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February Is Cat Appreciation Month

admin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:43 +0000

Cats are the loving companion that so often takes a back seat to the dog who can be publicly paraded around. Very seldom do we see cats dressed up and strutting their attire. Cats can also be victims of abuse, abandonment and neglect. We need to appreciate the importance of cats in our lives and do all we can for their well being.

“Of all God’s creatures, there is only one that cannot be made slave of the lash. That one is the cat. If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve the man, but it would deteriorate the cat.” – Mark Twain

The cuddly and affectionate cat will keep you from being lonely and bored. They are a great source of humor, their actions and movements are so animated that their playfulness will unravel the child in you. Just watching them will ease stress and make you feel more relaxed. So soft to the touch and full of curiosity, wanderlust and aloofness.

It’s no time to hide your cat pride! Please join us in celebration of our feline friends and don’t forget to tell every cat lover you know!

In honor of Cat Appreciation Month cat lover and country music singer Kellie Pickler teamed up with fashion designer Geren Ford and Fresh Step litter to help design a limited edition “Kitty Crooner” sweater. The sweater was designed for fellow cat lovers to show their feline pride in honor of Cat Appreciation month. All the proceeds from the sweater goes to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

In addition to 100% of the proceeds from the sweater going to the ASPCA, cat lovers can post pictures of themselves on Fresh Step’s Facebook page throughout Cat Appreciation month and Fresh Step litter will donate $1 for every fan who posts a picture through March 15, 2012. If you don’t have any cat clothing, check out the cool app that Fresh Step litter created. It lets people place digital sweaters on their photos!

Cat owners who want to show their cat pride by wearing the “Kitty Crooner” sweater can purchase the sweater for $35, while supplies last. And remember 100 percent of the purchase price benefits the ASPCA.

You can win the actual sweater Kellie Pickler wore on January 24 to kick off the campaign. It is being autographed and auctioned off in a package that includes two tickets to one of her upcoming concerts, a meet-and-greet at the concert, and an autographed copy of her new album, 100 Proof! The auction runs through February 14, and 80 percent of the auction price will benefit the ASPCA.

“A cat has absolute emotional honesty: human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not.” – Ernest Hemingway

If you are one of the countless individuals who is totally in love with your cat, you are in good company. Here is a list of famous cat lovers…..

Visit your local shelter and adopt a cat!

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January is Adopt A Rescued Bird Month

admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:00:23 +0000

We hear so much about adopting a dog or cat but rarely hear about adopting a bird. Birds are wonderful pets that provide comfort, companionship and entertainment.

In 2002, ASPCA declared that January would be dedicated to finding happy homes for the thousands of companion birds that are abandoned annually. These precious feathered friends will fly into your home and capture your heart.

There are countless breeds of birds to adopt. Do your research to learn which type would fit into your lifestyle for a long and rewarding relationship with your feathered friend. Some of the things to consider before adopting are cost, noise level, space and commitment. We have written a little about the five most popular breeds to get you started.

Parakeets/Budgies

Parakeets are the most popular pet birds, they offer the companionship without the burden of a 50 year plus commitment. If you have never before owned a bird or have children the parakeet would be a good choice for you. They require less space and maintenance than larger bird species. These little beautifully colored birds are quite intelligent and affectionate. Most are content to sing and whistle but don’t be surprised if they learn to say a word or two. With time and patients they will love to be stroked, held and talked to. They will require around thirty minutes a day of interaction with you. Parakeets are drawn to shiny things (a mirror is a must), things that make noise, and objects they can move around with their beaks or feet. The average life expectancy is 12 to 14 years.

Cockatiels

These Australian natives are colorful medium sized and members of the parrot family. Their advanced whistling and singing abilities are remarkable. They are capable of talking but prefer to whistle and mimic sounds. Cockatiels can be very vocal when they wake up, before they go to sleep and if you have been out for a while and come home to them. They can get spoiled and learn now to control you with their excessive screaming. This behavior occurs because they are extremely social birds. Males are a bit more vocal where the females are fairly quiet. A single bird will be more attached to their owner and will be more demanding of your attention. Getting two birds will help give them the socializing they require. The average life expectancy is 15 to 20 years.

