Pet Dish for October 13, 2009

In this issue:

• Compliments to the chef at the Fall Wine Dinner
• Now Boarding more than an overnight stay
• Small wonders for Annabelle
• Winter weather: It’s too cold for pets too
• More treats
• Scratching Posts

Compliments to the chef at the Fall Wine Dinner

It’s not often you can take a bite of the city’s most splendid food and simply turn around to pay your compliments to the chef. It’s even rarer that you can do this and at the same time give back to thousands of animals in need.

Pay your compliments to the Twin Cities’ finest chefs at Animal Humane Society’s Fall Wine Dinner at the Saint Paul Hotel on Friday, November 6. Each will create a culinary masterpiece for one course of the six-course dinner.

Presented by Cellars Wines and Spirits, the event takes attendees on a luxurious culinary adventure complete with opportunities to bid on unique wines and travel packages. All proceeds from the event benefit the more than 35,000 companion animals cared for by AHS each year. Learn more about the chefs at this exclusive party and reserve your seats today.

(back to top)

Now Boarding more than an overnight stay
The leaves haven’t finished falling from the trees and Old Man Winter is already knocking at our doors. Whether he’s here for an extended stay remains to be seen, but his presence is a reminder that walks around the lake will soon turn from a pleasant pastime to a bitter chore. But our canine (and feline!) friends still need exercise.

When looking at ways to get man’s best friend off the couch this winter, consider Now Boarding. Listed as the Best Pet Boarding Facility on City Pages’ “2009 Best of the Twin Cities” list, Now Boarding is more than a boarding facility. It offers a variety of services, including doggy daycare.

Doggy daycare at Now Boarding includes:

• Nonstop fun and antics from 6 a.m.–6 p.m., you pick the times
• Play equipment that doesn’t require “four on the floor”
• Ample space to run laps, chase friends or howl at the moon
• An equal opportunity for small dogs and large dogs

Your dog also becomes part of the Now Boarding family. Its day does come with a healthy dose of exercise, but also includes one-on-one time with experienced and trained caregivers that recognize the individuality of each dog. “We enjoy seeing that special quality that comes out of each one,” says Jessica Seipel, front desk and relief manager at Now Boarding.

To schedule a time for your dog to stay active this winter, visit www.nowboardingpets.com. And remember: A tired dog is a good dog!

(back to top)

Small wonders for Annabelle
Consider these dogs on October 24

Annabelle takes her time while out on walks with volunteers in St. Paul. She sniffs out every new scent, looks out over the soccer fields as kids and their families gather for the day’s game and she pauses and watches as each new vehicle pulls up to the shelter—just a few of the day’s small wonders before she heads back inside to meet the possible new families who just pulled into the parking lot.

“Everybody here loves her,” says Mackenzie Beesley who has grown to love Annabelle during her customer service shifts on the Animal Humane Society adoption floor in St. Paul. “Even though she’s been in the shelter system for a while, you can tell she came from a good home. She is a loving, comfortable dog—and so sweet—but people are hesitant to adopt her because of her breed.”

Annabelle is an American pit bull terrier mix and has been in the shelter system for many months. Dogs of this breed often experience extended stays in shelters because of the stigma around their name. But on October 24, we invite you to look past the stereotypes and get to know a pit bull in one of our shelters for Pit Bull Awareness Day. These dogs are bred to be social, highly trainable and at AHS, part of a program called Project Pit Bull. View the video below to learn more about the program from AHS Behavior and Training Supervisor, Paula Zukoff, and pit bull puppy, Buddy.

(back to top)

Winter Weather: It’s too cold for pets too

Frosty paws aren’t a treat for anyone this time of year—especially since it’s only October. Recent winter advisories remind us that we’ll soon be bundling ourselves to keep warm between the house and the car, the car and work and everywhere in between. But as we’re adding layers we often overlook our four-legged friends and how to keep them safe.

“If it is too cold to send your children outside to play, it’s too cold for your pets,” says Cindy Johnson, Animal Humane Society director of customer service. “Remember, our winters can be dangerous for animals as well as humans.” The following are notes on how to keep your pets safe during the blistering cold winter months.

Indoor pet tips:

• During severe weather, dogs should be let out only to relieve themselves.
• Remove ice, salt and caked mud from your pet's paws and coat immediately.
• Before walks, put Vaseline or doggie shoes on your dogs' paws to protect him/her from sidewalk salt and chemicals; wipe the Vaseline off when your dog comes back inside.
• Make sure your pet’s bed is not on the floor in a cold or drafty area of your home.
• Indoor dogs typically receive less exercise during cold weather and therefore may require fewer calories; feed smaller portions in order to avoid weight gain.
• Indoor exercise playgroups such as Yappy Hour at AHS are a great option.

