The Sanctuary For Senior Dogs

"THE SANCTUARY FOR SENIOR DOGS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, adoption, and lifelong care of senior dogs abandoned in shelters and pounds. All of our dogs live in Sanctuary-approved foster homes until a permanent home can be found. Senior dogs too ill to be safely adopted stay in a Sanctuary hospice foster home for life. All senior dogs are spayed or neutered prior to placement.

All Sanctuary dogs live in foster homes with families to care for them and love them; we do not house our senior dogs in a shelter.

You can meet our Sanctuary dogs and your next best friend at our Adoption & Education Center in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood of Cleveland on the last Sunday of each month between 2 & 4 PM (except December).

To meet a special sanctuary senior dog at any other time, just call and we will gladly set up an appointment

Many of our dogs attend Adoption Sundays, the last Sunday of every month except December. If you want to meet one special dog, call us first to see who is scheduled to attend."

Rescuing The Rescuers

"Local animal rescue organizations that rely on private donations are grappling with an unprecedented increase in abandoned animals and a steep drop in private donations.

The Santa Cruz Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which adopts out 100-120 animals per month and runs entirely on private donations, has received about half of its normal cash donations and about 75 percent less in animal food donations. Hummer Ranch Pregnant Mare Rescue, which houses horses at a small Aptos ranch until they can be adopted, has run out of cash. And, Project Purr, which spays and neuters feral cats, may not have enough money to stay open until its next fundraiser in May.

"Donations are down at least 65 percent," said Lisa Carter, director of the SPCA. "We're having to think of drastic measures in order to stay afloat. It's pretty grim. Because of the economy, we're looking at having to rescue less. More and more people locally are being impacted by the economy."

Carter, who has been with the SPCA for six years, says she's never seen such a big drop in donations and such a demand for animal shelter services. The agency gives out cat and dog food each month to about 150 people who can't afford to feed their animals."

Do Dogs Dream ?

You've probably seen it happen—your sleeping dog suddenly lets out a woof as his legs begin to twitch. Is he dreaming?

Many scientists say there is evidence to support the idea that dogs do, in fact, experience dreams. Researchers using an electroencephalogram (EEG) have tested canine brain wave activity during sleep. They've found that dogs are similar to humans when it comes to sleep patterns and brain wave activity. Like humans, dogs enter a deep sleep stage during which their breathing becomes more irregular and they have rapid eye movements (REM). It is during REM sleep that actual dreaming and, often, involuntary movements take place. Dogs may move their legs as if they are running, whine or whimper as if excited, and breathe rapidly or hold their breath for short periods.

Not all dogs dream equally. Research suggests that small dogs dream more than larger dogs. A Toy Poodle may dream once every ten minutes while a Golden Retriever may only dream once every 90 minutes. Dreaming also seems to occur more frequently in puppies. This may be because they are processing huge quantities of newly acquired experiences.

Iams Home 4 the Holidays

Iams Home for the Holidays has set a goal to place 1 million orphaned animals into happy and loving homes during this year's holiday season from October 1, 2008 to January 5, 2009.

Award-winning actress and pet parent Felicity Huffman has teamed up with Iams Home for the Holidays to help raise awareness for the millions of homeless dogs and cats throughout North America.





- Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, Iams Home for the Holidays is among the world's most successful pet adoption programs and includes nearly 3,000 partner animal organizations from around the world that are dedicated to helping raise awareness about the importance of pet adoption and educating people considering a new pet.

- Since it began in 1999, Iams Home for the Holidays has helped place more than 2 million pets into happy homes. Last year alone, Iams Home for the Holidays helped nearly 500,000 families experience the joy of pet adoption.

- Every cat, dog, puppy or kitten that is adopted during Iams Home 4 the Holidays will go home with an Iams Adoption Starter Kit.

- Founded by the Helen Woodward Animal Center and supported by Iams, Iams Home for the Holidays began in 1999 with just 14 participating animal shelters in San Diego County. Today there are nearly 3,000 shelters in 15 countries around the world helping orphaned animals find loving homes and families.

Veterinary Emergency Funding Mission

"Have you had a crisis with your pet that required you to seek emergency veterinary care? Have you been in the awful situation of not having the money to pay for it? Sadly, many pet owners cannot afford the treatment that their animal needs. Some of you had no one to turn to and were forced to choose inadequate care or even euthanasia. We want to hear your story. No pet should be denied emergency care because an owner has fallen on hard times. Let us hear from you, to help kick-start the birth of the Veterinary Emergency Funding Mission. Help us meet our target
start-up date of January 1, 2009."

"Lack of sufficient funds can leave an owner faced with euthanasia for a beloved companion. The Veterinary Emergency Funding Mission (VEFM) helps locate these funds."

Beverly Hills Chihuahua

"With these kinds of movies, it's been my experience, at least, that people always love seeing the dogs," said Mike Alexander, the head trainer and animal coordinator of Birds & Animals Unlimited, a handler whose work has been instrumental to several films and television productions over the past 20 years.The red carpet trip marks yet another amazing step for Rusco, the dog who plays Papi in "Beverly Hills Chihuahua." In an @ The Movies interview Wednesday, Alexander said his new canine star is the one who almost got away.That's because Rusco was at an animal shelter when Alexander found a photo of what believed could be the dog he was looking for. The problem was, after months of searching, the esteemed animal trainer as behind such hits as "A Night at the Museum" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" (he helped orchestrate the film's elaborate squirrel scene) found himself racing against the clock.

"Because there are so many potential dogs to cast out there, it's hard for us to review every single source every single day," Alexander said. "We had one, small picture that I was able share with Disney, and when we got around to calling the shelter, they said, 'Well, he's been here for about two weeks, and that's about as long as they stay here, and we don't reserve him over the phone.' By then, it was about 2 or 3 in the afternoon and I got in my car and rushed down to the shelter, but since it was so far away, I had traffic to deal with."Unfortunately, Alexander arrived at the Moreno Valley Animal Shelter about 60 miles from Los Angeles just a little too late."When I got down there they were just closing the doors and wouldn't let me in," Alexander recalled. "So I went back the next morning and Rusco was still there. So after spending a little time for him, I knew right away, that this was going to be Papi."

Animal Shelter Contest

Care2.com, the largest online community of people passionate about making a difference, will award the grand prize of $10,000 to the animal welfare group that receives the most votes via the contest website. In addition to the grand prize, Care2 is awarding $3,000, $1,000 and two prizes of $500 to the four runner-ups respectively. Winners will be announced the second week of November.

To ensure every shelter and rescue group has an opportunity to win a prize, Adopt-a-Pet.com is also giving prizes of $1,000 at random (not based on votes) each week during the contest period.

