Paws For Massage

If you’ve ever had a massage, then you know firsthand the positive overall impact it can have on your life...not to mention how great it makes you feel.  Well, believe it or not, a good massage can have similar effects on shelter animals.  You might be asking, “Do homeless animals really need a massage?”  The answer is always a resounding "YES!"  The idea sounds very nice, but you're probably wondering if massaging shelter animals might just be carrying things a bit too far.  Animals who live day to day, month to month, or year to year in a shelter environment actually need it the most.

 

Massage therapy is proven to reduce stress, and all animals can benefit from that.  Massage and bodywork modalities are wonderful ways to melt away stress.  So many sweet, wonderful, well-adjusted animals lose their chance of being adopted because they cannot handle the stress of the shelter environment or their length of time there.  This prolonged physical and emotional stress and the fear and inability to cope often experienced by shelter animals can create illness and behavioral issues.  Unfortunately, the altered behavior often demonstrated by animals in a shelter environment is not always representative of who they really are and thereby inhibits their chances of finding their furever homes.

 

Utilizing massage techniques and common practices for reducing stress can help animals in the shelter environment.  Massage therapy not only provides relaxation but it has also been shown to enhance attentiveness, reduce stress hormones, alleviate depressive symptoms, reduce pain, and improve immune function in shelter animals.  It can also be used as a positive reinforcement when treats can’t be used.  Since so many animals are euthanized specifically because they are fearful of human handling, use of massage techniques can also clearly be an invaluable tool in trust building and the animal's acceptance of touch.  Being able to use these tools of positive touch and massage reduces stress and enriches shelter animals beyond compare.  Shelter animals are happier and healthier which  makes them infinitely more adoptable.  Now isn't that what we all want for them? 

 

Massage is also a wonderful way to build and strengthen an existing relationship between owners and their pets.  Of course the owners  should always proceed slowly at first, as massage may be somewhat foreign to the animals but, chances are, once the animals realize how good a massage feels, they'll come to look forward to the special treatment and they will associate their pet parents   as being the ones providing it. 

 

Massage therapy can have many positive benefits for animals and their humans in a variety of situations.  It can help relieve stress and improve the quality of life for shelter animals, it can help to establish a bond between an owner and a new pet, or it can help build on an existing relationship with a pet.  Many people may still think of animal massage as an unnecessary luxury but, after reading more about it, I'm beginning to realize it's healing powers.  I'm hoping everyone involved with animals will eventually come to the same conclusion and raise their paws for massage! 

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!

Celebrating The 4th With Our 4-legged Friends

The 4th of July is one of our nation's most celebrated holidays; filled with fun backyard activities, barbecues, and booming firework displays lighting up the night sky in recognition of the birth of our great country.  But unlike people, animals don’t associate the noise, flashes, and burning smell of fireworks with happy celebrations. 

 
Animals are often terrified of fireworks and may panic at all the loud pops and bangs they produce.  The American Humane Association reports that, as a result, July 5th is one of the busiest days of the year for animal shelters.  Why?  A 2005 press release stated that, the day after the 4th of July, animal shelters are “inundated with pets that panicked at the noise of firecrackers and fled into the night; winding up lost, injured or killed.” 

 

If you want to include your pets at a 4th of July celebration, take safety precautions to ensure that your dog or cat is protected from some of these common hazards.

 

1.  Noise Phobia:
An extreme fear of a sound, such as firecrackers or fireworks, can cause our pets to act aggressively during this fearful event.  Pets can injure themselves while trying to escape or when looking for a place to hide.  If your pets are going to be home alone on the 4th of July, reduce the noise level in your home by running a fan, playing the radio, or closing the windows and doors to help block out any troubling  noise.  Pet owners can also create a safe place where their pets can retreat to when they feel threatened.  Some animals find refuge in small spaces, such as a closet or their crate.  Consider putting their favorite blanket and toys in these areas to create a sense of security for them while you're out.

 

2.  Food Toxicity:
Barbecues can offer tantalizing treats for animals; however, most of them are toxic  to our pets.  Fatty and rich foods such as hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken, and baby back ribs can reek havoc on your pets' stomach, often leading to indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea, etc.  Raw meat and fish contain bacteria or parasites that are extremely dangerous to our pets and can even be fatal.  Onions and garlic, common ingredients in many foods, are toxic to dogs and cats and can lead to fatal poisoning.  Discarded bones from ribs, steak, or chicken can cause an obstruction or lacerations of your pets' digestive system.  Make sure to keep pets away from alcohol; wine, beer and other spirits which are extremely toxic and often cause life-threatening seizures or respiratory failure.

