Santa's Helpers For Animal Shelters

Happy Holidays everyone!  Well, 'tis the season for spreading good will and giving to those less fortunate than ourselves and, although we may not think about it...especially during this busy time of year, this most definitely includes all the homeless and unwanted animals patiently waiting in shelters for a loving family to take them home.  With so many of us struggling financially, this might be a very good year to start holiday traditions of true meaning in our families.  When you ask adults or kids what they most like or remember about past holidays, they usually respond with fond memories of traditions or family activities rather than the gifts they received.  Helping needy pets through activities we enjoy and forming traditions we will continue for years to come could be one of the most rewarding and memorable gifts we can give.   The following are some ideas to get the whole family involved in starting their own traditions that will help the animal shelters dedicated to caring for so many homeless animals.

1.  Instead of  giving gifts to a fellow animal lover, why not start a tradition this year of donating to that person's local shelter in his or her name.

2.  Buy food or other items from the shelters wish list, wrap those items, and place them under the Christmas tree with a name tag such as "For the homeless pets at Pet Pal".  Then take the entire family to the shelter to deliver the gifts.

 

3.  Consider dividing the amount spent on kids between traditional gifts and donations to the local animal shelter.


4.  Take advantage of kids' computer skills.  Publish flyers to post around the community on behalf of pets in shelters.  Call the shelter first and ask about specific food or other items needed.  State on the flier what's needed and where to deliver the items.  Also print photos of a cat and dog downloaded from the shelters web site with wording such as "Help us please!  We're running out of food."  Fliers can often be placed in places such as church lobbies, library bulletin boards, school bulletin boards, etc. but be sure to ask permission from the business before hanging any fliers.   

 

5.  Kids can take flyers to school and start a school-wide project.  Classes can help pets as a holiday project and bring shelter wish list items to school.  Include several classes and have a contest for the most items collected.  Ask the local newspaper to write a story about this effort with photos of kids in the winning class.

 

6.  Set a goal to buy pet food for the homeless pets with every purchase of food for our own pets. 

7.  When drawing names for holiday gift giving, ask for volunteers to withdraw their own names and substitute pets' names from the local animal shelter.  The person who draws a pet's name can buy pet food.  Make sure the kids in the family understand that family members gave up gifts for themselves so homeless animals can be fed.  Take the kids along when the items are delivered to the shelter.

8.  Extended family can connect with younger family members with a mutual love of pets.  Aunts and uncles as well as grandparents often struggle with gift ideas and activities for the youngsters in the family.  Start a tradition with the kids to help needy pets by shopping for pet food and supplies and then going to the shelter together to deliver the goodies.  This activity, together with maybe a nice lunch at a favorite restaurant, will create memories for everyone and help teach kids about the needs of our homeless friends.

9.  Volunteer to foster a pet.  This would literally mean the gift of life for so many abandoned animals.  This is a serious commitment, so be sure it would work for the whole family .  Use this experience to teach kids that their contribution will help save a pet's life.

10.  Have a holiday party for kids on behalf of shelter pets.  Each child can bring pet food and/or supplies from the shelter's wish list and each donation will then be matched by the party host.  Ask others to do the same with their kids and make it a competition between families, neighborhoods, co-workers, etc.

So let's get started with some new holiday traditions this year.  Be Santa's helpers and show kids (and even some adults) they can have a meaningful and joyous holiday by giving to the shelters that give so much to these precious animals all year long.  It doesn't cost much and will be the best gift they can give AND receive.  It will also create memories we'll carry in our hearts forever...and the shelter animals will be very grateful too!

 

Seasons greetings to all!

 

And as always, happy tails to you until we meet again!

Giving Thanks For Our Pets

Thanksgiving is upon us once again – time for family, food, football, and the day set aside to give thanks for our blessings.  Although life happens and often interferes with our feelings of gratitude, it's important that we focus on all things good and, of course, what our pets add to our lives is all good.  During this season of giving thanks, let us all remember to be especially thankful for our pets and show them the kind of love and appreciation they show us every day.  Here are just a few reasons why we should be thankful for our pets:

LOVE.  If there's one thing we know for sure about our pets, it's that they love us unconditionally and that love comes back to us tenfold.  Almost all pets show happiness when we arrive home.  A dog's most enthusiastic tail-wagging, face-licking moment of the day is when we walk through the front door – even if we've just gone to the mailbox and back.  A cat's enthusiasm may be more subtle, but even the fact that he or she is in the same room with us for a change really says a lot.

COMPANIONSHIP.  Our pets keep us company and that company helps us to feel less lonely and isolated, especially for those of us who live alone.  Coming home to a pet gives us something to look forward to at the end of a long grueling day.

PHYSICAL CONTACT.  When a purring cat sits cuddled in our lap or a puppy is licking our face, all is right with the world.  Studies have shown that cuddling and stroking our pets is good for us; it makes us calmer and can even lower our heart rate and blood pressure.

