Back to school time can be exciting and fun for the kids, but maybe not so much for the four-legged family members who are left behind. After spending the summer having fun with the kids, our pets have to adjust to being left alone again. Dogs and cats crave routine, so transitioning back to the school-time schedule can be difficult for them. It is not uncommon for pets to experience separation anxiety when they find themselves alone and away from the people they are attached to, even though this transition happens at this time every school year.
Pets with separation anxiety often appear distressed as you prepare to leave the home, and become overly-enthusiastic upon your return. Some signs that your dog or cat is experiencing separation anxiety may include the following behaviors when left alone.
1. Urinating or defecating in inappropriate places.
2. Destructive behavior such as digging and chewing, especially at doors or windows in attempts to get out.
3. Vocalization including barking, howling, and whining in dogs or excessive meowing in cats.
If the separation anxiety is not severe, here are some ways you can help your dog or cat cope.
1. Start out with short periods of separation to get your dog or cat accustomed to being home alone before the start of the school year.
2. Try exercising your dog or cat before you leave the house by taking your dog for a walk or playing with your cat. A tired pet is more relaxed and less likely to get into trouble when you’re gone.
3. Make your departure and return to the house low-key so you don’t reinforce your pet’s anxiety about the event.
4. Provide interactive toys or toys stuffed with treats to keep your dog or cat occupied during your absence. If you give a food-stuffed toy as you’re leaving, it can distract your pet as you’re walking out the door. Additionally, it will train your four-legged friend to associate your leaving with good things. Put these toys away when you’re home so they remain a special treat.
5. Some pets find an article of clothing with your scent on it comforting.
6. Try leaving on the TV or some music.
In most cases, your dog or cat’s symptoms will lessen after he or she gets used to the new family routine. If your pet’s separation anxiety is more serious, be sure to consult with an animal behaviorist, trainer, or your veterinarian for advice.
Now here are a couple of easy recipes to make special yummy treats for your dog or cat to remind them just how much they're loved!
Cat crackers
Ingredients:
6 oz undrained tuna
1 c cornmeal
1 c flour
1/3 c water
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Measure all ingrediants into a bowl and mix thoroughly with your hands. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into treat size pieces. Place on greased cookie sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden. Let cool before giving to your cat, then watch them gobble it up!
Peanutty nibbles
Ingredients:
2 c whole wheat flour
1/2 c oatmeal
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 c creamy peanut butter
1/2 c water
1/2 c chicken broth
Directions:
To make these treats, start by mixing the whole wheat flour with the oatmeal and cinnamon. Next, combine the creamy peanut butter, water, and chicken broth, and then microwave it for 15 to 30 seconds – just until it forms a smooth liquid. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until dough forms. Drop the dough into small rounds and use your thumb to press a well into each cookie as you flatten it. Place the peanutty nibbles on a cookie sheet that's been lightly coated with a non-stick spray. Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes and allow the treats to cool in the oven. Fill the cookie wells with sugar-free jelly or jam and then feed them to your dog. He'll be the happiest pooch on the block!
Thanks for taking the time to read this. Let's make this a great school year for both kids and pets!
Happy tails to you until we meet again!
Friday, August 22, 2014
Monday, August 18, 2014
Why Adopt?
When I'm answering the phones for Pet Pal Animal Shelter, some of the most frequently asked questions are about the adoption process, so I thought I'd share a little bit of information on that topic here and the reason for the thorough screening.
Adopting pets from rescue groups or shelters like Pet Pal Animal Shelter can save the lives of animals that might otherwise be faced with euthanasia because homes can’t be found for them. Many of these animals are loving pets in need of good homes simply because their owners could no longer take care of them. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence. When you adopt a pet, you are giving an animal a second chance. So, before you head to a breeder or browse online ads to buy a new puppy or kitten, consider adopting from Pet Pal or your local animal shelter. You'll be giving a home to a pet that desperately needs one, and you can feel good knowing that you saved the life of a new furry friend!
