Pet Dish for January 11, 2011

In this issue:

Your words for animals
A special invitation for a one-of-a-kind event
PetSet Youth Club now on Thursdays
New homes for rescued Aitkin dogs
Pet skills for the New Year
Pet Tips with Paul Zukoff - Excessive licking
More treats
Scratching posts

Your words for animals

Be a voice and make a difference in the lives of homeless animals by doing one or all of the following:

Spread the word about surrendering pets by appointment

Animal Humane Society recently announced that in an effort to reduce animal homelessness and euthanasia in our communities we are now requiring appointments to bring an animal to any of our five shelters. Help us do more for animals by spreading the word about our new animal admissions process. Learn more about how working together with pet owners will make an incredible difference for animals and contact us with any questions you may have.

Let others know about your positive experiences

As supporters of Animal Humane Society, you have firsthand knowledge about the work we do and our efforts to do more for animals in our communities — and we need you to tell people about it! By sharing your positive feedback online you’ll help others get behind the work we do which will lead to future use of our services and support of the animals in our care.

Feedback on Guidestar

Feedback on Google by location

Sign the petition to stop puppy mills

The effort to stop inhumane breeding practices in commercial dog and cat breeding facilities in Minnesota has not wavered despite last year’s defeat. We will continue to speak on behalf of the animals that suffer until a bill is passed. Lend your voice by signing the petition to end the abuse in puppy and kitten mills in Minnesota.

Together, we can make a difference.

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A special invitation for a one-of-a-kind event
Whisker Whirl, February 19

Whisker Whirl is a one-of-a-kind event that benefits animals in need, those animals that find shelter and care at Animal Humane Society. As honorary co-chairs of the event, Animal Humane Society friends Ben and Abby Leber would like to share with you why this event is important to them and extend to you a special Whisker Whirl invitation.

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PetSet Youth Club now on Thursdays

You asked and we listened! The PetSet Youth Club has added a new Thursday group in Golden Valley. The Wednesday Golden Valley and Tuesday Woodbury groups are also still available and registration is now open for the January–April semester.

If your child loves animals and wants to learn more about them while helping the animals in their community, then this is the club for them! PetSet Youth Club is designed for kids in grades 5–8 who want to learn about animal welfare issues through fun activities while developing volunteering and community service skills. This service learning program ensures that youth play an active role in choosing, developing, implementing, and evaluating the work they do for their communities.

Groups meet twice a month in Woodbury or Golden Valley. The membership fee for one semester (four months) is $50. Members may join throughout the semester and pay a prorated registration fee. To register for the PetSet Youth Club, or for more information about the program, please contact the AHS Education Department at (763) 489-2220.

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New homes for rescued Aitkin dogs

For 37 small dogs rescued last month by Animal Humane Society and Aitkin County law enforcement, a new home was their gift for the holidays. They were part of a larger group of 71 small dogs living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. The dogs’ owners had the best of intentions when taking the dogs in, but unfortunately allowed the number in their care to become unmanageable. They voluntarily surrendered the dogs to Animal Humane Society to ensure their health and well-being. Learn more about this case and which dogs are still available for adoption.

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Pet skills for the New Year

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The New Year is a great time to make a new commitment to your pet. Vowing to give them regular exercise, feed them a healthy diet, bring them to the vet for a check-up, and provide them with the time, attention and love they deserve are all ways to be a good pet parent.

Tips from behavior to housing

Another resolution you can make for your pet is to do everything you can to work with any behavior issues they have. At Animal Humane Society, we provide resources to help you find solutions to your pet problems. Our Training and Behavior staff can answer your questions through our Behavior Helpline at (763) 489-2202. You may also find assistance by reviewing our pet behavior library. We also offer a number of training classes to help teach your pets how to be on their best behavior.

Our website also has tips for dealing with allergies, financial problems, domestic or disaster situations, and finding pet–friendly housing.

Pet parenting workshops

If you are a new pet owner or are thinking about getting a pet, consider attending one of our upcoming pet parenting workshops through local community education programs. These family friendly workshops are designed to help you approach pet ownership with the knowledge and preparation for responsible pet ownership. Workshops include information on choosing the right pet, positive training techniques, and being a good neighbor. Click here for upcoming workshop dates, locations and registration information.

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Pet Dish Pet Tips with Paula Zukoff
Does your dog lick… everything? Watch this edition of Pet Dish Pet Tips with AHS Behavior and Training Manager Paula Zukoff to learn how you can help your pet overcome the need to give everything a never-ending kiss.

Don’t forget to send us your training questions
Let us know your training question by sending us an email, or better yet sending a video showing us the problems you're having with your dog or cat! Send videos and emails to petdishideas@animalhumanesociety.org.

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