Puppy Reunion 2013
Author Archive for PawSafe
Photos with the Easter Bunny- Saturday March 9th from 11-3
Hi! I am Maddie, I am about 2 years old and I am a Smooth Coat Chow Mix. I arrived in NY on Friday and have started living with my foster family. I have some great news… I am going to be a Mommy very soon.
Join my facebook group so you can share in the arrival of my babies.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/307813856005773/
Only with your help can we continue to save dogs like Maddie. Please consider making a donation to allow us to do so.
‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the town,
every shelter is full – we are lost but not found.
Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
we hope every minute that someone will care,
They’ll come to adopt us and give us the call, ”
Come here, Max and Sparkie – come fetch your new ball!!
But now we sit here and think of the days
we were treated so fondly – we had cute, baby ways.
Once we were little, then we grew and we grew -
now we’re no longer young and we’re no longer new.
So out the back door we were thrown like the trash,
they reacted so quickly – why were they so rash?
We “jump on the children:, “don’t come when they call”,
we “bark when they leave us”, climb over the wall.
We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
now we suffer the consequence of the errors THEY made.
If only they’d trained us, if only we knew…
we’d have done what they asked us and worshiped them, too.
We were left in the backyard, or worse -let to roam-
now we’re tired and lonely and out of a home.
They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-bye…
“Maybe someone else will give you a try.”
So now here we are, all confused and alone…
in a shelter with others who long for a home.
The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,
with so many to care for, they can’t stay to chat,
They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer…
we know that they wonder how long we’ll be here.
We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads..
of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.
Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears –
our friends filled with emptiness, worry, and fear.
If you can’t adopt us and there’s no room at the Inn –
could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?
We count on your kindness each day of the year –
can you give more than hope to everyone here?
Please make a donation to pay for the heat…
and help get us something special to eat.
The shelter that cares for us wants us to live,
and more of us will, if more people will give.
Did you know that 63 percent of dog owners and 58 percent of cat owners give their pets gifts during the holiday season? Sometimes when owners buy gifts for their pets, they tend not take into account that a gift can be an opportunity to strengthen both their pets’ emotional and physical well-being as well as a means to increase their current pet/owner human/pet bond. The Gloucester County Times (NJ), interviewed one man about how he celebrates Christmas with his golden retriever, Rue: “She gets a pretty Christmas Eve outfit that she tugs and pulls off within 10 minutes,” he said. “That’s a $75 waste of money each year.” (http://business.time.com)
This year when seeking out that perfect gift for your pet, ask yourself these two questions:
- Can this gift improve our relationship?
- Does this gift help strengthen my pets emotional and physical well-being?
Keeping the above questions in mind will help you provide that perfect gift and that is …priceless.
Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- Remember to schedule an annual wellness exam for your pet. An annual physical examination is one of most important gifts to help your pet live a longer, happier, and healthier life.
- Do you or your pet get stressed thinking about going to the vet? A good gift would then be to have your vet come to you.
- Spay or neuter your pet. Spaying and neutering can provide major health benefits and helps to fight pet overpopulation. If cost is an issue, consider finding a veterinarian who supports a Low-Cost Spay/Neuter program.
- Does your dog suffer from cracked paws or dry noses during the winter? Consider a product like Doggie Wellness BowWow Butter Balm. Products like this significantly help those dogs whose paws and noses are more sensitive during drier weather.
- Instead of buying packaged dog treats, think about making your own. The benefits of making your own treats are numerous.
- Take your dog for a Reiki Treatment – Reiki is a form of spiritual healing that helps harmonize the mind, body, and soul of your pet.
- Offer your dog a hydro massage with essential oils – These massages are designed to help our canine friends who may have joint, skin and/or relaxation issues.
- Love to pamper your dog? How about treating her to a manicure complete with nail painting?
- SHHHH…!! The newest accessorizing trend for our dogs…feathers. It’s not only for humans anymore…!
- Having trouble bathing your dog in the winter? Consider a do-it-yourself doggie wash to get the job done.
- Looking for a way to give a gift to a friend or neighbor’s dog? How about a gift certificate? Gift certificates are a thoughtful way to help others pay for veterinary, grooming, training or any other service you think their pet may benefit.
- Do you have difficulty finding the time to regularly exercise your dog? Consider hiring a dog walker to help you out.
- Is your dog is home alone for long periods of time? Think about giving the gift mental and physical stimulation by bringing your dog to doggie daycare a few times per week.
- Support fundraisers hosted by your local shelter and rescue organizations. Chances are you will probably find some fun items for your own pet. It’s a win-win for everyone!
- The gift that keeps on giving…make a donation to your local shelter in your pet’s name.
- If emergency responders came to your home, would they know that you have animals inside? Give the gift of safety and affix a pet alert sticker on all entrances to your home.
- Would you know what to do in the event of a medical pet emergency? Take a Pet first aid course so that if you are ever faced with a pet medical emergency you will be more prepared.
- Do you feel that your dog could be better behaved when out in public? Enroll your dog in a basic obedience class. I recommend NFAH and will be leading these classes!! Our next session is scheduled to begin 1/16. For more details call:203.312.9000.
