HELP YOUR PET LOSE WEIGHT. TURN YOUR OVERWEIGHT FUR BABY INTO A HEALTHY, LEAN, AND ACTIVE PET WITH THESE SIMPLE TIPS

HELP YOUR PET LOSE WEIGHT One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight.  Along with the increasing incidence of obesity in humans, our pets are faring no better.  Latest estimates by veterinarians are that 59% of all cats, and 54% of dogs can be classified as overweight.  So, now, even in the realm of weight, our pets are looking more and more like us. As there are for humans, there are many health consequences for overweight pets – diabetes, liver problems, arthritis, heart disease, and high blood pressure.  Cats and dogs who exceed normal weight limits also have more trouble jumping, playing, and breathing, than their svelte compatriots.  And, again like humans, their inactivity increases weight gain, and their weight gain increases inactivity. Fortunately, there are things we, as concerned pet parents, can do to take pounds off, and add healthy years to, our furry friends. CATS How much should my cat eat? Indoor cats should consume about 20 calories per pound daily. Therefore, a 10 pound cat should take in 200 calories for weight maintenance. Outdoor…

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ARE THERE TOO MANY ANIMAL SHELTERS AND RESCUES IN THE U.S.?

TOO MANY ANIMAL SHELTERS AND RESCUES? Are there too many animal shelters in the U.S.?  What about breed-specific rescues? The answer is, like most things, yes AND no.  There is no accurate count of how many rescues and shelters actually exist.  And the numbers change all the time. NO There are still 2.7 million companion animals euthanized outside of a veterinarian’s office every year in this country.  Approximately 1.2 million dogs, and 1.5 million cats.  Discounting those animals who are terminally ill, or whose behavior problems include aggression extreme enough to not allow a safe home placement, there are still 2.3 million companion animals who are essentially thrown away every year due to lack of alternatives.  This is unacceptable. More shelters and rescues are needed in order to cut this number down. We must provide safe options for people who cannot, or will not, keep their pets. BREED SPECIFIC RESCUES   More breed-specific rescues are needed, especially for pit bulls, and other bully breeds. These breeds are the most often euthanized in shelters due to a lack of willing and able…

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ADOPTION FEE STICKER SHOCK

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? Pet adoption fees - why is there such a big spread among different organizations? You’ve walked into an animal shelter, found and fallen in love with a cute little poodle, or a beautiful tabby.  You fill out the questionnaire, and are approved.  Then they tell you the fee – you’re in a state of disbelief. While compiling the shelter directory, I have come across all ranges of fees.  At the low end, a few shelters and rescues ask for a donation of your choosing; at the highest, I’ve seen adoption fees up to $700.00.  Some shelters charge more for puppies than adult dogs, some charge more depending on how much vetting they’ve done beforehand.  Many shelters will give a discount if you’re adopting a senior animal, or if you, yourself, are a senior.  Some even give veteran’s discounts. WHAT’S A REASONABLE PET ADOPTION FEE? In my opinion, a reasonable fee for adoption is $350.00 or under.  Many shelters would argue that, if a high adoption fee is an obstacle to a family, then they won’t have…

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5 FACTS ABOUT THE SECOND CHANCE PET BLOG

FIVE FACTS ABOUT THE SECOND CHANCE PET BLOG AND PAGE I have been involved with animal shelters for the past 11 years, in one capacity or another. I’ve socialized dogs, attended adoption events, worked as an adoption counselor, served as Volunteer Coordinator, managed a Facebook page, fostered a dog, and generally been involved in most aspects of animal rescue and shelter.  The Second Chance Pet blog will draw on a combination of my experience, observations, and opinions and the experience of friends and acquaintances in the field – please take what is of use to you, and leave the rest. I am definitely a “dog person”. That is not to say that I don’t like cats – I have had cats as pets in the past and loved them dearly.  However, I would choose dogs as personal pets (the cats came to me as strays), and I am not as knowledgeable about them as I am about dogs.  Therefore, I will be touching base with my animal rescue cat-oriented friends for information and assistance as required. The shelter information in the directory is…

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