Non-surgical cat and dog sterilization surged into the spotlight last week when the topic was featured in Science Magazine. When U.S. billionaire Gary Michelson announced $75 million in grants and prize money for the development of a single-use, nonsurgical sterilant for dogs and cats, suddenly, researchers who had abandoned their non-surgical sterilization research work began ramping up their efforts again. Read about the research, grant winners, and how this all came to be in the article in Science Magazine online, and visit Found Animals press page for even more about these exciting developments.
Author: Jennifer
Good News In Pet Adoption 9.29
This week features a couple who has lost weight by volunteering at an animal shelter, and Girl Scout Troop 9644 who donates they’re creativity to make online pictures of dogs more inviting.
We’ve just had mug shots of dogs taken in front of concrete blocks before,” Noble said. “The girls’ backdrops are more colorful and make more of a portrait for our dogs.” “I felt so bad when I saw the dogs looking so sad in the cages,” said Alexys Perez, 11, a student at South Park Middle School. “It feels good to help them have a better chance to survive.”
Fred Schwartz and his wife, Joan, said they never imagined they would have lost weight after nine months of volunteering to play with animals at Wayside Waifs. Fred said he lost 20 pounds; Joan lost about 15.
new Shepard Fairey ADOPT limited-run print
We wanted you to be the first to know that the newest Shepard Fairey “Lead By Example” ADOPT print will go on sale at a random time on Thursday, September 24th. This gold and black version is truly stunning! Each print is signed and numbered (out of limited run of 400) by Shepard Fairey and proceeds go to help get homeless shelter animals seen and saved! The collectible red/blue version sold out in under 90 minutes, so be ready on Thursday, September 24th if you want to grab a gold one. Stickers, shirts and bandanas are available now too, so be sure to let the world know you support pet adoption in every way.
On behalf of the animals and the Adopt-a-Pet.com team we thank you for your support. Woof!
New Site We Love: WagWorld.com
Ever wish you had a whole group of dog-loving friends to share info about favorite dog-friendly places? Now, thanks to the new site Wagworld.com, you do!
Wagworld.com is a new, interactive website all about celebrating daily adventures you and your dog have together. It’s a great place to find information about dog-friendly places, including parks, beaches, restaurants, hotels, coffee shops and more — anywhere you and your best buddy can have a tail-wagging good time. Best of all, you can read reviews of dog-friendly spots written by ordinary people, so you get the straight (dog) scoop, and you can write reviews of your favorite places to bring your pooch, too. If you don’t see your favorite pup-alicious scene listed, just add it to the map! It’s cute, easy-to-use, and incredibly useful… it even features articles about all things dog-centric. Check it out at http://www.wagworld.com
How To Introduce A New Puppy To Your Adult Dog
Introducing a new puppy to your dog? Get expert tips for a seamless introduction between your new dog and adult dog.
This is the first in our series of puppy, dog, and cat behavior articles, to help readers with their newly adopted pets! The method I describe below is for DOG-FRIENDLY adult dogs. If you do not know if your dog is good with other dogs, or has ever shown any type of aggression to another dog (growling, snarling, barking), please do the introduction with a trainer or behaviorist present.
Ideally, you’ll have assessed your household’s current dog(s) before you add a puppy to the mix. Consider the physical condition of your current animals. Many people think getting a puppy will ‘liven up’ their older dog. Most older or calm/quiet dogs are quite content as they are and may be intolerant and very unhappy with a puppy’s boisterous behavior. In multi-dog households, a new puppy can throw off the balance and everyone might need some reminding of their training. A temperament and energy level match for your current pets is usually the best match, but if you do end up with a puppy and older dog, here are some suggestions to get it off to the best start!
– Get ready. Make sure your dog(s) are current on all their vaccinations, including bordatella (kennel cough) especially if the puppy is coming from a shelter or rescue kennel, or has been exposed to other dogs within the last 2 weeks that were from or in a kennel. Get your vet’s recommendations whether total separation (quarantine) is needed and for how long. There are many potentially fatal diseases that puppies can be ‘incubating’ that will not show up for up to two weeks. Altered pets are less likely to be territorial, so getting your current dogs fixed at least 1 month before introducing a puppy is recommended. Also treat your current dogs for fleas and other parasite prevention as recommended by your vet.
– Total separation. Just having the new puppy in the house is enough for your older dog to get used to, without having to deal with the puppy jumping all over him and his toys, bed etc. Try to have the puppy’s starter room be one that your adult dog does not use for sleeping or eating and is puppy-proof (bathrooms work well), or use a crate. Feed, play and train separately, giving equal time to both dogs.