 

3.  Pet drowning:
Many 4th of July parties are held pool-side, at the beach, or on a lake with pets tagging along.  Thousands of animals die in drowning incidents each year.  These incidents can be avoided if the following safety measures are taken.  Don’t assume your pets know how to swim; familiarize them  with water from a young age.  Supervise your pets at all times while they’re around water and be sure they have an easy way to exit the water.  Never leave your pets unattended at the beach as they can easily become overpowered by tides and currents.  If you're taking your pets on a boat, buy a lifejacket made specifically for your four-legged companion.  This simple but effective accessory just might save your pets' life

 

4.  Lost pets:
Pets can easily become separated from us during holiday festivities; too many people at a party can create confusion, a back door may accidentally be left open, or your dogs could get pulled in the opposite direction while swimming unattended at the beach.  Pets left at home may also become anxious during a firework display and find a way to escape from the house.  Make sure your pets wear a durable collar with up-to-date information on the identification tags.  Getting microchips for all of your pets is another way to increase the chances that they are reunited with you should they become lost.

 

Unfortunately, even with the best safety plan in motion, accidents can still happen.  If there is an emergency with your pets, don’t wait to have them treated; locate a 24-hour veterinary clinic if your family veterinarian is unavailable.  

 

Perhaps the safest and best way to celebrate this 4th of July with your pets is to exclude them from the festivities altogether.  Instead, find a safe, secure spot in the home for your pets while you go out and enjoy the loud bangs, bright lights and spectator fun.  You may think your beloved pets will feel left out but, trust me, they'll appreciate the quiet a whole lot more than you’ll enjoy all the noise!

 
Here's to a safe 4th of July for all!

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!

TYDTWDay

Doesn't it just break your heart to see your beloved furry friend staring out at you from the front window with those sad puppy dog eyes as you head out for another busy day at the office?  Do you ever wish you could spare them another lonely and boring day at home and bring them to work with you?  Well, this Friday, June 24th, just might be the day that wish can come true because its Take Your Dog To Work Day!            

 

In 1996, Pet Sitters International decided that there were far too many instances of people leaving their animals at home while they went about their workday.  This amazing organization is dedicated to saving animals from local shelters and helping them find good homes with people who will love and respect them.  As part of this project they developed Take Your Dog To Work Day in an attempt to help restore puppies to the workplace and help people understand the extraordinary bond between humans and their animals. 


Since the beginning of time, dogs have been considered man’s best friend.  They worked alongside us, hunting and tracking and even keeping us safe at night by alerting us to imminent danger.  In modern times, however, this relationship has been forgotten and the poor pooch is now left to sit at home while we go about our daily business.  Take Your Dog To Work Day is set to change this and bring the happy puppy back into our daily work lives.

 

This day of recognition  encourages employers and co-workers to experience the joys of pets in the workplace for one day to support their local pet community.  TYDTWDay is an annual event and is always celebrated on the Friday following Father’s Day.  It also accommodates cat lovers (and other pets) and those who cannot participate on TYDTWDay as the entire week leading up to this day, June 20-24, is Take Your Pet To Work Week. 

 
So how can we Celebrate Take Your Dog To Work Day?  Well that's a no-brainer isn’t it?  Take your dog to work with you!  This doesn’t mean leaving them in the car to bake in the hot summer sun; the pup should spend the entire day by your side.  Of course you will want to be sure your dog as well as your co-workers are comfortable with this situation, so here are a few tips to remember.  

 
*  Only take your dog to work if they're well-trained and listen to you.

*  Consider how your dog acts around other dogs and realize your dog may not get along with other dogs at your office.

*  Don’t assume that everyone likes your dog as much as you do.  Many people are afraid of dogs, especially big ones, but they don't want to speak up.

*  Don’t allow your dog to wander alone around your office; keep them by your desk all day to prevent them from bothering your co-workers.

*  Bring your dog’s bed so they'll feel more comfortable.  Also, bring along some of your dog’s favorite toys and treats to keep them entertained.

*  Be courteous when taking your dog out for bathroom breaks and clean up any mess they make.

 
By bringing your pet to work with you, you're helping to educate others on the importance of saving these amazing critters from rescue shelters and the streets.  It's a fun way for non-pet owners to witness firsthand the special bond their co-workers have with their pets and be encouraged to adopt a new best friend of their own.  If your place of business doesn’t yet have a Take Your Dog To Work Day organized, perhaps you can be the one to get it started and help bring some doggie goodness to your office.  Who knows, you may find some more dog fans in your co-workers, and maybe every day will become Take Your Dog To Work Day!

