Snow's Come Too Soon!

Although it's officially autumn, Casper (and much of the Rocky Mountain West) looks like Christmas and feels like January! Protect your pets during cold snaps by making sure short-haired dogs have sweaters on when they go outside and by cleaning your dog's feet after they've been outside - ice and snow can build up on the pads and between the toes, causing great pain and discomfort. Watch your pet while it's outside doing its business and don't keep your dog for long periods of time (unless it loves the snow and has lots of fur to keep it warm!)

Make sure your pets stay warm and snug (just as we humans like to be!), and ensure their food and water dishes are full.

And, if your pet is like my Murphy cat, have a blanket nearby that your pet can snuggle against and maybe into! Just make sure they don't dig so far down into the blankets that they overheat!!Keep yourself and your pets warm and safe during this crazy winter-like weather and the actual winter yet to come!

The Importance of ID Tags

This morning, after walking my own dogs, I drove to the store and saw a dog running in the street. I pulled my car over and coaxed the reddish, long-haired, medium-sized dog into my car. It was a friendly dog and hopped right in! First thing I checked was a collar -- ah, yes! Then, are there tags? Many times when I've "rescued" a street roamer, there's been a collar with NO tags. But, ah, thankfully, this dog's owner placed the animal's tags on the collar, including a city license that was actually up-to-date! I called Metro Animal Control, gave the staff member the dog's tag number, and was given the name of the owner and a phone number. I asked for an address, thinking I'd just drive up or down one of the close-by streets and be able to get the dog home. But, no! This owner's address was clear across town! I asked the staffer how he thought the dog could be in MY neighborhood, and of course, got the answer "don't know."

So, I called the phone number, thinking I'd get voice mail, but thankfully, the owner answered, and I discovered he and the dog did live a short distance away, so I was able to get handsome RED long-hair back home safely, and into the loving arms of the owner's little boy. I thanked the man for having up-to-date ID tags (in the form of current licensing) but cautioned he probably should update his address with Metro. Still, a happy ending!

How important it is to have our pets wear identification or at least a current rabies and city license tag. It's so much easier for pets to get home timely and safely when their collar has some type of identification. I've rescued several "street urchins" in the past, and rarely have those animals had a license or ID tag on their collars. Remind all your pet friendly pals to insure their animals have collars and tags just in case, as in what transpired today, their pet escapes the yard and runs down the street and hops someone's car! With identification, your pet will go home instead of going to the animal shelter or to someone's else's home!

Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month observed in October

Animal welfare groups across the country celebrate the joy of dog adoption next month. October is recognized as national Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month and offers a wonderful opportunity to give a dog a new, loving home.

Promoted by American Humane (a national animal welfare organization based in Denver, CO) and the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month brings greater awareness to the plight of homeless dogs throughout our nation. The Humane Society of the United States estimates nearly 3 to 4 million dogs and cats enter shelters across the United States annually, many of which are euthanized for one reason or another. This year’s Adopt-A-Dog theme is “Be a Super Hero! Rescue a Shelter Dog…and Get a Loyal Sidekick for All of Life’s Adventures!” and hints at one of the many special reasons to adopt a dog.

If you are considering adding a dog to your household, this is a good time to do so! Dogs are loyal and loving, providing that special ‘sidekick’ for life’s journey. Many dogs enjoy riding in the car, going for walks and hikes, and simply being a part of a family; therefore, they make wonderful companions! And remember the great health benefits dogs can provide: reducing stress and blood pressure and uplifting our moods, among others.

Whether you are single, married, have children, or are retired, there’s a dog to fit every lifestyle. Of course, you need to find the RIGHT dog, and that’s one of the roles animal shelters, rescue organizations, and humane societies provide. The staff and volunteers who spend time with the animals know their personalities and may often know the dog’s background, and therefore, offer a tremendous service for those hoping to add a dog to their life.

This year’s theme of super hero is a strong, positive one. Most of us have a role model, someone to whom we can look up, think of highly, and try to emulate. Those role models may be celebrities, or sports or political figures. Yet, we can all be positive role models, especially to our children. Kids look at superheroes, like Superman, in awe, watching the cartoon and movie versions of these make-believe characters. Wouldn’t it be great if, as adults, we gave children someone to look up to, being noted especially for our kindness and compassion? Not only can we teach our children the uplifting, strong moral characteristics of selflessness, kindness and compassion, but we can also teach them responsibility toward our community and our pets.

