ASPCA Sandy Response Continues: How You Can Help + Be Prepared!

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ASPCA Sandy Response

It’s been 2 weeks already since Hurricane Sandy devastated so many and I just wanted to give you a brief update and reminder of the important work the ASPCA does in emergency situations like this one. Many people are still in need of assistance. Some are leaving shelters and having to relocate along with their pets. The ASPCA is working to help keep families with pets together and provide transport and support. They’re also helping reunite lost pets with their families after the storm.

As winter sets in, the ASPCA is responding to displaced families in need of supplies and critical veterinary care, too. They’ve distributed thousands of pounds of pet food and cat litter to areas of extreme need and are speeding up the grant approval process so that they can assist shelters and other animal welfare groups affected by Sandy more quickly. For updates on the ASPCA’s response to Sandy and its repercussions, please keep an eye on the ASPCA blog and follow the ASPCA on Twitter.

You can also help support their vital work with a donation if you are able. If you would like to contribute to their disaster relief fund, you can make a gift here. Every cent will go to ASPCA disaster relief efforts.

animal inside free sticker

Also take this time to make sure you AND your pet are prepared in case a disaster or emergency should happen. The ASPCA has a comprehensive and invaluable Disaster Preparedness Checklist for Families with Pets and you can request a Free Emergency Pet Alert Sticker so responders know to look for pets at your home.

You can also get prepared and help support ASPCA at the same time by purchasing one of their Emergency Ready Pet Survival Kits to keep in your home or give as a gift.

pet emergency survival kit

They come packed with essential items you and your dog or cat will need in the event of an emergency or disaster AND 40% Off all sales go directly to the ASPCA to help fund their work. Find it at the ASPCA online store.

Pets Need Pals Too! Celebrate National Get a PAL for Your Pet Day!

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daisy the dog with her hedgehog dog toyWhen I’m feeling down or blue, I can always count on Daisy to cheer me up with a kiss or a cuddle, or just by seeing her funny face! Did you know that pets need companionship, too? Although we have fun together,  Daisy sometimes gets mopey if she goes too long without seeing her buddies. It makes me aware of just how much she loves playing with her doggy pals! We’re lucky that we live in a community where Daisy has lots of play pals to spend time with on a regular basis. two cute dogs hanging out for a visitDaisy recently invited her gal pal Stella for a sleep over. It was the first time one of her pals spent the night and we all had so much fun that I just can’t wait until we are able to adopt a brother or sister for Daisy. It would be so great for all of us, and there are SO many pets out there in need of a forever home!

To help raise awareness, the non-profit campaign Pets Add Life (PAL), has officially declared November 19, National Get A Pal For Your Pet Day. Recognizing the benefits of having multiple pets, the day is set to encourage pet parents to consider adopting additional furry, winged and/or finned family members.

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Free Election Day Printable Coloring Sheets for Dog Lovers and Kids!

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free printable dog vote coloring sheets

BARK THE VOTE! Make sure your BARK is counted this Election Day and then get out your crayons and celebrate with these FREE Printable Coloring Pages from Angry Squirrel Studio. Links below will each open a Printable PDF in a new window:

Free Printable: 2012 Presidential Election Party Animals

Free Printable: Bark the Vote, Dog Coloring Sheet

Exclusive Interview: 10 Questions with The Incredible Dr. Pol

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The Incredible Dr. Pol National Geographic Wild

In honor of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week (November 5th-11th), star of National Geographic Wild’s #1 series,  Dr. Jan Pol from The Incredible Dr. Pol took time from his busy schedule to offer our readers his expertise on spaying and neutering, as well as answer some burning questions we had about him, his family and the show. We’re HUGE fans of the show and so excited to get the opportunity to interview him as well as help spread the word about the importance of spaying and neutering all pets to help reduce the number of unwanted animals who end up in shelters through no fault of their own.

10 Questions with The Incredible Dr. Pol

1) We know that you’re helping to spread the word about reducing the homeless pet population as part of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week.  What age should pets be spayed or neutered?  Is it ever too early?
We spay and neuter pets at 4 months.  This is the ideal age for us.  I know some places do it earlier, but I like to do it at 16 weeks.

2) Are there other benefits to spaying and neutering pets besides reducing the homeless animal population/overcrowding in shelters?
Yes.  It reduces the incidence of mammary tumors, uterus infections and in males the prostrate problems later in life. [Read more…]

4 Important Halloween Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe

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daisy the dog in her ladybug halloween costume

Just like Daisy and her pals, your pets might be planning to join the Halloween festivities today or this evening, but there are a few things you should know. Here are 4 important tips about pet safety for Halloween:

  1. Keep pets indoors or with you at all times: You don’t want to subject your dog or cat to pranksters who might find it amusing to taunt, tease, and even injure pets, especially black cats on Halloween. Keep your pets indoors for the night or on-leash and by your side if they do go out for some trick-or-treating. Many experts suggest you NOT take your dog trick-or-treating at all.
  2. Don’t stress your pets: It might seem cute and fun to dress up your pet for Halloween, but not all dogs or cats are comfortable with this.  Especially with all the extra noise, scary decorations and commotion during this holiday, it’s easy for pets to become stressed out and no one wants that for their fur baby. If your pet doesn’t want to dress up and party, don’t make them. Let them go crawl under the covers or hide in their favorite spot with a good treat and toy.
  3. Keep ID tags and microchip info updated: Some pets are door-dashers and with lots of little ghosts and gobblins ringing your doorbell this evening, you want to be extra careful your pet doesn’t run out! This tip is important year-round; all pets should be micro-chipped, wear ID tags and you should be sure to keep your contact information updated and current.
  4. Be EXTRA cautious about keeping Halloween Candy away from pets: Many common ingredients in candy, especially chocolate, will make pets VERY sick. So use extra caution and store ALL Halloween candy  out of reach from cats and dogs. Make sure your kiddos know the rules, too. Keep the ASPCA 24-Hour Animal Poison Control number handy. It’s 888-426-4435.