Pet Dish - February 14th, 2012

The hottest ticket in town: Whisker Whirl
5 things to consider before committing to a new pet
Lost and Found bulletin board is essential for missing pets
Pet Tips with Kate Varns
Making Tracks
Scratching Posts

Tales and Tails

The hottest ticket in town: Whisker Whirl

In its sixth year, Whisker Whirl is the premier event to support the Animal Humane Society’s mission and where people can take their pups along on a “date.” The soirée features fun for both people and their dogs if they wish to bring them. Cat lovers are just as enthusiastic about the event but typically don’t bring them, says Bobbi Morris, Animal Humane Society special events manager.

“It has become very popular among all animal lovers and anyone who wants to support Animal Humane Society’s mission,” says Bobbi. “We have a great mix of long-time supporters and new people, and it just keeps getting bigger every year.”

A martini bar, dinner, silent and live auctions, pet-people portraits and games for people and dogs are part of the evening’s line-up. Dogs are served a meal table-side provided by Purina.

Cities 97 radio personality Brian “BT” Turner hosts a VIP cocktail reception at 5 p.m. where you can enjoy specialty appetizers for you and your pup, courtesy of Sidewalk Dog and Seven Sushi. The silent auction and cash bar opens at 6 p.m., and the dinner, live auction and program begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person or $250 for a VIP ticket with choice of chicken or vegetarian entrée.

“People have commented that they really enjoy the evening program on our work and seeing how their support can help animals in our community,” Bobbi says.

Hotels adjacent to The Depot include the dog-friendly Residence Inn (612-340-1300) or The Depot Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel (612-375-1700). Rates start at $99 if you book early. Once this rate is gone, there is a best-available rate of $129. To make reservations online, please visit The Depot Minneapolis web site.

5 things to consider before committing to a new pet

If you’re ready to make the commitment of bringing home a pet, Animal Humane Society Trainer Kate Varns suggests taking stock in your own likes and dislikes. Are you outdoors a lot or indoors? Home most of the time or traveling? Do big dogs overwhelm you but little ones don’t? Have you owned rabbits before? Cat litter box cleaning doesn’t phase you? Or are tropical fish requiring little more than feeding and tank cleaning more your style?

It can be a little overwhelming when you visit Animal Humane Society as many adorable animals are looking for their forever homes. Kate says you should ask yourself:

1) Who is going to take care of the pet: feeding, walking, playing, and cleaning tanks, litter boxes and picking up waste? Will all family members share in the work? If the pet is for a child, realize that often the feeding and care ends up with the parents.

2) What kind of animal personality suits you? A social animal like a dog requires more interaction than an animal that likes more solitude, such as a cat. Plus personalities also vary by breed. Some animals, such as rabbits, are not fond of being picked up. Guinea pigs, however, don’t mind being handled gently. Think about how much time you have to spend with your animal.

3) What is your own energy level? Are you a hiker or runner, or do you have more limited mobility? This can impact your choice of pet. Often senior animals regardless of breed make great choices for someone desiring a lower energy pet.

4) Where will you and your pet live? If you don’t own your own home, consider the rules and regulations of your living arrangement. You may want to check on cat, dog, breed or size restrictions in your apartment. What about roommates? In addition, check your homeowner or renter’s insurance as some won’t cover liability for what insurers designate as “bully breeds.”

5) Consider the total cost of a pet. Feeding, veterinary care, supplies, grooming needs, training and boarding can all add up. Make sure you are realistic in your pet budget. It is heartbreaking to realize that your pet needs something and you can’t afford it.

In addition, talk with a professional! Call the Animal Humane Society Behavior Helpline at (763) 489-2202 for advice or talk to a friendly customer service representative at any Animal Humane Society location. A perfect forever friend is waiting.

Lost and Found bulletin board is essential for missing pets

Imagine the horror of discovering that your dog has escaped outside into the February sunshine. She followed her nose during this mild winter as small outdoor critters are more active than usual, and she’s now nowhere to be found. You’re beside yourself with worry but take immediate action by notifying your vet and city animal control. Then you find a recent photo and make a flyer while a friend scouts the neighborhood in a car.

If your pet goes missing or if you find a lost animal, Animal Humane Society has many resources, including its Lost and Found bulletin board. Here’s a recent story from the owners of Zip, a Brittany Spaniel:

“We lost our dog, Zip, on Saturday. Someone suggested that we post an ad on Craigslist on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday morning someone replied, saying that she’d seen an ad for a dog just like ours on the Animal Humane Society web site, and included the link. We immediately followed up, called AHS and had our dog back within an hour. We had not heard about your “Lost and Found” web site. We are so glad to have Zip back.”

“When a stray animal finds its way to us, we do our best to find its owners,” says Brittany Foley, an AHS customer service representative who recently reunited a dog found 150 miles from home with its owner. But AHS isn’t able to provide personal services to families who’ve lost their pet, so they’ve offered a great alternative — an online lost and found bulletin board available free to the public.

“Owners who are searching for their pets can post a photo and information on our Lost bulletin board,” says Brittany. “People can post photos and information of animals they are holding in their home while they search for the owner on our Found bulletin board. Finally we refer owners searching for their pets to our Stray Animals’ link on our web site, which is updated continually from animals taken in at all sites.”

If your pet goes missing or if you find a lost or stray animal, you can also post a photo and information on web sites like Craigslist.org or Petfinder.com. Another site, linked from the AHS board, is Find Toto. One call to Find Toto and an “amber alert” regarding your missing pet will go out to your neighborhood or city and they’ll also post your pet’s picture on their website.

You should also notify and visit area shelters, veterinary clinics and municipal animal control facilities and post notices on community bulletin boards and other media. Visit AHS’s website to learn these and other actions to take if your pet goes missing or if you find a stray or lost animal.

“Whichever path is taken to reunite owners with their pets,” Brittany says, “it is always rewarding for our staff to see overjoyed owners find their pets.”

Pet Tips with Kate Varns