SOMEONE TO TALK TO.  Talking things out relieves a lot of internal pressure.  Having someone to talk to can really make a difference.  It makes us feel less lonely.  Talk about anything – our pets will listen. Even better, they won't disagree, interrupt or tell anyone our secrets.

MOTIVATION TO EXERCISE.  Most pets need exercise every day.  Whether it's walking the dog or playing with the cat, we'll be getting some exercise too.  Physical exercise helps us to deal with stress and also gives us the opportunity to get outside and breathe a little fresh air.

SECURITY.  Some pets promote a feeling of safety.  A dog might bark when he hears or smells something out of the ordinary and a cat may wake us if there is smoke in the house.  Sometimes just having a pet nearby is enough to make us feel less anxious and more secure.

As we gather together to give thanks for our blessings this holiday season, lets not forget our pets; those faithful companions that fill our hearts and lives with so much joy and love!

 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your beloved furry friends!

 

And as always, happy tails to you until we meet again!  (?)
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Paws To Praise Pet Pal

Happy November!  OMG, can you believe Halloween is over and stores are already gearing up for "Black Friday"?  Well, before all the holiday craziness really gets going, let's take a moment to show our sincere appreciation to some incredibly selfless people and their commitment to the innocent and helpless animals in our communities.   

 

Local animal rescue groups and shelters like Pet Pal Animal Shelter are a saving grace for hundreds of homeless animals as well as a resource for information and care.  So what better time to think about the PAWSitive  impact of these animal shelters on the community than during National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, November 1st through 7th.  Since 1996, the first full week of November has been deemed National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week.  Launched by the Humane Society of the United States, this campaign was designed to acknowledge and promote the invaluable role shelters and other animal welfare organizations play in their communities.  In addition to the community role, this campaign is also meant to help increase public awareness of important animal welfare issues and shelter services.

 
Bringing together hopeful critters and loving homes is one of the things that shelters and rescues do best, but it’s certainly not the only thing.  From taking in unwanted animals and giving them food, water and shelter to rescuing injured or abused animals to helping reunite lost pets with their families, animal shelters spend 365 days a year saving animals.  For one week out of that year, community members, animal lovers and grateful pet parents come together to celebrate these organizations.  National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is the perfect time to recognize shelters like Pet Pal and show our appreciation by getting involved.  Volunteering a few hours a week working at the shelter or helping out at events, becoming a foster for those animals needing a little extra TLC in a quiet home setting, purchasing a few items from the shelter's "wish list" on your next shopping trip, or just spreading the word about  Pet Pal Animal Shelter to anyone and everyone you meet are all excellent ways to show you care and become a part of this PAWesome family!  For more information on how you can show your appreciation this week and throughout the year, visit petpalanimalshelter.com or stop by in person and say hello to the cuddly kitties and playful pups while you're there. 

 
Since the animals in shelters can't speak for themselves, I wanted to give a voice to all of the dogs, cats, and other critters to express their true gratitude to the hard-working, dedicated staff and volunteers who care for them every single day.  I think this poem pretty much says it all! 

 

Once I was a lonely dog, Just looking for a home.
I had no place to go, No one to call my own.
I wandered up and down the streets, in rain in heat and snow.
Ate whatever I could find, I was always on the go.
My skin would itch, my feet were sore, My body ached with pain.
And no one stopped to give a pat, Or to gently say my name.
I never saw a loving glance, I was always on the run.
For people thought that hurting me was really lots of fun.
And then one day I heard a voice, So gentle, kind and sweet,
And arms so soft reached down to me, And took me off my feet.
"No one again will hurt you", Was whispered in my ear."
"You'll have a home to call your own, where you will know no fear.
You'll be dry, you'll be warm, you'll have enough to eat.
And rest assured that when you sleep, your dreams will all be sweet."
I was afraid, I must admit, I've lived so long in fear.
I can't remember when I let A human come so near.
As she tended to my wounds, And bathed and brushed my fur
She told me about the rescue group, And what it meant to her.
She said, "We are a circle, A line that never ends.
and in the center there is you, protected by new friends.
All around you are the ones who check the pounds,
and those who share their homes after you've been found.
And all the other folks are searching near and far.
to find the perfect home for you, where you can be a star."
She said, "There is a family that's waiting patiently,
and pretty soon we'll find them, just you wait and see.
And then they'll join our circle, they'll help to make it grow,
so there'll be room for more like you, who have no place to go."
I waited very patiently, The days they came and went.
Today's the day, I thought, my family will be sent.
Then just when I began to think it wasn't meant to be,
there were people standing there, just gazing down at me.
I knew them in a heartbeat, I could tell they felt it too.
They said, "We've been waiting for a special dog like you."
Now every night I say a prayer to all the gods that be.
"Thank you for the life I live and all you've given me.
But most of all, protect the animals in the pounds and on the streets.
And send a rescue person to lift them off their feet."