When you adopt a pet, be prepared to fill out a pet adoption application before you're accepted as a potential pet parent. At Pet Pal, you will be asked questions about your family, living conditions (i.e. house vs apartment, home owner vs renter, etc.), and, if you currently have or have had pets in the past 5 years, they will want to verify that those animals have received proper veterinary care. Don't become offended. The shelter just wants to ensure their pets are guaranteed a safe and loving home. They may refuse to let you adopt if they believe the pet may not be a good fit with young children or other pets in the home. The shelter is only looking out for the welfare of the pets in their care when they ask these questions, so please answer honestly.
Pet Pal also requires a fee for all pet adoptions. As a non-profit organization, these adoption fees and the generous donations from the community are what keeps the shelter running and makes it possible for them to properly care for these otherwise abandonned animals. When you adopt a dog or cat from Pet Pal, you can be assured that he/she is microchipped, spayed/neudered, up-to-date on all vaccinations, and ready to enjoy a long healthy life with his/her new forever family!
Pet adoption isn't the easiest thing you'll ever do, but it's one of the most gratifying. Whether you're thinking about adopting a puppy/kitten or an adult dog/cat, here are some reasons that may sway you to head to Pet Pal or your local animal shelter.
1. Did you know that pet owners are happier and live longer than people who don't own pets? That's a great reason in itself!
2. Dogs need exercise, and that means you'll get more exercise, too. Walking your dog is a great way to get a daily workout and meet new friends at the dog park!
3. Dogs are good guardians. They provide a sense of safety, alerting you to unwanted strangers near your home and protecting you on the street!
4. When you adopt a dog or cat, you’re not just bringing a new member of the family into your home, you’re also saving a life!
Hope this helps everyone understand the adoption process and the importance of saving these innocent lives. All they want is to share their unconditional love with us...shouldn't we do the same for them?
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.
Happy tails to you until we meet again!
Adopting pets from rescue groups or shelters like Pet Pal Animal Shelter can save the lives of animals that might otherwise be faced with euthanasia because homes can’t be found for them. Many of these animals are loving pets in need of good homes simply because their owners could no longer take care of them. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence. When you adopt a pet, you are giving an animal a second chance. So, before you head to a breeder or browse online ads to buy a new puppy or kitten, consider adopting from Pet Pal or your local animal shelter. You'll be giving a home to a pet that desperately needs one, and you can feel good knowing that you saved the life of a new furry friend!
When you adopt a pet, be prepared to fill out a pet adoption application before you're accepted as a potential pet parent. At Pet Pal, you will be asked questions about your family, living conditions (i.e. house vs apartment, home owner vs renter, etc.), and, if you currently have or have had pets in the past 5 years, they will want to verify that those animals have received proper veterinary care. Don't become offended. The shelter just wants to ensure their pets are guaranteed a safe and loving home. They may refuse to let you adopt if they believe the pet may not be a good fit with young children or other pets in the home. The shelter is only looking out for the welfare of the pets in their care when they ask these questions, so please answer honestly.
Pet Pal also requires a fee for all pet adoptions. As a non-profit organization, these adoption fees and the generous donations from the community are what keeps the shelter running and makes it possible for them to properly care for these otherwise abandonned animals. When you adopt a dog or cat from Pet Pal, you can be assured that he/she is microchipped, spayed/neudered, up-to-date on all vaccinations, and ready to enjoy a long healthy life with his/her new forever family!
Pet adoption isn't the easiest thing you'll ever do, but it's one of the most gratifying. Whether you're thinking about adopting a puppy/kitten or an adult dog/cat, here are some reasons that may sway you to head to Pet Pal or your local animal shelter.
1. Did you know that pet owners are happier and live longer than people who don't own pets? That's a great reason in itself!
2. Dogs need exercise, and that means you'll get more exercise, too. Walking your dog is a great way to get a daily workout and meet new friends at the dog park!