The contest started on Monday, Sept. 22 and ends on Saturday, Nov. 1. Through the contest website people also can invite their friends to vote for their favorite shelter. Visitors can track who has recruited the most friends to vote for their favorite shelters. The top 20 people who recruit the most friends to vote will each receive a $50 gift certificate sponsored by Adopt-a-Pet.com.

“Care2 and its members have shown unwavering support of animal welfare issues throughout the years and are devoted to improving their plight, like our organization,” said David Meyer, president of Adopt-A-Pet.com. “We have 6,000 animal shelters across the country seeking to find homes for pets in their care, and the number of homeless pets on our site is increasing each month. By partnering with Care2 for this contest, we can further our goal of raising awareness about animal shelters and finding good homes for these animals.”

ASPCA: Petition

"

"The ASPCA has recently launched CATvsDOG.org, an online campaign to raise awareness about some of the most critical animal welfare issues today and to urge animal lovers across the country to support its drive towards ending animal cruelty.

"The goal of the nationwide online campaign is to incite one million Americans to sign a pledge to prevent cruelty and abuse," said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. "By signing the pledge and casting their vote, people are helping the ASPCA ensure animals have a voice in the upcoming election."

The campaign highlights eight important animal welfare issues such as puppy mills, “dangerous breed” bans, pets and family violence through the eyes of candidates Mittens-the-Cat and Rowdy-the-Dog. Candidate Mittens and Rowdy take humorous, opposing positions on each of the issues through intriguing debates that are summarized with facts to bring light to the seriousness of each topic.

"The ASPCA will deliver one million signatures collected from the online campaign to the newly elected president shortly after the presidential election is concluded," said Mr. Sayres. To date 366,533 signatures have already been collected.

Wildlife and the Killers

I would like to share with you a recent comment that was left by a very informative reader.

"What is now "Wildlife Services" (under the USDA) used to be called the Biological Survey. In the 1900's, W.S. went on an all out war to exterminate wolves and other predators to 'sanitize the West" for livestock owners! They hired people to do the killing who were generally low life kinds of people desperate for money.

These federal agents would kill wolves, coyotes, mountain lions, bears, foxes, and many other animals deemed to be "a risk" to the livestock industry by any grisly means possible, poisoning, trapping, shooting....

Every year, Wildlife "Services" kills over 1.4 animals on behalf of the livestock industry (mostly). This includes the killing of about 10,000 MAMMALS per year -- foxes, coyotes, wolves, carnivore bears, beavers, mountain lions, and more. The worst part? They use OUR TAX MONEY TO DO IT! I am very sorry but that is NOT OK with me! Feel free to contact the agency in D.C. to get figures. They will refer you to their website which they have INTENTIONALLY made difficult to get that kind of information.

The Safari Club, (the most elite trophy hunting organization with millionaire members) helped Sarah Palin with her promotion of aerial hunting of wolves in Alaska, financially backing the state promotion of it. Palin used taxpayer dollars to promote it as well for a total of over $700,000! They've killed 800 wolves so far since the program began (5 years ago?) by aerial killing. They run the wolf to exhaustion and then shoot it. They often have to shoot it several times to kill it, so the animal writhes in pain and agony. It's brutal -- it's horrible -- and it should be illegal. In fact, twice -- voters in Alaska voted it down -- and both times, hunting interests pushed it through! Now how can that happen except in a corrupt government?

It's not "hunting" in the sense that they're "hunting" them for food, etec. But they are hunting them to "get rid" of them to increase the moose and caribou population as Alaska gets a lot of money in from both in and out of state hunting licenses. Palin wants to ensure her hunters will get the moose and caribou they want. The problem is - it's at the expense of the wolves! And the taxpayer's money!

Back to "Wildlife Services." They are funded by taxpayers with the primary intention to protect the livestock industry. That is how they started, that is still what they do at their heart. It's wrong to use taxpayer money in this way -- they will actually go out in airplanes and shoot coyotes from airplanes IN ADVANCE of "calving season!" They're killing coyotes before the coyote even went after an animal.

Wildlife Services has no shame what they do to our animals. It's interesting though because they have recently made it much more difficult to find out how many animals they kill per year as they know it's BAD PR."

More about this on Monday. Stay tuned.

Palin: Champion Barracuda

"As governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin has championed aerial gunning of wolves and bears. Using powerful images of this needless and brutal practice -- and the indisputable facts about Palin's promotion of it -- we've created a hard-hitting new television ad to educate voters about what Governor Sarah Palin really stands for.

As governor, Sarah Palin...

Proposed paying a $150 bounty for the left foreleg of each dead wolf.

Approved a $400,000 state-funded propaganda campaign to promote aerial hunting.

Introduced legislation to make it even easier to use aircraft to hunt wolves and bears.

Help run our new ad and support wildlife-saving efforts across the country. Please donate now!

Palin and Painful

"The wolf is an intelligent, handsome creature and, for many visitors to Alaska, an integral part of the state’s wild appeal. Wolves live in complex social structures, mate for life and don’t attack humans — it’s easy to see in them the family resemblance to mankind’s best friend.

That’s what makes it so painful to look at the video of an aerial wolfhunt in Alaska that has been circulating since Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was nominated as Sen. John McCain’s running mate on the Republican ticket."

Please watch the video here.

Houston SPCA

" Noah would feel right at home at the Houston SPCA, which has taken in about a thousand animals from communities enduring a major beating from Hurricane Ike.

In addition to hundreds of dogs and cats, the shelter collected horses, ducks, goats, iguanas and even a bear as part of its menagerie in the days leading up to the storm — which crashed ashore before dawn Saturday.

Houston SPCA President Patricia Mercer compared it to the Biblical ark, and the rescue center has taken in the Galveston Island Humane Society animals as well as those from the Brazoria County and Bay Area SPCA in Galveston County, she said. Some of the staff from the other organizations accompanied "

Cat Reunited With Family

"A couple have been reunited with their missing cat after nine years, the RSPCA said on Wednesday.

Dixie, a 15-year-old ginger cat, disappeared in 1999 and her owners thought she had been killed by a car.

She was found less than half a mile from her home in Birmingham after a concerned resident rang the animal charity to report a thin and dishevelled cat who had been in the area for a couple of months.

RSPCA Animal Collection Officer Alan Pittaway checked her microchip and confirmed it was Dixie. She was returned to her owners, Alan and Gilly Delaney, within half an hour.

"In 29 years of working for the RSPCA I have never seen anyone so excited and happy as Mrs Delaney," Pittaway said. "It made my day to return Dixie to her owners."

The couple were "overjoyed" to be reunited with their missing cat after so many years."

