A Furry Friend HAS MOVED!

A Furry Friend HAS MOVED! The blog is now located at: http://afurryfriend.blogspot.com/

Everything is the same besides some minor tweaks and a colorful new layout. So change your bookmarks and come see the new place! If you’ve just stumbled upon A Furry Friend, then click the above link for the all-new updated blog!

Are you considering a new pet for Christmas?

This is a popular time of year for animals purchases and adoptions. While I don’t want to discourage animal adoptions, I feel anyone considering giving an animal as a gift this holiday should evaluate the situation before proceeding further. Sadly, many animals given as gifts end up in shelters at the start of the new year. Here are some things to consider:

1. Does the recipient want an animal? While a new puppy sounds like a nice surprise, it isn’t fair to either the animal or the person to expect someone who did not ask for a new dog to be prepared to take care of it.
2. Is the recipient prepared for the responsibility? Kids are notorious for asking for a new cat or dog for Christmas, but are they prepared to take on the responsibility of a pet? If not, are you THE PARENT ready to take on the responsibility of a new animal?
3. Does the recipient have enough time, money, and energy to care for this pet? Regardless of whether a person wants and feels they are ready for an animal, do you truly think the person’s lifestyle will allow for this animal?
4. Is this the right animal for the recipient? Selecting a new animal should not be done on impulse. Often, it takes quite a bit of time to find the right animal for a certain person, household, or family. Plus, many people would probably prefer to select their own pet based on certain criteria.

Remember, many animals such as dogs or cats are going to be around for 13 or more years! They are not like toys that kids can just tire of and throw in the back of their closets. Even smaller animals such as gheckos, lizards, and birds can be around for a long time. Also, many animals require special habitats and accessories that you will have to buy, such as heat lamps, special food, etc. Even most fish cannot be put in a simply glass bowl! So please think long and hard about giving an animal as a gift this Christmas. If you have considered these things and have decided to give an animal this Christmas, please consider adopting. There are millions of animals in shelters that would love a home for Christmas (not just dogs & cats, but lizards, birds, rabbits, and more!)

Youngstown, OH – Help dead & tortured dogs find justice!

In October, High Caliber K-9 dog training/boarding/daycare business was raided after a woman called police to report that she could not get her dog back from the facility. Humane agents found 7 dead dogs and 12 starving, neglected dogs. Both those living and dead were practically bare bones and living in poor conditions. “Bones, carcasses, decay, it was horrible, it was enough to make you gag and throw up and cry”, said Nikole Owen CEO of Animal Charity.15 counts of animal cruelty and neglect were filed against the owner of the facility, but he is only being brought up on 4 in court. The owners of the dogs need your help to get justice for their dogs! Please, spread the word about this horrible act of animal cruelty. Please contact the following people and demand that Steve Croley pay for what he’s done!

Joseph “Jay” R. Macejko
4th floor city hall
26 South Phelps Street
Youngstown Ohio 44503
PHONE: 330.742.8791
FAX: 330.742.8794

Judge Robert A. Douglas, Jr. Youngstown Municipal Court 26 South Phelps Street Youngstown, Ohio 44503 PHONE: 330.742.8857 FAX: 330.742.8725 Email for the Judge’s (Judge Robert A. Douglas, Jr.) assistant: lblum@turningpointcs.com   Mahoning County Prosecutor Paul J. Gains 21 West Boardman Street, 6th Floor Youngstown, OH 44503 Phone: 330.740.2330 Fax: 330.740.2008 Ohio State Attorney General Nancy H. Rogers Attorney General of Ohio State Office Tower 30 E. Broad St.,17th floor Columbus, OH 43215  PHONE: 877-244-6446 WEBSITE CONTACT FORM: http://www.ag4ohio.gov/Public/details.aspx?s=222 

Contact info for Mayor Jay Williams
1st Floor, City Hall
26 South Phelps Street
Youngstown , OH 44503
Office Phone:330.742.8701
FAX:330.743.1335
EMAIL: Mayor@CityofYoungstownOH.com Contact info for Governor Ted Strickland
Governor’s Office Riffe Center, 30th Floor
77 South High Street
Columbus, OH 43215-6108
Constituent Helpline: 614.644.4357
General Info: 614.466.3555
Fax: 614.466.9354

Go HERE to view and sign the petition.

Go HERE to visit the Nitro Foundation, a page set up by the owners of one of the deceased dogs. It includes detailed information about the case, court info, updates, case photos, and more.

The trial date is set for December 18, 2008 @ 1:30 pm at the following address:

Youngstown Municipal Court
26 South Phelps Street
Youngstown, Ohio 44503

Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Young dog looking for loving person(s) to adopt

Emma, the sweet, beautiful dog featured below, is in need of a new home and some new best friends! Her current family loves her very much, but they can no longer afford to care for her due to the current economic situation. If you’re looking for a new companion and have room in your heart and home, please consider adopting Emma. She is healthy and great with dogs, cats, and kids. Emma is located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Help get justice for Karley, a puppy beaten to death!

On Nov 3rd., 2008, Karley got out of HER yard.(speculation is that the susp. MAY have let her out of her yard)  Karley went directly to a neighbors yard.  This neighbor started to walk Karley back to her residence when the susp., GLYNN JOHNSON, an ASSISTANT CHIEF with the LA COUNTY FIRE DEPT. intercepted the neighbor & said that he would take Karley back home.  The original neighbor, who later said that he didn’t have a good feeling about doing this, agreed to let Johnson take her home.  It was in a matter of SECONDS, that Johnson started beating Karley with his CLOSED FISTS.  When the original neighbor saw this, he ran down his driveway to Johnsons yard to stop the beating.  Before he could get there, Johnson was witnessed PRYING Karley’s mouth open.  By doing this, he BROKE her jaw.  He then grabbed a LARGE ROCK & started beating Karley over the head with it.  The other neighbor was able to distract Johnson long enough for Karley to escape.  Karley then ran & hid under a bush.  Karley had the WILL to live but her injuries were BEYOND repairable.  She had a crushed skull, broken jaw, swelling of the brain & more.  Karley had to make her journey to the Rainbow Bridge. 

