"Love of animals is a universal impulse, a common ground on which all of us may meet.
By loving and understanding animals, perhaps we humans shall come to understand each other."
-- Louis J. Camuti

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Happy Birthday Reuben!



My handsome, beloved dog, Reuben, celebrated his 11th birthday yesterday! He was the product of a boxer and a lab. Labeled a "trash litter" by his mother's owners, Reuben and his siblings were dropped off at a local animal rescue. A few months later, my mom and I went searching for a medium-large breed male puppy, which led us to Reuben.
For the past (nearly) 11 years, Reuben has been a loyal, playful, protective companion. Here's to many more years of the greatest dog on earth!


(P.S. Disregard the flea collar he's wearing. NEVER put a flea collar on your animal. These photos were taken previous to our knowledge of the dangers of OTC flea products.)

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Saturday, February 21, 2009

Durbin, WV - Sweet senior dog needs rescue/adopt URGENT!

This sweet dog is Elijah. He will die this week if not pulled by a rescue or adopted by a loving individual/family. He's been at the shelter a "long time" and his time is running out! Elijah is a very special senior boy, who is in desperate need of finding a loving forever home, rescue or even a sanctuary that will take him in and allow him to live out the rest of his life in great comfort. Elijah would love to have a nice warm bed to lay his weary bones down on and belly rubs would be a plus! Elijah is very friendly and wants nothing more than to be in a home with someone who will love him back. If you can be that person and open up your home to him, please contact the shelter immediately.

Visit Elijah's Petfinder page.

Elijah is located at the Pocahontas County Animal Control and Humane Office in Durbin, West Virginia.

If you are interested in rescuing or adopting Elijah, please contact the shelter immediately:

lastchance_rescue@yahoo.com

and

jaime0801@frontiernet.net


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February is National Bird Feeding Month!


In 1994, Congress officially declared February National Bird Feeding Month!

February is one of the most difficult months for survival among wild birds. Because of the extreme low temperatures, their bodies require extra calories to keep them warm. Food and water supplies are usually very low at this time of year. They also need water to bathe in, since dirty feathers do not insulate against the cold as well. Shelter is also essential because it protects the birds from wind, snow, and hail. Shelter can range from a heavy brush pile to any type of bird house, but make sure the birdhouses you have are suitable for the species of winter birds in your area.
While we are nearing the end of February, it doesn't look like winter is going to be going away anytime soon. We are all encouraged to make our backyards safe sanctuaries for our wild birds by provide food, water, and shelter.

Consider the following:
• A typical backyard bird weighs less than two nickels,
• Birds spend most of their waking hours searching for food,
• In below-freezing temperatures, snow is the only “water” birds may find, and
• Birds can use up to 15 percent of their body weight overnight just keeping warm.

Here are some helpful links to assist you in creating an oasis for your backyard winter birds:

Read more...

Friday, February 20, 2009

Love Your Pet Day!


February 20th is Love Your Pet Day! Now, I'm probably aware that everyone reading this already loves their pets everyday, but today just gives us an excuse to love them even more, give them a bit of extra pampering, and toss them a few extra treats throughout the day. So, whether your animal companion has fins, feathers, or fur, take some extra time out of your day to show them how much they mean to you! You can even send Love Your Pet Day e-cards to your friends and relatives to remind them of this special occasion (hey, at least their pets will appreciate it)!

Here are some ideas about what you can do to make this day special for your animal friends:

  • Take your dog on an extra long walk, or, if you live somewhere that isn't covered in snow, take him to the park to run and play.
  • Purchase (or make) some extra special treats for your pet.
  • Purchase (or make) a fun new toy.
  • Clean your pet's cage or tank, if applicable.
  • Spend an extra half hour playing, petting, or pampering your pet.
  • Create a webpage just for your pet! Go to My Pet Pages to make a quick and easy page!

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Thursday, February 19, 2009

Give free food to dogs & cats in need!


Freekibblekat.com is a great site where you answer kitty-related trivia questions and give food to kitties in need at the same time, and it's all free! The best part is that the cats still get the food, even if you get the question wrong. There have been 53,056,970 pieces of kibble donated since June 01, 2008!


Play Freekibble.com's Bow Wow Trivia to give free food to dogs in need! 80,082,610 pieces of kibble have been donated since April 1, 2008

Mimi Ausland, a 12 year old girl from Bend, Oregon, wanted to help feed the hungry animals at her local animal shelter. “There are 10’s of thousands of dogs and cats in animal shelters across the country, all needing to be fed a good meal.” Say hello to freekibble.com and freekibblekat.com!

