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Nothing proves to potential adopters that shelter pets are loving, warm, and soulful beings like first-hand accounts from adopters like you. And since a picture says 1,000 words, what better way to get the message across! You know your favorite photo of you with your pet – the one that just exudes happiness and with mere pixels, communicates just how wonderful having a pet can be? What if that photo – YOUR photo of YOUR pet – inspired other people to adopt and save the life of a shelter pet?

We’re searching for Adopt-a-Pet.com’s first ever Facebook “cover pet” photo – and it could be of your best friend. We’ll choose one photo that captures the essence of pet adoption – the happiness, the joy, the smiles, laughter, and love – to be featured as our first ever cover pet on Facebook and featured on our blog.

Here’s how your photo can be chosen:

1. Follow us on Instagram
2. Post your photos to your Instagram account with a caption telling us your favorite thing about your relationship with your pet.
3. Make sure you mention @adoptapetcom in your caption and include the #HappyBeginnings hash tag.

Let’s debunk stereotypes and start more Happy Beginnings for shelter pets! Good luck!

One of the greatest joys of my life is caring for my senior pets. My grandma called older pets with silvery fur faces “sugar faces” so ever since I was little I’ve know how sweet older pets can be. The beautiful girl you see in the photo is a “fospice” i.e foster hospice dog that my coworker Dana took into her heart and her home, and right now I have 3 senior dogs (one’s a foster too) and 2 senior cats of my own. Yes puppies and kittens are adorable, but there’s a serious advantage pets have in their senior years! All that wisdom shines through, though I’d be amiss if I didn’t mention they often have a good dose of stubbornness and selective hearing at times too! I’ve only had senior pets for the last few years, so I’m still learning about how to best care for them. Fortunately I work in animal welfare and get to take advantage of the decades of experience from all my colleagues! Here are some things I’ve learned about caring for a senior pet that I’ve learned, that I hope will help you if you’re getting ready to care for a senior pet of your own, be it a new addition that you’re adopting (senior pet adopters rock!) or an adult pet you’re looking forward to caring for as he or she grows old.

1. Take things slower

When my big dog Max was younger, he had boundless energy. He would pull me on rollerblades around my neighborhood, thrilled to be doing a job… and a fast one at that! Now that he’s just celebrated his 12th birthday, he is finally spending more time sleeping and less time wanting to go for a run. (I’ve been waiting for that for about 10 years!) Our rollerblading sessions got shorter and slower as each year passed, and last year we graduated to jogging, and this year to strolling, with plenty of sniffing breaks.

Many dogs are incredibly stoic and ignore pain, especially if they are having fun like chasing a ball or out on a hike or run. It’s up to their humans (us) to limit their intense physical activities as they get older, while still giving them plenty of outlets for their energy.

2. Keep life interesting

Even though Max isn’t pulling me on rollerblades any more, his doggie brain still years for that fun of the chase. (I suspect he has some sighthound in his mutt-i-gree heritage.) So instead, we go for car rides. I have a pull up window screen on the back seat window of my car, so I can roll the window down and he can take big happy snuffs of all the amazing smells whipping by as we go to the market, or just out for a 10 minute joy ride.

Does your dog love new toys? Especially when you come home and take them out of the crinkly bag or wrapper? Figure out your new toy budget, and spread that out so you can give your senior dog one new toy a week if you can. New toys can be almost free DIY dog toys like a new tennis ball, a plastic water bottle with some kibble inside, or a tug toy made out of a knotted tee shirt.

3. Senior TLC

Senior pets often need or just appreciate a little extra TLC. Your vet may want to see them every 6 months instead of yearly for a check-up, you may need to provide steps if you like your sugar-face friend to get up on the bed or couch with you easily without risking too big a jump up or down. For dogs, and as their sight and hearing goes, you may want to make doubly sure they aren’t going to get lost, even if they were off-leash trained before. Another wonderful way to give your senior buddy some TLC is with gentle daily massage (here’s how)– like a wonderful petting session, with a little more purpose!

4. Adopt a younger friend?

This is a really important decision to consider very thoroughly. Sometimes social pets as they age do appreciate and liven up with a younger companion. Others, especially those that have been your only pet for their entire lives, are really much happier basking in all your attention, not sharing it. Increasing your senior pet’s activity level (and happiness!) can have a very positive effect on an aging pet’s health. HOWEVER, are you sure you’re adopting that  baby puppy or kitten for your senior pet — or is it for you?  If you are an arthritic grandma or grandpa, you might enjoy playing with a baby for a little bit… but mostly you’d want to be enjoying restful naps in your chair, not being a chew toy or pounced on! Consider instead a youthful adult companion for your senior pet. Then you and your senior pet can enjoy the benefits of younger energy without being overwhelmed.