Finches and Canaries

Finches and Canaries are good choices for a family with children or older adults since they require less maintenance and prefer to stay in a cage. Canaries are famous for their singing while Finches are known for their extraordinary colors and markings. They are not usually finger-tamed and need the largest cage you can afford so they have plenty of room. Most finches need to be in pairs one male, one female or large groups. Canaries on the other hand, have a reputation of needing to be housed alone. The male canary sings only to attract a mate, so there will be less singing if a female is present. If you must keep a single male make sure he has a large cage to fly around and several toys to entertain himself. These little birds thrive in small flocks and do not need much human interaction. They are perfect pets for those who love to watch birds. Finches and canaries tend to be messy eaters so it would be wise to place their cage in an area that can be easily cleaned up. They are charming, captivating, peaceful to watch and can live for up to 10 years.

Lovebirds

Some say the Lovebirds are the most preferred pet bird. Many people believe lovebirds must be kept in pairs but this is not true. A single lovebird bonds to you rather than to another lovebird making a better pet. If less interaction is what you want and you are away from home a lot then get two. Lovebirds will play endlessly and are quite the clowns. Lovebirds are a small parrot with the same intelligence and abilities of larger parrots. They need plenty of toys to keep them from getting bored. Be aware of their ability to escape their own cages to play around the house. And watch your buttons as they love to pull them off! They love to snuggle and preen. Lovebirds can learn to mimic sounds and have been know to speak on occasion. These birds are fairly quiet companions, making them ideal for those who live in apartments or condominiums. The Lovebird has a life expectancy of up to 20 years.

African Greys

African Greys have been said to be the most intelligent of birds but are not for everyone! A home with small children would not be recommended. They require a large commitment of your time, effort, patience and attention. For good mental health they need three hours out of their cage daily and 45 minutes of physical interaction. These birds are very strong and they can bite with their strong pointed beak. A lot of stimulating toys are needed due to their high intelligence and to avoid boredom. Have several toys so they can be switched and rotated regularly to keep them constantly stimulated. If your African Grey does not interact with different people regularly they will bond to one person and be shy around strangers. Most greys do not start speaking until 2 years old and have the capacity to have a vocabulary of over 2000 words. Do not choose an African Grey for their ability to speak since you will get no guarantee of that happening. It has been said that they can mimic well which is true but they can actually learn to speak in sentences and answer questions. Adequate space is required for a larger cage to accommodate your bird. They are full of character and are more human than some will admit. They are cautious birds but once you win the trust of an African Grey they will become your best friend. Greys typically live 50-70 years.

Be a responsible pet owner and take your bird to your vet for proper care. Remember birds can live for quite a while, but dirty cages and poor nutrition can shorten their life span.

Visit your local shelter or visit bird adoption to find your new forever friend.

Pets On Parade

admin — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 05:00:53 +0000

Happy Halloween from everyone here at PetsBlogs!

Tonight, when you’re answering the door to hand out treats to all those cute little trick-or-treaters, don’t forget to take special care that your pets aren’t bothered by the increased activity at the front door, sneaking into your trick-or-treat candy bowl, or darting out the front door chasing after ghouls and gobblins . . . For more Halloween safety tips visit the ASPCA’s No Scaredy Cats This Halloween: Top 10 Safety Tips for Pet Parents.

For now, join us in enjoying these pets on parade:

Costume contest at Wiggle Waggle walk pet event – Orlando, FL

Annual Pet Masquerade and Parade at Fantasy Fest – Key West, FL

Canine Costume Contest @ Barktoberfest – Amherst, NH

Paws in the Park Pet Costume Parade – Blue Ridge, GA

Photo Credit: The cute little white puppy at the top of this post is from KellyRichardsonPhotography on iStockPhoto.

Take Your Dog to Work Day

admin — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 05:00:20 +0000

The 13th annual Take Your Dog To Work Day is June 24, 2011 so groom your furry friends up and get ready to introduce your four-legged “best friend” to co-workers.

Pet Sitters International created the event to show that dogs are great companions and encourage adoption from local shelters or rescue organizations. PSI feels that when co-workers see the human-animal bond they may be encouraged to adopt a dog.

So go ahead and get your boss warmed up to the idea of getting on the band wagon. Tell them how dogs at work help boost morale, reduce stress, increase productivity and reduce absenteeism. Maybe you can be so convincing that they will consider a “dogs at work” policy year round. Your K-9 buddy may not be happy to go to work at first but will soon adjust and enjoy the company.

