Pet Dish for June 23, 2009

In this issue:

• How you can help
• Kids and pets
• In the dog days of summer
• With Stray Dog Arts
• More treats
• Scratching post

Be a part of something amazing at AHS
Millions of animals find themselves at animal shelters around the country each year; nearly 40,000 of those find themselves at one of Animal Humane Society’s five facilities. Ten thousand of that number are feline and arrive from May to late September at roughly 2,000 per month.

You as a community member have expressed interest in helping out the cats in our care and we have put together several programs that provide you that opportunity. Some will bring a new and friendly feline into your home, while others allow you to lend a helping hand without changing the dynamic in your household.

Be a part of the amazing work we do at AHS. Help us care for and find deserving homes for 10,000 homeless and neglected cats and kittens through one of these programs.

Double the Love adoption
Cats love to have a playmate at home with them and Double the Love is a great opportunity to help a cat and need and bring home his best friend.

In an effort to increase cat adoptions and reduce euthanasia during the heavy intake summer months, AHS is offering a Double the Love opportunity to the public through September 30, 2009.  You can adopt one cat at the regular adoption fee and we’ll waive the adoption fee of a second cat. The offer is available only at the time of adoption, during the promotion dates and is not retroactive. Customers will have the first choice of a cat or kitten of any age with the second cat one year of age or older. Both cats must be adopted at the same. Learn more about adopting two cats (pdf) and the cat overpopulation issue and call (763) 489-2251 for more information.

Frisky Feline Five Dollar Friday donation
We understand it's not always easy to add another cat into your home—but it's always easy to help a cat in need. With a simple click of a button you can help AHS care for all our furry friends.  With nearly 2,000 new felines taken in every month during the summer, this is the time we need you the most.

This Friday, June 26, 2009, we’re making giving a little more fun with our Frisky Feline Five Dollar Friday! For what you might spend on your daily coffee fix, Frisky Feline Five Dollar Friday gives you the chance to do a whole lot more to help fix, feed and foster the animals of AHS. By donating a small gift this Friday, you can become a big hero.


Mission: Meow foster volunteer program
At AHS, we’re working hard to create space on our adoption floors and counteract the affects of extended stays for cats. Mission: Meow is a program that you can take part in to help a cat in need. It is a partnership between AHS and the public whereby animal lovers take in an adult feline houseguest this summer and bring him or her back in the late fall when the animal has a better chance at being adopted. In return, AHS provides a litter box and all food, toys and litter.

For more information on the program, please visit www.animalhumanesociety.org/missionmeow. The response to this program has been incredible. Please be patient as we respond to each inquiry.

Feline sponsorship
In the works is an opportunity for you to sponsor the care of the amazing cats that will come to our facilities this summer.  Details for this program are being worked out. Watch future issues of Pet Dish for more information.

Please remember, the most important thing you can do to help control cat overpopulation is to have your feline spayed/neutered.

(back to top)

Kids and their pets
“Puppy flushed down toilet by four-year-old survives.”

That headline and the dramatic footage of the puppy’s rescue recently landed on the websites of news outlet around the world and it got many animal lovers thinking about kids and pets.

The bond we share with animals is immeasurable, but when it comes to kids it means so much more. With kids there is an opportunity to develop character and teach compassion for both people and animals. According to Tammy Noack, humane education manager at AHS, “A good relationship with a family pet can help children build compassion and empathy for others. It can also strengthen their self-confidence. Of course, children of a very young age should be monitored with the family pet.”

Choosing the best pet for your child
Pets aren’t a “one size fits all” companion. It’s important to research what breed will work best for your home and then if that specific animal’s personality is a good match for your family. Think about the space you have available, your lifestyle and the ages of your children The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry provides the following guidelines when considering pets and the age of your children:

• Young children under the age of four don’t have the maturity to control their impulses and should be monitored with pets at all times.
• Children under 10 years are unable to care for a large animal, cat or a dog, on their own. Parents must oversee the pet's care even if they believe their child is old enough.
• If children become lax in caring for a pet, parents may have to take over the responsibility on their own.
• Children should be reminded that animals, like people, need food, water, and exercise.
• If a child continues to neglect a pet, a new home may have to be found for the animal.
• Parents serve as role models. Children learn responsible pet ownership by observing their parents' behavior.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Adoption staff at any AHS facility will be happy to help you determine the best pet for you and your children.

Youth opportunities at AHS
The human-animal bond provides abundant opportunities for education. Having a pet allows a child to learn valuable life lessons—life and death, responsibility, and respect for living things to name a few. And they also can prove to be a comfort for children with the loyalty and affection a pet provides.

At AHS we provide humane education through a variety of different programs. Not only do we provide services to schools, we offer youth programs for parents to consider for their children—the PetSet Youth Club, Unleashed summer camp, birthday parties, Girl Scout Pet Care Badge program and community service project opportunities. Consider one of these for your child.

