A Furry Friend

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Miami, FL - Dog family needs new homes!

This beautiful family of White Shepherd dogs is looking for a new home(s). Mom, dad, and puppies need to find new homes in 6 weeks time! Mom and dad were taken in by an animal rescuer, but were not spayed/neutered. The result is this adorable litter of 8 puppies! It is uncertain whether or not the mom and dad are purebred White Shepherds, but they look pretty close. The pups are about 2 weeks old now. They will all need to find homes once they are 8 weeks old. Rescuers would really like to get homes lined up for as many as possible in advance. More importantly, mom and dad need homes as well. All dogs can be adopted separately or in multiples. All will be spayed/neutered before being adopted out.

If you are interested in adopting one or more of these dogs, please contact:
Kathy: 305-401-4693
Donna: 786-236-5598

Monday, January 5, 2009

Louisiana - Mama dog dumped on side of road, puppies thrown in river!

Poor Mama Mia. This sweet 34 lbs. 1-year-old female dog was found by a dump in Belle Chase, Louisiana. Two men fishing near her reported that a black pickup truck dumped two garbage bags and Mama dog on the side of the road. The person then dumped her puppies in the river. Mama Mia reportedly spent the next week pacing up and down the riverbank, looking for her puppies. A passing Good Samaritan called to the dog, who then ran and jumped in the woman's car.
Mama Mia is currently being held at a local veterinary office, but they cannot keep her much longer. She will have no other option than the county shelter, which euthanizes for space.
The sweet dog has flea dermatitis and is positive for heart worms. These are things she can recover from. She just wants to cuddle up with anyone that will pet her! She is great with other dogs and just wants to play.

If you are interested in helping Mama Mia, please contact: melmanning@gmail.com

Remember to pass this on to anyone else that might be able to help!

Bronson, FL - Young dogs in need of adoptiong/rescue URGENT!

Axle:

Labrador Retriever/Shepherd Mix
Young
Male
Medium-sized
Dog friendly
People friendly
Pet ID: 1224

Leon:

Hound/Labrador Retriever mix
Young
Male
Medium-Sized
Dog friendly
People friendly
Pet ID: 122217

Sugar:

Beagle/Australian Cattle Dog/ Blue Heeler mix
Young
Female
Medium-sized
Dog friendly
People friendly
Pet ID: 12193

Roger:

Labrador Retriever
Baby
Male
Large-sized
Dog friendly
People friendly
Pet ID: 123011

All dogs have been temperament tested. The dogs range in age from 5 months-10 months.

These dogs are located at the Levy County Animal Control facility in Bronson, FL. This is a rural shelter at the county landfill. These dogs are desperate to get out of there. Their time is VERY limited. They could have only a few days left. The caring people at the shelter really want to find these babies good homes before their time is up. Please consider adopting one or more of these dogs if you have the space in your heart and home. The shelter is also looking for rescue groups to pull these dogs to ensure they have the chance to find forever homes. Even if you can't help these dogs, please share this information with someone who might be able to lend a hand.

There are other URGENT dogs at this shelter. To view more of their available animals, please visit their Petfinder page.

If you are interested in adopting/rescuing one or more of these dogs, please contact: 352-486-5138 ASAP!

Broward County, FL - Handsome family dog in need of new home/rescue!

This is Lucky, a 6-year-old Miniature American Eskimo dog. His family is moving to an area where they are not allowed to have any animals. He has been a family dog his entire life and would like to remain that way. Lucky has excellent health and is groomed regularly. He is great with kids and loves to play with everyone of all ages! Lucky is totally house-trained and loves to sleep in his crate (as pictures above). Lucky will move to his new home with toys, crate, bed pillows, food, and all medical records.
Lucky's situation is beyond heartbreaking. Please help to give him a happy ending.

If you are interested in helping/adopting Lucky, please contact Shari at 954-649-1737 or 954-424-9175

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Northern New Jersey - 2 cats in search of new, loving home

These adorable cats are Bozak and Jewel. Unfortunately, their parent has come down with a new health condition and must find the cats a new home. The family has tried to avoid it for a couple of years, but the situation has gotten worse and there is no other option. Bozak is a 7-year-old male. Jewel is a 5-year-old female. They are both neutered/spayed and up to date with their shots. Neither has an existing health concerns or conditions. Bozak and Jewel are friendly, calm, and well-behaved cats. They get along well with children (they have a 3-year-old in their family). The family is not sure about how well the cats get along with dogs. The family wants Bozak and Jewel to remain together, as they have a great bond. These two would make a great addition to any household.

The current owner requires an adoption fee of $25. If you are interested in adopting Bozak and Jewel, the family would like you to come meet them. Upon adoption, the family ensures they will take the cats back if it doesn't work out.

If you are interested in speaking to Jewel and Bozak's owner and/or meeting them, please contact neshik1@yahoo.com

Friday, January 2, 2009

News Years Resolutions for Pet Parents!

Whether you've already made a few New Years resolutions or you don't believe in doing so at all, I encourage all of us to try our best to make 2009 an even better year for all our our animal companions. We can start by making the following promises to our four-legged, furry, feathered, and finned friends (note, all resolutions might not apply to your pet, so think up some of your own).