If you are so lucky that your company will allow dogs for the annual event make sure that you and your dog are good ambassadors for the cause. Keep in mind the purpose of Take Your Dog to Work Day is to encourage dog adoption. Here are a few suggestions to make the day the best that it can be.

Consider your co-workers
Check with your co-workers to make sure no one is allergic or deathly afraid of dogs. Who can resist a cute little puppy? But a 150-pound rottweiler just might be a bit intimidating to the manliest man who works beside you. There may be co-workers that are allergic to dogs, and dogs do produce allergens that can make someone really sick. Check with other workers to see if anyone else plans on bringing in their dog. If there are a dog or two that have issues with other dogs work out a plan where some will be there in the morning and the others after lunch.

Consider your dogs condition and temperament
Make sure your dogs vaccines are current just in case she gets scared and decides to bite someone. It may be she has never bitten anyone but new and strange environments cause stress.

Give her a “spa” treatment the night before. A bath with good smelling shampoo will make her and everyone around her happier. Take the time to give her a good brushing to remove the maximum amount of fur. If she is used to it, go ahead and brush her teeth and if that is not an option, bring some treats that reduce bad breath. To avoid her scratching someone clip her toenails and go ahead with the polish. Or take the easy way out and schedule an appointment with the groomer.

It would be best if your dog does have manners! The basic commands of come, sit, stay are an absolute necessity before you consider a day at the office. An unruly dog would not be a good reason for a co-worker to adopt one.

Are you sure your dog will handle the unusual noise and excitement of your work place considering there may be other dogs? Will the phones ringing send her into a howling frenzy? If clients or customers arrive, how does she react to strangers? Make sure you know how she will react in a positive way, if not it would be best to leave her home. You can always get busy and get her ready for next year.

Be Prepared

Start with dog-proofing your office. Empty all the trash cans just in case “Sophi” decides to see what’s at the bottom. The computer age has brought about the need for many power cords. Make sure they are either hidden or tucked behind something to avoid a major accident. Plants that are poisonous should be put well out of reach.

The excitement may lead to a mishap or two. Bring along some paper towels, carpet cleaner, poop bags and spray air freshener for clean-up. Schedule frequent potty breaks to lower the risk of the “oops” moment.

Most dogs sleep all day when you are gone so once the commotion settles down have a place where she can lay down comfortably with a favorite toy.

Don’t forget a leash or a crate to control your dog if the need arises.

Make sure you will be allowed to take a break to take your dog home if it just isn’t working.

We wish you all good luck with getting your boss on board with Take Your Dog to Work Day. Visit Get-Involved to register your company for the event. It would be a very successful if some of your co-workers decide it’s time for them to adopt a companion of their own!

Let us know if your company is involved with TYDTWD and send us some pictures of your dog on the job.

June: National Disaster Preparedness Month for Animals

admin — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 05:00:20 +0000

Natural disasters occur all over the world, and whether it be a earthquake, flash flood, tornado or hurricane, pet owners need to make extra arrangements to insure their pet’s safety.

The first and most important thing to do is to be totally prepared before the disaster happens. Some disasters come with plenty of notice when they may possibly occur, while others come with little or no warning at all. After all, “It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.” (Howard Ruff)

If the disaster does not require you to evacuate, have a designated “safe” place in your home where your family and your pet can comfortably stay during the storm.

If evacuation is necessary, do so immediately. If you wait until you are asked to leave you may not be able to take your pet with you!

It’s best to have essential pet supplies on hand whether you’ll be using them in your designated safe place or taking them with you when you go. Prepare your pet survival kit in a waterproof covered container.

Your kit should include:

Telephone numbers of pet-friendly hotels and motels
Your pet’s vaccination records
Your vet’s contact information
Colored pictures and a good description of your pet
Two weeks worth of any medication your pet is taking
Flea preventative and Heartworm treatment
Two weeks worth of pet food and water
Bowls for the food and water
Treats and Toys
Extra leashes and collars
Training pads in case your dog can’t go outside due to severe weather
Cat Litter
Peroxide
Gauze, bandages, adhesive tape
Roll of paper towels
Several hand towels
Muzzle

To be sure you’re on the ready, check these supplies periodically and adjust or replenish as needed.

It’s also a good idea to purchase a crate or carrier large enough for the animal to stand and turn around in. Make sure it’s roomy and sturdy in case it will need to be used for an extended period of time. Put a blanket inside for your pet to lay down on. A crate or carrier can give them a feeling of security.

