Spay and Neuter

Animal shelters and rescue organizations can't save
every homeless animal; they need our help.
According to ASPCA.org, approximately 5-7 million
companion animals enter shelters nationwide each
year. Approximately 3-4 million of those animals are
euthanized. That averages out to 9,589 euthanized
animals every day of the year. If you ran the figures
hourly, it would be approximately 400 animals per
hour.
  • What can you do to help?
  • Spay and Neuter your pets.
  • Consider adopting a pet instead of buying
    from a breeder. If you do buy from a breeder,
    make sure they are a legitimate business and
    not a puppy mill.
  • Do your homework; make sure you are taking
    in the right pet for your lifestyle (ex. energy
    level, monthly expenses) so that you don't end
    up surrendering the animal back to a shelter.

             ----------------------------------
Winter Tips for Pets from Best Friends Sanctuary
  • Watch the weight of your pet. If they are less
    active in winter you'll want to decrease their
    daily food intake and vice versa if they are
    more active in the winter months.
  • Make sure they always have access to fresh
    water, use plastic bowls outside instead of
    metal.
  • Watch for antifreeze spills and leaks. It tastes
    sweet to dogs but is poisonous.
  • Clean their paws after walking. The ice melting
    chemicals on sidewalks and streets can irritate
    and burn a dog's pads. They can be poisonous
    if ingested.
  • Although animals shouldn't be left in the cold
    for long periods of time, if they are, they will
    need a warm, dry place to seek shelter. If it is
    a doghouse, it should be raised off the ground
    a few inches and have a door flap to block the
    wind.
  • Never leave your pet in the car. They can
    freeze to death in a car during cold weather.
    Cars can actually act like a refrigerator and
    hold cold air in putting your pet at increased
    risk of injury or death. Leave them at home
    where they are safe.
  • Keep extra food, medications, litter and fresh
    water in case the weather prevents you from
    getting to the store.


ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 24hr line:
888-426-4435.
For more tips visit aspca.org.

           ----------------------------------------
Can you tell if an animal has been abused?

These are just a few signs from the ASPCA's list
that may alert you an animal needs help:

Extreme thinness or emaciation.

Untreated skin conditions that have caused loss of
hair, scaly skin, bumps or rashes.

Collar so tight that it has caused a neck wound.

Pets are tied up alone outside for long periods of
time without adequate and clean food or water and
shelter.

Animals are housed in kennels or cages that are too
small to allow them to stand, turn around and make
normal movements.

Animal cruelty is not only wrong--it is against the
law in every state. Animal abuse can also be part of
a pattern of other violent acts within families and
society. Abuse of any kind should be reported to
the appropriate authorities immediately.

----------------------


Emergency Pet Preparedness Ideas:

Get Rescue Alert Stickers for your home.

Don't leave your pets behind. If it isn't safe for you,
it isn't safe for your pets.

Arrange for a temporary and a more permanent
caregiver.

Create an emergency supplies stash and travel kit.
Remember to rotate food, water and medication as
time goes by.
For many more details please visit aspca.org.

The ASPCA website has plenty of information.
Check out their Safety Tips for Kids and Pets and
their Gardener's Guide.



                    -----------------------
General Animal Safety Tips:

When giving up a pet never place an ad or post
online, "Free to a Good Home". People who need
"bait"(all sizes) for dogfights and "bunchers", who
look for animals to sell for medical research, are
always looking for free dogs and cats. People value
what they pay for. Take the time to interview every
prospective owner. Ask for vet and personal
references and check them out, then visit the
animal's prospective new home.

If you must buy a pet from a pet store, ask them to
provide the name and contact information of the
breeder of their animals. If everything is above
board the store should have no problem giving you
this information. Then take the info and check it
out. Reputable breeders and stores will want to
show that they are giving the animals appropriate
and responsible care. People and companies
associated with puppy mills will probably not be
very forthcoming with this type of information.

Some of the above information came from
dogsonly.org and Oprah.com.
For more tips and information visit the websites for
the ASPCA and the Humane Society.
News
Scratch a dog
and you'll find
a permanent
job.                 
                      
    -Franklin P.  
      Jones