The suspect later went to the hospital, CLAIMING that he was ATTACKED by Karley.  He had bite wounds to his thumb.  He later called his supervisor to tell him what had taken place…that he had to kill his neighbors dog because he had been attacked. 

To this date, Johnson has REFUSED to cooperate with Riverside, Ca. Sheriff’s Dept.  To this date, Johnson is STILL with the LA County Fire Dept. As of this date, Johnson is on PAID ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE.

We are asking for signatures in order to get this suspect charged with the BRUTAL killing of his neighbors dog, Karley.
 
We are also asking that you write to the Riverside District Attorney.  Here’s that information:  CHUCK HUGHES, Riverside County DA…4075 Main St….Riverside, Ca.  92501

Please visit Karley’s website created by her owners: http://justice4karley.com/index.html
 
Please do what you can to help.  And PLEASE, PASS THIS PETITION ON TO YOUR FRIENDS.  We need all the signatures we can get: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/justice-4-Karle

On behalf of KARLEY, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Karley may be gone, but she WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.  Karley, you are loved to the moon & back.

Thank you

 

Keep your furry friends safe this Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather with family. For many of us, pets are part of our family and we want them to share in the festivties; however, Thanksgiving can pose some extra risks to our furry and feathered companions. Here are some helpful tips to ensure that both you and your animal friends have a fun, happy Thanksgiving.

• Thanksgiving meals often occur earlier in the day. If it is close enough to your pet’s normal feeding time, feed him/her their normal meal before guests arrive. If guests will be arriving too early, feed your pet at his/her normal feeding time. Animals do better with a routine and this will also help cut back on their begging or stealing.
• If you are going to share some of your holiday meal with your dog or cat, give them a small portion of plain turkey. Ensure there are NO BONES. Bones can cause choking and/or splinter and injure your pet, and/or get lodged in her or her stomach/intestines. Rich, fatty foods such as turkey skin, ham, mashed potatoes, butter, and gravy can upset your pet’s stomach. Bread can cause discomfort and bloat. Onions and garlic are poisonous to dogs.
• Do not feed your animal chocolate; it can be fatal. Sugar and sweets are also unhealthy, as they can cause kidney failure in dogs and are difficult for animals to digest. Ensure that all sweets are out of your animal’s reach.
• Make sure all aluminum foil, plastic wrap, wax paper, toothpicks, skewers, and string. Animals like to play with these materials, especially when covered with food, but they pose fatal risks. Also, cover or enclose your trashcan well. Cats and dogs can be notorious food hounds and you wouldn’t want them finding a turkey bone in the trash and choking on it.
• Inform your guests. Ask them to not feed the animals table scraps. Also, notify them about whether or not your animal is allowed outside. Make sure they know to close to door behind themselves.
• It is a good idea to not allow your cats outside on Thanksgiving, even if you allow them out at other times. One reason is because many people have guests over, meaning there are a lot of cars coming and going. This puts your cat in extra danger of being hit. Also, during winter cats like to crawl up inside cars or tire wells, which can often be fatal. (It is best to keep cats indoors all winter for this reason.)
• If applicable, ensure your pet has current ID tags incase they slip out the door.
• Give your pet a chance to relax away from guests. Put them in another room where they can de-stress and take a nap. A walk with you canine buddy is also a good idea. Animals can become overly excited or even stressed out with all the guests and commotion.
• Do not forget about your pet’s needs. It is easy to get caught up in the festivities and guests, but make sure to check on your pet, give him/her attention, and ensure they have fresh clean water.
• If you’re traveling, don’t wait until the last minute to make arrangements for your pet. If you are leaving your pet at home, make sure you have a pet sitter or a reservation at a boarding facility/your vet lined up. If travelling with your pet, do not wait until the last minute to pack all of your pet’s necessities. Write a list and double check it.
• Do not take dogs to Thanksgiving Day parades. The crowds can be overwhelming for dogs and cause them to panic or stress out. This increases their chances of accidentally getting lost in the crowd.

Information from HERE and HERE.

10 Ways to Save Money on Vet Care

I’m sure many of us are feeling the money pinch from the struggling economy these days. We try to cut corners where we can, but who wants to “cut corners” when it comes to their pet’s healthcare? Well, I have some tips from Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, and Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, ASPCA Executive Vice President and Science Advisor that will help eliviate the worry of high-cost vet care and save you money on vet bills further down the road, without cutting corners or putting your animal’s health in jeopardy.

Schedule Regular Check-Ups
Remember the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?” Well, it applies to pets, too. Don’t skip your pet’s yearly exam. It’s much more expensive—and risky—to treat illnesses than to protect against them.

Personalize Your Pet’s Vaccines
Hard times are not an excuse to skip your pet’s annual shots, but it does make sense to talk to your vet about personalizing your pet’s vaccine protocol. Some vaccines are optional, while others are essential in preventing serious diseases.

Spay or Neuter Your Pet
Spaying or neutering your pet can save a lot of money by preventing serious health problems including uterine, ovarian and testicular cancer. Many local shelters provide resources for low-cost or no-cost spay/neuter surgeries. Visit our online database to find a low-cost program in your area. If you live in New York City, check out our mobile clinic.

