. Poor Sparky has been here at the shelter since June- she came to the shelter as a possible cruelty case because her owner had been found choking her and she was emaciated. Sparky also came in with a circular patch of hair missing on her neck/back that looks like she may have been burnt. In the shelter Sparky has gained some weight and some skills! Luckily for Sparky one of our volunteers has been consistently working with her so that she does not get stressed, but now it’s time for Sparky to get out to find her forever home. Sparky knows “sit”, “stay” and “come” and is working on leash manners. Sparky is very food motivated and eager to please. She loves people and is affectionate, loves to run, and is learning how to play. Sparky does not get along with small dogs or cats, but is getting used to dogs her own size or larger. We think that once out of the isolation of our kennel environment Sparky can learn to be happy and social with other dogs. Like most active adolescents learning their manners, Sparky can get mouthy when very excited. Sparky is a sweet girl who’s had a bad start to life and desperately needs to get out of the shelter ASAP.

Gunner and Sparky have very limited time left. They are currently at a shelter that euthanizes for room. Please consider helping one of these great dogs. Please share this information with others.

Both dogs are located at the Philadelphia Animal Care and Control (PACCA/PAWS) in Philadelphia, PA.

111 West Hunting Park Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19140

If you are interested in rescuing/adopting/fostering one of these dogs, please contact:
shelter_dogs@yahoo.com
Before Jan. 1: natalie@philly paws.org
Jan. 1 & after: nsmith@pspca.org

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Washington - Several dogs need foster/rescue/adopt URGENT!

Pumpkin: This little angel is a german shorthair pointer mix. When grown, if given the chance, she will be the love of your life. Softness and sweetness is all she exudes.

Kris: What a love this adorable golden lab, sharpei, Staffordshire girl is. Sweet, mid-sized and pleading for a chance. Can you help?

West: Need we say more? Look at the dark muzzle on her. What a beauty, and yes, a sister…

South: Just think what you could do if you were willing to take these little youngsters, let them play and sleep together just until we can find them homes! They are set to be euthanized in just two days. Let’s try to help them…



North: This little sister of East is lovely. Look at her sweet face! How can we let her down? Baby teeth and all, she is ready to cuddle.


East: This little girl is ready to go east or west but certainly doesn’t deserve to go under. She is a combo golden lab, border collie, Staffordshire and as you can see, just wants love. Help us save her!


Cocoa: Sweet terrier girl. Perfect for hanging on the couch or running around the house or yard.

Paul: This is beautiful Paul, a stunning boy. Paul is a shepherd husky mix, very pretty, not too large, and would love to be somewhere he can play, run, and hang out. The more fun he has, the less inclined to run out and around anywhere. Fenced home a must. He is worth it!


These dogs are located in eastern Washington. The shelter is looking for rescues to pull these dogs, people to adopt, or persons/families to foster. They are all very URGENT and do not have much time left to live. Please consider helping one or more of these dogs. Please pass this on to anyone you know that might be able to help.

THERE IS TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE FOR THESE DOGS! CONTACT THE BELOW EMAIL FOR MORE INFO! DO NOT USE DISTANCE AS A BARRIER TO ADOPTION!

If you are interested in helping these dogs, please contact: perrin@savinggreatanimals.org

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'Tis the Night Before Christmas at the Animal Shelter

TIS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS AT THE ANIMAL SHELTER

‘Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town,
Every shelter is full. We are lost but not found.

Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
We hope every minute that someone will care.

They’ll come to adopt us and give us the call,
“Come here, Max and Sparkie ~ come fetch your new ball!”

But now we just sit here and think of the days…..
We were treated so fondly ~ we had baby ways.

Once we were little, then we grew and we grew ~
Now we’re no longer young, and we’re no longer new.

So out the back door we were thrown like the trash,
They reacted so quickly ~ why were they so rash?

We “jump on the children,” “don’t come when they call”,
We “bark when they leave us,” “climb over the wall.”