3. Dogs are good guardians. They provide a sense of safety, alerting you to unwanted strangers near your home and protecting you on the street!
4. When you adopt a dog or cat, you’re not just bringing a new member of the family into your home, you’re also saving a life!
Hope this helps everyone understand the adoption process and the importance of saving these innocent lives. All they want is to share their unconditional love with us...shouldn't we do the same for them?
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.
Happy tails to you until we meet again!
Friday, August 15, 2014
Feline Farewell
As I mentioned in my last post, I was a "foster mom" to 2 sweet little kittens this past week and, although they only spent a week with me, I was still kind of sad when I had to bring them back to the shelter. It's amazing how quickly you can get attached to them. In the last couple of days they were with me, they seemed to get more comfortable and social...playing with me and literally sleeping on top of me! Listening to their slow soft purring as they slept was sooo relaxing...almost like a lullaby helping me get to sleep as well! Now that they're gone and life is back to normal here, I can't help thinking about them and hoping they find their forever home soon.
Also this week, the staff and volunteers at Pet Pal had to say a final farewell to everyone's favorite cat, Moses. He was an older cat who had to have surgery on his leg and, unfortunately, this involved some other medical complications which he did not survive. Moses didn't care for the cat room at the shelter and instead preferred lounging out in the lobby on his nice cushy bed enjoying lots of hugs and rubs from Pet Pal staff and volunteers as well as guests. We all miss him dearly but his sweet soul will live on forever as a part of Pet Pal Animal Shelter.
If you've ever lost a beloved pet, you understand how sad and painful it can be, but something good can come from such an experience. Pet Pal Animal Shelter has several ways you can donate in honor of your furry friend including the "Paws to Remember Mural" where your gift will be recognized with your pet's image being painted on the wall of the shelter for all to see, "PicMonkey Collage Tiles" where your gift will be recognized with a personalized wall tile featuring your pet's photo and an inscription, and "Susie's Fund" where your gift will help provide Pet Pal Veterinary Clinic clients with the medical care for their pets that they may otherwise not be able to afford. For more detailed information on any of this, go ahead and check the web site petpalanimalshelter.com or call the shelter at (727) 328-7738. Since the title of this blog is "Happy Tails from Pet Pal", I wanted to point out just a few ways we can turn this sad story of our beloved Moses into something "pawsitive"! Thanks.
Happy tails to you until we meet again!
Also this week, the staff and volunteers at Pet Pal had to say a final farewell to everyone's favorite cat, Moses. He was an older cat who had to have surgery on his leg and, unfortunately, this involved some other medical complications which he did not survive. Moses didn't care for the cat room at the shelter and instead preferred lounging out in the lobby on his nice cushy bed enjoying lots of hugs and rubs from Pet Pal staff and volunteers as well as guests. We all miss him dearly but his sweet soul will live on forever as a part of Pet Pal Animal Shelter.
If you've ever lost a beloved pet, you understand how sad and painful it can be, but something good can come from such an experience. Pet Pal Animal Shelter has several ways you can donate in honor of your furry friend including the "Paws to Remember Mural" where your gift will be recognized with your pet's image being painted on the wall of the shelter for all to see, "PicMonkey Collage Tiles" where your gift will be recognized with a personalized wall tile featuring your pet's photo and an inscription, and "Susie's Fund" where your gift will help provide Pet Pal Veterinary Clinic clients with the medical care for their pets that they may otherwise not be able to afford. For more detailed information on any of this, go ahead and check the web site petpalanimalshelter.com or call the shelter at (727) 328-7738. Since the title of this blog is "Happy Tails from Pet Pal", I wanted to point out just a few ways we can turn this sad story of our beloved Moses into something "pawsitive"! Thanks.
Happy tails to you until we meet again!
