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Finding Homes for “Tornado Pets”
Jessie, ever the philanthropist and activitist, even if she is a dog: Ever since our neighbors in Joplin, Missouri suffered so much tragedy with the torandoes in May, I have been worried sick about the pets there that endured such a devastating event. Luckily, I came across an article on zootoo.com today that assured me that all of the “tornado pets” have found homes!
After the tornadoes in Joplin, 745 animals needed a home. Over 5,700 people from 24 states arrived on the scene in Joplin for the adopt-a-thon event there the last weekend in June. Wow! The animals left homeless by the tornadoes found homes!
Thanks to the ASPCA, the displaced animals were provided with emergency shelter immediately after the storms. Nearly 1,300 animlas were taken care of by this amazing organization during the month-long sheltering period. About 500 animals were successfully reunited with their owners. Isn’t that amazing?
Be sure to go to the ASPCA web site for more information! They are an amazing group of individuals dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of pets everywhere! I am glad our buddies in Joplin are sleeping soundly at night now.
If you are considering getting a pet, PLEASE consider adopting one from a local shelter. There are so many pets out there who have so much love to give! It’s be the best thing you could do for BOTH of you!
When You Check out a Rescue Group, They’ll Check You Out, Too!
Jessie, the lovable and huggable dog: So now that you have decided to get a rescue dog, what should you expect from the rescue group? When you visit a rescue, look around to make sure it is a clean facility and that the dogs appear to be fit, friendly, and healthy. If it is a reputable group, the rescue should be more than willing to provide references, including a veterinarian and a few prior adopters.
Rescue dogs should be spayed or neutered, have their vaccinations up-to-date, and be as healthy as possible before you purchase them.
Reputable rescue groups strive to match each applicant with an appropriate dog. They know which types of dogs enjoy being around kids, which ones can peacefully co-exist with other pets, which ones are high-energy, and which ones prefer to just laze around (that’s code for Bo, the cat blogger here!).
Be prepared for the rescue group to ask a lot of questions, as they cannot make a good match if they are not aware of your home environment.
Among the questions you might be asked include:
*Why do you want this particular breed?
*Do you have the time and energy to handle an energetic and lively dog?
*Will the dog stay inside or outside?
*Do you have children, and, if so, how old are they?
*Do you have other pets?
*Do you plan to take this pet to the veterinarian at least annually?
This is serious business! The rescue group is not only looking out for your best interests, but for the best interests of the dogs, as well.
It can be an arduous process. Some rescue groups may stop by the potential adopter’s home and assess the living conditions. They will also notice how the dog you desire interacts with you. If it is not a positive interaction, they will probably not allow for the adoption to go through.
There are a lot of variables, but getting a pet from a rescue group is such a great thing to do! The one thing you need to have plenty of is love, patience, and, in Bo’s case, lots of cat nip! (And a good cat bed upon which to lie around and be, well, just plain lazy! I am the one who does all the work around here!)
Here is a dog, Turner, available for adoption in the Kansas City area from the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. Check petfinder.com for more information on Turner!
Turner
Thanks to canismajor.com and its Dog Owner’s Guide for this great information!)
Pure or Mixed Breed – How to Decide
Bo, the inquisitive cat: When it comes to dog and cats, they fall into one of two categories: purebreds or mixed breeds. Bear in mind that the chief difference between the two is that purebred, due to their parents and ancestors before them, are all members of the same breed. In short, they adhere to a breed standard, and, as a result, you stand a good chance of understanding their behaviors and physical characteristics.
With mixed breeds, the behavior, appearance, and size can also be predicted, as they are, after all, simply combinations of different breeds.
Do not confuse choosing a purebred with a guarantee of stellar health and temperament. In fact, when you obtain those “papers” from with the purchase of a purebred dog or cat, the only thing you are obtaining is the certification from the registry organizations of the reported lineage and identify of the animal.
Mixed breeds do come with distinct advantages. Think about it: when you adopt a mixed breed, you are getting the best of more than one breed. You are getting benefits from two or more different breeds all in one cute, adorable, and loving package! Plus, mixed breeds are less likely to have a genetic defect that is common in certain purebred dogs and cats.
Edcuate yourself about the type of breed you desire. Learn as much about the breed, or breeds if you are going the mixed breed route, and figure out which type of pet best suits your lifestyle. For example, a Labradoodle might not be a good fit for a small apartment dweller in the big city, and you may not want a Yorkie-Poo if you want a companion for your weekend hunting trips!
(This information was obtained through the web site of the Humane Society of the United States. Thanks!)
Are You Truly Ready to Adopt a Cat?
Bo, the esteemed scholar and educated cat: I decided to be a bit esoteric in my point of view today. Instead of rambling aimlessly about one topic or another, throwing a jab or two at Jessie along the way, I have decided to compile a list of considerations for you to ponder before you go ahead and adopt a cat.
Adopting a cat, or any pet for that matter, is a true act of kindness, for you are saving a life. But before you adopt a cat, be sure to consider the following before you fully commit to your new pet:
1.) Everyone in your household should be in agreement with the adoption. Your new cat could be a part of your family for 10 to 15 years. Is everyone ready to make that commitment?
2.) Are you patient enough to understand the needs of your cat and the manner in which it communicates to you?
3.) If there are children under the age of six, it is best to wait a few years before adopting that kitty, as they have extra sharp teeth and claws and may lash out when teased.
4.) Be aware of any cat allergies someone in your household might have. If you have a friend with a breed of cat similar to which you are considering adopting, spend some time with that cat before choosing your new pet.
5.) Sure, your kids will tell you that they will take care of the cat, but every wise adult knows that within days, if not hours, that promise dissolves. As the responsible adult, are you willing to commit to the responsibilities of being a cat owner?
6.) Are you a group of home bodies, or does your family travel frequently? Cats like routines. Consider who will take care of your pet in your absence.
7.) If you live in an apartment, condo, or other rented place, are you even allowed to have a pet? Be sure to find out first!
8.) Are you Type A with OCD and prone to anxiety when anything is out of order in your home? Be aware that your new cat may destroy some of your furniture or possibly have an accident on the floor. And, heaven forbid, consider the potential for flea infestation! Can you handle all of that without getting too stressed out?
9.) Finally, are you financially able to take care of a cat? This includes medical care, food, toys, kitty litter, grooming, and any other supplies that can add up over time.
One thing you probably have more than enough of is love. If you are considering adopting a pet, it is probably the emotion that has led you to your actions in the first place. Just make sure to do all of your homework first before making that final decision.
If you finally do decided to adopt a cat, the love you receive in return for saving its life will be exponentially multiplied. I bet you can deal with that!
(I dug up some of this information on the Pet Place web site.)
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