Brush Your Pet’s Teeth
Dental disease—such as tartar, gingivitis, loose or infected teeth—can lead to heart and kidney problems and expensive procedures. Start a daily dental routine to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy.

Protect Your Pet from Parasites
Flea and tick infestations can cause a host of costly medical problems from minor skin irritations to life-threatening anemia. Stick with a topical flea and tick solution to keep the critters at bay.

Toss the Cigarettes
Secondhand smoke is no joke for pets—it can cause asthma, bronchitis, lymphoma and oral, nasal and lung cancers. Quit now and you’ll save money on vet bills. At the very least, avoid smoking around your pet.

See a Specialist
Pet parents can reduce costs by getting a pet’s condition diagnosed and treated by an expert as quickly as possible. Veterinary specialists are available for everything from skin disease to cancer, and will often work within your budget.

Consider Pet Health Insurance
If the cost of an emergency vet visit or serious illness would be a financial strain, consider investing in pet health insurance, while your pet is healthy. Be sure to read the fine print, though—not all plans are created equal.

Buy High-Quality Pet Food
A good quality pet food—formulated under the guidelines of the American Association of Feed Control Officials—is often more cost effective than a homemade diet. Avoid overfeeding your pet, which can lead to obesity and other health problems.

Shop Smart
Whether he’s looking for pet food, medicine or grooming supplies, the smart shopper clips coupons and buys in bulk. It’s also a good idea to shop veterinary practices by comparing fees for preventative care.

Information taken from ASPCA website.

Palatka/Putnam County, FL – Desperate dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens looking for homes for the holidays!

The following animals are located at the Putnam County Animal Shelter in Palatka, Florida. They are all VERY URGENT. These furry friends need to be adopted into a home or rescued by an organization. This shelter always has a large flow of incoming animals, so many are euthanized each week. These following animals could be euthanized at any time, but none will last beyond November 25. To survive, all animals must get out of the shelter before or on November 24. The animals below are just a small group of those in immediate need at this shelter. To view more of the animals, please take a look at the Putnam County Animal Shelter PHOTOALBUM, each animal’s details are listed below his/her picture. The following animals are those that shelter workers indicated as being most in need.

REMEMBER, IF YOU DO NOT LIVE IN THE AREA, TRANSPORTATION FOR THE ANIMAL TO YOU MIGHT BE POSSIBLE, EMAIL THE SHELTER TO ASK IF THEY’D BE WILLING TO COOPERATE WITH YOU TO GET THE ANIMAL TRANSPORTED VIA ONE OF THE TRANSPORT SERVICES LISTED ON MY RESCUE TRANSPORT PAGE.

Cage 66, Brindle mix, Male, Nice dog, Owner-surrender:

Cage 66, Tricolor Terrier mix, Female, Very sweet, Owner-surrender:

Cage 67, Lab mix, Female, Nice dog, Owner-Surrender:

Cage 67, Yellow Lab (looks to be purebred), Male, Beautiful, Owner-Surrender:

Cage 80, Mix, Male, Extremely nice, playful, and friendly, Found as stray:

Cage 46, “Sandy,” Tan mix, Female, Very sweet, Abandoned by owners:

Cage 51, “Henry,” Black-white Lab mix, Male, Very Sweet, Found as stray:

Cage 78, Blue Heeler, Female, Found as stray, (she is PREGNANT-please consider giving her a safe place to give birth where she does not have to fear herself or her puppies being put to death):

Cage 48, Red-white mix, Female, Nice dog, Picked up as Stray, (She has been taking care of the puppies in this photo, but they are not her’s. She rescued these pups, now it’s her turn to be rescued!):

Cage 22, Beautiful silver tabby kitten, (the eyes just look funky in the photo):

Cage 25, Black Hemmingway, Double paws (this poses no problem, it’s just very cute), Very sweet:

Cage 30, Large Snowshoe Siamese, Bright blue eyes, Sweet cat, (bad picture):

Cage 31, Medium long-haired orange Tabby cat, Very nice:

Cage 40, White & Tabby cat/kitten, Beautiful eyes:

If you are interested in adopting or rescuing any of these or any of the other animals at the Putnam County Animal Services, please: (it is best to call & email to cover all your bases)

Call: 386-329-0399 or 386-329-0396 (If you get the answering machine, leave a message including your name, the cage # of the animal(s) you’re interested in, the description of the animal you’re interested in, request that the shelter hold this animal until you can talk to them, and leave your phone number.

Email: putnamanimals@yahoo.com (Include your name, contact info, the cage # of the animal(s) you’re interested in, the description of the animal(s) you’re interested in, and ask the shelter to hold that animal)

Miami, FL – Two loving puppies need new homes immediately!

Meg and Peg two lively, energetic Labrador Retriever puppies looking for a home(s). They’re currently 2 months old. When full grown, they will each be between 40-50 lbs. They’re both very engaging, love to play with toys, and enjoy running around together. Meg and Peg love people and are friendly with everyone they meet, and they’d love to meet a special someone who wants to love them forever. Long walks, runs, or fetching sessions will keep them happy and fit. If you are an active person looking for a sports buddy (or two), take Meg and Peg out for a spin; They may be your perfect companions. Meg and Peg do not have to be adopted together, but they would certainly like it if someone were able. While looking at their picture makes it hard to imaging seperating them, if you are able to adopt one, please do not hesitate. It would be devastating if both were euthanized because nobody was willing to separate them.

I was forwarded an email from someone that works at the Miami-Dade shelter. She really cares for these two babies and would really like for them to find loving homes and the lives they deserve. Please help her and these loving dogs if you are able.