 

Thank you Pet Pal Animal Shelter for all the furry lives you've saved and for all those you will save in the future!

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!!!

No Tricks...Just Treats!

Can you smell the mischief in the air?  Its Halloween!  Even if you're all grown-up, you probably still get a happy little tingle of excitement from this haunting holiday, but our pets often find it truly scary.  All the spooky decorations, weird sound effects, and people coming to the door dressed in strange costumes can be quite overwhelming and stressful for our furry friends.  Here are a few tips on how to take some of the terror out of this freaky holiday for our pets.

 
1.  Keep Halloween happenings on the down-low:  Before the trick-or-treating starts, put your pets in a quiet room where they will be away from all the Halloween activities and can feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed.  Even if you're just having friends over for a Halloween party, keep your pets away from the festivities.  Masks and costumes change how people look and smell to a pet, so even familiar people may become frightening to them.

 

2.  Stow all the Halloween treats out of pets' reach:  Many of the yummy goodies collected on Halloween such as chocolate, gum and xylitol (a sweetener used in many foods), are hazardous to animals so you want to be sure to stash them in a secure place out of your pet's reach.  Keep these treats away from your children unless you are observing them as they may make the harmful mistake of sharing with their four-legged companions.

 

3.  Steer your pets away from dangerous decorations:  Changes to your home can make your pets, especially cats, nervous or frightened.  Never leave your pets alone with Halloween decorations.  Also, be aware of which decorations pose threats.  Some hazards are obvious, like lit candles, but here are some other dangerous decorations.  Rubber eyeballs (choking risk), glow sticks and fake blood (possible poisons), and fake cobwebs (can choke or entangle pets).

 

4.  Be cautious with pet costumes:  Did you know that about half of pet owners dress their pets in costumes for Halloween?  Although most pets are happiest wearing nothing but their birthday suits, if you do choose to dress up your pet, forgo masks, anything that covers eyes or ears, and everything that might tangle in your pet's legs.  Make sure the costume is comfortable and allows your pet to move freely.  Remove any chewable parts or objects that could come off and choke your pet.  If your pet appears uncomfortable, take the costume off right away.  Signs of discomfort may include folded down ears, eyes rolling back or looking sideways, a tucked tail and hunching over

 

5.  Protect your pets from outdoor dangers:  Bring your pets indoors before dark.  Cats are always safest inside with you, but with all the evil pranksters running about on Halloween, it’s especially important to secure all pets inside.  Opening the door repeatedly for trick-or-treaters also creates plenty of opportunities for a pet to slip outside and disappear into the night.  In case they do escape, make sure that all of your pets are wearing tags with current IDs or consider microchips for them.  

 

Now if you really want to get into the spirit of Halloween and make a PAWsitive impact at the same time, consider adopting a black cat.  Shelters are over-run with black cats year-round but especially at this time of year.  Why?  Black cats are just as playful and affectionate as any other cat and still deserve the unconditional love of a real family.  October 29th is National Cat Day, so what a PURfect time to give a beautiful black kitty cat the ultimate Halloween treat...a FURever home! 

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!

Are You Smarter Than A Dog Or Cat Whisperer?

Do you consider yourself or someone you know a walking dog encyclopedia?  Well, how about a little "pup quiz" to prove (or disprove) it!  Some of these questions may seem easy, but let's see what you think by the end.  Get all of them correct and consider yourself a dog’s best friend!  The answers are shown below...but DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT SNEAKING A PEAK! 

 

1.  How many teeth do normal adult dogs have?
A) 24
B) 38
C) 42
D) 32

2.  Through what part of the body do dogs sweat?

A) Mouth
B) Ears
C) Nose
D) Paws

3.  True or False:  Dogs can only see in black and white.

4.  What is a dog’s most highly developed sense?
A) Taste
B) Smell
C) Sight
D) Touch

5.  A female dog delivers her pups after how many weeks?

A) 36
B) 22
C) 9
D) 16

6.  Which dog breed has a black tongue?

A) Husky
B) Labrador
C) Weimaraner
D) Chow chow

7.  The first dogs registered in the American Kennel Club belonged to what group?

A) Herding
B) Sporting
C) Working
D) Hound

8.  Which dog breed yodels instead of barks?

A) Komondor
B) Otterhound
C) Basenji
D) Basset hound

9.  True or False:  Dalmatians are born with spots.

10.  According to the American Kennel Club’s registrations, what is the most popular dog breed?

A) Golden retriever
B) Beagle
C) German Shepherd
D) Labrador

 

Answers:
1.  C) 42
2.  D) Paws
3.  False.  Dogs can see multiple colors, though not as many as humans.
4.  B) Smell
5.  C) 9 weeks
6.  D) Chow chow
7.  B) Sporting Group
8.  C) Basenji
9.  False.  Dalmatian puppies are born white, their spots come in later.
10.  D) Labrador

 

And for those of you who think you know everything there is to know about cats, let’s put you to the test too and see just how “cat smart” you really are.  If you can get ALL of these questions right, then you must be some kind of a cat genius!  The answers are shown below...but again, NO CHEATING! 

