Friday, October 31, 2008

So Do You Take Your Pet When You Travel

Americans Turning to Fido & Fluffy to Ease Economic Woes


According to a survey by TRIPSwithPETS.com, 87% of American pet parents surveyed say that their pets help to ease the stress of economic woes.

South Portland, ME, October 31, 2008 --(PR.com)-- With the volatility of the current economic situation, many Americans are experiencing great angst and uncertainty. Newspapers, television, around the water cooler – it seems everywhere they look; Americans are reminded of the economy’s instability. There seems to be no relief from this stress…or is there?

According to a survey by TRIPSwithPETS.com, 87% of American pet parents surveyed say that their pets help to ease the stress of economic woes. Research has shown that living with pets provides certain health benefits. Pets help lower blood pressure and lessen anxiety. American pet parents are realizing this by turning to Fido & Fluffy when they need them the most.

“As a small business owner, I’m concerned about the economy. And that anxiety doesn’t help me to think creatively in order to move my business forward,” comments Glenna Martin. “I’ve started to bring my dog, Rex, to the office with me. He helps to ease my stress and that of my customers. He’s become an unofficial therapy dog!” adds Martin.

Further, the TRIPSwithPETS.com survey indicates that 65% of pet parents are partaking in more activities with their pets to help clear their head and unwind. In fact, science backs it up. “Playing with a pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine - neurotransmitters that are known to have pleasurable and calming properties,” says MaryAnn Molloy of Healthy Body Fit Mind.

Dog parks, pet friendly beaches & hiking trails, games of fetch, and curling up on the couch with Fluffy are activities that not only help ease stress but they’re economical ways to have some relaxation and fun. “Watching my dog run around on the beach and frolic with other dogs makes me smile. They do not have a care in the world” says pet mom, Cindy Vazquez, “It’s truly therapeutic and it doesn’t cost me a dime!”

Given the current economic situation, will pet parents be deterred from including Fido & Fluffy in their travel plans? According to the TRIPSwithPETS.com survey, the answer is a resounding No! Ninety-five percent of respondents indicated that the economy will not stop them from bringing along their pet when they travel.

Man’s best friend is truly living up to its name. In times of need, pet parents quite literally feel their pet’s love.

TRIPSwithPETS.com is the premier online guide for pet travelers and their people - offering resources to ensure pets are welcome, happy, and safe when traveling. Visit www.tripswithpets.com, to find a directory of pet friendly accommodations across the U.S., pet recreational activities, airline pet policies, pet sitters, pet travel supplies, along with other pet travel resources.

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Contact Information
Trips with Pets, Inc.
Ann Kelly
877-717-2964
ann@tripswithpets.com
www.tripswithpets.com

It's Not Only Chocolate That Kills Are Pets

Don't Let Halloween Kill the Family Dog - HandicappedPets.com Posts Xylitol Health Alert for Canines


Don't leave Halloween goodies within reach of the family dog - they may contain xylitol, a common sweetener that can be toxic for canines.

Amherst, NH, October 31, 2008 --(PR.com)-- HandicappedPets.com posts a xylitol health alert page on their website (www.HandicappedPets.com) to educate dog caretakers of the potential danger to their canines of this common sweetener. Xylitol, an all-natural sugar substitute, is increasingly found in many human food products, especially chewing gum and candy. While xylitol is safe for humans, it can be deadly for dogs. Just two or three sticks of gum sweetened with xylitol can be toxic to a 20-pound dog.

Veterinary findings show that xylitol can cause hypoglycemia in dogs, which may be severe. Clinical signs of xylitol toxicity may develop just 30 minutes after ingestion and may include vomiting, ataxia (uncoordinated movements), lethargy, and seizures. Liver dysfunction and/or failure may also occur.

In cases of xylitol ingestion, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 has excellent information in cases of xylitol ingestion and is open 24 hours a day; they may charge a $60 consultation fee.

Check Halloween loot! Dog caretakers are advised to look for xylitol in the fine print ingredient list of consumer products and to take extra care that their dogs do not have access to them. Make sure the holiday is safe for all family members – even the rascals with four legs.

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HandicappedPets.com provides everything – products, services, and support – pet caretakers need to help their disabled, injured, or elderly pets enjoy healthy, happy, active lives. www.HandicappedPets.com (888) 811-PETS.


Contact Information
HandicappedPets.com
Lisa Murray
603-577-8854
Lisa@HandicappedPets.com
HandicappedPets.com

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Wanted: Hong Kong’s Serial Dog Killer

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Hong Kong and many other people including the dead dog owners are looking for a serial dog killer.
He has been killing dogs though out the last nineteen years with over one hundred dogs killed.

What would make a person do something like this, you read about many serial killers but a dog serial killer? To think that this has been going on so long in the same area is unbelievable that they haven’t caught the killer yet.

Read the article by DPA here.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Free Web Pages For Animal Shelters

Rescue Help for Homeless Dogs and Cats in Georgia Comes from New Hampshire


New Hampshire website development firm Bogart Computing creates free website for Dawson County Humane Society.

