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.

Read more...

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.

Read more...

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.

Read more...

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!

Read more...

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

Read more...

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!

Read more...