Month: November 2012

The inspiration for this article came from a conversation I had with my coworker Katya. She is one of the most dog-savvy dog people I know, a certified dog trainer, who writes amazing dog training and dog behavior articles for Adopt-a-Pet.com, as well as her “Ask Katya” video series Woof University. She told me, “My friend was telling me her cat hates being pet on the belly! And I was like WHAT?!?!? My dog would fix a virus off my computer for a belly rub! I had no idea! Someone has to teach me how to love on a cat!” So for all the other dog people out there like Katya who would love to know how to love on a cat, and other important cat-iquette rules cats would really appreciate you following, I’ve put together this quick guide to cats for dog people!

So dog-person, you go over to a friends house, sit down on the couch, and your friend says, “I’ll be right back, say hi to Tabby cat, he’s friendly.” In strolls her big orange tabby cat. He sits down a few feet away and looks at you. You look at him. You want to make friends – but you need help as you don’t speak cat!

Talk to him. Most people-social cats love being talked to. Introduce yourself!

Admire him. Cats especially love being told how handsome or beautiful they are. Unlike dogs, most don’t mind being looked at directly in the eyes, especially if you are commenting on their gorgeous color. Not a hard stare of course! An admiring gaze.

Slow blink. I think of this as a cat way of saying “I like you” or even “I love you.” Cats won’t usually return the blink right away, but you can slow blink a few times at a new cat to let him know you are a friend.

Hold out your hand. Cats appreciate being asked if they would like to be pet. If a known-to-be-friendly cat doesn’t immediately approach you, you can invite him with an outstretched hand. Many cats will accept the invitation by coming over, sniffing your hand, then and rubbing their chin or body against your hand. If he doesn’t, let him set the pace of getting to know you, and let him decide if he’d like to allow petting on your first ‘date’.

Neck and chin scratch first. If he does approach, since many cats prefer a new person scratch their neck under their chin first, try that before reaching over his head to stroke their back.

Don’t over do it. A neck scratch, a few strokes of his back, and then stop. Some cats prefer a few pets only, and you want to make sure you have his permission to proceed. Some cats get overly wound up by too much petting. Since you as a dog person might not recognize those signs, best to wait for his owner to come back before any more petting, or ask if there’s a toy on a string you can play with together.

No belly rubs! Even if Tabby cat flops down and shows you his belly, he is likely NOT asking for a belly rub! Cats usually show humans their belly more as a sign of trust than a desire to have their belly rubbed. (There is the rare exception.)

That’s it! This is just a very basic getting-started guide to meeting a friendly cat. Entire books can and have been written about cats and their behavior. We will have future articles to help you understand some of the BIG differences between dog and cat sounds and body language too, to help you on your way to becoming a cat enthusiast as well as a dog lover!

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Isn’t love what every living being wishes to find? Adopt-a-Pet.com’s spokesperson Pia explores this idea photographically post on her post this week for the The Daily Wag blog over at MarthaStewart.com. The fur kids in her photo gallery are a wonderful selection of the loyal souls who have both found love and been found by the fortunate adopters who now cannot even imagine life before they adopted their very own fur kids. The 23 heart-warming photos include Joey (age 6) with his rescued guinea pig Sparky, on the night of Sparky’s rescue when Joey first put him to bed. Joey was shhhing and rocking him to sleep. The moment they first met, Sparky ran to Joey and cuddled into the leg of his shorts. There’s also Bing, a beautiful blue-eyed white cat who purrs loudly as he poses with doting adoptive mom, Molly. Bing was adopted via Adopt-a-Pet.com from the Sante D’Or Foundation! There’s lots of dogs too, including our own staff superhero.

Finding love and being found to love and be loved, are among the many gifts that a rescued companion animal rewards to those who find their new best friend through adoption. For a loyal companion animal to go lost or without a home is what we animal lovers work hard to avoid. Educating others on the plight of these lovable souls and getting them seen by potential adopters is something they cannot do without our help.

Visit Pia’s blog article here to see them all!

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Are you taking a Thanksgiving Day road trip with your pet?  Before you start dreaming of homemade pies, keep in mind that it’s important to plan ahead for pet travel and always keep the best interests of your furry, four-legged friend in mind.  Here is an article by our animal-loving friend Kim Salerno at TripsWithPets.com about how traveling with your pet can be a wonderful bonding experience or a not so pleasant one.  It’s all a matter of proper planning and preparation! Your first decision is whether to bring your pet along with you on your trip.  Not all pets are suited for travel. While it may be very tempting to bring your pet with you, keep in mind that not all pets are happy travelers.  Things to consider include your pet’s temperament, any physical impairments, or if your pet suffers from an illness.  If you’re uncertain whether your pet is suited for travel, you may want to consult with your veterinarian.

