Hooray For National Puppy Day!

Did you know that March 23rd is "National Puppy Day"?  Millions of

unwanted puppies sit alone in shelters every day and, unfortunately,

many never make it out to enjoy a life of love and security. Instead

of buying a puppy from a breeder or pet store, why not support local

animal rescues like Pet Pal Animal Shelter and save a life today.  If

we are ever going to fix the problem of pet overpopulation, we all

need to become part of the solution...not part of the problem.

ADOPT....DON'T SHOP!


So how does pet adoption work?  Well of course the process is

different from shelter to shelter but, as I eluded to in my last blog

post, here's the basic qualification criteria required to adopt an

animal from Pet Pal.  First, there's the application to fill out

including all of your information as well as contact information for

your landlord and current vet (if either of these apply).  Pet Pal

staff will need to verify with the landlord that it's okay for you to

have a pet on their property and if there are any size limitations or

breed restrictions.  They will also need to verify that all of your

pets (current and/or within the last 5 years) have been

spayed/neutered and kept up-to-date on vaccinations and heartworm

preventative.

 
Along with the application, there is an adoption fee of $200 for all

dogs/puppies and $40 for all cats/kittens.  As a non-profit

organization, Pet Pal Animal Shelter depends solely on these adoption

fees and whatever donations are received from the local community.

When you consider how much it costs to properly care for each animal

(i.e. housing, feeding, vaccinating, spaying/neutering, etc.), it's

easy to realize that the adoption fees and donations barely cover it

all.  However, as huge promoters of responsible pet ownership, Pet Pal

would NEVER neglect or mistreat their animals simply to cut down

expenses.

 
Pet Pal also requires that every person as well as any other pets

currently living in your home come in to be introduced to the shelter

animal in a supervised environment.  This helps to ensure that

everyone in the household is on-board with the adoption and, more

importantly, that all humans and pets get along well with each other

before leaving the shelter.  Of course animal behaviors will most

likely change once in a home environment which is to be expected but,

by observing the initial interactions at the shelter, the staff can

get a pretty good idea whether or not the animal you've chosen will be

a good match for your family and lifestyle.

 
It may seem like there are a lot of "hoops to jump through" to adopt

from Pet Pal Animal Shelter, but these are all necessary steps taken

to ensure every animal goes to a safe home with loving and responsible

pet parents.  The staff and volunteers at Pet Pal all dedicate their

time to love and nurture every animal that comes in and make every

effort to place each one in a FURever home.


So in honor of "National Puppy Day", let me encourage all of you to

consider adopting a dog (or cat) from Pet Pal and keep at least one

more animal from spending another day left behind at the shelter.  If

you can't adopt a new furry friend today, you can still make a

difference by donating to Pet Pal Animal Shelter.  Find out more about

ways to help by going to http://www.petpalanimalshelter.com or calling

(727) 328-7738.


Thank you for taking the time to read this.  Please send any questions

or comments you have for me via email to chrisnorm74@gmail.com.  I

welcome any and all feedback you want to share.


Happy Tails to you until we meet again!

Mr. Daly, This Blog Is For You!

While I was sitting at the front desk doing my volunteer thing at the shelter last Wednesday, Gracie (marketing director) was telling Scott (executive director) about my most recent blog and his response was, "Is it about me?"  Of course he was just kidding around (I think) but then I realized that might be a fun idea for a blog topic.  So Mr. Daly, this blog is for you! 

 

For anyone who may not know him, Scott Daly is the executive director of Pet Pal Animal Shelter as well as their veterinary clinic and thrift store.  He has over 20 years of experience working with animals in various veterinary offices and shelters, and he truly puts his heart and soul into his work.  As executive director, Scott has a GINORMOUS amount of responsibility to keep all 3 facilities running smoothly, but he ALWAYS puts the animals and their needs first.  He offers all the advice and support he can to anyone having difficulties with their animals, whether or not the animal was adopted from Pet Pal.  And he won't allow anything that could potentially be detrimental to animals, even if that means having to decline an adoption if the person or family doesn't meet certain qualifications.  Be sure to check out the next Happy Tails blog for more information about Pet Pal's specific adoption requirements and the reasons for them. 