If you suspect a coming storm or that you may have to evacuate, be sure you know where your pet is. Pets seem to be able to use their senses in unusual and often extraordinary ways. We’ve all heard the stories of dogs finding their way home after traveling hundred of miles and how they play a crucial role in search and rescue missions. It is believed that animals are able to use some combination of natural survival instincts and their senses to tell that we are about to experience some type of natural disaster. If they sense a disaster approaching, they may hide, making it nearly impossible to find them when it’s time to leave to move to a safer place.

After a storm or other emergency your pet may get disoriented when it goes outside. There may be changes in the landscape or familiar smells that are gone. Keep your pet on a leash until they become familiar with the surroundings. Remember, your pets have no idea what’s happened and the stress may cause them to become aggressive and/or misbehave. Comfort and reassure your pet with petting and hugging. It may take some time for them to adjust, so be patient, calm, and reassuring.

The 2011 Hurricane season spans from June 1 to November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting 12-18 tropical storms, 6-10 hurricanes, and 3-6 major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or greater. Then there are also flash floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes which aren’t as predictable as hurricanes (not that anything in nature is truly predictable).

Being prepared will help you, and your pet, deal with disaster if it does happen to you.

PetsBlogs

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Woody’s Yappier Hour

admin — Fri, 13 May 2011 05:00:18 +0000

Summer is upon us with vacations on the horizon. If perhaps you are planning a holiday near Kirkland, WA then you will want to visit and join in the weekly dog-friendly happy hour. Each month, the Woodmark Hotel and Beach Cafe have selected a beneficiary to receive a donation from a portion of the event’s drink proceeds. The press release below provides you with all the information. It’s a grand thing when events benefit pets in need!

The Woodmark Hotel and Beach Cafe announce the second Season of woody’s yappier hour.

Guests and their dogs are invited to a weekly dog-friendly happy hour on the shores of Lake Washington hosted by the hotel’s Guest Experience Manager Woody, the Labradoodle pup

WHO: The Woodmark Hotel, Yacht Club & Spa, the only hotel on the shores of Lake Washington, and Beach Cafe.

WHAT: Woody’s Yappier Hour, a weekly, dog-friendly outdoor happy hour at The Woodmark Hotel featuring the Beach Cafe happy hour menu and a complimentary entrance fee.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 25, 2011; 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

**Yappier Hour will take place every Wednesday following, until September 28, 2011 (weather permitting).

WHERE: The Woodmark Hotel, Yacht Club & Spa, 1200 Carillon Point, Kirkland, WA 98033

DETAILS: The Woodmark Hotel, Yacht Club & Spa and Beach Cafe announce the return of Woody’s Yappier Hour, offering hotel guests and the general public the opportunity to mix and mingle with other dogs and their owners, while enjoying happy hour food and drinks from Beach Cafe. Yappier Hour will take place at the Woodmark’s outdoor, lakefront event space featuring views of the Olympic Mountains and offering plenty of room for pups to roam.

Yappier Hour events will be hosted by Woody, the Labradoodle pup and hotel’s Guest Experience Manager.

Coming from a notable lineage, Woody was born to assist and aid those in need. His office is conveniently located in the hotel lobby. For more information and photos, please visit The Woodmark or Woody’s Tumblr

The Woodmark Hotel and Beach Cafe have selected a beneficiary for each month of Yappier Hour to receive a donation from a portion of the event’s drink proceeds. The 2011 event beneficiaries are as follows:

· May/June: Seattle Humane Society, a private, nonprofit, animal welfare organization that serves the people and animals of King County with a variety of programs including adoptions, veterinary services, dog training classes, a pet food bank, and humane education for children of all ages. For more information, please visit Seattle Humane Society.

· July: PAWS, a champion for animals- rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife, sheltering and adopting homeless cats and dogs, and educating people to make a better world for animals and people. For more information, please visit PAWS.

· August: Pasado’s Safe Haven, one of the premier animal rescue organizations in the United States, dedicated to rescue and rehabilitation of dogs, cats and farm animals. For more information, please visit Pasado’s Safe Haven.

· September: Delta Society, a nonprofit organization that helps people live healthier and happier lives by incorporating therapy, service and companion animals into their lives. For more information, please visit Delta Society.