– First introduction. Pick neutral and unfamiliar territory, such as a street or park you don’t usually visit, or if the puppy has not completed his vaccinations yet, ask a neighbor if you can use their yard. All dogs and new puppy should be on leashes. If you have more than one dog already at home, introduce them to the puppy one at a time. Start with the most friendly and submissive of your dogs.
For a really young puppy (4 months and under): start by having a friend holding the puppy in their arms. With your friendly adult dog on leash, let him take a good sniff. Then separate them, put the puppy down (puppy also on leash) and allow the dogs to approach one another at their own speed. For an older puppy or one that’s too big to be easily held, you can start with both dogs on leash, and let the adult dog approach and stiff while you restrain the puppy from jumping or doing the sniffing, it’s his turn only after the adult dog is done.
Stay relaxed! The dogs can sense if you are tense. Try to keep the leashes slack at all times. Verbal encouragement, such as “good dogs!” reinforce any good behavior. If the adult dog wants to stay away from the puppy, do not “force” him to say hello.
If there is any growling or other signs of aggression, you may need to do a slower introduction, such as walks around the neighborhood together, with the puppy walking behind (not able to touch) the adult dog. If the aggression continues, consult a behaviorist or trainer. If all goes well, allow the dogs to spend five or ten minutes together and then proceed to the next step.
– Short sessions. Going on walks together is a wonderful bonding activity! Even one or two walks a day is enough time together for the first week. If all goes well, you can progress to supervised off-leash access to one another, often after a big walk together, when both will be more relaxed after the exercise. Pick the largest play area possible so the dogs have room to move around. Remove all toys from the mutual play area to avoid possible fights over toys. End the play session if the older dog repeatedly exhibits ‘lay off me’ behavior such as trying to avoid the puppy, showing teeth, or growling/snapping. See next section.
– Allowable behaviors. Especially before the age of 4 months, or if they have not been around other dogs, puppies may not recognize subtle body language signals from adult dogs that they have had enough. Well-socialized adult dogs with good temperaments can set limits with puppies with a growl or lip-curl. These behaviors should be allowed, within reason – once or twice is ok, especially if puppy “learns” and stops the behavior. Do NOT correct an adult dog that is showing “correct” back off signals, but do step in to stop the reason for them: don’t allow your puppy to continue to harass your adult dog with too-rough or unwanted play. Step in and redirect puppy’s teeth onto a toy and get him to play with you instead, or end the play session completely.
For the most part, dogs adjust to puppies over time, but since the consequences of a problem can be severe, it is wise to follow a slow introduction process as outlined above to ensure all goes well with adding a new puppy to your home.
For introducing adult dogs, see our Multi-dog Home tips here.
Los Angeles WILDFIRES animal shelters and rescues that need help
8:30 a.m., 9/1/09 Los Angeles California wildfires continue to burn out of control, threatening homes, people, and animals. “The Station fire” grew to more than 122,000 acres overnight last night, despite signs of improving weather conditions. We have put together this list of animal shelter and rescues that are assisting animals and people affected by the wildfires. If you hear any updates or have additions, please let us! This list includes: Animal Acres, Baldwin Park shelter, Basset Rescue Network, Gentle Barn, Irvine ACC, Linda Blair Worldheart Foundation, Pasadena Humane Society, Villalobos. Listing alphabetically!
Animal Acres
Acton, CA
http://www.animalacres.org
9/1 12:15am – found a more uptodate site with the evacuations and how to help Animal Acres here: http://kcdisasteraid.wordpress.com/ latest update 8/31 says they are “recruiting/managing standby volunteers for Animal Acres” for a 2nd evacuation, as where they were 1st evacuated to is now in the path of the fire.
Baldwin Park – Los Angeles County Animal Shelter
4275 N. Elton, Baldwin Park, CA 91706
The nonprofit that organizes help for this shelter is Animal Advocates Alliance http://animaladvocatesalliance.org/category/adopt-now/
8/31 11:55pm: “The fires have burned away from Baldwin Park’s service area and as of right now we are actually not that inundated. However a lot of our resources are at the fire and anything and everything could change at any moment. So I guess what we’re really most in need of is adopters to help empty the kennels! Kindest regards, Ric Browde”
Basset Rescue Network
Acton, CA
Main website: http://www.bassetrescuenetwork.org (see Latest News)
Fire updates & donations: http://www.firstgiving.com/ActonFire_BassetRescueNetwork
They have 100 basset hounds and mixes.
2:44 AM, 9/1/09, Kennel Manager updates: “We are safe as of 2:44AM. Here from the property we would evacuate all animals with the assistance of several neighbors as during an evacuation it’s unlikely that non area residents could get through.” The shelter needs money for the expenses that comes with the smoke, ashes, fire and pending evacuation.