If you determine that your pet is up for the trip, then following some common sense tips will help to ensure that your Thanksgiving Day travels with your furry friend is enjoyable for both of you!

Pre-Travel Preparation

• Healthy Start:  The last thing you need is a sick pet when traveling. This means a visit to the vet for a medical checkup and to ensure that your pet is up-to-date with all necessary vaccinations. The veterinarian can also issue a health certificate for your pet.  If you and your pet will be traveling across state lines, you must obtain a recent health certificate and a certificate of rabies vaccination.  If your plans include traveling with your pet from the United States to Canada, you will need to bring along a certificate issued by a veterinarian that clearly identifies the animal and certifies that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies during the preceding 36 month period. Be sure to contact the government of the province you plan to visit as each province has its own requirements.

• Plan for Restraint:  Have a plan for how you’re going to properly restrain your pet in your vehicle.   This is a crucial element of pet travel that is not taken seriously enough. The reality is that hundreds of pets are injured or even killed each year because they are allowed free reign in cars, trucks, RVs, and SUVs.  Even more real is the toll in human life and property damage caused when an “enthusiastic” animal distracts a driver, leading to an accident. Vehicle pet barriers, pet seat belts, pet car seats, and pet travel crates are all excellent ways to keep your pet (and you) safe when traveling in your vehicle.  It’s important to familiarize your pet with the vehicle restraint of choice weeks or months before traveling so that they are comfortable.

• Temporary ID Tag:  In the unfortunate event that your pet runs off while you’re traveling.  A temporary identification tag, along with a photo of your pet will help ensure their safe return.  Attach a temporary ID tag to your pet’s collar in addition to their permanent tag. Include the address and phone number of where you’ll be staying along with your cell phone number and perhaps your email address. This is one of the most important aspects of traveling with your pet, but also one of the most overlooked. In addition, bring along a current photo of your pet. A photograph will make it easier for others to help you find your lost pet.

• Packing Essentials:  When packing for your pet include an ample supply of your pet’s food.  Don’t rely on stopping along the way to pick up their food or picking it up at your final destination. Their particular brand of food may not be readily available and it is not advisable to introduce your pet to a new brand of food while traveling.  Other essentials to pack for your pet include collapsible travel food and water bowls, bedding, litter and litter box, leash, collar and tags, favorite toys, grooming supplies, a pet first-aid kit and any necessary medications. And of course, be sure to always have an ample supply of water available for your pet.

• Secure Pet Friendly Accommodations:  If you’re planning a long journey and will need to stay in lodging on the way to your final destination, be sure to secure these pet friendly accommodations before you hit the road. Map out where you’ll be spending the night and arrange for lodging along the way.    Our Search By Route will allow you to find pet friendly lodging along your route by plugging in your origination location and final destination. Pet policies do change some times without notice and accommodations may be limited so it’s recommended that you make reservations in advance.

• Medical Records:  In case of a medical emergency while traveling, it is advisable to bring along your pets medical records along with your vet’s contact information should they be needed for consultation.

Hitting the Road

• No Heads Out the Window:  Although many pets find that sticking their head out the window is the best part of the road trip, it’s not safe.  Your pet can easily be injured by flying debris.  This should go without saying, but NEVER travel with a pet in the back of a pickup truck. Some states have laws restricting such transport and it is always dangerous.

• Frequent Pit Stops:  Always provide frequent bathroom and exercise breaks. Most travel service areas have designated areas for walking your pet. Be sure to stay in this area particularly when you pet needs a potty break, and of course, bring along a bag to pick up after your pet.  When outside your vehicle, make sure that your pet is always on a leash and wearing a collar with a permanent and temporary travel identification tag.

• Proper Hydration:  During your pit stops be sure to provide your pet with some fresh water to wet their whistle.  Occasionally traveling can upset your pet’s stomach. Take along ice cubes, which are easier on your pet than large amounts of water.

• Watch the Food Intake:  It is recommended that you keep feeding to a minimum during travel.  Be sure to feed them their regular pet food and resist the temptation to give them some of your fast food burger or fries (that never has a good ending!).

• Don’t Leave Them Alone:  Never leave your pet unattended in a parked vehicle. On warm days, the temperature in your vehicle can rise to 120 degrees in minutes, even with the windows slightly open. In addition, an animal left alone in a vehicle is an open invitation to pet thieves.