George Bush: Endangered Species

"For more than 30 years, the Endangered Species Act has protected wildlife at risk of extinction. Now the Bush/Cheney Administration wants to make some serious changes to this landmark law -- changes that would eliminate vital checks and balances that are crucial to protect our wolves, polar bears and other imperiled wildlife.

Speak out now for polar bears, wolves and the nearly 1,400 species currently protected under the Endangered Species Act! Fill out the form below to urge your U.S. Representative and Senators to do whatever they can to stop this eleventh-hour assault on protections for our endangered wildlife.

We’ve provided some text below to help get you started, but personalized messages will be most effective. Please be sure to include any personal…

* Education or special expertise on wildlife
* Experience that informs your opinion
* Beliefs that shape your views on protecting wildlife"

Palin and the Polar Bears

This woman scares me more every minute.


"Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has ignored research showing that polar bear populations are declining in the quest to plumb new sources of energy, according to scientists, and environmental groups who fought to put the bears on the endangered species list.

The 44-year-old Palin, a beauty pageant winner and former mayor of a small town in Alaska, is an advocate of drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. She has infuriated environmentalists for her support of the aerial shooting of wolves as a way to build up herds of moose and caribou. She's also sued the Interior Department for putting polar bears on the endangered species list.

In the lawsuit, filed this month in federal district court in the District of Columbia, Palin argues that the government's move to list polar bears as endangered is not based on sound science, and restricts oil and natural gas development. The Interior Department had put the bears on the list in response to a lawsuit filed by environmental groups, who argued that the bears are being threatened by global warming."

Sick Safari

"Most people had never heard of Sarah Palin when she was named the Republican VP nominee. But I'd been hearing her name all too often, because I belong to a group called Defenders of Wildlife -- and in her time as governor of Alaska, Palin has used her position as governor of Alaska to ruin the Alaskan wilderness in every way she could.

Her most recent "victory" came on Aug. 26, when Alaska's voters defeated Measure 2, an initiative that would have banned hunting wolves from airplanes for sport.

Palin organized a campaign against Measure 2 and funded it with $400,000 of state money. For most of us, the idea of zooming around in a private airplane over snowbound wilderness just for the chance to spot a terrified wild dog and blow it apart with a high-powered rifle is insane. But there's a whole culture out there in love with the idea. Palin did her part by playing the tired old Alaskan pioneer card, saying that lower-48 naysayers who dared to object to the idea of dive-bombing wildlife didn't "understand rural Alaska."

There is so much more about Palin here.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Despite strong scientific, ethical and public opposition to aerial hunting, Governor Palin has…

• Proposed paying a $150 bounty for the left foreleg of each dead wolf.
• Approved a $400,000 state-funded propaganda campaign to promote aerial hunting.
• Introduced legislation to make it even easier to use aircraft to hunt wolves and bears.

Stop The Killing

God's Beautiful Wolves

Happy Labor Day

Sarah Palin: The Wolves

Sarah Palin, the recently appointed VP of McCain, is the Governor of Alaska.

She has allowed the aerial gunning of wolves and a practice called "denning" whereby a family of wolves in a den is stalked, watched, and when the adults come out, they are shot. The little pups are then shot in the head by the Wildlife service.


"This woman, whether credible or not, is dangerous. We need to get the word out hard, fast and repeatedly to every animal loving republican we know that Ms. Palin offers $150 for left forelegs of wolves.

As a dog lover, I can tell you this more than disgusts me. Her beauty queen exterior belies her cruel interior."

Foreclosure Dog's Letter To His Person

This is a must read. It absolutely broke my heart.


"You bought a house! You finally had a yard so you decided it was time for a dog. You chose me out of all the other dogs. As a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and I made you laugh. You called me your baby and carried me closely. Despite some chewed boxer shorts and a few broken mini-blinds, I became your best friend. Whenever I was “bad,” you’d shake your finger at me and ask “How could you?” ­ but then you’d relent, and roll me over for a bellyrub.

My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your secret dreams. I remember running in your new, big backyard. I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, and BBQs. I took long naps in the backyard sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work to get paid for overtime. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through the bill-paying frustrations and the debt collector's calls. I never chided you about bad decisions, I never cared about your FICA score, and I never threatened to garnish your wages or repossess your car.

The letters kept coming. The phone kept ringing. Your employer froze wages and stopped giving overtime. Your new second job helped, but is wasn't enough. You stroked me kindly when they took away the car. You told me you'd buy us a new one and that everything would be OK.

Then the bank took the house."

Please read the rest of the story.

Rescue Chain

"It's going to be great, especially since my son and Summer are very close." -Brandon Wells, a Marine separated from his dog

When Brandon Wells dropped his dog Summer off at an animal-rescue shelter in California, he knew she would be taken care of.

But the United States Marine Corps sergeant never expected the pet, who was too lame to travel with his family after he was transferred from a base in San Diego to Jacksonville, to find her way back to him.

Today, after being shuttled across the country in a sort of relay by people associated with the rescue group, Double S Animal Rescue & Sanctuary Inc., in Warner Springs, Calif., Summer will be reunited with Wells' family in Eastern North Carolina.

He was looking forward to having her back."

"It's going to be great, especially since my son and Summer are very close," he said. "It's just really good that everyone took care of her the way they did."

Start Seeing Black Dogs

bl

I received a comment on one of my older blog posts today and am delighted to share it here. Heather Rosenwald has launched a new website which provides free resources that rescue groups and shelters can use to increase the number of black dog adoptions.

They also provide information to increase public awareness about Black Dog Syndrome. This is very important information as black dogs are so often overlooked in adoptions.

Please visit this website and learn how you can help.

Pet Box Inspection

"Anyone who has spent time volunteering for a rescue organization knows that - generally - people suck. Doing animal rescue we do not see the best side of people. Yes, every now and then we meet wonderful people who are doing great work in the humane community - but far more often we hear about and/or witness the truly apathetic, insensitive nature of human beings.

Over the years we have seen many, many injustices towards animals - including animals left in trash cans, tied to poles, kicked so hard that they lose an eye, thrown out of cars into traffic, taped up in boxes on the side of the freeway, left in bathrooms at pet stores…. just to name a few. Having seen what we’ve seen, all of us in rescue participate in what we refer to as the “Mandatory Box Inspection”…

This means that whenever we see a box - wherever we are - we will stop and look inside of it. This is to be sure that there are no kittens or puppies or hamsters in the box. We will stop traffic if necessary, pull over to the side of the freeway, go WAY out of our way to have a peek inside of any suspicious box. Once we determine that there is nothing in the box, we will then tear the box apart so that nothing can be PUT inside the box. It is a habit that we all have. It’s second nature."

