The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Animal Shelter The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Animal Shelter
Showing posts with label Animal Shelter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Animal Shelter. Show all posts

Friday, April 22, 2022

Gimme Five! Five Animal Bills Pass The Maryland General Assembly in 2022


Five Animal Bills Pass the Maryland General Assembly in 2022

Thanks to YOU, our dedicated team of advocates, organizations, and legislators, 2022 was a HISTORIC year for animals in Maryland! FIVE bills passed that greatly improve the welfare of animals in our state. In a definitive show of support for animal welfare in Maryland and beyond, Governor Hogan has signed all five bills.

Cat Declaw Prohibition (SB67/HB22) Senator Cheryl Kagan/Delegate Lorig Charkoudian Maryland becomes the second state to ban this cruel and painful procedure except in medically necessary circumstances that involve the health of the cat. New York outlawed elective declawing in 2019. Fourteen US cities have banned the practice including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Austin, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh. Elective declawing is illegal in most of Europe as well as in Brazil, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand.

To read more on this story, click here: Gimme Five! Five Animal Bills Pass The Maryland General Assembly in 2022


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Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Understanding Animal Ministers and Chaplains


Twenty years ago the idea of an animal minister or chaplain would have induced a fit of the giggles. These days if you say something about an animal chaplain, you are likely to be asked where a person might find one. Animals have become the cornerstone of many of our lives and these spiritual leaders don’t preach to pets, but rather assist others in finding meaningful way of living with animals.

What is Animal Ministry?

Animal ministry is actually about people and how we interconnect with the animals around us. Most religions have traditions regarding the spirituality of animals and that intersects with human life in a positive way. Some would argue that in American culture, this reverence for feathered, furred and scaled creatures has disappeared. This is where animal ministries step in.

To read more on this story, click here: Understanding Animal Ministers and Chaplains


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Friday, February 11, 2022

The Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Dog


Picture of dog
Billions of dollars are spent annually on companion animals - we buy toys, treats, food, leashes, collars, food bowls, beds, crates and pay veterinarians, trainers, groomers, pet sitters, dog walkers, professional poop-scooping companies, pet psychics, pet masseuses, and pet health insurers thousands of dollars over the course of a single pet's life.


We do all these things because animals make our lives better. Most pet owners would agree that the money we spend on pets pales in comparison with the amount of joy they bring us.

All of these expenditures are directly related to improving the lives of the animals we share our homes with. While it is important to care for your pet in the best manner that circumstances allow, it is also important that we remember the one simple thing each of us can do to improve the lives of not only our own dogs and cats, but dogs and cats throughout the nation and internationally - spaying and neutering dogs and cats.

Why You Should Spay Or Neuter Your Pet
There are many benefits of spaying or neutering your pet. One of the most important is that spaying dogs and cats ensures that your own pet will not contribute to the pet overpopulation crises. Unaltered cats and dogs can be prolific breeders, and there are many more cats and dogs needing homes than there are homes for them. Pets without homes are often euthanized in shelters or left to fend for themselves, often unsuccessfully, in the search of food and mating opportunities.

Others spay/neuter pets for health reasons. Here are some of the benefits of neutering male dogs:

  • Eliminates the small risk (probably <1%) of dying from testicular cancer
  • Reduces the risk of non-cancerous prostate disorders
  • Reduces the risk of perianal fistulas
  • May possibly reduce the risk of diabetes

And here are some benefits of spaying female dogs:

  • If done before 2.5 years of age, greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumors, the most common malignant tumors in female dogs
  • Nearly eliminates the risk of pyometra, which otherwise would affect about 23% of intact female dogs; pyometra kills about 1% of intact female dogs
  • Reduces the risk of perenial fistulas
  • Removes the very small risk (.5%) from uterine, cervical, and ovarian tumors
  • Spaying and neutering also can reduce roaming behaviors, territorial marking behaviors, intersex aggression, etc. in dogs.

The Spay/Neuter Debate
As with any major surgery, there are both benefits and risks associated with spaying and neutering. While spaying and neutering pets seems to reduce the risk of many cancers and illnesses, there is evidence that it can contribute to others, and there is research that indicates that spaying and neutering can decrease some behavioral problems while contributing to others.

Most veterinarians advise spaying and neutering around six months of age. Some dog owners, particularly those with large breed dogs, prefer to wait until the dog has physically matured until neutering or spaying. Dogs that are neutered/spayed after reaching full maturity tend to be more muscular than early spay/neuter dogs, which is important in working dogs.

Some dogs may have health problems which might prohibit spaying or neutering. Educate yourself about the behavioral and physical health benefits and risks associated with surgery and have a discussion with your veterinarian about what is best for your dog.

