Best Friends Four Legged Pet Food Drive Scores Big

National 'Four Legged Pet Food Drive' Tops 77,000 Pounds

Volunteers across U.S. collect dog, cat food to help those hit by tough economy.

Just how much is 77,242 pounds of pet food? Weightwise, it's the kibble equivalent of the space shuttle's external fuel tank, a semi truck, or the biggest stone in the world's largest man-made waterfall in Alabama.

For the past three months, Best Friends Animal Society volunteers across the country have been working their tails off to gather tons and tons of bags and cans of pet food to help families who are struggling financially to continue feeding their furry friends.

Volunteers from Seattle, Washington, to Orlando, Florida, spent the summer organizing and executing community food drives to bring in donations of bags and cans of unopened and unexpired pet food. In most cities the collected food was turned over to food pantries for distribution to families.

Although the official Best Friends' Four Legged Food Drive is completed for this year, volunteers seeking to organize a food drive to help pets and people in their community can download a Best Friends Animal Society action kit here:
http://network.bestfriends.org/campaigns/foreverhome/media/p/141287.aspx

For most people, pets are part of the family, and when money is tight, a free bag of food might make the difference between keeping the pet and turning it in to an already overcrowded shelter. People struggling to make ends meet have been quoted as saying they feed their pets before they feed themselves. The Four Legged Food Drive makes it so fewer people have to make that choice.

Interestingly, the states hit the hardest by the recession have in some cases donated the most food. Nevada, Arizona and Florida, ravaged by the economic downturn, brought in three of the top four largest food totals out of the 15 participating locations. Only Salt Lake City, Utah, brought in more.

Ellen Gilmore, campaign specialist for Best Friends' national First Home Forever Home campaign, explains the urgency of the food drive:

"With or without the downturn in the economy, every community has a homeless pet problem," she says. "In the past year however, the number of homeless pets because of abandonment and relinquishment to animal shelters has increased due to the economy, foreclosures and unemployment. Our goal was to collect as much pet food as possible to stock local food pantries so local families can keep the pets they love."

Best Friends Animal Society's First Home Forever Home campaign focuses on all aspects of helping people make and honor a lifetime commitment to their pets. Millions of companion animals die every year in crowded shelters because their families decided to let them go for some reason. Through education, intervention and action, First Home Forever Home provides guidance and resources to help people care for their pets and keep them as loved members of their families.

About Best Friends Animal Society:

Best Friends Animal Society is a nonprofit, membership organization building no-kill programs and partnerships that will bring about a day when there are No More Homeless Pets. The society's leading initiatives in animal care and community programs are coordinated from its Kanab, Utah, headquarters, the country's largest no-kill sanctuary. This work is made possible by the support of a grassroots network of members and community partners across the nation. In 2009, Best Friends celebrates its 25th anniversary.

For more information contact:

Temma Martin
Best Friends Animal Society
801-953-8876

Barbara Williamson
Best Friends Animal Society
Office: 435-644-2001 ext. 4408
Cell: 435-689-0200

Today's Guest Post Is Brought To You By Electric Dog Fence DIY's Staff Veterinarian Dr. Susan Wright

Homeopathy is a therapy that is very popular amongst dog owners. It's non invasive, ccompletely natural and there are no side effects.


This particular therapy has been used in people since 1796, when it was discovered by the German scientist, Samuel Hahnemann. At around the same time, Hahnemann was also using homeopathy in animals so it has been an option for our dogs for as long as it has been an option for people.


How does homeopathy work in our dogs? Those who practice homeopathy believe that illness is caused by any disturbance in the life force of the body. This means that a disease firstly affects the energy levels, then appears as a symptom. So, if you're going to treat a disease, you can't just treat the symptoms, you have to resolve the problems at the body's energy level.


Homeopathy involves giving a patient a very small dose of the substance responsible for causing a disease, which then cures the symptoms. You'll have heard of the expression "like cures like". Creation of a homeopathic remedy takes into account all aspects of a dog's health, including their emotional state of mind. Because each dog is different, even if they have the same symptoms, each remedy is specific to that dog.