 
Happy tails to you until we meet again!

For All the Cat Lovers: Save a life - Adopt a cat!

Approximately 4 million cats end up in shelters across the country every year, including thousands born every spring and summer during “kitten season”.  That means there are tons of cute, cuddly newborns in addition to the older, more mellow cats and everything in between.  Since June is Adopt-A--Cat month, maybe you're ready to adopt your very first cat or perhaps bring home a friend for another beloved cat in your family!  Here's a simple but important checklist you should review before adopting your new feline companion.

 
1.  If you’re thinking about adopting a cat, consider taking home two.  This may sound like a pitch to get you to spend more money, but cats require exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction and two cats can provide this for each other.  They can provide many positive benefits to you as well.  For example, cats’ purring has been shown to soothe humans as well as themselves, and they have an uncanny ability to just make you smile.  A great place to start your search is online.  Sites like petfinder.com help you search numerous shelters in your area simultaneously to help narrow your search and more quickly find the PURfect match for you and your family.

 

2.  Find a cat whose personality meshes with yours.  Just as we each have our own personality, so do cats.  Adoption counselors can offer advice to help you match the cat’s personality with your own.

 

3.  Pick out a veterinarian ahead of time and schedule a visit within the first couple of weeks following the adoption.  Pet Pal Animal Shelter will include a free consultation with their veterinary clinic or you can choose your own vet.  Regardless of what vet you choose, You’ll want to take all medical records you received from the shelter to your first visit with the veterinarian

 

4.  Make sure everyone in the house is prepared to have a cat before it comes home.  Visiting the shelter should be a family affair.  If you already have pets at home and you're considering adopting a new cat, discuss with the adoption counselors the best ways to make a proper introduction.

 

5.  Budget for the short- and long-term costs of a cat.  Understand any pet is a responsibility and there are costs associated with that.  A cat adopted from a shelter like Pet Pal is a bargain as they have already provided spaying or neutering, initial vaccines, and a microchip for permanent identification.

 

6.  Get all the necessary supplies before the cat arrives.  Be prepared so your new cat can start feeling at home right away.  Your cat will need a litter box, cat litter, food and water bowls, food, scratching posts, safe and stimulating toys, a cushy bed, a brush for grooming, etc.

 

7.  Cat-proof your home.  A new cat will quickly teach you not to leave things lying out.  Food left on the kitchen counter will quickly teach your new friend to jump on counters for a possible lunch.  Get rid of loose items your cat might chew on, watch to ensure the kitten isn’t chewing on electric cords, and pick up random items like paper clips (which kittens may swallow).

 

8.  Take your time when introducing your cat to new friends and family.  It can take several weeks for a cat to relax in a new environment.  Socialization is very important but remember to take it slow.

 

9.  Be sure to include your new pet in your family’s emergency plan.  You probably already have a plan in place for getting your family to safety in case of an emergency...especially if you live here in Florida, but you'll need to adjust this plan to include your pets.  Add phone numbers for your veterinarian and closest 24-hour animal hospital to your emergency contact list.

 

10.  If you’re considering giving a cat as a gift, make sure the recipient is an active participant in the adoption process.  Though well-meaning, a surprise kitty gift doesn’t allow for a “get-to know-one-another” period.  For this reason, some shelters including Pet Pal Animal Shelter will not partake in surprise adoptions.  Adopting a cat (or any pet) isn’t like purchasing a household appliance or piece of jewelry; this is a real living, breathing, and emotional being who deserves a family that is 100% in love with the idea of adopting and ready to provide a FURever home.     

 

Now, what if you can't adopt?  Here are some easy ways you can still help bring awareness to Adopt-A-Cat Month. 

 

1.  Contact your local shelter or rescue group and ask if they have a donation wish list or other flier you can post around your school, office, neighborhood, etc.  They may be having special cat-related events that you can help promote too.

 

2.  Sign up as a shelter volunteer or foster parent and tell your friends and family how fun and rewarding it is.

 

3.  Pass on an understanding of the importance of pet adoption to the next generation.  Talk to your kids, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and other youngsters about animal shelters and responsible pet adoption   

 

4.  Post this message to your social media to spread the word.  "June is Adopt-A--Cat Month.  Save a life - Adopt a cat!"

     

It may not seem like you're doing much, but even just a little help can make a huge difference in the lives of these furry felines during Adopt-A-Cat Month and throughout the year! 

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!     

Happy Tails Furever!