Meg and Peg are located at the Miami-Dade Animal Services facility, located at 7401 NW 74th Street, Miami, FL.

Meg’s shelter ID is A1110079. Peg’s shelter ID is A1110080.

YOU MUST GO IN PERSON TO PLACE A HOLD ON AN ANIMAL!

If you are interested in meeting, rescuing, or adopting Meg and Peg, please contact the Miami Dade Animal Services Volunteer & Mobile Adoption Liaison at:

Direct: 305-805-1778
Cell:     305-877-5458
Fax:     305-805-1619 

Please visit the Miami-Dade Animal Services WEBSITE to view more animals available for adoption.

Petland pet store chain officially linked to puppy mills!

After an eight-month investigation, the Humane Society of the United States accused Petland, the national pet store chain, of selling dogs bred under appalling conditions at puppy mills around the country.

The animal protection group made the charges at a news conference in Washington Thursday. The investigation involved 21 Petland stores and dozens of breeders and brokers. The Petland stores are being supplied by large-scale puppy mills, although customers are routinely informed that the dogs come only from good breeders, the Humane Society said.

“They are buying from puppy mills where these dogs are not treated like pets,” Michael Markarian, an executive vice president with the Humane Society, told a news conference. “They’re treated like a cash crop, where mother dogs live in wire cages, sometimes stacked on top of each other in filthy, dirty, cramped conditions, where they receive little socialization or human interaction or exercise.”

Dogs from puppy mills are sold at Petland stores for as much as $3,500 each, according to the Humane Society.

Investigators reviewed interstate import records of an additional 322 breeders, U.S. Department of Agriculture reports and more than 17,000 individual puppies linked to Petland stores, according to a release on the group’s Web site.

Filthy cages, inadequate care
Among the abuses cited, investigators found puppies in commercial breeders “living in filthy cages reeking of urine, with inadequate care and socialization,” according to the release. The Humane Society says dogs at the mills were found in cages with wire flooring so large that the puppies’ paws and even the paws of the mother dogs would fall through.

The group said pet stores should not be buying puppies from “abusive puppy mills” and “should not be lying to consumers” about where they get their puppies.

A call to Petland corporate offices in Chillicothe, Ohio, was not immediately returned. In a statement, Petland said the company does not support substandard breeding facilities and provides each store with guidelines on humane care of animals.

A statement on the company’s Web sitenoted that “Petland stores are independently operated by qualified franchisees. Each is responsible for choosing healthy pets offered to Petland customers. Petland, Inc. provides each Petland store with humane care guidelines to assist in this important task.”

Individual Petland stores previously have been targeted by animal rights activists for reselling puppies supplied by commercial breeders.

Large commercial breeders are legal and regulated by the USDA, but enforcement of humane conditions is a low priority, according to a recent report on msnbc.com.

The Humane Society investigation comes as legislators recently have stepped up moves to crack down on the lucrative puppy mill industry. In October, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell signed a bill imposing stricter standards on commercial kennels, including regular veterinary exams, larger cages and exercise areas. At least three other states have issued laws this year placing restrictions on commercial breeders.

Story by Jane Weaver. Take from msnbc.com. 

Unfortunately, it is almost certain that this is not the only pet store chain doing this. It’s also important to remember that it is not only dogs that are being bought from animal mills with unsanitary and cruel conditions. Small companion animals such as hamsters, rabbits, and birds are bred by large animal supply companies and sold to pet chain stores. These animals are kept in filthy, cramped cages, interbred, not given medical care, and generally not allowed to live the normal life intended for them. There is video footage of these supply companies and their inhumane practices, including footage of a male rabbits being neutered with a rusty knife and without any form of anesthetic. It’s important to not turn our backs on these animals at these pet stores, but to fight to end the existence of such establishments and the breeding companies. If possible, shop at your local independent pet store that practices humane business.

Feline Medical Care Basics

Here are some helpful tips for keeping your kitty companion feeling safe, healthy, and months or years younger than he or she actually is!

Regular Vet Visits
Why: Many symptoms of feline health conditions are subtle, and cats often don’t show obvious signs of illness or pain. Regular physicals allow your veterinarian to detect feline health problems before they turn into serious illnesses.

When: Adult cats should visit the vet once a year. Senior cats 11 years or older may need biannual visits.

Routine Vaccines
Why: Vaccinations can help protect both indoor and outdoor cats against serious and sometimes fatal diseases, including feline panleukopenia (FPV) and rabies. Ask your cat’s veterinarian which vaccinations are appropriate for your pet based on your cat’s lifestyle and surroundings. Remember, over-vaccination can pose health risks, such as increasing your cat’s chances of developing cancer. This is why consulting with your veterinarian about which illnesses are common in your geographical area can be helpful.

When: Vaccination schedules should begin as early as 6 to 8 weeks of age. However, many adult cats may still be eligible for most vaccinations. Your cat’s vaccine schedule will depend on your cat’s particular health care needs. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the best schedule.

Two More Preventive Measures
In addition to scheduling regular checkups and getting recommended vaccines for your pet, two other basics of cat health care include keeping your pet indoors, if possible, and having your cat spayed or neutered.

Keeping your cat inside greatly reduces his or her exposure to parasites, predators, and disease and can increase his or her life expectancy by 15 years or more.