Homeopathic remedies are created by diluting plant and animal substances, and even synthetic materials, many times in water or alcohol. They are shaken vigorously between dilutions. By the time the dilutions are finished, the shaking has activated the energy of the ingredients. This energy helps your dog's body to heal itself.


Dogs are often treated with homeopathy for bruises, difficulty birthing pups, and bites and stings. It's also been found to be very helpful in the case of emotional distress such as fear of storms or separation anxiety. This is because the remedy works on your dog's energy levels.


Some people don't believe that homeopathy works. However, many veterinarians are now studying homeopathy, and can offer it to you either as an alternative, or in conjunction with conventional treatments. Vets can complete a continuing education course in homeopathy, and can then be recognized as a Certified Veterinary Homeopathist.


If you'd like to try this treatment on your dog, ask your vet for a referral to another vet who can treat your dog with homeopathy. If he doesn't know anyone who can help, check the website for the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy at www.theavh.org and you should find a veterinarian who can help.


Homeopathy is safe, non toxic and you can use it to treat your dog and have no concerns about any adverse side effects. It is an option you may wish to include in your pet health toolbox.


This guest post is brought to you by Electric Dog Fence DIY's staff
veterinarian Dr. Susan Wright.

Dog Fence DIY takes you through all the steps of using an electric fence for dogs including installation, training, and how to find the best systems. We offer a wide range of pet containment systems at the best available prices.

Wow $330 Thousand Dollars Raised In One Dog Walk

I was amazed when I read that in just one dog walk in Detroit, Michigan which was their 4th Annual Mega March for Animals has raised three hundred and thirty thousand dollars to help support the Michigan Humane Society.

It just goes to show that there are a lot of animal lovers in Detroit that care enough to help support their local animal shelters in a time of real need due to the overwhelming overflow in the shelters these days.

Now only if all the shelters around the world could pull in that kind of money it might help save a lot of animals from being kill. So help out your local animal shelter and know that you helped to save a pets life too.

Read the article by Catherine Jun here.

Animals Taiwan Held Its First World Animal Day

Photo by CNA


Taiwan held their first World Animal Day Parade with the help of Animals Taiwan at the Taipei City Hall.

The Secretary – general for the Animals Taiwan Rosa Huang said: This time, we want to use the opportunity of World Animal Day to tell the people of Taiwan and the world that adoption saves, abandonment kills. We hope to create an environment where animals can be free of suffering and promote the use of humane methods to resolve the problem of stray animals.

Read the article by Shelley Huang here.

New Zealand Picks The Worst Case Of Animal Cruelty For The Year

Photo by Otago Daily Times


Unfortunately he is not really a winner but Jeffrey Hurring has been pick to be the worst case of animal cruelty in New Zealand for the past year.

The article said that Jeffrey Hurring tried to strangle the dog using a chain and poured gas down the dogs throat then tried to smother the dog with a pillow which still didn’t kill the dog and went on to hit the dog with a spade.

Now how sick is that for a teenage kid to do that to a dog. The list of fifty two other cases of animal cruelty is just as bad when you start reading them. There are people that were charged with running over their animal to dragging them with their car and starving their pet.

This is upsetting to read about how cruel someone can be to an animal, so hopefully their owners visited some pet insurance comparison sites to get them covered.


Read the article by Rachel Grunwell here.

If You’re In NY On Oct. 13th Don’t Forget To Get Your Dog’s Heart Check For Free

Mobile Dog Heart Health Tour Stopping in Central Park to Provide Free Heart Examinations

New York dog owners can learn more about canine heart disease

And have their pets' hearts checked in mobile exam room October 13

This fall, dog owners in New York City will find that getting their pets' hearts checked is a walk in the park. Veterinarians on the Mobile Dog Heart Health Tour will stop in Central Park on October 13 with a soundproof medical unit to perform free heart examinations for area dogs and to answer questions about canine heart disease.