Gentle Barn
Santa Clarita, CA
http://gentlebarn.org (for donations)
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/The-Gentle-Barn/54967149038?ref=ts
8/31: they are taking in animals from the fires, as they are currently not in the evacuation area (but close by). “Jay headed out to the fires in Acton with our stock tailor to see if anyone needed help. So far we have four new horses and two new donkeys from the fires. we shall see who Jay brings home next.”
Irvine Animal Care Center
6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine, CA 92618
http://www.cityofirvine.org/cityhall/cs/animalcare/default.asp
8/31: This shelter took in 40+ dogs from the Pasadena Humane Society to make room for fire evacuees. Those dogs need adopters, and they accept online donations too.
Linda Blair Worldheart Foundation
Acton, CA
Fire update page: http://lindablairworldheart.org/?p=749
(FB page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Acton-CA/The-Linda-Blair-WorldHeart-Foundation/70244399672?ref=ts )
8/31 8:56pm: “Our first and biggest need are donations. We need financial donations to help us with the many costs that can/will arise from this crisis situation. We are also in need of donated crates, at least 42″ in size as our doggies are large. We can always use blankets and dog bowls as well…. If you are willing to help load dogs in crates and transport to our evacuation spot and don’t mind getting called in the middle of the night please let us know. You can email worldheartvolunteers@gmail.com for more information.”
Pasadena Humane Society
361 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena CA 91105
http://pasadenahumane.org then click on “Donate Now to Fire Disaster Relief!”
8/31 4pm update: they currently have all the supplies and volunteers they need. Monetary donations are still being accepted.
Villalobos Rescue Center
Canyon Country, CA
http://www.vrcpitbull.com
8/31: have heard rumors they were evacuated, but have been unable to confirm – does anyone know?
Wildlife Waystation
14831 Little Tujunga Canyon Rd 91342 (818) 899-5201
9/1 update: http://www.scpr.org/blogs/fire-updates/2009/08/31/wildlife-way-station-receives-abundance-volunteers/
DO YOU NEED HELP getting your animals to safety? Please contact the Kinship Circle Disaster Aid Network. They stand ready to deploy volunteers. You can reach them at 917-596-9040 or http://www.kinshipcircle.org
Need wildlife help? Contact Valley Wildlife Care, a nonprofit, volunteer organization. They will intake ANY wildlife from the fires. http://www.valleywildlifecare.org 818-346-8247
(image is map of the fire per LA Times as of 11 p.m., 8/31/09)
How to Adopt a New Pet: Tips I Learned the Hard Way
This post comes from Jenn Curran, who co-owns the new bakery, Fanny & Jane. Jen is a member of comedy groups, Harvard Sailing Team and The Baldwins. Jen lives in Brooklyn with her boyfriend, Kevin and has two cats. You can learn more about Jen at her blog. In this post Jen shares what she has learned about cat adoption…
“When my beloved cat Floyd passed away unexpectedly at a young age, I knew that I’d be adopting another cat very soon. Floyd was stubborn, opinionated and sometimes disagreeable. And he destroyed a number of my more valuable possessions. But he was also cuddly, loving and such a grand presence in our home that I could not imagine life without him. My boyfriend and I are lucky enough to have another wonderful cat named Chawser – a gentle, playful tabby who was also very sad when his good buddy Floyd died.
We walked into the adoption center one Sunday afternoon intending to walk out with another adult male cat. Instead, we left with a female kitten – a stunning Maine Coon. She felt so slight in my arms, almost frail. I couldn’t help myself. We brought her home that same day, very glad to have little Kaia in our lives.
Despite our sunny outlook, the first few days were difficult, to say the least. Kaia was not happy about her recent transition and neither were we. The subway ride home had been a shock for her, she hated Chawser, and she refused to be touched. In fact, she spent the first evening in our home collapsed in my lap in some kind of trauma-induced coma. She spent the first week living in her carrier, only venturing out when we were asleep or not home. We wondered what terrible circumstance she’d been through to make her so untrusting and sensitive, and we worried she’d never adjust. No matter how often we tried to coax her or how gently we tried to pet her, she wanted nothing to do with us.
So we were shocked when, one night a couple weeks later, she suddenly and unceremoniously ventured out of the bathroom! And into the living room! Where there were people! And another cat! Just walked right out as though she lived here too. It was a tiny gesture, but it meant a lot to us. Plus, we finally got a good look at her and she was absolutely beautiful, with a long fluffy tail, interesting markings all over her head and paws and fierce, expressive gray eyes. Apparently she just needed to do things at her own pace.