Unleashed summer camp is in full swing but there are still opportunities for your child to join in the fun. Learn more by calling AHS Education at (763) 489-2220.

(back to top)

 

Keep your pets safe during the dog days of summer
It’s that time of year. The heat is kicking in, fireworks are just about to go off and our pets are right in the midst of it all. Did you know that dogs typically don’t like fireworks? Do you know how fast the temperature rises in a parked car? There is a lot of misinformation out there and we want to help you understand exactly how to care for your pet during these summer situations.  

Pets and summer heat
The extreme temperatures in Minnesota require pet-loving families to keep a keen eye on their pets. During peak summer temperatures it’s important to remember the following helpful tips:

Never leave your pets in a parked car, even with the windows open. The temperature inside the car can rise quickly in just one minute.

• Take extra care when exercising with older dogs, short-nosed dogs, and those with thick coats. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours.
• Fleas are more common in hot weather. Check your pet frequently for fleas and ticks.
• Plan vacations carefully. It may be best to board your animals or arrange for responsible care rather than taking your animals with you.
• Provide extra water and if your dog lives outdoors provide them with shelter from the sun.

Watch for heatstroke. Signs include excessive panting, salivation, vomiting, anxious or staring expression, fast pulse rate and, of course, high body temperature. If your animal shows any of these signs immerse him or her in cool water or pour cool water over your pet's head. As soon as your pet cools off, take him or her to the veterinarian.

Pets and fireworks
Fireworks are legal in the state of Minnesota and are a part of summer life. Those loud crackling sounds and big bangs are not limited to July 4 and can be hard on your pets. They don’t understand what is happening and due to their sensitive hearing, it can lead to severe stress. Follow these tips for the upcoming holiday:

• Resist taking your pet to fireworks displays and keep him or her in a safe place indoors. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you’ve removed any items that may be harmful if chewed on. Leave a radio or television on at normal volume to provide him or her with some companionship while you’re away.
• If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises such as thunder, consult with your veterinarian before the holiday for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety s/he will experience during fireworks displays.
  
• Never leave pets outside and unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. Animals may panic, escape and get lost, or get injured by becoming entangled in their chain.
• Make sure your pets are wearing identification so they can be returned if they get scared and run off. A microchip is the best way to ensure your pet is returned in the event it runs away or becomes lost.
• If you pet does get lost, contact your local animal control or Animal Humane Society.  
  

(back to top)

 

Art exhibition featuring pets that changed your life
Imagine your pet being featured at an upcoming art exhibition to be seen by pet-lovers from across the Twin Cities metro. You can make it happen and support the animals of AHS too.

Jesse Marianiello of Stray Dog Arts is currently seeking participants to become part of Animals of AHS, a fundraising project and upcoming art exhibition open to the public at Now Boarding the month of October 2009. Commission a portrait of the pets that have changed your life. You’ll have a portrait to hang in your home and 20% of the proceeds of the project will be donated back to AHS. Learn more on the Stray Dog Arts website or by calling (612) 532-9084.

Now Boarding is AHS's new state-of-the-art 24-hour pet boarding facility located adjacent to the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport

(back to top)

Someone you and your pet can rely on
We all have them. Days when you know you won’t be able to get away from work to care for your pup. Twelve hours indoors is a bit long for man’s best friend and it’s important to have someone you can rely on. At times like these, rely on AHS Boarding in Golden Valley. We provide low-cost day care services for your pup. Learn more and reserve your spot by calling (763) 489-2222.

A new leash on life with your active pup
Does your energetic pup take you for a walk? Stop by one of our Introductory Dog Training classes (just you, no pups at this one) to find out about the dog training classes offered at AHS. No registration necessary. Classes are from 6:30-8 p.m. on various nights throughout the Twin Cities metro. Click here for more information and see our Events calendar for upcoming dates.

 

Hoppin’ good time with your pet
Have you ever thought about adopting a rabbit but aren’t sure what is involved in owning one? Join us for an upcoming Bunny Basics Class led by our friends at the Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society (MCRS). The class is for people interested in getting a rabbit or those who already have one and want to know more about their care. No rabbits in class. The class is free, but donations to MCRS are welcome. See our Events calendar for upcoming dates and register by calling (763) 489-2234.

(back to top)

Fuzzy Kitten Report
National Adopt a Cat Month is wrapping up but we’re still celebrating fuzzy kittens and cats at AHS! Our own Deb Balzer will continue to report from the frisky, friendly front lines of AHS Adoption Centers to amaze you with on-the-scene reports in our daily Fuzzy Kitten Report—but for just a few more days! Tune in now. It’s a must-see!

 

Wish list
Homeless and neglected animals love checking things off our wish list. New Kongs and a little Timothy hay are the makings for a great day on AHS adoption floors. See what you can provide by reviewing our current wish list.

 

 

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Get real-time updates on what’s happening at Animal Humane Society by following us on Facebook and at Animal_HumaneMN on Twitter. Tweet. Tweet.

 

 

(back to top)

See our archive of news items...