As you may or may not know, I'm moving out of the St. Petersburg area and, unfortunately, will no longer be volunteering at Pet Pal Animal Shelter.  But no worries, Happy Tails isn't going anywhere!  I'll still be keeping in touch with Pet Pal and writing blogs about all the happenings there as well as many other topics about pet adoption, responsible pet parenting, important pet awareness events, and of course fun facts about our favorite furry friends! 

 

For today's blog, I want to give a huge shout out and congratulations to Gracie Grieshop and all the staff and volunteers who have been working sooooo very hard for sooooo many months on Pet Pal's annual Puppy Love benefit.  Since I'm in the middle of moving, I was unable to attend the event this year, but it seems to get bigger and better every year and I'm sure 2016 was no exception.  I'm truly amazed at just how much planning and preparation is involved with a fund raiser of this size and, despite all the craziness they go through, Gracie and her team always manage to pull it all together and make it a terrific success.  You guys totally rock!  Keep up the awesome work! 

 

Anyway, I hope this year's 14th annual Puppy Love turns out to be everything Pet Pal needs it to be and much, much more.  I also hope everyone had a really great time and is now getting some much needed rest before looking ahead to next year's event.  Speaking of next year, here's my challenge to you for Puppy Love 2017.  Let's make a goal of raising enough money to move Pet Pal into a bigger facility so they can save more animals!  OK, so maybe that's a little out of reach but it doesn't hurt to dream, right? 

 

Stay tuned for lots more Happy Tails, including my long-awaited search for my own rescue dog!  Yes, once we get ALL the renovations done on our house in NC and settle in there, I can FINALLY have a dog!  We're also planning to have a few goats, maybe some chickens, and who knows what else.  One thing is for sure though, there will be plenty of happy tails to come!    .    

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again! 

Bark Your Calenders!

Sorry it's been a little while since my last post, but I'm back now and ready to share some more PUPular and CATastic trivia with all of you!  Get ready to "bark" your calendars because there are a few very special pet dates you should be aware of this coming week. 

 

First, National Kids and Pets Day is on Tuesday, April 26, 2016.  This day of recognition originated in 2005 and was set up by Colleen Paige who is a mother and pet lover herself.  This day is dedicated to furthering the relationship between children and animals, raising awareness about shelter animals, and educating parents and children about pet safety.  Children and pets naturally go together, especially dogs, and as with adults, dogs can be fantastic teachers for children.  By learning how our dogs communicate and then listening, we can improve ourselves, and there’s no better time to start doing that than as a child.  Here are just three of the valuable lessons dogs can teach our children.

 
Self-confidence:  Dogs accept us for who we are and are non-judgmental.  They can’t tell the difference between a homeless man and a billionaire because all they’re looking at is energy.  Because of this, dogs are often used to help children become comfortable with reading out loud.  In this situation, if the child makes a mistake or stumbles over a word, the dog isn’t going to laugh.  It’s just going to sit there and listen quietly.  Without the possibility of embarrassing themselves in front of a dog, children learn to trust their own abilities.  Once they’re reading out loud in front of other kids, their skills continue to develop and self-confidence helps to build self-esteem.  Dogs give this to children just by being dogs and quietly listening. 

 
Empathy:  Very young children are naturally self-centered because they don’t know any better.  The world revolves around them and their needs.  This leads to problems as soon as they encounter another child with their own conflicting needs; for example, both of them want the same toy.  When children get older, the ones who don’t develop empathy become the bullies.  They aren’t aware of or don’t care about other people’s feelings.  By teaching children how to treat animals with compassion, we also teach them how to do the same for other human beings. 

 
Responsibility:  Pet ownership in general is one of those experiences many of us go through as kids.  Dogs are probably the best at teaching responsibility because they're the ones most emotionally attached to their human.  If you aren’t fulfilling a dog’s needs, she’ll let you know through her behavior.  Forget to fill the water bowl?  Expect her to start bothering you when she gets thirsty.  Not giving her enough exercise?  Her over-excitement will remind you that it’s time for a walk.  Neglect to provide a mentally challenging environment?  That’s when you come home to find your shoes in pieces.  It’s also the emotional connection that humans have with dogs that makes them great teachers of responsibility.  We consider them members of our families, and we like to see them happy.  It’s this happy-go-lucky side of a balanced dog that makes children want to remember to do what they're supposed to do in order to keep the dog fulfilled.

 

So let us all remember  the important values dogs can teach our children, not just on National Kids and Pets Day, but every single day of the year. 

