The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too

Sunday, January 18, 2015

A Volunteer Firefighter in Peru Tied a Stray Dog to the Back of his Vehicle and Dragged it Through the Streets to Teach Him a Lesson


A volunteer firefighter in Peru tied a stray dog to the back of his vehicle and dragged it through the streets to teach him a lesson for allegedly biting his son.  

Fortunately, locals were outraged and barricaded his car and got the dog to a veterinarian.

Five-year-old Paco suffered four broken legs and lost all the pads on his feet as he struggled to keep up with the SUV he was tied to as it sped through the streets of Salamanca de Monterrico in Peru.  He had also been kicked several times before being tethered to the car.

Jose Percy Chiroque Chacon told the questioning police that he was punishing the dog for biting his son.  He said he grabbed the dog and tied it up before heading off around town.

Residents saw the tormented dog and blocked off Chacon’s vehicle, forcing him to stop.  They detached Paco and took him to an animal hospital.  Vets said all his pads were scraped off and he lost several claws.

Locals are outraged and say that Paco is a beloved member of the community and has never bitten anyone.

“Everybody around here knows Paco,” one neighbor explained.  “He is really friendly and that’s why he gets fed a lot and hangs around.  Nobody has ever heard of him biting anybody and we very much doubt he bit the man’s son.”

An animal protection law was passed in Peru in 2000, but it is unclear if charges are being brought against Chacon.  However, General Commander Gonzalo Lostaunau Silva of the Volunteer Fire Department of Peru said the man’s actions do not represent the oath their firefighters take and go against the values for which they stand.  He will no longer be working for them.

Hopefully Paco will be well-cared for a recover.


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Food Allergies Could Cause Your Dog to Scratch Excessively


There is an ever raging debate of what dogs should and shouldn't eat. Dogs are scavengers by nature and most dogs will munch down on almost anything, but that doesn't mean everything that gets in their way is good for them. Food allergies are fairly common amongst dogs, and a pet can develop an allergy at any age.

The most common allergy in dogs is flea bites. The second most common is created by inhaling allergens, such as molds and pollen. Food allergies come in on third place.

Allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to something that's not really a threat; the immune system believes something is foreign and should be eradicated. This is normally an important defense mechanism that protects the body, but when it comes to an allergy the immune system reacts to something that wouldn't otherwise be a problem.

Dogs are most often allergic to beef, dairy products, chicken, eggs, corn, soy, and wheat. To develop a food allergy, a dog must be exposed to the same ingredient for at least a couple of years.

Symptoms include excessive scratching, paw licking, paw chewing, repeated ear infections, rashes, and stomach problems. Some dogs with food allergies scratch until they lose all hair in an area.

If your dog develops a food allergy, he or she needs to stay away from that specific ingredient. In order to find out what causes the problem, you will need to feed the dog something completely different from what they've eaten in the past.

The dog should eat the new food for two to three months. During this time there can be no treats or tastes of human food. Once the dog is free of symptoms, add back one ingredient at a time to see if and when the immune system reacts.


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What To Do When Your Dog Is Afraid Of Thunderstorms


Some dogs demonstrate radical behavior in response to storm or noise phobias. Some researchers believe it is more than simply the noise of the thunder that triggers their fear. Studies have shown that dogs may hear distant thunder claps of approaching storms long before we do, and they also may be able to smell the moisture of coming rain, maybe even sense static electricity generated by electrical storms, and feel changes in barometric pressure.

To read more on this story, click here: What To Do When Your Dog Is Afraid Of Thunderstorms FOLLOW US!
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Watch: Hippo Charges at Boat Full of Tourists (Video)


The tourists definitely did not see that coming.

In a video posted to YouTube on Jan. 11, folks experience a hippo charging at a Pangolin Photo Safari boat in Kasana, Botswana.

The hippo dashed at the boat on the Chobe River, which runs along the northeast border of the Chobe National Park in Africa.

YouTube user David Jackson said in the comments section that the video was taken by his son Craig Clive Jackson while the pair were on a safari.