You can find a wonderful “sugar face” senior pet to adopt at adoptapet.com

In Dog Years…

I know you have fought so hard to keep me and struggled to let me go, but the time has come for me to meet my maker and see the world from the other side.

My purpose here is complete. I lived my life by example, the way I was designed to live; showing joy and trust; acceptance and loyalty, simplicity and unconditional love. Remember all these things I have taught you.

I am so grateful for the life we shared, the feeling of pure joy just being together. There were so many moments that I wished for time to stand still. These moments are forever embedded in my heart.

It was always your job to provide and care for me and my gratitude is endless. Your final decision to end my suffering was a wonderful blessing and your final gift to me. I felt the comfort of your touch as I took my last breath and felt the hand of my Creator as I was welcomed into Heaven.

I will always be in your heart and you will always be in mine. Until we shall meet again…It is only then that my heaven shall be complete.

With unconditional love, Your Loyal Companion and Forever Friend

Author Unknown.

Most pet owners think of their pets as much more than just animals. Often, our pets are considered a part of our family, and like any family member, you want to find a city or town that’s good for them. When you have kids, you choose a location based on good schools, safe neighborhoods, and proximity to playgrounds and parks. For pets, you need to research things like dog parks, doggie meet-ups, local pet laws and veterinary care. If you live in an apartment, like me, you also have to find out what kind of pet you’re allowed to have. 90% of the reason I signed the lease for my current apartment is because my landlord said the magic words – “you can have any type of dog you want.” Of course, if I ever move I’ll have to find an apartment complex that’s willing to welcome my 60 lb. Boxer mix.

Photo: djjasoncook

It’s pretty easy to find places that are cat-friendly, but life for dogs can be a little “ruff” in some areas.  Maryland, for example, is not very accommodating towards pit bulls, which is very sad. Luckily there are many cities that are happy to welcome all breeds and species:

1.    Colorado Springs, CO

This city has topped the charts for lovers of both dogs and cats, the two most popular pets in the U.S. Colorado Springs boasts the residence of 115,000 pets, comparable to the 400,000 people populating the city. This lucky city has seven (yes, seven) dog parks for pooches to meet and make friends. In addition, spoiled pups can get the ultimate treatment at the exclusive, dog-friendly resort, The Broadmoor Hotel.

2. Orlando, FL
Home to Disney World, it’s no surprise that such a huge tourist destination has made an effort to welcome four-legged friends along with their paying, two-legged customers. Many hotels in the area are pet-friendly and welcome the whole family.

Partially because this is a tourist city, there are a plethora of dog sitters and groomers. The industry is so successful that those who live there can look into building a dog wash and expect to do very well!

3.    Portland, OR

Portland has the advantage of being a wonderful city for both pets and their owners. This city is well-known for its abundance of outdoor activities, which includes about 20 parks that are specially designated for four-legged friends. Additionally, many of the city’s outdoor attractions allow owners to bring their pets right along with them.

4.    Asheville, NC

This is the city of diva dogs. If you have a pampered pooch, Asheville is their haven. The city offers two, leash-free dog parks – but they’re not the main attraction; this city has an abundance of little specialty boutiques for pets. And since owners want only the best for their pups, these stores also sell all-organic options.

Additionally, many places offer spa treatments, training and photography for your pets. Another thing that sets this city apart is that many of the restaurants have outdoor seating, so you can bring your furry friend along for lunch. You can even ask for a cheeseburger just for your pooch, and the staff will be happy to oblige!

5.    San Diego, CA

One of the nation’s most famous cities must be able to support a pretty picky dog population. Unlike the other land-locked cities, San Diego specializes in dog-friendly, leash-free beaches. The most famous of these beaches is Dog Beach, which has made its way into many Hollywood movies.

Similar to Asheville, San Diego also has a great deal of pet-centric shopping. Most places do not allow dogs into the stores, but they do offer cheap pet-sitting, and some of the shopping malls have outdoor dog parks.

 

No matter where you live, there is almost always a place you can go to make friends with fellow pet owners. Almost every city has a dog park, or at least a dog-friendly park. An important thing to realize is even most small towns will have a store, shelter, or events where training, grooming and socialization are available and encouraged.

Remember, your pet would love to have friends of their own species, and creating opportunities for them to make friends allows you to make new friends too!

Michelle Rebecca is an aspiring writer, blogger, and new mama to a 1-year-old boxer mix rescue. She has a passion for the Internet, and loves how it connects people across the globe. She loves that blogging gives her the opportunity to voice her thoughts and share advice with an unlimited audience. Follow her on Google+.