 

Not only is Scott Daly devoted to Pet Pal's mission of rescuing animals from other shelters that may be at risk of being euthanized due to illness, injury, or lack of socialization/training as well as promoting responsible animal ownership, he's just an all-around great guy!  He's a real family man with an awesome sense of humor.  He likes to have a good time but, make no mistake, he's VERY  serious when it comes to his animals.  Best of all, he's not the type to just sit in his office shuffling papers while his staff and volunteers do all the dirty work...he'll get right in there with them mopping floors and cleaning litter boxes just to get the job done and ensure the shelter looks presentable to the public.  But perhaps my favorite thing about Scott Daly is the simple fact that, just like giving the animals a second chance at life, without question or hesitation, he was willing to give this blind woman the opportunity to volunteer and feel like she is part of something truly special!  

 

No, I'm not writing all this stuff to score some "brownie points" with the director...although a few extra crumbs now and then never hurts...LOL!  I really just want everyone to know that the animals who end up at Pet Pal Animal Shelter are actually very fortunate to have a man like Scott Daly caring for them and searching for the very best home for each and every one of them.  So the next time you're in the neighborhood, stop by Pet Pal and let Scott know how much we all appreciate his dedication to the animals and making such an important cause his life's work!    

 

Thank you Scott Daly for all you do!!! 

 

Happy Tails to you until we meet again!

Can Old Dogs Teach Us New Tricks?

How many times have we pondered whether or not an old dog can actually learn new tricks?  Well, how about dogs teaching humans new tricks?  Hmmm, what do you think we could learn from them?  Here are a few doggie life lessons to make us think and hopefully focus on the simple things in life – the parts of life that have endless value.  Take a break from the busyness of everyday life and see if dogs can, in fact, teach us a few new tricks.

 

If dogs were teachers, we would probably learn the really important stuff like...
*  When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
*  Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
*  Enjoy the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face (don't worry about your hair getting messed up)  .
*  When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience (being obedient might take a lot of practice for some of us).
*  Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
*  Take naps (my personal favorite).
*  Stretch before rising.
*  Run, romp, and play daily.
*  Avoid biting when a simple growl will do (something often easier said than done).
*  On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass (only if someone is there to help me get back up).
*  On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
*  When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body (just be sure no one else is around to witness this scary sight).
*  No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout… run right back and make friends (another example of something easier said than done).
*  Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
*  Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough (learning to stop when we've had enough may take some time to master).
*  Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you’re not.
*  If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
*  When someone is having a bad day; be silent, sit close by, and be a true companion (no training needed...this is something we can all do but probably don't do nearly enough).

 

So let's try to learn from our very wise, four-legged friends and practice showing them all the love and patience they share with us every day of our lives.  Our pets truly deserve the same respect and unconditional love as all living beings do.  They are not status symbols...they have huge open hearts and, if we open our hearts as well, our lives are FURever changed for the better!

 

Ready to open your heart and home to a new dog, cat, puppy, or kitten?  Check out all the cuddly cuteness waiting for you at Pet Pal by going to http://www.petpalanimalshelter.com.  There you'll find the animals currently available for adoption as well as information about upcoming events, different ways to donate, and volunteer opportunities. 

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.  Please post any questions or suggestions you might have for me in the comments section or via email to chrisnorm74@gmail.com.  I welcome and greatly appreciate any feedback you want to share. 

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again! 

Furever Love For Valentine's Day

Feeling lonely this Valentine's Day?  Hoping this will finally be the year that special someone sweeps you off your feet and you'll go riding off into the sunset together towards your "happily ever after"?  Well, just in case that doesn't happen...here's a little something to make you smile anyway. 

 

Did you know that one in five people prefer to spend Valentine’s Day with their pet over their significant other?  Here are ten reasons why a dog makes a better date this Valentine’s Day:

 

1.  Dogs don’t talk!  I could go into further detail, but I think we can all agree this is a good thing!

2.  If you worry your dog will destroy your home 4 seconds after you leave for the evening, you can put him in a crate.  The authorities frown upon this sort of thing when it comes to dates!

3.  Dog slobber is cute...date slobber is sooooo not cute!  

4.  You don’t have to share your dessert with a dog (and probably shouldn’t).  This is ideal because dessert is the best part of Valentine’s Day and all that sweet stuff makes dogs sick.  So you get your box of chocolates all to yourself!  YUM!   

