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This post is originally from The Daily Wag at MarthaStewart.com and is written by our own Pia Salk. At the beginning of this year, the nation watched on pins and needles as a stranded dog was saved from drowning in the overflowing Los Angles River. Nature doesn’t discriminate among those she affects, and thankfully, neither did the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The dog rescued in that brave effort has become known in the many follow-up stories in the media as Vernon, after the area where he was found. Over 1,000 people have inquired about adopting Vernon. [Update: Vernon, actually named “Spikey” was claimed a few days later by his elderly owner at the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority animal shelter in Downey.]

While I am truly heartened by the public outpouring of support for Vernon, my mind naturally drifts to the millions of “Vernons” whose lives are equally endangered on any given day in city shelters. Each has a story of his or her own, and each hopes to survive long enough to end up safe and happy. But without the kind of drama and attention like that surrounding Vernon’s plight, they don’t have hundreds of potential adopters lining up to take action.

As I continued to catch clips of the rescues coverage, I was pleasantly surprised- and again proud- that… read the entire post here.

By Nancy Kay, DVM

Melissa Ross / Stocksy
Halloween can be incredibly enjoyable — for us humans, that is. Think about it from the perspective of your pets: The ridiculous costumes they are forced to wear and scary sights and sounds, such as the horror show of constant doorbell rings over and over again. For our dogs and cats, Halloween can be downright ghoulish and, in some cases, even pose a threat to their safety.

But, if you absolutely must indulge in this spooky celebration, here are six safety tips to ensure your pets don’t become unwilling participants in a haunted house of horrors. Because let’s face it, the only thing our pets want this Halloween is a quiet night and a comfy spot on the couch — and maybe a few treats. (If you’re considering adopting a pet, October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, the perfect time to adopt one of the many pets who are still searching for their forever homes. See all the available adoptable pets in your area.)

Halloween safety for your pet

1. Guard the candy bowl

Given the opportunity, most dogs will gladly gorge on chocolate, wrappers and all. Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance chemically related to caffeine and toxic to dogs. The richer (darker) the chocolate, the more toxic it will be for your pup. And while cats are less likely to eat chocolate, it’s still toxic for them.

Symptoms of chocolate toxicity include restlessness, irritability, increased urination, muscle tremors, and sometimes even seizures. Vomiting and diarrhea are also commonplace following chocolate ingestion. 

If you suspect your dog(s) has raided the candy bowl, call your family veterinarian or local emergency clinic immediately. The sooner treatment is initiated, the better the chance for a good outcome. Based on the approximate weight of your candy thief and the type and amount of chocolate ingested, you will be advised whether or not your dog needs medical attention. Downing a couple of milk chocolate kisses is likely no big deal for a Great Dane, but for a four-pound Chihuahua, however, a few ounces of bittersweet chocolate could be a lethal dose.

2. Don’t forget the wrappers

Although a discarded candy bar wrapper may not contain enough chocolate to be dangerous, it may have enough to be tasty. If ingested, candy wrappers can create a blockage in the esophagus or digestive system, so throw all candy wrappers away in a secure trash can with a lid.

3. Watch the front door

If you welcome trick-or-treaters to your home, your front door will open and close repeatedly, providing many opportunities for your dog or cat to escape into the dark of night when their familiar territory has become particularly spooky. Getting lost or running out in front of a moving vehicle are potentially disastrous holiday outcomes, so don’t include your pets as part of your Halloween welcoming committee. It’s far safer to confine them behind closed doors.

Keep pets indoors on the days leading up to Halloween. Animal abduction and torture might sound like a cheesy horror movie, but it does happen, so better safe than sorry.

4. Switch up your nightly routine

Also, while there is likely nothing your dog enjoys more than accompanying you for a walk around your neighborhood, doing so on Halloween night may be a downright spooky experience for your best buddy. It’s better to give them some long walks earlier in the day and keep them inside at night.