Keeping your cat indoors can help your cat live a longer, healthier life. House cats have a life expectancy of 15 years or more, whereas outdoor cats typically live an average of only 5 years. Here are three reasons why indoor cats live longer:

• Shielding your cat from the outside world reduces his or her risk of attack by other cats, dogs, coyotes, and other predators, as well as reduces the risk of being hit by a car—one of the most common outdoor threats.
• House cats are less likely to contract disease or parasites from other outdoor animals. Free-roaming cats are more likely to encounter ticks, fleas, and worms, as well as become infected with feline leukemia, rabies, and respiratory diseases.
• Cats that stay inside are less likely to require emergency treatment or costly prescription cat medicines. Healthy, safe house cats minimize the need for any potential expensive medical care costs associated with the treatment of feline diseases and parasites contracted from other cats and wildlife.

Whether your cat is an indoor or outdoor pet, he or she should always be clearly identified with a collar and an identification tag.

Spaying or neutering your cat not only cuts down on unwanted litters, but also reduces risk of uterine infections or prostate problems. This includes various forms of cancer.

Information taken from CatAge .

Akron, OH – Adorable cats, kittens, and dogs at county pound need adoption or rescue!

The following animals are located at the Summit County Animal Control Facility. These are only a small fraction of the animals currently available there. Please consider opening your home and heart to one. This facility does not have the best reputation and I would not wish my worst enemies there. Click HERE to discover some of the recent horrible history about this place!

09-053: (Adult male Shepherd mix)

09-101 (Adult female Sheperd mix):

09-102 (Adult male Collie mix):

C10-113 (Young male, domestic mix):

C10-115 (Young female Tabby mix):

C10-151 (Baby, male, domestic mix):

If you are interested in adopting or rescuing any of these animals, please call the shelter at: (330) 643-2845.

Visit the Summit County Animal Control’s PETFINDER PAGE to view many more animals that need a home! 

National Black Cat Day!

November 17th marks the second annual National Black Cat Day in Italy. It is not only in the U.S. that black cats are seen as signs of evil curses and bad luck. The Italian Association in Defense of Animals and the Environment organized National Black Cat Day to try to spread the truth about black cats and rto educe the number of black cats killed in Italy each year. An estimated 60,000 black cats are killed in Italy each year. Many are also kidnapped and/or abandoned.

Of course, black cats have it bad in America as well. The Journal of Applied Animal Welfare found that in shelters, black cats are half as likely to get adopted as are tabby cats and two-thrids less likely to be adopted than white cats. Many rescue organizations and shelters even have to probihit the adoption of black cats during October due to the nasty treatment many unfortunately receive.

But, I am here to tell you that black cats and wonderful and should be celebrated. I have known several black cats in my day and not one of them brought with them evil curses or years of bad luck! In fact, it seems it is the cats themselves that have the bad luck, on behalf of human behavior.

So, here are the top ten reasons why everyone should adopt a black cat:

10. You’ll save money on their Halloween costumes.

9. You can always find them in the snow.

8. Holding a black cat is very slimming.

7. Black cats will match any decor.

6. A link brush isn’t required for a black-tie affair.5. When you love a black cat, luck is on your side.

4. Black cats are like onyx, a beautiful gem!

3. Hey, they don’t care what color you are!

2.They are least likely to be adopted.

1. Love knows no color.

List take from HERE (slightly modified by me).

Canton, GA – Young Lab dog needs rescue/adopt TODAY Nov. 17!

This adorable guy will be euthanized if he is not adopted or rescued by 5:00 p.m. TODAY Monday November 17. His time was supposed to be up last Friday, but he made it through until today. Individuals or families can adopt him or he can be pulled by a rescue organization.

The pup’s name is Chapman. He’s a young (around 1 year old), male, Labrador Retriever. He weighs 70 lbs and is very strong! He’s also very loving, energetic, and friendly. He has been vaccinated, Heartworm tested, has had an initial flea/tick preventative, and will be spayed or neutered & microchipped upon adoption.

Please pass this info on to anyone you know that might be able to help Chapman!

If you are interested in adopting or rescuing Chapman, please contact the Cherokee County Animal Shelter at SDCALDWELL@CHEROKEEGA.COM and/or 770-345-7270 opt. #2.

An employee from the shelter has been emailing this dog all over the place. He is obviously special and everyone would love to see him get a home. Please email LMMartin@Cherokeega.com as well as contacting the email and number above.

The shelter is only open until 5 p.m.!

Philadephia, PA – URGENT! Young Shepherd pup needs foster/adopt/rescue ASAP!

A young female Shepherd mix dog, estimated to be between 6 months-1 year, is in immediate need of a foster family or forever home! She was abandoned and then surrendered to PAWS animal shelter in Philadelphia, PA on Tuesday, Nov. 11. She is very friendly, but the shelter can only keep animals for a VERY limited amount of time. She is still available, but the shelter does not know how long they can keep her. This means she could probably be euthanized at any time. Unfortunately, the shelter doesn’t even have a picture of this dog up on their site, meaning there is even a smaller chance of this dog finding a home. This is simply because they have so many dogs that they cannot post them all. I have been told by a shelter worker that asked me to post this dog that she is very beautiful, and her coloring is brown with some black.

The dog’s shelter ID is # A06369487.

If you are interested in adopting or fostering this dog, please call PAWS at 267-385-3800.

PAWS Main Shelter
111 West Hunting Park Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19140

Adopt A Turkey, Don’t Eat One!

November is Adopt-A-Turkey month, and rightly so. Close to 50 million turkeys are eaten each Thanksgiving in the U.S.

The nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, Farm Sanctuary, is asking that compassionate consumers adopt a turkey this year in one of two ways:

(1) Sponsor “adopt” a turkey living at Farm Sanctuary’s Watkins Glen, New York, or Orland, California, shelters. For a one-time adoption fee of $20, sponsors receive a color photograph of their turkey, an adoption certificate and a year subscription to Farm Sanctuary’s quarterly newsletter. This sponsorship provides funds for feed, bedding and veterinary care for the turkeys and helps Farm Sanctuary encourage millions of people to celebrate a compassionate Thanksgiving for all.

(2) Home adopt and provide a safe, loving and permanent home for two or more turkeys. Individuals interested in adopting turkeys as companions must complete an adoption application. If approved, adopters will be placed on Farm Sanctuary’s Turkey Express schedule.

Every year, nearly 300 million turkeys are raised and slaughtered in the United States – 45 million alone for Thanksgiving. Most are slaughtered at only five months old, when male turkeys (toms) weigh a massive 25 to 32 pounds and females weigh 15 to 18 pounds. To meet consumer demand for white meat, commercial turkeys have been bred to have abnormally large breasts. As a result, the birds can not reproduce naturally, and the industry now relies on forced artificial insemination as the sole means of reproduction. In addition, most factory-farmed turkeys, comprising the vast majority of turkeys raised for holiday dinners, have their beaks and toes amputated, because they are allotted only three square-feet to live out their lives.

You can visit the Farm Sanctuary’s Adopt-A-Turkey Project Click WEBSITEto learn more about sponsoring or adopting a turkey, see photos of rescued turkeys living at the sanctuary, read Alicia Silverstone’s secrets to a humane holiday, find cruelty-free holiday recipes, take a glimpse inside a turkey breeding facility, and learn how to take action against the inhumane treatment of turkeys.

Remember, even if you are going to eat a turkey this holiday season, you can still sponsor a turkey. In fact, I would feel more compelled to sponsor a turkey if I knew I was also going to be eating one.

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month!

Did you know that cancer is the #1 killer of cats and dogs? This is because cancer strikes them at roughly the same rate it strikes humans, but most animal parents are not informed about canine and feline cancer.

Warnings signs of cancer in your pet may include:

• abnormal swelling that persists
• sores that do not heal
• loss of weight
• loss of appetite
• bleeding or discharge from any body opening
• offensive odor
• difficulty eating or swallowing
• hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
• persistent lameness or stiffness
• difficulty breathing, urinating, and/or defecating

If you see any of these symptoms in your pet, take him/her to the vet ASAP and request a full examination.

What causes pet cancer?

• Genetics – Due to improper breeding practices, some dog breeds are more prone to canine cancer. These include Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Boxers.  If buying a cat or dog, always ask the breeder about the instances of cancer within the line.
• Over-Vaccination – It has been clinically shown that over-vaccination can actually weaken an animal’s immune system. There is even a specific cancer in cats, which develops at the vaccine site, and is a direct result of over-vaccination. Initial puppy and kitten shots are required, but avoid having them vaccinated for everything every single year. Speak with your vet about spreading the vaccines out and only inoculating for diseases prevalent in your geographic area. You also might want to test your pet’s immunity with a blood titer test before vaccination. This often cannot be done in your vet’s office, so some vets are not familiar with labs that do it. If your vet is not familiar, have them contact Antech Diagnostics (800-872-1001) for more info. You might also want to consult with a holistic vet who is familiar with minimizing the side effects of vaccines after they have been given.
• Environmental & Food Toxins – Exposure to chemicals,  toxins, and preservative additives in the environment and in pet food can build up within your pet and be carcinogenic (cancer causing). Studies have shown a definite link between toxins in household products and pet cancer. Switch to non-toxic or organic cleaning/household products to cut down on your pet’s chemical exposure. If possible, switch to organic pet food that contains no preservatives. It can be more expensive, but stores or online shops usually have sales and your pet’s health should be worth it. Go to BlueBluff.com to compare dog and cat foods and find out what’s really in the stuff your feeding your pet.
• Your animal not being spayed or neutered! – Spaying and neutering your animal can reduce and even eliminate their chances of developing certain types of cancer! On top of that, it helps reduce the chances of them reproducing and creating unwanted animals that will contribute to the millions that die in shelters.

My beloved cat and friend, Emy, died of ovarian and breast cancer last year. She was 9 when she was diagnosed. We tried to have her spayed when she was a few years old, but the vet told us she was too old. We believed that vet and did as he said! I have since become informed. An animal is rarely too old to be spayed/neutered, unless they are too weak to make it through the procedure. If Emy had been spayed, she would probably still be here with me today, since her risk of developing ovarian cancer would have been 0%. It is okay to get a second or third opinion from other vets, especially when it comes to diseases or medical procedures! If you have a concern about pet cancer and your vet is not listening, please go somewhere else.

How can you help?
Click HEREto make a donation or purchase pet cancer awareness wristbands, proceeds of which go to the Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research. The Blue Buffalo Foundation is completely committed to raising funds for the research and education of canine and feline cancer.

If all of this wasn’t enough, here are some shocking facts about pet cancer:

• Cancer accounts for nearly 50% of all pet deaths each year.
• Cancer is the #1 natural cause of death in older pets.
• Dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans.
• 1 in 4 dogs die of cancer.
• Over 50% of dogs over age 10 will die of cancer.
• Cancer can occur in virtually any part of your dog’s body.
• Approximately 1 in 4 dogs will develop a tumor of some kind in his/her lifetime.
• The cause of cancer in pets, just as in humans, is largely unknown. (Although, there are links between many of the factors mentioned above, as for human cancer as well.)

All info taken from petcancerawareness.org, the homepage of the Pet Cancer Awareness program, a partner of the Blue Buffalo Foundation.

World Kindness Day – How to help an injured, lost, or abandoned animal.