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Wednesday, February 18, 2009

February is Pet Dental Month!

Fido's or Fluffy's bad breath could be more than a smelly annoyance; it might signify a serious health risk with the potential to damage not only the animal's teeth and gums but its internal organs as well.

To address the significance of oral health care for pets, several veterinary groups are sponsoring National Pet Dental Health Month in February. Sponsors include the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, American Veterinary Dental College, Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians, Veterinary Oral Health Council and Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.

According to the AVDS, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three, often indicated by bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face and mouth and depression.

Although daily tooth brushing is advised for dogs and cats, only 2 percent of dog owners follow through. In addition, 65 percent of dogs with stage one periodontal disease often go untreated because veterinary health care teams do not recommend needed treatment options like dental exams, professional dental cleaning and dental x-rays.

AVMA President Dr. James Cook warns pet owners trying to save money in the current economic crisis not to skimp on regular veterinary care for their pets.

"Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets," said Dr. Cook. "Twice-a-year checkups, including an oral health checkup, are important to ensure your pet is not in pain and is not suffering from serious oral health problems. Besides causing receding gums and tooth loss, bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream, potentially infecting the heart, liver and kidneys, which can be potentially life threatening.

"Just as the public has come to realize that their own oral health is linked to their overall health, veterinarians want people to understand that dental health care is essential to maintaining the overall health and well-being of the family pet."

Pet Dental Health Campaign spokesperson Dr. Linda J. DeBowes, DVM, veterinarian at Shoreline Veterinary Dental Clinic, Seattle, concurs.

"The expenses associated with professional dental treatment may be significant; however, if this preventive care is not done, the cost to the owner may well be much higher in diagnostics and management of dental disease," Dr. DeBowes said.

In addition to professional dental care, Dr. DeBowes advises pet owners to make oral home care part of their pet's routine as a way to prevent tooth decay.

Veterinarians can help pet owners begin a pet dental care routine at home, and encourage them to continue regular veterinary check ups to monitor their pets' oral health.

To view the AVMA's instructional video on dental health and tooth brushing, visit www.avmatv.org or www.avma.org. The Web site www.petdental.com also has resources for pet owners on how to provide proper dental care for their pets and games and activities for kids.

Information taken from HERE.

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Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Easton, PA - Lovely dog in search of furever home!




This beautiful girl is Cordelia, a 4-5 year old Shepherd/Lab mix. Cordelia is currently in foster care because she does not do well with life at the kennel. In a home, she is a quiet, calm dog who is very attentive and eager to please. She may display some anxiety over being left alone, but it's nothing that can't be worked on. She bonds quickly with her caretakers and would be a most loyal friend.
She walks wonderfully on a leash, she's housebroken, and crate trained. She gets along with most other dogs (and it helps her to be alone at home if she has a canine companion) but she cannot go to a home with cats. She's so sweet and desperately desiring the consistency of a permanent home and family!
She's currently living with 3 kids over the age of 9 and is doing well. However, she won't be placed with anyone under the age of 13.
Cordelia is in foster care through The Center for Animal Health and Welfare in Easton, PA. The shelter is located in Northeast Pennsylvania (Nazareth, Easton, Bethlehem area), but the adoption doesn't necessarily need to be local.
If you are interested in meeting and possibly adopting Cordelia, please contact Nellie:
Home: 610.759.9009
Cell: 610.844.3945

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Cocoa Mulch Can Be Toxic to Pets

With spring right around the corner, I'm sure many of us will be working in our gardens and landscaping our yards, which also serve as play areas for our cats and dogs. Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called 'Theobromine'. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it attracts dogs. If they ingest this, they may die. Just a word of caution, check what you are using in your gardens and be aware of what your gardeners are using in your gardens.

Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline.

(The photo above is only ONE BRAND of cocoa mulch. The danger is not isolated to this brand alone.)

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Monday, February 16, 2009

February is Adopt-a-Rescued Rabbit Month!


February is Adopt-a-Rescued rabbit month, so what are you waiting for? There are over 6300 homeless rabbits available on Petfinder.com right now! But please keep in mind, a rabbit isn't for everyone.

House Rabbit Society president Kathleen Wilsbach says:

"The ideal 'rabbit person,' in addition to being calm, patient and eager to get to know a rabbit on his own terms, must be willing to rabbit-proof an appropriate exercise area in the home to prevent damage from chewing."
So, if you think you fit the bill, but you want more information? Visit 3 Bunnies Rabbit Rescue for great resources and information on rabbits and rabbit adoption.

