Pet Dish for January 12, 2010

In this issue:

• Why do you do the Walk for Animals?
• Emma, many dogs available
• Get Smart about animals
• A few New Year's resolutions for your pet
• More treats
• Scratching Posts

 

Why do you do the Walk for Animals?
That short walk that goes miles and miles and miles for animals is just a few short months away. The Animal Humane Society Walk for Animals is on Saturday, May 1 and we at AHS want to know: Why do you do the Walk?

Is it because you adopted your best friend at AHS? Or do you simply enjoy being able to help out so many animals less fortunate than your own? No matter the reason, we want to hear from you!

Tell us why you did the Walk for Animals last year or every year. Your story may be used to promote the Walk and could possibly even land you a spot on a Fox 9 or Cities 97 broadcast.

While you’re thinking, take a look at why our friends at Fox 9 do the Walk for Animals…

 

Tell us by video or tell us in writing. Why do you do the Walk? Submit your stories to YouWalked@animalhumanesociety.org.

Keep watching Pet Dish for more information on this stand-up-on-you-hind-legs and bark event. Online fundraising begins early February!

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Emma, many dogs available
Volunteers and staff at Animal Humane Society Woodbury added one more item to their holiday wish list this past December, “A new home for Emma.” Unfortunately, their holiday wish wasn’t granted and Emma still waits for a new home.

Emma, a black Labrador retriever mix, arrived at AHS in early November after being found by a family. She was roaming their neighborhood. The family posted flyers and when no one rang their bell to pick her up, they knew they had to bring her to a place where she could find a home.

Although she’s been in shelter for several months, her spirits are still high and she’s showing everyone who meets her the incredible energy she has for life. When most of us were grumbling about the recent winter storms, Emma was taking AHS Volunteer Mike Vallante for a run through the snowbanks.

“She loves the snow,” Mike said. “She buries her nose in it and has so much fun. When she rubbed her snow-covered nose on me, I just jumped in the snow with her and we rolled around! People were honking their horns at us and some people looked at us funny, but neither us of cared.”

Staff have wonderful things to say about her too. “She is a bit overweight and has a deep bark, but is a really sweet dog who loves walks,” said Kristin Livdahl, animal services supervisor at the Woodbury facility.

If you can provide a home for this fun-loving, five-year-old, stop by AHS Woodbury and get to know her. The temps are rising. You might just want to take her out for a romp in the snow.

If Emma isn’t the dog for your family, take a look at the many other dogs waiting for new homes. Or if you can’t have a pet but still want to help, consider making a donation.

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Get smart about animals
One of the most important things you can do to make the world a better place for animals is to keep educating yourself and help others understand about caring for animals. One of the greatest places to start is with your own family. Join us at Animal Humane Society for one or all of the following educational events.

Pet Parenting Workshop
January 16, 2–4 p.m., Golden Valley
New and prospective pet owners are invited to these family-friendly workshops designed to help you approach pet ownership with the knowledge and preparation needed to be responsible pet owners. Participating families will leave the workshop with a take-home packet filled with additional resources and a reusable chart to track daily pet-related responsibilities. Space is limited, and registration with prepayment is required. Learn more and register.

Therapy dog reading
February 7 and 21, Golden Valley
The Animal Ambassadors Reading Fun (AARF) program invites children to come and read to a registered therapy animal at AHS. Animals are the perfect reading partner—they’re fun to be around and they provide a non-judgmental environment for kids to improve their reading skills. Kids who read will receive a free book while supplies last. No registration is necessary. For more information, call (763) 489-2220.

Unleashed Express Mini Day Camps
1-Day Camp, February 15, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Coon Rapids and Golden Valley
2-Day Camp, Spring Break March 29–30, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Golden Valley and Woodbury
Take advantage of that those no-school days and give your child an opportunity to have fun and learn at the same time—sign them up for Unleashed Express Mini Day Camps. Your kids will explore behind-the-scenes at AHS shelters and will use CSI-style science activities to investigate animal-related mysteries. They’ll also attend Pet University to learn hands-on pet responsibility and help provide shelter animals with handmade beds and toys. The program includes new activities and is not a repeat of AHS’s summer camp. Learn more and register.

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A few New Year’s resolutions for your pet
The New Year gives new life to our hopes and dreams, our wants and wishes. This year, don’t forget your pet as you begin to check your New Year’s resolutions off the list. Put a little spring in his step with the following tips:

Safe and warm. As well as animals adapt to their surroundings, the bitter cold can still take a toll on our furry friends. Provide your pet a safe refuge from the elements and watch for signs they need to go back inside. Learn more about how to keep them safe.

More exercise. A tired dog is a good dog and when the temperatures are below freezing it can be hard to get your pet the exercise it needs. Consider letting them romp indoors at one of Animal Humane Society’s playgroups.

New adventures. It’s not hard to spot a good time at AHS. There are so many opportunities for you to get involved with your pet while also helping those in our care. And don’t forget—the 2010 AHS Walk for Animals is on Saturday, May 1!

New vacation spots. Don’t leave your buddy home alone. When you head out of town let him have a vacation of his own by boarding him with the caring staff at the AHS Boarding facility or Now Boarding.

Back to school. Keep your pet’s eye on the prize by engaging his mind in further training. The AHS Training School offers training courses from Puppy Kindergarten to advanced training programs.

Close to home. Don’t let man’s best friend (or feline) lose his way. Have him microchipped at one of our low-cost Microchip clinics so he’ll always return home.

Canine volunteer. Get your pet out into the world to meet new people, and see new places. Train him to be an Animal Ambassadors Animal-Assisted Therapy dog to visit nursing homes, children’s hospitals and more.

More treats. Remember to reward your pet’s good behavior with his favorite treats. But don’t over do it! You don’t want to add “more exercise” to your 2011 resolution list.

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Free introduction to AHS training
Start the New Year off right for you and your dog and attend a free Introduction to Pet Dog Training class at AHS. In the class you’ll learn about training your pup through our Levels training program. No registration necessary. Simply show up on the next scheduled date—it’s fun, informational and free! See our Events calendar for upcoming sessions at our locations throughout the Twin Cities metro area.

 

“Local escape artist returns home”
That could be the headline to your story if you have your pet microchipped. If your pet is ever lost, your chances of finding him/her significantly improve if s/he is microchipped—given a permanent form of identification. AHS provides a convenient, low-cost microchipping service. Simply make an appointment by calling (763) 489-2222 or stop by a upcoming Chip ‘n’ Nail Clinic.

 

 

 

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Spread the word to keep animals safe
It is going to take a united effort across the state of Minnesota to get the Puppy and Kitten Mill Bill passed in 2010. Help us raise awareness in your community about inhumane dog and cat breeding by becoming an Animal Advocate today. We’ll send you information on what you can do to help.

 

 

Care for animals all year long
By making one simple commitment you can help care for homeless and neglected animals throughout 2010. Partner with us through our PAW (planned account withdrawal) program. You choose how much you want to donate and we’ll automatically deduct your gift from your credit card each month. That’s one commitment that provides 12 months of care. Learn more…

 

 

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