If You Decide Not To Spay Or Neuter Your Pet
As of right now, the law cannot force you to spay or neuter your pet (although legislation to this effect has been proposed). If you choose not to spay or neuter your pet, it is imperative that you do not allow your pet breeding opportunities. If you have an unspayed female, she must be on leash at all times during a heat cycle and not be given the opportunity to interact with intact males. If you have an intact male, it is your responsibility to contain him safely so that he does not run through the neighborhood creating the next batch of puppies that will end up dying in a shelter because there are no homes for them.

Dogs should only be bred intentionally to other similarly accomplished purebred dogs if they have conformation championships, all health testing appropriate for the breed, are over two years of age, in top physical condition, display no behavioral problems (shyness, aggression, reactivity), if the breeder is prepared to spend a LOT of time and money whelping and socializing the litter, carefully interviewing potential adopters and educating them on the breed. Breeding should be left to those with a good working knowledge of canine genetics, the history of the breed and their goals for improving the breed.


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Sunday, January 9, 2022

Betty White fans hatch plan to celebrate her 100th birthday by giving back to animals


In loving animals, she’s just unstoppable.

Before we moved into 2022, tragic news spread across the internet. The iconic television personality Betty White died just on the eve of the new year.

But even so, she left a legacy of kindness, joy, and generosity. And as fans celebrated her life and work, they put to the spotlight a side of White that people always cherished – her love for animals.

To read more on this story, click here: Betty White fans hatch plan to celebrate her 100th birthday by giving back to animals




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Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Grieving Man Goes to the Shelter and Adopts All the Dogs Nobody Else Wanted


Some people love animals so much that they can’t seem to get enough of them, adopting dogs and other animals until they are surrounded by a virtual farm. One such person, Steve Grieg, has taken it upon himself to provide a forever home to senior dogs unwanted by others. But Grieg didn’t always think this way.

To read more on this story, click here: Grieving Man Goes to the Shelter and Adopts All the Dogs Nobody Else Wanted


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Saturday, August 21, 2021

Top 7 Adopted Cat Health Problems Common Health Issues for Adopted Cats and What You Can Do


It's becoming more and more common for people to adopt cats from a local shelter. That's great news! Here's what you need to know about some common health problems that may need to be treated in shelter cats.

The good news: It is becoming more and more common for people to adopt cats from a local shelter. This means that more cats are given a second chance at a home and shelters can help many more cats.

There are some health problems that should be considered and looked for when adopting a cat, though, as well as precautions you should take to protect the health of the pets you may already have at home and to ensure a long, healthy life for your shelter cat.

To read more on this story, click here: Top 7 Adopted Cat Health Problems Common Health Issues for Adopted Cats and What You Can Do



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Sunday, August 15, 2021

Did You Know That a Cat Purring Has Been Linked to Lowering Stress, and Lessening the Chances of Having a Heart Attack?



Those crazy cat ladies might be onto something. According to today’s infographic, our feline friends provide us with more than just emotional support. House cats may actually be contributing to our physical well-being. When a cat purrs within a range of 20-140 Hertz, nearby humans may be therapeutically benefiting from these vibrations. Purring has been linked to lowering stress, decreasing symptoms of Dyspnoea, lessening the chances of having a heart attack, and even strengthening bones.

Pet therapy is apparently gaining momentum in many medical communities, and according to Animal Planet’s website, there is scientific research that suggests pet owners live longer than those without pets.

It seems that our own animals have the ability to relieve us of our troubles, or at least make our worries seem less important. The bond between pets and their owners may never be fully understood, but it’s nice to know having a furry confidant around can add years to our lives.

If you’re thinking about getting a cat, visit you local animal shelter. 





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Be Careful! That Cute Puppy that You See in the Store or Online...May be Coming from a Puppy Mill!



So you've decided to get a puppy? If you are thinking about getting one from a pet store or on-line, please be careful. That cute puppy most likely came from a puppy mill.

Definition of a puppy mill:

A puppy mill, sometimes known as a puppy farm, is a commercial dog breeding facility that is operated with an emphasis upon profits above animal welfare and is often in substandard conditions regarding the well-being of dogs in their care. Similar types of operations exist for other animals most commonly kept as pets or used as feed for other animals. The term can be applied to operations involving other animals commercially bred for profit, e.g. "kitty mills." There are an estimated 4,000 puppy mills in the U.S. that produce more than half a million puppies a year. Commercial kennels may be licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture which may inspect the kennels routinely.