To read more on this story, click here: Watch: Hippo Charges at Boat Full of Tourists FOLLOW US!
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Why This Stray Cat Is Being Hailed a Hero


While some cats don't have the sweetest of reputations, Masha, a stray cat from western Russia, is being called a lifesaver. The long-haired cat stumbled upon an abandoned baby boy in a box on the street. With frigid temperatures, the baby ran the risk of freezing or worse. Before that could happen, Masha jumped into the box to keep the baby warm.

To read more on this story, click here: Why This Stray Cat Is Being Hailed a Hero FOLLOW US!
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How to Handle a Seizure Emergency in Dogs


Seizures are extremely frightening, especially when they occur out of the blue and your dog has no history of seizures.  Seizures in dogs can be caused my many health issues or trauma so during your initial response to your dog’s seizure, it is important to look for any signs of trauma or incidence of poisoning.

To read more on this story, click here: How to Handle a Seizure Emergency in Dogs FOLLOW US!
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Los Angeles Woman Has Her 8 Foot Alligator Pet Seized by Cops After Claims She Was Feeding it Feral Cats After the Creature Was Found Surrounded by Kitten Carcasses


California animal control discovered an eight-foot alligator surrounded by the bodies of two cats at a suburban Los Angeles home on Monday.

The female crocodile named Jaxson was found in a box with a lid at the home of Laura Mattson, who had been caring for the reptile for years, possibly decades.

'It was found under foliage and debris. You had to be looking for it to locate it,' said Mark Salazar, of field operations director for Los Angeles Animal Services, who said experts estimate Jaxson is 40 years old.

To read more on this story, click here: Los Angeles Woman Has Her 8 Foot Alligator Pet Seized by Cops After Claims She Was Feeding it Feral Cats FOLLOW US!
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9 Totally Fascinating Facts About Cats (Video)


Cats have a reputation for being a bit mysterious, but devoted owners often come to love their kitten's quirks and personality. However, as the folks at Buzzfeed discovered, there's still much to learn about the everyday feline. Watch this fun video to find out why your cat purrs, whether its right-pawed or left-pawed (yep, they're just like us!), and more.

To see video, click here: 9 Totally Fascinating Facts About Cats  FOLLOW US!
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Meet Miracle Mike the Colorado Chicken Who Lived for 18 Months Without His Head


Mike meet everyone, everyone meet Mike. No, no, don’t wave. He can’t see, you’re just making this awkward.

Also known as Miracle Mike, Mike the Headless Chicken was a plump, five-year-old cockerel when he was unceremoniously beheaded on 10 September 1945. Farmer Lloyd Olsen of Fruita in Colorado did the deed because his wife Clara was having her mother over for dinner that night, and Olsen knew she’d always enjoyed a bit of roast chicken neck. With that in mind, Olsen tried to save most of Mike’s neck as he lopped his head off, but in doing so, he accidentally made his axe miss Mike’s jugular vein, plus one ear and most of his brain stem, and to his surprise, Mike didn't die.

To read more on this story, click here: Meet Miracle Mike the Colorado Chicken Who Lived for 18 Months Without His Head FOLLOW US!
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Northwest Boxer Rescue: The Importance of Collar-Less Dog Play


Sharing from my friends at, Northwest Boxer Rescue

A few years ago I was pretty shaken by a phenomenon I had never heard about: the intense, chaotic, life-or-death struggle that ensues when one dog gets his jaw stuck in another dog’s collar.

It happened to two dogs that live a few houses down from my home office. I was working at my computer when I heard a dog’s horrifying screaming. I leaped up from my desk and ran outside toward the screaming.

It was a young Malamute and a Lab-mix in the back yard of a house down the street. One had grabbed his friend’s collar and then mostly likely rolled over, twisting his lower jaw in the collar. His tooth had somehow gotten stuck under the collar; he was the one making all the noise.

His buddy was not screaming; he was fighting for his life, and being choked to death by his own collar. Both dogs were thrashing in pain and fear. The owners were not home but thankfully a neighbor and I were able to help.

I grabbed one dog by the scruff; he grabbed the other. The neighbor quickly found the collar with a quick release buckle and it released.