Helping Each Other

" A Doberman Pinscher brutally attacked by what rescuers believe was a mountain lion has a second start in life. The dog has a new home and a new job.

Meet Denise Shepherd's new best friend, Diego. Just three weeks ago, Diego was found by animal control officers, wandering around Heber. He'd been savagely attacked.

Al Nortz, with the Utah Doberman Rescue, said, "The wound is basically from his neck all the way down to his tail. It was very infected. But now he's recovering."

That's thanks to more than $3,000 in veterinarian bills and Denise. She saw Diego's picture, with his one eye and horrible wounds, on an animal rescue Web site just three days after his picture was posted. It was then she knew. "When I saw his picture, I fell in love. His eyes tell it all," she said.

Denise decided to adopt. Nortz Denise "spoils him rotten, sleeps in bed, lays in her lap all day, watches TV with her."

Diego needs Denise to help him recover, but make no mistake, Denise needs Diego. "I have anxiety disorder with panic disorder. I have really bad anxiety. I have panic attacks. I have a difficult time getting out of the house, sort of agoraphobia and post traumatic stress syndrome," she said.

For the past year, all of that combined has made Denise a virtual prisoner in her own home. She wouldn't leave the house, and she shut herself off from the outside world. But now, Diego is her therapy dog.

"Being able to pet him and touch him helps calm me and helps me be able to go out of the apartment. When I see people, I don't feel uncomfortable talking to them," Denise said. "

Potbelly

"It all started simply enough with just one pig, a Vietnamese potbelly, who arrived in 1992. The potbelly was a hand-me-down from a Seattle friend who didn't want her anymore.

Judy Woods named the pig Fern and took her to live on the 6 ½-acre spread she owned in Arlington.

Then, in 1994, she heard King County Animal Control might know where she could find more unwanted pigs. She called. As it turnd out, a male potbelly was running loose in Des Moines. Did Woods want the pig? He was a full-grown, 4-year-old boar with untrimmed tusks and would be euthanized if she didn't take him. She would.

Woods, a nurse by day, named this one Wilbur and trucked him back to her little farm.

That same year, Woods created Pigs Peace Sanctuary and organized it two years later as a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing swine, potbellied and hog alike. The pigs haven't stopped coming."

Groovin' On A Sunday Afternoon

This is what I like to do on a Sunday afternoon. I do need a day of rest you know.

Puppy Cam

A live webcam into the "new puppy" holding pen at the Halifax Humane society in Daytona Beach. They call it the "Puppy Cam".



Founded in 1937 by Mrs. Elsie Beatty. Starting with a small contingent of animal lovers, Mrs. Beatty formed a board of directors and, later that year, incorporated what is now The Halifax Humane Society. Through Mrs. Beatty's efforts, the Halifax Humane Society soon became well known for helping homeless and wild animals in Volusia County, Florida.

Death and Taxes

"A Conejo Valley man who's committed to finding new homes for abandoned animals is facing a $17,000 tax bill as a result of his not-for-profit adoption system.

Josh Pasewaldt, owner and operator of Newbury Park Pet Supply, has spent the past 16 months collecting small dogs and puppies from the Kern County Animal Shelter in Bakersfield and housing them at his North Reino Road store until they're adopted.

He charges the new owners the $60 fee it costs him to adopt them from the animal shelter, and he pays for the costs of transporting and housing them out of his own pocket.

Now Pasewaldt, 28, says he's just about reached the end of the road as a result of a series of regulations and higher costs that began last year when animal-control authorities ordered him to install fire sprinklers and take other steps."

Wordless Wednesday

Farm Sanctuary

"Moo had a little crush on me, and I could all but return his affections.

The brown-haired boy had saucer-size eyes, a sturdy build and a sweet disposition. But what really tugged at my heart was his story of survival. The super-friendly bull, who had trailed me through the pasture like a lovelorn teen, had been found tied to a car when he was a calf. He was saved by one animal shelter, then recently moved to another, Farm Sanctuary near Watkins Glen, N.Y.

Moo is not alone -- at the country's largest farm-animal-rescue facility. The sanctuary takes in hundreds of farm animals, which, if they could talk, would tell similar stories. There's Morgan, a snow-white rooster discovered in a Brooklyn pet store dyed like an Easter egg; Mayfly, an experiment in a school hatching project; and Winnie, a 500-pound pig who escaped a backyard barbecue (featuring her) in Connecticut. She now is the alpha pig of the pen.

"The biggest thing we want to impress upon people is that animals have their own lives and personalities," said Liz Pichaud, 23, the tour guide who led our six-person group around the property. "They are living as they were intended to live."

Sunday Visit

Boo spent Sunday afternoon visiting with her friend Diane. She hadn't seen Diane in almost 9 months so it was a reunion filled with hugs and kisses.

Time-Share Pet

"Penny De Los Santos wanted a dog but traveled too much to care for one full time. So, she opted for the next best thing: a time-share pet.

For two years, Ms. Santos shared a mellow female Husky mix with her neighbors, who took the dog for about one week a month. They split veterinary bills and the cost of vaccinations and heartworm pills. The neighbors called the dog Nika. Ms. Santos preferred the name Monica.

"It's kind of like Monica had two lives with two families," says the 39-year-old photographer in Austin, Texas."

Booger

"The loss of Booger the pit bull terrier was almost more than Bernann McKinney could bear.

Now she is happy, minus $50,000 and her house, and owner of five cloned Booger puppies.

"It is a miracle for me because I was able to smile again, laugh again and just feel alive again," McKinney told a news conference in the South Korea capital to show off the week-old black puppies -- all of whose names include the word Booger.

They are the work of the biotech firm RNL Bio, affiliated with the South Korean lab which produced the world's first cloned dog and is staffed with former associates of disgraced scientist Hwang Woo-suk.

She sold her house in the United States to raise the $50,000 for RNL scientists to turn skin cells taken from Booger before he died two years ago into embryos carried by two surrogate dogs for two months until giving birth to the puppies last week."

Wordless Wednesday

Parrot Adoption

Parrot adoption is very much like baby adoption. Those who have parrots they cannot care for offer them to people who want a parrot. The adoptive parrot owners may not be able to afford the initial outlay, or they may simply want to give a good home to a parrot that must be relocated.

Parrot adoption does not always mean “free” parrots. The term is also used for inexpensive parrots purchased from former owners."

Holistic Pet Care

"The Halo Purely For Pets blog is the place to go for up to date information on the topic of holistic pet care. Here, you will find everything from expert pet advice and animal event updates to dog food recipes and pet stories submitted by our readers. Plus, veterinarian Dr. Donna Spector answers your pet health questions with a regular "Ask Our Halo Vet" feature. Check back frequently to keep up with the growing world of natural pet care!"