Litchfield, NH, October 28, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Web visibility for stray animals is crucial in today’s world. Web site exposure is crucial to getting dogs and cats adopted. Every Animal Shelter needs a "top notch" web site to appeal not only to potential pet adopters, but also to volunteers and potential financial supporters.

The Dawson County Humane Society web site was in dire need of an overhaul when Bogart Computing came to the rescue. "Helping animal organizations is a passion for me," says Caroline Bogart. Caroline understands the financial constraints that many Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups operate under, and has donated her web design service to the Georgia Shelter.

"The Dawson County Humane Society website displays many pictures of animals and shelter volunteers. It offers visitors information on how to donate wish list items or money. Volunteers and adopters can fill out their applications right on the website," said Bogart. "Every animal shelter website should raise animal visibility, accept donations and encourage visitors to volunteer for the shelters many jobs."

"We were desperately looking for someone who would help us with our site when we found Caroline Bogart," said Brenda Lee. "Caroline jumped in with both feet and immediately went to work to create a beautiful web site that represents our shelter so well," says Candy Adams, President of the Dawson County Humane Society.

"It is great to know there are still people like Caroline that are willing to help the forgotten animals of the world," said Kay Harris, Shelter Director. "We will never be able to thank her enough!"

About Bogart Computing:
Bogart Computing is a website and freelance programming company offering expert web development, online store shopping carts and search engine positioning. They offer free websites to animal rescue and shelter organizations. For more info on Bogart Computing visit them at http://www.bogartcomputing.com

About The Dawson County Animal Shelter:
The Dawson County Animal Shelter is run by the local Humane Society and is a 501c3 Non-profit organization and is home to between 160-175 homeless and abandoned animals. For information on how you can help the Dawson County, GA homeless animals, visit the new site at http://www.dawsoncountyhumanesociety.org

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Contact Information
Bogart Computing, LLC
Caroline Bogart
603-429-1842
pr@bogartcomputing.com
http://www.bogartcomputing.com



I will say that it is very kind of Caroline Bogart to offer a free web page for animal shelters....Thanks for helping out our buddies....From all of us dogs...

Sunday, October 26, 2008

3 Different Stories About A Dog’s Life

A 4 Year Old Live Changes With The Help Of A Service Dog

Photo by Johnny Wagner


A four year old girl named Kylie Haas from Shannon Park, AK life has changed when the parents got a service dog named Millie. The parents dreams had come true when they seen their daughters life change ever since Kylie and Millie have been together.
Bruce and Heidi Haas were able to get the dog though Pawsibilities Unleashed in Frankfort, Ky. with the help of some caring people that helped in a fundraiser.
It’s just amazing that a dog, yes a dog can help change one’s life with joy and companionship.

Read the article by Mary Beth Smetzer here.



Owners Refuse To Take Their Lost Dog Back

Just because their dog had run away five times doesn’t mean that you disown him. That’s what a family from Spokane Valley, Texas said about their dog. Ruth Stalling was offered by Dr. Bill Trotter from the Bosque Animal Rescue Kennels in Clifton, Texas to have her dog brought back but she said No.
How do you just dump your dog like that, because he ran away while they were camping out in the woods. Maybe the dog got lost, that’s no reason to just dump the dog. I just don’t understand so people why they do things, it one thing if you are no longer to afford your pets and you bring them to a no kill shelter, but to dump them is really low.

Read the article by Pai Hallenberg Christensen here.



Troubled Kids & Troubled Animals

What happens when you put troubled kids and troubled animals together? Well over at a special place called Gentle Barn in Santa Clarita, CA. that helps bring kids that have been abused or neglected from the Pacific Lodge Boys home together to be with the animals that are in the same situation of being lonely and neglected.
Rebecca Alegria who is the assistant director of development for the Pacific Lodge Boys Home said; Their program almost mirrors ours. We take in abused and neglected boys, and they do the same with animals.
Jay Weiner from the Gentle Barn said; You look in their eyes as they're petting or hugging that animal, and you see a completely different little boy than the one who arrived filled with anger and mistrust. Whether they're from broken or foster homes, or whether they are blind, deaf, physically or mentally challenged, the animals love them just the same.
Now that’s what I call sharing the love from within and bring the joy to some lonely kids and animals together.

Read the article by Dennis McCarthy here.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Wild Pit Bull Attacks On Site



This video shows a wild Pit Bull attacking a man and a woman who was the owner until finally the police come and try to shot the dog.

Warning this is a very graphic video ….

Friday, October 24, 2008

What Shot The Endangered Gray Wolf On Site

That’s what the Bush administration wants to do by passing a new proposal to allow more then eighty percent of Wyoming to have a shot the Gray Wolf on site policy.
I wonder why they waited to the end of Bush’s term to vote on this amendment, maybe they know that it will easily pass.
Read the article by Joel Achenbach here.

So what can we do to help fight to save these dogs from the open kill?

Here are a two links that are for the cause:
Western Watersheds Project's
Defenders of Wildlife