The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Cold Weather Is Coming: Here's One Way to Help Outdoor Dogs

Picture of dog
We’ve all witnessed dogs left to the elements during the cold winter months. You can allow frustration, anger, and a sense of helplessness to drag you down. Or, you can do something positive. The topic of outdoor dogs is a thorny one to be sure. Families struggle with a variety of issues from allergies to ignorance, and you’re never going to convince every last dog owner to see things your way. But, that doesn’t mean groups like Fences For Fido aren’t making a difference. This Oregon nonprofit caters to dogs chained outdoors by providing much-needed fencing, insulated dog houses, and free spay/neutering services. So what’s one way you can help dogs left out in the cold? Find an organization like this one in your area and volunteer! A little bit of your time can go a long way toward keeping dogs warm this winter.

To read more on this story, click here: Cold Weather Is Coming: Here's One Way to Help Outdoor Dogs

7 Reasons Why Pets Make Terrible Holiday Gifts

Picture of puppy in gift box
As we approach the holiday season, many of us will begin to brainstorm gift ideas for our friends and loved ones. Some of us are drawn to unique home goods; others are inclined to purchase electronics, books, or clothes for the special people in our lives. Still others consider a much more controversial gift: that of an animal, such as a puppy, kitten, hamster, baby chick or rabbit. Of course, when animals are given as gifts, they are usually purchased with the best of intentions. Who doesn’t want to see their child rejoice at the sight of a cute and cuddly puppy or kitten?

To read more on this story, click here: 7 Reasons Why Pets Make Terrible Holiday Gifts

Monday, November 17, 2014

How to Ask Dog Owners to Keep Their Pets Out of Stores

Picture of child holding dog
What's the correct way to ask someone to remove their dog from a store?

That's a question I'm still being asked in response to an earlier Ask Laz about whether dogs are allowed in businesses, especially businesses that sell food.

I acknowledged that I had been guilty in the past of taking my own dog into the supermarket.

After looking at the relevant federal, state and local laws, I concluded that "the impression you get is that non-service dogs aren't allowed in grocery stores or any other place that sells food."

To read more on this story, click here: How to Ask Dog Owners to Keep Their Pets Out of Stores

"Hopeless" Cleft Palate Puppy Now Has A Fantastic Life

Picture of dog with cleft palate
When Ruby was born in December of 2013, she wasn’t given much hope for any kind of a future.  She was born with a cleft lip and palate, which made it virtually impossible for her to nurse.  Vets had advised she be put down.

After an attempt to care for her over the first five days of her life, the breeder she was born to had surrendered Ruby to the Utah Animal Advocacy Foundation in Salt Lake City.  She was very malnourished.



To read more on this story, click here: "Hopeless" Cleft Palate Puppy Now Has A Fantastic Life