Hot Dog

This Southern heat and humidity is too much for us after living in that Indiana weather.

Pet Freebies

My friend at Frugal Zeitgeist has a wonderful list of pet freebies. These offers include things such as dog food coupons, dog treat samples, free cat food samples, free pet products and much more.

If you love your pet you'll love these offers.

Boo Returns Home

Hello everyone. Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Arabelle but my momma calls me Boo. You may call me by either name.

I am very happy to be home with my momma again. I've been living in Indiana for the past 8 months and, while I loved it, it wasn't where my momma was.

I love my foster family and they were very good to me. I will miss them but I know I'll see them again one day. They are good people.

Talk to you all soon.

Labrador Retrievers

"The Labrador retriever is one among many different retriever dogs and is also a very popular breed in the United States as well as in the United Kingdom. A very friendly creature, the Labrador retriever is also full of energy as well as good natured and is an excellent pet that provides good companionship and is also a handy working dog. This breed is certainly one of the quickest learners in the dog world and is responsive to praise as well as positive attention. Their love for water is well known and they have been bred selectively to retrieve in water and are called ‘gun dogs’ that provide amazing companionship in duck hunting."

Learn more about Labs here.

Cat Allergy

"It isn’t very hard to determine if you are allergic to cats or not. Many people are allergic to these animals and already are aware of that fact, although they have never gone to the allergist.

It doesn’t take a genius to deduce that it’s your feline that is causing your discomfort. What are cat allergy symptoms, however, and what do you do to alleviate them, without getting rid of the family pet?

Some Symptoms to Look Out For"

Cost Of Pet Ownership

"If you've ever owned a big dog, you know they're expensive to feed.

So you might be surprised to know that your petite pussycat, who turns her delicate nose up at every other meal, is likely to cost you more over her lifetime than the typical large dog.

How can that be? Although cats typically eat less than most dogs and usually incur lower vet bills, they tend to live longer. So while dog ownerships translates into a financial commitment of about $8,000 over the animal's lifetime, the typical cat will set you back more than $10,000.

Lifetime pet costs:

Saving Boo Again

Rising prices of gas and food really hit me this weekend. What a shock! I'm paying for Boo's trip back home next Saturday and I don't mind that at all but I've got to start cutting corners now.

Paying for just the gas for her temporary family to bring her home is going to cost me $500. I still owe the landlady $150 for a pet deposit too. So, I hope the following will help us all save some money. I'm on a search for coupons and free samples. Please let me know if you find any good ones.




"With rising prices, it is becoming more difficult for colony caretakers to feed feral cats, so the group All For Animals Rescue posted this helpful recipe on their blog. According to them, based on feeding 10 cats, this concoction saves anything from $20-$40 per month.

4 small cans of cheap food, such as Friskies, about 50¢ a can
3 cups of cheap dry food $2-4 a 3lb bag
2 packs of chicken hearts and giblets about $1.50
6 eggs
pack of salad macaroni
small pack of barley
1lb ground beef (cheap one)
1lb sardines"


Pet Samples and freebies

Boo Is Coming Home

When I see the money raised by Jericho fans for various causes, I am always reminded of those fans who helped save my Boo. Boo is my dog and you can read her story here.


I am thrilled to report that Boo is coming home after 8 months away from me. I cannot put my feelings into words.

I will be forever grateful for the fans who contributed money to make sure Boo could be transported to Indiana to live temporarily. I am grateful to Kestral and her family for taking Boo and treating her like family.

Jericho fans are an amazing bunch and I thank all of you who contributed money, support, and encouragement.

I'll let you know when Boo gets home. It will likely be next weekend.

Allergic To Cats

"It isn’t very hard to determine if you are allergic to cats or not. Many people are allergic to these animals and already are aware of that fact, although they have never gone to the allergist.

It doesn’t take a genius to deduce that it’s your feline that is causing your discomfort. What are cat allergy symptoms, however, and what do you do to alleviate them, without getting rid of the family pet?

Some Symptoms to Look Out For"

Funny Dogs

Bichon Frise

"There is no doubt that Bichon Frise dogs are incredible adorable and it can take only one second to completely fall head over heals in love with that particular breed of dog. But before you bring home a Bichon Frise, it is important to know exactly what type of dog that you are dealing with, as not every dog is alike in their personality and what you can expect out of them.

In order to make sure that you will live together in peace and harmony, you must make sure that the Bichon Frise can give you what you will be expecting from it. By carefully looking over and learning about this breed, you will be able to determine if adopting one is the right decision for you. This way, when no mistakes are made, no one gets hurt and someone who does not mind the mannerisms of this breed can adopt the puppy."

Second Chance For Love

"If you have an inspirational story about your adopted dog, submit it to the Hill’s Pet Nutrition “Second Chance for Love” website. Participants must submit stories between 50 and 150 words, or a video clip less than 30 seconds that describes how you and your adopted dog gave each other a second chance for love.

Two grand prize winners will be award a $10,000 donation to a favorite shelter, a VIP shoot with pet photographer Jim Dratfield, and one year of free Science Diet pet food. Eight second-place winners will also receive rewards. In any case, your story can convince countless dog lovers to adopt from a shelter."

Throwaway Cats

"Niko is a fine cat. He enthusiastically greets guests, meows appreciatively when he gets attention, adores playing chase the laser light. He is litter box tidy and helpfully tries to assist when his human companions read books and send e-mail. He has handsome golden eyes, soft gray fur and Russian Blue features.

Jack and Sue Majors adopted Niko in May at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region after seeing his photo online and then visiting him.

After all, they say, who wouldn't love this cat?

Apparently, not his former owner, who never bothered to search for him at the Humane Society when he strayed, according to shelter officials.

There are thousands of Nikos out there. They are sometimes called "throwaway cats."

Aggressive Breeds

"Attention, America, or at least all you state and local politicians who are banning or considering banning ownership of pit bulls, Rottweilers and other big, scary dogs: In the midst of your rush to pass breed specific legislation, a new study has shown that the most aggressive dog breed in the world is ...

Yes, the dachshund, the weiner dog, better known in some countries as the sausage dog.

This vicious beast, despite enjoying a good reputation, is at the very top of a list of 33 dog breeds that were rated for their aggression in a study that analyzed the behavior of thousands of dogs.

One in five dachshunds have bitten or tried to bite strangers; about one in five have attacked other dogs, and one in 12 have snapped at their owners, according to the study, which was reported in the London Telegraph."

Saving Strays In Naples

"Mia Mattsson-Mercer knows she can’t save them all, but she can try.