 

1.  On average, how many whiskers does a cat have?
A) 8
B) 12
C) 16
C) 24

2.  People have about 650 skeletal muscles.  How many do cats have?
A) 500
B) 650
C) 800

3.  On average, how many years do outdoor-only cats live?

A) 3 to 5
B) 7 to 10
C) 12 to 15

4.  A term for a group of cats is:

A) Caggle
B) Covey
C) Clutch
D) Clowder

5.  A term for a group of kittens is:

A) Kaggle
B) Kindle
C) Nook
D) Kaboodle

6.  True or False:  A cat, standing in a still position, can jump up to 6 times its own length.

7.  Which of the following is NOT the name of a cat breed? 

A) Balinese
B) Beauceron
C) Birman
D) Burmilla

8.  The thick hair around the face of some cats (such as Persians) is called:

A) Mane
B) Ruff
C) Pelt
D) Shock

9.  How much of their waking hours do cats spend grooming themselves?

A) 11%
B) 33%
C) 66%

10.  Which of the following do cats NOT taste? 

A) Sour
B) Sweet
C) Bitter
D) Salt

 

Answers:
1.  C) 24 whiskers
2.  A) 500 skeletal muscles
3.  A) 3 to 5 years compared to around 15 years for indoor cats!
4.  D) clowder
5.  B) kindle
6.  True
7.  B) Beauceron is the name of a dog breed, not a cat breed
8.  B) ruff
9.  B) 33%
10.  B) sweet

 

OK, how did you do?  Tell me in the comments section.  Meanwhile, share with your family and friends and see how well they know their dog and cat trivia!  Better yet, impress them by whipping out some of these little tid-bits of information at the next social gathering.  What a great conversation starter!  Have fun with these facts about our favorite furry friends! 

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!

Our Pets Say, "It's Time To Play!"

Playing with our pets is a lot more than good old fun, although it is that too!  Playing and having fun helps us to eliminate stress, and the same is true for our pets.  Incorporating various forms of play into our pets' daily routine is vital to helping them develop confidence, good health, and mental well-being.  Here are just a few of the many ways both dogs and cats and, yes, even humans  can benefit from regular playtime activity.

 

* Behavioral benefits:
If a pet gets bored, they’re very likely to take out their frustrations by acting out in a negative manner.  Some pets scratch furniture, some soil in the house, and some chew anything and everything in sight.  Setting aside playtime each day lets pets know that they’re loved and cared for and keeps them from getting too bored.  Want a well-behaved pet?  Play with them every day!

 

* Physical benefits: 
Playtime almost always includes plenty of physical exercise, so it’s benefiting our pets' body and overall health.  Pets who spend their days romping around on the floor are burning calories without even realizing it; keeping their weight in check, their muscles strong, and their joints flexible and healthy.  This is also a good way for us humans to fit some exercise into our daily routine as well, so I'd say this is a win-win for all!   

 

* Mental benefits:
Don’t forget about the mental benefits of regular playtime with our pets.  Playing games helps keep reflexes sharp and reaction times quick.  Searching through a homemade obstacle course, finding hidden treat treasures in various corners of the house, or playing hide-and-seek with other family members keeps our pets' brains sharp and focused!  Pets who sit around doing nothing all day are letting their bodies and minds get stale - avoid this by enjoying  a play session every day.

 

* Socialization: 
When our pets play with other animals and/or people, it helps improve their overall social skills.  They learn basic rules and how to play by them - well, at least some of the time!  

 

* Pet owner bonding:
Of course, daily playtime with our beloved pets is about more than physical, mental, or behavioral benefits; it serves as quality pet-owner bonding time as well.  Any healthy pet needs regular attention and care from their owner, and daily playtime is perfect for this.  The time we spend with our pets, even if it's only a few minutes a day, will allow us to learn about each other’s personality and mannerisms, strengthening the very special  and unique life-long bond we share with our furry friends.

 

With all this talk about the benefits of quality playtime with our pets and the importance of socialization, I should also point out a few of the fun pet-friendly events Pet Pal Animal Shelter has coming up.  Enjoy Dog Day at the Rays at Tropicana Field this coming Sunday, September 20th; the "Totally 80s" Party for the Paws at Fergs Sports Bar on Saturday, September 26th; Yappy Hour at World of Beer on Thursday, October 8th; and Pet Pal's annual doggie reunion at Fort DeSoto Dog Beach on Sunday, October 11th.  For more details on these or any other upcoming events, please call 727-328-7738 or visit "petpalanimalshelter.com".