These dogs survived the experience. A couple days ago a dedicated NWBR volunteer encountered a similar situation and her dog wasn’t so lucky. We share this story so you can be aware of this risk and take preventative measures when your dog is playing with other dogs.

Here are five things you can do to keep your dog safe when he’s playing with other dogs.

1. Play Naked! Remove your dog’s collar or harness.

2. Use a Collar With a Quick-Release Buckle. If you’re nervous about having your dog naked (and without ID), get your dog chipped or use a collar with a buckle that can be released even under tension. Another option is a safety breakaway collar (but do not use when walking your dog).

3. Don’t Allow Your Dog to Play With Dogs Who Are Wearing Gear. At times, this may mean your dog won’t be able to play at a dog park, because it’s nearly impossible to get everyone to comply with sensible rules at a dog park.

4. Spread The Word. Share this story so others can consider this potential hazard they can prevent a tragedy happening to their dogs.

5. Keep Something Sharp Handy. This is quite a long shot – and yet, this may be your only option to help a dog quickly.

Like them Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthwestBoxerRescue?fref=photo
Visit their website at: http://www.nwboxerrescue.org/

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Pet Lovers, Win a Beautiful Pewter Peace, Love and Paws Bracelet and Book Prize Pack from Auction4PetSupplies


We’ve got a fun price pack from Auction4PetSupplies, a site that lets you sell or shop for new and gently used pet supplies by auction. (The site does NOT permit selling of animals on the site, only pet supplies!) Not only can you find some great pet products at a discount or make some money selling gently-used pet supplies, but a portion of the proceeds goes to help rescue organizations!

The winner will receive a prize pack of two great prizes, starting with a silver-plated charm bracelet. The bracelet features a pewter Peace Love Paws Charm donated by Auction4PetSupplies.

Ready to enter, click here: Auction4PetSupplies



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'She's The Daughter I Never Had': Meet Bella Mia The Trust Fund Dog Who Has A $100,000 A Year Allowance for Paw-dicures And Designer Shopping Sprees


Forget give the dog a bone, this pampered pooch would likely dine on filet mignon and lobster given half the chance.

Bella Mia, a three-year-old full-breed Maltese from Great Neck, New York, is said to be one of the richest dogs in the world with a six-figure trust fund under her collar.

Last year, her owner Rose Ann Bolasny gave her a $100,000-a-year allowance to play with towards weekly paw-dicures, haircuts and designer shopping sprees.

The 60-year-old accountant, who has two adult sons, says Bella Mia is the 'daughter she never had' and likes to refer to her as a child instead of an animal.

To read more on this story, click here: 'She's The Daughter I Never Had': Meet Bella Mia The Trust Fund Dog

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Coolridge Animal Hospital: Visit Our Online Pet Pharmacy and Pet Store


We are pleased to introduce our new online store. You will find all manufacture coupons and rebates on the site. If we have your email address you will be receiving a welcome letter and a $5.00 off coupon if we don't have you email call us and give to us, as coupons are emailed to you throughout the year.

To visit our store, click here: Coolridge Animal Hospital Online Store







If you are a current client, please share the card below with family and friends!







Website: http://www.coolridgeah.com/


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Saturday, January 17, 2015

Betty White Gets the Sweetest Surprise Birthday Flash Mob


Betty White is officially 93 as of Saturday, and she received one sweet surprise!

Everyday on the Hot in Cleveland set, Betty is greeted by her assistant with a hula. So in honor of her special day, she was greeted by not just by her assistant in a hula but an entire hula flash mob on set!

To read more on this story, click here: Betty White Gets the Sweetest Surprise Birthday Flash Mob FOLLOW US!
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This Hamster Is Living The Good Life (Video)


This little hamster is living the good life! She has a big house, a car…and loves to eat! Watch as she goes through her daily routine.





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Some Amazing Facts About Cat Language


Understanding what our cats are trying to tell us is never easy. That’s why this video is purrrr-fect (see what I did there? LOL) I was definitely blown away about cat purring…I had no idea it may be a source of healing their own bodies, did you? Incredibly informative! Thanks BuzzFeed!