5.  For the not-so-romantic folks out there, a dog won’t look hopefully, then desperately, and finally disappointedly into your eyes when the evening doesn’t end in a romantic marriage proposal!  

6.  When a dog follows you around, it’s just too cute.  Nothing is better than being adored by a loyal dog; however, if a date follows you around … we call that stalking!

7.  Dogs don’t care if you're “presentable” or not.  You don’t have to buy expensive clothes and accessories to hang out with your dog.  Just head out on a walk, toss a ball around, give a good long belly rub and you’ve won their hearts forever!  

8.  You'll never have to come up with a way to gently but firmly “get rid” of a dog.  Why would anyone want to get rid of a dog?  Dogs are funny, goofy, and even help out by cleaning food right off the kitchen floor for you when you drop it.  Dates seem to think that kind of thing is below them!  

9.  Pup snuggles are the best!  OK, so snuggles from a human can be pretty good too but, when a pup nuzzles his way up along side you on the couch, you’ll stay in that same position for hours just so you don’t disturb the little guy's comfort!

10.  Did I mention dogs don’t talk?

 

No pet of your own to be your Valentine?  Maybe it's time to consider adopting one.  Who knows, Cupid may have a perfect love match waiting for you at Pet Pal Animal Shelter!  Just keep in mind that bringing an animal into your home and caring for it properly is kind of like getting married...it's a lifelong commitment and everyone involved needs to be on board with it.  Surprising your loved one with a puppy or kitten might seem like a great Valentine's Day gift, but returning the animal to the shelter because things didn't work out isn't so romantic.

 

Not quite ready to jump into the commitment of a long-term relationship but still wanting to share the love?  Well look no further for your new B.F.F. this Valentine's Day!  Send a Valentine to an animal at Pet Pal Animal Shelter:

 

1.  Make a donation of $50 to any animal at Pet Pal and they will display a Red Heart with the animal's picture, and your love message in the shelter for the month of February. 

2.  Upon adoption, your Doggie Valentine will receive a Bag of Science Diet Food, leash & collar,  and an earth rated poo bag dispenser filled with lavender scented poo bags by St. Petersbark .  Cats get a bag of Science Diet Food and World's Best Cat Litter.

3.  You will receive a Valentine in the mail from your animal.

 

Our pets are our best friends. They love us unconditionally, lend us an ear, protect us from harm, and are true companions.  A great time to show how much we love them is on Valentine’s Day.  So give your pets an extra big hug this Valentines Day and show them just how special they really are! 

 

Have a warm and furry Valentine's Day! 

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again! 

PAWSitively For The Pits!

Contrary to what we hear in the news or from our friends, neighbors, colleagues, etc., American Pit Bull Terriers are generally good-natured, amusing, extremely loyal, and affectionate family pets.  They are always eager to please their masters.  They are extremely courageous and intelligent guard dogs who are very full of vitality.  Highly protective of their owners and the owner's property, they will fight an enemy to the death.  They are usually very friendly, but also have an uncanny ability to know when they need to protect and when everything is okay.  Pit Bulls can be overpowering with meek owners and need a firm hand.  They are generally okay with other pets if they are raised with them.  They are very friendly, but not recommended for most people because most people do not understand how to properly raise and train this breed. 

 

With basic training along with the proper amount of exercise and a firm owner, Pit Bulls can be trustworthy and obedient dogs.  They should be socialize very thoroughly when young to prevent aggressive tendencies, and they definitely need to be kept under control when other dogs are present.  This breed needs to be taught respect for humans too.  Pit Bulls excel in practically every canine task including herding, guarding, hunting, and policing.  When properly trained and socialized, they are very good dogs and great family companions.  Unfortunately however, some choose to promote the natural fighting instinct in the breed, giving it a bad name.  