 

So why are you still sitting there reading this blog?  Your pets are patiently waiting for you to come out and play with them!!! 

 

Happy Tails to you until we meet again!  

The Spirit of Special Needs Pets

All animals need plenty of care and love, but pets with special needs often require a little extra TLC, especially as they get older and the disabilities become worse.  Special needs can encompass various disabilities, chronic medical conditions, and behavioral issues.  Some common problems among cats and dogs include missing one or more limbs, hind limb paralysis, deafness and or blindness, diabetes, allergies, and lack of socialization.  Some pets might require diapers, ramps, regular medication, or dog training and/or pet socialization classes.

 

All to often dogs and cats in shelters are overlooked because of “the defects” people see on the outside.  People usually don't take the time to see the wagging tail of the deaf dog chasing the ball across the yard, or the blind dog going up a flight of stairs to get the treat or hug they know is waiting for them, or the 3 legged dog running like the wind and enjoying life. 

 

Animals with disabilities are incredibly adaptable and, despite their impairments, can still be functional and even find a way to play.  In fact, sometimes they pull off tremendous heroic and athletic feats!  Blind, one-eyed, deaf and three-legged pets can live full and happy lives – just spend some time with one and you’ll see how much they can enjoy a wide range of activities and can certainly give just as much love as any pet.

 

Caring for special needs pets does not have to be a burden - it can be a richly rewarding experience.  Here are some general tips to help you if you find yourself caring for a disabled animal.  Of course there are also plenty of web sites dedicated to providing resources and support to assist you in caring for a pet with special needs including "petswithdisabilities.com" and "specialneedspets.org" just to name a few. 

 

People do not have to do much to accommodate a blind pet’s needs.  Dogs and cats use their senses of smell, hearing and touch to get around.  However, owners of blind pets should be careful to keep all furniture in the same place at all times and even pad sharp edges of furniture.  Food and water bowls, litter box, pet bed, and toys should all be in the same place for the pets to easily find what they need.  For cats and small dogs, people should also be careful about carrying their pet from one room to the next.  Animals memorize their paths through the house, so the ride in the owner’s arms can leave them disoriented when set back down – unless it’s in a very familiar place.

 

Since dogs and cats normally have such a tremendous sense of hearing, it would seem that a loss of this sense would be devastating.  However, dogs and cats adapt quite well, and become more sensitive to vibrations they feel.  Just like all dogs and cats, they are excellent readers of body language, so communicating with them is not as difficult as you might imagine.  Deaf pets may not respond to their owner’s spoken words, but they read the signals like any other pet.  The owner may call their pet by clapping their hands or stomping their feet. Some people may also use a flashlight for visual commands.

 

Seeing a three-legged dog or cat may make you feel very sad, but most of them are perfectly adept at doing everything four-legged dogs and cats do.  Most three-legged dogs and cats don’t need any special accommodations to live normal lives – other than making sure they maintain a healthy weight.  Their body weight has one less leg to bear it, which puts more stress on the other leg joints.  Also, dogs need to have their nails trimmed regularly (as all dogs should anyway) to give them the best footing on hard surfaces.  Three-legged cats like to jump up on high surfaces like any other cat, but it’s the jumping off that can be a problem if there is only one front leg to take the impact.  For this reason, the owner should make sure all cat-accessible surfaces are a safe distance from the floor.

 

Every dog or cat deserves to have a good life in a loving home, and should not be ignored because of a disability.  A disability doesn’t necessarily mean the pet will be harder to care for, and it certainly won’t make him or her any less lovable.  So when you come to Pet Pal Animal Shelter to find your next furry friend to love, please be open to the idea that your perfect pet may have some imperfections!  Be a voice for the unbroken spirit of disabled pets.  They truly give us a chance to witness miracles of spirit!

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!

Adopt a Mutt...the Perfect Family Pup!

Hello again!

 

Yes, I know it's been a while since my last post and I sincerely apologize for my extended absence.  I've been dealing with a lot of health issues and complications related to my surgery back in June, but I think I'm FINALLY past the worst of it...YAY!  So now I'm back and, thanks to all of this idle time recently, I've got lots of new ideas for future blog topics and I'm ready to write!  

 

Do you know what doggy-related awareness day is soooo necessary that its celebrated on both July 31st and December 2nd?  Since 2005, National Mutt Day has been observed to raise awareness about all of the mixed breed dogs in shelters and to remind potential pet parents that it’s the personality and not the pedigree that truly matters when adopting a family pet.  Of course purebreds are attractive because they tend to have distinct traits and physical characteristics, but mixed breeds may offer more benefits that are appealing to the average family.  So before forking out big bucks to a fancy breeder for a purebred pup, please consider the following reasons to be pro-mutt!       