We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
Now we suffer the consequence of the errors they made.

If only they’d trained us, if only we knew…
We’d have done what they asked us and worshipped them, too.

We were left in back yard, or worse ~ left to roam…
Now we’re tired and lonely and out of a home.

They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-by….
“Maybe someone else will give you a try.”

So now here we are, all confused and alone….
In a shelter with others who long for a home.

The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,
With so many to care for, they can’t stay to chat.

They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer….
We know that they wonder how long we’ll be here.

We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads….
Of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.

Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears ~
Our friends filled with emptiness, worry and fear.

If you can’t adopt us and there’s no room at your inn ~
Could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?

We count on your kindness each day of the year ~
Can you give more than hope to everyone here?

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Washington - Young dog needs homes/foster by 12/26

This is Payton, a beautiful, young chocolate lab, border mix with wispy hair. He is just a love but is destined to lose his life if we can’t find him a home or foster by Friday. We are saddened as he has hardly had a start.

He is a wonderful, healthy mix. He is loyal, loving and gets along with everyone. He would be crazy about meeting you! Please give him the Christmas gift he deserves.

Please help if you can. He is located in eastern Washington and they are finalizing transport plans to western Washington. now. They are open to homes anywhere in Washington, of course!

If you can help Payton, please contact: Perrin@savinggreatanimals.org

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Jacksonville, FL - 5 dogs dumped at Animal Control, have no place to go!

These 5 dogs were dumped at the Jacksonville Animal Control facility in Jacksonville, FL. The shelter is full and has to euthanize for room. The shelter is searching for any rescue or person willing to take save these dogs. Please pass this along to anyone you know that might be able to help.

Contact June Mason:
Adoption/Rescue Coordinator
Phone: 904-387-8924 ext#239
Fax: 904-387-8903

Jacksonville Animal Control Facility
2580 W. 1st Street
Jacksonville, FL 32254

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Palatka/Putnam County, FL- 2 dogs in need of rescue/adopt URGENT!

This beautiful boy is Mesmerizing Jake! He's an American Bulldog/Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix. Jake is a handsome and proud fellow. Jake is just about 1 years old. He is very calm, friendly and just a sweetheart! He wondered his way into the shelter but he knows his time is limited. He would love to show a family that he knows how to love unconditionally! Jake is sweet and loving and deserves a very special forever home. Please don't let this be the holiday season he spends alive. This good look'n fella URGENTLY needs a home. ID#Cage 51





This gorgeous gal is Lovely Lola! If there's any dog in the entire shelter that would make a perfect family pet, it's Lola. She's a young, small (about 30 pounds) German Shepherd mix with a heart of gold. She sits on command and would be a very willing learner for anyone willing to take some time to train her. She just wants to play and be the best Companion she can be! She wonders why people walk by her but is hopeful and continues to wait for that special someone to take her home! All she wants for Christmas is a home to call herown. Everyday she asks- Won't you please consider adopting me? Lola would be a perfect pet for anyone! She wants to show someone how much love she has to give. Please let her show you! This beautiful lady URGENTLY needs a home. ID# Cage 49.

Both dogs are located at the Putnam County Animal Shelter. They are both VERY URGENT and will be euthanized this week if they are not pulled by a rescue or adopted by a family/person. Please pass this on to anyone you know who might be able to help these two pups. If you are interested in helping, please act quickly. They would love to show a family that they know how to love unconditionally. Please don't let this be the last holiday season they spend alive.

If you can help these dogs, please contact: lsulliva1@msn.com and putnamanimals@yahoo.com. When contacting, reference the animal by name and by the ID # listed at the end of their descriptions above.

Putnam County Animal Services
Palatka, FL
386-329-0399

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Jackonsville, FL - Skinny, injured dog needs rescue URGENT!