 

Second, Wednesday, April 27, 2016 is International Guide Dogs Day.  Although my own personal experience with a guide dog was not a great one (that's a story for another blog), I will always believe that guide dogs are amongst the most phenomenal animals on the planet.  It's impossible to feel anything but pure love and awe when you witness just how dedicated these animals are to their owners and how precious and adorable the bond the two of them have is.  International Guide Dogs Day is a day to celebrate these dogs as well as the patient and talented people who train them and pay tribute to the important role they each play in our society.  The crucial work they do is recognized by everyone and, on International Guide Dogs Day, people go out of their way to honor and express their gratitude to these dogs who have impacted the day-to-day lives of so many.

 

Third, and probably most important, is National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day which is celebrated annually on April 30th.  Thinking about getting a pet?  Well, there’s no better day than this day!  There are millions of animals in shelters across the country waiting to go home with you, but you don’t have to adopt a million of them – just one would make a big difference.  Here are some facts about animal homelessness that may surprise you.

 

1.  Only 1 out of every 10 dogs born will find a permanent home.

2.  The main reasons animals are in shelters: owners give them up or animal control finds them on the street.

3.  Homeless animals outnumber homeless people 5 to 1.

4.  Each year, approximately 2.7 million dogs and cats are killed every year because shelters are too full and there aren’t enough adoptive homes. 

5.  Approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year.  Of those, approximately 3.9 million are dogs and 3.4 million are cats.

6.  According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP), less than 2% of lost cats and only 15 to 20% of lost dogs are returned to their owners.

7.  About twice as many animals enter shelters as strays compared to the number that are relinquished by their owners.

8.  It’s impossible to determine how many stray dogs and cats live in the United States.  Estimates for cats alone range up to 70 million.

9.  Only 10% of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered.  Overpopulation, due to owners letting their pets accidentally or intentionally reproduce, leads to millions of these “excess” animals being killed every year.

10.  Many strays are lost pets that were not kept properly indoors or provided with identification.

 

Animals impact our lives in so many ways without question or hesitation.  They save lives, keep us healthy, guide our blind and disabled, protect our neighborhoods, teach our children important life lessons, and bring joy to our families.  They do so much good for the world, yet too many of them end up neglected, abandoned, and abused.  There are so many  extremely cute and loving animals out there who are just waiting to become part of a family!  So what do you say...until there are none, adopt one!  Not quite ready to adopt?  You can still make a difference.  Consider donating supplies, money, or your time to a local animal shelter and maybe even look into becoming a foster home for animals in need.

 

Whatever you do, remember to celebrate and show your appreciation for all the amazing things animals   do for us each and every day!

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!

A Voice for the "Right" Choice

Every day, families all around the world spend hundreds or maybe even thousands of dollars on designer pedigree pets.  We're all looking for that perfect furry companion who will grow old with us and spend its entire life by our side.  But isn't it possible to develop the same strong bonds and friendships with an animal from a shelter?

 

Statistics show that approximately 7.6 million abandoned animals enter shelters nationwide every year but, unfortunately, there are only about 2.7 million pet adoptions annually.  Although this fact makes it seem as though there is a fairly large percentage of pet adoptions, about 2.7 million animals are euthanized each year because animal shelters are just too full.  With so many animals being euthanized, it's pretty clear that there are not nearly enough adoptions taking place.

 

Many people still choose to get their dogs or cats from breeders or pet stores because they have very specific qualities and characteristics they're looking for in a family pet.  Of course there are certain things that should definitely be taken into consideration such as an animal's size and activity level to be sure it will be a good match.  You wouldn't want to bring a Great Dane into a studio apartment or give your 95-year-old grandmother an active Jack Russell Terrier!  On the other hand, some of the most friendly and adorable shelter animals are overlooked simply because their coat isn't the right color, their tail is too long or short, they're the wrong sex, etc.  Are we really that narrow-minded?  Do we think that way about our children when they're born?  Of course not...we love and accept them unconditionally.  Can't we do the same for these poor animals who are desperate to share their love with us?    

 

Browsing the internet for adoptable pets is a great way to see the wide range of animals waiting for their furever homes; however, it's also a good idea to keep an open mind as you look at the listings.  While you might immediately fall in love with a photo or story of your ideal dog or cat and get your mind set on that particular one, it's wise to wait until you can meet the animal in person.  Spend some time interacting with them and  learning their temperament, energy level, and personality before making any commitment.  Online adoption sites are useful tools to help you see what's out there, but don't be surprised if you end up bringing home a completely different furever friend than  the one who first caught your eye.  Sometimes we don't even have to make the choice ourselves...sometimes the animals choose us instead!  In either case, just be patient and your heart will tell you when you've found your four-legged soulmate! 

 

By keeping an open mind and an open heart about your next family pet, you can save another innocent life!  Don’t just make the popular choice...make the right one!

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!