Cat’s haven’t figured out to talk human (yet!) but through vocalizations, body language, and demeanor your cat is a skilled communicator. Ears are one of the easiest indicators to read, especially if you’re not that familiar with cats. If a cat has tensely flattened his ears back or down and to the side, take those as two warning flags to back off! That’s usually a sign a cat is angry or fearful or both. A happy and relaxed cat’s ears may be attentive pointed straight up, and one or both may swivel to the side when listening to sounds to the side or behind them. Another big visual flag is a cat’s tail, but it should be “read” with the rest of the cat’s body posture. A kitten may lash his tail back and forth before pouncing on a toy, while an adult cat may lash his tail back and forth before attacking a perceived threat. Unlike dogs, a cat wagging his tail is not generally a happy greeting! Some cats when really happy will stick their tail straight up and vibrate it, we like to think of that as a sort of royal wave, usually greeting someone they like and know. Cats also communicate with their eyes. You can see the content half-closed eyes on the tuxedo kitty in our photo — you can’t hear him happily purring, but he was when we took his photo! Here’s some more tips how to read the non-verbal messages your cat is communicating.

 

On Patrol Of Her Territory

1. Perked ears indicate curiosity
2. Tail provides balance
3. Whiskers measure width
4. Sebaceous glands secrete an oily substance with a distinct smell
5. Paws planted firmly and confidently on the ground
6. Paw pads act as shock absorbers

Ready To Take Action

1. Tail acts as a counterbalance as center of gravity shifts forward
2. Smooth body fur indicates confidence
3. Forward ears show assertiveness
4. Dilated pupils indicate excitement
5. Concentrated expression
6. Hind legs bent, ready for action

Relaxed and Content

1. Each whisker is used for sensory perception
2. Direct eye contact demonstrates trust
3. Tail in relaxed position
4. Slanted eyes indicate contentment
5. Nose pad receptors
6. Ears always attentive

Does having a pet make you healthier? It sounds like that could be the case. We recently surveyed members of our pet adoption community about how they perceive their health and the impact their pets have on it. Well, the results are in and guess what? By and large, most of the pet-owning respondents think they are in good health and all of the respondents say having a pet has had a positive impact on their overall health – yep, that’s 100% of the people who answered the survey! Check out the infographic below that our friends at ZocDoc whipped up and join in the discussion on Facebook.  Tell us, how does your pet contribute to your good health?

 

If you’d like to add this infographic to your own website, here’s our handy-dandy embed code:

<imgsrc=https://www.adoptapet.com/blog/uploads/2014/02/ZocDoc_adoptpet_Animation3.gif>

We’re pleased to announce a new program that makes supporting Adopt-a-Pet.com super easy. All you have to do is stock up on cool stuff for your pet at Pet360.com and they’ll donate $20 to Adopt-a-Pet.com for your first order! Pretty cool, right? So, head over to Pet360.com right now to find all of your pets’ favorites and to discover what’s new. Your pets will love their new goodies and you’ll feel good knowing your purchase is helping homeless pets and your pets.

There’s nothing your dog likes more than spending time with you. Pair that with your dog’s need for exercise, since our pets can be overweight just like humans, and playtime is a great way to bond as well as keep you and your dog in shape. I enjoy taking long walks or jogging around the block or park with my hyper Boxer mix, but sometimes we like to switch things up and do something a little more creative. Here are a few options of different exercises you can do with your pet to stay in shape, and burn your pup’s energy.

Photo credit: sombraala

Play Fetch Games

Channel your dog’s natural energy for chasing things by playing a game of fetch. Whether you’re in your backyard or the local park, you can throw a ball or frisbee. While you’ll be working your arm muscles, your dog will be running around. Mix things up even more by running to another part of the yard with the frisbee before throwing it again for your pooch. Alternatively, if your dog is a breed that loves water, visit a local dog-friendly lake, where you can play fetch with your dog in the water.

 

Amp Up Your Exercise Routine

Do your usual exercise routine, but find ways to include your dog. For one, after you do a set of pushups, take a break and get Fido to do his own set of pushups by giving him the command to “lay down” and then “stand” repeatedly. Take turns until you’re on to your next exercise, such as squats. To do squats, grab one of his favorite toys and ask him to stand in front of you. When you squat, bring the toy down and gently tap him on his head. When you stand up again, lift the toy to get the dog to stand on his hind legs or jump. For smaller breeds, you can also toss the toy in the air as a way to encourage them to jump.

 

Do Doga

Yoga isn’t just for humans anymore. Some studios and instructors are now offering doga, which is yoga for you and your pooch. While a tad controversial, the people who participate love the experience because it’s both an exercise using the natural added weight of the dog, as well as a chance to bond. Massage can also be used, in addition to gentle stretching for both the dog and their owners. After all, isn’t the downward dog pose named after the way many dogs ask to play?