To read more on this story, click here: Some Amazing Facts About Cat Language FOLLOW US!
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What to Do If Your Cat Is Aggressive with People


It's distressing to have an animal you lavish with love show her appreciation with bites and scratches. Here are several scenarios to explain why cats can be aggressive toward people, along with solutions to keep you from visiting the first-aid kit.

To read more on this story, click here: What to Do If Your Cat Is Aggressive with People FOLLOW US!
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Today is Betty White's 93rd Birthday: 'Happy Birthday'


Loved her in Golden Girls, but love her even more for what she does for animals. Happy 93rd Birthday, Betty White…my idol!

Betty White's name is as synonymous with animal advocacy as it is with comedy — and she wouldn't have it any other way. "I'm the luckiest person in the world. My life is divided in absolute half: half animals, half show business," White, tells TVGuide.com. "They're the two things I love the most and I have to stay in show business to pay for my animal work!"




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Friday, January 16, 2015

Your Pet Says More About Your Personality Than You Might Think


Cat people and dog people really do have different personality traits, new research suggests. People who own cats tend to be more creative, adventurous, and anxious. Dog owners, on the other hand, tend to be more extroverted, secure, and risk-averse.

Those differences were seen in a fascinating new study by scientists at the University of California, Berkeley and California State University, East Bay.

To read more on this story, click here: Your Pet Says More About Your Personality Than You Might Think FOLLOW US!
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21 Traumatized Dogs Taken from Home, Will Have to Learn 'How to be Dogs'


An eviction of a woman from her San Diego County home turned up 21 dogs, as well as half a dozen chickens and roosters, on the tiny property.

“She knew she was in over her head,” said Lt. Kalani Hudson, of the Department of Animal Services.

Authorities had gone to the home in Shelltown, a neighborhood with many small, older residences, to evict the woman for failure to pay rent. The nearly two dozen dogs were found suffering from fleas, ear and eye infections, matted fur and other problems, Hudson said.

To read more on this story, click here: 21 Traumatized Dogs Taken from Home, Will Have to Learn 'How to be Dogs' FOLLOW US!
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There Are Some Dangerous Ingredients in Your Dog’s Flea and Tick Medications - Find Out Which Ones to Avoid


The advent of easy to use spot-on products has made flea and tick prevention convenient for many pet owners.  Certain ticks can carry dangerous diseases so we’ve all become extra careful with our prevention routine.

As a veterinarian, I’ve been taught that the majority of these products are harmless and safe, but evidence now shows that both the ‘active’ and some ‘inactive’ ingredients in the spot- on preparations have been linked to serious health effects both in laboratory animals and in pets.

To read more on this story, click here: There Are Some Dangerous Ingredients in Your Dog’s Flea and Tick Medications - Find Out Which Ones to Avoid FOLLOW US!
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What They Should Have Told Me Before I Rescued My Pit Bull


They said, "He's strong, about 67 pounds, and he's a puller but with some training he'll be great." Okay, I thought. Easy enough. But what they should have told me was something entirely different. What they should have told me was this:

This is an adventure.

Welcome to the best years of your life.

Where misconceptions, stereotypes and judgments are now personal attacks against not only someone you love dearly but you, yourself. And how you will feel like it is your personal mission to show the world how his "kind" is completely misunderstood.

To read more on this story, click here: What They Should Have Told Me Before I Rescued My Pit Bull FOLLOW US!
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Thursday, January 15, 2015

"In Dog We Trust" Accidentally Printed on Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Rugs


Is "In Dog We Trust" your motto?

If so, a sheriff's office in Florida has a rug for you. The Pinellas County sheriff's office said Thursday it will auction off a rug that had "In Dog We Trust" on it instead of "In God We Trust."

To read more on this story, click here: "In Dog We Trust" Accidentally Printed on Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Rugs FOLLOW US!
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Woman Writes Heartwarming Letter to Soldier Forced to Give Up Beloved Dog


It’s a heartbreaking letter to an Australian soldier about loss, sacrifice and being sent into the unknown with a world of worry on his mind.