Kaia has been a reluctant but well-fed part of our family for about two months now and I’m happy to report that she’s warmed up considerably. She’s still occasionally grouchy and particular but now she trots onto our bed in the morning for head rubs and back scratches and she’s very interested in everything happening around her. Chawser and Kaia fight and scratch and bite each other, but every once in a blue moon we catch them cuddled up together.
During those first difficult weeks, the best thing we did for Kaia was to be flexible to her moods and needs. The worst thing we did for her was to try to force her to adapt faster than she was willing.
Although I’m not an expert, I have learned a lot from adopting cats over the years, especially from this recent challenge. So here are a few things I’ve found helpful to keep in mind when adopting a new pet:
- Do your research. Research adoption centers, read reviews and get recommendations. Once you select a pet, research the kind of animal she is and any special needs she may have. If you already have another pet, research how to successfully introduce the two animals – there are right and wrongs ways.
- Listen carefully. Find out as much information as you can from the adoption center about your new pet’s history so that you can anticipate her needs. Be sure to listen very carefully to any specific details the adoption center might provide – anything from special medicines to eating habits.
- Call your vet. Once you bring your new pet home, make an appointment so your vet can meet the new pet and assess her health.
- Be flexible and compassionate. If a cat behaves one way in the adoption center, she might behave another way in a new home, so plan to be flexible to her needs and desires. In most instances, you will have no way of knowing exactly what this animal has been through before ending up in your home. Remember that any strange or bad behavior is not her fault.
- Be firm and consistent but never frightening. This animal has no choice but to entrust her life to you. You are wise to gently enforce your household rules early on so she learns, but keep in mind that she will be scared and unsure in the first few days. Use this time to be firm, build trust and help her feel safe in her new home.
- Be available. Especially if you’re introducing your new pet into a home where another animal already lives, plan to be available to help aide in your new pet’s transition. Don’t adopt her and then take a vacation. Even if she’s living in the laundry room for the first few days, spend time in her presence so that she can become accustomed to your smell and your demeanor.
- Give up a favorite sweater. Okay, it doesn’t have to be a favorite sweater, but donate a well-worn piece of your clothing to your pet – something you can put near her food bowl or where ever she’s sleeping so that your scent is something she associates with a relaxed and safe feeling.
- Expect changes every day. Animals can surprise us with their resiliency. After a few weeks or months of firm consistency and loving care in your home, your new pet’s personality will probably change for the better. Reward this and be sure to reinforce it by spending lots of quality time together.
- Enjoy your new family member! You’ve done a wonderful thing by adopting a pet into your home and she will hopefully reciprocate the gesture by being a loyal and loving companion. Enjoy it.
"Lucky the Lorikeet" Teaches Children an Important Lesson
File under things we love: great children’s books with positive messages about animals. It’s so important to teach young people to be empathetic to animals—that’s why we love the new book “Lucky the Lorikeet” by Monica Engebretson, a publication of the Avian Welfare Coalition. Based on a true story, Lucky tells the story of a young parrot who is captured in the wild and with the help of a compassionate young Indonesian boy, eventually regains his freedom to return to the wild where he belongs.
The book’s dedicated website, http://www.luckythelorikeet.com includes all kinds of information about parrots, the ecosystem in which they dwell, conservation efforts, and even a narrated documentary video clip where children can meet the real Lucky.
Proceeds from the book benefit avian welfare, rescue, and conservation. If you want to help birds like Lucky, never buy a bird from a pet store or breeder! There are so many birds in shelters who need good homes. Visit Adopt-a-Pet.com to find birds for adoption near you!
disclaimer
Disclaimer: Information contained in our blog includes our friendly advice for getting along with your new pet! Our lawyers asked us to let you know it is not provided as professional or legal advice on specific situations. Though we have lots of experience and the best intentions, Adopt-a-Pet.com and our blog authors
cannot accept any responsibility for any injury or damage that you may cause yourself, your pet, or property by following our advice. As much as we’d like to be there to help you in person, Adopt-a-Pet.com has no control over your use of the information and advice provided by Adopt-a-Pet.com. Here’s some more important stuff we need to say… All information in this manual is provided without any warranty, express or implied, as to its effect and completeness. Such information and advice should be used as a guide and modified to meet the specific needs of your pet. Please use the materials and information at your own risk, and only in combination with professional advice. By receiving such information and materials from Adopt-a-Pet.com, you agree to bear all risk associated with the use of such information and materials and agree to hold harmless Adopt-a-Pet.com, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers and agents from all claims arising out of or related to your use of, or inability to use, the information or materials received from Adopt-a-Pet.com. Phew! Now we can say thank you for adopting a new pet, and you can get back to the fun stuff!