Woody’s Yappier Hour events have a complimentary entrance fee with food and beverage at happy hour pricing. Open to hotel guests and the general public. They will take place every Wednesday starting on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 from 5-7p.m. (weather permitting). For additional information, please visit www.beachcafekirkland.com or contact 425.822.3700.

Blog the Change

admin — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 16:21:57 +0000

Yesterday was the second Blog the Change for Animals event of the year. It is an event for bloggers to post about an animal cause that’s close to their heart in order to raise awareness for that cause.

There are countless opportunities for animal lovers to bring awareness to the needs of our animal friends. Four times a year Blog the Change inspires us to share links, ideas and join together to make a difference.

The organizations we would like to feature is Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Blindness and autism are devastating disabilities that few of us can comprehend. Guiding Eyes gives the blind the gift of greater personal freedom, independence and dignity by providing the finest bred and trained guide dogs in the world. Heeling Autism dogs provide safety for children with autism.

Guiding Eyes is an internationally accredited, nonprofit guide dog school with a 50-plus year legacy of providing the blind and visually impaired with superior trained guide dogs.

Since 1956 when founded, Guiding Eyes has become one of the foremost guide dog schools in the world, graduating more than 7,000 guide dog teams. It provides superbly bred guide dogs, professional training and follow-up support services to students at no cost to them and depends on contributions to fulfill its mission.

If you live in near the Yorktown Heights, NY Headquarters and Training Center the volunteer opportunities include: kennel enrichment, driving services, administrative, student services and internship (kennel only)

The Patterson, NY Canine Development Center offers volunteer opportunities in kennel support, driving services, administrative and videographer.

Guiding Eyes depends on devoted volunteers and donors to fulfill our mission and make possible our life-changing work in the fields of vision impairment and autism. Join the Guiding Eyes family through any of the many opportunities provided.

Spend a little time to read some of the other Blog The Change blog posts to be inspired to do what you can to help animals.

Spay Day Pet Photo Contest

admin — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 06:00:48 +0000

The 17th annual Spay Day is Feb. 22, 2011.

Spay Day an annual event of The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International to inspire people to save animals’ lives by spaying or neutering pets and feral cats. Spay Day officially takes place on the last Tuesday of February—but events will be running all through the month!

In celebration of Spay Day, Zazzle will present the Spay Day Online Pet Photo Contest this year. The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International will again be the host of the contest. This is a great opportunity to celebrate our pets, raise funds for spaying and neutering, and win great prizes!

There are two categories you can enter, the judged category and the fundraiser category. Both categories have prizes worth winning. Get your photos entered before the contest ends at 5:00 p.m. EST on February 25, 2011. You can however vote in the fundraisers category until 10:00 p.m. EST on March 3, 2011.

Entering the contest is easy and free—simply upload a digital photo of your pet and tell us a little about him or her. You can also enter as a memorial tribute to a pet who is no longer with us.

A panel of Photographer Judges will select the grand prize winner, 10 runners up and 25 finalists based on the quality of your photos and how well you answer a few simple questions to reveal your pet’s personality—no donations or votes are necessary to win the Judged Category.

In the fundraiser category there are one grand prize winner, 10 second prize winners, 100 third prize winners and 500 fourth prize winners.

Contest entrants may collect votes to win prizes in the Fundraisers Category. Your friends and family can get one vote credit for every $1 they donate to support spaying and neutering programs. Voters must purchase a minimum of 5 vote credits—a $5 donation—each time a donation is made. Every dollar donated in your pet’s name will give your pet another vote. If your pet finishes in the top 611 in votes, you’ll win great prizes!

Visit the voting instructions page to get more information for the fundraising category to pass along to your friends and family.

PetsBlogs » Events

February Is Cat Appreciation Month

Related Posts:

January is Adopt A Rescued Bird Month

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Pets On Parade

Happy Halloween from everyone here at PetsBlogs!

Costume contest at Wiggle Waggle walk pet event – Orlando, FL

Annual Pet Masquerade and Parade at Fantasy Fest – Key West, FL

Canine Costume Contest @ Barktoberfest – Amherst, NH

Paws in the Park Pet Costume Parade – Blue Ridge, GA

Related Posts:

Take Your Dog to Work Day

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June: National Disaster Preparedness Month for Animals

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Woody’s Yappier Hour

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Blog the Change

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Spay Day Pet Photo Contest

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