Pet Dish for January 26, 2010

In this issue:

• Fifty one dogs rescued from MN puppy mill
• Why do you do the Walk for Animals?
• You're invited! - Now Boarding's Annual Open House
• Minneapolis now provides onilne licensing for pets
• More treats
• Scratching post

 

Fifty one dogs rescued from MN puppy mill
Animal Humane Society was recently called in by authorities to assist in ceasing operations of a commercial breeding facility in a rural Minnesota county. The request for assistance came after authorities there responded to three different calls about the operation.

At this facility, a high number of dogs of various breeds were found living in deplorable conditions. They were housed three to a cage in small kennels that didn’t allow for them to move or turn around; each kennel was covered in feces that contributed to painful mattes in the dogs’ fur. They were not provided exercise and experienced little to no human contact leaving them unsocialized and scared of the outside world.

AHS Humane Agent Keith Streff convinced the owners to surrender the animals into our care in order to get them into a safe and healthy environment. On Thursday, January 14, Agent Streff returned to the facility with a team from AHS to rescue the 51 dogs housed there.

We have since been working tirelessly to get these animals into new homes this week. We are also working with Animal Allies in Duluth, Tri-County Humane Society in St. Cloud, and local rescue groups A Rotta Love and Pet Haven to provide special treatment and care for the dogs most affected by their previous environment. 

Learn more about the dogs currently available for adoption

This case is one of many in recent years that we’ve investigated and a fulgent example of why we and our animal welfare partners are moving forward in our efforts to pass the Minnesota Dog and Cat Breeders Act (S.F. 7/H.F 253), also known as the Puppy and Kitten Mill Bill. Click here for more information about the bill and how you can help get it passed.

Make a donation today to help us care for homeless and neglected animals.

Watch Fox 9’s report on the rescue during tonight's 9 p.m. broadcast

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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're still wondering: Why do you do the Walk?

Is it because your furry companions inspire you to help animals in need? Or do you simply like being part of one extraordinary day dedicated to making the world a better place for animals? We want to know more.

Tell us why you’ve done the Walk for Animals in years past. 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.

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 sponsored by Purina, Fox 9 and Cities 97. Online fundraising beings in early February!

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You're invited! - Now Boarding's Annual Open House
If you haven't made your way to Now Boarding, this is your chance to check out everything it has to offer -- beyond peace of mind for you and nonstop fun for your pet(s). On Saturday, February 6, the doors will be wide open for you to learn more about Now Boarding's endless list of services, all at competitive pricing.

Saturday, February 6
Noon to 4 p.m.

Meet the Airport Police Canine Unit at 1 p.m.
Refreshments, drawings and face painting for the kids!

On this day, for your pet's safety, please leave your pet at home. Every other day your pet is welcome!

Directions to Now Boarding

 

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Minneapolis now provides online licensing for pets
Deadline to renew existing licenses Jan. 31

Getting a license for your dog or cat offers extra protection for the four-legged members of your family. That’s because a pet that’s licensed is three times more likely to be returned to its owner than a pet that isn’t licensed. Still, only a very small percentage of dogs and cats in Minneapolis are licensed.

To help make getting a license easier and more convenient than ever, Minneapolis Animal Care and Control has launched a new online pet licensing system. For folks who already have their pets licensed, now is a perfect time to renew before the Jan. 31 deadline. If you’ve never licensed your pet before, now it’s as easy as taking a few minutes on the computer. You can access the new system at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/animal-control.

Dogs and cats are required to be licensed in Minneapolis, and licensing provides real benefits to you and your pet, as well as animals throughout our community. Not only are licensed pets much easier to reunite with their owners, but if your animal goes missing and is picked up by Animal Care and Control, they receive a free ride home or impound.

Pet licensing also helps take care of animals in our community that need help. Through Minneapolis Animal Care & Control, license fees pay for basic vet care for stray animals, along with efforts to find homes for stray and abandoned animals. The funding also helps Animal Care and Control do animal cruelty and bite investigations, as well as handle dangerous animal cases.

To license your pet over the telephone or by mail, just call 311. To learn more, visit the Animal Care and Control Web site.

 

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On the road with your small critter
You can take your cuddly small critter on the road after becoming a registered therapy team through AHS. Your cat, guinea pig or rabbit can provide much needed affection to people in nursing homes, schools, hospice and more. Make a difference in your community today! Ongoing quarterly classes are available in Golden Valley.

Next course Rabbits and guinea pigs will be the focus of the next session. Classes will be held Monday nights from 7–8:30 p.m. from March 1–22. Cost is $50. Registration is required. Call (763) 489-2217 for more information.

Still getting smarter about animals
One of the most important things you can do to make the world a better place for animals is to help your child gain an understanding about caring for animals. Join us at AHS for one or all of the following educational events:

Therapy dog reading, Feb. 7 and 21, The Animal Ambassadors Reading Fun (AARF) program invites children to come and read to a registered therapy animal at AHS. No registration is necessary. For more information, call (763) 489-2220.

Unleashed Express Mini Day Camps, 1-Day Camp, Feb. 15, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., 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. The program includes new activities and is not a repeat of AHS’s summer camp. Learn more and register.

 

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AHS is by your side, to the end
At AHS, we’re here to support you through all the stages of your animal’s life, even the tough ones. End of life care for your pet brings about both difficult and emotional decisions. We provide a variety of services to help you through this process. Our euthanasia and cremation services are available to the public and are done with care and compassion. After your animal has passed, we provide a free support group where you can discuss the grief you may experience. Please contact us with any questions or concerns you may have during this time in your pet’s life.

 

A place to stay for your romantic getaway
If you’re thinking about booking a romantic weekend for two for Valentine’s Day, don’t forget to book your pet’s stay at one of our boarding facilities too. Both Now Boarding and AHS Golden Valley Boarding offer a wide-range of services for you and your pet, while also supporting the programs, services and animals of AHS. Make your reservation today!

 

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