Please take a look at the video below:



Ready to take the pledge? Click on the button below to take the pledge!



Please share, and remember "Adoption is an Option!"

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Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Pandemic Puppies: Tackling A Growing Problem


In March 2020, as the reality of lockdown began to bite and millions of people began to adapt to their new circumstances, the UK saw a huge increase in demand for pets. Dogs in particular were seen as a way to gain companionship and give purpose to daily exercise regimes.

According to Pets4Homes, by May 2020 there were more than 400 buyers for every pet advertised in the UK. Pet insurance policies increased by 59%, according to data from LV= General Insurance, and Google searches for “buy a puppy” increased by 115%, with prices for some of the most sought-after breeds reaching record levels.

Fast forward just over a year, and animal shelters are bracing for an incoming wave of animals, and pet sales websites are filling up with listings for puppies being resold.

To read more on this story, click here: Pandemic Puppies: Tackling A Growing Problem


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Saturday, March 6, 2021

The Humane Rescue Alliance Monthly Outdoor Adoption Events! (Washington, DC)



Looking to adopt, but can’t do it today? The Humane Rescue Alliance, 1022 M Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003-3616. You can join them on the first Saturday of every month for an outdoor adoption event at their M Street location. PLEASE SHARE!

Todays Event:





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Friday, December 11, 2020

Couple Cooks Special Thanksgiving Meal For Nearly 80 Shelter Dogs


The holiday season is a magical time. Even when things are at their worst, people find it within themselves to display incredible warmth, generosity, and compassion for others. This year we’ve all endured events that have torn us apart and isolated us from our friends and family, but yesterday, humans reached out to make the Thanksgiving holiday special for their friends, family, and neighbors.

To read more on this story, click here: Couple Cooks Special Thanksgiving Meal For Nearly 80 Shelter Dogs



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Monday, November 23, 2020

Could Your Senior Dog Have Kennel Cough?


As the holidays approach, many people have to board their dogs. Like a child exposed to all the germs at school, senior dogs can be extremely susceptible to kennel cough.  Unlike a child that can cover their mouth when they cough, this is a highly contagious illness for dogs.

What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is a respiratory illness that dogs can catch when they are around other infected dogs, whether it’s in a shelter, dog park, rescue center or boarding facility. Although most of us pet parents know it as kennel cough, the official name is canine infectious respiratory disease or CID. When a dog has kennel cough his trachea and bronchi are inflamed.

To read more on this story, click here: Could Your Senior Dog Have Kennel Cough?


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Friday, November 6, 2020

If You're Thinking About Adopting a Cat, Here's Exactly How Much It'll Cost


If you're looking into adopting a cat, you're in for all the snuggles, special moments, and catching your new feline pal getting into nooks you never thought possible. Life will be so much sweeter – but it also comes with a multitude of costs and expenses. For some, cats might seem much more low maintenance than other pets, which can be true. That being said, the yearly costs of having a cat should be examined before adopting, that way, you avoid unpleasant surprises when presented with initial adoption fees, and the eventual veterinary expenses, food costs, and more. Having everything laid out beforehand will make the entire process of getting a cat much smoother, and you'll steer clear of upsets throughout the years as you focus on enjoying your furry friend.

To read more on this story, click here: If You're Thinking About Adopting a Cat, Here's Exactly How Much It'll Cost


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Thursday, September 24, 2020

Texas Woman Rescues Shelter Dogs To Become Service Animals For Vets Struggling With PTSD


Cherry Jenkins is a big believer in second chances. This conviction has led the Texas woman to devote her life to rescuing and retraining shelter dogs to become service animals for veterans struggling to cope with the effects of PTSD.

The San Antonio, Texas, woman founded In Dog We Trust in 2012 after learning that veterans often adopt shelter dogs to become service animals, only to surrender those pups after learning they don’t possess the temperament for training. “I met someone who said they had seen so many veterans bringing dogs back to the shelter because they were rescuing dogs, going to a trainer and then finding the dog wasn’t suitable,” Jenkins

To read more on this story, click here: Texas Woman Rescues Shelter Dogs To Become Service Animals For Vets Struggling With PTSD


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Saturday, August 29, 2020

What To Do (And Not Do) When You Find A Stray Kitten


Finding a stray kitten curled up under your deck or meowing plaintively on the side of the road can feel as exciting as finding a $100 bill on the sidewalk. Those tiny triangle ears! The blue eyes! Stray kittens are undeniably cute, but finding one outside by itself brings up a long list of questions—not to mention potential problems you now need to solve. How you choose to move forward could be the difference between life and death for that innocent little kitten. Whether you want to make the little one part of your family or not, there are steps you need to take to help that kitten survive.