 

1.  Feel good about saving a canine life.
If you adopt a mutt from a shelter, you're literally saving a life.  Even if you aren't adopting from a kill shelter, you've just freed up space for another homeless canine to come in instead of being shipped to the pound or worse.   

 

2.  Mixed breeds are truly unique.
You can look a purebred dog owner in the eye and say with complete confidence that they will never be able to find a dog that is exactly like yours!  Mutts are truly one-of-a-kind!  Even littermates can look very different from one another. 

 

3.  Mixed breeds are full of personality.
Mixed breeds tend to have lots of personality!  Even more importantly, many are easy to train because they have a blend of characteristics rather than all traits of just one breed.

 

4.  Mutts usually have fewer genetic health risks and are healthier overall.
Most purebred dogs include a list of potential health problems in their breed profiles.  These conditions are less common in mutts because they are mixed breeds and are less likely to carry the defective genes.  The average lifespan of a mutt is longer than that of most purebred canines.  Of course the difference will vary by breed, but it is still something that gives mutts an advantage in the eyes of potential adopters.  If you'd rather have a loving companion with fewer health concerns, then a mutt is a great way to go! 

 

5.  Mutts are more affordable compared to purebred pups.
It’s been mentioned before, but it’s a significant factor to consider.  If you adopt a purebred pup, expect to pay for it - and that’s only for adopting the dog and not the vet checkup or puppy shots he or she may need.  Along with that adoption fee, purebreds also tend to have specific needs that make them rather expensive to own.  This will vary based on the individual breed, but grooming and vet care can get well into the hundreds or even thousands.  In most cases, you'll spend less on a mutt over it's entire lifespan.   

 

6.  No need to analyze breeders when adopting a mutt.
Families searching for a purebred must spend a lot of time investigating breeders to make sure they are up to par.  With a mutt, all you have to do is go to your local dog shelter and you have a variety of quality pets to choose from without the extensive breeder background checks!

 

7.  You don't need a show dog. 
Unless you want a show dog, there’s no sense in shelling out a lot of money for a purebred pup.  Some communities have started hosting casual mixed breed shows, so you may still have some opportunities to participate even if you do own a mutt.

 

8.  Fewer preconceived notions about dog behaviors.
Some people see a pit bull or German shepherd and immediately become fearful.  Others see a toy breed and assume the dog is friendly and huggable.  It is harder to make these assumptions with a mutt, which means your dog gets a clean slate when meeting new people!  There are also fewer preconceptions about specific breed features and attributes.  No one will ever tell you that your dog’s posture, fur pattern or ears are “wrong” based on breed standards.  Your mutt sets his or her own standards! 

 

9.  Dog theft is far less likely.
Some purebred dogs are considered very valuable which attracts the attention of thieves.  Fortunately, mutts aren’t viewed this way so they are far less likely to be stolen for monetary gain.  

 

10.  Mixed breeds tend to have more intelligence and common sense.
Since they get the best of both worlds, mixed breeds tend to be trainable, intelligent and have a generous amount of common sense.  While these traits will vary from one dog to the next, this is the general rule in most cases.

 

The purpose of National Mutt Day is to embrace, celebrate and help save the lives of mixed breed dogs.  There are soooo many of these lovable creatures in shelters who are waiting patiently for a family to take them home, so let's help them out by raising awareness about how awesome mutts truly are.  Adopt a mutt - the perfect family pup!  

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again! 

Do Our Pets Understand Us?

     As some of you may know, I’ve been away from Pet Pal for the past month or so while recovering from surgery. During this time, I’ve gotten to spend a lot of time with my parents’ 1-year-old yellow lab name Cooper and I’ve been wondering just how much of what we say he actually understands. It seems as though he comprehends just about everything we say, but I think every pet owner probably says that about their furry friend. So, with all of this free time on my hands now, I decided to do some research on this topic and share what I’ve learned with all of you.
    Pet owners all over the world use words to get their pets to perform commands and, although they can't speak in the human sense, dogs and cats do display varying degrees of understanding and they associate our verbal sounds with actions. It's not so much what we say but how we say it. Cats and dogs don’t actually understand the meaning or content of individual words; they learn through operant conditioning which is a method of learning through rewards and punishments for different behaviors. Associations are made between a particular behavior and the consequence of that behavior. They simply hear a sound and know that a certain response is required. Animals respond more to the energy of the person speaking than to what they’re actually saying. For example, you could yell “good boy” in an angry-sounding tone and your dog would think you’re mad at him, or you could say “naughty girl” while holding a piece of fish and your cat would think she’s being rewarded.

    With that said, our pets can learn to identify and understand many common words used in training exercises. On average, dogs can learn about 100 words whereas cats can understand about 25 to 35 words. This often leads people to believe that dogs are smarter than cats, which would be wrong if you only base their intelligence on understanding. Some people believe cats understand plenty, but choose to ignore us anyway. Maybe cats are just frustrated because their humans don’t listen very well! Cats have been proven to be pretty wordy too when they feel like it!