So, won’t you be a superhero today, to a homeless dog and to your kids and grandkids? Adopt a dog in October during national Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month. And even if you can’t adopt a pet, there are many things you can do to show kindness and compassion: support our local pet rescue and shelter organizations with donations not just of money, but also of dog toys, treats, food and even your time.
Dogs need people – they need our care, compassion, time, and attention. Be a Super Hero today!

Pets are Powerful Therapy

I've been away from this blog for quite sometime but that's because I spent nearly six weeks with my parents after each experienced major and frightening health issues.

For almost two weeks, in the later part of that situation, my blind Springer Spaniel, Sage, stayed with us as well in their small home in Montana. Sage has experienced significant issues herself, from progressive blindness to being lost for 3 days to frequent urinary tract infections to, the latest, a pre-cancerous skin tumor. Through each significant challenge, Sage has exhibited immense courage and tenacity; her tail rarely stops wagging, and her sense of confidence and faith is inspiring!

While she stayed at my parents’ house, she sat near each one of them, coaxing in a silent way for them to pet her. They often complied, giving her gentle pats and talking to her tenderly. Sage sat quietly, seeming to enjoy the attention and seeming to know they needed that respite of acceptance and devotion.

Dogs provide great health benefits to people. They can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, uplift our moods, and add years to our life. The simple fact that our pets accept us for who we are, they love us unconditionally and are devoted companions, they often wait by the door for our return, and pets (especially dogs) get us outdoors for fresh air and walks – all of these things and more are healthy benefits to people, both emotionally and physically.

Therapy pets are used in hospitals and nursing homes around the country to help patients feel better. The Delta Society and other groups certify pets and their owners to take into such public places and studies show these animals provide great benefits to those whom they visit.

Unlike people with whom relationships can be complex, unpredictable, and stressful, animals are a great source of stability and companionship. They don’t change, and their loyalty to their owners and ability to rebound from tough situations can be inspiring. Pets are also a great source of comfort. The simple act of petting a dog can lower blood pressure and bring a sense of calm to one’s spirit. Interacting with a cat in a playful manner can generate enjoyment and laughter. Even watching fish in a beautiful tank can bring about a sense of peace and an enjoyment of beauty through the colors of both the fish and the tank. And, don’t we all need a bit more peace and stability in our lives?

I am thankful for the therapy Sage gives my family and I. Her dedication and devotion are beyond measure. She has taught me many things during her young life, including the value of friendship and loyalty and the strengths of perseverance and courage. My own special therapy pet, whom I can share with others – what a blessing!

Give of yourself to help animals!

Recently I transported two female Springer Spaniels to their adoptive parents, a couple who wanted to give them a permanent, forever home. As part of a breed-rescue organization, I have transported dogs to their new homes and have given of my time in other ways as a volunteer.

I don’t have lots of time to volunteer, but I have found a few ways in which I can serve to help animals in need. Volunteers are vital to rescue and other animal welfare organizations, and there are many ways a person can volunteer. Some of these endeavors take lots of time, others take only a few hours a week. If you enjoy animals, here are some ways in which you can help your local animal shelter, Humane Society, or animal rescue organization:

• Donate time to walk and play with dogs.


• Donate time to brush and play with cats.


• Serve as a foster parent, providing a temporary home to injured or orphaned animals, those awaiting a new home, or mothers with very young kittens or puppies.


• Transport pets going into new homes.


• Assist with fundraising and other special events.


• Help landscape and clean an existing facility.


• Donate products, such as pet food, toys, treats, even laundry soap and cat litter.


• Donate money.
  

Visit with a representative from your local animal shelter or rescue group and see what their needs are that you as a volunteer can provide. You will be amazed at the difference you can make in the lives of homeless pets in just a few hours a week or even a few hours each month as these animals await their loving, forever home! Be part of the positive solution by giving of yourself in some small way.

My Pets, My Instructors

Summer seems to be here. Somehow, the region where I lived by-passed spring. The apple tree is in full bloom (took less than a week!) and the temperature surpassed 85 degrees the past few days. We blinked and spring has gone -- wow, time does fly!