 

At one time, Pit Bulls had an all-around reputation of being much loved and trustworthy companions.  Unfortunately, the breed has become somewhat of a status symbol for many who choose to train these dogs to fight.  It is these types of people who are chiefly responsible for the negative images that are becoming all too familiar to us.  The media, however, should not go unmentioned as they, too, are responsible for escalating isolated incidences in a relentless and attention-getting way.  Most Pit Bulls are bred as family dogs, but the media will rarely mention this.  They get more views pretending all Pit Bulls are bred by fighters.  Often when the media reports about a Pit Bull attack, it is not even a Pit Bull at all but another "bully breed", i.e. rottweiler, Doberman, mastiff, etc.  The Pit Bull's future has been perhaps irreparably undone and everyone is to blame except the dog itself. 

 

As a result of the common misconceptions of Pit Bulls and other "bully breeds", the process to adopt a Pit Bull or Pit mix requires that any potential Pit Bull parents MUST own their home.  Due to strict insurance policy guidelines, most landlords can not have Pit Bulls or any other "bully breeds" residing on their properties...even if they're diehard fans of these breeds.  This is because the insurance companies exclude these breeds from their coverage due to the increased liability these dogs are supposedly known for.  All of this leads to just one thing...it's becoming more and more difficult for Pit Bulls and Pit mixes as well as the other "bully breeds" to be placed in FURever homes.  This then causes overcrowding in shelters resulting in many more animals being turned away simply because of a lack of space.  

 

As one of these so-called "bully breeds" that are often misunderstood and even sometimes mistreated", shelters everywhere are facing an increase in the number of Pit Bulls and Pit mixes that are being surrendered because their owners could not or would not properly care for these animals.  The Pit Project is a program being offered by Pet Pal Animal Shelter with a goal of rescuing and adopting out more Pit Bulls by educating adopters about the breed.  It takes a special type of person to be a Pit owner and, with the right leadership and training, Pet Pal can get you prepared for one of the best experiences of your life!

 

While at the shelter, all Pit Bull Terriers and Pit mixes will receive temperament testing and evaluations from CDPT certified trainers.  Once these dogs have been assessed, a training regimen will be put into place to keep them active and motivated during their stay at the shelter.  Upon adoption, with the help of their “Guardian Angels”, all Pittie adopters will go home with a crate, leash, collar, Kong toy, small bag of Science Diet, and free initial vet visit at Pet Pal Veterinary Clinic (where a 1-month supply of heartworm and flea prevention will be provided) as well as a review of the training program being used at the shelter.  Additionally, a group training class will be offered by a certified trainer to provide guidance in leadership skills for all family members.  Of course ALL Pet Pal dogs have already been neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and de-wormed prior to being put up for adoption.

 

To become a Guardian Angel for a beloved Pet Pal Pittie, go to Pet Pal's web site and click on the Pit you would like to sponsor.  Complete your donation through Pay Pal using your credit card.  We will mail you a picture of our Angel in recognition of your donation and place this in their adoption file at the shelter.

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.  I feel it is VERY important to get as much accurate information about Pit Bulls out there as possible in hopes of educating the public and bringing the "right" kind of attention to this breed! 

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!

New Year, New Resolutions

Well here we are, ready to kick off another year making all sorts of resolutions that we intend to keep but, despite our best efforts, probably won't continue any of them much beyond the month of January.  Since most resolutions we make and later fail to sustain are personal goals we set for ourselves to improve our own lives, why not do something different this year by making a resolution that will have benefits for both you and your beloved pet.  Most pet owners will do just about anything for their 4-legged friends and, by involving your pet and making them part of a new routine, you may find the lifestyle change more enjoyable and thus be more likely to stick with it...especially if it is keeping your pet safe, happy, and healthy!    

 

Here are ten resolution ideas  to make this year your pet’s best year yet!

 

10.  Measure Your Pet’s Food - Every Time.

Many owners “eyeball” their pet’s daily intake and pour that into a bowl, usually resulting in overfeeding and weight gain.  It’s important to use a measuring cup to ensure your pet isn’t taking in more calories than they need.  The recommended feeding guidelines on the bag are a good place to start to figure out how much food they really need.

 

9.  Choose an Age-Appropriate Diet.

Growing pets have very specific nutrient requirements to ensure their bodies grow healthy and strong.  For example, some senior pets may have lower energy requirements, but have other medical issues like degenerative joint disease that may be helped with the appropriate diet.  Choosing a diet specifically tailored to your pet’s life stage is a great way to keep them in optimal health.