5. Give them a calming space

Does your cat hide under your bed every time someone new comes to your home? Does your dog’s job description include barking and protecting whenever a stranger (trick-or-treaters included) arrives at your front door? Think about how these poor animals must feel on Halloween night when that doorbell rings dozens of times within just a few hours. Talk about emotional exhaustion. Confine your pets behind closed doors, ideally in a sound-proof part of your home, and consider the following options to preserve their sanity:

• Provide trick-or-treaters with a “help yourself” candy bowl on your front walkway, or sit outside with the bowl to avoid the doorbell ringing.
• Board your pets elsewhere on Halloween night.
• Turn off your house lights and skip the holiday altogether (although, there are no guarantees your house won’t be egged the following day).

6. Limit Halloween costumes for pets

Halloween costumes for pets certainly make for some giggles and terrific photo opportunities. But how do our pets really feel about wearing those silly outfits? They aren’t huge fans. If you do decide to dress your pet up, make sure there are no small parts your pet can choke on, and never put anything around your pet’s neck other than their collar.

The bottom line? Halloween is a holiday for humans. Let’s leave our pets out of it.

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Nancy Kay, DVM, Dipl., American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, is a 2009 recipient of AAHA’s Animal Welfare and Humane Ethics Award and author of Speaking for Spot.

This post is originally from The Daily Wag at MarthaStewart.com and is written by our own Pia Salk. As of now, the City of West Hollywood has taken a landmark stand for shelter animals. In a compassionate and historic move led by council member Jeffrey Prang, this progressive city council voted to give shelter animals a fighting chance. The recently passed ordinance prohibits pet stores from selling cats and dogs other than those who have been rescued from shelters.

And frankly there is no need for pet stores to access animals from anywhere but the shelters. On any given day at a city shelter or rescue group, there is no shortage of purebred and mixed puppies and kittens just waiting to be loved! But while helping to rescue innocent adoptable pets is certainly reason enough for such legislation, it was initially prompted by an investigation revealing that a West Hollywood pet store was selling dogs supplied by inhumane puppy mill breeders. The same store was also importing puppies illegally for resale, a breach of federal law. Sadly, these are common ways in which pet stores get their kittens and puppies.

Shockingly, the store’s suppliers were USDA approved. The reality is that USDA standards are…read the full post here.

Dear Adopt-a-Pet.com, I adopted a Bichon Frise from Wags to Whiskers, a rescue group I found on your website. Chardonnay was unloved and her sole purpose in life was for monetary gain to the breeders. When she could not longer bear income-producing puppies, she was tossed out. Her entire eleven years was spent in a 4×5 cage.

She joins another adoptee Bichon Frise, Sir Lancelot, whose story was the same. Both are now living lives of royalty in my home in the country. Chardonnay went from a breeding dog to queen of the ball when she attended the Rescue the Animal Furball on Saturday. She now has her own designer gowns, a princess bed, her own dinnerware, at-home grooming, and the very best of medical care.  She is pure joy.

Thank you!
Camellia C.

This post was brought to you by Twinkie, the Teacup Chihuahua. Twinkie writes: “Aren’t puppies and kittens adorable? Of course! And, no, it’s not so you don’t loose patience and pull your hair out when they misbehave. According to evolutionary psychology, baby-cuteness serves a specific purpose. Baby animals are vulnerable, therefore by being “created” cute and appealing, they are cared for and protected, thus ensuring the continuation of the species. That’s why today, I want to point everyone’s attention to older pets.

My name is Twinkie and I’m a tiny teacup Chihuahua rescue. I’m sickly and, as my family calls me, cugly, cute and… you get the rest. I was adopted against all odds since I needed around the clock expensive care for several months. I’m a survivor. I’m also the reason my family and I got to do some serious thinking and decided that from now on, we’re going to try to rescue those in need the most.

Puppies and kittens usually find homes quickly. It’s the sick and the elderly that need homes with extra big hearts to rescue them! I know, it’s not easy. Some folks can’t handle to watch us suffer, while others do not want their young children to get used to and love an animal that will not be around for long, but I’m hoping to appeal to the rescuers who can.

Rescuing a senior dog or cat is truly rewarding. Think of his/her chances. Not so good, huh? That’s why there are special rescue organizations that focus primarily on the senior pets.

I would like to point out to the kind rescuers that adopting an older pet for whatever time is left, providing a stable, secure and loving environment, is the ultimate act of love. These rescuers accept death as part of life and instead of thinking of how they will feel after we’re gone, they think us, the pets. Not only that but an older dog or cat will usually have a calmer temperament, no teething, no toilet training issues, and no destroyed furniture. Besides, you never know how a young dog or cat will develop, whereas with a senior pet you always know what you get. So, why not join the senior rewards program and start collecting your “points”!