With the onslaught of warm weather and early sunrises, my cats have come out of hibernation. Bailey, the independent and aloof one, now wants to explore the backyard before 6 a.m., something her sister likes to do no matter the season or air temperature! The two spend hours in the backyard, watching (and trying to catch!) the birds; stalking mice; and laying on the patio in the warm sunshine. And when not outside, they observe their outdoor domain from windows, cat trees, or any other place they can find to look out. My cats simply ENJOY -- and I enjoy watching them.

Ever notice how our pets just take things in stride -- weather, lack of success in mouse-stalking, physical limitations? They don't sweat it, as the old saying goes. They simply appreciate what they have and patiently wait for what they don't (a bird, in the example of my cats). We can learn a lot from our pets: loyalty, patience, simplicity, courage, perseverance, friendship, appreciation.

Some people call them "dumb animals" -- I observe them and see "teacher".

Road Trip with Your Pet

I've been away from this blog for longer than I intended due to sickness. This has been a VERY LONG WINTER here in the Rockies. Signs of spring are coming, though, despite the consistent snowfall -- robins are appearing, grass is greening (thanks to the extra snowfall!), and the sun is shining (finally!).

My husband and I took a weekend trip with our two dogs recently, something we’ve not done in quite sometime. It was a pleasant journey, at least for a few of us. Sage, our blind dog, no longer travels well, and she stresses about being in the car, even for a short while.

Cody, the Cocker Spaniel, on the other hand, lays down and sleeps, sometimes so peacefully that he snores! It’s an amazing difference between the two.

Once at the two different hotels we stayed at, we all relaxed for the night. The beds were king-sized (don’t often get that in hotel ‘pets allowed’ rooms!), the rooms were large enough that Sage, the blind one, could more easily navigate, and the prices were very reasonable (of course, it isn’t really the travel season yet!). We did have to pay an extra charge per pet per night, but nothing extravagant, and I’m grateful for that, especially traveling with two dogs.

During our journey, we stopped at one particular rest stop where a young man had also stopped with his two dogs. He had a van loaded with stuff, from skies and a shovel on top of the vehicle, to a bench seat with blankets on it for the dogs inside. I smiled, both inside and outside, when I saw this guy with his two 4-legged friends. Not only did he exercise them at the rest area, but he provided them attention and the vital substance called water and he played with them outside at the pet designated part of the rest area. It was great to see! He obviously enjoys his four-legged companions and was having fun traveling to wherever he was going with them.

I thank the people who are responsible for creating pet areas at highway rest stops. I thank the hotels that are pet friendly and allow us traveling pet owners places to stay with our furry friends. I thank pet owners who not only take their pets on trips, but who provide them the stimulations they need and the basic necessities they require. It’s wonderful to bump into other traveling pet owners. We share smiles, exchange greetings, and often stop and chat about our furry companions. Pets bring pet owners together, and I’m thankful for that, too.

As travel season approaches, here are a few traveling trips for taking your pet on the road with you:

• Pack enough pet food and also containers of water for the trip. In addition also take along the following: your pet’s food and water dishes, bedding, litter and litter box, leash, collar and tags, grooming supplies, a favorite toy, a first-aid kit, and any necessary medications.
  
  
• Make sure your pet wears a sturdy collar with ID tags throughout the trip. It's also recommended to have a tag on your pet with contact information for your destination.


• Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date and carry a health certificate with you.


• Make frequent pit stops. Provide your pet with fresh water in addition to the exercise and bathroom breaks when you stop.


• Never leave your pet unattended in a parked vehicle. Not only can the inside of a car heat up quickly, but unattended pets can be victims of theft.


• Be sure that your pet is safely restrained in your vehicle. Utilizing a pet safety harness or travel kennel are the best ways to keep your dog safe. Cat should be in carriers for their safety (and yours!). Whatever method you choose to properly restrain your pet in the vehicle, be sure to make their comfort a priority. Simply providing their favorite bed or blanket can help your pet feel more at ease during a road trip.
  

For more indepth travel tips, visit the Humane Society of the United States' website at http://www.hsus.org/ or TripswithPets.com.

And, for pet-friendly accommodations, visit: http://www.dogfriendly.com/, http://www.petswelcome.com/, or tripswithpets.com.

Happy Trails (and Tails!)