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Saturday, February 14, 2009

London, Ontario - Dog needs foster/rescue/adopt URGENT!


While it's hard to see her behind the metal cage, this beautiful girl is actually a Border Terrier/Standard Poodle mix. Her Petfinder description reads:

She is a pretty dog, with Border Collie colours and out-going personality. She also has a bristley or whiskery coat, and a bounce to her step, which indicates she may have standard poodle in her. She is very young, under 2 years of age. She was left abandoned at a Tim Horton's.

She is located at St. Thomas Pound in London, Ontario. She needs to be adopted or rescued from the pound ASAP! A local rescue group is also looking for someone to foster her. If someone is willing to foster, the group will pay for the food and vet care, you just supply the love.

If you are interested in adopting or pulling this girl from the pound, contact: 519-631-7430 (the have limited hours, so please call asap and keep trying until you reach someone).

If you are interested in fostering this girl through the rescue group, please contact: allbreedcaninerescue@sympatico.ca

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Friday, February 13, 2009

February 14 is Pet Theft Awareness Day!

Tomorrow, February 14, is Pet Theft Awareness Day, sponsored by Last Chance for Animals. This year will be the 20th anniversary of this very important pet awareness day! Sadly, many dogs, cats and other domestic animals are stolen every year, often by Class "B" dealers, who are licensed to purchase and sell animals for research. Unfortunately, they often resort to stealing our beloved animal companions, sometimes from right within our own yards. These animals are often stolen pets, strays or animals obtained under false pretenses and deception such as “free to good home” ads. It is virtually impossible to know the true history of an animal acquired by a Class “B” dealer. Each time a Class “B” dealer sells an animal to a research lab, a strong possibility exists that it is a lost or stolen family pet.

Here are some tips, offered by Last Chance for Animals, on how to protect your pet and family from animal theft:

DON’T leave companion animals unattended in your yard. It only takes a minute for someone to steal your pet.
DON’T allow your pet to be visible from the street.
DON’T leave your dog tied up outside restaurants or stores.
DON’T leave any animal unattended in your car, even if it is “just for a minute.”
DON’T use “free to good home” ads to place companion animals. These ads are often answered by Class “B” dealers. Contact a rescue group for assistance in conducting your own adoption.


DO spay and neuter your companion animals. This reduces your animal’s desire to stray and reduces the risk of your companion animal being stolen for breeding purposes.

DO provide your companion animals with collars, ID tags, and licenses. Speak with your veterinarian about backup forms of identifications, including tattooing and microchipping.

DO keep recent photos and written descriptions of your companion animals on hand at all times.

DO keep dogs and cats indoors, especially when you’re not home.

DO know where your animals are at all times. Treat your companion animals as you would a small child.

DO educate family, friends, and neighbors about pet theft

Properly Identifying Your Pet
A good dog collar with an ID tag is the first line of defense against pet theft; however, a collar can break or be pulled off. In addition to a collar, dogs should have permanent identification. Microchipping and/or tattooing your pet are excellent ways to ensure their safety.

Additionally, if your pet ends up at a research or medical facility, the researchers are required by law to look for any tattoos, and, if one is found, they must trace the pet back to the owner.

Visit the official website of Pet Theft Awareness Day, StolenPets.com, to learn more about pet theft, what to do if you suspect your met is missing or stolen, Class "B" dealers, and what you can do to help make their practices illegal!

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Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Griffin, GA - Dogs and puppies to be gassed if not adopted/rescued by Feb. 4!

SPALDING COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER
URGENTS FOR THIS WEEK
SPALDING IS A GASSING FACILITY
URGENTS LAST DAY FEB. 4

























































































To see more info about these dogs, including shelter ID, breed, and age: http://www.spaldingdogs.com/page2.html





























LARGER PHOTOS CAN BE SEEN HERE:http://www.spaldingcountyanimalshelter.com/dogs1.htm

ADOPTION/RESCUE AGREEMENT:
http://www.spaldingcountyanimalshelter.com/adoption-agreement.htm

NEED RESCUES AND ADOPTERS
STILL URGENT TO GET OUT OF SHELTER!
THIS IS A VOLUNTEER WEBSITE, TO SEE THE SHELTER WEBSITE, PLEASE VISIT THE LINK BELOW. http://www.spaldingcountyanimalshelter.com/
DOGS AVAILABILITY IS DAY PRIOR TO THE LAST DAY
ALL DOGS ON THIS PAGE VERY ADOPTABLE AND SWEET
OUT OF TIME MEANS DOGS CAN BE GASSED AT ANY TIME, THEY ARE PAST THEIR LAST DAY. THE SHELTER WORKS ON SPACE AND TIME. IF THEY ARE OUT OF SPACE, THEN DOGS ARE OUT OF TIME.