This poor girl was rescued by a Good Samaritan from an overpass. The dog was obviously lost, scared, and desperate. It is obvious she is fresh from weaning puppies (probably prematurely). She is emaciated and has some cuts and scrapes. Absolutely nothing else is known about this girl, but it is suspected she's has a horrible life thus far. The dog's rescuer has only had her for a few short hours, but she has been completely sweet and obedient the entire time. The rescuer is not in a situation to keep the dog, but she did take the dog to the vet. The vet suggested taking the dog to the local animal control facility, but that is basically a death sentence. All no-kill rescues in the area are beyond full.
Hopefully someone has a connection out there who can help. Please pass this on to anyone you know that might be able to help.

If you can help this dog or know someone who can, please contact Carly at: carly2k@comcast.net

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Keep your animals warm & safe this winter!

Because today is the first official day of winter, and it will probably only get worse from here, I've compiled some helpful tips to keep your animal companions safe, healthy, and warm this winter season.

• Keep cats indoors - Even experienced outdoor cats can be at risk of freezing, getting lost, and being killed in the cold weather conditions. Also, cats like to climb up into engines or wheel wells of cars to keep warm. This is very dangerous for you kitty friend! (TIP: Before starting your engine, bang loudly on the hood of your car a few times to give the cat a warning. I even check each wheel to make sure nobody is curled up on top!)
• Don't leave dogs outdoors - Let them out or take them for a walk only long enough to get a bit of exercise and do their business. Very young, very old, and short-haired require even less time outside and should always have supervision when outdoors in the cold. You might even consider buying a sweater or other protective weather gear for your dog.
• Thoroughly wipe your dogs’ legs and stomach when they come in to prevent freezing from snow and ice. Check their pads for ice and snow as they can bleed from the snow and ice being encrusted on them.
• Never leave your animal in a car during the cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold.
• If your dog spends a lot of time outside, increase his food — particularly protein — to keep his fur thick and healthy.
• Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
• If you spill antifreeze, clean it up right away. Even a very tiny dose is a lethal to pets. A pet-friendly antifreeze is now available for purchase. If your pet should get into antifreeze, call your vet as soon as possible.
• Never shave your dog down to the skin in the winter. Leave the coat in a longer style for more warmth. When you bathe your dog, make sure he is completely dry before taking him out in the cold.
• If your dog is an outside dog, make sure he has a dog house with plenty of straw inside to help keep him warm. Consider putting a flap on the front of the dog house to keep the cold wind out. Also consider putting the dog house up on blocks to keep it off the ground. Also, turn the opening away from the wind. The best bet is to take dogs into the house when the weather is really bad or put them in a garage.
• Remember, regardless of the actual temperature, windchill can threaten a pet's life. Just because animals have fur does not mean they are suited and prepared to live in freezing temperatures!

Your animal companions deserve to live indoors with you and your family, especially in cold and/or bad weather. They should be like members of the family, and treated as such.

Info taken from HERE and HERE.

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Massive Animal Shelter Fire in Ontario Kills nearly 200 Animals!

Workers grapple with loss of 180 animals after 'nightmare' blaze at humane society
TENILLE BONOGUORE
December 18, 2008
The postcards came infrequently, plastered with joyful photos of once-neglected cats and dogs happily settled into new homes.
Staff at the Humane Society of Durham Region loved each new missive, and would pin them to the Happy Endings board in the reception area. In a job like theirs, such images were the ultimate satisfaction.
Yesterday morning, all of those cards and more than 180 animals awaiting their own happy endings perished in a fire that gutted the Oshawa shelter.
Only 12 animals were rescued: nine dogs, two cats and feisty Bernard the rat.
The society is now trying to find a temporary shelter, while workers grapple with the loss of animals they had known for up to three years.
Shelter manager Ruby Richards arrived at the industrial park where the shelter is located at 2:30 a.m. yesterday and saw flames and smoke billowing into the sky in the midst of a snowstorm. "It's a nightmare," she said yesterday.
The rescued animals were taken to a 24-hour animal hospital in Whitby. Six were later returned to a temporary office set up at the Oshawa shelter, while three dogs and two cats remained under the care of a veterinarian.
The Humane Society of Durham Region is a no-kill shelter, euthanizing only animals that are terminally ill or dangerous. Cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents and other small domestic animals - rescued, found or abandoned - stayed for as long as it took to find a home.
"This is not just a job; it's a life for us," said animal-cruelty investigation officer Debby Houghton. "We know their names, we know what they like and don't like, how they were abused. Staff would take months and months to turn them around, so they could find a new home. It's a passion."
Some of the deceased animals already had homes lined up: A family that was meant to pick up their adopted chihuahua on Monday joined mourners outside the charred building yesterday morning.
"It will be a tough Christmas," Ms. Houghton said.
The Ontario Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire, which caused an estimated $250,000 in damage.
Homes are being sought for the rescued animals, and with up to a dozen reports of animal abuse received in Durham Region each day, staff said there is little time to lose in setting up another shelter.
A mass cremation will be held for the deceased animals at the Oshawa Animal Services Centre. Ms. Richards said their ashes will be kept "until we can put them somewhere special."
From Globeandmail.com.