In addition to performing free heart health screenings in Central Park, veterinarians and veterinary cardiologists will provide information at the Canine Heart Health booth at the "Meet the Breeds" event on October 17 and 18.

Heart disease in dogs is almost as common as it is in humans. About 11 percent of the nearly 75 million dogs in the United States have heart disease, and that figure increases to as many as 60 percent among dogs over age 5 and certain predisposed breeds. Yet, a national survey shows that more than half of dog owners are unaware that their dog may be at risk of heart failure.

"Early diagnosis and treatment of heart failure can significantly prolong and improve the quality of a dog's life," says Nigel Swift, board-certified veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim, sponsor of the Mobile Dog Heart Health Tour. "We look forward to reaching out to local dog owners to educate them about heart disease in dogs and their treatment options. By emphasizing the importance of annual veterinary examinations and early diagnosis of heart disease, we hope to help more dogs live longer and better lives."

From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on October 13 at Central Park's Naumburg Bandshell, a local veterinary cardiologist will perform free dog heart screenings from inside a special soundproof mobile exam room. He will use a stethoscope to listen for heart murmurs and other irregular sounds as well as generally assess whether the dog shows any signs of heart disease.

The veterinarians on tour will also make sure that dog owners are aware of some of the common symptoms seen with heart disease: reduced willingness to walk, play or exercise; difficulty breathing; coughing; and loss of appetite. Dog owners can learn even more at www.yourdogsheart.com or by visiting the Canine Heart Health Booth at Meet the Breeds, being held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 17 and 18. Heart health screenings will not be conducted at this event, but veterinarians will be on hand to answer questions.

About Meet the Breeds

Hosted by the American Kennel Club and the Cat Fanciers' Association, this event is the world's largest showcase of dogs and cats, featuring 160 dog breeds and 41 cat breeds, demonstrations, shopping and children's events. Attendees may literally "meet the breeds" by petting the dogs, cats, puppies and kittens and learning about them directly from the experts.

Meet the Breeds will be held October 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, 655 W. 34th Street in New York. To purchase discounted, pre-event tickets, visit http://www.akc.org/meet_the_breeds/. Tickets purchased online before Saturday, October 17, are $10 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. As of October 17, tickets may be purchased online or at the door, when prices are $12 for adults and $8 for children.

About Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs

The Mobile Dog Heart Health Tour was organized to teach people about congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs. CHF leads to excessive water and salt retention, causing fluid buildup in the lungs. Heart disease affects more than 60 percent of aged dogs, and while there is no cure for CHF, clinical study results have shown that dogs with the condition can live longer, better quality lives with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

About BI

Boehringer Ingelheim is the exclusive U.S. manufacturer of Vetmedin. Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (St. Joseph, Mo.), is a subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation based in Ridgefield, Conn., and a member of the Boehringer Ingelheim group of companies.

The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world's 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 135 affiliates in 47 countries and approximately 39,800 employees. Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel products of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.

In 2007, Boehringer Ingelheim posted net sales of US $15.0 billion (10.9 billion euro) while spending approximately one-fifth of net sales from its largest business segment, prescription medicines, on research and development.

For more information, please visit www.bi-vetmedica.com.

2009 Holiday Pet Adoption Campaign Has Started

Iams Home 4 the Holidays Launches 2009 Pet Adoption Campaign to Help Find Homes for 1.5 Million Homeless Animals

Campaign Ambassador Hilary Swank Teams with Global Adoption Drive to Drastically Reduce Pet Homelessness

With its most aggressive pet adoption goal to-date - finding homes for 1.5 million orphaned pets this holiday season - Iams Home 4 the Holidays (IH4TH) kicked off its 2009 program today. Between Oct. 1 and Jan. 4, 2010, IH4TH will work side-by-side with its campaign ambassador, two-time Academy Award®-winning actress Hilary Swank, along with founding partner Helen Woodward Animal Center and nearly 3,500 animal organizations from around the world to raise widespread awareness for homeless animals.