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Hello Foster Kitty
OK, I know it's been a while since my last post, but it's been an interesting and exciting week around here. When I went to Pet Pal on Wednesday to do my weekly 5 hours working the front desk, I found out that I would be going home with 2 adorable foster kittens...what a surprise! I had put my name on the foster list just a few weeks ago but wasn't sure how long I would have to wait...I guess not very long at all! I'm sure my husband wouldn't have minded a longer wait but I was ready to give this a try.
There's 1 male and 1 female kitten and they're 10 weeks old. They're in the foster program because they need to gain some weight so that they can be spayed/neutered which is required for all animals before they can be put up for adoption at Pet Pal. For someone who has never had cats or kittens in the house, this has been quite an adventure. Just like a new mom, I spent most of the first night awake worrying about the kittens and whether or not they were comfortable, scared, or getting into mischief. Of course they were fine and ended up getting a whole lot more sleep than I did! Fortunately, I've recovered from that all-nighter and, in fact, kind of like it when one or both of them come up in the bed or chair and snuggle next to me! Soooo cute! The only thing I've found so far that's not so cute, other than their stinky litter box, is when they come from out of nowhere and suddenly jump up on me. Since I can't see them coming, this REALLY startles me at times! Good thing I have a strong healthy heart!
Anyway, I'll be getting back to blogging on a regular basis soon but I wanted to share my fun week with you. I still and probably always will think that dogs (and goats) rule, but having these little guys here has definitely been entertaining! Best of all, it's helping 2 sweet kittens on their journey toward their forever home!
Thanks again for taking the time to read this. Please feel free to leave comments on what you might like to hear about in the future.
Happy tails until we meet again!
There's 1 male and 1 female kitten and they're 10 weeks old. They're in the foster program because they need to gain some weight so that they can be spayed/neutered which is required for all animals before they can be put up for adoption at Pet Pal. For someone who has never had cats or kittens in the house, this has been quite an adventure. Just like a new mom, I spent most of the first night awake worrying about the kittens and whether or not they were comfortable, scared, or getting into mischief. Of course they were fine and ended up getting a whole lot more sleep than I did! Fortunately, I've recovered from that all-nighter and, in fact, kind of like it when one or both of them come up in the bed or chair and snuggle next to me! Soooo cute! The only thing I've found so far that's not so cute, other than their stinky litter box, is when they come from out of nowhere and suddenly jump up on me. Since I can't see them coming, this REALLY startles me at times! Good thing I have a strong healthy heart!
Anyway, I'll be getting back to blogging on a regular basis soon but I wanted to share my fun week with you. I still and probably always will think that dogs (and goats) rule, but having these little guys here has definitely been entertaining! Best of all, it's helping 2 sweet kittens on their journey toward their forever home!
Thanks again for taking the time to read this. Please feel free to leave comments on what you might like to hear about in the future.
Happy tails until we meet again!
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Dog Days of Summer
Welcome to the "dog days of summer". As we move into August, typically the hottest month of the year, let's talk about some ways to beat the heat and support Pet Pal Animal Shelter.
Bring your loveable pooch to socialize and shop while sipping a nice chilled glass of wine (the wine is for you...not your pooch, LOL)at Yappy Hour this coming Thursday, August 7, 2014 at Pawsitively Posh Pooch located at 1425 4th St. N in St. Petersburg. This event is held on the first and third Thursdays of every month from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It's a great way to relax and get a head start on the weekend...now who doesn't LOVE that!
It's also really cool to have your dogs and/or cats microchipped so that in the unfortunate event they get lost, any animal shelter or veterinary clinic with a scanner can contact you to let you know your furry friend has been found...YAY! For the month of August, Pet Pal Veterinary Clinic located at 1900 34th St. S in St. Petersburg is offering $20.00 microchips. No appointment required...just come in any time Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. If you have any questions about this or want to know more about their low-cost veterinary services, please call (727) 328-7729.
Now here are a few fun ideas on how to keep your pets cool in the summer heat.