- Having difficulty with canine behaviors in your home? Consider hiring TLC Dog Trainer! Call 203.241.4449, visit my website @ www.tlcdogtrainer.com or check out my Facebook page – TLC Dog Trainer – you will see that I am equipped to help you with any behavioral issue that you may experiencing and can help you improve the current human-canine bond you have with your dog.
Still looking for that perfect gift for your pet?
Listed below are some great companies who can help. All of their products are manufactured in the USA and have recommended to me by clients or which I have personally used.
- Sill Shields™ and Door Shields™ – Designed to protect your window ledges and doors from being scratched and scuffed by doggie claws and paws. http://www.sillshield.com/
- Poochie-Bells® – Easily and quickly train your pooch to ring the bell each time your dog needs to eliminate outdoors. http://poochie-pets.net/
- Too Hot for Spot – This unique thermometer is designed to raise awareness of dog car safety and bring attention to the possible hazards of leaving pets in a vehicle during any season. http://www.dogcar.biz/
- American Digs – American Digs is a premium brand of dog products and apparel. This company strives to provide products that dogs are proud to wear. http://www.americandigs.com
- Katies Bumpers Whether you are a serious dog trainer doing land or water work or you have a dog that loves to fetch, Katie’s Bumpers are great. http://www.katiesbumpers.com/
- Ruff Dawg – Ruff Dawg has the right toy for your dog. These 100% superior-grade, rubber retrieving toys are made in the USA and are great for any size pooch. http://www.ruffdawg.com
- Honest Pet Products Offers pet owners safe, quality made, truly NATURAL toys for their dogs and cats. http://honestpetproducts.com
Bottom-Line: The most important gift you can give your pet is making the time you spend together special. Whether it be interacting with a toy, brushing your pet, or just hanging out, enjoy the time and find that gift which will assist in making your dog and the relationship you have with him the best it can be.
Donna Gleason – TLC Dog Trainer resides in Sherman, CT. She is a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) with a Masters in Behavior Modification. She offers professional in-home dog training (specializing in puppy education, basic obedience and behavior modification) as well as group puppy/basic obedience classes at New Fairfield Animal Hospital. Donna is a member of APDT, Delta Society, Shelter Animal Reiki Association, Delta Society and consulting trainer for PawSafe Animal Rescue. To reach Donna call 203.241.4449 or visit her website @ www.TLCDogtrainer.com
This Holiday Season, Remember: A Puppy Is NOT a Present
A dog should always be a considered choice and NEVER an impulse buy. Please help us spread the word about this during this high gift-giving season.
Janine Kahn | Nov 29th 2012 | From Dogster
We all have them. The in-law who unapologetically keeps an “outside dog.” Or the friend who thought it was cool to let the family retriever shack up with the dog down the street so her kids could witness the “miracle of life.” Or the coworker who surprised his fiancee on her birthday with a Yorkie puppy from the pet store.
And let’s be honest: They make us feel like complete failures as responsible pet people. Yes, our own dogs went to puppy socials, play with lead-free toys, and were “fixed” at an appropriate age. But maybe we didn’t share that article on where pet store puppies come from enough on Facebook, or made our stance on the benefits of spay/neuter loud enough for those in our immediate networks to hear.
As the holidays approach, so does an opportunity to educate the people around us on a timely issue: that of puppies being given as holiday presents without too much though or planning beforehand. I don’t know about you, but I cringe inwardly when I see stock photos of dogs with bows strapped to their heads displayed in wrapped boxes beneath Christmas trees. It’s an image that’s readily accepted all over the world. But that doesn’t make it right.
Because a puppy should never be:
1. A novelty item. One that was a smash hit on Christmas morning, but an undesirable chore in the post-holiday world. A dog is at the very least a 10-year commitment, and if your intended recipients are not up to the task, you have no business gifting them with one.
2. A stuffed toy. Some dogs might resemble one but again, the responsibilities associated with toy vs. dog aren’t remotely in the same region. And if your daughter is obsessed with Pomeranians, there’s a stuffed animal replica you can buy her.
3. An imposition. Just because you thought a puppy would make a great gift doesn’t mean the recipient does. When your big “surprise” goes south, are you prepared to care for the pup for the rest of its days? We hope your backup plan doesn’t involve dumping him at the already-overcrowded local shelter.
4. An impulse buy. If your family isn’t up to the commitment, you can’t just return that puppy to the pet store. It’s not unusual for puppies returned to pet shops to be put down in horrendous ways, either. Please, please, please do your homework if you’re adding a dog to the family. Research dog breeds to find the best fit. Find a breed-specific rescue group or a reputable breeder if you must have a purebred. Or go to the shelter as a family and make an informed decision together.
To be clear: We are not opposed to you adding a dog to the family during the holiday season if the addition is one planned far in advance. We only ask that you make an informed decision and not a knee-jerk one that is bad for everyone down the line. This time of year is notorious for last-minute impulse buys, so I hope you understand the concern.
If you’re a regular Dogster reader, you probably already know these things. But it’s highly possible there are people you know who don’t. You can help us reach those people by sharing this article, or using the graphics below on your Facebook and/or Twitter feeds. We hope they’ll be a great conversation starter for your friends and family.
It’s here and ready to be shipped!!
We’re so excited about our first ever PawSafe Calendar. It features amazing canine models that were all adopted through PawSafe. Full color stunning photography was done by none other than Tina Quatroni from Petcha.
Ready to order?