So several days a week, she dons her vest and boots, and grabs several pairs of protective gloves, then heads out in her SUV on missions to rescue stray dogs that roam the suburbs of Naples.

She’s rather busy.

There is no shortage of strays and, sadly, no shortage of those in the greatest need — the dying, sick and injured.

"I could lie around all day and read books … and eat bonbons, but this is my responsibility, my passion," said the tall, lean, Swedish-born volunteer with startling blue eyes.

In 1999, she started the non-profit foundation Animals without Limits to rescue and treat stray dogs in war-torn countries.

Those who no longer can afford to care for pets sometimes abandon them along the highways, she explains. Or children might torture dogs to allay their own suffering — something she saw often while working in war-stricken Bosnia and Herzegovina nearly a decade ago."

Cloning Trakr

"Trakr, a dog that sniffed out survivors from under the rubble of the World Trade Centre after the September 11 terror attacks, may be cloned.

The German shepherd, who lives with his owner, James Symington, in Los Angeles, was picked by BioArts International, a Californian cloning firm, as the most "clone-worthy" canine in a competition offering an owner a free chance to replicate their pet.

Mr Symington said he and Trakr were among the first search and rescue teams to arrive at the New York site after the attacks, and were responsible for locating the last human survivor under about 30 feet of debris.

Now aged 15, the dog no longer has use of his back legs due to a degenerative neurological disorder."

Happy July 4th

Broadway Barks

"Saturday, July 12, 2008

Shubert Alley, West of Broadway, between 44th and 45th Streets, between Broadway and 8th Avenue, Manhattan

BROADWAY BARKS 10! will help some of New York City’s shelter animals find permanent homes by informing New Yorkers about the plight of the thousands of homeless dogs and cats in the metropolitan area. Bernadette Peters and Mary Tyler Moore will host this star-studded dog and cat adopt-a-thon, and a galaxy of Broadway stars will join them onstage to present animals for adoption from New York City animal shelters and adoption agencies. BROADWAY BARKS will also feature an auction of celebrity-autographed memorabilia. Proceeds from the auction and other donations will benefit the attending shelters and organizations. This event is free and open to the public."

When You Find A Stray

"You're in your car, heading somewhere or other, a long list of things to accomplish and already running late. Suddenly, you see him—a dog, there, by the side of the road. With a sinking feeling, you realize he's alone. Your car is coming alongside him now. You have only seconds in which to act. But what should you do?

This is a wrenching scenario for all who care about animals. Once you've seen the dog (or cat), it's too late to avert your eyes and drive on, even if you wanted to. After all, what if your own dog or cat were standing there? So, before you pull over, good Samaritan that you are, here are some guidelines for assisting animals safely and effectively."

Uncle Sam of Pets

"Actor, veteran stand-up comic and author Richard Belzer adds another leading role to his acting resume. He’s now the “Uncle Sam” of the pet world.

In a new campaign to help shelter animals, “We Want You … To Adopt,” Belzer assumes the compelling glare of the iconic 1916 recruitment poster. In his latest role as the star of a national shelter animal adoption public service announcement launched by North Shore Animal League America, Belzer’s portrayal of the patriotic figure seeks sign-ups to take a shelter animal into their home."


"Dog training, behavior modification and consultations from experienced and dedicated trainers you and your dog deserve!

The Republic of Dog is simply all about DOGS. Our goal is to create responsible DogizensTM, or "Dog Citizens". We train dogs to be outstanding members of their communities as Ambassadors of Canine Behavior.

Our training methods are based on the latest techniques. We use positive rewards (treats/toys), praise and fun to make your training experience as successful as possible!

Thank you for stopping by The Republic of Dog...
-Where Dogs Rule!TM"

Animal Rescue

I found this worth sharing. I love it.


"Testimonial poem: Take me to the Rescue!

You may not think you know me, but I’m sure you’ve seen my face in back yards, fields & busy streets, you’ll find us any place. I’m what you’d call a rescue dog, who needs a safety haven. I may be thin & sickly, too, but I promise I’m worth saving.

I’m the dog who lives next door, the one you always see outside seeking shelter from the sun, and cool, safe place to hide.

You have seen me on the streets with no place to call home or maybe in an open field, scared & sad, & all alone.

But did you know that there’s a place that was built with me in mind? Where people love & care for me & show me the world is kind.

Where no dogs will go hungry, where peace & love abound Where kind & caring people will always be around.

I may be scared of humans because of what they’ve put me through But my heart is quite forgiving, won’t you please take me with you?

Take me to that rescue place, they’ll help me find a home And they’ll make sure while I’m waiting, I’ll never be alone

I’m small, I’m meek, I’m timid, but I’ll be strong before they’re through For life will begin again for me, if you’ll take me to the Rescue."

Equine Rescue

"The United States Equine Rescue League (USERL) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the compassionate care of equines. Our mission is to save, protect, and rehabilitate equines in need. We rescue abused, neglected, or abandoned equines; provide them with care and rehabilitation; and finally find them a compatible, loving home. We believe that education is the long-term solution to improving the lives of equines.

There is more than one way you can help the horses and support USERL in our efforts to investigate neglect and abuse cases, rehabilitate horses, cover legal expenses, provide medication, educate the public, and much more. Through volunteer work, purchasing items from our shopping affiliates, and/or monetary means, your heartfelt support will make the difference to many horses.

The following are a variety of ways in which you can get involved:"

Your Pet Or Your Home

"Most people would never fathom having to choose between their pets or a roof over their heads. Unfortunately, in the valley, it's a reality perceptive tenants are forced to contend with.

"We actually became homeless because we had pets," says displaced resident Nancy Grenia.

Grenia and her family, which include two dogs had to move, and fast. Her husband had recently suffered an injury at work, which sadly left him out of a job and home.

With 30 days to find something suitable for them, their two kids and their dogs, Grenia was determined to find them a new home to rent. But it wouldn't be easy.

Placing an ad in the paper, describing themselves and their well-behaved pets, the family was optimistic they would be able find a place to call home. The ad ran for three weeks. The family received no calls.

Meanwhile, Grenia was calling every suitable rental ad, imploring apprehensive potential landlords to meet her pets."

Homeless Pets

"The number of homeless pets in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, continues to swell as more animals arrive at emergency shelters.

The emergency Cedar Rapids animal shelter set up at Kirkwood Community College has taken in 1,000 displaced animals. An estimated 85 percent of the animals have owners, according to Kirkwood Animal Health staff.

In addition to the pet dogs and cats, the shelter’s animal tally includes birds, rodents, lizards, and ferrets. The Kirkwood rescue effort mobilized after the Cedar Rapids Animal Control headquarters was flooded."



