Pet Dish for February 09, 2010

In this issue:

• By the numbers
• Opening doors for kids
• Doubling the love for cats
• A poodle called Mugs
• Scratching Post
• More Treats

By the numbers...
A few of the many reasons to do the Walk

Whether you are a numbers or a word person, you’re going to love reading this: The first day of spring is 39 days away, which means the 36th annual Walk for Animals is just 81 days away! The snow and cold might deter you from thinking about the Walk just yet, but Animal Humane Society is well underway to make this year’s Walk the best stand-up-on-your-hind-legs-and-bark event of the year!

Some fun facts about the Walk for Animals

• The first AHS Walk for Animals was in 1974 and 300 people attended
• In 2009, more than 8,000 people walked for animals, and
• Nearly 4,000 pets (including dogs, birds and horses) were by their side!

But numbers are not the reason for the Walk. The animals are and that’s why people like Tami Jo Cabrera have been a part of the Walk for Animals for 14 years.  Many know Tami for her passion for animals. “Animals are one of my greatest loves and always have been. I love helping AHS and other animal organizations whenever I can.”

Tami has four children, three dogs and is getting ready for this year’s event. “My kids, dogs and I will be there. My autistic daughter doesn’t like extensive exercise and she gladly participates at the Walk. She also loves Chihuahua's and counted them last year...41 white ones to be exact.”

“The animals are my greatest inspiration. I feel helpless sometimes that there are so many animals in the world needing homes. If my walking gives an animal more care... I feel like I’ve done a tiny part in helping.”

Tami has some advice for first time walkers too. “Get there early and plan time for parking and registration. Wear good shoes and bring water. Don't be in a rush. Raise as much as you can!”

Start raising pledges now. You can begin by clicking here to create a personal Walk for Animals webpage and share your own numbers about the Walk for Animals.

Thanks to our generous media sponsors: Fox 9, Cities 97, Mpls. St Paul Magazine and Radio Disney and to our friends at Cub Foods, Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet and PETCO for spreading the word about the Walk for Animals.

Start raising pledges now. You can begin by clicking here to create a personal Walk for Animals webpage and share your own numbers about the Walk for Animals.

 

Opening doors for kids

According to the American Camp Association (ACA), “Camp forever changes your child… for the better.” The ACA’s research has shown that camp helps children build skills necessary to become successful adults. It also helps kids make new friends, feel good about themselves and allows them to try new things they’ve never experienced before.  

Animal Humane Society invites you to go beyond summer camp and provide your kids more opportunities to be their best. Register your child for our mini camps being held Monday and over Spring Break in late March. Take advantage of those no-school days and give your child an opportunity to have fun and learn at the same time—about animals and so much more.

By signing your child up for Unleashed Express Mini Day Camps, you’ll be giving them the opportunity to explore behind-the-scenes at AHS shelters. During the Feb. 15 camp, they’ll make snuggle nests for wildlife, hear from our wildlife staff, and make some feeding options for wild animals. They’ll also spend time with shelter animals and, weather permitting, go outside for outdoor activities. The program includes new activities and is not a repeat of AHS’s summer camp. Learn more and register.

Act fast and register your child for the Unleashed Express Mini Day Camps taking place next Monday on President’s Day!

 

 

Doubling the love for cats

Cats are increasing in numbers across this country and filling animal shelters from early spring to the holidays, a period much longer than years past. Animal welfare organizations and communities in every state are facing a crisis—where will all these cats go? At Animal Humane Society we’re developing new programs to enrich the lives of felines in our care and move them into homes more quickly. We’re also working with the community to provide more cats new homes.

Double the Love, an adoption program introduced last year that provides adopters the opportunity to take a second cat home for a waived adoption fee when they adopted another cat, will be back this year. The community responded in its debut year and nearly 350 additional cats found homes through the program. This year, we’re making it even better. Watch the next issue of Pet Dish for the exciting details!

A poodle called Mugs
Life after the puppy mill

Mugs did not live a charmed life. Before Animal Humane Society rescued him on January 14 of this year, he was one of more than 50 dogs being kept at a puppy mill in rural Minnesota. Upon his arrival and during examination, it was obvious to AHS veterinary staff that Mugs needed additional care that would serve him best outside of a shelter environment. That is when we called our friends at A Rotta Love Plus (ARLP).

“When the call came for help I couldn’t say no,” said Lara Petersen, a volunteer with ARLP. Puppy mill dogs often need months or years of rehabilitation to get used to simple things like being near and trusting people, walking on a leash or climbing stairs. But Mugs is unique. Since taking him into her home Lara has seen an incredible transformation in him. “It became only too apparent that this was one HAPPY dog! When they say that dogs don’t carry baggage there isn’t a dog who I have met that serves as a better example of that than Mugs. I wish all puppy mill survivors and rescues could be so lucky.”

Lara wrote a blog about her initial experiences with Mugs. Learn more about his amazing progress by reading “That ain’t no pit bull!” on the ARLP blog.

Help us in our efforts to stop puppy mills in Minnesota. Lend your voice to these animals by becoming an Animal Humane Society Animal Advocate.

Don’t forget about all the amazing dogs available for adoption at Animal Humane Society. Two incredible girls, Tula and Claria have been with us for some time and are anxiously awaiting new homes. Get to know them on the dog adoption pages at animalhumanesociety.org. Or call (763) 522-4325 to talk with one of our adoption counselors.

 

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!

 

 

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.

 

Zoey’s story

There is a reason black Lab’s are the most popular breed of dog in North America and that is not lost on local author, Larry Litman. Join Larry on Sunday, February 21 at the Bookcase in Wayzata at 2 p.m. as he reads from his book, “Zoey’s Story, As Told by Zoey.” Larry shares stories of this once-abandoned pup’s humble beginnings and her journey to become a therapy dog. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book during the reading will benefit the programs and services of AHS.

Helping cats one click at a time

The increasing onset of cats into America’s shelters is not something we as a community can turn our backs on. Even if you’re unable to adopt one of the many cats available for adoption at AHS, you can still help them find new homes. Please take five minutes to answer a few short questions about what you think makes a great feline companion. Your answers will allow us to know more about adoption decisions people make and will help us improve our services and programs. You can find the survey here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/R62QWFK

Calling all MPR member
Pay it forward for AHS on Feb. 23

Tuesday, February 23 is “Pay It Forward Day” at Minnesota Public Radio. As part of MPR's member drive, they're offering a special thank-you gift to new and renewing members of MPR who contribute $10 a month or more. Instead of a bag or mug as a thank-you gift, you can pay your gift forward to Animal Humane Society. Learn more on February 23 at mpr.org.

 

Getting purrfectly comfortable

Want to make a big difference for a cat at AHS? Be the cat’s meow by helping us to enrich the lives of the cats in our care by donating a Kuranda bed. The Kuranda Dog Bed Company has created a specially designed bed just for cats! The cat bed increases the amount of room a cat has to move around in the cage by giving them another level with the opportunity to jump up and view the world from a raised perch.  Don’t forget to select AHS as the recipient of your purchase!

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