Please assist The Humane Society of Durham Region in any way you can:

A trust fund has been set up:
Scotiabank, Oshawa Main Branch,
75 King St West, Oshawa Ontario L1H 8W7
Account # 80762 002 01000 13

To make material donations:
Contact the Humane Society directly at: 905-436-5632
or
Contact the City of Oshawa's call centre, SERVICE OSHAWA, at: 905-436-3311

Donations to the Humane Society of Durham Region can be made to 1-888-ONT-SPCA, ext. 323, or online at http://www.humanedurham.com.

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What dog breed is right for you?

Although I am a huge advocate for mutts, I've found a wonderful breed matching quiz that helps evaluate what breeds of dogs might fit best with you and your lifestyle. As the program reminds us, it isn't necessarily the breeds themselves, but the individual qualities that are important for people to look for when considering a new dog. It's a very quick, simple questionairre, and when you're done it will tell you the top 5 breeds that might be best for you/your family, the reasons why these breeds might fit, 73 more breeds that might be good for you, breeds that they do not recommend for you, and a list of qualities you should personally look for in a dog to fit what you want and your lifestyle. You can then type in your zip code and it will show dogs of your matched breeds that are available for adoption in your area. The site is also one of the greatest resource sfor researching breeds in general. Just click on any of the breeds in your "recommended" or "not recommended" list for a very detailed description of each breed and its various aspects and typical attributes.

Mt top 5 matches were: Shih Tzu, Bullmastiff, Brussels Griffon, Irish Wolfhound, and Silky Terrie (none of which I have ever had the pleasure of calling my own).

Matchup: Find the right dog for you DogTime

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Seattle, WA - Two young dogs need rescue/adoption/foster ASAP!

These gorgeous black fluffy girls are Harley and Sunshine. They are black lab/chow mixes that were found wandering lost, and cannot understand why their people never came to find them. Both these girls have been spayed, microchipped, and brought up to date on their shots. They are young, happy, and very affectionate. It is suspected that Harley is Sunshine's daughter. They love people and have not shown any bad habits. Very sweet, loving girls. They get along well with other dogs. They can be adopted together or separately, but both desperately need a loving home as they have run out of time at their shelter because it is full. Wouldn't you like a little Sunshine in your life? And everyone loves a Harley, don't they? Please save these beautiful, sweet girls! Loving forever homes or caring foster homes needed.
Sunshine is between 2-3 yrs old and 50-60 lbs.
Harley is under or around 1 yr old and about 40 lbs.

Sunshine and Harley are only being held until tomorrow, Saturday December 20th. Then they have a ride to Seattle, but no safe place to go!

If you can open your heart and home to one or both of these gorgeous, sweet girls, please contact:
comm-963616210@craigslist.org

(when copy & pasted into your email form, the above email address will become very long, this is correct)
(The shelter posted this craigslist ad, so this is not a scam)

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Jacksonville, FL - Adorable dog in desperate need of rescue/adoption!