Now that I got this off my tiny chest, let me end by saying the obvious: Any pet adoption is a good adoption.” – Twink!

This post was brought to you by Twinkie, the Teacup Chihuahua.
http://twinkietinydog.blogspot.com/

Adopt-a-Pet.com has recently begun working with PeoplePets.com to raise awareness of animals adoption. Today, we’d like highlight a pet who is looking for a home with the help of PeoplePets.com. Meet Amber, a motherly Staffordshire terrier. Amber was pregnant when her owners left her tied to a fence outside the Humane Society of Garland County in Hot Springs, Ark., in May 2008. She had her babies at the shelter, and took “very good care of them,” according to volunteer Theresa Carter, who says Amber is “a good mother.”

Most of her puppies have found new homes, but 3-year-old Amber remains at the shelter. The “very gentle and loving” pooch enjoys long walks, but would do best in a home without small children or other pets because they frighten her. “She’s a wonderful girl and a staff favorite,” Carter says. Read more on Amber, and view where she can be located in Arkansas by clicking here.

Max is blind. Snow is deaf. Chumani is blind and deaf. All three dogs are white (a typical trait of deaf or blind dogs). And all three were pulled from Animal Care & Control of NYC (AC&C) shelters within the past year by the amazing Harriet Zucker of Red Hook Dog Rescue in Brooklyn, New York. A ten-year rescue veteran, Harriet has carved out her own niche in the NYC rescue community by rescuing deaf and blind dogs. Harriet says that many people who adopt a deaf or blind dog can’t imagine having any other kind of dog. You can read more about her incredible rescue (and the wonderful blind and deaf dogs she has for adoption!) in this great interview article recently posted in Out of the Cage!, the e-newsletter of the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals.

Would you like to get a new dog that’s already housebroken, already had his shots, already been spayed or neutered, and who’s more than willing to learn a few new tricks? It sounds too good to be true, but a family-friendly older dog can be all that, and more.

You may think you want a puppy, but consider whether or not your schedule will allow for the time and effort that young dogs require. Older dogs, many of whom were given up because their owners got sick or moved away, may be able to make the transition much more smoothly. So if you’re ready to adopt, give the older, calmer canines a look. Tap into an online rescue site or visit an animal shelter. Lots of adult dogs are waiting for homes, and many of them are move-in ready.

Their clinics are dusty spaces with limited electricity and no running water. Their operating tables are whatever desks available covered in garbage bags. Most of their clients have never seen a veterinarian before. Despite the odds, Canada’s Veterinarians Without Borders (VWB) complete their work on boundless ingenuity to save lives and reduce animal suffering. Their work is captured in the new webseries Vets Without Borders , launching on September 15th, Vets Without Borders follows a team of VWB volunteer vets and vet techs to Todos Santos, Guatemala.

Todos Santos is a small mountain village where rabid dogs have attacked people, killing them with the disease. The vets are there to spay/neuter and vaccinate the dog population, but in a community with no other vet care there are many crises to overcome.

From aiding a Rottweiler found dying in the street to a cardiac arrest during a spay surgery, the vets’ skills are pushed to the max in an environment where they have only the bare essentials. Webisodes #1 & #2 premiere on September 15th, followed by two new webisodes on the 22nd and the 29th.

If you’ve ever lost a pet, you know how frantic you felt in that moment you realized he or she was missing. We’ll bet you wished for a way to instantly notify all your neighbors to be on the lookout. Now there’s a way to do just that. FindToto is an amazing service that telephones up to 10,000 households in your area to alert them about your missing pet. You pay according to the package you select: notifying 250 households will cost $85.00, and prices go up to $875 if you want 10,000 neighbors to be called.

FindToto is also useful when you find a stray pet without a collar or other ID. In fact, Adopt-a-Pet.com staff member Laurie Wisneski recently tried the service after finding a dog in her front yard. She opted to call 250 of her neighbors, and less than a minute after being notified that the calls had gone out, she received a call from the pup’s relieved owner. How’s that for effective? We love FindToto!