1. Make a cooling bandana for your dog by Wetting a bandana and popping it in the freezer. Your doggy will be stylish and staying cool at the same time!
2. Create a Kongsicle for some frozen fun. Get a regular Kong toy, plugged at the small end with peanut butter, then fill with very weak liquid chicken-stock and freeze overnight. This doggy version of a Magnum ice cream will make a delicious treat for your pal.
3. Provide hours of icy enjoyment for your dog while you're out by making him/her a slippery brick. Half-fill an ice cream container with water and freeze. Place a number of liver-treats or other favoured treats in a layer, then fill to the top with water and freeze again. This will make a giant flavoured ice-block for your dog.
4. Create cool play. Even in the heat it is possible to find a way to cool down through play. A really fun game is to toss a couple of ice cubes on the floor in front of your cat or dog. Watch them play with the ice; the cubes scattering as they are chased.
5. And of course it's ALWAYS important to make sure your cat or dog has access to fresh cool water and a safe place they can go to get out of the heat. This may seem like an obvious tip but, unfortunately, there are actually people who think it's OK to leave their pet in the car in the middle of the summer while they run a quick errand. Seriously? Even with a window cracked, this can be a dangerous environment for your beloved pet so why take the risk. Unless you're going to a place that is pet friendly, you're better off leaving your furry friend at home where they will be safe and MUCH more comfortable!
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. I look forward to hearing your questions, comments, and/or ideas for future blogs. Hope you and your pets stay cool this summer!
Happy tails to you until we meet again!
Bring your loveable pooch to socialize and shop while sipping a nice chilled glass of wine (the wine is for you...not your pooch, LOL)at Yappy Hour this coming Thursday, August 7, 2014 at Pawsitively Posh Pooch located at 1425 4th St. N in St. Petersburg. This event is held on the first and third Thursdays of every month from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It's a great way to relax and get a head start on the weekend...now who doesn't LOVE that!
It's also really cool to have your dogs and/or cats microchipped so that in the unfortunate event they get lost, any animal shelter or veterinary clinic with a scanner can contact you to let you know your furry friend has been found...YAY! For the month of August, Pet Pal Veterinary Clinic located at 1900 34th St. S in St. Petersburg is offering $20.00 microchips. No appointment required...just come in any time Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. If you have any questions about this or want to know more about their low-cost veterinary services, please call (727) 328-7729.
Now here are a few fun ideas on how to keep your pets cool in the summer heat.
1. Make a cooling bandana for your dog by Wetting a bandana and popping it in the freezer. Your doggy will be stylish and staying cool at the same time!
2. Create a Kongsicle for some frozen fun. Get a regular Kong toy, plugged at the small end with peanut butter, then fill with very weak liquid chicken-stock and freeze overnight. This doggy version of a Magnum ice cream will make a delicious treat for your pal.
3. Provide hours of icy enjoyment for your dog while you're out by making him/her a slippery brick. Half-fill an ice cream container with water and freeze. Place a number of liver-treats or other favoured treats in a layer, then fill to the top with water and freeze again. This will make a giant flavoured ice-block for your dog.
4. Create cool play. Even in the heat it is possible to find a way to cool down through play. A really fun game is to toss a couple of ice cubes on the floor in front of your cat or dog. Watch them play with the ice; the cubes scattering as they are chased.
5. And of course it's ALWAYS important to make sure your cat or dog has access to fresh cool water and a safe place they can go to get out of the heat. This may seem like an obvious tip but, unfortunately, there are actually people who think it's OK to leave their pet in the car in the middle of the summer while they run a quick errand. Seriously? Even with a window cracked, this can be a dangerous environment for your beloved pet so why take the risk. Unless you're going to a place that is pet friendly, you're better off leaving your furry friend at home where they will be safe and MUCH more comfortable!
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. I look forward to hearing your questions, comments, and/or ideas for future blogs. Hope you and your pets stay cool this summer!
Happy tails to you until we meet again!
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