   Here is what we all need to know about the difference between dogs and cats and their communication skills. Dogs might be better listeners and capable of grasping more words, but cats are better talkers and capable of communicating more with their human friends. Dogs may know 100 words, but they can only vocalize about 15 different sounds. Cats may only understand 25 to 35 words, but they can make about 100 different vocalizations. Perhaps cats are desperately trying to make first contact with us, as they only make these sounds around their human friends and not around other cats. And since very few of us even try to train our cats, how do we know what they are truly capable of?

   Interestingly, cats and dogs are also entirely capable of understanding more than one language. For example, dogs may be required to understand commands in more than one language if they are to have more than one handler. In military scenarios, dogs are required to understand commands in more than one language. In fact, many English-speaking handlers choose to teach their dogs in German because the language contains more hard consonants than English. Using different languages is also a neat way to differentiate between work and play for the dog.

    So I guess it’s a combination of training our pets and really listening to what they are trying to say to us that will help us best connect with them. They are certainly trying to understand our language, so we need to listen more and try to understand their “language” a little better too! And speaking of listening to and understanding our pets, I’m understanding that Mr. Cooper is ready for some playtime now as he’s bringing toy after toy to me and dropping them at my feet! Guess I can’t really miss that hint!


Happy tails to you until we meet again!

Pet Appreciation Week

Although we should be letting our pets know how special they are to us every day, June 7th through June 13th 2015 is National Pet Appreciation Week. This is the "PURfect" time to celebrate just how much our favorite four-legged friends mean to us.

Some of us are cat people and some of us are dog people but, regardless of which category you or I fall into, most of us are just plain crazy about our pets. The connections we form with our cats and dogs are often the longest and strongest relationships in our lives. These kind creatures are our soul mates, our best friends, and sometimes even our surrogate children.

So what makes our pets such key members of our families? Perhaps it’s because our beloved pets have long provided us with comfort, camaraderie, and unconditional love. Cats and dogs are our unending source of kisses, cuddles, slobber, claws, and laughs. They make great companions for anyone at any age and can even be excellent exercise partners...well, at least for those of us who actually want to exercise!

This week is about going that extra mile and really showing our furry family members just how much we love and cherish them. And to help us out with this, here are a few suggestions from a pet's point of view on how they would like us to celebrate this week with them.

1. "Make sure we have a proper and up-to-date identification tag." What a great time to make sure your playful pup or curious kitty can make it home easier if he or she is ever lost.

2. "Treats and LOTS of them ...we pets don’t mind at all when you show us how much you love us with our favorite treats!"

3. "LOTS of hugs and kisses...just because we deserve it!"

4. "Make sure we are eating the right food. Food is very important to us, and we always let our humans know if we're unhappy in this department!" This is a great time to make sure the food your pet is eating is appropriate for their age and weight.

5. "More toys! Have you seen some of the super cool new toys in the pet stores? Some of them are really challenging and make us pets think while we play!"

6. "Take us on a special outing!" This could be visiting a new park or beach, switching up the walking route, attend a pet-friendly social event, etc.

7. "Did we mention treats?"

"Just a few ideas to get you thinking about treats...ooops, we mean Pet Appreciation Week! WOOF-WOOF, MEOW-MEOW!" Happy tails to you until we meet again!

Pets In Paradise

I'd like to start off by giving a great big shout out to Gracie and all of the staff and volunteers who helped make this year's Puppy Love fund raiser so successful.  Putting together an event like that is a huge task that I certainly wouldn't want to be responsible for, but Gracie and her team did an amazing job.  All of the animals at Pet Pal are raising their paws to show their appreciation for all the hard work and for the generous donations received to provide for their care. 

 

So what's up next?  I'm thinking it's time for a well-deserved and much-needed vacation!  Since Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, I thought this would be a good opportunity to share a few helpful tips to make summer traveling safe and enjoyable for the four-legged members of the family too.  Whether you're traveling by car, plane, bus, or train, here are some basic guidelines to keep in mind as you plan your trip. 

 

Traveling by car:
1.  Get your dog used to the car by letting him sit in it with you without leaving the driveway and then going for short rides.
2.  Avoid car sickness by letting your dog travel on an empty stomach.  However, make sure he has plenty of water at all times.
3.  Keep the car well-ventilated.  If the dog is in a crate, make sure that fresh air can flow into the crate.
4.  Never let your dog ride in the back of an open truck.  This is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe injuries or death.
5.  Stop frequently for feeding, exercise, and potty breaks.  Be sure to clean up after your dog.
6.  Car rides can get boring for everyone so, if traveling with children, instruct them not to tease or annoy the dog in the car.  Also be sure to have a few favorite toys to keep the dog entertained. 
7.  Never, ever leave your dog unattended in a closed vehicle, particularly in the summer.  If you must leave the car, designate a member of the family to stay with the dog.