"Do you want to give a pet a new home? Many shelters now post online their animals available for adoption.Web sites also provide a wealth of information about animal shelters in your area.Do you want to give a pet a new home? Many shelters now post online their animals available for adoption."

Parrot and Pet Rescue

"If you are looking for a pet bird and also want to help a bird that is need of rescue,you can choose to do a parrot rescue adoption from a parrot sanctuary. Parrots are wonderful birds that are intelligent and can make for great companions. There are, however, people who should and should not adopt and exotic bird."



"Eligibility: Anyone who has adopted a pet from a shelter or rescue organization and has retained their adoption paperwork is eligible to receive this free kit, regardless of how long ago the pet was adopted. Limit: One kit per household.

The Proud 2 Adopt™ Care Package includes:

* Congratulatory certificate
* Proud 2 Adopt™ T-shirt
* Proud 2 Adopt™ bumper sticker
* Proud 2 Adopt™ lapel pin
* Proud 2 Adopt™ pen
* Adoption brochure"

Mid-Atlantic Pug Rescue

Many thanks to Maitri for making me aware of this group.


"We at Mid-Atlantic Pug Rescue, Inc. are a group of diverse individuals who have united for the purpose of rescuing Pugs. We come from many walks of life, and have agreed to donate our many and varied talents so that pugs everywhere can live out their lives with comfort, love and care.

We are all volunteers, with no paid employees. Each person serves in the way best suited to their lifestyle and individual skills.

We are proud of the way we have built this organization. We have determined that our common welfare and the welfare of the pug breed must come first. Our leaders are but trusted servants, in that they do not govern. There is no power structure, just a service structure."

PetSmart Charities

" PetSmart Charities today announced that it is sending even more pet supplies to the Midwest, where the devastating floods have displaced countless animals. Hundreds of pet crates, bowls, collars, leads -- and more than four tons of cat litter -- arrived early this morning in Iowa to help the pet victims of this disaster.

PetSmart Charities received a request for additional shipments of animal crates and pet supplies from the City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and quickly dispatched two semi-trailers from PetSmart's (NASDAQ: PETM) Ottawa, Illinois distribution center on Tuesday, June 17. On board was a combined load of 26 pallets of pet food and supplies, including 450 crates, 120 dog collars and leads, 510 food bowls, 288 litter pans and 8,046 pounds of cat litter. The products were received by the City of Cedar Rapids at the Kirkwood Community College, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. S.W. in Cedar Rapids this morning.

Additionally, PetSmart Charities is responding to a request from Iowa City Animal Services for crates, bowls, leashes, collars and cat litter to aid in the animal-relief effort. Six pallets will arrive by trailer at the Johnson County Fairgrounds to assist pets at that staging area."

Adopt A Rat

"Thinking about a pet?

Consider a rat.

Please, say the folks at the Twin Cities Animal Humane Society, where officials are seeking homes for a sudden surge of domesticated rats dropped off at metro-area shelters.

The Humane Society has been inundated with more than 400 abandoned rats this year -- more than twice the number they had taken in by this time last year."

Take Your Dog To Work Day

"On Friday, June 20,
Pet Sitters International's 10th annual Take Your Dog To Work Day(R) will kick off the summer celebrating the great companions dogs make and encouraging adoptions of shelter dogs. This fun day with an important purpose gives people a chance to bring their "best friend" to see what they do to bring home the chow while it encourages dogless co-workers to adopt from a shelter or rescue.

As "corporate canines" visit workplaces throughout the country, they won't
be the only ones with a spring in their step. Dog owners can revel in the
fact that research studies report a link between dog ownership and reduced
stress and improved health for their human companions. "There's nothing like
the loyalty and unconditional love of a dog to balance the fast-paced, high
tech nature of life today," says Patti Moran, President of Pet Sitters
International. "Whatever you have to deal with, when you come home and your
dog rushes to greet you with his tail wagging, the troubles of the day melt
away."

Helping Pets In Cedar Rapids

"CEDAR RAPIDS – The Cedar Rapids Animal Shelter was significantly damaged during flooding, forcing the evacuation of all animals. These animals were safely evacuated to the Tippie Beef Center at Kirkwood Community College
Animal rescue and sheltering operations have been set up at the Animal Health Technology Center at Kirkwood Community College, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW. We are providing temporary care and housing for pets whose owners had to evacuate or will not be able to return to their homes as well as providing rescue services for pets that are stranded.

At this time, the Cedar Rapids Animal Shelter is sheltering approximately 400 animals and anticipate possibly housing up to 1,000 animals.

Members of the public should NOT attempt to rescue any animals themselves in order to minimize bites as well as avoid decontamination and related health issues.

Our primary need is for cash donations which will be used for those items not easily donated by the public or companies, such as supplies for the many volunteers needed to support the hundreds of animals the facility is caring for. We specifically do not need animal food, crates, or newspapers. We could use clean towels and blankets. These can be dropped off at the Animal Health Technology Center at Kirkwood Community College.

Cash donations can be made to the Kirkwood Foundation, c/o "Friends of the Cedar Rapids Animal Shelter "(please put this in the memo section of the check) and mailed to 6301 Kirkwood Community College, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406"

SPCA Pet Food Bank

"In another sign of a struggling economy, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is opening a pet food bank in Monterey County for owners who are thinking of giving up their pets because they can no longer afford to feed them. The Central Coast's TheCalifornian.com reports:

The SPCA’s Pet Food Bank, the first of its kind in Monterey County, is supported by cash donations and donations of unexpired, unopened pet food. Many needy families in our community are pet owners who love their pets but are having a difficult time providing food for both their families and their animals. This new program reduces the risk of families being forced to give up their beloved pets because they can’t afford to feed them."

Operation Roger

"Operation Roger... Truckers Pet Transport

It is a sad fact that each year, millions of healthy, adoptable animals are admitted to animal shelters or are taken in by animal rescue groups across the United States. Many of these animals are adopted into new homes, but many others are not so fortunate.

It is also a fact there are thousands of homes who would adopt many of these animals, but how do you get a dog in Alabama to a new home in New Hampshire? How do you transport a cat in California to it's forever home in Florida?

Many would dread a 500 mile or more drive, but for us, it's another day at the office-
We are Operation Roger... Truckers Pet Transport.

Operation Roger is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization comprised of regional and long-haul truckers who volunteer our time to share our love of animals with people who run animal shelters or animal rescue groups who are trying to save the lives of pets.

We can also help other pet owners by providing pet transportation in special circumstances such as family illness or loss of a loved one.

Many times, an adoption agency has a client in a far away location who is ready, willing and able to adopt a pet, but cannot figure out how to transport the animal to it's new home."