A rescue worker is desperate to find this sweet little dog a home. She doesn't have much time left! The dog is a female. She is very sweet and kind with everyone. She only weighs about 7 lbs! She has some heavy tartar (which can probably be cleaned), and some vision problems (bilateral cataracts), but these are no reasons she shouldn't have a loving home!
She is located at the Jacksonville Animal Control facility in Jacksonville, FL.

If you are interested in rescuing (pulling) or adopting this adorable girl, please contact:

June Mason
Adoption/Rescue Coordinator
2580 W. 1st Street
Jacksonville, FL 32254
Phone: 904-387-8924 ext#239
Fax: 904-387-8903

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Do animals matter to you?

Help The World Society for the Protection of Animals and animal welfare groups from around the world, including the ASPCA, show the government of the world that animals matter, that they can feel pain and can suffer, and that we have a responsibility to put an end to cruelty around the world. The campaign is seeking 10 million signatures to let the governments of the world know we are serious about achieving a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare at the United Nations. To learn more about this campaign, read the official draft of the declaration, download pictures and banners for your site, and sign the petition, please click on the picture above.

If you're looking for a reason to sign, here are just a few:

• Around 60 billion farm animals are used each year globally to produce meat, milk and eggs. The majority are raised in industrial farming systems where their welfare needs are not met.


• Globally, there are some 600 million dogs, and a similar number of cats, of which an estimated 80% are stray or unwanted.


• The illegal and often inhumane trade in wildlife and wildlife parts is a soaring black market worth $10 billion a year, exceeded only by arms and drug smuggling. Millions of wild animals are killed, captured or traded inhumanely in this shady business.


• An estimated 80% of power input on farms in developing countries is supplied by draught animals, however the resources made available are often woefully inadequate, leading to significant welfare issues.


• Animals are also affected on a huge scale by natural disasters, though seldom considered.


• Improving animal welfare can also improve the welfare of people relying on these animals. Over a billion people directly rely on animals around the world for their livelihoods. People rely on animals' companionship as well, and in many cases animals are considered part of the family. For a global problem you need a global solution. Agreement on the importance of an issue affects people's attitudes, and people's attitudes affect their actions. A Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare would have a real, long-term impact on the welfare of billions of animals worldwide.

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ASPCA to double all donations until 2009!

Thanks to a generous $50,000 Challenge Grant, every donation made to the ASPCA by December 31, 2008 will be doubled until the organization reaches its $50,000 goal. Remember, new donations or ASPCA memberships are tax deductible!

REMEMBER, you can donate by simply scrolling down towards the bottom of this page and clicking on the orange ASPCA donation box with a kitty on it. You'll be taken to the ASPCA donation site where you can pledge whatever amount you want. By donating through my page, you will help me reach my goal of raising $250 (I do not get any of the money, mind you.)

If you do not wish to do that, please visit the ASPCA website for more information on the challenge and to donate!

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Decatur/ Dekalb County, GA - Sponsored dog needs home for holidays!

This sweet girl was found abandoned. She had been left tied to a fence with no food, water or shelter. She is a very nice dog who deserves a second chance at life. She would love to be adopted by a nice family who would never dream of abandoning her. She is a small adult female Shepherd mix. She weighs about 30-35 pounds. She does need to put on some weight so she should weigh a little more. She is sponsored to help with her vetting. The amount of her sponsorship is $150!

She is located at the Dekalb County Animal Services facility in kennel 322-2 and her Intake # is 12456675.

If you are interested in meeting and/or adopting this sweet girl, please contact:
Kevin: kevinjmoran@mindspring.com

or

Jamie: Jsmartinez@co.dekalb.ga.us

Dekalb County Animal Services
845 Camp Rd.
Decatur, GA 30032
Phone: 404-294-2996
Monday-Friday 10am-4:30pm
Saturday 10am-4:00pm

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What's Santa Paws bringing your furry friend?