 

Enroll Your Pooch in Agility Training

Any kind of training is good mental stimulation for your dog, but agility training will have them exercising as well. As you and a trainer teach your dog to go through an obstacle course — including running up inclines, winding around poles and jumping over hurdles — you’ll both be getting a high energy workout. Once you have your dog trained on some of these obstacles, you can even create an obstacle course all your own in the backyard. Perhaps put orange cones out for your dog to run around, and used construction equipment toys for your dog to jump over.

 

In addition to agility training, there are other sports that you and your pooch can participate in too. Perhaps enroll your dog in a tracking or herding class. Flyball is also growing in popularity, as it combines obstacle courses with racing.

 

Find Dog-Friendly Events in Your Area

Many cities host events where they encourage you to bring your pets. In Georgia, they host a Run with the Dogs 5K; This event is not only great exercise but a wonderful way to socialize your dog too. Check and see if there are any similar events in your area. Another alternative is to join a local holiday parade and have your dog walk with you, whether he’s wearing a costume or not!

 

While your dog will always appreciate a walk around the block, there’s other ways to keep you — and him — motivated while staying fit. Sure some of these ideas, especially ones that involve training, may require a few treats to get him to do what you want, but the exercise he’ll get at the same time will surely outweigh the small amount of calories he’ll be eating.

 

Michelle Rebecca is an aspiring writer, blogger, and new mama to a 1-year-old boxer mix rescue. She has a passion for the Internet, and loves how it connects people across the globe. She loves that blogging gives her the opportunity to voice her thoughts and share advice with an unlimited audience.

What is a litter box? Do you need to train a cat to use one? What is the best kind of litter box? First-time cat owners usually have a lot of litterbox questions like these! Sometimes us cat experts forget that what to us is a simple innate-feeling understanding of cats and litter boxes is not always readily apparent to new cat adopters. I remember helping a friend adopt his first cat, he was so excited! He was a very smart person and had done lots of research about all aspects of cat care. About a week after he’d adopted his first cat, he was going to be away all day and asked me to check on his cat midday as he hadn’t left him that long before. When I went to be a good friend and do a “courtesy scoop” of his litterbox, which looked well-kept, I was surprised when the litter scoop only went into the litter about 1 inch… turns out, my well-meaning friend had somehow understood to only scooped the poop, and left the rest until the whole box was solid and then would dump it! Not exactly the healthiest or recommended litter cleaning method. So, with that in mind, here are the very basic litter box basics for all you first-time cat owners out there!

A litter box is a plastic box that a cat uses as a toilet. You fill it about half way with cat litter. There are fancy litter systems out there, but most people use a plastic rectangle box. Size, cleanliness, and location are key items for ensuring your cat continues to use his litter box. If you skimp, you may end up with a cat that prefers your laundry basket… or carpet!

1-2-3 litter box keys

1. The best size of litterbox is really big!

2. Litter boxes should be kept very clean: scoop out all feces and urine clumps at least once a day. Every two weeks, super clean: Dump and discard all the litter, sanitize the box with soap and hot water, and replace with brand new litter.

3. Location is critically important: We understand you may not want to look at it, but it is important that the litter box be easy to access. One on each floor. If you want to conceal the box, try putting it behind a screen, not in a dark closet or cabinet. If you do go the closet/cabinet route, make sure there are two large entrance/exits, and plenty of ventilation.

TRAINING

By the time a kitten is old enough to be adopted (>8 weeks old) they usually are already litter trained. You can ask the shelter or rescue if they are, if they’ve had them for more than 1 day they should know! Kittens learn by following mom, or their caretaker will have trained them. If you end up rescuing a super young kitten, you will need to prompt their dig & cover instinct a few times. Using baby kitten safe litter (like non-clumping plain clay litter, or even just plain sand or dirt) in a low-sided tray. Gently place the kitten in the sand, and either dig with your fingers next to them, or move their paws to dig. Repeat that a few times a day – usually that’s all it takes! Depending on the kitten’s age, it can take them some time to get the hang of it, so keep them on a surface (like tile covered with newspaper) that you can totally clean.

FIRST DAY

Newly adopted cats and kittens going in to a new home generally do best if they are at first confined in a smaller room, like a nice big bathroom or other hard-surface-floor room. Get the litterbox setup you open the crate door, and keep your cat in that starter room exclusively for the first day, until you’ve seen them use the box at least twice.

That’s it, you’re now a cat litter box expert – almost! You may also like our articles:

Cats agree: bigger litter is better and How To Fix Your Litterbox Problems.