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DOGS SHOULDN’T LIVE ON A CHAIN!  AND NOW THEY DON’T HAVE TO.  AN OREGON-BASED CHARITY – FENCES FOR FIDO – HAS GIVEN OVER 2200 DOGS THE CHANCE TO LIVE A CHAIN-FREE LIFE

Chained dogs.  We all know that dogs shouldn’t live on a chain.  Ideally, they should live in the home with us.  Still, for some people, an outside dog is the norm – it’s a mindset they grew up with.  Try as we might to change opinions in that regard, it is often a hopeless task.  So, one group decided not to try.  Instead, without judgement, they offered an alternative to the chain. Fences for Fido, an Oregon-based charity is making a real difference here.  Fences for Fido has a virtual army of volunteers who spend days building fences around people’s yards, so that their dogs can finally experience a life that doesn’t stop at the end of a 20-foot chain.   A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CHAINED DOG Imagine you’re a dog tied to a 20-foot chain.  That small circumference defines your life.  Once or, if you’re lucky, twice a day your owner comes out with food.  He may, or may not, spend a few minutes with you.  Other than that, you’re alone.  You can’t get to the grass…

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Continue ReadingDOGS SHOULDN’T LIVE ON A CHAIN!  AND NOW THEY DON’T HAVE TO.  AN OREGON-BASED CHARITY – FENCES FOR FIDO – HAS GIVEN OVER 2200 DOGS THE CHANCE TO LIVE A CHAIN-FREE LIFE

REASONS FOR DENYING PET ADOPTIONS – HOW THE OPEN ADOPTION MOVEMENT CAN REDUCE THE STRESS OF APPLYING TO ADOPT A PET, CUT THE TIME AN ANIMAL IS CONFINED IN THE SHELTER, AND SAVE MORE DOGS AND CATS

  There are as many reasons for denying pet adoptions as there are shelters and rescues. You walk into a shelter, your heart set on adopting a new family member, and, for one reason or another, your application is denied.  There are a host of reasons, differing from organization to organization, why people are denied the opportunity.  But there is a relatively new movement in animal rescue – open adoption – which can simplify and humanize the process. This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.  WHAT OPEN ADOPTION IS AND WHAT IT ISN’T There have been numerous articles written by shelter professionals which come down decisively against open adoption.  The fear is that animals who have already been rescued from a bad situation will be placed in yet another.  On reading these articles, however, the problem seems to be with the definition of open adoption. Open adoption does NOT mean that anyone who walks into a shelter will walk out with a pet. …

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Continue ReadingREASONS FOR DENYING PET ADOPTIONS – HOW THE OPEN ADOPTION MOVEMENT CAN REDUCE THE STRESS OF APPLYING TO ADOPT A PET, CUT THE TIME AN ANIMAL IS CONFINED IN THE SHELTER, AND SAVE MORE DOGS AND CATS

FASCINATING FACTS BEHIND THE TINY CAT PARASITE THAT CAUSES TOXOPLASMOSIS. CAN THIS SMALL ORGANISM TURN YOU INTO A “CRAZY CAT LADY”?

Crazy cat ladies.  We’ve all heard the term, but what does it mean?  According to the Urban Dictionary, a crazy cat lady is “A woman who loves her cats more than people”.  There are other, more pejorative definitions, but I prefer this one which signifies a deep affection for felines. But, is it possible that a parasite common to cats can cause changes to behavior when a human is infected?  Surprisingly, current research shows that it can. WHAT IS TOXOPLASMOSIS Toxoplasmosis is a parasite which affects cats.  These little critters are ingested when a cat eats an infected rodent, excreted by cats in their feces, and often infects humans as well.  It’s the reason pregnant women are told not to clean their cat’s litter boxes, for fear of infecting their unborn child.  In healthy adult humans, however, infection with the toxoplasma gondii parasite may briefly cause mild, flu-like symptoms, but often produces no symptoms at all.  At least, not physical ones. CAN I AVOID GETTING INFECTED? If you're concerned that your cat may be infected, your veterinarian can perform a simple…

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Continue ReadingFASCINATING FACTS BEHIND THE TINY CAT PARASITE THAT CAUSES TOXOPLASMOSIS. CAN THIS SMALL ORGANISM TURN YOU INTO A “CRAZY CAT LADY”?

COMMON REASONS FOR SURRENDERING A CAT TO THE SHELTER – AND METHODS TO HELP YOU KEEP YOUR PET INSTEAD

One of the heartbreaks of shelter work is watching an owner surrendering a loved cat.  Here are the main reasons why people choose to surrender their pets, and some ideas to try that may help you keep your companion with you. WE’RE MOVING (AND CAN’T TAKE THE CAT WITH US) This is the number one reason given for pet surrender in many shelters.  True, it is more difficult to find rental properties which accept pets, but, except for forcible eviction, most moving situations are not immediate, leaving plenty of time to find a pet-friendly alternative.  If you need extra time, see if a family member or friend will take your cat in as a temporary foster until you can find what you need.  Be considerate, though, set a time limit and communicate that limit to your friend.  Also, make sure your foster does not incur expenses to take care of your pet.  You should provide all food, toys, treats, and any necessary veterinary care. Should that not work, and if finances allow, see if you can board your feline for a…

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IS YOUR DOG AFRAID OF LOUD NOISES?  WAYS TO GET THROUGH THE SUMMER THUNDERSTORM AND FIREWORKS SEASON

  Anyone who has had a number of dogs throughout their lives has had a least one dog afraid of loud noises.  And summer is the worst time for these poor animals.  Outdoor fun, barbecues, kids out of school.  Also, fireworks, thunderstorms, and, if you live in the country like I do, occasional gunshots.  All these are torture if your dog is afraid of loud noises.  Below are a few ideas on how to cope: This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. This will help enable me to maintain this website.” THUNDERSTORMS If, as one of mine is, he is destructive, then you will have to crate. My girl was not destructive, although still frightened, until she was bitten by a copperhead.  I don’t know whether the deterioration was from fear or a physical cause, but she will now basically tear the house apart trying to escape the storm.  Nothing worked, not even the dark corner in the closet that helped for so many…

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TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE ADOPTING A DOG

Below are ten questions to ask before adopting a dog.  There could be many more, depending on your lifestyle, energy level, and preferences.  But the answers to these questions should illuminate a dog’s personality (“doganality”??) and allow you to make the right decision for your family. COMPATIBILITY QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE ADOPTING A DOG 1. Has she been around children since she’s been here? Or, did she live with children in her past home?  If so, what ages?  Were they noisy?  How did she react? This is important to know, even if you don’t have children or grandchildren yourself.  You want to at least have a clue whether your new pet will be safe if you take them out.  Unless you have kids who visit your home, the answer may not sway you one way or the other.  But it’s always good to know if your dog needs to be watched around children when in public. Bear in mind that many children are not taught the proper way to approach pets.  They’ll run up to them suddenly, won’t ask the owner’s…

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