• Practice Restraint:  Be sure that your pet is safely restrained in your vehicle.  Utilizing a pet safety harness, travel kennel, vehicle pet barrier, or pet car seat are the best ways to keep your pet safe.  They not only protect your pet from injury, but they help by keeping them from distracting you as you drive.  A safety harness functions like a seatbelt.  While most pets will not have a problem adjusting to it, you may want to let them wear the harness by itself a few times before using it in the vehicle. If your pet prefers a travel kennel, be sure it is well ventilated and stabilized.  Many pet owners prefer vehicle barriers, particularly for larger pets.  Vehicle barriers are best suited for SUVs.  Smaller pets are best suited for pet car seats.  The car seat is secured in the back seat using a seat belt and your pet is secured in the car seat with a safety harness.  In addition to it’s safety features, a pet car seat will prop up your smaller pet, allowing them to better look out the window.  No matter what method you choose, back seat travel is always safer for your pet.

• Safe and Comfortable:  Whatever method you choose to properly restrain your pet in your vehicle, be sure to make their comfort a priority.  Just as it’s important for your “seat” to be comfortable for your long road trip, your pet’s seat should be comfortable too. Typically their favorite blanket or travel bed will do the trick. There are also some safe and very cozy pet car seats available that your pet may find quite comfy.

Careful preparation is the key to ensuring that you and your pet have a happy and safe trip. All of us here at Adopt-a-Pet.com want to wish you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! Do you like this article? Click an icon below to share it on Facebook, Twitter, and more!

We want to thank Whiskers And Leo for sending over this great write-up so that we could share it with you! Thinking of going away this holiday season? Work long hours and need a dog walker or pet sitter? On top of providing high quality, in-home pet care services on the East Coast, Whiskers And Leo are also big fans of pet adoption! They are professionals of their trade and shared with us this list of 10 questions to ask before hiring a dog walker or pet sitter. We hope you enjoy and that this helps you find a great best friend for your best friend!

10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Dog Walker or Pet Sitter

1. Do they have liability insurance and bonding, and how much coverage? Accidents can happen, so you want to make sure they are professionals and have proper coverage.

2. Are their pet sitters actual employees or independent contractors? This is important for liability reasons! If a company hires actual employees then you know they are a company that is going to be around for a while. In addition, you’ll know they are a legitimate company and that they value their sitters.

3. Is there a background check on all sitters? Whether you’re considering an independent pet sitter or working with a company, make sure a background check has been run on anyone who will be working with you.  Some pet sitters/dog walkers may seem great when you meet them and say all the right things, but you are trusting them with your pets and access to your home so please be extra cautious!

4. Are they members of any professional pet sitting organizations? For example Pet Sitters International is a good association to be aligned with!

5. How do dog walkers/sitters keep track of their schedules? You want to make sure that their time is well organized for your pets.

6. Will they give you the same walker/sitter each day, or each time you call? If not, how does the interview process work with each sitter that will come into your home?

7. What methods of payment do they accept? This can help you gage if they are a full service company.

8. For dog walking, how many dogs do they walk at once? In addition, are there certain types of collars/harnesses/leashes that they use or do not like to use? Many pet sitters/dog walkers will not use certain types of collars and leashes for safety reasons and they limit the number of dogs they will walk at one time. This assures the safety and well-being of the animals they are responsible for!

9. What are the company’s mission, values and ethics? Check the company’s website and marketing literature. What is their reputation in the community? You can ask around at vets, groomers, pet stores, pet rescues, etc. to see if they know anything about that company. It’s also important to note if they work with or donate to local shelters and animals rescues!  A dog walking/sitting company that is also compassionate and involved in helping animals is a good sign. Lastly, you can learn more by Googling to see if you can find any reviews. Be wary of a company that doesn’t have an online presence!

10. Last but not least, ask for at least two references from current clients that use their services! It is very important to know if they have happy clients so don’t be shy to ask for references!

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In an effort to further promote pet adoption, we at Adopt-a-Pet.com have created new infographics by breed that are full of information! Check out our first one focusing on the Pit Bull, and proving many reasons why that they make wonderful pets. If you’d like to share this infographic on your own website, click here.  Stay tuned for our next breed infographic – the Poodle!