Spay/neuter your pets - Add more healthy years to your pet's life, improve his/her behavior, and save yourself some sleepless nights (everyone with an unaltered female cat will know what I'm talking about).
Schedule a yearly checkup vet appointment for your pet. - Ideally, a healthy animal should see the vet at least once a year (more if he/she is older or has a medical condition). Make sure they are up-to-date on all shots and vaccines. Try to develop a good relationship with your vet.
Create a safer, more hygienic environment for your pets. - Resolve to clean the litter box or small animal cage more often. If you're already on top of things in this area, resolve to evaluate all your household cleaning products and switch to as many natural, non-toxic products as possible.
Get informed and organized about your pet. - After taking your pet to his/her medical checkup, organize all of your pet's medical information and records you might have. Know what should be normal and is not normal for your animal. Also, make sure you are up to date on licensing and rabies vaccines. Attach all required tags to your dog's collar. If you have an outdoor cat, purchase a little ID tag to attach to their collar.
Be consistent with at home medical care. - Ensure you always give any required medication to your pet. Also, give your dog a routine heart worm preventative. Watch for fleas-and give only prescription flea & tick treatments (NO OTC!)
Feed your pet an age/health appropriate diet. - Consult your vet and look for foods that are appropriate for your pet's health and stage of life.
Train your pet. - Training your pets can greatly improve their behavior, strengthen their bond with you, and provide mental exercise and stimulation. Even animals that aren't traditionally trained, such as cats, can be taught new commands by using a clicking technique.
Give plenty of love & attention. - It seems everybody has a hectic schedule these days, but it doesn't mean our animals should be forgotten. Set aside a certain amount of time every day to spend with your pet.
Groom your pet. - While many animals require a professional groomer, try doing minor things, such as nail trimming and baths, at home. This reduces the stress on your pet and provides a chance to spend time together. If you don't already know how, learn how to properly trim your pet's nails and brush his/her teeth.
Make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise. - Exercise stimulates an animal's mind and body, making them better behaved and feeling good! Pet obesity is becoming an increasing concern, so ensure that your pet gets proper exercise each day to stay at his/her appropriate weight. You might try exercising together!
Socialize your pets. - While animals usually love their humans, they need interaction with other animals as well. Try taking your dog to a dog park or agility/training class. There are also pet socialization programs & groups. You could also foster other animals in your home.
Do an inventory of your pet's supplies & accessories. - Ensure that your pet has everything he/she needs and that everything is in good working order. Check their collar-you should be able to slide 2 fingers underneath the collar. Ensure their litter boxes, toys, beds, even clothing are in good condition. If needed, throw out the old and purchase some new.
Pet proof your house. - Ensure that cabinets and other places where chemicals and medicines are kept are secure from pet's access. Many cats and dogs have no trouble opening a kitchen cupboard.
Consider certifying your animal. - If your pet is especially friendly, patience, and gentle, consider certifying it as a therapy animal to visit the elderly or the sick. There are also fantastic programs in which dogs help children learn to read.
Donate money, supplies, or time to a local animal shelter. - Because you love your pet(s) so much, share some of that love with another animal while helping him to find a new home. After you learn some of those new grooming techniques, volunteer to polish some of the animals at the shelter to make them more appealing to adopters. Foster animals in your home to prepare them for family life.
Be a voice. - Be a voice for those animals that have none. Find out how you can help the plight of animals locally and nationally. Also, research the local numbers to contact when your witness animal abuse/cruelty/neglect.

With help from HERE, HERE, and HERE.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Dealing with the loss of a companion animal

From ASPCA

Our companion animals are family members with whom we share a unique bond. It is difficult to imagine our lives without them. Sadly, companion animals do not live as long as people do. Sooner or later, everyone who cares for a pet must face the illness, old age or accidental death of their beloved animal friend. We may have to deal with the difficult decision of whether or when to euthanize a very sick animal to spare him or her further suffering and provide a dignified, peaceful death. Or, because of our financial circumstances, we may be torn about what medical procedures should be done for an animal who has given us loyalty and love. These decisions are some of the hardest we may ever have to make, and are often fraught with confusion and guilt. It is important to be well informed and aware of all humane options in order to make the best possible choice on behalf of a pet.

It is as natural and necessary to grieve for the loss of an animal friend as it is for any loved one who dies. And it is important to have compassion and support in one's time of grief. A pet's illness, accident, death or need for euthanasia can trigger powerful emotions. At such times, many individuals feel confused, frightened, angry, guilty and sad. These emotions are all normal. The ASPCA can help if the animal you love has died or if he or she is ill, injured or elderly.

Pet parents can receive help from the ASPCA Pet Loss Support program with the following issues:

- Assistance with the decision to euthanize.

- Comfort and support at the time of euthanasia.

- Help with grieving the loss.

- Advice on dealing with children, the elderly or disabled individuals who are facing a death of a companion animal.

- Helping the surviving animals in the household to cope.

- Assistance in establishing a relationship with a new pet.

For further information about the ASPCA Pet Loss Support program, call our Pet Loss Hotline at (877) 474-3310.

Also check out these resourced from the ASPCA:

Commonly asked questions when dealing with the death of a pet

Helping your child when the family pet dies

Ask Dr. LaFarge - Pet Loss Advice