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. "

Chattanooga: New Animal Center

"Chattanooga opens the new $6.5 million animal shelter, the McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center in five weeks.

On that day, July 1, the Humane Educational Society, the organization that currently serves the city, begins the new fiscal year with a $527,000 drop in money for operations and a 60 percent decrease in the number of abandoned animals it accepts.

“We’ll be receiving 8,000 less animals,” said Guy Bilyeu, executive director of the Humane Society. “We’re still providing the service. We just won’t be servicing the city of Chattanooga.”



"Choose to adopt your dog or cat. Pet adoption is the ultimate in recycling. There are thousands of wonderful pets just waiting for you."

Beagle Labs

"Find beagle lab mix dogs at rescues and view a photo and profile. This is a popular dog breed known for its strong hunting instinct. Used as rabbit and hare hunters in the past, these dogs still can be used as gundogs. However, their friendly nature makes them more and more popular as family pets and companions. Hunting instincts cannot be bred out of these dogs completely, even if they are used as pets, so these hounds have a tendency to follow their noses and take off, if left off the leash."


Here's my beagle lab, Arabelle (Boo).

Pet Overpopulation

"There is a severe overpopulation of cats and dogs roaming the streets all over the world. Some animals that are not getting proper care and are being abused by their owners tend to escape from their mistreated homes and tend to wander off on their own.

Because of this situation, there are now lots of domesticated animals that are caught and placed on animal shelters or dog pounds, just waiting for someone to adopt them. However, there are lots of municipal shelters that can no longer adopt this great number of abused or abandoned pets, so they just kill them."


"Pet overpopulation is definitely a problem in our country. Everyday thousands of dogs are born, but at the same time thousands are destroyed at animal shelters. There are reasons for this, and there are things we can start doing to change it.

First we need to make sure our pets are spayed or neutered. This not only helps control the population but helps keep our animals healthy."

Adoption and DNA

"Assembly Bill 2949 will move to the Senate for consideration. Please visit The ASPCA Press Room to read more about it! Thank God there is Hope for these innocent cats and dogs who need a loving home. Do you have room in your home for a loving dog or cat who can bring so much love to you? Please visit your local ASPCA affiliated adoption center today and see where your heart takes you! I feel very badly about people who have never experienced the unconditional love of a pet. Now more than ever, the have a chance to experience---perhaps for the first time the JOY of a Cat or Dog Here's where you can learn about the Bill:"




"A new DNA test can not only tell you what your mutt is made of but also what health problems he may risk.

Piper was discovered at the Cleveland APL about eighteen years ago. He's an old dog and we think he may be a mix of Scottish Deer Hound and Lab. But we could never be sure until now.

Piper's DNA is being analyzed by the Wisdom Panel DNA test. It will not only tell me what's in his breed mix, it will also identify 316 genetic markers.

From a small blood sample, veterinarian Carol Osborne says the test can determine what Piper is from 134 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club."