November 13^th is World Kindness Day. To help promote this for the animal kingdom, I have decided to post a helpful guide on what to do if you find an injured, abandoned, or lost animal and a quick checklist for your very own animal rescue kit!

How many times have you seen a stray or injured animal along the roadside and driven by like everyone else? Do you think something like, “Somebody else will help it.” The truth is that most people will simply drive by thinking the same thing. If you won’t help that animal, than who will? It is important to remember that lost, abandoned, and injured animals often cannot fend for themselves. You should also keep in mind that that animal might be somebody’s pet. Wouldn’t you want somebody to stop and help if it was your cat or dog? So, I beg you to stop and help an animal in need next time you see one, in the spirit of world kindness.

 

Prepare an animal rescue kit for your car! Why not be prepared ahead of time. I promise it will eventually come in handy. You should keep these things in your car at all times.

• Cell phone
• Phone number for local animal control
• Phone number for local animal protective league/ASPCA, etc.
• Phone number for local shelter/rescue (such as your local Humane Society)
• Phone number and directions to nearest 24 emergency vet
• Cat carrier or cardboard box (cheap cardboard cat carriers can be purchased at many places)
• Collars (a small one for cats & one for dogs that adjusts to a wide range of sizes-can be inexpensively purchased at discount stores or during sales)
• Leash (one heavy enough to hold a dog, but don’t be afraid to use it on cats!)
• Heavy blanket and towels (can use old towels from home)
• Bottle of clean water
• Bowls (inexpensive plastic bowls that can be used for food/water)
• Strong-smelling foods, such as canned tuna or dried liver
• Animal first aid kit (can make your own- gauze rolls, adhesive/first aid tape, hydrogen peroxide, antiseptic cream, tweezers, scissors)

 

If you see an injured domestic animal…

These are steps you can take even if you don’t have any of the above materials. Although, it is smart to at least program the animal control, emergency vet, protective league, and shelter phone numbers into your cell phone or write them down.

• Ensure your own safety. -Be sure you can safely get to the animal without injuring yourself. If in a car, pull off the road and put on your hazard lights. Do not rush the animal or touch it right away. Move slowly to make sure the animal is not going to bite or hurt you. Do not risk being bit. Remember, an animal may snap at you, but this does not mean it is aggressive or does not want/need help.
• Ensure the safety of the animal. –Do not swiftly approach the animal. If in a car, exit the car slowly and do not slam the door. A scared animal can act in unpredictable ways. It could get scared and bolt onto a busy road or into a wooded area where you cannot help it. Also, so not administer anything to the animal if it is injured and you are not sure what is wrong with it. Only move an injured animal if you must do so to prevent it from being further injured.
• If possible, restrain the animal. – Create a barrier with something to try to keep the animal confined. If the animal is uninjured and is friendly, try to persuade it into your car where it will at least be safe from running off and being hit. This is where a leash, collars, carriers, or a box would come in handy.
• Speak softly to the animal. – Speak calmly while approaching the animal. Make sure the animal can see you at all times. Try to entice the animal with strong smelling food if you have any with you. Do not feed the animal chocolate, as it is toxic to many animals.
• Try to lure the animal into your car. – If you’re in a car when you spot the animal, try to lure it into your car with food or simply by calling it. Many lost dogs will hop into a car if invited! You should only do this if you are sure someone will be there to get the animal relatively soon. It is not advised that you drive in the car with an unfamiliar animal because they may become frantic and injure you or themselves. If you can restrain the animal or put it in a carrier, it is probably safe to drive with it. Animal control can take a LONG time to show up, and sometimes injured animals don’t have that long and require immediate care.
• Call the local police/animal control/animal protective league. – You will have to research what groups physically come pick up animals in your area. I recommend an animal protective league if possible. Contact animal control even if you are taking the animal into your care that way they can see if it is a pet that has been reported missing.
• Take the animal to the nearest shelter/rescue/emergency vet. – If an animal is severely sick or injured, you should take it to the vet immediately, if possible. This is if you can constrain the animal or if he/she is in no condition to move. Be warned that a vet will often expect you to pay the medical bills. Many vets offer a Good Samaritan discount. Check with vets in your area to see if any allow you to bring injured animals in for free. If the animal cannot be saved, most vets will humanely euthanize the animal for free. If you cannot get to the vet, take the animal to the nearest shelter.
• Understand the limits of the local animal control agency. – If an animal is injured, many animal agencies don’t have the funds and resources to treat that animal. The animal will be euthanized to prevent it from suffering any longer. Also, animal control can take many hours to respond to a call. If it is possible for you to take it to a vet or a local Humane Society where the animal might have better chances, please do so. If there is nothing you can do, please do not let the animal suffer. Call your local animal control agency to come get the animal and in the meantime cover the animal up with a blanket, towel, or whatever you might have and stay with it.