DOGS CAN BE GASSED AT ANY TIME IF THEY ARE OUT OF TIME.

DO NOT FAX FOR A PET IF YOU DO NOT PLAN ON FOLLOWING THROUGH.FAXING ONLY HOLDS THE PET FOR YOU, IF YOU FAIL TO COMPLETE THE ADOPTION, THEN NOBODY ELSE CAN GET THE PET OUT. IF THEIR LAST DAY IS UP AND YOU HAVE NOT GOTTEN THE PET OUT, THEY ARE UP FOR EUTH IMMEDIATELY.YOU HAVE NOT SAVED A LIFE, YOU HAVE GIVEN THEM NO CHANCE AT ALL FOR RESCUE OR ADOPTION BY OTHERS.
NOTICE: DOGS LISTED AS PIT BULLS ARE NOT ADOPTABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. THEY ARE RESCUE ONLY TO AN APPROVED RESCUE. IF YOU ARE NOT A RESCUE, PLEASE DO NOT FAX FOR A PIT BULL. THANK YOU.


THIS IS A VOLUNTEER WEBSITE, TO SEE THE SHELTER WEBSITE, PLEASE VISIT THE LINK BELOW.
MORE URGENT DOGS CAN BE SEEN HERE:http://www.spaldingcountyanimalshelter.com/dogs1.htm
URGENT DOGS CAN BE SEEN HERE:http://www.spaldingdogs.com/page2.htmlSAFE DOGS CAN BE SEEN HERE:http://spaldingdogs.startlogic.com/page6.html

INFORMATION REGARDING ADOPTION OR RESCUE FROM THIS SHELTER, PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE. THIS ALSO INCLUDES MAP AND DIRECTIONS TO THE SHELTER:
http://spaldingdogs.startlogic.com/page5.html
ALL URGENTS MUST HAVE FAX OR ADOPT BY 4:30 P.M.

SPALDING COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER208 Justice BoulevardGriffin, GA 30224
PHONE: 770 - 467- 4772 FAX: 770 - 467- 4771
HOURS OF OPERATIONMonday through Friday 10:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.CLOSED SAT, SUNDAY, HOLIDAYS

PLEASE CONTACT THE SPALDING COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER FOR INFORMATION ON PULLING, BOARDING AND TRANSPORTERS, THEY HAVE A LIST IN THEIR OFFICE.

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Sunday, February 1, 2009

Dog Treat Recall!



Carolina Prime Pet Announces Nationwide Recall of Dog Treats


Carolina Prime Pet, a manufacturer and distributor of dog treats, is voluntarily recalling four of its dog treats that contain peanut butter made by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). PCA is the focus of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigation into potential salmonella contamination of peanut butter and paste.
Salmonella is an organism that can potentially be transferred to people handling these pet treats, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Well animals can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
The recalled treats are sold at various retail establishments in the U.S. and Canada. Although Carolina Prime Pet is not aware of any reported cases of illness related to these products, it has issued this voluntary recall as a precautionary measure.

The recalled products include only the following types of Carolina Prime Pet treats in single unit packages with lot date codes between 081508 and 010909:
6" Beef Shank Peanut Butter, UPC 063725542007
2pk Hooves Peanut Butter, UPC 063725542000
4" Rawhide Bone Peanut Butter, UPC 063725542003
6" Rawhide Bone Peanut Butter, UPC 063725542005
6” Healthy Hide Beef Shank Peanut Butter, UPC 09109333479

Customers who purchased the recalled dog treats should discontinue use immediately, and return items to the purchase location for replacement or refund.
No other products or flavors are included in this recall.
Further information call Carolina Prime Pet at 1-888-370-2360.

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About This Blog


This blog is designed to connect animals in need with people who want to help, profile animals in need, keep people informed on interesting animal related issues, news, and events, and provide a general resource for all animals lovers. There are ways in which we can all help our feathered, finned, and furry friends and I hope you can do so through my blog.
I’m just a girl doing my best to help every creature who cannot speak for himself. I hope to one day own my own rescue, but until then I will continue to do the little things I can. I’ve had many animal companions in my time, including fish, frogs, gerbils, hermit crabs, birds, cats, and dogs. I am currently the proud person of one dog, five cats and two geckos. On weekends I can be seen moonlighting as Cat Woman.

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