afFURmation » Pet News

Proof Pawsitive

dawn — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 10:50:14 +0000

photo © 2006 Larry Tomlinson | more info (via: Wylio)
Pet owners already know that pets add a lot to our lives. Sharing our lives with pets even has health benefits. Less stress, lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure are just a few of the things shown to occur in pet owners. Read “Surveys say pet owners may be healthier, happier” to find out how else pets affect our health.

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Helping Pets Affected by the Tornados

dawn — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 15:40:44 +0000

The tornadoes that went through the south this past week were devastating. So many homes were destroyed and so many lives lost. Pets were also affected by these storms and shelters like the Greater Birmingham Humane Society are working to take care of them.

They are working on transfer for animals from hard hit areas like Tuscaloosa, collecting supplies and helping people find their pets that may have been lost during the storms.

Dog Food
Cat Food
Horse Feed
Crates
Hay
Water
Dog Beds
Towels
treats
Cat litter
Bleach

They are also in need of monetary donations. You can read about some of their efforts on their Facebook page.

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Don’t forget the little guys!

dawn — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:31:13 +0000

September 19 through the 25 has been designated by Petfinder as Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week. According to a survey Petfinder did, 95% of the animals in their shelter and rescue groups have been having a hard time finding their forever home. For reasons such as being considered too old, to being a certain breed or even being a certain color, these pets are passed up for other pets.

While dogs and cats are usually the type of pet people think of when it comes to adoption, there are others types of pets that need homes- the ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, parrots, hamsters, etc. Often added to their family as an impulse purchase from a pet store, the idea of going to a shelter or rescue to adopt on of these guys doesn’t even cross most people’s minds leaving many of these guys not much of a chance at finding a home.

If you look in the Small and Furry section on Petfinder, you’ll find 1,034 ferrets in need of a home, ferrets like Kaya at the Pennsylvania Ferret Club and Shelter. Kaya is between 5 and 6 years old making her a senior (ferrets are considered middle-age at 3!). Unfortunately, she also has a health problem that makes her hard to place. Insulinoma is one of the cancers ferrets are prone to, but it is manageable with medication. Doesn’t she deserve a nice home to spend the rest of her life in?

There are 5,733 rabbits looking for a great home on Petfinder. Lil Marcia is one of the special ones looking for her forever home. Lil Marcie suffers from head tilt and while she has received great care to help correct it, it’s something she’ll probably have for the rest of her life. At first thought the extra care might seem like a lot, but not when compared to what a difference it will make in the life of this little bunny.

Some people might think it’s silly to adopt a special needs pet like Kaya or Lil Marcia, they might even think it is silly for a rescue or shelter to spend funds on animals like this when there are so many normal pets that need homes. Having adopted a number of specials pets like these, I can tell you it is worth it. Being able to make a difference in one life is worth it.

Story of the Starfish

A man was walking along the beach one evening and saw a little boy throwing starfish that had been washed ashore by the tide into the sea. He thought the boy was silly in trying to save the starfish, as he knew it was impossible to throw every single one of the starfish back into the sea, with the tides washing them up.

The man walked right up to the boy and asked him why he was trying to save the starfish.

“You see, sir, the starfish would die if they are left on the shore. They need to be in the sea in order to live,” answered the boy.

“But son, how are you going to save all of them? Every time you put one back, another would be washed up. It doesn’t matter to them, son.”

The boy picked up a starfish, looked at the man and said, “But sir, it matters to this one.” Then he threw the starfish back into the sea.

This post is part of the Be the Change for Pets Challenge.

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World Rabies Day

dawn — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 23:17:55 +0000

Every year about 55,000 people die from rabies. Last year, 3 people in the United States died from rabies. Three people may not seem like a lot, but when you consider the disease is 100% preventable in humans, it is too many. This is why organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and the Alliance for Rabies Control have organized World Rabies Day.

The goal of World Rabies Day is to make people aware of how rabies affects both the human and animal (including our beloved pets!) population, how it can be prevented and how to eliminate its sources in the world. As pet owners, we can do our part by keeping our pets current on their vaccines and preventing our pets from roaming. Remember rabies is not just a problem for those living in rural areas. In the US, it is carried by raccoons, bats and skunks, animals often found in suburban and even urban settings.

Many groups are offering different events to help raise the awareness of rabies. Everything from rabies vaccine clinics to walks. To find an event near you, visit World Rabies Day Events. Scroll down for events in the US.

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Celebrate National Dog Day

dawn — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 13:01:49 +0000

National Dog Day was created by the Animal Miracle Foundation as a day to honor dogs, what they do for their families and society as well as to make people aware of the number of dogs needing homes. In 2006, 12,000 dogs were adopted across the US on this one day, well exceeding their goal of 10,000. The goal for 2007 is 15,000.

The main event is being held today in Malibu California. It features different dog activity exhibits, a concert, art auction and shelter dog parade as well as a dog show with a variety of categories for dogs (and their humans) to enter. Shelters and humane groups across the country hold similar events.

To learn more about National Dog Day and check for events in your area, visit the National Dog Day website.