Over the past decade IH4TH has helped 3 million animals find homes, with more than 1.2 million pets adopted into new families last year alone. Inspired by this success, the program has partnered with pet parent Swank to help shine a massive spotlight on the need for pet adoption. Joining Swank in the cause are her dogs Karoo and Rumi. Karoo, a Corgi-mix was rescued a few years ago from the roadside in South Africa and just last October, Swank adopted Rumi, a golden retriever-blend from a participating IH4TH animal shelter in Los Angeles.

"It's so rewarding to look into an adopted animal's eyes and see how thankful they are that you saved their life," said Swank. "I am a true believer in pet adoption and have rescued many animals throughout my life. I hope everyone will join our mission this holiday season so more pets can experience the gift of love and family."

With as many as 8 million homeless animals in the U.S. there is a significant need to educate people about the importance of pet adoption. IH4TH provides resources and tips to help new or soon-to-be pet parents make thoughtful and informed decisions about adoption. Every family who adopts a pet through the program will receive an Iams adoption kit and DVD loaded with important information about nutrition, training and proper care to ensure that the relationship with the new animal starts off on the right paw.

"We couldn't be happier that IH4TH has grown to include nearly 3,500 participating animal organizations from around the world, all dedicated to helping promote pet adoption," said Mike Arms, founder of IH4TH and president of Helen Woodward Animal Center. "There are millions of beautiful, amazing animals waiting families to love them and we want to help them find their forever home. The more foot traffic we can get into these organizations through awareness and education, the better, so these orphaned animals will no longer be homeless."

Iams works with all of the partnering organizations to ensure they have the tools needed to promote themselves and their pets. One of primary tools Iams shares with participants is a detailed "how-to-guide" that includes template materials, guides for event planning, tips for working within their local communities, and more. Iams has also established a dedicated toll-free phone number for animal organizations to call seven days a week for help and guidance with adoption needs and questions.
"We're so proud to be a part of IH4TH and the difference this program has made in the lives of millions of pets over the past 10 years," said Dan Rajczak, senior vice president - Global Snacks and Pet Care. "IH4TH is close to our hearts, and we really feel like this year, along with the help of Hilary and all of our partner animal organizations, we'll help more homeless animals than ever before."

The 2009 program begins today Oct.1, and continues through Jan. 4, 2010. To learn more about how to make a difference in the life of an orphaned pet, including finding participating shelters, volunteering and making a donation to support animal organizations and pets awaiting new homes, visit www.iamshome4theholidays.com.

About Iams Home 4 the Holidays (IH4TH)
As one of the most successful pet adoption programs in the world, IH4TH partners with thousands of animal organizations dedicated to finding forever homes for orphaned pets. Founded by Helen Woodward Animal Center and supported by Iams, IH4TH began in 1999 with just 14 participating animal shelters in San Diego County. Since it began 11 years ago, IH4TH - along with nearly 3,500 pet adoption centers - has helped more than 3,278,143 families experience the joy of pet adoption, including 1.2 million pet adoptions last year alone. For more information, please visit www.iamshome4theholidays.com or follow us at www.twitter.com/IH4TH.

About Helen Woodward Animal Center
Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where "people help animals and animals help people." Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 57,000 people and thousands of animals annually. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the international Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive and the Animal Center Education Services program, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world.

About P&G Pet Care
For more than 60 years, P&G Pet Care (NYSE:PG), the maker of Iams and Eukanuba, has enhanced the well-being of dogs and cats by providing world-class quality foods and pet care products. To learn more about Eukanuba® and Iams® Dog & Cat Foods or general pet care and nutrition information, call the Iams Consumer Care Center at (800) 446-3075. You can also visit us on the Web at www.iams.com or www.eukanuba.com.

About Procter & Gamble
Three billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®, Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Gain®, Pringles®, Folgers®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Actonel®, Duracell®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, and Braun®. The P&G community consists of 138,000 employees working in over 80 countries worldwide. Please visit www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.