Pet Lifestyle

"I've never really been one to push adoption onto anybody. However, I will plant the seed. I'll offer websites & my own personal experiences in hopes that this will help them decide w/adoption rather than through a petstore &/or breeder. But as with any situation there's not only one clear answer. Wherever you decide to adopt or buy your next animal the root of your decision should involve love. You're not only going to receive the love & loyalty from your pet but you're also going to have to put alot of work, time & love into your new relationship. Sometimes this plan isn't fully thought out & the animal doesn't "fit" the family lifestyle or in the case of Oscar he wasn't the right fit (size) for my two younger cousins."



"Many of the safety concerns we have for ourselves during the hottest months of the year also apply to our pets. Hot weather makes us all a little uncomfortable. But when it's hot for you, it is probably even hotter for your pet — especially if it has a dark coat, a short muzzle (brachycephalic breeds such as bulldogs and pugs), is in its elder years, or has a tendency to overexert itself. Dogs aren't as efficient at cooling down as we are, since they release most of their body heat through panting and the pads of their feet.

Decrease the risks of letting your pet enjoy the outdoors in summer with these tips:"

PetALERTZ

"Unfortunately most of us have experienced the trauma of a lost or stolen pet!

* Now you can get peace of mind by proactively enrolling your pets in our FREE PetALERTZ neighborhood watch program.

PetALERTZ uses the power of your community to recover lost pets!

* Within seconds of your pet being reported lost, other members in your neighborhood are notified via a PetALERTZ email.

Helping other pet owners is a good thing!

* If you agree to help me, and I agree to help you, we significantly increase the chances of reuniting lost pets quickly. Although voluntary, you will be surprised how involved members become when searching for a lost pet."

Unusual Looking Pets

Here are some pets that I really enjoyed seeing. It takes all kinds.

Hilton Hotels and Pet Shelters

"To build on its recently announced Hilton Pet Friendly program Hilton Hotels has partnered with Pet Shelters Across America (PSAA), the nation’s leading animal sheltering organization dedicated to providing homes for animals in need. As the experts in providing warm hospitality to animals of all shapes and sizes, PSAA assisted Hilton in developing Pet Friendly, including providing tips for traveling with pets and information about vaccinations. Travel tips are available on www.hilton.com/pets.

“Pet Shelters Across America is the largest pet adoption and sheltering community in the United States, serving 130 million people coast to coast,” said Kathryn Wright Warnick, president – PSAA. “With Hilton’s support our shelters will be able to better care for millions of lost, abandoned and surrendered animals and will have additional resources at our disposal to educate and encourage children and adults on the humane treatment of animals and how to become responsible pet owners.”

Hilton will donate $500,000 over three years to support PSAA’s more than 70 member shelter locations across the U.S. In addition, various Hiltons around the country will donate sheets and towels to PSAA members addressing one of the most common needs of pet shelters."

Pet Healthcare

"Healthcare expenses for pets are rising alongside the cost of medical care for humans, as more technological advances are made, veterinarians say.

Many U.S. pet owners are baby boomers who are no longer raising children and are willing to use a share of their disposable income to increase the quality of life for their animal companions, The New York Times reported Sunday.

"As we become a more pet-friendly environment, people want to take care of their pets more," said veterinarian Jerrold Boone.

People considering whether to adopt a pet should consider the potential cost, veterinarians say.

"It's not unusual to have bills over $1,000, and that can have a major impact when people are not ready for that," said Anna Worth, a veterinarian in Vermont and president of the American Animal Hospital Association."

Harry Potter: Abandoned Owls

"HARRY Potter is being blamed for a rise in the number of owls being abandoned at an animal rescue centre.
Staff at Flintshire Wildlife and Pet Rescue Centre say fans of the J K Rowling's boy wizard have bought owls as pets, only to find they can't cope with them.

Co-owner of the rescue centre, Joy Pierce Jones, said: "Harry Potter was definitely one of our biggest downfalls.

"People have been phoning up rescue centres, wanting to buy an owl for their children.

"Owls just aren't suitable as pets and while they are generally friendly, they do have their off days and can bite."

Homeless Pets: China

"On May 12, 2008, an earthquake measuring 8.0Mw on the Richter scale hit China, claiming the lives of over 69,000 people and over 12 million animal lives. Countless dogs and cats are homeless, injured, and starving. Drinking water is polluted and there is a critical need for water pumps. Reportedly, there are some 30,000 pet dogs in one province alone, many of them now homeless.

Since the dog cull has been in effect, it is questionable if the government will allow rescue efforts to take place. Nevertheless, rescuers and volunteers are doing all they can to save as many animals as possible or at least offer them some relief amidst so much suffering. There is a desperate need for food for companion animals, and livestock feed, not to mention vaccines and other medications."

Cash and Pets

"The trend of pets being shooed out the front door or abandoned in forest preserves has put animal welfare officials on notice that cash-strapped pet owners are in critical need of help.

“Obviously the goal is to keep these pets in the homes and out of shelters,” said PAWS Chicago founder Paula Fasseas, whose organization has deployed staff members to the Animal Care and Control lobby on weekends to counsel people who are coming in to surrender their dogs and cats.

Here are some ways to keep your pet and still be able to pay the rent."


"When you buy from a pet shop, you kill a pound pup. Save a life instead. Adopt from an animal shelter if you have the time and resources to care for a dog. You see, many of the puppies and kittens come from animal mills , where dogs and cats are abused for the dog trade. (Source: PETA)"

Slow Economy and Pets

"As food and gas prices climb, the housing market languishes and job layoffs persist, it's not only consumers who are feeling the pinch of a slow economy. Animal shelters and rescue groups are taking a hit, too.

The Nebraska Humane Society in Omaha is one of a number of area shelters that have seen an increase in owners voluntarily surrendering their pets.

Humane Society staff members, as a matter of course, ask people for a reason when they surrender their pets. A computer program records and tracks factors such as behavior and allergies.

Until recently, Wiese said, cost had not been one of the reasons given.

A few months ago, though, the society added cost to its list.

"The very fact that we're tracking it now shows that we're seeing an increase," she said."

Rescuing Pets

"Pet experts say a cocoa mulch can pose a serious health risk to pets.

This type of mulch is made of the husks of the cocoa bean.

Local landscapers said it has become popular in northeast Ohio recently because of its aroma. But that aroma can also reportedly attract dogs and cats.

If a pet consumes a large amount of mulch it can cause them serious digestive problems, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or ASPCA."



"One of four kittens born to a mother cat rescued from a shelter in Georgia, this kitten will be bottle-fed until old enough to eat solid food. A local woman’s compassion compels her to travel wherever necessary to rescue entire litters of animals such as these kittens from being euthanized at overcrowded animal shelters. "