When my vet recently told me that the number one reason people bring pets to her veterinary hospital is because of itching and related skin issues, I wasn’t surprised. Here in Southern California especially, the dry desert air combined with watered tropical landscaping and natural flora and fauna are a mecca for allergens and itch-causing critters. Dogs especially seem to be prone to scratching fits, but cats are not immune. In the decades I’ve worked and volunteered for large shelters and rescues, I hear the same common complaints time and time again. Dogs scratching ‘hot spot’ sores on their paws, cats itching keeping their owners awake at night, puppies chewing up their tails, red irritated skin and fur falling out every where! So what are the top 5 causes of canines and felines itching and scratching? How can you stop your pet’s discomfort? Ask your vet about our top 5 ways to stop a pet from itching. They are…

1. Fleas. Fleas are the number one reason dogs and cats scratch and itch. If your pet is sensitive to fleas, even one flea can cause a frantic dance. Imagine how you’d feel if there was a bug crawling in your hair and biting you. Even if your pet is on flea control, sometimes it takes multiple methods of both environmental cleanup (daily vacuuming, bed and carpet disinfecting) and products for your pet to fully get the flea problem under control on an ongoing basis. Talk to your vet about what flea control methods they recommend for your pet in your area, and read our 7 Steps To a Flea Free Home here.

2. Food allergy. Just like humans, some pets can have or develop (even after a long time of being fine with it) allergies to certain things they eat. Sometimes simply switching to a different flavor of pet food or treats and eliminating the old ones can stop a pet that is itching. After your vet has ruled out fleas, they may have you do a “food trial” where you temporarily feed a strict limited-ingredient diet for 8 weeks.  Then it can be trial and error process of introducing other foods slowly one at a time until your pet starts itching again. Voila! You’ve identified the tipping point trigger to avoid.

3. Dry skin. Especially when its cold and dry outside, and heated inside, pets can get dry, flaky, itchy skin. Even if you don’t notice flaking, ask your vet if a topical or dietary Omega 3 supplement for pets can help your pet if they have dry skin itchiness.

4. Environment. Pollen, dust, yard sprays, cleaning products, laundry detergent, shampoo, grass, plants… all of these and more can come in contact with your pet’s fur, paws, and skin and be a potential irritant. Figuring out which one or combination is causing your pet to itch can be quite a puzzle. Try one piece at a time. Give your pet a “bath” using just water, thoroughly rinsing their fur all the way down to their skin. Wash their bed and anything else washable (sheets, cushion covers, rugs) in hot water without any detergent. If they go outside, before they come back inside, wipe their paws and legs down with one or more damp papertowels, using long strokes as if you were erasing a blackboard… for dogs you can even dunk their feet in a tray or bucket of warm water to give a quick rinse before coming inside.

5. Stress. Any big life change can cause stress and anxiety in a pet’s life. They may not show it in other ways, but itching due to stress or anxiety is quite common. Ways to reduce a pet stress include: 1) De-stressing any humans the pet comes in contact with, since pets are stress sponges; 2) Establishing a rock-solid routine of feeding, playing, and sleeping at the same times every day; 3) Engaging your pet in more daily exercise they enjoy, be it chasing a laser toy around the living room, or going on a long hike together; 4) Giving them a safety zone hideout. For dogs this can be a crate where they can den up with a favorite chew toy and know they will be safe and undisturbed, for cats it might be a tall cat tree with a big top shelf or hidey-hole, or a nest in the bottom of a rarely used closet.

Your vet plays a key role in helping you figure out if one or more of the above causes and cures is the best treatment protocol for your and your pet. If your pet is suffering, they can suggest medications that can mask the symptoms to give your pet immediate relief while you figure out a permanent solution to your pet’s itching.

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We’d like to think that there is someone for every pet out there.  We can imagine a world when this dream can be made into a reality, and where all animals, even special needs pets, enjoy happy homes.  Break out the tissues for this wonderful story of how an abandoned special-needs dog and a woman battling a disability came together. When we first met Wendy Rodriguez we were thrilled to hear her story and share her inspirational journey with you.

On the outside her life might seem pretty standard: she is in a happy relationship, has a lovely daughter named Isabella, she works hard and enjoys time with family and friends.  Despite her enthusiasm and energy, Wendy was born with Spina Bifida, a developmental congenital disorder.  When Wendy was just a baby, the doctors told her mother that she would not live past the age of ten years old. But Wendy’s mom is a strong woman who believed Wendy could preserver. She pushed her daughter to do everything that any kid her age would do despite her disabilities.  It was not long before Wendy discovered that she had inherited her mother’s fortitude and faith, and she is now 23 years old.