 

Traveling by plane:
Each airline has its own set of rules for canine air travel.  Check with the specific airline you're flying on for information and make the necessary arrangements well in advance of your trip. 

 

Traveling by bus or train:
If you plan to travel by bus or train, you may be disappointed.  Dogs are not permitted on Amtrak trains or on buses operated by Greyhound and other interstate bus companies.  Local rail and bus companies have their own policies.

 

Once you've figured out how you're going to travel, it's time to decide where you want to go.  As more families are bringing their beloved pets with them on vacation, the number of hotels, campgrounds, beaches, and even restaurants and wineries that welcome animals is quickly growing.  Sometimes pet-friendly lodging can even cost less than boarding your dog in some kennel where they will most likely feel scared and lonely the entire time.  Find out in advance which hotels or motels at your destination or along your route are pet-friendly.  Be careful because there is a vast difference between places that simply allow pets and those that are truly pet-friendly.  Call ahead and ask to make sure that what they consider pet-friendly really does meet your needs.  Consider asking some or all of the following questions before booking your stay.

 

1.  Are there size or breed restrictions?
2.  Is there an extra charge or cleaning fee for pets?
3.  Are pets required to be on leash?
4.  Are dogs allowed on walkways, paths, or trails?  In city or downtown areas?  On sidewalks?  In stores, galleries, wineries, or other local attractions?
5.  Do I need a health certificate or proof of vaccinations?

 

Once you locate  the perfect place for you and your furry friend, be the perfect guest by doing the following. 

 1.  Respect other guests, staff and the property.

2.  Keep your dog as quiet as possible.
3.  Do not leave the dog unattended.  Many dogs will bark or destroy property if left alone in a strange place.
4.  Ask the management where you should walk your dog, and pick up after him.  Do not leave any mess behind.
5.  Remember that one bad experience with a dog guest may prompt the hotel management to refuse to allow any dogs in the future.  Be considerate of others and leave your room and the grounds in good condition

Don't forget to look for nearby veterinary care and pet supply stores when planning your getaway.  Also, if your pet isn't already microchipped, you may want to consider this before traveling in case of separation.  If nothing else, make sure your pet is wearing a well-fitting collar with a current ID tag at all times.  Of course no one wants to think that something bad could happen on their long-awaited vacation, but responsible pet owners need to be prepared for anything.  

 

Finding the perfect vacation spot for you and your pampered pet will require a bit of planning and preparation, but there are plenty of websites that can help you with the research.  "GoPetFriendly.com", "BringFido.com", and "PetFriendlyTravel.com" are popular sites that have vast resources for any and all of your pet travel needs.  So, wherever your travels take you and your four-legged companions this summer, be safe and enjoy your pets in paradise! 

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again! 

Share the Puppy Love

Well, it's spring time again and with the spring comes Puppy Love!  Pet Pal Animal Shelter's 13th annual Puppy Love Benefit is on Saturday May 9th from 6 PM to10 PM at the Historic Coliseum in St. Petersburg.  This is Pet Pal's largest fundraiser of the year.  It is VITAL to the day-to-day operation of the shelter, providing much needed funds for the care and recuperation of the animals. 

 

This year's "uncorked" evening will include dinner, silent and live auctions, "puppy pimping" (sloppy kisses - no charge), 50/50 raffle, live music, and much more!  A few of the silent auction items include a 3-night stay at Atlantis Casino Resort, a TradeWinds Guy Harvey Outpost Resort weekend, 2 tickets to Counting Crows concert on July 31^st, 2 tickets to Garth Brooks concert on June 6^th, season tickets to the Florida Orchestra, a spa package from Royal Palms Spa, a 3-hour sunset cruise on the Freedom III, Marc Jacobs sunglasses, a Kate Spade scarf and Bella Capelli hairstyle basket, and a whole lot more.  There will be about 200 auction items in all, so there’s a little something for everyone.                 

Although I've been volunteering at the shelter for nearly 3 years now, I've never been able to attend this event but I've heard so much about it over the years that my husband and I decided to sign up to volunteer there this year and will finally be getting in on the fun too!  Keep reading this Happy Tails blog for future posts on the highlights of the evening.  And if anyone is still interested in volunteering, donating, or buying  tickets to attend, call Pet Pal at (727) 328-7738 or visit www.petpalanimalshelter.com for more information.  There will also be a final Puppy Love meeting for all volunteers on Sunday May 3rd at 2 PM at the shelter to go over last-minute details.  

 

With less than 2 weeks to go until the big night, there's still lots to be done which means plenty of craziness at the shelter...even more than usual!  So we welcome anyone and everyone willing to lend a "paw" to help the animals.  They're depending on all of us to make this event a success...so let's all share some Puppy Love! 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!