Outdoor pet tips:

• In severe weather, allow your pet to be in your house or garage.
• Outdoor pets typically need more food in cold weather because they must burn more calories to keep warm.
• They MUST have a shelter that protects them from wind and water, is elevated so that moisture can’t collect inside, and large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around, yet small enough to retain body heat.
• Check for frostbite, especially on paws and ears.
• Keep an eye out for and clean up all antifreeze spills—one lick of the sweet-tasting fluid can be fatal to an animal.
• Cats have been known to climb onto vehicle engines for warmth; knock on the hood of your car before starting the engine if you suspect a one could be inside.
• Make sure your pet’s water is never frozen.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia—weak pulse, dilated pupils, decreased heart rate, extreme shivering, pale or blue mucous membranes, body temperature below 95 degrees, stupor and unconsciousness. Consequences of extreme hypothermia may include neurological problems including coma, heart problems and kidney failure.

If you have additional questions or concerns about how to care for your pet in subzero temperatures, please check with your veterinarian on what you can do.

(back to top)

Tax-advantaged Giving: Cut your tax bill while helping animals
Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 7 p.m., Golden Valley

Do you know why you should make charitable bequests from your IRA rather than your will? Gift appreciated stock instead of writing a check? How to ensure a lifetime income for your spouse while leaving a lasting legacy to AHS? Be our guest as Erica Whittlinger, former CEO of Whittlinger Capital Management and commentator on MPR’s Sound Money program, shares her expertise on easy ways to cut your current income tax bill and eventual estate taxes while supporting the work of AHS. RSVP to mpeacock@animalhumanesociety.org or call (763) 489-1575 by November 9.

New hours for AHS Golden Valley Boarding
The AHS boarding facility in Golden Valley will be expanding its hours to accommodate your busy weekend schedule. Beginning October 1, 2009, the facility’s hours will include Sunday mornings for drop offs and pick ups. Hours will be 7­–10 a.m. and 4–7 p.m., seven days a week, closed major holidays. Please call (763) 489-2222 to reserve your pet’s upcoming stay. Boarding fees go back to help the animals in our care.

 

Free introduction to AHS training
If your new best friend isn’t behaving as well as you’d like, it might be time to 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.

Special 101 Dalmatians offer for AHS supporters
“101 Dalmatians the Musical” is an experience for the entire family about what it means to be a family, canine and courageous. See the show as an AHS supporter. Purchase two tickets for $101—a savings of $45 on two tickets—by using password PETDISH. The show runs from Tuesday–Sunday, October 13–18, 2009 at the Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis. Saturday evening and weekend matinees are excluded from the offer. Order your tickets today!

(back to top)

Consider the Walk for Animals
…. for pleasure. Mark your calendars! AHS’s Walk for Animals is set for Saturday, May 1, 2010. Online fundraising will get underway after the New Year.

… for business. Everyone is working hard to get 2010 budgets down on paper. Consider homeless and neglected animals by working in a Walk sponsorship into your company’s budget. Contact Amy Rosenthal, AHS corporate relations director, at (763) 489-2231 to discuss different levels of participation.

Make a donation that goes twice as far
If you’ve been thinking about making a contribution to Animal Humane Society, consider giving a gift in the next two days. Animal lover Becky Pohlad has agreed to match all donations up to $20,000 until October 15. Ever since her family returned to Minnesota, Becky has been a loyal supporter of AHS. “My husband Bob always says that passion about something you do is important and I agree.” Click here to make your donation go twice as far.

Dog fighting classes
It’s not easy to think that students have had experiences regarding dogfighting, but the truth is many have. At AHS, we recognize the need for education around dogfighting and want to partner with you to reach out to students in grades 9–12 and adults. Our Anti-Dogfighting Workshops use group dynamics to initiate a debate among students about their thoughts and experiences regarding dogfighting. Each workshop includes five steps, leading students through a process of questioning, knowledge building, and discussion that ultimately requires them to take a stand on the issue. AHS staff educators facilitate each workshop, helping students to examine the facts about dogfighting and understand the impact this kind of animal abuse can have on dogs, families, and communities.

This workshop is presented free with support from Target. For more information or to schedule a visit to your school, please call (763) 489-2220.

Space available for kids to get “unleashed” for MEA
Golden Valley and Woodbury, October 15–16, 2009

Take advantage of 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 crimes. They’ll also contribute to rescue activities by providing shelter animals with beds and toys at all five facilities. Camps are being held October 15–16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Golden Valley and Woodbury. The program includes new activities and is not a repeat of summer camp. Learn more and register at www.animalhumanesociety.org/unleashedexpress.

(back to top)

See our archive of news items...