 

8.  Try a New Activity with Your Pet.

From doga (doggy yoga) to hiking to kayaking, it’s easier than ever for people to incorporate their pet into a new exercise routine.  It’s a great way to bond, it will get you both out of the house, and both you and your pet will reap the rewards of physical activity.  

 

7.  Incorporate (More) Playtime into Your Routine.

Cats love the thrill of chasing a laser toy; just don’t tell them it’s exercise!  Toys that trigger a cat’s natural predatory instinct are a great way to get them off the couch.  Experiment to see what really gets your cat going — catnip toys, crinkly balls, and climbable cat trees are some feline favorites.  Even something as simple as a cardboard box can become a cool cat cave that provides them  with the perfect hiding place.

 

6.  Make a Date with Your Vet.

An annual examination by the veterinarian is a key component of good preventive care.  Many medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or obesity are common in aging pets and much easier to manage when detected early. Veterinary visits are also the perfect time to ask for advice, update your pet’s food, or get an expert opinion on any behavioral issues that may be affecting your pet.

 

5.  Groom Your Pet Daily.

Brushing your pet serves many purposes.  It removes excess fur from the coat, reducing the amount you find on your clothes and furniture.  Daily grooming is also a bonding activity that shows your pet how much you love them by taking care of them in a very soothing manner.

 

4.  Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits with Your Pet.

Brushing your pets teeth routinely is the best way to keep tartar and plaque at bay — just be sure to use a toothpaste meant for dogs and cats.  Treats designed to reduce tartar can also be a helpful tool in keeping teeth clean.  Regular cleanings by a licensed veterinarian are the best way to keep those pearly whites in tip top shape long into your pet’s senior years.

 

3.  Teach an Old Dog a New Trick.

Studies show that mental stimulation can help reduce cognitive deterioration in aging animals.  In other words, keeping your senior pet’s brain active can actually make it healthier!  Teaching your pet new tricks and practicing those they already know are a great way to keep those neurons firing.  Puzzle feeders, which force a pet to think through a task in order to be rewarded with a treat, are also an excellent way to keep a pet’s mind engaged.

 

2.  Update Pet ID Info.

Over the course of a year, a lot can change — people move, get new phone numbers, and forget to update their pet’s tags.  Unfortunately, they often only remember once the pet is lost.  If any of your contact information has changed recently, don’t wait — update their tags and microchip information today!  It’s the best way to ensure a lost pet makes their way home.

 

1.  Consider Fostering.

You think you want a new pet, but you’re not completely sure it’s right for you?  Try fostering.  Pet Pal Animal Shelter and many other rescue groups need loving homes to provide safe and temporary living arrangements for pets.  It’s the perfect way to test the waters of pet ownership without the long-term commitment, since you are simply hosting a pet while they wait for their FURever home.  Who knows? That home just might end up being yours!

 

I hope these tips will help all of you make 2015 a fabulous year for you and your pets!  Even if you can only commit to 1 or 2 of these resolutions, you'll still be improving your pet's quality of life in some way which will be improving your life as well!  

 

All the best to you and your furry friends in this coming year!  

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!  

Christmas Memories

Ready or not, Christmas is here!  For the past several weeks, or maybe months if you're organized enough to plan that far ahead, we've been consumed with all the shopping, wrapping, decorating, cooking/baking, and entertaining that's somehow always expected at this time of year.  Now it's time to be done with all of that craziness and think about what this season really means to us.  For me, it's soooo much more than just the festive foods and perfect presents...although those are great too!!!  Christmas is really about family and the special memories we create when we gather together. 

 

Since this blog is supposed to be focusing on our pets, let me remind you that some of the very best holiday memories are those involving the 4-legged members of our families.  Although I'm sure we've all gotten frustrated a time or two when our playful pets have torn the paper off our beautifully wrapped packages or they've chewed on the wires for the tree lights but, before we yell at them or ban them from the festivities, we should take a deep breath and remember that it is Christmas...a time to forgive...even our pets.  They just want to be a part of the holiday fun too, and that kind of fun is what makes all those magical memories that will last a lifetime. 

 

I hope you and your loved ones...especially the cute 4-legged ones...will be together this Christmas and will enjoy reliving old memories while creating new ones.  Memories are priceless gifts to cherish forever!!! 

 

Merry Christmas to all!!!