The soldier lost his mother recently and, to compound the grief, was forced to give her beloved dog Prinny to an animal shelter, after receiving deployment orders to Iraq.

In an open letter, Kae Norman, founder of animal rescue team Rescued With Love, articulated the soldier’s pain, and his anguish at leaving Prinny unloved, as he departed for the war zone.

Ms Norman wrote: “Dear Soldier, you don’t know me, but I know of you. I know you were heading to Darwin and then being deployed to Iraq.

“You are probably going through more than what anyone can ever imagine – and I wanted to ease your mind by letting you know your Mum’s dog Prinny is safe and happy with us at Rescued With Love.

“I know your Mum passed away and I am so sorry for your loss. Losing parents is hell, and to have to give up Prinny and surrender her to the RSPCA because you had no option would have been an unbearable burden.

“I read your surrender form which came with her paperwork, and my heart broke for you, for Prinny and for your Mum. You wrote such beautiful things about Prinny, and what a gorgeous girl she is. You were right, she certainly is.”

Ms Norman said older dogs like Prinny, who is 12 years and 4 months, don’t usually find a new home.

“I guess you know that, and thought you would give her a chance anyway,” she said in the letter. “The RSPCA did their best, and she was with them for ages …”

However, after a phone call to Rescued With Love, Prinny found a new home — with an Army veteran.

“He heard about Prinny’s predicament – and wanted to step up regardless,” Ms Norman said in her letter.

“I asked he and his wife to just wait and foster her – but it seems I didn’t need to be cautious at all. Prinny has fallen in love with her dad, and he with her, and they are now inseparable, and very, very loved.”

She added: “I don’t know where you are, or how to find you to tell you Prinny is safe. Maybe this will find you.

“All I know is my throat ached when I read your writing on that form when you handed her over – and I could not try to let you know she is safe, and very happy.

“Stay safe soldier.”

                       Here's Prinny, and a bestie called Brendan. Kisses all round.




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Alligator Found At San Fernando Valley Home Had Lived There 37 Years


An 8-foot-long alligator has been living in the backyard of a San Fernando Valley home for about 40 years, animal control officials said Wednesday.

Officers from the Los Angeles Animal Services Department found the alligator Monday inside a wooden crate at the home in the 13200 block of Sylvan Street in Van Nuys, said department Cmdr. Mark Salazar. The alligator was then taken to the Los Angeles Zoo.


To read more on this story, click here: Alligator Found At San Fernando Valley Home Had Lived There 37 Years FOLLOW US!
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Learn the Signs of Cancer in Pets


Did you know that cancer is the leading cause of death among dogs more than 2 years old?

This is a startling statistic and might be unknown to people who haven’t confronted cancer in a pet. May is designated as Pet Cancer Awareness Month by the American Veterinary Medical Association, and it’s a good time to bone up on the risks and signs of cancer in pets — and to understand current treatment options.

To read more on this story, click here: Learn the Signs of Cancer in Pets FOLLOW US!
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Pit Bull Set to be Euthanized After Attack on 18-Month-Old Baby - Stolen in Tulare County, California


Tulare County, Calif. (KFSN) -- Tulare County is asking for your help to find a pit bull they say was stolen from their shelter. The dog was set to be euthanized after it attacked an 18-month-old baby. Workers at Tulare County Animal Services are worried the dangerous dog could attack again.

To read more on this story, click here: Pit Bull Set to be Euthanized After Attack on 18-Month-Old Baby - Stolen in Tulare County, California FOLLOW US!
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New York State May Be First to Outlaw Declawing of All Cats


New York could be the first state to issue a statewide ban on declawing of domestic, exotic and wild cats.

The law is being pushed by Manhattan Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, who's an advocate fighting against the mistreatment of animals.

To read more on this story, click here: New York State May Be First to Outlaw Declawing of All Cats FOLLOW US!
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Two Bonded American Bulldog/Boxer Mix Need Adoption Out of High Kill Shelter in Georgia - Do You Have Room in Your Heart and Home for Johnny and June?