Be sure not to forget your animal companions this time of year! In case you're having trouble finding the perfect gift for your furry loved one, I've come up with a list of interesting and fun gifts I'm sure any cat or dog would love to receive from Santa Paws!

Dog Toilet Water Bowl
A hilarious conversation starter and puppy pleaser, this water bowl keeps your pet well hydrated and your home cleverly decorated.

Only $24.95 from What on Earth

Cat Veranda
Specially designed to give your indoor cat the sights, sounds, & smells of the outdoors. Features a washable, carpeted interior, & covered roof, to ensure that your indoor cat has the most comfortable outdoor fun!

Only $135.00 from OutdoorDecor.com

Plush Dolls of Common Pet Diseases
Cuddly creatures that like your pet as much as you do! Your pets can now bite back at Rabies, Mange, and Heartworm. Each plush doll comes with educational information about its history and science. They're contagiously cute!

Only $29.95 fromGiantmicrobes, Inc,

Pet Umbrella
This well-designed Pet Umbrella is practical and keeps fido not only from getting wet but ultimately from getting everything else wet, too. The clear umbrella body allows full view of pet.

Only $23.95 fromThe New York Dog Shop

The Indoor Dog Restroom
This mat-and-tray system gives dogs a place to relieve themselves when they can't get outside. Ideal for high-rise dwelling dogs, when owners aren't home or harsh weather. Made of antimicrobial porous artificial turf.

Only $149.95 from Hammacher Schlemmer

The Pet's Observation Porthole
The Pet's Observation Porthole provides a clear cutout for your pet to peek through to see beyond the fence and stimulate the pet's curiousity. The Pet Peek is created by Best Friends Care LLC.

Only $29.95 from Hammacher Schlemmer

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Give the gift of helping animals this holiday!

Do you have an animal lover in your life? Are you stuck on things to ask for? Consider giving a gift of charity to help animals in a loved one's name, or ask for a gift to be given on your behalf. It's a great way to share the love of the season with other creatures in need.

I suggest contacting local pounds, shelters, and rescue organizations in your area if you would like to donate something in someone's name or in your name. Many allow you to sponsor an animal that has a condition that prevents him or her from being adopted. Some might have other options, such as saving an animal from death row. Most zoos allow people to sponsor animals for a year. Check with your local zoo to see if there is an animal you can "adopt" for something this year. Costs for this are usually low. Just because animals live in a zoo does not mean they have all their needs covered. Zoos are being hit by the hard economic times and they need your help!

I've compiled a list of some of the more national or international organizations that allow you to purchase gifts of charity. These range from adopting endangered animals, purchasing actual gifts, of which proceeds go towards helping animals, sponsoring shelter animals, and more.

The Animal Rescue Site - Shop thousands of animal, household, clothing items and more! There's something here for everyone, even those who are not animal enthusiasts. Proceeds go to helping shelter animals.

Best Friends Animal Society - to view these gift options. - Help on of America's largest and most successful no-kill animal sanctuaries! Best Friends has found homes for 75% of their special needs animals, and the rest live out their lives at the sanctuary. Give a gift membership to Best Friends Animal Society which comes with several goodies. Even better, sponsor an animal at their sanctuary for only $25! You can even pick what animal you want to sponsor! Best Friend Animal Society has TONS of charity gifts! Prices range from $5-$2500, so there's something for everyone's budget! Gift options include corrective horse shoes, a spay/neuter for dog, spay/neuter for cat, free flight sanctuary for birds, treats for birds, tray of vaccines for cat, wild mammal are (funds to raise an orphan), joint medication for dogs, one horse feed pail, spay/neuter for 4 rabbits, 1 month joint medication for a horse, training time treats for animals. Go HERE to view these gift options.