To read more on this story, click here: What To Do (And Not Do) When You Find A Stray Kitten




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Friday, August 28, 2020

A Dumped Dog's Prayer


I did not write this poem, the author is unknown. I am posting it hoping that it will touch someone who is thinking about abandoning their pet(s). I am hoping that they will try and find a place for them before dumping them in the streets.

Times are hard now for all of us, and some people can no longer care for a pet. Please consider checking with family, friends or your local animal shelter before leaving your pet behind.

                                              A Dumped Dog's Prayer

Don't close the door! Don't push me away. Why are you leaving? Don't make me stay. Slow down the car, I can't keep up. This pavement is hot and my pads are cut. I've got to quit running or my heart will pop. Every muscle is aching. Why don't you stop? I'm so hungry and thirsty. Darkness is near. But I shouldn't leave, he will come for me here.

Several weeks have passed, I am dead on my feet. They call me a nuisance because I eat off the streets. Every car that passes, I chase it to see If it's my master coming for me. Though I approach those that come near With trust in my eyes and no sign of fear. With hate in their voices and a cold, heartless stare, They threaten to kill me - they don't even care. Batter my body with rocks that they throw, I will not leave, he will come, don't you know? Overtaken with weakness, my body is numb. I'm sick and so lonely. Oh please, let him come! I will go back where he first threw me out. I'll wait for him there, he will come, no doubt.

My thoughts are fading. My chest feels like lead. I'm sleepy, so sleepy - I can't lift my head. It's so quiet, so peaceful -- all remains still. There is my master at my home on the hill. Yes, I can see him, he's calling my name. His voice is so gentle, his hands are the same. He decided he wants me. Things will be fine. I really do love him, that master of mine. My tail wags with pleasure. I can't catch my breath. He came in my dreams, but so did my DEATH!

Author Unknown

                                                 He found a place to sleep.


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Monday, August 17, 2020

Dennis Quaid, The Actor, Adopts Dennis Quaid, The Cat


(CNN)Hollywood actor Dennis Quaid has a new furry friend -- a cute black rescue cat. Its name? Dennis Quaid.

The tale of two Dennises began when the actor heard from a local news report that a black rescue cat, also named Dennis Quaid, was resident in an animal shelter in Virginia and in need of a loving home.

To read more on this story, click here: Dennis Quaid, The Actor, Adopts Dennis Quaid, The Cat 



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Tuesday, August 11, 2020

14-Year-Old Uses Free Time To Make Jackets For Shelter Dogs


 

A young girl living in South Africa found a way to turn her extra time in lockdown into a kind gesture for the dogs in her community. With South Africa experiencing their coldest winter in the last decade, she knew she had something special to offer the Kempton Park SPCA during this difficult time.

To read more on this story, click here: 14-Year-Old Uses Free Time To Make Jackets For Shelter Dogs




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Monday, August 10, 2020

SPCA Of Anne Arundel County Has About 200 Adult Cats Waiting For Adoption


ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD. (WJZ) — The SPCA of Anne Arundel County has about 200 adult cats waiting for adoption.

The SPCA said many are being overlooked due to so many kittens being born in foster or surrendered for adoption.

Between July 20 and September 20, all cats two years and older will only be $20.

“These felines have a lifetime of love to give. Could you open your heart and home to an adult family member?” they said in a Facebook post.

You can check out all of their available kitties at SPCA of Anne Arundel County, then call 410.268.4388 for details.

“The right match is waiting for you!” they added.

The SPCA has about 200 adult cats waiting for adoption. Many are being overlooked due to so many kittens being born in foster or surrendered for adoption. These felines have a lifetime of love to give. Could you open your heart and home to an adult family member? Check out all of our available kitties at www.aacspca.org, then call 410.268.4388 for details. The right match is waiting for you!





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Sunday, August 9, 2020

Humane Rescue Alliance is Participating in NBC Washington's Clear the Shelters


HRA is participating in NBC Washington's Clear the Shelters, but it looks a little different this year. Instead of dedicating just one day to the event, we’ll be virtually celebrating all month long by sharing some of our favorite Clear the Shelters success stories, as well as dogs, cats, rabbits, and more who are available for virtual adoption!

On August 29, we will not be holding the in-person event at our shelters out of an abundance of caution due to COVID-19. Instead, we’ll be celebrating the day online. Keep an eye on our social pages for more details about our digital celebration!

Can’t adopt but still want to participate in the fun? You can with a donation to HRA! Your donation will help support the animals in our care, from medical treatments to daily enrichment and beyond. Donate here: SUPPORT





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