Johnny and June, two of the loveliest dogs a family could hope to find!  The affection they show each other is the pinnacle of sweetness, and they urgently need a home together to have a chance of making it out of the high-kill shelter.

Thankfully these two have each other, but they crave the attention of a new family.  These American bulldog/boxer mixes are gentle, but not much else has been posted about them online.  Given their breed and bonded status, finding them a home is difficult.

Johnny and June are in the care of Paulding County Animal Control in Dallas, Georgia.  If you would like to adopt them, please call 770-445-1511.  They are closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays, so it may take a day to get through.  Please save them!

Remember, even if you can’t adopt these two, there are many other Paulding shelter pets and animals in your area who need love, too!


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Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Two Critically Endangered Monkeys Freeze to Death After a Louisiana Zoo Keeper Left Them Outside


Two critically endangered monkeys died at a Louisiana zoo last week after a caretaker forgot them outside in the cold. A third monkey survived the frigid experience.

Cotton-top tamarin monkeys weighing less than one pound each were left outside at the Alexandria Zoological Park on Jan. 7 when temperatures were as low as 30 degrees in Alexandria, La. that night. The monkeys’ native habitat is northern Colombia’s tropical forests and they require temperatures between 76 to 85 degrees, according to the Associated Press.

To read more on this story, click here: Two Critically Endangered Monkeys Freeze to Death After a Louisiana Zoo Keeper Left Them Outside FOLLOW US!
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Tuesday, January 13, 2015

URGENT! The International Fund for Animal Welfare Needs Your Help - Do You Sew? Can You Help? - Australia Needs Joey Pouches For Its Injured Wildlife


The International Fund for Animal Welfare has today launched “Project Pouch,” an initiative to help injured kangaroos, possums and wallabies recover from injury suffered during the recent South Australian bush fires.

The IFAW now have a stockroom full of koala mittens - and have now turned their attention to injured kangaroos.

If you sew and would like to help these animals, I have included a link to a pattern for you to use, and the address to send them to below.

Material required must be 100% soft cotton bed sheets and flannelette.

To read more on this story, click here: Australia Needs Joey Pouches For Its Injured Wildlife - Do You Sew? Can You Help?


Please send your finished pouch liners to: IFAW 6 Belmore Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010

For the pattern, click here:
http://www.ifaw.org/sites/default/files/default/JOEY_POUCH%20INSTRUCTIONS_A4_R4.pdf

Website: International Fund for Animal Welfare


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The Pet Hospitals: Ever Thought About Pet Insurance - Your Guide to Understanding Pet Health Insurance


Ever thought about pet insurance? One of our veterinarians is here to help figure out if it is a good choice for you and your pet. Dr. Doug Kenney wrote and published Your Guide to Understanding Pet Health Insurance! Check out this blog post to learn more!
 http://thepethospitals.com/blog/pet-insurance/

At The Pet Hospitals Dr. Kenney strengthens the practice bond and the bond with clients by being our pet insurance pro! He runs a podcast, blog and is a published author on the topic, we are so proud and lucky to have him on our team!





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Get 2 Month Free Trial With Embrace Pet Health Insurance - Coolridge Animal Hospital


We strongly encourage the need for all our pet parents to sign up for the 2 month free trial with Embrace pet health insurance. call us for details and to receive your free 2 month trial code.

Being an Embrace policy holder definitely has it's perks! Did you know that we offer FREE access to VetLIVE, enabling our pet parents to ask licensed U.S. veterinarians pet health questions 24/7?

Embrace is offering 2 month free trial plan we have the forms at Coolridge Animal Hospital.

Learn more:
Embrace Policy Perk: VetLIVE
Have questions about your pet's health? Embrace policy holders can have them answered by a licensed U.S. veterinarian for FREE!
embracepetinsurance.com

Embrace at Coolridge Animal Hospital

Coolridge Animal Hospital
6801 Old Branch Ave
Camp Springs, Maryland 20748
Phone: 301-449-1610

Hospital Website http://www.coolridgeah.com/
Hospital Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/coolridgeanimalhospital




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