Farm Sanctuary -Help animals at the nation's leading farm animal protection organizations! Gifts range from $5-$250. Gifts include treats for animals, emergency rescue funds, one month of care for a barnyard of rescued animals, one month of care for a chicken, one month of care for a cow, one month of care for a duck, one month of care for a goat, one month of care for a goose, one month of care for a pig, one month of care for a rabbit, one month of care for a sheep, and one month of care for a turkey.

San Diego Zoo - Give one of their many gift options to help animals at the San Diego Zoo. Prices range from $13-$50. Gifts include amphibian conservation funds, toys for animals, condor conservation, elephant conservation in Kenya, Gorilla conservation in Congo, koala conservation, polar bear/arctic conservation, cheetah conservation, sponsor one day of research for a scientist, provide 1 day of care for a zoo baby, funds to help rebuild the Giant Panda breeding center in Wolong.

In Defense of Animals - As one of the nation's best animal rights and welfare organizations, In Defense of Animals works tirelessly to stop the suffering of animals all over the world. Their gifts range from $10-$55. Gifts include providing new bedding, treats, and food for a newly rescued animal, emergency surgery for a critically ill animal in India, one month of feed for an emu, watermelon treats for pigs, a parvo vaccine for one rescued puppy, initial vet exam for a puppy or kitten, support for a rescued puppy mill dog, one month of care for a rescued cat, 500 anti-fur leaflets, one spay/neuter, surgery for a critically ill pony in India.

In Defense of Animals-Africa/Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center - Help support this organization that provides life-long sanctuary for 64 orphaned chimps, whose mothers were killed in the illegal trade of chimpanzee meat. Gifts range from $25-$120. Gifts include 3 days worth of bananas for the chimps, two days of food for one baby chimp, or a six month sponsorship of one baby chimp.

Defenders of Wildlife - Help this wonderful organization in their mission to save wild animals and wild places all over the planet. Gifts range from $25-$125. Gifts include adopting a dolphin, adopting a jaguar, adopting a panther, adopt a penguin, adopt a polar bear, adopt a sea otter, adopt a snowy owl, adopt a tiger, adopt a wolf, save a sea turtle, save arctic refuge, or help stop global warming.

ASPCA - Help the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals continue to provide wonderful care and support to rescued, orphaned, and abused animals. Gifts range from $25-$5000. Gifts include exams and vaccines for one rescued pet, a microchip ID for one rescued animal, microchips for 2 rescued animals, rescue a foal, rescue one animal, emergency vet care for one rescued animal, one spay/neuter, or spay/neuter for 50 animals.

Brazilian Network to Combat the Wild Animal Trafficking - Help this organization reach their mission to fight the illegal trade of wild animals in order to contribute with the preservation of biodiversity. Gifts range from $50-$1000. Gifts include providing education to the public, one school education kit on preserving fauna, one radio program, one month of bulletins, assistance for fauna conservation programs, one school education kit on protecting wild animals, anti-trafficking training, or one health report.

National Wildlife Federation - Help the nation's premier grassroots conservation organization protect endangered species. All gifts are $30. Gifts include adoption of a Lynx or the purchase of 15 acres of grazing land for endangered animals.

World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) - You gift will help support the world's greatest protector and advocate for endangered species. There are so many gifts here, and something for everyone's budgets. Gifts range from adopting one of more than 90 endangered species (gift includes certificate, plush version of the animal you are sponsoring, and more), monthly adoption clubs, gift adoption cards (your loved one gets to pick the animal he/she adopts), extraordinary gifts of extreme impact, apparel and accessories, crafts, and more!

The Jane Goodall Institute - Help this amazing organization promote activities that ensure the well-being of chimpanzees, other primates and animal welfare activities in general. Gifts range from $5-$10,595. Gifts include sponsoring a chimp, an amazing exploration/travel experience with the Jane Goodall Institute, and a large assortment of crafts, clothing, accessories, toys, jewelry, and more!

Remember, there are MANY other animal-related charity gifts out there. Just Google it, and I'm sure it's out there. Hopefully you'll consider giving a gift that will make your recipient happy and help another creature in need at the same time! Happy shopping!

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