 

If you see an injured/orphaned/in danger wild animal…

• First, decide whether you should help or not. There are many cases in which a wild animal will not survive    without human intervention. In other cases, human involvement could make the situation even worse.
•         If an animal is injured, immediate action should be taken, but remember, an injured animal is prone to aggression. So seeking the help of a professional – animal control or a wildlife rehabilitator – is ideal in these situations. If you absolutely must handle an injured animal, do so using extreme caution and take protective measures, such as wearing thick leather gloves.
•             In the case of a baby animal that appears to be alone, do not act immediately unless the baby is obviously injured or in immediate danger from predation, traffic, etc. Many wild animals allow their young to roam relatively freely, while mom or dad looks on from a distance.
•            If a wild mother is injured or killed and cannot care for her young, the babies will often leave the nest or den in seek of food. Crying and vocalizing is a common behavior in young wild animals who are hungry and who are without the care of their mother. This is a case where immediate intervention is necessary.
•           If a baby bird or squirrel has fallen from the nest in a tree or other tall structure, there’s a good chance the animal is injured. If the mother does not retrieve the baby within an hour or two, humans should intervene. Intervention should occur sooner if the baby is obviously injured or crying.
•          As a general rule, young animals are less likely to act aggressively toward humans. Adults are often more prone to acting in an aggressive manner. And an injured animal – even an animal who is normally docile – can exhibit signs of aggression when injured. All wild animals should be handled with caution.
•           If you decide to intervene and care for a wild orphan, contacting a wildlife rehabilitation facility is the first priority, as many orphans are in need of veterinary attention and specialized care if they are to survive. If no rehabilitators are available in your area, contact veterinarians to seek assistance for your orphan. Many veterinarians can also provide referrals to veterinarians who specialize in wildlife.
•           An injured wild animal must be placed in a secure cage or box to help prevent further injury to the animal and its human caretakers. Get the animal to a qualified veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator immediately and limit direct contact with the animal in order to avoid unnecessary stress and fear.

Where to Find Help

It is recommended that you research who to contact in a wildlife animal situation and keep that contact info with you. There are many qualified individuals who can help an injured animal in need. Consider seeking help from one of the following agencies:

·                       A local Animal Control Officer (usually affiliated with the local fire or police department)

·                       The Animal Rescue League or other similar animal welfare organization

·                       A State Wildlife Agency (in the U.S.)

·                       A Veterinary School or University in your area

·                       A local veterinarian (if they are not equipped to assist you, most can refer you to someone else who     is qualified to handle a wildlife emergency)

A Wildlife Rehabilitator

Resources: HERE and HERE .

York, PA – Australian Cattle Dog looking for new owner/foster with plenty of time to spare!

This is Bubba, a 1.5 year old Australian Cattle Dog mix. Sadly, his owner no longer has time to care for him. He has to be put in the kennel every weekend. The owner loves this dog and does not want to give Bubba to a new family, but she knows it is what’s best for him. Please consider giving Bubba a chance and do not dwell on the reasons why his owner is parting with him; it is not Bubba’s fault. Bubba is located in York, Pennsylvania. He is very loving and well behaved. Bubba is not neutered, but he is up to date on shots. He has no medical conditions. His owner takes him to the dog park, where he gets along with the other dogs. Bubba is also very friendly with children, although he is so full of love that he will sometimes jump on people to give them “hugs.” This is not aggression, simply excitement, friendliness, and love. He is even-tempered, does not bark at people, and does not react when someone tries to take his food.

Bubba’s owner is willing to transport Bubba up to two hours from York, PA. This means that you do not have to live near Bubba to adopt him! You could also meet the owner half way if you so wished, meaning you could live over 400 miles away and still make this loving guy part of your family!

The adoption fee is $50.00. This inclued Bubba and his crate.

The owner is also possibly looking for a foster family to take Bubba until an adoptive family can be found. She wants him to be able to have love and attention until a family can be found. She might be forced to take him to a shelter if nobody steps up soon, so a foster family would be a saving grace! The owner is will pay for Bubba’s food, care, and medical expenses while he is with a foster person/family.

If you are interested in adopting or fostering Bubba, please email me at afurryfriend@gmail.com ASAP!

 

Stray pit bull saves woman & child from attacker!

Pit bulls get a pretty bad rap, but maybe this story will change your mind:

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — The wandering 65-pound Pit Bull mix might have seemed menacing to some passerby, but one woman will always remember him as her “guardian angel.”

The dog, which authorities think is lost and not a stray, successfully thwarted a robbery attack on a mother and her 2-year-old son, who were held at knifepoint Monday afternoon.

The Florida woman, who has been identified by authorities simply as “Angela,” was leaving a playground with her toddler son in Port Charlotte when a man approached her in the parking lot with a knife and told her not to make any noise or sudden movements.

Angela didn’t have to do either to protect herself and her child — a dog mysteriously ran to the scene and charged the man, who quickly fled.

“I don’t think the dog physically attacked the man, but he went at him and was showing signs of aggression, just baring his teeth and growling and barking. It was clear he was trying to defend this woman,” Animal Control Lt. Brian Jones told Pet Pulse.

“I don’t know what this man’s intentions were, but it is very possible this dog saved her life.”

The exceptional part of the story, Jones said, is that the dog had never met or even seen the people it quickly jumped to defend.

“You hear about family dogs protecting their owners, but this dog had nothing to do with this woman or her kid,” Jones said. “He was like her guardian angel.”

After the alleged thief ran away, Angela quickly placed her son, Jordan, in the car and tried to drive off. Before she could, though, the dog jumped into her backseat, waiting with her for the police and animal control officers to arrive at the scene.

The dog was transported to a local shelter and if his owners don’t step forward within five days, Jones said, Angela and her family plan to adopt the savior she named “Angel.”

Animal control officers and shelter workers believe Angel is lost, and not a stray, because of his good health, sturdy weight and mild temperament.

“It’s funny, that someone’s irresponsibility could have saved someone’s life,” Jones said of Angel’s possible owners.

For Angela, it doesn’t matter where the dog came from, just that he was there when she needed him most.

“I don’t know what his [the thief's] intentions were — I don’t know why he did it, but I’m glad that — we call him Angel — I’m glad that Angel showed up because I don’t know what would have happened,” Angela told NBC2 News.

Police are still looking for the suspect, who is described as a tall, dark-haired male in his late 20s.

Story taken from HERE.