When it came time for her family to get a dog Wendy knew she wanted to adopt and give back, providing a home to an animal in need.  So Wendy and her partner Joel started their search on Adopt-a-Pet.com.  When Joel first saw a picture of Bentley, a sweet Bulldog mix at Pooch Heaven Rescue, he was immediately drawn to his cute, smushy face.  But as he read Bentley’s bio describing his personality and behavior, his jaw dropped.  Joel ran over to show Bentley’s profile to Wendy.  You see Bentley, too, had Spina Bifida.  Without a doubt, Wendy and Joel knew that Bentley was meant to be their dog.

Out of the many profiles they saw, his was the one that called out to them.  Bentley had been passed over time and time again by adopters who did not want to deal with his condition.  He waited patiently for just one best friend in the world, and his rescuers hoped his limitations would soon be accepted by a nice family.  Their wish came true in Wendy, strong and determined that Bentley was just what her family needed in a pet.  Her dedication was as unwavering as her mother’s, and that is just what Bentley would need.

As soon as Wendy and her family reached Pooch Heaven’s Rescue Ranch, they met Bentley and fell in love.  Their Adopt-a-Pet.com search for a new furry family member had brought them the sweetest, most loving pup they could ask for.  Wendy will tell you that she feels her struggles are all worth it in the end.  It has made her who she is, and she’s proud of it.  What has perhaps surprised her most might be that her and Bentley found one another, two kindred spirits who could help heal each other.  In Wendy’s readiness to take care of Bentley, she has found herself taken care of, too.  He is the perfect four-legged pal who understands her without words and loves her unconditionally.  Together they serve as a bridge between their species, and together they overcome their pasts every day. Wendy gave Bentley the gift every dog deserves: the chance at a forever family who adores him!  But adopting Bentley came with a gift in return: Wendy’s family is now complete.

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Gotta love employers who promote pet adoption! That’s one of the many reasons we are such fans of TargetCW, a workforce management and solutions company. TargetCW offers an unique Adopt-a-Pet.com rescue reimbursement program to their employees as a way to incentivize them to adopt their next pet! By paying up to $100 of a pet adoption fee, this is a benefit that encourages pet adoption and engages them all in a company culture ripe with service, compassion, and community. Ryan Anning, CFO of the business, recently took advantage of this special perk and adopted Mia, a blond Labrador mix puppy. Here is his story below! We’re happy to report that many TargetCW employees have been inspired to adopt pets of their own thanks to the company’s encouragement.

“Recently, we had to say goodbye to our family dog of 9 years. It was a difficult time, and hard to explain to my four young daughters what had happened. Our house was too quiet so we looked into adopting a puppy. We searched and found our match on Adopt-a-Pet.com and headed out to a shelter in San Diego to find her! There was Mia, a 2 month old Yellow Lab/Hound mix that was recently abandoned. We decided that there would be no better time to than now to adopt her, and bring her home. Needless to say, our house is again filled with the excitement and joy that a puppy brings, and my daughters are excited for the opportunity to have another dog that they can grow up with. We’ll never forget our first family dog, but are very appreciative for the opportunity to help a great cause and adopt Mia.”

Please consider sharing this story with your employer in order to help your company become advocates for pet adoption, too! Did you like this story? Click an icon below to share it on Facebook, Twitter, and more!

The supportive pet-loving folks over at PeoplePets.com have chosen another gem to feature! And oh boy, is Rizzo as star-worthy as they come. It’s hard to believe that this beautiful gal was found abandoned in a park with her pup. Although she was first protective of her baby and of herself, Rizzo quickly showed her true colors – that of an affectionate, loving, sweetheart. Rizzo simply, “looks into your eyes hoping that you’ll be the person she will never have to leave,” says one of her many fans at Alamo Heights Animal Care Services in San Antonio, Texas.

Her puppy has been adopted from the shelter, but this doll is still looking for her own loving family to belong to. Her requests aren’t high-maintenance at all either! Rizzo is good with other dogs, cats, and kids so she should fit right into any home lucky enough to adopt her. This 2-3 year old girl is so smart and so loyal that a dog training service has even expressed interest in training her for soldiers who suffer from PTSD! Yep, the verdict has been reached: Rizzo is a special soul.

There are so many special souls right now just like Rizzo at a shelter near you! And all these animals want and need is a happy family of their own. Search on our homepage to find your match today! If you’d like to learn more about Rizzo and how to adopt her, please click here!  Did you like this story? Click an icon below to share it on Facebook, Twitter, and more!